Can you tell I have runout of ideas thus far? I'm not getting into the Superbowl yet and after that we'll get pretty draft intensive since that is my thing. I got some good feedback on my last countdown so I'll be rolling with that for a bit. I must apologize for the time off, but I've been playing Metal Gear Solid 4 on my PS3 and that pretty much dominated all of my time the last few days. So here it is, the Big Cat's list of his top 10 favorite athletes. My last top 10 (favorite movie characters) did meet some opposition when someone questioned my list. So to clarify this is not who I think are the top 10 greatest, they are my top 10 favorites. I cannot even begin to tell people what is the greatest because it's all opinion, so here we go from 10-1.
10. Josh Hamilton - OF - Texas Rangers
I remember when I heard the Rangers had made a trade for a potential game changer named Josh Hamilton, I didn't know anything about him and had to ask my friend Steven about him. He told me a little about his story and I became instantly interested. After reading some articles about his amazing story I was hooked and then came his play on the field. It didn't take long, in the second game of the season, J-Ham hit a game winning homerun and showed the raw power that made him the #1 pick. He also flashed his glove in that game and over the next few months raced out to be the leading RBI man in the league. My man crush came to a full culmination at the home run derby when he hit 28 in the first round. I wont tell his story because it's been told but watch this video. He's at 10 on the list because I've only known about him for a year but I have a feeling he'll be moving up as the years go on.
9. Ryan Howard - 1B - Philadelphia Phillies
The first time I saw this guy play I knew the league was about to see something special. Being a big fan of the over sized, raw-power, left handed hitter I was instantly drawn to him. Howard did not disappoint winning rookie of the year in less than a full season. The next year he followed that up by winning the NL MVP and hitting 58 home runs. It seemed like every night I turned on sportscenter, the Ryanocerous was hitting bombs all over the ballpark. The next 2 years Ryan struggled with strikeouts, but continued to hit near 50 homeruns (47, and 48). The future is certainly bright for Howard.
8. Reggie White - DE - Green Bay Packers
I know he was an Eagle too, but he retired as a Packer, he won a Superbowl as a Packer, and he cemented his legacy as a Green Bay Packer. For some reason growing up I was a big fan of watching defensive ends, and there were none better than "the Minister of Defense." All due respect to my main man Bruce Smith, but Reggie White was definitely the jack of all trades. He was big enough to stop the run, quick enough to rush the passer, and strong enough to overpower an offensive tackle. White was a sure fire hall of famer his whole career and everyone knew it, and White never failed to deliver on that promise. He came to Green Bay when the Packers couldn't get free agents and became the missing piece to bringing a championship to title town. His life was tragically cut short, but he will go down as one of the greatest ever.
7. Ricky Williams - RB - Texas
Sure he smoked a lot of pot and threw away a probable hall of fame bid, but Ricky Williams will go down as one of the greatest players to ever tote the rock in college. One of the most enigmatic characters to ever grace the 40 acres, Williams inspired many Horns fans to rise to their feet and yell "Run Ricky Run." Ricky was the first key cog in the Longhorns turn around in the 90's. The best recruiting job Mack Brown has ever done, was getting Ricky to stay for his senior year after being underutalized by the previous regime. Ricky returned and ran for the single season record, and the Heisman trophy. The other strike that should be against him is that he is part of one of the teams I hate the most, the Miami Dolphins, but that didn't deter my love for Ricky. For a while he was one of my favorite players to ever play for the Horns, but we'll get to that later.
6. Ken Griffey Jr. - OF - Seattle Mariners/Cincinnati Reds
He was "The Chosen One", the one who would break all the records and ascend to the throne as the greatest to ever play the game. He was the quintessential 5 tool player who had the glove, the arm, the speed, the power, he could hit for average, and he had that beautiful, fluid, smooth, unforgettable swing. He's the first player who was real to me in baseball as I was growing up. I wanted to wear 24 in baseball and be like him but sadly I didn't have the glove, arm, speed, or bat of Jr. He's still had a fantastic career and has eclipsed 600 home runs and is a sure fire bet for the hall of fame, but his injuries caused by playing all out and recklessly have stopped him from being the home run king.
5. Michael Jordan - SG - Chicago Bulls
Come on, who doesn't have Michael Jordan in their top 10 favorite athletes? Who here has never dunked on a miniature goal with their tongue hanging out? Hell, when I make a shot in beer pong now I give the famous shrug Jordan gave his opponent after making it rain from beyond the arc. I know its an easy pick to take the greatest to ever play his sport, but Jordan is the reason LeBron James, Marshawn Lynch, and countless other athletes wear the number 23. It may be the most famous number in sports and Jordan made his basketball career into a money making machine. The jumpman logo can be seen on everything from shoes, to mp3 players, to cologne. Nike is joined at the hip with Jordan and all because he was simply the greatest ever to play the game. When I was young I wasn't much of a basketball fan, but if you asked me I was a Bulls fan because of Jordan. When my dad coached my youth soccer team we named it the Bulls, and even though I didn't appreciate the intricacies of basketball at that age, I knew I was watching something special.
4. Muhammad Ali - Boxer - The Greatest of All Time
I'm not a big boxing fan, but after reading stories, biographies, and watching documentaries I was instantly intrigued by the "Louisville Slugger." Ali or Cassius Clay as he was originally named was the center for controversy and the originator of trash talk. Ali spoke his mind and although it ruffled some feathers, he stood behind his words and showed backbone for what he believed in. Ali openly refused to enter the draft for religious reasons, and although I love America and believe in doing what's right for your country, I respect Ali for doing what he believed in knowing they would take everything away from him.
3. Jim Kelly - QB - Buffalo Bills
The first jersey I ever owned was a Jim Kelly jersey. The first game I watched that I actually remember was the infamous Wide Right Superbowl XV against the Giants. I was instantly hooked from that point and that didn't go over too well growing up in Dallas. Kelly doesn't have any championships and is rarely mentioned among the all time greats, but he is a hall of famer and in my mind one of the greats in a great era of QB's. Kelly's onfield leadership and enthusiastic style made him a pleasure to watch. Kelly was one of the first QB's in the modern era of offense to call his own plays from the QB position, and his versatile play caused the Bills coaching staff to make the no huddle offense a part of the regular offense. Their version was called the K-Gun. I no longer own the original jersey my parents bought for me, but a few years ago they did get me an authentic throw back Kelly jersey and it is my favorite that I own.
2. Vince Young - QB - Texas
Remember earlier when I said Ricky was my favorite player from Texas for a while? He was replaced January 4th, 2006. Before that VY was racing up the charts but reached the pinnacle with his herculean effort in the National Championship Game. The first time Young ever played in a Texas uniform, my father and I knew he had a lot of potential, but didn't see the true QB in him. At that point he was a redshirt freshman who knew to just get out there and run. As the years went on Texas fans questioned whether or not VY was the guy to get them where they wanted to be. Fans and pundits said he should be moved to wide receiver, but the Texas coaching staff never stopped believing. They took the reins off of Young and he became the most dynamic player in the country and in my opinion the greatest college player of all time. He's ahd some trouble making the pro transition after winning rookie of the year, but I believe he has enough in him to get off the mat, but even if he doesn't he will remain on this list.
1. Brett Favre - QB - Green Bay Packers
Favre's legacy may have been tainted over the past few years as he's tried to hold on in the twilight of his career. Like many greats he has tried to push his career (Michael Jordan, Joe Montana, Muhammad Ali) and some have criticized his offseason antics. I can't sit here and say he's handled everything the right way, but he has handled everything his way. He's done it like he did his whole career, with enthusiasm, heart, and his own style. He's the last of the QB's of my childhood, and no matter what the task was, Favre always seemed up to the challenge. Many will criticize saying he's blown games and while that is true, anyone who has watched his full career can't say they haven't enjoyed it. The young Mississippi kid who played like every game was his last, and blossomed into a superstar, and then into a larger than life icon who had grown old is the example of how to play the game when on the field. The image of Favre running around the field at Superbowl XXXI excited is forever in my mind, and his toughness is what made him a legend.
We're going in a little bit of a different direction on the Big Cat's Blog...Tired of sifting through playoff matchups and getting ready to gear up for some great draft info I decided to go with the Top 10 list. Everyone loves a countdown and I'm no different, my roomate and I often discuss the fact that if there was a channel that did nothing but countdowns we would totally watch it. We've watched them all, from the top 10 draft busts to the top 10 celebrity feuds. So with that in mind here is my top 10 list of my favorite movie characters.
10. Gust Avrakotos (played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman) in Charlie Wilson's War
Phillip Seymour Hoffman has played so many great characters and is one of my favorite actors of all time. My favorite though hands down would be Gust Avrakotos the surly, cynical, loose cannon CIA agent who aides Congressman Charles Wilson in ending the conflict between Russia and Afghanistan. Hoffman plays the role very smart and quick witted and really steals the show from Tom Hanks. Every time I see a movie with Hoffman in it, I find myself really liking his character whether it be Sandy Lyle in Along Came Polly or Truman Capote in Capote, he's really a joy to watch on the screen.
9. Rod Farva (played by Kevin Heffernen) in Super Troopers
In one of the most quoteable movies of all time, the character that ties it all together is Rod Farva. The short tempered, gung ho, screw up, who's "not a pro union guy" provides so much comedy. When watching "Broken Lizard" movies Super Troopers and Beerfest, it was tough to pick the greater of "Landfill" and "Rod Farva", but Farva edges it out by his over the top attitude and keystone cop like comedy. "Sing it again rookie biatch."
8. Frank "The Tank" Ricard (played by Will Ferrell) in Old School
Probably one of the most memorable movie characters of all time, Ferrell portrays the completely wheels off Frank The Tank. He's the quintessential party guy who settled down and got married, but lost it all when he relapsed one fateful night. Ferrell is so full unintentional comedy and wheels off behavior he portrays the perfect human train wreck. Everyone has that friend, so he's very easy to relate to. How many times have you watched that movie and thought about one of your friends and said that is Frank The Tank.
7. Cousin Eddie (played by Randy Quaid) in all of the Vacation movies
It's been a while since I've seen the original Vacation movie, and I've never seen European Vacation, but Randy Quaid's portrayal of the crude, white trash, cousin that no one wants around, but always brings a laugh to the scene in Vegas Vacation, and Christmas Vacation, also falls into the category of memorable movie characters. Eddie, who always finds the simple pleasures in life and annoys Clark is one of my favorites.
6. Steve Stiffler (played by Sean William Scott) in the American Pie Trilogy
In my younger days I called Steve Stiffler a top 3 movie character of all time, but as I've grown and seen more movies he's dropped down the list. Still, the abrasive and over the top high school party guy who never quite grows up is full of laughs. He always has a quick remark, but is always loyal and comes through for his friends. He's the typ eof guy no one wants around sometimes, but what would it be like without him?
5. Mickey "The Pikey" O'Neil (played by Brad Pitt) in Snatch
I was a big Brad Pitt hater early in life, maybe because I was jealous of all the chicks who loved him, but also because I felt like he played the same roles all the time. For me his performance in Snatch as the Pikey Irish Gypsy prize fighter Mickey was a step outside of his pretty boy roles. I had to watch the movie a couple of times to understand what he was really saying, but hearing that he likes "Dags" won me over. If you own the movie, try going to the special features and watching with the Pikey subtitles on.
4. Tommy DeVito (played by Joe Pesci) in Goodfellas
When I was young and before I saw Goodfellas or Casino, I thought of Joe Pesci as the guy from Home Alone or My Cousin Vinny, which were funny characters. When I first saw Goodfellas, I saw Ray Liotta as a really believable character, Robert DeNiro as the cool suave gangster who always has everything under control. I loved both of those characters and theres no doubt Scorcese put together a great cast, but Pesci playing Tommy DeVito jumped off the screen at me. DeVito was the badass with a Napoleonic complex who didn't take any guff from anyone. For me one of the best lines of the movie and the quintessential DeVito moment is when he shoots Spider and Jimmy Conway (DeNiro) asks what is the matter with him and Pesci says "I'm a good shot, what do you want from me."
3. Carl Spackler (played by Bill Murray) in Caddyshack
Hands down the best role in the brilliant career of Bill Murray is the greenskeeper at Bushwood Carl Spackler. He plays the absent minded, paranoid, greenskeeper, who has a few screws loose and really ties a talented cast together. The monologue in which he tells the tale of caddying for the Dalai Lama is one of the best moments of any movie for me. I think Carl is one that many can agree is a popular pick for the top movie characters of all time.
2. Kip Dynamite and Uncle Rico (played by Aaron Ruell and Jon Gries) in Napoleon Dynamite
This was really tough for me when I tried to decide between Kiplyn Ronald Dynamite and Uncle Rico, so I figured, why not make it a package deal? Kip plays the dorky cyber nerd older brother who finds true love on the internet, but has the best lines put together in a movie. Uncle Rico plays the overbearing, scheming, uncle who harkens way back to his high school days who could throw the ball "over them mountains" and just knows they would have won state if the coach would have put him in back in '85. For me this movie is great because of the characters written into it and the actors they chose to play those roles. While Napoleon is the focal point, this movie is carried by Uncle Rico and Kip.
1. Walter Sobchak (played by John Goodman) in The Big Lebowski
After prodding from my brother I finally sat down and watched The Big Lebowski. My father always detracted me from it saying it was dumb, and I gotta admit at this point I'm trying to decide if the movie is great or stupid. I can't say definitively if it is good or bad and I really feel indifferent about it, but I did love the character of Walter Sobchak. John Goodman plays Sobchack the scheming, short tempered, gun toting, jewish convert who "doesn't roll on Shabbos." Always citing stories from Vietnam and protecting the American beliefs and the sacred rules of bowling, Sobchak has jumped into the driver seat as my favorite movie character of all time.
Honorable Mention: When putting this list together here are other people that almost made the list. McLovin (Superbad), Andy Dufrense (Shawhank Redemption), Handsome Rob (The Italian Job)
As I drove home from a friends house where I watched the BCS National Championship Game last night I was listening to some national sports talk radio. What suprised me was the shock that the show hosts were exhibiting about OU losing last night. As shown in the picture above, that's just what Oklahoma does. "Big Game Bob" has now firmly cemented his legacy as "Choke Job Bob." A win last night would have erased everything in the past few years and everyone would say he's one of the greatest coaches he's ever seen. I can't gloat all the way, because last night I texted a friend who's an OU fan and told him "I can't raz you too bad because being a Bills fan I know how it feels." That said I expected this from OU the day it was announced they would play in the national championship game. I don't want to take anything away from Florida, because they deserve it and they won the game, but that said Florida was in control of this game. Geoff Ketchum of Orangebloods.com had a nice write up today about the game.
This is going to be one that haunts Oklahoma fans for a long, long, long time.
Unlike in 2003 and 2004 when I really came away thinking that LSU and USC were just better than Oklahoma, that's not the feeling that I had last night.
Call me crazy, but I thought for three quarters that OU was the team in control of the game, even if they didn't have control of the scoreboard.
If they play this game ten times, I think OU wins 7 times, but this was one of those 30% nights and it'll haunt that fan base for the rest of their lives.
Don't get me wrong, it was a close game and evenly played, but OKlahoma had so many oppurtunities to seperate themselves in the first half and I think their confidence started to trickle away.
I had felt like if this was a one touchdown game going into the fourth quarter, Florida would win and that's exactly what happened. That's the thing we really learned about OU as a team last night. They really cannot play 60 minutes of elite football against an elite program/team.
Texas forced them to tap out in Dallas by taking complete physical control of that game. There was no doubt at the end of the game, which team was better than the other.
Florida did the same thing to OU last night and that fan base learned that the team they thought was a national champion really can't close the deal against big-boy teams.
This 2008 OU team could push around the little sisters of the poor, but in the two big boy games they played this season, they folded up like tents in the face of a four quarter game.
Like a man that's good for 10 minutes and no more than 10 minutes with his old lady, this Sooners team was good for 45 minutes against elite competition and only 45 minutes.
In the 46th minute, their true character was shown. Can't close the deal.
This will make the pain of this game stick forever. To have watched your team move the ball up and down the field, only to waste scoring oppurtunity after scoring oppurtunity.
It reveals the worst about your team to see them crack so many times.
As far as individual players are concerned:
I thought Sam Bradford has some terrible luck and some scared receivers, but he played well enough to win and I think his draft stock is pretty secure. He ws one of the best things they had going last night.
I guess the ACC calls holding because OU's offensive line finally had to play a little honest football and it didn't always go well. Their line played a little like Texas' line played against the Buckeyes.
Gerald McCoy was OU's best player last night. He's a Top 10 NFL Draft pick.
OU's receivers turned in an rotten egg of a performance. Their lack of elite athleticism was really exposed last night and they couldn't get open to save their lives and if they did by chance happen to sneak free for a sliver of open space, they were looking for the nearest Florida safety when the ball was coming to them. They were totally spooked last night by Major Wright's roaming the field.
Overall, the OU defense can feel good about their game. I thought a lot of their guys played really well. Still, they cannot be unhappy with the offense because when the team needed a stop in the fourth, they folded up like a tent, the same as the offense.
Geoff Ketchum Publisher
Mack vs. Stoops
I was thinking last night as a Texas fan, is the perception that Stoops is light years ahead of Mack Brown true anymore? I've never thought so but what about the national perception? Let's take a look
Bob Stoops 2002 Season
12-2 record
6-2 in conference
Big XII Conference Title
Rose Bowl victory over Washington State
#4 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Mack Brown's 2002 Season
11-2 Record
6-2 in conference
Cotton Bowl win over LSU
#15 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Bob Stoops 2003 Season
12-2 overall
8-o in conference
Big XII Title game loss to Kansas State
BCS National Title loss to LSU
#8 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Mack Brown's 2003 season
10-3 overall
7-1 in conference
Holiday Bowl Loss to Washington State
#10 Ranked recruiting class in the nation.
Bob Stoops 2004 Season
12-1 Overall
8-0 in conference
Big XII Title
National Title Game Loss to USC
#3 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Mack Brown's 2004 Season
11-1 overall
7-1 in conference
BCS Rose Bowl Win over Michigan
#20 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Bob Stoops 2005 Season
8-4 overall
6-2 in conference
Holiday Bowl Win over Oregon
#9 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Mack Brown's 2005 Season
13-0 overall
8-0 in conference
Big XII Title
National Championship win over USC
#5 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Bob Stoops 2006 Season
11-3 overall
7-1 in conference
Big XII Title
Fiesta Bowl Loss to Boise State
#14 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Mack Brown's 2006 Season
10-3 overall
6-2 in conference
Alamo Bowl Win Over Iowa
#5 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Bob Stoops 2007 Season
11-3 overall
6-2 in conference
Big XII Title
Fiesta Bowl Loss to West Virginia
#6 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Mack Brown's 2007 Season
10-3 overall
5-3 in conference
Holiday Bowl Win over Arizona State
#14 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Bob Stoops 2008 Season
12-2 overall
7-1 in conference
Big XII Title
National Championship loss to Florida
#10 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Mack Brown's 2008 Season
12-1 overall
7-1 in conference
Fiesta Bowl Win over Ohio State
#3 ranked recruiting class in the nation
Things have defnitely been back and forth between the 2 coaches but does Bob Stoops really look like he holds the advantage overwhelmingly? The only thing I can stay for Stoops is that he has closed the deal on Big XII titles which Mack has not. This year Mack certainly deserved to play for the Big XII title, but the last few years Mack's teams have folded a bit down the stretch only to finish strong. Texas has 5 straight bowl wins 3 of which are of the BCS variety. Bob Stoops has won 1 bowl game in the past 6 years including 5 BCS losses, 3 of which were shots at the national championship. In that time period Mack has closed the gap head to head with OU and they are 4-3 in the last 7 games including Texas taking 3 of the last 4. Things are swining once again, and if Sam Bradford is to go pro this could really cripple the Sooner program who doesn't have much in the way of QB's. And for all the talk of "Big Game"Bob Stoops, and "Coach February" Mack Brown, The Longhorns have certainly delivered on the big stage recently while OU continues to lay eggs. Just something to think about. I'll leave you with one lasting image from last night's game.
The Horns looked bad in the first half so let's see if they can get it going in the 2nd half...Colt really needs to return to extending plays with his legs...He's stayed in the pocket alot tonight and the Offensive Line isn't getting it done.
9:19 PM - Horns run game just isn't getting it done and Horns fake the punt...Measurment coming out here....1st down
9:22 PM - Horns go to 4th and 1 again and will go for it...Cody Johnson runs behind Roy Miller for a first...On next play the Horns are aided by another roughing the QB call...Horns looking to draw blood here and Colt runs for a TD!!! Horns offense in gear now let's keep it going.
9:31 PM - Horns force a 3 and out and this looks a little more like the Texas team we've seen all season...The running game has been putrid tonight and they have got to find some heart and gut up and win the battle up front. If The Horns can put one in the end zone here they are comfortably in the drivers seat.
9:35 PM - Colt getting into a rythm here and making things happen, so far he's 27-37 for 259 and 1 TD/1 int...Not a terrible night but uncharacteristic...Horns get called for grounding and just as he gets into a rythm the offense struggles again...3rd and 28 here for the Horns...Running game sucks agains for a loss of 4...They just can't quite get going when they get close
9:39 PM - Horns punt and Ohio State takes over at midfield...This game is way too close for comfort but you have to be encouraged that The Horns are playing as bad as they have all year and Ohio State is playing pretty well, and the Horns are up 4.
9:42 PM - The Horns finally figure out the zone read and stop Pryor for a loss...The Texas D is playing with more aggression as they hold Ohio State to another 3 and out...Ohio State punts and the Horns take over on their own 15...We've got to get something going here...a score here could break this game open...Colt threads the needle to Cosby for a first down...Quan having a big night as usual, very steady for Quan.
9:45 PM - Colt with a big throw to Shipley to get them across midfield and Whittaker gets it going...The Horns running a fast break offense and catch Ohio State offsides. Once again The Horns are rolling now they have to finish. Ogbonnaya busts an option pitch down to the 6 and the Horns have to finish here.
9:48 PM - Horns go high tempo and catch Ohio State not set again and score on a bootleg...Colt is doing what he does and Quan is steady as usual. Horns up 17 - 6...We need a big stop here and put one it again and it's game over.
9:51 PM - Leffel calls in from Steamboat Springs Colorado to report he's watching the game at the bar where there is an albino and a hair lip at the bar...Horns D came to play in the second half and sack Pryor to end the 3rd QTR.
9:55 PM - Ohio State brings in Boeckman and he completes a huge pass on 3rd and 13...Horns defense needs to make a stop here
9:58 PM - Horns cause Ohio State to kick a FG and he connects and it's 17-9 Horns...Let's go offense keep it going.
10:02 PM - Just got a text from my buddy Steven that said "Pryor looked like Donovan McNabb in the 1st half and Tavaris Jackson in the 2nd"
10:05 PM - Colt tries his best Tony Romo impression and luckily the ball goes out of bounds.
10:09 PM - Colt goes deep and hits Malcolm Williams but unfortunately he was out of bounds...That's just what Malcolm does though is stretch the field and I don't know why they go to him more.
10:13 PM - Brian Robiskie made what looks to be the 2nd great catch tonight...It's under review, but it looks like it will stand...and it does...Pryor runs the option and goes across midfield on a 16 yard gain.
10:16 PM - Pryor rambles down to the 21 he is running the ball well right now...Horns have been bend but not break all night and will need it again here
10:18 PM - Horns are getting screwed on a bullshit pass interference call to extend the drive and to go along with it an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to take them down to the 10...Bucks are threatening to make this a one point game and possibly tie if they go for 2.
10:20 PM - Bucks split Pryor out wide and throw him a fade which he brings in for a TD...Blake Gideon please look back for the ball...Bucks go for 2 and can't convert...17-15 Horns and this shit just got real.
10:26 PM - Horns look flat right now and don't look like they want it. They are looking to punt now and the Bucks will try to take the lead
10:30 PM - Boeckman completes a big pass to the TE and Rodderick Muckelroy is not playing very well tonight...Buckeyes cross midfield and for the first time all night I feel like we might lose this game...gotta keep the faith though. Poor tackling continues and this team needs to wake up and win this game.
10:33 PM - Buckeyes score on a 15 yd run to take a 21-17 lead after trying for 2 pts...Time to see Colt McCoy can lead them to a win here.
10:36 PM - I hope Colt has it in him but I'm not sure...The Horns have really disappointed so far.
10:38 PM - Time running down and the Horns trying to put something together. Horns nearing midfield with 1:07 on the clock. I'm not sure if their offense is quick strike enough to get down field.
10:40 PM - The Horns are getting the rythm passing game right now, and have 47 seconds left to go about 44 yards.
10:41 PM - 4th and 3 coming up with the game on the line. Horns throw an out to Kirkendoll and it's close and will need a measurement. Ohio State livid about the spot but so am I because I think it was short. If they convert they will be on the 40 with 38 seconds left. 1st down Horns and we live for one more down.
10:47 PM - Big catch and Cosby takes it for a long TD as he breaks through the secondary and streaks into the secondary for a 25 yard TD...Quan is simply the best player tonight.
10:50 PM - Orakpo comes up with a huge sack and the Horns are one defensive play away from winning this.
10:52 PM - It wasn't pretty but Texas gets the win...I cna't write anymore too much excitement. Another great end to a Texas BCS Bowl Game. When I recover I'll post again but I can't tell you when that will be. Hook 'Em Horns
6:36 PM - I'm ready to roll...Decked out in full orange and my roomate Travis just arrived home with McDonalds. Right now it's just me and him but others are coming soon. King of Queens is on and we are waiting for game time.
6:38 PM - My brother John just arrived home from the doctor. Friends John and Trevor are expected shortly. Travis is enjoying a McChicken, a 10 pc nugget, and a Quarter Pounder. On a sad note I return to work after a week hiatus tomorrow
6:39 PM - John just arrived in burnt orange beanie and announced F*ck those Ohio State C*nts. He's definitely in game mode as the excitement mounts.
6:45 PM - Switched over to pregame as Fox is now showing the Longhorn marching band on TV. To me this is one of the coolest part of any Longhorn game, when the Showband of the Southwest takes the field and starts playing. My brother's girlfriend Marie just arrived.
6:52 PM - I have an un easy feeling right now. I've been confident and still am, but I feel like I shouldn't be this confident. Am I in for an ambush? I still feel confident.
6:56 PM - Is it just me or is the "Dotting of the I" the most overrated college tradition ever? I mean what in the hell is so special about it?
6:58 PM - Trevor arrives, everyone expected to be here is here. Let's do this.
7:02 PM - Interesting National Anthem by "The Blind Boys of Alabama"...How did they get out on the field? Were they led by dogs?
7:06 PM - Success isn't measured...It's earned...That commercial seems to be the moral to this year's college football season.
7:14 PM - Texas wins the toss and chooses to defer to the second half.
7:18 PM - Texas finally covers a kick well
7:21 PM - After watching the Big XII all year I didn't know it was still illegal to hold...Horns are mixing their defensive fronts and bringing pressure from different places.
7:23 PM - The Bucks are tricking it up early rotating Pryor and Boeckman, but stall on their first drive.
7:28 PM - Horns start with an 8 yard run but then get nothing their next two plays...A rare 3 and out for the Horns...Justin Tucker to Rugby punt it. Great punt to flip field position.
7:29 PM - My brother seems to be upset on the Taco Bell commercial the Burrito comes with a sleeve and is now portable.
7:34 PM - The Bucks playing right into their game plan of grinding out the clock.
7:37 PM - Mack and Muschamp are hot on the sidelines but the Horns hold Ohio State to 4th down.
7:40 PM - Bucks line up for a 50 yard field goal and they drain it. Horns offense would be glad to trade TD's for FG's tonight so they have to get it going on offense.
7:46 PM - The Horns are employing the short passing game now and Colt is getting into a bit of a rythm. Horns up to midfield.
7:47 PM - I don't know if you readers are aware of this but Colt and Shipley grew up together their dads lived together in college and now they do. Horns drive stalls Ohio State is sending a lot of pressure and playing lock down in man coverage. Horns rugby punt into the end zone for a touch back.
7:49 PM - This just in, Chris Wells is a beast...He's really good...I think he's gonna be an amazing pro running back.
7:54 PM - Ohio State tries another long field goal and he shanks it...Bad snap
7:59 PM - Horns threatening here, inside the 30 at the start of the 2nd qtr.
8:02 PM - Horns convert and are on at the 8 yard line looking to get in the end zone...Offense still looks out of synch, and as I type this Colt gets dropped for a sack...Horns stall after the sack and bring on the field goal unit...Horns tie it up 3-3.
8:06 PM - My superstitous side is getting the best of me...If things dont look good at the half I might shut this operation down.
8:13 PM - Texas can't stop Beanie Wells right now and I don't know why they dont' go to him more. Wells is in beast mode.
8:15 PM - The Horns aren't tackling real well right now and Pryor is looking poised and slippery.
8:18 PM - Ohio State commits their 3rd false start and takes a 3rd and 2 to a 3rd and 7. Ohio State settles for a field goal and makes it 6-3.
8:25 PM - Lots of commercials seems like a pro game.
8:26 PM - During the Domino's oven baked sandwiches commercials my brother is mad that in the commercial the sandwich comes in a sleeve much like the burritos in the Taco Bell commercial
8:32 PM - Horns in hurry up and have strung together a couple of long completions as they cross midfield.
8:35 PM - Horns are going for it on 4th and 7, too far away for a FG but perhaps too close for a punt...Instead Colt takes an 11 yard sack and the Texas offense is reeling right now.
8:44 PM - Horns get a big pass down the sideline to Chris Ogbonnaya and have 22 seconds left to tie or go ahead. Instead Colt throws an INT on the 1. Halftime...we need to regroup and get the ball and do work...I'll be back after the half
I'm back for 2009. It's true I took a few weeks off during the holidays, and wasn't planning on blogging tonight, but I'm in fatass mode on the couch watching football all day long. I decided to start 2009 with a look at the most important bowl game (to me at least). Monday January 5th the Horns will face off against Ohio State in Glendale at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State fans have garnered quite the reputation of being drunk, couch burning, jorts wearing, beer drinking, classless, white trash. See the video below.
While this may be the case, I think there is a lot of respect between the two programs and their coaches. Jim Tressel and Mack Brown are both known as the "nice guys" in college football who try to play the game clean and with class. Both programs have a great history and have put many players in the league. Ohio State who was thought to be a great team stumbled against Penn State and USC this year, and Texas lost in a last second battle to Texas Tech leading to a controversial decision that lost the Horns a chance at the national title game. In some respects both programs are disappointed to be playing in Glendale. The Buckeyes thought at the start of the season they would be there, and The Longhorns who held the #1 rankning mid season thought at some point they would be there up until the last BCS rankings were released prior to the Big XII championship game. Regardless I think both teams will still play for great pride and this will be a good game. Of course I'm a Texas fan so this might look a bit slanted, but lets look at the break down of this game.
Why Ohio State will win the game -
Ohio State has a tough defense and that is where it starts. All Americans James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins anchor a tough and agressive Buckeye defense that plays with tenacity and smarts. Jenkins may be the top corner in the nation, so the Longhorn passing game will be up for a tough test. The Ohio State offense has a dynamic playmaker in Terrelle Pryor, although he's had more promise than production. Pyror who was the top player in prep ball last year has done a pretty good job. Often drawing comparison's to Vince Young, Pryor has shown to be a less than adequate passer and not quite the player with his legs Young was. Still he's young, only a true freshman and has the oppurtunity to have a break out game. The Texas defense has been salty against the run this year, but will face the best rushing offense they've seen in Chris "Beanie" Wells. I'm on record as saying that I think he's the best running back in college football and the big guy will have a productive NFL career in my opinion. Tressel has said he'll line up Pryor and Todd Boeckman who started in last year's BCS Title game. I don't know how imaginaitve Tressel can be, but this could propose problems for the Longhorn defense who's young secondary has struggled against the pass. The Wide Receivers for Ohio State Robiskie and Hartline are very much like Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby. Solid but not spectacular. Solid may be a bit of an understatement for the group I just mentioned. Although none of the four were thought to be best in the nation, all four have tremendous playmaking ability. If Ohio State is to win this game, it will be in the fashion they always win games. If Pryor can make a few key plays with his arm and his legs and Beanie Wells has a great game coupled with a stingy defensive efforts the Buckeyes can win a grind it out style game. The defense will be keying against the Longhorn passing game considering the Horns running game has struggled.
Why Texas will win -
The Horns have had a fantastic year and look to continue their performance in Glendale. Heisman candidate Colt McCoy has carried the Longhorn offense on his back with help from friends Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby. McCoy has been the Horns running game this year and is definitely the most valuable player in the nation to his team. The Horns offensive line has been on and off this year and will face a solid but not potent Ohio State defensive line. As mentioned above the Horns will face a good secondary, but Colt has faced them before and has always found a way to beat them. The Longhorn defense may not have the best numbers in the nation, but the Horns have found a filthy pass rush with Brian Orakpo, Sergio Kindle, Roy Miller, and Henry Melton. If they can keep Pryor contained they should do well to stop the Bucks passing attack. As I mentioned the Longhorns have a young group of defensive backs, but they have the potential to be playmakers, and they've only gotten better as the year has progressed. The key to this game will be contatining Beanie Wells and if the Horns can do that they can break this game wide open. I don't believe Ohio State has the ability to come from behind in a quick matter, and the Longhorn defense have been closers this season save for one night in Lubbock. The Horns best chance is to shut the Buckeye offense down and let your offense do it's thing. If the Horns can jump out to a big lead and not look back they should be in control to win this game.
My Prediction: Texas 31 Ohio State 14
Obviously this will look like a homer pick, but I think Texas is the better team. I think if Texas does what they do well and get out ahead, Ohio State doesn't have the power to get back in the game. This will be interesting as it is a rubber match in the series after The Horns took game 1 in Colombus in 2005 and Ohio State won the 2006 matchup in Austin. Ohio State's history in bowl games recently vs. Texas shows an overwhelming advantage to the Horns. Monday I'll have a running diary from the Fiesta Bowl posted on what's happening at our place as the game goes on, so look for that.
