That Ohio State doesn't deserve to play in the National Championship game because they don't play in a conference championship game, shut up. You can't blame them for something they have no control over.
For those that don't know, the SEC is the one that started the conference championship business back in 1992. In 1996 the Big 12 thought what the SEC was doing sounded super and jumped on board. The ACC was the last major conference to jump on the bus and that happened in 2005 when they expanded (The MAC and Conference-USA also play conference championship games but they won't be considered for the rest of this blog). But in 1999, to try to finally settle a true champion, the #1 vs. #2 debate each year, they created the BCS. And the real debate began.
Now, the first question we need to answer is, how do they decide to play a conference championship game? The Big 10 doesn't do it, the Pac-10 doesn't, Big East doesn't. But why do the other 3 big conferences do? Well a bunch of Athletic Directors get together and take a vote. If they want a conference championship game they play it. If they don't, there isn't one. Oh by the way, don't forget the money that is involved either, because, really that's what its about. Look at the areas that play them...the south, south eastern coast, and the Midwest. Areas that don't have the same professional sports draws and factors that areas like the north/north east and the west coast has. And honestly if you've been to those areas, college sports is held on a much higher level, with football elevated well above anything else.
Okay so lets look at some numbers. Here is how many teams from each conference that have played in the BCS title game since 1999. All years reflect year the game was played.
Big 12 - 5 (Oklahoma '01, '04, & '05, Nebraska '02, Texas '06 two wins, three losses)
SEC - 3 (Tennessee '99, LSU '04, Florida '07 all champs)
ACC - 3 (Florida St. '99, '00, '01 one win, two losses)*
Big East - 3 (Virginia Tech '00, Miami '02 & '03 one win, two losses)**
Pac 10 - 2 (USC '05 & '06 one win, one loss)
Big 10 - 2 (Ohio State '03 & '07 one win, one loss)
*Pre-Conference Championship game
** Virginia Tech and Miami are now both members of the ACC
So lets take a look together. The two conferences that I hear complaining about the most are the ones that lead this list in championship appearances and champions. The ACC and Big East stat is an anomaly because those programs, sans Va. Tech, have lost an immense part of their luster in the last 5 years. So what does this tell us? I think a few things.
First, it says the Big 12 and the SEC know how to win when they get there. A combined 5-3 record (3-0 for the SEC) is impressive. Aside from 2000 and 2003, a member from at least one of the conferences have played in the title game.
Second, I think it says the Big 10 and Pac 10 are good, but have few teams in the way of championship contenders. It doesn't mean an Illinois can't beat an OSU or an Oregon can't make a run, but the jury is still out if they can have the non-perennials make runs. There are 5 teams from the ACC, Big East, Big 10 and Pac 10 combined in the championship games while the Big 12 and the SEC sent 3...each!
Third, and most importantly, I think it shows this conference championship business might be blown out of proportion. I mean look at the stats that are there and it shows that chastising OSU is unnecessary. It's not their fault how the system is set up, and for those that say they play cakewalks, I'll give you partial credit. Do we forget the Texas home and home? What about the USC home and home the next two years? And Miami after that and tentative schedules for Cal in '12 and '13, Va. Tech for '14 and '15 and then Oklahoma in '16 and '17. Give all those schools credit for taking the chance, but keep it in mind for the Buckeyes for the next 6 days or so.
And as Ohio State gets put down and slammed in the media this week, and they wait to see if Missouri or West Virginia even allows this conversation to matter on Saturday night, keep in mind what they did and what they are going to do. 11-1 this year, the Rose Bowl no matter what, and waiting for an opportunity to go to New Orleans for some redemption, if it happens. But don't blame them for doing what was asked and what was on their schedule. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride...it's really the only thing you can do with the BCS anyhow.
11/26/2007
11/19/2007
Its Been a Crazy Month Buckeye Fans
A few Saturdays ago, I found myself in the not so friendly Happy Valley with my girlfriend, holding two tickets for the much hyped battle that night between THE Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State. It was an early birthday present from her, and I couldn't have been more pumped, looking at Beaver Stadium as one of those rare places that is just special to see a game. What happened that day set the stage for exactly how I felt two weeks later, and set the course for my journey as a fan this past month.
After getting into State College and getting parked, we chose to walk around to see the area and take in the whole experience. Don't get me wrong, I expected to be heckled, screamed at, and called many names. But what came more was just obscenities being used instead of our team name (I'm sure you can figure it out), groups of people literally running up to you and screaming in your face, and yes having people throw not just beer, but half to 3/4 full beer cans at us and any Ohio State fans. I've been to quite a few games in Columbus, and some big ones, but I had never seen people treated in such a way before. It made me mad, angry, frustrated and downright disappointed to see other fans/students/people treating each other that way.
I would learn afterwards that the reason the band didn't make the trip was because the last time they went to Penn State they had "blood and urine bombs" thrown at them in the stands. Disgusting and disgraceful. (And for any one that says the beer throwing incident was isolated, it wasn't. I saw the video of it being at a party, and I saw it happen right on the main street across from the stadium. And it happened in 2005 too. That university needs to get some things straightened out over there before someone gets hurt.)
Needlessly to say, the result went the right way, and it was a privilege to sing Carmen Ohio with the players after the game and having a group to answer our "O-H" with a very big "I-O". That day started with me being angry, frustrated, disappointed and ending with me being excited, thrilled, and full of National Championship dreams.
Fast forward two weeks.
Stunned. Thats the only way to describe the crowd walking out of Ohio Stadium. I walked into the stadium that day feeling the same way I walked out of Beaver Stadium, excited, thrilled and full of National Championship dreams. I walked out angry, frustrated, and disappointed...shocked that Ron Zook got us again, shocked that it happened inside the Shoe, shocked that just like that, it was all over. It was a long drive home, where I explained the..."finer" details of the BCS to my girlfriend when she couldn't understand why it was fair that we'd be ranked lower than LSU, when they lost to a now unranked Kentucky team, and we lost to a now ranked Illinois team. I had to tell her that we needed a "Tiny Tim" miracle to have a chance at a National Championship. And after that most of the 2 and a half hour ride home was spent pretty quiet.
Fast forward 9 days.
2 down (to Arizona and Texas Tech no less!), 3 to go! And folks, its not so crazy anymore. LSU has to deal with Darren McFadden and an SEC championship game that will have to go through Georgia (hopefully) or Tennessee, which is no easy task. Kansas-Mizzo play Saturday so one is gone, and the winner of that game will most likely have a very angry and non-concussed Sam Bradford and Oklahoma. West Virginia has to play an upshot UConn team and then a rivalry game against Pitt to end the year. There isn't a cakewalk for anyone. Except the Buckeyes that is. They finished their job, securing a spot in Pasadena no matter what, and left themselves an open window at a title shot. Is it likely? Maybe not, but it is certainly possible.
We still need breaks, but being a Buckeye fan these past few weeks made me reminisce back to the 2002 title team. It wasn't easy at any point that year, and at times it looked like it was gonna end. But they persevered and got their shot in Tempe. And when no one said they could do it, no one said they could beat Ken Dorsey and the Hurricanes, they found a way. If this team gets a shot, catches some breaks, and gets their opportunity...they will find a way. It's not over yet, and while it's not how I thought things would be walking out of Beaver Stadium 3 weeks ago, it's all I could ask walking out of the shoe last week.
So Buckeye fans, break out your UConn Huskie shirts, Oklahoma Sooner hats, Darren McFadden Jerseys, and start nicknaming your dogs Smokey and Uga...we're gonna smell like roses no matter what...but let's see if we can cheer our boys to the Bayou instead.
After getting into State College and getting parked, we chose to walk around to see the area and take in the whole experience. Don't get me wrong, I expected to be heckled, screamed at, and called many names. But what came more was just obscenities being used instead of our team name (I'm sure you can figure it out), groups of people literally running up to you and screaming in your face, and yes having people throw not just beer, but half to 3/4 full beer cans at us and any Ohio State fans. I've been to quite a few games in Columbus, and some big ones, but I had never seen people treated in such a way before. It made me mad, angry, frustrated and downright disappointed to see other fans/students/people treating each other that way.
I would learn afterwards that the reason the band didn't make the trip was because the last time they went to Penn State they had "blood and urine bombs" thrown at them in the stands. Disgusting and disgraceful. (And for any one that says the beer throwing incident was isolated, it wasn't. I saw the video of it being at a party, and I saw it happen right on the main street across from the stadium. And it happened in 2005 too. That university needs to get some things straightened out over there before someone gets hurt.)
Needlessly to say, the result went the right way, and it was a privilege to sing Carmen Ohio with the players after the game and having a group to answer our "O-H" with a very big "I-O". That day started with me being angry, frustrated, disappointed and ending with me being excited, thrilled, and full of National Championship dreams.
Fast forward two weeks.
Stunned. Thats the only way to describe the crowd walking out of Ohio Stadium. I walked into the stadium that day feeling the same way I walked out of Beaver Stadium, excited, thrilled and full of National Championship dreams. I walked out angry, frustrated, and disappointed...shocked that Ron Zook got us again, shocked that it happened inside the Shoe, shocked that just like that, it was all over. It was a long drive home, where I explained the..."finer" details of the BCS to my girlfriend when she couldn't understand why it was fair that we'd be ranked lower than LSU, when they lost to a now unranked Kentucky team, and we lost to a now ranked Illinois team. I had to tell her that we needed a "Tiny Tim" miracle to have a chance at a National Championship. And after that most of the 2 and a half hour ride home was spent pretty quiet.
Fast forward 9 days.
2 down (to Arizona and Texas Tech no less!), 3 to go! And folks, its not so crazy anymore. LSU has to deal with Darren McFadden and an SEC championship game that will have to go through Georgia (hopefully) or Tennessee, which is no easy task. Kansas-Mizzo play Saturday so one is gone, and the winner of that game will most likely have a very angry and non-concussed Sam Bradford and Oklahoma. West Virginia has to play an upshot UConn team and then a rivalry game against Pitt to end the year. There isn't a cakewalk for anyone. Except the Buckeyes that is. They finished their job, securing a spot in Pasadena no matter what, and left themselves an open window at a title shot. Is it likely? Maybe not, but it is certainly possible.
We still need breaks, but being a Buckeye fan these past few weeks made me reminisce back to the 2002 title team. It wasn't easy at any point that year, and at times it looked like it was gonna end. But they persevered and got their shot in Tempe. And when no one said they could do it, no one said they could beat Ken Dorsey and the Hurricanes, they found a way. If this team gets a shot, catches some breaks, and gets their opportunity...they will find a way. It's not over yet, and while it's not how I thought things would be walking out of Beaver Stadium 3 weeks ago, it's all I could ask walking out of the shoe last week.
So Buckeye fans, break out your UConn Huskie shirts, Oklahoma Sooner hats, Darren McFadden Jerseys, and start nicknaming your dogs Smokey and Uga...we're gonna smell like roses no matter what...but let's see if we can cheer our boys to the Bayou instead.
11/09/2007
5 Questions with Deitz
It's time to put the man who is synonimous with the line, "EVERYBODY HATES ME, DAVE!" on the hot seat. Today we check in with Brian Deitz, the afternoon drive host on the Kool Kat in addition to his duties as a member of the Sports Krew. Brian is never shy about 'keeping it real,' especially when it comes to the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers. So without further adu, here are the thoughts of one Brian Deitz....
1. Give me your favorite moment from this 2007 season of High School Football.
Favorite moment, well I have to say watching how the schools that have struggled the past couple of years improved. Oberlin under the direction of Dave McFarland winning 4 games. Rock Farlow who hasa state championship to his credit was able to lead the Firelands Falcons to a victory, and even thoughSouthview did not win a game, Todd has that program heading in the right direction. Should be very exciting next season, I can't wait.
2. I'll ask you the same question I asked Don....who were your surprise teams/disappointing teams?
Well Dave, my surprise team is Vermilion. I was really impressed with what the Sailors and CoachHorvath accomplished this season. Beating Midview, who made it to the playoffs and being able tohang with Rocky River like they did shows what Frank and his staff have been able to accomplish overthere. As far as disappointing, Admiral King, Amherst and Avon. There was a buzz around the Admiralscoming into this season, and even thought they finished with a winning record for the first time since1987, I think the expectations where higher. I know Amherst and Avon had new head guys, but Amherstbrought back a senior quarterback who had been the starter since he was a sophomore, and a juniortailback who ran for 1,000 yards as a sophomore. After watching Avon week 1 at the stadium, I thoughtthey could make a little noise in the WSC, but they struggled and had some growing pains.
3. Let's turn to the Browns now, how realistic are their chances to make it to the postseason?
If the Browns didn't have to play defense, I would say they get in. But this team has trouble stopping the run. To be a playoff team you can't have those problems. That being said, the schedule plays in their favor and if they can find a way to outscore everyone, they may be able to find a way into the playoffs.
4. You're Mark Shapiro.....what are your priorities with this Indians roster for the offseason?
Our beloved Tribe. Well Dave, it's no secret how I feel on this topic because it's what I've been sayingfor two seasons now. This club needs a right handed power bat to play left field, and the same type bat at thirdbase. This platoon garbage that we have to put up with every season makes me sick. I look to deal Jhonny Peralta,Adam Miller, Cliff Lee and Jeremy Sowers or Aaron Laffey and try to fix these problems. I also look in a deal to try to acquire another power arm in the bullpen. I along with most everyone else don't think the Indians can out bid another club, so making moves is how this team will get better. That being said, I don't know what I'll do if we do sign someone like a David Dellucci to a three year deal. I'm sick of the nice guy stuff, I want guys that are proven run producers.... I want a World Series. Most of the pieces are here, you just have to finish the puzzle before you frame it and put it on the wall. Oh and by the way, Andy Marte couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat.
5. Give me some hope that the Cavaliers can come close to duplicating what they did a season ago.
I don't know that I can do that Dino. They made no improvements over the offseason. Larry Hughes was a mistakeand everyone in this town seems to think a role player/6th man AKA Sasha Pavlovic is Scottie Pippen, WRONG. He's not close. If the Cavaliers get into the playoffs, the are in the bottom, a 6 at best. I always thought the goal in the offseason was to get better. The Cavaliers didn't do anything and I think we will see that. The Celtics are better, the Pistons are the Pistons and I like what I see in Orlando. Plus there are a couple other teams like the Bulls and the Raptors who have gotten off to slow starts. The East isn't the East anymore. Talk to me sometime in the summer when the marathon NBA regular season is winding down and I actually start to care.
1. Give me your favorite moment from this 2007 season of High School Football.
Favorite moment, well I have to say watching how the schools that have struggled the past couple of years improved. Oberlin under the direction of Dave McFarland winning 4 games. Rock Farlow who hasa state championship to his credit was able to lead the Firelands Falcons to a victory, and even thoughSouthview did not win a game, Todd has that program heading in the right direction. Should be very exciting next season, I can't wait.
2. I'll ask you the same question I asked Don....who were your surprise teams/disappointing teams?
Well Dave, my surprise team is Vermilion. I was really impressed with what the Sailors and CoachHorvath accomplished this season. Beating Midview, who made it to the playoffs and being able tohang with Rocky River like they did shows what Frank and his staff have been able to accomplish overthere. As far as disappointing, Admiral King, Amherst and Avon. There was a buzz around the Admiralscoming into this season, and even thought they finished with a winning record for the first time since1987, I think the expectations where higher. I know Amherst and Avon had new head guys, but Amherstbrought back a senior quarterback who had been the starter since he was a sophomore, and a juniortailback who ran for 1,000 yards as a sophomore. After watching Avon week 1 at the stadium, I thoughtthey could make a little noise in the WSC, but they struggled and had some growing pains.
3. Let's turn to the Browns now, how realistic are their chances to make it to the postseason?
If the Browns didn't have to play defense, I would say they get in. But this team has trouble stopping the run. To be a playoff team you can't have those problems. That being said, the schedule plays in their favor and if they can find a way to outscore everyone, they may be able to find a way into the playoffs.
4. You're Mark Shapiro.....what are your priorities with this Indians roster for the offseason?
Our beloved Tribe. Well Dave, it's no secret how I feel on this topic because it's what I've been sayingfor two seasons now. This club needs a right handed power bat to play left field, and the same type bat at thirdbase. This platoon garbage that we have to put up with every season makes me sick. I look to deal Jhonny Peralta,Adam Miller, Cliff Lee and Jeremy Sowers or Aaron Laffey and try to fix these problems. I also look in a deal to try to acquire another power arm in the bullpen. I along with most everyone else don't think the Indians can out bid another club, so making moves is how this team will get better. That being said, I don't know what I'll do if we do sign someone like a David Dellucci to a three year deal. I'm sick of the nice guy stuff, I want guys that are proven run producers.... I want a World Series. Most of the pieces are here, you just have to finish the puzzle before you frame it and put it on the wall. Oh and by the way, Andy Marte couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat.
5. Give me some hope that the Cavaliers can come close to duplicating what they did a season ago.
I don't know that I can do that Dino. They made no improvements over the offseason. Larry Hughes was a mistakeand everyone in this town seems to think a role player/6th man AKA Sasha Pavlovic is Scottie Pippen, WRONG. He's not close. If the Cavaliers get into the playoffs, the are in the bottom, a 6 at best. I always thought the goal in the offseason was to get better. The Cavaliers didn't do anything and I think we will see that. The Celtics are better, the Pistons are the Pistons and I like what I see in Orlando. Plus there are a couple other teams like the Bulls and the Raptors who have gotten off to slow starts. The East isn't the East anymore. Talk to me sometime in the summer when the marathon NBA regular season is winding down and I actually start to care.
10/31/2007
5 Questions with Don
This is an exciting time of year to be in our business. Three Lorain County High School Football teams have made it to the postseason. The Indians won the Central Division and advanced to Game 7 of the ALCS (ugh!). The Buckeyes are number one in the nation for now and the Browns are generating excitement not seen in this area since the late 80's. So it's fun to be us!
And on the eve of Midview vs. Avon Lake and Elyria Catholic's trip to Eastwood, I thought it would be interesting to pick the brain of WDLW Play by Play Announcer Don Vincent for some insights. The man we lovingly refer to as "Grandpa" also has been my partner for the Oberlin College games on WOBL since 2002. So I asked questions and he gave some interesting answers......
1. You've mentioned on the Showcase that you think this Avon Lake team is as good as (and perhaps better than) the State Championship level teams of 2003-04. What does this team possess that makes them so strong?
Coming into this season there were a couple of concerns about this team: The defense was a little suspect and there were no legitimate stars – good players with solid numbers last year, but no one you could point at a say, “He’s the guy.” Other than that great O line, experienced QB, solid running back core, good D line. So what’s different?
The defense has been pretty darn good. In week one I talked to Dave Dlugosz about his pass defense and questioning its ability to contain other teams. It took about a week for Dave to get it where it needed to be. Giving up a big play once is not the end of the world, how many teams can do that repeatedly? The Shoremen gave up 126 points this year, not quite two TD’s a game (including extra points). That will win you a ton of games.
As for the lack of stars, that is actually where I’ll hang my hat on my earlier statement. This team is so deep, it’s ridiculous. Look at it this way: You start the game with Mike Haddad and Jeff Tell in the offensive backfield. Both legitimate All-Conference and All-County Selections, perhaps other awards on the way for both of them. If for some reason they are unavailable (injury, illness, need a break) you replace them with Kevin Mansnerus and Scott Shaffer, both of whom would likely start on almost any other team. When your 2’s are legitimate 1’s, you’re pretty darned good. And don’t forget, they practice against each other.
And then there’s Dave Dlugosz…
2. I give you a vote for county Coach of the Year. Who does it go to?
Tough call this year. So many candidates. Frank Horvath leads the Sailors to a 6-4 season after several disappointing years, including a huge win over eventual playoff team Midview. Bill Albright led the Middies into the playoffs and an 8-2 record and did so with a number of injuries to key players. Ben Malbasa comes into a program and immediately takes them to the playoffs, in impressive fashion having to rebound from a couple of tough losses. Rob Clarico at Keystone bumps it up a few notches and leads his ‘Cats to 8-2.
But I guess my vote goes to McFarland at Oberlin. The history was against him, the numbers sucked, the attitude was lacking and no one believed there was hope for this program, except Dave. Takes a team that doesn’t know how to win and wills them to victories. What a great job!
3. What was the most memorable game you called this year?
Middie fans won’t like this, but Vermilion’s win over Midview was huge. It was a great back and forth battle, both teams displaying prowess offensively and defensively. It even ended on a big play. Sign me up for next year!
4. What teams surprised you/disappointed you this fall?
I don’t suppose the Tribe is a topic for conversation.
Surprised by Keystone and Columbia. Thought they would do well, but not that well. Avon and Midview brought a passing attack to Lorain County – I like the balanced offensive approach to things because it will lead to more post season success.
Disappointed – Wanted the Saints to get a win (they’ll get there) and I still don’t understand Brookside. All the success they’ve had over the last couple years on both the gridiron and on the power lifting platforms, I expected a more cohesive unit.
5. Gonna put you on the spot: How far do the Shoremen go in this postseason?
Gee, no pressure here with a Lorain County matchup in round one, huh?!?
Not to suggest that any team that they will play can’t beat them, but I think the path to the Semifinals presents limited obstacles for the Shoremen. There are a couple potential matchups at the semi’s and finals that I wouldn’t mind seeing. Columbus De Sales and Cincinnati Turpin both intrigue me. Both are perennially tough teams. Another, although I don’t think we’ll see it, is a game with Warren Howland – North East Ohio v. North East Ohio.
I’ve already Mapquested Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
Bonus Question: Can the Yeomen win out and finish 5-5?
I’d love to answer that question, but I can’t. The problem is that I would have to predict how the Yeomen will play and they’ve been a bit too inconsistent. Ask me if they can – easy answer. Sure. Here’s what needs to happen. Greg Mangan will have to play loose and easy. Have fun utilizing all that talent in the receiver corps. R V Carroll and his O-line will need to have great games (140+ yards per). Someone on defense will have to commit to putting QB’s on their butts and the DB’s will have to remember to stay deeper than the deepest receiver. Do those things and you can put two more tallies in the win column.
Double Super Secret Bonus Question: Will there actually be anyone left watching our TV/Radio simulcast on SportsTime Ohio when they see what you, Jason, and I look like?
Would you?
And on the eve of Midview vs. Avon Lake and Elyria Catholic's trip to Eastwood, I thought it would be interesting to pick the brain of WDLW Play by Play Announcer Don Vincent for some insights. The man we lovingly refer to as "Grandpa" also has been my partner for the Oberlin College games on WOBL since 2002. So I asked questions and he gave some interesting answers......
1. You've mentioned on the Showcase that you think this Avon Lake team is as good as (and perhaps better than) the State Championship level teams of 2003-04. What does this team possess that makes them so strong?
Coming into this season there were a couple of concerns about this team: The defense was a little suspect and there were no legitimate stars – good players with solid numbers last year, but no one you could point at a say, “He’s the guy.” Other than that great O line, experienced QB, solid running back core, good D line. So what’s different?
The defense has been pretty darn good. In week one I talked to Dave Dlugosz about his pass defense and questioning its ability to contain other teams. It took about a week for Dave to get it where it needed to be. Giving up a big play once is not the end of the world, how many teams can do that repeatedly? The Shoremen gave up 126 points this year, not quite two TD’s a game (including extra points). That will win you a ton of games.
As for the lack of stars, that is actually where I’ll hang my hat on my earlier statement. This team is so deep, it’s ridiculous. Look at it this way: You start the game with Mike Haddad and Jeff Tell in the offensive backfield. Both legitimate All-Conference and All-County Selections, perhaps other awards on the way for both of them. If for some reason they are unavailable (injury, illness, need a break) you replace them with Kevin Mansnerus and Scott Shaffer, both of whom would likely start on almost any other team. When your 2’s are legitimate 1’s, you’re pretty darned good. And don’t forget, they practice against each other.
And then there’s Dave Dlugosz…
2. I give you a vote for county Coach of the Year. Who does it go to?
Tough call this year. So many candidates. Frank Horvath leads the Sailors to a 6-4 season after several disappointing years, including a huge win over eventual playoff team Midview. Bill Albright led the Middies into the playoffs and an 8-2 record and did so with a number of injuries to key players. Ben Malbasa comes into a program and immediately takes them to the playoffs, in impressive fashion having to rebound from a couple of tough losses. Rob Clarico at Keystone bumps it up a few notches and leads his ‘Cats to 8-2.
But I guess my vote goes to McFarland at Oberlin. The history was against him, the numbers sucked, the attitude was lacking and no one believed there was hope for this program, except Dave. Takes a team that doesn’t know how to win and wills them to victories. What a great job!
3. What was the most memorable game you called this year?
Middie fans won’t like this, but Vermilion’s win over Midview was huge. It was a great back and forth battle, both teams displaying prowess offensively and defensively. It even ended on a big play. Sign me up for next year!
4. What teams surprised you/disappointed you this fall?
I don’t suppose the Tribe is a topic for conversation.
Surprised by Keystone and Columbia. Thought they would do well, but not that well. Avon and Midview brought a passing attack to Lorain County – I like the balanced offensive approach to things because it will lead to more post season success.
Disappointed – Wanted the Saints to get a win (they’ll get there) and I still don’t understand Brookside. All the success they’ve had over the last couple years on both the gridiron and on the power lifting platforms, I expected a more cohesive unit.
5. Gonna put you on the spot: How far do the Shoremen go in this postseason?
Gee, no pressure here with a Lorain County matchup in round one, huh?!?
Not to suggest that any team that they will play can’t beat them, but I think the path to the Semifinals presents limited obstacles for the Shoremen. There are a couple potential matchups at the semi’s and finals that I wouldn’t mind seeing. Columbus De Sales and Cincinnati Turpin both intrigue me. Both are perennially tough teams. Another, although I don’t think we’ll see it, is a game with Warren Howland – North East Ohio v. North East Ohio.
I’ve already Mapquested Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
Bonus Question: Can the Yeomen win out and finish 5-5?
I’d love to answer that question, but I can’t. The problem is that I would have to predict how the Yeomen will play and they’ve been a bit too inconsistent. Ask me if they can – easy answer. Sure. Here’s what needs to happen. Greg Mangan will have to play loose and easy. Have fun utilizing all that talent in the receiver corps. R V Carroll and his O-line will need to have great games (140+ yards per). Someone on defense will have to commit to putting QB’s on their butts and the DB’s will have to remember to stay deeper than the deepest receiver. Do those things and you can put two more tallies in the win column.
Double Super Secret Bonus Question: Will there actually be anyone left watching our TV/Radio simulcast on SportsTime Ohio when they see what you, Jason, and I look like?
Would you?
10/18/2007
Yeomen can make history
I have to apologize first and foremost...it's been a while since we've posted a blog up here. We're in the midsts of a busy stretch of the football season and of course, we all have a vested interest in what's happening at Jacobs Field.
I'm not going to talk much about the Tribe on this post. I'll let Terry Pluto set the stage for Game 5 here.
Last weekend was one of the best sports weekends as a fan that I've had in a while. The Browns won to go to the bye week at 3-3. The Indians split in Boston after a memorable extra inning win in Game 2. Ohio State has climbed back to the number one ranking in college football. And Oberlin College remained undefeated in NCAC play after their come from behind win over Earlham.
What a long, strange trip it has been for the Yeomen. They were left for dead after three rough non-conference losses to Case, Heidelberg, and Washington and Jefferson (whose records are a combined 14-4, by the way). Now, they are very much alive and have a chance to shock the Division III college football world this weekend in Crawfordsville against the Little Giants from Wabash.
Understand what you face when you take on the Little Giants: A team that has won two straight NCAC titles and three of the last five. They have a potent offense and bring probably the best defensive football player in the nation to bear in senior linebacker Adrian Pynenberg. They possess a swagger that comes from knowing that they're still on top of the conference mountain until someone knocks them off. Wabash also happens to play in the most hostile environment in the league at Hollett Little Giant Stadium, where the fans are almost on top of you and frankly....they don't care for the opposition too much.
That being said, there's something out there that makes me think the Yeomen are ready for this challenge. Maybe it's a hunch, maybe it's just wishful thinking. But I like what I see from Jeff Ramsey's squad heading into Saturday. The offensive line has played extremely well over the past four games coinciding with R. V. Carroll's return to form as the conference's best rusher. The move of Chase Palmer to strong safety has resulted in the Utah native playing his three best games as a Yeoman.
These guys are hitting people. Hard.
To beat Wabash is a lot different from beating Earlham, Denison, or Hiram however. Oberlin must protect the football. They can't allow anything close to the nine sacks they gave up a year ago when the two teams met at Savage Stadium. And they must avoid special teams breakdowns which always seem to haunt them in matchups like these.
It's a very, very tall order. But as this college football season has taught us, anything is possible.
ALSO: Just a quick note of condolences to our good friend Brent Harris, the Sports Information Director at Wabash. Brent had a death in the family and will not be at the game on Saturday. They don't come any nicer, or more talented than Brent and we'll miss seeing him at Hollett.
I'm not going to talk much about the Tribe on this post. I'll let Terry Pluto set the stage for Game 5 here.
Last weekend was one of the best sports weekends as a fan that I've had in a while. The Browns won to go to the bye week at 3-3. The Indians split in Boston after a memorable extra inning win in Game 2. Ohio State has climbed back to the number one ranking in college football. And Oberlin College remained undefeated in NCAC play after their come from behind win over Earlham.
What a long, strange trip it has been for the Yeomen. They were left for dead after three rough non-conference losses to Case, Heidelberg, and Washington and Jefferson (whose records are a combined 14-4, by the way). Now, they are very much alive and have a chance to shock the Division III college football world this weekend in Crawfordsville against the Little Giants from Wabash.
Understand what you face when you take on the Little Giants: A team that has won two straight NCAC titles and three of the last five. They have a potent offense and bring probably the best defensive football player in the nation to bear in senior linebacker Adrian Pynenberg. They possess a swagger that comes from knowing that they're still on top of the conference mountain until someone knocks them off. Wabash also happens to play in the most hostile environment in the league at Hollett Little Giant Stadium, where the fans are almost on top of you and frankly....they don't care for the opposition too much.
That being said, there's something out there that makes me think the Yeomen are ready for this challenge. Maybe it's a hunch, maybe it's just wishful thinking. But I like what I see from Jeff Ramsey's squad heading into Saturday. The offensive line has played extremely well over the past four games coinciding with R. V. Carroll's return to form as the conference's best rusher. The move of Chase Palmer to strong safety has resulted in the Utah native playing his three best games as a Yeoman.
These guys are hitting people. Hard.
To beat Wabash is a lot different from beating Earlham, Denison, or Hiram however. Oberlin must protect the football. They can't allow anything close to the nine sacks they gave up a year ago when the two teams met at Savage Stadium. And they must avoid special teams breakdowns which always seem to haunt them in matchups like these.
It's a very, very tall order. But as this college football season has taught us, anything is possible.
ALSO: Just a quick note of condolences to our good friend Brent Harris, the Sports Information Director at Wabash. Brent had a death in the family and will not be at the game on Saturday. They don't come any nicer, or more talented than Brent and we'll miss seeing him at Hollett.
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