Special teamers get long-term deals, and Lions preview

Detroitlions.com has announced long-term deals for Donte Curry and Nick Harris. I guess Curry is a good special teams player, versatile, and worth the long-term deal. Nick Harris is the #24 punter in the NFL in average, and he's 29th in net average. I don't see what the big deal is there. On the other hand, we're talking seven yards a punt between top and bottom, so maybe its not worth worrying about. Plus, in the NFL, he can always be cut anyway.

I also saw that Harrington, who is due for big $$ this year, is willing to restructure to help the team on the cap. Clearly, he hasn't earned the big $$, and the only way for him to get them long-term, and not for just one season, is to get some players around him.

Good special teams players are vital, especially in the era of the salary cap.

Lions are playing the Titans, a team with a worse record than them on Sunday. I'd be nice to win and get to 7 wins, but with a loss we draft higher, so I'm OK either way. I plan on being at Anderson Arena on Sunday. Lions recap can be expected sometime next week.

It was bound to happen

We got on the court last night in Oakland and got completely waxed. We've been playing so well--and shooting so well--that we were bound to have an off night and last night was it. We didn't defend well, Oakland shot well, and we couldn't hit the broadside of the barn. This is an Oakland team that got waxed earlier by Akron.

It happens. Luckily, it happened in a game that doesn't matter to us, whatsoever. Now, its a test of the team's ability to bounce back. Buffalo is coming, and some people expect them to win the Eastern Division. They have a big-time player and some big-time ability. If we're the team we appear to be, we bounce back from the season's first real advertsity and beat Buffalo at home on Sunday. Like I have said earlier, its a one game at a time thing with our guys.

Reds End Turn, Like In Risk

From the Enquirer, the Reds are ending their turn.

2005 Falcon Depth Chart

How does the depth chart look as the season ends for next season. In a word, veteran. Big holes are line depth, though our next generation of players was highly touted during reccruiting, and depth in the D backfield. We are one proven receiver short of what we have been in the past, but have good looking, talented players coming up.

Let's look:

TE O'Drobinak, So
??

Note: This is not a key position.

LT: Warren (All MAC, Sr.)
Nystrom (So--fab five member)

LG: Lichtensteiger (All MAC, SO)
--New Line guy, see below

(Its always hard to tell what positions guys might land at. For example, Watson might move to RG and start. With that in mind, new line players are below)

C: Culp (Sr.)
--New Line guy, see below

RG: Patrick Watson (So fab 5)
--New Line guy, see below

RT: Markray (Jr, 340, big fella)
--New Line guy, see below

New line Guys

Edward Massey (So, Fab 5)
John Lanning (Jr)
Kevin Huselman (So)
Jeffrey Fink (R-Fr)


Z Derrick Lett (Sr)
Greg Hutcherson (So)

X Sharon (Sr)
Benjy Kennedy (So)

QB Jacobs (Jr)
Turner (Fr)

TB Pope (Sr)
Lane (Sr)

H Jones (Jr)
Corey Partridge (R-Fr)

E Sanders (Sr)
Brantley II (Jr.)

Defense

E Crossley (jr)
Diryal Briggs (So)

NG Thaler (Sr)
Cooley (Sr)

Dt Williams (Jr)
Cooley (Sr)

E Parks (Jr)
Mack (So)

MLB Johnson (SR)
John Haneline (R-Fr)

WILL Piepkow (Sr)
White (Jr)

SAM Sharpe (Sr)
Peter Winovich (So)

CB Mayberry (Sr)
Nicholson (Sr)

SS Crumpler (Sr)
Tim Arnold (Sr)

FS Perry (So)
Loren Hargrove (So)

CB Jordan (Sr)
Simonton (Sr)

K Timichenko/Fry--assume we are recruiting here
P Fry (Sr)

Milton @ $25 Million

Massive debates are raging over the Eric Milton signing. Many Reds fans feel the contract is too large and too long. We'll see. $25 million is a lot. Uncle Carl has opened the purse a little, if for no reason other than good business. Another year of poor teams and attendance is going to suffer. A baseball game costs too much money for "casual, entertainment fans" to come back often enough to build a good gate.

Milton is a fly ball pitcher. On the plus side, ESPN says that the homers in GABP are about 4% over normal, while in Philly they are 13% over normal, so his numbers should get a little better.

In 2004, the Reds had only three pitchers pitch anything close to significant innings who had a GO/FO ratio near Milton's. One was Gabe White who gave up 6 HR's in 21 innings at home...near 3/ 9 IP. On the other hand, Joe Valentine, who had an ERA of 4.40, gave up 2 in 14.1 innings at home, for a ratio of about 1.3--or above league average. Finally, Luke Hudson gave up 2 in twenty five innings pitched at home with a 4.26 ERA. This should demonstrate that you can pitch with fly balls in the ballpark--if only in short duration.

Hudson is more of a power pitcher than Milton, so that helps. Still, I think Milton can bring down his HR numbers in GABP.

News Flash. Mooch doesn't like Joey

Can you believe it? Mooch blames Joey for dropped balls? Wow. I mean, I saw those drops by Roy Williams...he has to catch those. What is supposed to happen---Joey run out and hand it to him. Joey has plenty of accuracy problems, but that isn't the only problem are O has. Mooch has it in for Joey. More fuel to the idea Joey is only playing because of the front office.

Eric Milton to the Reds

The Reds picked up another starting pitcher today--pretty much of the variety of the past few months, when they signed Eric Milton, a lefty designated an "all-star" by the Reds, which apparently is a permanent designation earned with one trip to the midsummer classic.

Anyhow, he's not a bad pick up. Its a three year deal, and we likely end up eating year three...on the other hand, you can almost always deal a lefty to a contender if you have to.

He's an average pitcher, really.

ERA (4.75, NL AVG 4.30)
OPS Against (.813, NL Avg .752)
K/BB (3.09, NL avg 1.93)
BB/9 (2.62, NL 3.38)
K/9 (6.63, NL 6.24)
H/9 (9.06, NL 9.09)
GO/FO (.59, NL ??)

In prose, here's the Milton story. He's a good control pitcher who K's an amount that will let him succeed. He doesn't give up a lot of hits. However, he's a flyball pitcher who was in a home run park last year. He gave up 42 dings, which is almost double the league average. GABP is supposedly neutral. If those flys die on the warning track, he could be stronger than he was even when he was with the Twins. We'll see. But we might have lined him up with the correct situation.

The rotation now looks decent:

Ortiz
Milton
Wilson
Harang
Claussen or anyone else

This team could finish .500. They've got the building blocks. And if they get hot and stay healthy--you never know. Hope springs eternal.

Consensus: It was a TD

The word from Detroit appears to be that it was a TD, and we caught a break at the end of the game yesterday. We'll take it.

As for the playoffs, they are a mathematical impossibility. But, we will finish out of last for the first time in three years. WOO-HOO!

Sixth Win Against Weak Bears

While I am still open to the idea that we are just this close to being pretty good, you can't rule out the possibility we are as bad as ever. Today's game with the Bears is a case in point.

They are a pitiful offensive team (the worst in the NFL) with a failed QB and limited playmakers. Our defense certainly did hold them down, but they ran for more than 100 yards and completed a large number of short passes. However, to their advantage, they only turned it over once, and the offense was within one very close replay to leading with less than a minute left.

This is on our field.

Now, when we had the ball, Jones ran well for 123 yards. Joey was mediocore, and the receivers were weak. Too many drops-even from vets like Hakin and a rookie like Williams. They didn't help Joey at all. On the other hand, when we went empy and the Bears undertook the standard defensive adjustment--blitzing--we seemed to have not considered that option. Joey flung the ball over his head, and the Bears got the TD that kept them in the game.

There were other instances when Joey failed to go downfield in critical situations and dumped it off instead. And he was inaccurate, too. But, when the guys were open and he hit them, there were too many drops.

Defensively, I think this team is strong and has the potential to be a show-stopper next season. Offensively, with a solid running game, and a safe passing game, maybe this team could do enough to win. Today, we did barely enough against a bad team.

I'm going to check the math guys for the playoff permutations, but let's assume we have a meaningless game against the Titans for a seven win season--a continuing upward progression, but is it enough?

Lions to Face Bears In Meaningless Contest

Yet, people will watch. A sixth win is a possibility.

Merry Christmas

Lions Look to Next Year, Free Agency

The Killer's looking at Lions Free Agents on mlive.com today. Interesting. We have 16 unrestricted free agents, (my 12/24 prediction on their status is included):

Unrestricted

DT Shaun Rogers (KEEP, franchise if necessary)

TE Stephen Alexander (Buh-Bye)

T Stockar McDougle (Only at a good price)

C Dominic Raiola (Keep)

QB Mike McMahon (Buh-Bye)

WR Tai Streets (Buh-Bye)

DT Kelvin Pritchett (OK @ right price, can't overpay)

WR Reggie Swinton (Buh-Bye)

S Bracy Walker (Buh-Bye--set Terrence Holt Free!!)

DT Marcus Bell (OK @ right price)

LB Donte Curry (OK @ right price, but he could go)

QB Rick Mirer (Who knows)

P Nick Harris (keep)

LB Wali Rainer (keep)

FB Stephen Trejo (Buh-Bye)

S Dainon Sidney (Buh-Bye)

Restricted (All of these guys we keep)

WR Eddie Drummond

CB Chris Cash

CB Andre Goodman

T Victor Rogers

G Tyrone Hopson

S Vernon Fox

Falcons Top Off Season with Bowl Win

It was a very good day to root for the Falcons. The GMAC Bowl win is a nice way to end the season. Don't get me wrong---I'd trade the Toledo game for the GMAC game anyday. But the win was nice.

Nice because Omar really got to shine in front of a national audience. His 5 TD's showed everyone what he could do.

Nice because our seniors got to leave with a victory.

Nice because the defense came to play in the second half, instead of falling apart.

Nice because we were up two touchdowns when Williams went out (and yes, I understand his health had a big role in the game).

Nice because when the passing struggled, we went to PJ, and he produced, and then the pass opened up again (lesson learned from Toledo).

Nice because Coach Stud got some pub, too, on ESPN.

Nice because we had things going south, and we turned it around.

Nice because it made a snowy Northwest Ohio night fun.

Nice because Keon got an interception in his last game.

Nice because it sets us up for a season when we should be the favorites to win the MAC.

And that has to be the next goal. We've won the division, and two bowl games in four seasons since Blackney left. We are 37-12 in that span. And now we need a MAC Title. Not the West--or East, whichever--but the MAC Title. It has been 12 seasons since we won the MAC, and the time has come to finish the job this year.

If it means winning on the road, we win a big game on the road. If it means shutting down a big RB, we do it. If it means making a big special teams play, we do it. We have lots back--especially on defense.

One last thing. I understand Memphis' coach said that we had only played one big-time defense and that was Oklahoma. I don't know if he still thinks that, but let's be clear. This team can move the ball on anyone. The MAC is a better conference than the CUSA, and I don't think its close.

A 9-3 record for the Falcons, and a great send off to the year. We'll review the season shortly, and then look at the opening depth chart. But, in the meantime, let's savor the bowl system, which let us finish with a victory, get some practices in, and move on to a victory on national TV.

Three Lions Make Pro Bowl

Apocalypse near. Just kidding. They all deserved it. We do have a few good players, and, in fact, you could argue James Hall should have gone, too.

Final home game on Saturday. Bears is a winnable game, and a nice chance to show that the near misses are signposts on the way to respectability, and not more of the same.

Its almost draft speculation season.

One thing is clear. You have to stick with Harrington. There are no other FA QBs, no trades in the NFL (and not much to trade) and no way anyone can stomach starting all over again. We're halfway across Niagara Falls on a tightrope, and we can't change our tactics without falling to our death.

Falcons Cruise Over Mastadons

Not much to say here. You shoot 80% in the first half against a team much worse than yours, and you walk to the victory. Makes up for the loss last year. Josh played well as did Reimold.

That makes us 6-1, with a six game winning streak. Coach was happy (though I figured he would be PO'd in general) and felt that a win before Christmas lets everyone have a Merry Christmas.

Oakland next, then Buffalo.

GMAC Days Coming

Big day in Memphis is coming tomorrow. Could rain like crazy THERE and snow like crazy here. Who does rain help? Them.

Reds Sign Randa

Beyond the qualities of alliteration, it adds little. He can play third if/when Kearns is back in the OF. He's a fine player. We are at best a .500 team next year, and nothing we have done has really changed it.

I'd like to say I'm surprised...

at how the game today turned out, but I'm not. No Lions fan should be. You make the big rally, head down the field without a time out, get into the end zone, Harrington with the flu, Roy on a gimpy hip, and you score, and you're going to send it into OT and salvage a late season game--yes against a team in as sharp a death spiral as we are, and yes, a team that couldn't stop the pass under any circumstances, but it would be a win, nonetheless.

So, the long snapper--I think its our third this season--dribbles the ball back to the punter, and the most forgotten play in pro sports puts us into defeat. ESPN said Joey was crying...

Remember when these things used to happen, and Bobby Ross would drawl "I don't coach 'em to do that." That's how frustrating the Lions are to coach.

If you check the Lions post-game transcripts, Joey was on IVs, barely made if out of the locker room with the flu. So, his barely over 50 completion percentage, and his two pics are less that topic than they normally are.

One thing, amid the gloom. Sometimes losing some close games is the last thing that happens before a team bursts out. With a running game, maybe Joey clicks in his fourth season, and we get some D in the draft, Rogers comes back, you get the idea. We might be closer than you think.

But ay carumba. How long must we sing this song?

GMAC preview

Its not hard to see how this game is going to boil down. This is a good Memphis team, and we probably match up as poorly on defense as we have any team since Oklahoma. Luckily, they opposite is true as well...let's look.

When Memphis has the ball

DeAngelo Williams, is the best RB we have faced since the OK game. He averaged 166 yards per game--which was more than 40 more than the second best in that league. Its the second in the nation. Its better than 5 CUSA teams. Its about what BG rushed for in each game. It breaks down to 6.2 yards per carry...and 21 TD's.

This kid is the real deal. This could well be his last game as a Tiger, so he'll be looking at scoring on a big stage. Given the problems our defense had with MAC runners, we could be in trouble.

You know, on bulk stats, our run D isn't too bad. 3.7 yards per carry. But, check out these numbers:

Wolfe (NIU) 202 Yards
Seymour (CMU) 155 yards
Givens (BSU) 123 yards
McDougle (UT) 112 yards

In other words, decent runners gained on us this year. Anthony Sherell is the only big-time RB we shut down this year. we have some time to prepare for him, but I really fear that he will eat us alive running the ball.

He runs behind an all-conference lineman (Frederic the center). Four of the five starters are seniors, so this is a seasoned bunch.

They are not one-dimensional, however. Danny Wimprine, their QB, is also a senior and second-team All-CUSA. They were fouth in the conference in passing O, and have a stud receiver in senior Tavares Gideon.

This team reminds me a lot of NIU. Hot TB, good QB who can go over the top if 8 get into the box, and a big receiver like Shelton. And a seasoned, big O-Line.

What are our chances? Well, there are a couple.

Maybe the UT debacle has finally shocked the Falcons into realizing that stopping the run has to become a priority, and we'll figure out how to assemble a run D and get the job done. This is doubtful, though I am not sure why.

The second is to get some turnovers. Memphis turned the ball over 18 times this season. If Keon can get a pick or a strip, and we can get up a couple scores, maybe we got a shot to hold these guys off.

One thing that won't happen. Falcon fans are talking about "getting a lead and taking Memphis out of their game plan." Note--review Toledo game films.

When BG Has The Ball

Memphis was second to last in the CUSA in pass defense. They were eighth in sacks. They were middle of the pack in most other defensive passing categories. They do defend the run well--third in their conference.

As good as their offense is, they defense is average in a conference I believe is about as good as the MAC. We should be able to move the ball on Memphis.

They had a junior All-CUSA back (Wesley Smith), as well as a lineman (Means) and LB on the second team (Enzor).

If the offense takes a powder like it did against Toledo (don't give me that crap about how many TDs were scored--I'm not talking garbage TDs), we will lose for sure. Our offense needs to hit on all cylinders, and the D needs to either surprise us, or get some turnovers for us to win.

Final note: We've got to hit in the red zone for 6.

Special Teams

Memphis has an outstanding kicker, Stephen Gostokowski. He was 20/24 on FG's, so if they need a late FG, we're in trouble. Their punting and KO returns were at the bottom of their conference, which might matter more in a field position game--which is not what anyone anticipates.

I don't predict scores or winners. I like the Falcons chances. I'll be pleasantly surprised if the D can hold Memphis. It should be a BG win in a shoot-out, but I wouldn't be surprised or embarassed if we lost to this team.

Daugherty Nails the Reds Situation

Great Daugherty article on the Reds. Just think of them as a movie or a cheap date. Keep your passion elsewhere...

Falcons Leave for Alabama

Falcons have headed down to Alabama. Watch here for a Memphis preview coming up shortly, but in the meantime, they're on their way to the GMAC Bowl.

More Harrington v. McMahon

Son, what you got here is a real QB controversey. Killer Kowalski weighs in with an inside look at the internal machinations over who to play at QB. Its not a pretty picture.

Update: Mooch says Harrington will start. Millen wins.

The Saga of Joey

Joey appears to have worn out his welcome with Mooch. Its hard to say, but I would speculate that McMahon will finish the season, and then the Lions will go shopping. Joey now has a running game, but still produces little to nothing @ Qb. To all those Joey-haters, I have to tip my hat. I thought he was a can't miss, but there is no reason to think he has done anything BUT miss. Things can change, but today, for now, I don't believe you will ever see him lead a winning team. I don't know what it is. He seems to have the physical ability---he just doesn't seem to have the drive.

Well, one good thing. McMahon will stink, as he always does, and that will be the end of that nonsense. Of course, he's playing for a contract, isn't he.

How about them Lions!

Reds make trade

Reds went dealing, making a trade for an Ortiz--it appears to be Ramon--and I think its a fine deal. We gave up a minor league pitcher who has huge questions about him, and therefore, there is no reason to think that it was too much. Ortiz was good enough last year to start for us, and except for the year before that, he wasn't too bad. He's not going to win a Cy Young, but he improves our staff, and that's fine.

I'm a little worried--though not worried enough to look into it right now--whether his tendency to give up the homer will leave him more vulnerable in Cincy than he was elsewhere in his career. There is an answer to that, and chances are, its bad.

So, Wilson and Ortiz sit at the top of the rotation, and that's the start of a team that might be able to finish .500 if everything goes right.

I also worry if we're overpaying him, but I have to believe that was factored in--and erring on the safe side--by OB and the dudes in the FO.

Then, I hear we signed David Weathers and Ben Weber as free agents. Weathers certainly blew in his first Cincy assignment, but his 4.15 ERA once again positions him to contribue to our club. And, if healthy, Weber becomes a nice guy in a set up role, and he appears to be a whack-job, which will fit in nicely.

Limited Domino Effect

The clock on the Brandon watch is probably off midnight. The normal football domino effect appears to have slacked off, as some internal promotions have been made, especially at BYU. Not that I expected Brandon to go to BYU, but rather he could have replaced the guy who went to BYU. Wannstedt possibly going to Pitt even helps a little more. I think its likely he will be back.

UT DC Lou West will go to Indiana State to be HC. We'll see how much he is missed once he's gone....probably more than anticipated.

Harrington Watch...For Whom the Bell Tolls

Great blog on the Detroit News site. Hilarious. Details all the Lions QB switches over the past few years. There have been enough to be embarrassing. But it seems that McMahon will finish the season. He'll stink, but sometimes you have to try something. And we have to go looking for a QB. Do we have cap room for Brees?

Detroit News Weblog IDs possible QB Switch

Lions Blow Another One

I think what disoriented us was that when we left the field at halftime, and fans were booing and it WASN'T our fans--well, hell, that has to throw a guy off.

Really, we were lucky it was as close as it was. The Packers who handing the game over throughout the first half, and only a team as incompetent as the Lions could only have been up 13 at the half. The second half felt like a foregone conclusion most of the way. Farve does respond when cornered. Joey does not.

I like Kevin Jones...I like him a lot. He's a great pick up. I like Dick Jauron--I think he gets those guys as ready to play as anyone can. I like Hanson. The rest of them I can take or leave.

I mean Joey was 5 of 22. We gained only 45 yards in the air. It doesn't matter how hard the wind was blowing. Its not all Joey's fault. Plenty of drops out there. Protection was OK, but not great. Still, it becomes harder and harder to imagine Joey being the guy who leads this team to the Super Bowl.

Well, above .500 is gone now. A .500 season remains a remote possibility. If we can put anything together at all, we can beat the Vikes at Ford next week, as they ride through their annual November-December purple fade.

On the whole, another disappoointing season. Let's hope we can finally get some more help from the draft. Do you draft QB?

Falcons overwhelm Penguins

The Falcons bolted out to an 18 point lead less than seven minutes into the contest, and never looked back. At 47-28 with 18:48 left in the game, the Penguins were as close as they would get. BG held them off, no significant runs, and the 5-game winning streak is intact.

Almanson was on fire. Coach says he is very focused. He is on his way to the All-MAC season he has always been capable of. He scored 28, which tied his career high, shooting 11-13, including a trey. Reimold chipped in 16 and Wright 14. Unlike our teams in the past two years, this team's starting lineup has three legitimate scoring threats. That helps a lot.

We shot well again, at 53% for the game, and held Youngstown to 42%, with about 29% from beyond the arc. They did get six three's. We only turned it over 16 times, and shot 80% from the line, too.

We played well, and Youngstown isn't very good. Still, the Falcons have two road wins, equalling the number of road wins last year's club had all season.

That early Buffalo game is shaping up to be a proving ground for our club.

In the meantime, they get a break. They have only two games left this month--IPFW and Oakland--and could easily bring a healthy 7-1 into the contest against the team some thought would win the East.

Indiana Wants Me, Lord I Can't go Back there,

Apparently, Coach Brandon is on the list at Indiana. He also said in the BG News that he wants to make more money, sure, but it wouldn't be any fun in an evironment where he was getting his butt kicked, which would seem to describe the situation at Indiana, where their all-time winning percentage is 43% and they have had nine straight losing seasons since Mallory left. I have to believe he passes there. BYU worries me a little bit--but do they want an LDS coach? At this point, he may be back, and we could have a big season, which is all the better for him.

Falcons and Penguin Prognostication

Well, on one hand, this is a team we beat last year pretty easily, and they did not return most of that team (only six back) and they were 8-20 last season. They are 0-3 against Division I competition this season, and none of the games have been close. They are ranked 314 out of 332 teams in Sagarin.

On the other hand, this year we're playing at their place, and two of their losses are to a pretty good Southwest Missouri State and a decent (top 100) Boston University team. At home they could be tough....

Add it all up. We should win this game. I don't believe we played as badly against Bluffton as we let on, and it we bring our game Saturday, we should win.

Falcons stomp Bluffton

As expected, the Falcons shot 65% and beat DIII Bluffton 87-60. Of course, we had a lot of close in shots.

As expected, Coach Dakich railed in his post-game talk about how bad the team was, how the wrong team won the game, etc, etc. Just like he did after the last two Urbana games I was at.

Free fries were acquired. Reimold with 18.

Tough game Saturday against Youngstown State, who has a reputation of being hard to beat at home. We need to keep the ball rolling. We should finish December without a loss, setting up a message game against Buffalo on 1/2 in AA.

Reds Say Good-Bye To Larkin, others

A sad day today, as we non-tendered four guys. Larkin leaving, of course, is the end of a drama that was foretold months ago, yet should not suffer in the passing. Of course, Darren Bragg and Gabe White--we won't miss those guys.

But Barry was one of our great ones. But, the surest way to live an unhappy life is to expect nothing to change.

We decided to keep John Reidling. Why is not immediately clear.

Non-tender Riedling?!

Not so long ago, it was unthinkable. Today, it is the best move. You shouldn't pay any kind of money for a guy this below average--there are, by definition, many others out there. Furthermore, his arc is in the wrong direction. You have to be ruthless if you are going to win without $$$.

Year	ERA	H/9	K/9	BB/9
2004	5.10	10.1	5.97	4.43
2003	4.90	9.5	5.8	4.2
2002	2.70	7.5	5.8	5.0

Brandon Does TV Interview

Coach Brandon did an interview on Fox, where he says he was never offered the job at UNLV and turned it down pretty much as soon as he got back to BG.

Lions Snap Losing Streak

Well, the Lions finally snapped their losing streak yesterday. Candidly, its nothing to be proud of. They needed to have an opposing QB throw 4 picks to make it happen. There was plenty wrong with the rest of the effort. Joey was poor again. His passing is inaccurate, and it shouldn't be--he can't surivive if it doesn't improve.

Kevin Jones, on the other hand, is going to be a good one. We should be under no illusions that Arizona is a run-stopping machine, but even having said that, I think we can agree that he is the kind of back we haven't had for a long time. He is a great bargain for as last as we got him.

His emergence does put the lie to the theory that if Joey had a running game to take the pressure off, he could deliver. Because he increasingly has one, and it hasn't.

Artose Pinner...welcome to the waiver wire.

Navarre was simply awful, but you might have expected that in his first start. He is nowhere near ready for that level of competition, and by "that level of competiton" I mean the Lions, which isn't exactly the Pro Bowl.

Did I mention the Red Zone. We were atrocious in the Red Zone. We're luck all those FG's were enough to get it done.

I like Alex Lewis. When Bailey gets back, this D has a chance to compete. I really think it does. If the offense can develop anything at all, this team could make the playoffs next season.

Playoffs?!!! Playoffs!!!? Well, its not even out of the realm of possiiblity for this rear, difficult as that is to believe. We are one game out of the wild card. One key concept here: The NFC sucks.

For the second time this season, we are playing a cornered Packer team. And they will do what they do in a corner...beat us like a drum.

Blade Confirms Brandon Turns Down UNLV

Brandon Says No to UNLV

Hoopsters go 3-1

The Hoopsters played another strong game, winning their first game in Detroit since Ike was in office by 6, 59-53. This is a good win. Detroit is tough to beat at home, and they are certainly a MAC-caliber team.

Elements to the victory. First, get John Reimold to shoot 10-13 from the field and 6-8 from the arc, and we won't lose very often. He had 28. Overall, we shot 52.6% for the game (another good signal), including 50% from beyond the arc. Only 20 fouls and 17 to's.

Second, we held Detroit to 40.9% shooting. Detroit is a poor shooting team, and they didn't get well against us.

And that's how it goes. We didn't have a great offensive night, but Reimold made us good enough to win, given strong D.

This is exciting. We should win our next three, and enter MAC play at 7-1. Its a game by game thing, but to date, you have to be very happy with our play. Reimold and Almanson are leaders, and Steven Wright is a natural 2. John Floyd has been solid at PG. Soler and Eyink are giving good minutes off the bench.

Brandon Not Going to UNLV

A statement released by BG says that Coach Brandon has declined the job at UNLV. Its possible they choose Utah's Sanford over him, and let him pull out gracefully, but either way, if he leaves, it doesn't appear it will be to UNLV.

Falcons Award Banquets

From BGSU on the awards banquet. Congrats to the winners...apparently, Coach didn't resign at the banquet.

Jacobs Named Team MVP

2004 Football Awards Banquet

Dec. 4, 2004

Bowling Green, Ohio - Sophomore quarterback Omar Jacobs was named team MVP at the 2004 BGSU Football Awards Banquet, December 4. BGSU is 8-3 and will play Memphis at the 2004 GMAC Bowl, December 22, in Mobile, Alabama.

In addition, the team's 14 seniors were recognized for posting a MAC best 36-12 record since 2001 and have been nationally ranked each of the last four seasons.

Jacobs has tied a MAC record by being responsible for 40 TDs (rushing or passing), a mark he shares with former Falcon and current Baltimore Raven Josh Harris (2003), Pittsburgh Steeler Ben Roethlisberger (2003 for Miami) and New York Jet Chad Pennington (1997 for Marshall). He joined former Falcons Paul Miles (1973), Brian McClure (1983-84-85) and Erik White (1991 and 1992) as being named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year.

He set a school-record with a national leading 36 TD passes and also ranks first in points responsible for (21.8). He is second in total offense (357.1), passing yards (3,637), third in passing efficiency (167.8) and fourth in completions per game (25.3). For the season, Jacobs has completed 283 of 418 passes for 3,637 yards and 36 TDs. He also has rushed for 291 yards and four TDs.

BGSU Football 2004 Awards Banquet

President's Award (Athletic/Academics)-- Andy Grubb Future Award-- Kory Lichtensteiger,Pete Winovich Captains-- Jovon Burkes, Keon Newson, Cole Magner, Scott Mruczkowski Coaches Award (Attitude)-- Cornelius McGrady, Todd DiBacco Carlos Jackson Leadership and Inspiration Award-- Andrew Hart Ken Schoeni Award (toughness and Desire)-- T.J. Carswell, James Hawkins Orange Helmet Award (Football Player)-- Cole Magner Doyt Perry Award (Supporter)-- J. Robert Sebo Top Defensive Lineman-- Mike Thaler Top Linebacker-- Jovon Burkes Top Defensive Back-- Keon Newson Top Offensive Lineman-- Scott Mruczkowski Top Receiver-- Charles Sharon Top Offensive Back-- P.J. Pope Special Teams-- Shaun Suisham Victory Club Offense-- Scott Mruczkowski, Andy Grubb Victory Club Defense--Daniel Sayles, Jelani Jordan Victory Club Special Teams--Terrel White, Gavin Powell

Sources on AZZ.com are reporting that Coach Brandon has been offered a $600,000 deal to coach UNLV

He will probably take it, and most likely announce it at tonight's banquet, if the report is true. Reports are he has told the team today.

Falcons Should Beat Titans

I've come to this opinion. The Titans have lost to Ball State and Western, big in one case. We should win this game today.

Begin the Brandon Watch

My prediction is that Brandon has one more game in orange and brown. I don't necessarily think he will go to UNLV, but I believe he will go. Meanwhile, he snuck out to Vegas, but the local paper found his hotel registration.

He has no word on his return, but then again...what happens in Vegas STAYS in Vegas (hehehehe).

Its actually a sticky day for Brandon, because the Football Banquet is tonight. He has to get up and laud everybody and talk about how great the program is, without pulling an Urban and giving them the idea he's not leaving. Hopefully,he will handle it better than Urban.

Coach Brandon Interviews in Vegas

Give the devil his due

You can mock Toledo Tom for being fat and undisciplined.
You can laugh at their early season debacle against Minnesota and Kansas.
You can say Bruce doesn't have a good arm.
You can say their offensive scheme is boring and predictable.

Give the devil his due.

You can't take away three division titles in the last four years.
You can't take away two MAC titles in the last three years.
This team wins, and they deserve credit. As much as I hate them.

They win, and until we're doing what they are doing, there won't be any shutting them up.

Reds Re-Sign Paul Wilson

The Reds have inked Paul Wilson to another 2-year deal. His 4.35 ERA is certainly competitive, (just under the league average). $3.5M per year isn't a bad deal. He's the downside. His k/9 is under 6, the normal mark where a guy can sustain long-term success. Not to be negative, but I don't anticipate 2004 being anything more than a career year. The other downside is that Wilson is our #1 starter, so our chances of spending more on another starter are...


0.

GMAC Invite Confirmed

Should be a good one against Memphis. Their big RB will eat us alive if we don't bring our tackling game.

GMAC Confirmed

Omar Jacobs MAC Player of the Year

Congratulations to super Soph Omar Jacobs. What a remarkable season he had. This honor is well deserved. The easiest thing would have been to give it to Frye as the Senior, but they made the right choice and the deserving choice. He is an absolutely fantastic player. Check out the numbers he put up from the article below.

Final point: The award also belongs to the receivers, the line and the backs. Omar didn't have very many dropped passes, and he was hardly sacked at all. The team helped make him better, and he made them better.

Toledo Blade Story on Jacobs

Krebs Email Strongly Hints GMAC

A leaked email found on AZZ.com from AD Krebs clearly indicates GMAC is STILL the bowl for the Falcons, to take on Memphis.

From: Paul Krebs [mailto:pkrebs@bgnet.bgsu.edu]
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2004 2:37 PM
Subject: Bowl Update
Importance: High

I wanted to update you on the bowl situation. The good news, BGSU will be going to a post season bowl game. For only the second time in our history, we will be involved in back to back bowl bids. The bad news, we still do not know which game will select the Falcons. I feel very good about our opportunity in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile and still feel strongly that we will end up in this game. But nothing is certain. We hope to know within the next day. If not GMAC, we will most likely be in Boise, Vegas, or Shreveport. I will keep you posted and notify as soon as we are selected.

In the meantime, we need to continue to stoke the fires of our alumni and donor interest in following the falcons to a bowl game. Our success in the bowl will in large part be determined by the number of fans that turn out to support the Falcons. Any thing we can do to communicate our plans to our alumni and encourage them to support the football team by purchasing tickets through our ticket office will be key.

Right now, we continue to tell fans to stay tuned, we are going bowling, we just don;t know where yet. All are being advised to check our website as details will be posted as soon as we know. We are still planning large ticket mailings to alumni in the south should we end up there.

Paul Krebs
Assistant VP for Student Affairs & Director of Athletics
Bowling Green State University

10 Falcons All-Mac

The All-MAC team was announced today. Overall, only a couple surprises and disappointments. Overall, the biggest disappointment is having ten guys on the first or second team, and still finishing third.

A couple points:

Omar was first-team all-MAC. A huge honor, especially to be picked over Charlie Frye as a sophomore, when the inclination would have been to pick Frye because he was a senior. Omar had to have been that much better, and he was.

I think one of our receivers should have been on the first or second team. We distribute the ball so well, its hard to rack up big numbers, but Sharon was fifth in catches and had 13 TD's. That should be All-MAC.

Burkes and Newson both deserved their first-team listing. I hope Keon gets defensive player of the year tomorrow.

Adell Givens should not have been All-MAC either. Anthony Sherrell deserved that spot.

%% (2001 second-team all-MAC)
&& (2002 first-team all-MAC)
$$ (2002 second-team all-MAC)
++(2003 first-team all-MAC)
## (2003 second-team all-MAC)
^^ (2003 honorable mention all-MAC)

First Team Offense

Center - Brian Van Aker, Northern Illinois (Jr., Crystal Lake, Ill.)
Lineman - Rob Warren, Bowling Green (Jr., Mentor, Ohio)
Lineman - Adam Kieft, Central Michigan (Sr., Rockford, Mich.)##
Lineman - Jake VerStraete, Northern Illinois (Sr., Atkinson, Ill.)++
Lineman - Nick Kaczur, Toledo (Sr., Brantford, Ont.)&&/++/%%
(tie) Tight End - Brad Cieslak, Northern Illinois (Sr., Long Grove, Ill.)
(tie) Tight End - Tony Scheffler, Western Michigan (Jr., Chelsea, Mich.)
Wide Receiver - Dante Ridgeway, Ball State (Jr., Decatur, Ill.)
Wide Receiver - Lance Moore, Toledo (Sr., Westerville, Ohio)++
Wide Receiver - Greg Jennings, Western Michigan (Jr., Kalamazoo, Mich.)##
Quarterback - Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green (So., Delray Beach, Fla.)
Running Back - Adell Givens, Ball State (Fr., Hamilton, Ohio)
Running Back - Jerry Seymour, Central Michigan (So., Miramar, Fla.)##
Running Back - Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois (So., Chicago, Ill.)
Placekicker - Andrew Wellock, Eastern Michigan (So., Canton, Ohio)p

First Team Defense

Outside Linebacker - Terna Nande, Miami (Jr., Grand Rapids, Mich.)##
Outside Linebacker - Javan Lee, Northern Illinois (Jr., Michigan City, Ind.)
Lineman - Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan (So., McBain, Mich.)
Lineman - Johnathan Goddard, Marshall (Sr., Jacksonville, Fla.)
Lineman - Marcus Johnson, Miami (Jr., Youngstown, Ohio)
Lineman - Travis Moore, Northern Illinois (Sr., Robbins, Ill.)
Inside Linebacker - Jovon Burkes, Bowling Green (Sr., Detroit, Mich.)
Inside Linebacker - Brian Atkinson, Northern Illinois (Sr., Chicago, Ill.)$$/++
Defensive Back - Justin Beriault, Ball State (Sr., Indianapolis, Ind.)$$/++
Defensive Back - Keon Newson, Bowling Green (Sr., Decatur, Ga.)
Defensive Back - Lionel Hickenbottom, Northern Illinois (Sr., Dolton, Ill.)
Defensive Back - Patrick Body, Toledo (Sr., Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Punter - Reggie Hodges, Ball State (Sr., Champaign, Ill.)

Second Team Offense

Center - Scott Mruczkowski, Bowling Green (Sr., Garfield Heights, Ohio)++
Lineman - Kory Lichtensteiger, Bowling Green (Fr., Van Wert, Ohio)
Lineman - Todd Londot, Miami (Jr., Utica, Ohio)##
Lineman - Doug Free, Northern Illinois (So., Manitowoc, Wi.)
Lineman - Ben Lueck, Northern Illinois (So., Oswego, Ill.)
Tight End - Chris Holmes, Toledo (Sr., Chicago, Ill.)
Wide Receiver - Josh Davis, Marshall (Sr., Hickory Grove, S.C.)
Wide Receiver - Dan Sheldon, Northern Illinois (Sr., Elgin, Ill.)
Wide Receiver - Eric Deslauriers, Eastern Michigan (So., Gatineau, Que.)
Quarterback - Charlie Frye, Akron (Sr., Willard, Ohio)
Running Back - Brett Biggs, Akron (Jr., Bartow, Fla.)
Running Back - P.J. Pope, Bowling Green (Jr., Fairfield, Ohio)++
Running Back - Anthony Sherrell, Eastern Michigan (Sr., Roseville, Mich.)++
Placekicker - Shaun Suisham, Bowling Green (Sr., Wallaceburg, Ont.)

Second Team Defense

Outside Linebacker - James King, Central Michigan (Sr., Southfield, Mich.)##
Outside Linebacker - Keon Jackson, Toledo (Jr., East Chiacgo, Ill.)
Lineman - Mitchell Crossley, Bowling Green (Jr., Springfield, Ohio)##
Lineman - Justin Parrish, Kent State (Jr., Landover Hills, Md.)
Lineman - Jamus Martin, Marshall (Sr., Martinsville, Va.)$$/++
Lineman - Kevin Carberry, Ohio (Sr., Oak Lawn, Ill.)
Inside Linebacker - Kevin Harrison, Eastern Michigan (Sr., Belleville, Mich.)
Inside Linebacker - Eric Mahl, Kent State (Sr., Monroeville, Ohio) ^^
Defensive Back - Curtis Keyes, Marshall (So., Mt. Olive, Miss.)
Defensive Back - Alphonso Hodge, Miami (Sr., Cleveland, Ohio)
Defensive Back - Matt Pusateri, Miami (Sr., Dublin, Ohio)
Defensive Back - Darrell Hunter, Miami (Jr., Middletown, Ohio)
Punter - Adam Anderson, Western Michigan (Sr., Chesaning, Mich.)++

Honorable Mention

(next top five in voting regardless of position)
Placekicker - Chris Nendick, Northern Illinois (Fr., Naperville, Ill.)
Quarterback - Joshua Cribbs, Kent State (Sr., Upper Marlboro, Md.)
Running Back - Luke Clemens, Miami (Sr., Dayton, Ohio)
Outside Linebacker - John Busing, Miami (Jr., Alpharetta, Ga.)
Outside Linebacker - Daniel Sayles, Bowling Green (Sr., Warner Robbins, Ga.)

Falcons Look Good to Bowl

Well, with 56 bowl eligible teams, and a max of two more, it looks like we're bowling. Only to find out where, hopefully in the next 48 hours. Its a good reward for the team. As MAC teams, we're not used to this thing where you lose and move on. We're in the culture of win or stay home. The extra practices will be good for the new O-line, and let's hope we're ready to go for the MAC Title next season.

Toledo Blade on Bowling Bowling Green

Falcon Road to Disappointment

Falcon fans have beenfrustrated since the Toledo loss, because the one thing our revamped programhas failed to do is when big games on the road. Since Toledo does do thison occasion, they remain the stronger program in the West, and we remainthe ones who are doing the chasing.

Let's look at road games in the Meyer/Brandon era.

Against teams with winnings records, we are 1-9. That's right, 1-9. The win was Purdue 03. Losses were Marshall 01, NIU 02, S. Florida 02, Toledo 02, OSU 03, Miami 03, NIU 04, Oklahoma 04 and Toledo 04.

Against teams with losing records, on the other hand, we are 13-1, so we can obviously play on the road. The only team with a losing record we lost to on the road was WMU 01, while we beat Missouri 01, Akron 01, Ohio 01, Northwestern 01, Kansas 02, CMU 02, Kent 02, WMU 03, EMU 03, Ball 03, Ohio 04, CMU 04, Temple 04.

What is even more frustrating is that the defeats on the road in the MAC have been bad defeats, where our team gets beaten outright and performs well below what we expect. This remains something which must be fixed before we can become the MAC's premier football program.

Falcons Going Bowling?

It looks good. Where is another question. There are 56 Bowl eligible teams, and the possibility of two more. Even if they both get eligible, we still probably get in ahead of Akron and Marshall, so my guess is we'll be OK. The bowl bid is important. Its certainly a tough pill to swallow after losing to Toledo, but the extra practices will be good for the team, and get some reps for next year's O-line. Also, we can right our ship, and prepare for a MAC (not division) Championship in '05.

Guaranteed No-Loss Day for Lions

Celebrate!

Another nice Falcon Win

Falcons beat what appears to be a decent Bradley team in Anderson Arena today, cruising to a 16 point victory, with second half leads much higher than that in the second half.

A very good defensive effort by BG, which appears to be the team's hallmark. Just as Cedric Banks of UIC was completely shut down (no FG's), Marcellus Sommerville, who was averaging in the mid-20's was held to 11 points and only 1 FG on seven shots. Where UIC went 0-15 from beyond the arc, BG held Bradley to 1-11. And, with 7'0 C Patrick O'Bryant underneath, Bradley wasn't able to capitalize on BG overplaying the perimeter.

Bradley shot only 38.5% in the first half, and 43.8% for the game. That tells the whole story from their side. A stifling, hustling, surprisingly deep Falcon team just shut then down. Their leading scoring was a guy off the bench.

BG had contributions from a number of guys.

*Josh Almanson continued All-MAC caliber play with 22 points and six boards in the post, even after getting stuffed by O'Bryant early. Josh mixes 3 trey's into the mix.

*John "the Human Scab" Floyd flopped, dove, and scrapped his way into the heart of Falcon fans. This guy will be a fan favorite. He is a solid ball handler, breaks pressure, and had 8 assists in the game.

*Floyd's emergence has allowed Stephen Wright to play 2, and he is more suited to that. 16 points on 7-11 shooting, and a big contribution during a key run I will cover in a minute.

*And don't forget Reimold, who had 19 points, 3-6 from beyond the arc, 9 boards and a block, and lots of hustle and strong play.

*Fitch contributed 22 strong minutes...steady, handling the ball, playing D. Classic unselfish role player. Austin Montgomery threw in 12 solid minutes, and Cory Eyink had 8 points in 18 minutes. He is playing with a great deal of energy this season.

The team is doing well. Its a lot more fun to watch.

Here was the key sequence. We're up 10 early in the second half, but Bradley chips it to 4 with Sommerville's only FG of the night. Their bench is up, and they can feel the momentum coming on. From here...


17:24 Stephen Wright drills a 3. BG Up 7.
16:36 Stephen Wright gets a steal and a layup and BG up 9.

Bradley then chips it back to 5. Again, a run could be coming on.

15:07 Stephen Wright Lay up BG Up 7.
14:57 Coach Les gets T'd. Reimold hits both, and BG up 9.
14:30 Stephen Wright old school 3 point play, BG up 12.

The game never got closer than 12 again. After a quiet first half, Stephen Wright took over the game at a key point. From the 44-39 score, BG goes on a 21-6 run, and its all over.

A fine effort for a 2-1 club. Tough assignment at Detroit next Saturday, but its a one game at a time proposition. If we can pull it off, its another sign this thing is happening. If we don't, its not the end of the world.

National Humiliation, and our only real player goes down

We should be thankful that we do not rely only on Lions football for things for which we can be thankful on Thanksgiving. Because there was little to be thankful for today.

It was 41-9, and I hadn't expected it to be quite that close. Actually, the Lions moved the ball early, but then again, everyone moves the ball on the Colts. But eventually, we were so inept with the ball, and the Colts never missed when they had the ball that the rout was one.

No need to dwell on it. Let's hope the losing streak can end against Arizona on Sunday next.

Losing Eddie Drummond was a blow. He has been a signficant part of our attack, and Mooch said post-game he is probably gone for the year. It really sets the team back, both in competitiveness and fan interest.

McMahon Backers--don't get excited. Joey is the QB. I have my doubts that Joey will ever take us anywhere, but I am SURE McMahon won't, although he did pick apart the Colts prevent defense with the skill of a punch drunk carny. Mooch confirmed this (the Joey part, not the Carny part) after the game. Joey has got to get it together--right now, too many open receivers never get anywhere near the ball. I don't think Mooch likes him, and I think he might be ready to cut bait.

Jones is a stud, on the other hand. He's going to be a good one. I really feel an accurate QB could make this offense adequate, as opposed to among the worst in the NFL.

Falcons Play Well Against Cold Flames

BG played well last night and defeated a good UIC team that came within one shot of beating #3 Georgia Tech earlier in the week. No doubt, it had to be tough for them. You play that big game, and then you pile in a bus for five hours, haul your way across Indiana, to play in a gym with about 1,500 people in it and the promise of a bus ride back in a snowstorm, all on the night before a holiday.

Still, we played very good team defense, and UIC shot 28% for the game, and 20% in the first half, when we led by 18 (thank god it wasn't 20). They were 0-15 for threes for the whole game, and their all-star Cedrick Banks only got six points.

On our side, we played well. Our new additions are making a difference right away, and I think this team feels like it is much better than the team was last year. First, we have a true PG---maybe two. John Floyd really handles the ball, and seems in command. Dribbles out of pressure. 7 assists.

Perrick looks sharp to me, although he didn't play well last night, with 4 to's in 7 minutes. If Floyd continues to look this good, it gives him time to mature without starting right away.

Josh is playing great, especially on the inside. He had a big game with 17 points and 5 boards.

Steven Wright is a real #2, and was really not at home at point. He had 13 on 4-9 shooting, and played good D.

Scott Vandermeer is going to be an exciting player. he had seven boards and three blocks in 16 minutes. Dude has the longest arms in the MAC. Dakich said that he will end up in the NBA, which I hope is true. I hope he's MAC POY more. Right now, he adds a lot.

Soler adds some intensity and maturity for the 11 minutes he played.

We shot 51%, including 58% in the first half, and we nailed five threes.

The only downsides were 20 TOs, 27 fouls, and only hitting 56% of Fts, very unusual for us and something I think we will get back on track next time.

Overall, a great home opener for the guys, and I think a showing to fans that the team is going to play harder and as a team, and that there is enough talent for us to compete in the MAC, which is the next step back. I'm feeling good about my 17-10 call (we're actually +1 on that now).

2004 Football Falcon Predictions in Review

All in all, I did pretty well. I called 8-3 correctly. Thought we would beat Northern and lose to Marshall, so those two were reversed.

Falcons Win/Loss Predictions

Honest and straight. I'm thinking 8-3, 7-2 in the MAC and second in the MAC West. Here goes:

@ OKLAHOMA L
SE MISS W
@NIU W
@Temple W
@CMU W
BSU W
@OU W
EMU W
WMU W
Marshall L
@Toledo L

I like this....we need more of it.

Debacle at UT

Not much to say right now. Good night's sleep didn't help...still very depressed. The MAC's fourth best program was humiliated last night. For full thoughts, check out ay-ziggy-zoomba.com, from the link to the left.

Maybe a fourth bowl bid coming our way. Hard to care right now.

Dean is the Perfect Man for DNC


He has renergized our party once, and he can do it again. For all the reasons listed here, and one more: he won't be a Hillary shill (or a Shillary) for President in '08.

Dean for DNC

Reds Depth Chart and Outlook

Better than I could do, here is a Reds Depth Chart looking ahead at a not so promising future--especially on the hill. The kind of info junkies have...

Reds Depth Chart

Game Day! The Big Game!!

Falcons and Rockets, from the Glass Bowl on ESPN 2. Rockets can win the West title, and this can be the season redemption for the Falcons. With Clemson and South Carolina out of their bowl games, its possible we're in a bowl either way. But let's win, and get the GMAC bid tonight, which seems to be the hint from everyone on what will happen.

Go Falcons. Beat the Rockets.

When you root for the Lions

The Scenery Never Changes

Well, you can't be too surprised. That was a classic Lions performance. Play great for about 35 minutes--running the ball, passing effectively, playing good D with good special teams. Ready to win a big game on the road and reverse a losing streak.

No. Because in classic Lions fashion, it was followed by an implosion. Six first downs in three quarters, stupid personal fouls, turnovers, and a defense that was mowed over with essentially no resistance. I can't say I am surprised, but I can't understand it. It was so typical.

4-6. Colts on hand next, so its 4-7. .500 is by the boards, more or less, and this team isn't getting any better...yet. We do have some ability--I like Jones, I like Williams, I think I will like Rogers. I like where the D is headed. We just need help on the Oline, at QB (maybe), and to shed this losing attitude that is infused within the organization.

Falcons Perform Well @ Depaul

A look at the box score confirms what I thought from yesterday...that BG was very competitive on the road with a DePaul team that would, at least, be a mid-to-top tier MAC team.

With 5:18 to play, we were down two after Germian Fitch tipped in a hoop. Over the next 2:10, we turn the ball over twice, but thanks to domr middrd by DePaul, are still down only 4 with 3:08 to play. Here's the vital sequence.

*DePaul misses a jumper, but gets the offensive board (note) and converts a 3 off it. DePaul +7.

*Almanson misses a jumper, Brumfield claims one of his 15 boards.

*DePaul misses again, gets their own board (note), gets fouled and nails two FT's. (DePaul +9). 1:06 to play, game over.

Conclusion: Turnovers and not taking caring of the boards down the stretch cost us a winnable game. These can be corrected.

Other thoughts:

*We got out rebounded by 8. Why did LeFeld and Vandermeer only play 8 minutes combined, and 2 for LeFeld?

*We rely on FG Defense to win. DePaul shot 51% in the second half.

*We shot only 28.6% on threes.

*Robinson seemed to play OK. In 17 minutes, he didn't score, but had 4 assists and no Turnovers. Floyd played 11 minutes, with 3 over 1.

*BG turned the ball over only 14 times. A big key for the season.

*Wright had 17, and might turn out to be a very good 2.

*If Josh Almanson comes to play like that every night, we will be competitive.

*Reimold gets a lot of attention from other D's. We need to penetrate and get him the ball with good looks. Let's hope Wright and Robinson can do that.

Battle hard, Lose to DePaul

More later, but BG battled hard before losing to Depaul by ten today. In my view, it was a positive sign for the season, although we'll have to look at the stats to get a better look. We led a good portion of the way.

Killer Kowalski in an Mlive Chat...

Says that the Lions are not standing pat, but making some big changes for the coming games. Sounds good, and its worth a try. The three yards and a cloud of dust West Coast attack is making my head hurt.

Killer Says Big Changes are on the Way

Lions @ QB

Lots of debate today about what to do about Joey. The needle is starting to point away from potential and toward bust. Its not over--he is reported to be sharp--but he has to produce this year. The problem with failing at QB in the NFL, is it doesn't leave you many options. If you go to the draft, you may consign yourself to rebuilding for three seasons before you compete. If you go for a veteran, you might get a guy who isn't any better than Kurt Warner.

Although I might suggest Drew Brees might be a good pick-up. He is showing he can play, and I always liked this skill level and his intangibles.

There is no doubt that Joey doesn't have all the offensive pieces in place. Who ever does? He's supposed to make them better, not sit around and wait for them to lift him up.

Picking a QB #3, when you have next to nothing already in place (Batch) is a risky proposition. Let's hope Joey can work out. I have given up hope, but merely began to doubt.

Knorr Joins Darnell in seeking work

No surprises here.

Depressed Democrats Therapy

See, "Feeling Blue" is a pun.

http://www.markfiore.com/animation/depressed.html

Falcon Hoops Predicted Finish

I think we're better than people think, strong at home, and capable of a couple upsets on the road.

(17-10) (12-7) Third in West, Home Court, Finish Strong, Advance to Gund

11/20/2004 @ Depaul L
11/24/2004 Illinois-Chicago L
11/27/2004 Bradley W
12/04/2004 @ Detroit L
12/08/2004 Bluffton W
12/11/2004 @ Youngstown St W
12/21/2004 IPFW W
12/30/2004 @Oakland W
01/02/2005 Buffalo W
01/06/2005 @ Marshall L
01/09/2005 Northern Illinois W
01/12/2005 @ Eastern Michigan L
01/15/2005 Western Michigan W
01/18/2005 @ Ball St L
01/22/2005 Toledo W
01/26/2005 @ Central Michigan W
01/29/2005 @ Ohio L
02/03/2005 Akron W
02/07/2005 Ohio W
02/09/2005 @Toledo L
02/12/2005 Kent State L
02/16/2005 Ball St W
02/19/2005 Bracket Buster W
02/23/2005 @ N. Illinois W
02/27/2005 Miami W
03/02/2005 @ Western Michigan L
03/05/2005 Central MichiganW

Brandon Toledo Presser for This Week

Rocket Respect===Yes
Bulletin Board Material===None

Mac Gets Third Bowl Bid

This is good news for our league. BG and UT may be playing for the third bowl bid, although the many permutations give me a headache. I am confident it we win against UT we will be in a bowl, which we have earned.

MAC with Third Bowl Bid

Falcons Ranked in Both Polls

nt.

Failure to Take Buffalo Advice Stops Lions Again...

Eddie Drummond remains only Lion worth the oxygen it takes to keep him alive

God, was that awful. Let's start with the obvious...the offense. Now, I have been a Joey backer. I have felt that he has never had a fair chance, and that his line stunk and he had no running game and no receivers. Let's not kid ourselves, he's not running around with the '72 Dolphins out there today, but the cast is there to compete.

Furthermore, Jones was respectable running the ball. Joey was simply dreadful. Receivers got open, and he couldn't get the ball anywhere near them. This was a winnable game, and the loss falls solely on his shoulders. He hits some receivers (completions % was about 1/3), and we win the game.

As I mentioned, I have always believed Joey was going to be in the Pro Bowl. Originally, I wanted to pick Roy Williams (the other one), but we went QB, and that's fine. I thought he would mature into a West Coast QB. I still haven't given up on him, but yesterday the needle moved from confidence to undecided. Its three years in, and he wasn't any better yesterday than he was in his first season. And he had Jones and Williams healthy, Swinton is a nice surprise. He had some tools. All the errors were squarely on him.

Its pretty bad when your best hope in OT is to force a punt and get another miracle from Drummond.

The defense didn't play badly. Now, the Jags without Leftwich are hobbled, but the D played pretty well. Yes, they marched right over our butt in OT, but they only gave up 17 points in regulation. That's a passable effort from a D on the field way too much. Dick Jauron is a good coach, because this team is better than its talent.

Eddie....what can we say. The new Mel Grey. Love him. Plays great. That first TD was inspired, and the second was clutch football all the way.

Scary thing is, we're only one game out. Don't have a high level of optimism against the Vikes on the road, but who knows. At this rate, 6 wins is a ceiling. I am beginning to wonder if we shouldn't look QB in the draft next year. Its a blow, because we should have been able to think defense, but we may not have that luxury.

Great Senior Day at the Doyt

My impressions on yesterday.

It was a great senior day at the Doyt. Our guys left on a high note, with a raucous crowd and a big win over the MAC's top ranked defense. After early in the third, it wasn't close. We just bowled over them, and it was over when the fourth started.

We ran and passed well. PJ seems to be running downhill again. Omar was very good again (see below) and the receivers were awesome. No dropped passes. They couldn't cover Sharon at all.

Omar obviously made two errors throwing into coverage, one of which was bailed out on an offsides, and one of which cost us a TD or FG...clearly, he should have thrown in away. He hadn't thrown an interception since the TEMPLE game, so I'm not too worked up about it. He'll learn and be sharper when we play Toledo. The best thing to take away was that he didn't let the error phase him at all, he just came right back throwing bulls eyes.

Cole had 6 catches in his last game at the Doyt.

Keon had an INT, TD, and a blocked punt in his last game at the Doyt. He might be our best player.

We held Goddard to only two tackles, and he only got to Omar once. Great job on the line...I think our guys really came through. They will dominate the D-Line of Toledo, who won't get near the pressure without blitzing that Marshall got.

Shaun Suisham made seven Xp's in his last game, and is chasing the NCAA record. Even though he missed a FG, he was money this year. Congratulations to him.

The Defense obviously got torched a little. Jelani Jordan made some plays, and we eventually were good enough to get the win. Still, UT will score some points on us if we don't buckle down. We're going to need an all-star game plan for that one.

Biggest play of the game was Terrell White forcing that fumble on the kickoff. That put us up by two scores, which is huge at that point. It just puts them on the defensive for the rest of the game.

The other big drive was our first of the second half. We had gone from being on the verge of a TD to having an interception and watching one of our guys on the ground for twenty minutes and leaving in an ambulance. Then, Marshall takes the opening drive and scores. Then, BJ muffs the kickoff, and we're 3rd and 12 on our own 13. Marshall fans are hot, and you can sense it turning. But Omar scrambles for the first down and we turned it around right there.

Corn McGrady was fine. Note that BGSU in its official release referred to a helmet to helmet hit..looked to me it was on the shoulder, but maybe I was wrong. Anyway, he has a concussion and is fine, and recovered a fumble in his last game at the Doyt.

Great to send Marshall out as losers. Loved the band playing good-bye. This win proved we can play with higher competition. I don't believe the offense can be stopped. Let's buckle the D down and beat Toledo--it may be our bowl game!

LaRue re-signs

The Reds avoided arbitration and re-signed Jason LaRue for $3Million, which represents Jason taking a little less dough to avoid being non-tendered. He's a good player--see my season review--when compared to other NL Catchers, but you can't overpay for him. One-year deals are good, too. Keeps him motivated and keeps our options open. Jason Larue is 30 years old....

Senior Day at Bowling Green

And what a career they had. These players represent players who came in Urban Meyer's first season or who survived the Blackney era--entering or rebuilding a down program with a dynamic and exciting young coach. As listed below, they can be considered the most successful senior class in the history of our program and in the MAC today, and there have been some good years in there.

Ever notice how there's always a couple seniors you never heard of--who never set foot on the field? Not on this list. Every play a contributor.

In many cases, (Cole), I can't believe it all ended so soon. It seems like just yesterday when he raced into the end zone on a reverse to defeat Northwestern. It'll be a bittersweet day at the Doyt Saturday when we say good bye to these guys, but they made a remarkable contribution to our program. Cheer loud, and leave with a win.

SENIOR DAY
Fifteen members of the BGSU football team will be playing their final game in Perry Stadium. This class enters the final two weeks of the season with the best winning percentage (35-11, .761) of any graduating group in the MAC just ahead of
Marshall (35-12, .744). The members of this year’s senior class include:
Jovon Burkes, LB .....................Detroit, Mich.
T.J. Carswell, DB ...................... Irwinton, Ga.
Todd DiBacco, TE ...................... Monaca, Pa.
Andy Grubb, OL ....................... Leipsic, Ohio
Andrew Hart, OL .....................Mentor, Ohio
James Hawkins, WR ............. Cleveland, Ohio
Cole Magner, WR.................... Palmer, Alaska
Cornelius, McGrady, WR, ............ Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Scott Mruczkowski, OL ....... Garfield Heights, Ohio
Ryan Newble, DE .............. Brownsville, Tenn.
Keon Newson, DB ......................Decatur, Ga.
Gavin Powell, LS ....................Defiance, Ohio
Daniel Sayles, LB .............Warner Robins, Ga.
Shaun Suisham, K ..............Wallaceburg, Ont.
Andy Wenstrup, OL ............ Cincinnati, Ohio

As reported here earlier

The Falcons have a strong class of recruits who signed today on early signing day. First step back is to finish above .500 this year, and when these players start, we begin our march to the Big Dance.

Falcons Land Four Early Signees

Let me say this on all these MAC West scenarios.

We are glossing over the fact that we have to win out. This will be no small feat. We should beat Marshall, but its not a push-over, and they are always dangerous. And that Toledo team that played last night is not the team that lost to Kansas and Minnesota early in the year. They were sharp and dangerous, with strong run and pass, even going downfield. On their home field with a championship on the line, they are going to be very tough to beat. Not saying we won't win, just saying that I thought Toledo looked much improved last night.

Sit down, Children...

and I will tell you the story of how Omar came to Bowling Green. From the Brandon presser. And imagine if he had gone to Buffalo!!!!

Saturday Forecast

Partly Cloudy, temps in the low 40's. If the wind is down, it'll be a beautiful day for football! Let's fill the Doyt and say goodbye to the Blundering Herd.

An Abomination before humanity

Watching that Lions game was worse than hearing Mark Beier do play by play for ten minutes.

Seriously.

Every player involved on the Lions side--with the exception of Eddie Drummond--should be driven off a cliff like they used to do to buffalo.

We'll start rebuilding with Eddie.

The offense is horrid. The running game would be awful, but that would logically mean is existed, which it did not. (I suck, therefore I am). Joey was atrocious. There were too many drops. Williams didn't show up at all, beyond one circus catch. Stephen Alexander brought back fond memories of Ricks. The whole offense was channelling Scott Mitchell. I don't care how good the Redskin defense is supposed to be--that was embarrasing. (And the first half FG was a gift---I almost forgot).

Now, special teams. Wow. Where to start. They were horrid, too, except for Eddie. Blocked punt (should have been two), long returns, lousy onside kicks, the Redskins beat our special teams like a drum.

You may say, what about the defense. I mean, they only gave up 10 points, that's not too bad. Well, I guess. They let Portis run wild on them, but they had to respect the pass, right? Oh! Brunell only completed six passes? Six passes? This ain't Rex Kern, this is the NFL in 2005. How do you get beat by a team that only completes six passes. Seems like you might be able to stop the run under those circumstances.

So, the 4-4 Lions reach the halfway point. As I noted earlier, a .500 season is a virtual impossibility for our team. And with two stinking efforts in a row, they could still lose 10.

Lions to Win Today

With Roy Williams, the Lions are a potential playoff team. Without him....anyway, he should play, we should win.

Interesting story on BG romp

People are down in Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo Gazette on BG Romp

Falcons Commit War Crimes at Doyt, Crush WMU

The Falcons raced all over the Broncos today. A wipe out from about the fourth play on. After the botched reverse on the kickoff, I started to think our streak of bolting downfield and scoring on our first drive would end at three, but, no we drove 99 yards and scored. Later in the quarter we did it again.

550 yards in the first half. 49 points in the first half, a school record. A blocked punt, 3 INT's. (We make no turnovers again). It was a dominant performance, and the Falcons deserve credit. WMU has moved the ball on some teams today, but we got our first shut out since UM's first season.

Running up the score? Nope. Read this from Coach Darnell, who, one has to assume is on his way out of Kalamazoo.

"I want to really congratulate Gregg Brandon, his staff, his football team, because they were absolute class-act today. Anyone that was there, anyone that saw it on TV knows that they could have named the score today. That was huge on Gregg's part."

So, here's the key question as we head into the games agains the Marshall and Toledo--which we must win to stay in the MAC race, and which we must win for a long-shot bowl bid. Is this team better than last year's team?

Its hard to tell, because we have played six straight very poor football teams. But I actually believe this team IS better than last year's team, making the defeat at NIU all the sadder. Consider this:

*Last year, bad teams (CMU, EMU, Kent) hung around on us. Not this year. Most games are over before there are 5:00 off the clock.

*Omar is setting a school record for passing accuracy. He's a better passer than Josh ever was, though not a running threat. Receivers are great--when was the last time a pass was dropped?

*Last year we had a negative turnover ratio. We almost never turn the ball over now. I'll check the numbers later, but of all Omar's passing plays, he's had only 5 or 6 sacks and interceptions COMBINED.

*Last year's team was average in the red zone. This year's team is money.

*The defense is much improved, in my view. This WMU has scored on some people, but we shut them out. The backfield is much improved. A pass rush is developing. Keon is the best player on the team (2 INT's against the Broncos).

*The special teams are outstanding. Suisham is money, return teams are good, and the punting is good.

Anyway, for these reasons, its possible this team is better than last year's team. Big challenges ahead, but both games are winnable. If we continue to perform at this level (and we must be at a high level of confidence), we will finish 9-2 and will have earned a bowl bid.

(Crowd was in the 18,000 range--respectable, on a beautiful day in Bowling Green).

As usual, Bill Clinton is on target

Bill Clinton is the most insightful and brilliant political mind of his generation. Clearly he has his faults, but he's usually on the mark.

In speaking before the Urban Land Institute, Clinton said that Democrats had to stop whining. Correct.

He also said we had to accept responsibility for the defeat. Correct.

He said that it we couldn't convince people we were for freedom, and families and hard work, that was our fault, not theirs. Correct.

And if we didn't have a message, we would continue to lose. Correct.

Here's my take on Tuesday's devastating outcome. More than half of the people in the country don't see it our way, and that's how it goes. We are, in my opinion, in danger of dropping into a half-century in the wilderness.

I do not buy theories from various bloggers that we are making progress. We are not. No incumbent President with Bush's record should ever have been re-elected. It never should have been close.

Imagine, if you will, if a Democratic president had lost jobs, started a war he couldn't finish, failed to catch Osama Bin Laden, make us international pyriahs and rewarded cronies with war contracts, do you think that Democratic President would have been returned to office? Or won a state?

No. He would have been toast. And for all our focus on the ground war, you need a message and you need a strong candidate who doesn't have the baggage that Kerry had (I'm speaking of his dizzying track record of votes and resulting justifications from Iraq, most of which were votes determined by Howard Dean).

Don't get me wrong. Kerry is a strong leader, and made a good candidate. And electable. But he couldn't seal the deal.

I don't buy that things are getting better because we picked up a legislative seat in Peoria. They are not getting better. We are being pushed to the very edges of the country--look at the map below. We are basically a non-presence over most of the country, and while we came perilously close to picking the electoral lock while losing by three or more points nationally, our non-presence in, for example, Kentucky, merely allows the GOP to concentrate their resources on a dwindling number of states. And since those states only add up to 272 EV, they only need one (hello, Ohio) to pick us off.

And if they turn California--even to competitive--we can kiss our butts good bye.

To the future, let me say this. Hillary Clinton will never be President of this country. I don't care who they run, she is too polarizing, and too energizing to their base to get elected. Why don't we try someone who APPEALS to people who are in the GOP base. Kind of like they did with Reagan. Wow.

Candidly, I doubt if Edwards will either, though I like his ability to connect with people.

I don't know who it will be, and I doubt it will happen at all. Much as I hate his guts, Zell was right about one thing...we are a national party no more.

We have to craft a compelling, relavent vision of the future, and soon, and we have to have someone come out of the primaries who is out best candidate, or we will lose in 2008 and spend then next 30 years as an irrelevant party.

We have to do more than Hate Bush. We're about to get steamrolled on Social Security and taxes, and the war will go on in Iraq--a terrible wrong ratified by our nation.

We should have beaten Bush. It shouldn't have been close. It shouldn't have mattered that it rained. A real opposition party would have held the President accountable. We did not.

This says a lot

From North America's top blogger, Warren Kinsella, author of Kicking Ass in Canadian Politics.

I have often thought I was a misplaced Canadian.

Falcons and the Broncos

The Broncos D is horrendous, and we should win this one big...and I mean big. We could torch up 70 today. Gary Darnell is going to have to find another line of work.

Last night's Akron-Marshall game was a classic, especially for those of us who hate the Herdnation. A total Marshall collapse. Its a three way tie now for the east, and Akron and Miami finish the season against each other. If we beat Marshall, they leave the MAC as the losers they are. Maybe Akron as the MACC loser wouldn't get a bid, either. Who knows.

We need three more wins to make anything happen. Go Falcons!

Spurrier is out at Florida

Ur-Ban Mey-er. (Clap-clap, clap-clap-clap)
Ur-Ban Mey-er. (Clap-clap, clap-clap-clap)
Ur-Ban Mey-er. (Clap-clap, clap-clap-clap)
Ur-Ban Mey-er. (Clap-clap, clap-clap-clap)
Ur-Ban Mey-er. (Clap-clap, clap-clap-clap)
Ur-Ban Mey-er. (Clap-clap, clap-clap-clap)

Brandon Bronco Presser

Interesting as always. He gives good press.

Gregg Brandon Press Conference Quotes :: Falcons face Western Michigan on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Porcher Retires

After a great career, Robert Porcher packs it in. A class act, a businessman and a community leader, we're going to miss him. His skills had declined, and pro football is a cruel business, but he was someone you could be proud to have as a Lion.

Lions stumble

I'm not surprised it is this way. This is still a team a year or two away. Some good days, some bad days. Really stunk @ GB, very strong against NY, and then kind of stinking today.

Let me say this. Dick Jauron is a very good defensive coach, and he is doing very well at getting maximum production out of his defensive team. The line is playing well, and the backfield makes plays, and the linebackers are good and will be better when Bailey is back. I think our defense will keep us in most games this year.

Which is good. Because the offense is struggling. Although Hakim had a good game, without Williams and Rogers, we lack playmakers. Reggie Swinton is doing admirably, but Streets is disappointing (and playing a role never envisioned for him), and Kircus will always suck.

The running game never left the locker room. 33% on third downs. Only 21 minutes TOP. 15 first downs. After scoring on the first drive, the O did not score again until 5:30 left in the game.

I think its as simple as this. When Williams plays, he opens stuff up. He helps Hakim. Streets can be a #3--a role he is still suited for. Swinton can make some plays. Kircus can wear his street clothes, a role he is suited for. It opens the run up. Imagine if we had Williams AND Rogers. But never mind--just Williams is enough. He's a terrific player.

So we're 4-3, and well on track for an 8-8 season, which is success for this club. Add some more talent to an improving D, hope for some health, and we could be in the playoffs next year. We need to beat the struggling Redskins next week @ home, with Jax and Minnesota on the road after that. No one will be surprised if we are 5-5 at that point. If we can beat Arizona, the Bears, and upset the Vikes at home, and we could still be 8-8...or if we have our usual Thanksgiving rejuvenation, maybe we can upset the Colts.

Falcons Cruise to Win Again

The Falcons coasted to an easy victory Saturday against EMU. The Eagles did make a strong rally in the fourth and actually put a little sweat on the brow, but eventually the D did the job.

On the whole, here are some impressons.

*We have all obsessed about stopping the run, and the D certainly locked down on Sherelle. They tackled well, got penetration, and dominated the line. Unfortunately, they actually out-passed us for the game. There were some wide open plays. Coach Brandon said that the Quebec kid (Deslauriers) "ran right by" Jelani Jordan for one big play. On another one, we blitzed, and they had a WR wide open in the middle of the field. Obviously, if you over do it trying to stop one thing, another can open.

*Eric Deslauriers is a player. The CFL is going to love him. 189 yards against us.

*Omar was strong as usual. And we got PJ Pope back into the offense. Sharon made some nice catches, and Cole got CLOCKED on one hit.

*I'd say take the Cole pass out of the playbook...but maybe we're trying to set up the throwback to 4 for the Marshall game. Otherwise, take it out. Find something new.

*Cole Magner has only two home games left. Can you believe it. He even played on punt block, which I am not sure if he had done before.

*Red zone stuff was a little spotty.

*Great job by Mitch Crossley on the "fumble" TD. The line seems to be playing a lot better.

*Daniel Sayles had a big game. S-T article this week said he was going to study astro-physics at Georgia Tech when he graduates. Cool.

*Overall, we seem to be playing pretty well. Its hard to tell if its the poor opposition, but we are trouncing them, and they aren't hanging around. WMU should get the same fate, and then we have to bring our A game coming home.

*Big disappointment over the crowd on Saturday. Just a little over 10,000. I don't understand what has to happen for people to support this team. I shouldn't have let my hopes get raised by the SEMO crowd. I've been watching this for 30 years, and the attendance situation never really changes. People turn out for big games and UT. If its EMU, they go to a Halloween party.

*In all fairness, the MAC is very shallow, and the home schedule this year is very poor.

Falcon Graduation Rate Strong

I think its important that MAC schools have quality programs. We should win, and we should be examples of how college athletics should work. It is what seperates us from the beasts, and makes me a bigger fan of our programs than the bigger D-I programs.

That being said, the recent news on graduation rates is to the credit of the BG Athletic Department. One measure is to track how many of your total athlete class graduates. I have always contended that is important to look at those who stay four years--are they graduating? If they aren't, it means you're stringing them along, and keeping them eligible long enough to get their playing days finished. Its exploitive. At least flunking them out is honest.

On the other hand, if a student athlete stays four years and graduates, that's how it should work, to the credit of our programs and our students. So, I'm very proud of the 93% mentioned in the story for those who stay four years. Its a credit to our program (check Marshall's stats out when you get a chance....)




Falcon graduation rate

Man, when Fantasy Bass Fishing Starts...

I am picking this guy! Keon is a master fisherman!

Keon Newsom, bass Master

See, just like I told you

Cards in seven.

Good job, Sox. You have loyal, passionate fans and you deserve the title. It is one of the most amazing stories in sports. Now be careful...you are rapidly growing tiresome.

If you like, read Rob Neyer's book Feeding the Green Monster, which chronicles the story of a year at Fenway.

Brandon Presser

Another interesting piece. Note the philosophy on running vs. passing, and the talk about the pass rush. We need to respect EMU...they played us tough last year, can run, and are tied with us in the standings with something to prove. I like us to win, but if I was better, I would take the 31.


Brandon Presser

MAC Tiebreaker revealed

As if it was printed in hieroglpyhics, we have uncovered what observers say appears to tbe the MAC tiebreaking procedure.

The issue is this. UT beats NIU, and we beat UT. Everyone has one lose in a crazy 1960's daisy chain. So what happens? Apparently, the record of your cross-over games does decide. In that case, there's a shot we could get the West by winning out, if UT can beat NIU. Official confirmation is still awaited.


MAC Tie Breaking Format

That's Silly

Urban Meyer is rumored to up for the Florida job. It IS silly--Spurrier is going to get that job. But look for Urban to come out lying again by saying how happy he is at Utah, his family likes it there, etc. He has not appeared to learn.

Florida is also not on his reported escape list, FWIW.

How about those Lions

Safe to say, no one saw us running through with three road wins--maybe all year, much less yesterday. As bad as the Packer debacle was, yesterday's win was a quality victory that we have to feel good about. The running game clicked (nice to have Jones back), the passing game benefitted, Joey was accurate, and we had Williams back to (also a big help).

The defense played well--in fact, better than I would have thought they were capable of playing. And that was without Bryant in the backfield.

Overall, this is very encouraging. The way the Cowboys have been playing, we have a very winnable game against them coming up next Sunday. If we can win that one, we are in the very serious hunt for a playoff appearence this year.

One last note. In yesterday's game, it was our team that rallied in the second half and put them game away--in the past, it has been our team that has collapsed in the second half. One game at a time, but the Giants win makes us more than pretenders...at least for one more week.

Two quick predictions

Cardinals. In seven, what else? Its the Sox.

Lions will lose to the Giants, who lack the capacity to completely annihilate us. Tiki will go medieval on us.

Chip Cox is a douchbag. Read his quotes below

• On Bowling Green’s third down efficiency: “They had their coach calling the plays from the sideline, looking at our defense. How hard is that when the coach looks at the defense and knows what defense you’re in and calls the play? It’s not hard to be efficient when the coach is calling your plays. It’s a good scheme for them, it works. I’m not knocking what they do, that’s great, but I mean it’s not hard to be good when you have the coach calling your plays.”
• On Bowling Green quarterback Omar Jacobs: “He’s pretty good. He’s not as good as Toledo’s quarterback, Toledo’s got a great quarterback. But he might be number two or three (that we’ve seen this season.)”

Falcons Stomp Bobcats

BG crushed OU today. We went down to the game and just got home. A few impressions.

*Omar's numbers were great, and the scary thing is that with a couple of more accurate throws, they could have been historic. OU was supposed to have a hot D, but he picked them apart.

*Love the weird formation at the beginning. Don't know what it accomplished.

*OU band was awesome. Only difference between OU and BG of the Blackney era is the fans in Athens leave right after the halftime show, not before it. "Play the funky music" with the alumni band was awesome.

*Hocking valley is lovely in Fall, and the campus is spectacular. Its their bicentennial.

*Coach Knorr said on the post-game show he wanted to make us one-dimensional--ie stop the run. I can't understand this. If you sell out to stop the run, we will pick you apart. What you have to be able to do is stop the run with your base D.


*Our seats were right over the door to the Falcon locker room. On the way into the locker room at the half, Stud was absolutely ripping Rob Warren. "You're getting the sh*t kicked out of you on every play." He repeated this several times. Actually, when he is POed, his voice gets all squeaky. It was kind of funny.

*Great FG for Shawn Suisham. I was very critical of Shawn last year, but he has been money this year (FG and Kos), and the 52 yarder was awesome.

*OU tackled better than we did.

*OU failed to run for 100 yards, even if you add back the sacks and the 15 they lost on the punt over the QB's head.

*Hawk missed some wide open passes when the right play was called, and he just didn't convert. Its been a long time at BG since we have had a QB who doesn't hit the wide open guy almost every time. He came close to having more receiving yards (29) than passing yards (45).

*Cole is still not entirely healthy. He was limping heading into the locker room at the half.

*Give OU credit for the punt block and the onside kick, and give our guys credit for nipping it in the bud.