((HT: BASTA their own selves/Ben Leonard))
The Stanford Cardinal come in to the 2014 season facing the daunting task of Pac-12 and Rose Bowl three-peat. It may be even harder this year, with many stalwarts on the defensive side of the ball from 2013 graduating. It will have to get past third-ranked Oregon in the Pac-12 North once again, although the Cardinal have prevailed in the last two contests. Kevin Hogan’s Stanford team has been kryptonite for Oregon and their high-octane offense. Will David Shaw and the Cardinal be able to overcome their daunting road schedule and reach the promised land, the sparkling new College Football Playoff?
DEFENSE
It all starts with the defense for this Stanford program that plays a brand of hard-nose football envied around the nation. Last season, this team allowed a measly 19.0 points per game, good for tenth best in the country and first in the Pac-12. Will they be able to continue their dominance in 2014?
FRONT SEVEN
The dominant front seven that Stanford employed last season completely shut down the running game, holding opponents to a miniscule 2.9 yards per carry. It should be a force again in 2014.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Stanford will lose defensive ends Josh Mauro and Ben Gardner, stalwarts on the edge. Gardner, one of the Cardinal’s senior leaders, totaled 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks despite playing in only eight games, due to a torn pectoral muscle that ended his final college season early. He fell to the seventh round because of the injury, despite exceptional tools. (39.5″ vertical) He will be a tough part to replace.
Aziz Shittu, a junior and former five-star recruit, will work in tandem with fifth-year senior Blake Lueders to fill in for Gardner. Shittu has fallen short of his lofty expectations so far, totaling only five tackles in all of 2013. He has been behind many great players, so the playing time has not been consistently there. He should have blossomed in this newfound opportunity, but failed to pass the scrappy Lueders on the depth chart. Lueders was the superior player last year, collecting 23 tackles, five for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Lueders was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, so he is not exactly a walk-on. He has the experience knowledge of the system under his belt that Shittu lacks, and will likely take most of the snaps at defensive end.
Henry Anderson will start at the other end position. Anderson, an emotional leader for the team and a fifth-year senior, missed the beginning of last year after suffering a knee injury versus Army. He returned in full force, making nineteen tackles in eight games, along with three sacks. He is an Athlon Sports Pre-Season First-Team Pac-12 Honoree, and is on the watch list for numerous awards.
David Parry, another fifth-year senior, will hold down the nose tackle position, a role he has thrived in since being installed as the starter in 2012. The line will not miss a beat in 2014, with boatloads of veteran leadership, as all three are fifth-year seniors. As daunting a task it may seem, the combination of Shittu and Lueders will prove to be competent to replace Gardner, a prominent figure in Stanford’s resurgence as a program.
LINEBACKERS
The Farm will certainly miss the presence of the menacing Shayne Skov, who graduated after his fifth-year senior season. His fire and ruthless play was invaluable for the success of this program, going to four BCS bowls under his leadership. Skov was sixth in Stanford history with 354 tackles in his career, despite only playing three games in 2011 after suffering a torn ACL. His instinct was unparalleled at the college level. One of the most memorable plays was his play to jump the snap against Taylor Kelly and ASU in the Pac-12 championship game.
SKOV’S RELENTLESS STYLE OF PLAY LEAD STANFORD TO DEFEAT OREGON 26-23
Although no one can replicate Skov’s leadership and passion, Blake Martinez will be considered successful if he can mean half of what Skov meant. This is by no means a cheap shot at Martinez, but a testament to the ability of Skov. Martinez has received very little playing time because of Skov’s presence. He has, however, taken advantage of his limited opportunities. He thrived in the Big Game versus Cal, forcing a fumble, picking off Jared Goff and totaling six tackles in a blowout. He has shown Coach Shaw that, when given a chance, will give it his all to help the team win. He also showed up on a big stage in the Pac-12 Championship game, making five tackles in Stanford’s beat down of the Sun Devils. He is an underrated piece in the offense that will surprise many by playing an integral role in the defense in 2014, despite being an unheralded recruit.
A.J. Tarpley, another fifth-year senior, will try to emulate Skov’s role, being the veteran leader at inside linebacker. He clearly feels comfortable filling in for Skov, as he put it, “Look at Coach Shaw. When everyone said, ‘Coach Harbaugh’s leaving, how are you going to replace his excitement, his determination for the game?’ He just said he’s David Shaw. He has his way of doing things,” Tarpley said. “To me, that’s worked out pretty well.”
He was quietly great last year, making 93 hard-fought tackles, good for second on the team. An All Pac-12 Honorable Mention in 2013, Tarpley will continue to improve and gain more recognition as an elite linebacker, as he will take over a team captain spot, and was also honored as an USA Today’s preseason second-team All American. Skov’s name brand may be gone, but Tarpley is fully capable of reproducing Shayne’s production.
At the outside linebacker position, Trent Murphy leaves huge shoes for Kevin Anderson to fill. A consensus All American, his pass rushing presence will be sorely missed. Although he lacked speed and explosion, his motor, instincts, and variety of moves certainly made up for it. He ranked second nationally with 1.07 sacks/game, and fourth in the nation with 1.7 tackles for loss/game.
Anderson, a senior, has proved he can excel under the brightest of lights. He had a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown against Michigan State in the Rose Bowl, and would have had a second for a touchdown had he not dropped it. Anderson, a Palo Alto High School graduate, when asked about replacing Murphy, explained: “I want to emulate him on the field. But at the same time, I can’t think to myself, ‘I have to lead the nation in sacks like Trent did.’”
Anderson finished fourth on the team in tackles for loss, and should continue to improve and mature as a run-stopping outside linebacker. He in no way will be able play up to the pass-rushing caliber of Murphy. Murphy and Anderson are very different styles of player, as Anderson is built to stop the run.
James Vaughters was quietly brilliant in 2013, and will return even stronger in 2014. At 6’2″ and 258 pounds, he is an intimidating force for Stanford’s front seven. He was a major contributor in the landmark win versus Oregon, forcing a fumble, sacking Marcus Mariota, and adding four tackles. As a former four-star recruit, he will continue to grow, especially with gaining more experience at the outside linebacker position. He played on the inside in high school, and also played there in 2012.
SECONDARY
The secondary simply could not measure up to the vaunted front seven in 2013, mostly because teams would run an Air-Raid offense to avoid running into Shayne Skov and Trent Murphy.
The pass defense ranked eighth in the Pac-12 in total passing defense, but was tenth (behind only Cal and WSU) in opponent’s completion percentage (62.1%)
Stanford returns four out of five starters out of the secondary from 2013, the exception being Ed Reynolds. Reynolds made the curious decision to leave for the NFL Draft despite having another year of eligibility and having a down year (in terms of interceptions) in 2013. He was projected to be a sixth or seventh round pick, yet still left, and was taken in the fifth round by Philadelphia. A year being one yard short of setting the NCAA single-season record for interception return yards with 301 and a school record three returns for touchdowns, he only had one interception in 2013. He did improve upon his tackling(86 vs. 47), but still struggled to make plays in the open field.
Kyle Olugbode will replace Reynolds at free safety. He played in all fourteen games last year, totaling thirteen tackles in limited time. He may go through some growing pains early, as he has simply just not had the experience that Reynolds had.
The cornerback tandem of Alex Carter and Wayne Lyons will continue to lock down opposing receivers. Carter missed spring practice with a hip injury, but will be ready to go for the opener Saturday against UC Davis. His absence at practice created more opportunities to groom backups Ra’Chard Pippens and Ronnie Harris to play in the future. Carter was a four-star recruit, was lauded by Coach David Shaw:
“Quick, fast, explosive, aggressive, tough, great ball skills, he’s grown every single week and he’s still growing,” Shaw said. “He’s kind of what you want out there as a corner…. He’s just got more size and weight than those other guys. When he comes up and hits you, he lets you feel it.”
Lyons, also a four-star recruit, came into his own in 2013. He was fifth on the team in tackles with 69, and had two clutch fourth quarter interceptions to seal the game versus Notre Dame. He comes into 2014 being pegged as a third team preseason All-Pac 12 corner by Phil Steele.
LYONS HAD A LOT TO CELEBRATE IN 2013
Jordan Richards will return as the unquestioned leader of the secondary at strong safety. As a consensus preseason All American, it will be upon his shoulders to make up for the loss of Reynolds. He is up to the task, as he was a second team All Pac-12 player in 2013, according to Phil Steele. He is tough against the run, yet also excels in pass coverage. He will be playing on Sundays too soon for Stanford’s taste.
OVERVIEW: David Shaw’s abundant wealth of talent and exceptional scheming should be enough to make up for the loss of many senior leaders. However, road games versus #3 Oregon, #25 Washington, #7 UCLA, #18 Arizona State, and #17 Notre Dame will provide ample opportunities for slip ups. The daunting schedule, the toughest in the country, will be tough to overcome, especially given the way this team has played on the road in recent years.
Here's head coach David Shaw addressing the team's challenges for the season...
((HT: GoStanford.com/Pac-12 Network))
Showing posts with label Stanford Cardinal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stanford Cardinal. Show all posts
Monday, August 25, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
Stanford Removes Strength Coach After Title IX Investigation
((HT: NBC Bay Area))
A Stanford University sports performance coach is out of a job after softball players reported allegations of sexual harassment within the program.
The school's Title IX coordinator investigated the softball team’s coaching and training staff and found a member of that staff created a "sexually hostile work environment."
The softball team’s head coach, John Rittman, resigned back in June.
But there has been no public connection to the investigation and his dismissal.
Here's Elyce Kirchner
A Stanford University sports performance coach is out of a job after softball players reported allegations of sexual harassment within the program.
The school's Title IX coordinator investigated the softball team’s coaching and training staff and found a member of that staff created a "sexually hostile work environment."
The softball team’s head coach, John Rittman, resigned back in June.
But there has been no public connection to the investigation and his dismissal.
Here's Elyce Kirchner
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Stanford Knows How To Produce A Season-Ending Video
((HT: Stanford their own selves))
Here's how schools who know how to edit a season-ending video edit a season-ending video...
Evidence below...
Here's how schools who know how to edit a season-ending video edit a season-ending video...
Evidence below...
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Coach O, Fight On! USC Knocks Off Stanford
((HT: ESPN on ABC/USC Athletics))
The debate may really pick up now...
Has Ed Orgeron earned the removal of the word "interim" off his coaching position at Southern Cal...???
This might be the proof...
FOSG Lindsey Thiry was in the locker room and collected these quotes from the roster via her Twitter:
We want to run through a brick wall for Coach Orgeron. -Hayes Pullard
I speak for the whole team and we absolutely love Coach O. -Cody Kessler
Clay Travis thinks the top two for the job should be Kevin Sumlin and James Franklin...
The HQ isn't all that hot about either and, in talking to those who are buying tickets these days, they like Orgeron...
Should be an interesting tug of war...
Interesting sidebar via Lisa Horne and her Twitter:
Per KABC, two people had cardiac arrests on the USC field and 1 person suffered a broken leg
Coach O is causing hearts to go a-flutter...
The debate may really pick up now...
Has Ed Orgeron earned the removal of the word "interim" off his coaching position at Southern Cal...???
This might be the proof...
FOSG Lindsey Thiry was in the locker room and collected these quotes from the roster via her Twitter:
We want to run through a brick wall for Coach Orgeron. -Hayes Pullard
I speak for the whole team and we absolutely love Coach O. -Cody Kessler
Clay Travis thinks the top two for the job should be Kevin Sumlin and James Franklin...
The HQ isn't all that hot about either and, in talking to those who are buying tickets these days, they like Orgeron...
Should be an interesting tug of war...
Interesting sidebar via Lisa Horne and her Twitter:
Per KABC, two people had cardiac arrests on the USC field and 1 person suffered a broken leg
Coach O is causing hearts to go a-flutter...
Friday, November 8, 2013
Stanford's Statement, We Are Still Hanging Around, Cardinal Defeats Ducks 26-20
Florida State fans are rejoicing. Number 2 Oregon has a loss.
In a game that had the west coast buzzing Stanford raced out to a 26-0 lead until the middle of the fourth quarter. Oregon rallied as Marcus Mariota threw two touchdown passes but the rally fell short.
Stanford defeats Oregon 26-20.
"Our guys played extremely well today." Stanford head coach David Shaw said. "The fact that we've won two in a row against these guys, credit to our players, the coaches and preparation. Bottom line, they didn't give it to us. They didn't give it to us. We had to play our game and finish the game at the end, and we did."
"Our guys competed, no question." Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich said.
The Ducks defense couldn't figure out how to stop Stanford running back Tyler Gaffney who had a school record 45 carries. Gaffney ended up with 157 yards rushing and a touchdown.
"Tyler Gaffney ran the ball tonight the way running back backs are supposed to run the ball in this game of football." Shaw said.
"Oregon's really good at filling in with their safeties, with their backside backers." Gaffney said. "It came down to lowering the shoulder and hoped for the best."
Marcus Mariota ended up 20-34 for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Mariota admits he banged up, the knee brace he wore against Stanford is evident of that but he's not making excuses.
"I've got to learn to play with it." Mariota said. "I've never really played with a knee brace before, so that's something that I've been doing in practice and getting used to."
With the Oregon loss Florida State sits in good shape to be Alabama's opponents in the BCS National Championship Game.
That is if the season ended today.
In a game that had the west coast buzzing Stanford raced out to a 26-0 lead until the middle of the fourth quarter. Oregon rallied as Marcus Mariota threw two touchdown passes but the rally fell short.
Stanford defeats Oregon 26-20.
"Our guys played extremely well today." Stanford head coach David Shaw said. "The fact that we've won two in a row against these guys, credit to our players, the coaches and preparation. Bottom line, they didn't give it to us. They didn't give it to us. We had to play our game and finish the game at the end, and we did."
"Our guys competed, no question." Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich said.
The Ducks defense couldn't figure out how to stop Stanford running back Tyler Gaffney who had a school record 45 carries. Gaffney ended up with 157 yards rushing and a touchdown.
"Tyler Gaffney ran the ball tonight the way running back backs are supposed to run the ball in this game of football." Shaw said.
"Oregon's really good at filling in with their safeties, with their backside backers." Gaffney said. "It came down to lowering the shoulder and hoped for the best."
Marcus Mariota ended up 20-34 for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Mariota admits he banged up, the knee brace he wore against Stanford is evident of that but he's not making excuses.
"I've got to learn to play with it." Mariota said. "I've never really played with a knee brace before, so that's something that I've been doing in practice and getting used to."
With the Oregon loss Florida State sits in good shape to be Alabama's opponents in the BCS National Championship Game.
That is if the season ended today.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Oh, Stanford... You, Too...
((HT: KSL-TV))
Utah held Stanford off at the end in Salt Lake City and beat a top-five team for the first time at Rice-Eccles Stadium in school history.
Stanford allowed a first quarter touchdown for the first time all year, and Ty Montgomery became the third Cardinal player to run for a 100-yard kickoff TD- the first since 1994...
Here's the first half highlights...
And a more complete version...
((HT: ESPN/Pac-12 Network))
Utah held Stanford off at the end in Salt Lake City and beat a top-five team for the first time at Rice-Eccles Stadium in school history.
Stanford allowed a first quarter touchdown for the first time all year, and Ty Montgomery became the third Cardinal player to run for a 100-yard kickoff TD- the first since 1994...
Here's the first half highlights...
And a more complete version...
((HT: ESPN/Pac-12 Network))
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Oh, Yeah... The Bee-Cee-Ess Went Into The Blender Last Night...
And it only took two losses for that to happen...
Notre Dame's easy win over Wake Forest (sorry, J-Dub) assures them, at least, the two seed going into their game with USC...
Georgia and Alabama control their own fates at the Ess-E-Cee title game in Atlanta...
But Just as soon as Collin Klein ends up on the cover of the SPorts magazine that has Illustrations, they get whacked by Baylor in Waco...
Didn't really see that coming...
((HT: G4SportsNews))
And, then, The other issue happened in the Pac-12...
Remember what the HQ has always said about fast, athletic defenses squaring off against Oregon and their offense...???
Remember the Ess-E-Cee and their time keeping the Ducks in check...???
Stanford found a way- even if it took extra time to do it...
And, whaddya wanna bet Chip Kelly never ever kicks again...
((HT: KVAL-TV Eugene))
Notre Dame's easy win over Wake Forest (sorry, J-Dub) assures them, at least, the two seed going into their game with USC...
Georgia and Alabama control their own fates at the Ess-E-Cee title game in Atlanta...
But Just as soon as Collin Klein ends up on the cover of the SPorts magazine that has Illustrations, they get whacked by Baylor in Waco...
Didn't really see that coming...
((HT: G4SportsNews))
And, then, The other issue happened in the Pac-12...
Remember what the HQ has always said about fast, athletic defenses squaring off against Oregon and their offense...???
Remember the Ess-E-Cee and their time keeping the Ducks in check...???
Stanford found a way- even if it took extra time to do it...
And, whaddya wanna bet Chip Kelly never ever kicks again...
((HT: KVAL-TV Eugene))
Saturday, November 10, 2012
The Wackiest Top 25 Day Of The Year...Alabama, Texas A&M, Syracuse, Louisville, Texas, and Stanford
Let's just start at the top...
A lot of people, the HQ included, thought that after Alabama took care of LSU that the game that would scare them was behind them...
Instead, the game after LSU was the game that bit them...
Johnny Manziel reinforced his trophy aspirations- even as a freshman- with the Texas A&M Aggies upset of Alabama in Tuscaloosa...
Nick Saban was, obviously, less than pleased...
((HT: WIAT-TV Birmingham))
Louisville head coach Charlie Strong wondered aloud why his team, while undefeated, wasn't ranked higher than ninth in the Bee-Cee-Ess poll. Everyone told Strong that he hadn't really played anybody...
So, then, what happens when Louisville plays Syracuse in the Orange Dome on senior day...??? Ryan Nassib throws for 246 yards, the Orange puts the pedal down early and beats the Cardinals 45-26...
It wasn't that close...
((HT: WSYR-TV Syracuse))
The Texas Longhorns honored Darrell Royal by running out of the wishbone- which was a nice tribute... but they did it with a twist...
The Longhorns won over Iowa State 33-7 to improve to 8-2...
((HT: KXAN-TV Austin))
And, until the Florida- Louisiana Lafayette game shows up somewhere, the HQ will finish with the Oregon State-Stanford highlights... The only turnover Oregon State had on the day would turn costly as the Cardinal held on at home 27-23... ((HT: KVAL-TV))
A lot of people, the HQ included, thought that after Alabama took care of LSU that the game that would scare them was behind them...
Instead, the game after LSU was the game that bit them...
Johnny Manziel reinforced his trophy aspirations- even as a freshman- with the Texas A&M Aggies upset of Alabama in Tuscaloosa...
Nick Saban was, obviously, less than pleased...
((HT: WIAT-TV Birmingham))
Louisville head coach Charlie Strong wondered aloud why his team, while undefeated, wasn't ranked higher than ninth in the Bee-Cee-Ess poll. Everyone told Strong that he hadn't really played anybody...
So, then, what happens when Louisville plays Syracuse in the Orange Dome on senior day...??? Ryan Nassib throws for 246 yards, the Orange puts the pedal down early and beats the Cardinals 45-26...
It wasn't that close...
((HT: WSYR-TV Syracuse))
The Texas Longhorns honored Darrell Royal by running out of the wishbone- which was a nice tribute... but they did it with a twist...
The Longhorns won over Iowa State 33-7 to improve to 8-2...
((HT: KXAN-TV Austin))
And, until the Florida- Louisiana Lafayette game shows up somewhere, the HQ will finish with the Oregon State-Stanford highlights... The only turnover Oregon State had on the day would turn costly as the Cardinal held on at home 27-23... ((HT: KVAL-TV))
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Catholics Vs. Conifers: Did Irish Really Win...???
((HT: Pac-12 Conference/NBC))
The question at the beginning of the day was: Are the Irish BCS-back...???
The question at the end of the day is: Are the Irish as good as their record indicates...???
Answer One: Probably by default...
Answer Two: Meh, maybe... the jury is still out...
By the time overtime was over and Notre Dame won by seven, there were more discussions over the play at the end of the game where Stanford either scored and got jobbed or didn't score on a great, goal line stand...
Here's the play at the end of the game...
Examine for yourself...
The Irish are now 6-0 for the first time since 2002...
"I didn't get a view of the last play," Stanford head coach David Shaw said after the game. "Stepfan (Taylor) swore to me that he got in. That he put the ball over the goal line on the second effort. The officials looked at it and they said he didn't get in, so he didn't get in."
Irish coach Brian Kelly called it a classic goal line stand...
Of course he did...
Stanford drops to 4-2...
So, faithful reader... did Taylor score or was it a classic goal line stand...???
The question at the beginning of the day was: Are the Irish BCS-back...???
The question at the end of the day is: Are the Irish as good as their record indicates...???
Answer One: Probably by default...
Answer Two: Meh, maybe... the jury is still out...
By the time overtime was over and Notre Dame won by seven, there were more discussions over the play at the end of the game where Stanford either scored and got jobbed or didn't score on a great, goal line stand...
Here's the play at the end of the game...
Examine for yourself...
The Irish are now 6-0 for the first time since 2002...
"I didn't get a view of the last play," Stanford head coach David Shaw said after the game. "Stepfan (Taylor) swore to me that he got in. That he put the ball over the goal line on the second effort. The officials looked at it and they said he didn't get in, so he didn't get in."
Irish coach Brian Kelly called it a classic goal line stand...
Of course he did...
Stanford drops to 4-2...
So, faithful reader... did Taylor score or was it a classic goal line stand...???
Friday, September 28, 2012
ICYMI: Washington brings Stanford back to earth
So much for Stanford being a Top 10 team.
The Cardinal/Tree moved up to #8 after beating Sports Writer favorites USC two weeks ago. That may prove to be the highlight of their season.
The Washington Huskies took care of Stanford late Thursday night in Seattle, scoring with just under 5 minutes left and holding on for a 17-13 win.
The celebrating commenced as the Huskies claimed their 1st win over a top 10 team in 3-years.
The game wasn't pretty, it was dominated by defense. But when the pressure was on, it was Keith Price and the Huskies who stepped up and yes, the storming of the field by the fans commenced...
The win put the 1-0 in the PAC-12 and 3-1 overall, Stanford goes to 1-1 in the conference and 3-1 overall.
Since video highlights don't exist as of right now, KING-TV gives us Washington Coach Steve Sarkisian:
The Cardinal/Tree moved up to #8 after beating Sports Writer favorites USC two weeks ago. That may prove to be the highlight of their season.
The Washington Huskies took care of Stanford late Thursday night in Seattle, scoring with just under 5 minutes left and holding on for a 17-13 win.
The celebrating commenced as the Huskies claimed their 1st win over a top 10 team in 3-years.
The game wasn't pretty, it was dominated by defense. But when the pressure was on, it was Keith Price and the Huskies who stepped up and yes, the storming of the field by the fans commenced...
The win put the 1-0 in the PAC-12 and 3-1 overall, Stanford goes to 1-1 in the conference and 3-1 overall.
Since video highlights don't exist as of right now, KING-TV gives us Washington Coach Steve Sarkisian:
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Life Is Good On The Farm As Stanford Defeats #2 Southern California 21-14
The post Andrew Luck era at Stanford appears to be
just as good.
Saturday night Stanford head coach David Shaw told
his Cardinal team to live in the moment before the game against #2 Southern
California.
Stanford quarterback Josh Nunes threw for 215 yards
and two touchdowns. Nunes second was the
biggest, a 37 yard scoring strike to Zach Ertz early in the fourth quarter put
the Cardinal up for good 21-14. That
will be a moment Nunes and Erst won’t forget.
The Stanford defense harassed Southern California
quarterback Matt Barkley all night sacking the Trojan quarterback four
times. A moment they won’t forget.
And when the fans stormed the field after the game
was probably the best moment of them all.
Here’s a great video of the game from Stanford
Athletics.
Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley threw
for 259 yards but no touchdowns and two interceptions.
Hard to believe but Stanford has dominated this series
recently. The win is Stanford’s fourth
in a row over USC and that’s never happened.Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Monday late Bowl games: Kickers gag and Kickers win
Because we know that you want to know what happened in the rest of Monday's bowl games.
They were decided by kickers.
Well, actually the Rose Bowl wasn't...
First: Georgia gags, Spartans win...in 3 overtimes.
The Georgia Bulldogs raced out to a 16-point lead in the first half before Michigan State knew what hit them. Brandon Boykin single handedly running away from the Spartans, causing a safety on Michigan State's 1st play, returning a punt 92-yards for a TD and later, in the 4th quarter, catching a TD pass.
They must have figured it out at halftime because they came back, scored late bringing the 2012 Outback Bowl to overtime tied...at 27.
The first overtime could have done it. Georgia's Baccari Rambo intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass, the Bulldogs ran 1 play before setting up for a potential game-winner from kicker Blair Walsh.
Walsh missed.
After overtime 2 gave us back-to-back field goals, Michigan State led off OT-3 with a 28-yard Dan Conroy kick. Georgia got the ball back, lost 4 yards in 2 plays and trotted Walsh out to try a 47-yarder, well within his range.
It was blocked.
Game over, Michigan State wins 33-30.
All we were able to find...that we could embed were some Michigan State end of the game highlights.
So dig it:
And then there was the Grandaddy of them all...or the game that ESPN has bought every aspect of. The Rose Bowl featured Oregon and Wisconsin and had the clock not run out, we are pretty sure they'd still be scoring.
Oregon won 45-38, they had 621 total yards, but didn't seal the deal until late in the 4th quarter, when Wisconsin WR Jared Abbrederis fumbled the ball after making a catch near the sidelines.
Well, actually they didn't seal it until Wisconsin tried spiking the ball after time expired...but you get what we are saying...don't you?
KVAL-TV in Eugene, Oregon gives us the team coverage..and eventually the highlights:
And lastly, the BCS consolation game, the Fiesta Bowl, featuring Stanford and Oklahoma State.
And again, it was a shootout. Andrew Luck of Stanford vs. Brandon Weeden of Okie State. The advantage went to the Cowboys, but it was close.
We also want to mention this stat: Okie State averaged 97.4 seconds on each of it's TD drives (thanks Andy Staples of SI for pointing this out).
The Cowboys get the win after Stanford kicker Jordan Williamson missed a chip-shot field goal at the end of the game and again in the 1st overtime. Oklahoma State kicker Quinn Sharp, he didn't miss his chance as the Cowboys win 41-38 in OT.
There were tons of arguments Oklahoma State should have been facing LSU instead of Alabama. We don't dispute them. Though we will say as much as we'd like to have seen that, we question if Oklahoma State could stop anyone.
But that is a debate for another day.
News9 in Oklahoma gives us the recap:
They were decided by kickers.
Well, actually the Rose Bowl wasn't...
First: Georgia gags, Spartans win...in 3 overtimes.
The Georgia Bulldogs raced out to a 16-point lead in the first half before Michigan State knew what hit them. Brandon Boykin single handedly running away from the Spartans, causing a safety on Michigan State's 1st play, returning a punt 92-yards for a TD and later, in the 4th quarter, catching a TD pass.
They must have figured it out at halftime because they came back, scored late bringing the 2012 Outback Bowl to overtime tied...at 27.
The first overtime could have done it. Georgia's Baccari Rambo intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass, the Bulldogs ran 1 play before setting up for a potential game-winner from kicker Blair Walsh.
Walsh missed.
After overtime 2 gave us back-to-back field goals, Michigan State led off OT-3 with a 28-yard Dan Conroy kick. Georgia got the ball back, lost 4 yards in 2 plays and trotted Walsh out to try a 47-yarder, well within his range.
It was blocked.
Game over, Michigan State wins 33-30.
All we were able to find...that we could embed were some Michigan State end of the game highlights.
So dig it:
And then there was the Grandaddy of them all...or the game that ESPN has bought every aspect of. The Rose Bowl featured Oregon and Wisconsin and had the clock not run out, we are pretty sure they'd still be scoring.
Oregon won 45-38, they had 621 total yards, but didn't seal the deal until late in the 4th quarter, when Wisconsin WR Jared Abbrederis fumbled the ball after making a catch near the sidelines.
Well, actually they didn't seal it until Wisconsin tried spiking the ball after time expired...but you get what we are saying...don't you?
KVAL-TV in Eugene, Oregon gives us the team coverage..and eventually the highlights:
And lastly, the BCS consolation game, the Fiesta Bowl, featuring Stanford and Oklahoma State.
And again, it was a shootout. Andrew Luck of Stanford vs. Brandon Weeden of Okie State. The advantage went to the Cowboys, but it was close.
We also want to mention this stat: Okie State averaged 97.4 seconds on each of it's TD drives (thanks Andy Staples of SI for pointing this out).
The Cowboys get the win after Stanford kicker Jordan Williamson missed a chip-shot field goal at the end of the game and again in the 1st overtime. Oklahoma State kicker Quinn Sharp, he didn't miss his chance as the Cowboys win 41-38 in OT.
There were tons of arguments Oklahoma State should have been facing LSU instead of Alabama. We don't dispute them. Though we will say as much as we'd like to have seen that, we question if Oklahoma State could stop anyone.
But that is a debate for another day.
News9 in Oklahoma gives us the recap:
Sunday, November 27, 2011
TWTW Late Shift Part Two: La-Laf and Notre Dame
((HT: KVOA-TV Tucson))
The HQ figured we'd show this one because of TLB and her probable probability that her Ragin Cajuns are in the first New Orleans bowl game this year.
We never thought we'd say this but: Arizona survived La-Laf yesterday as Nick Foles threw for over 350 yards in a shootout...
Here's George Savaricus with the look...
As a transition, can the HQ say again just how much Rick Neuheisel is so fired it's not even funny...???
Notre Dame isn't that good, and Stanford proved it in their 28-14 win last night. Andrew Luck threw for 231 yards and a handful of scores. The HQ wonders how much of Brian Kelly's divided team is responsible...
((HT: SI.com))
The jury is still out on those Cardinal-flavored unis...
The HQ figured we'd show this one because of TLB and her probable probability that her Ragin Cajuns are in the first New Orleans bowl game this year.
We never thought we'd say this but: Arizona survived La-Laf yesterday as Nick Foles threw for over 350 yards in a shootout...
Here's George Savaricus with the look...
As a transition, can the HQ say again just how much Rick Neuheisel is so fired it's not even funny...???
Notre Dame isn't that good, and Stanford proved it in their 28-14 win last night. Andrew Luck threw for 231 yards and a handful of scores. The HQ wonders how much of Brian Kelly's divided team is responsible...
((HT: SI.com))
The jury is still out on those Cardinal-flavored unis...
Sunday, November 13, 2011
TWTW: #7 Oregon lays Smackdown on #4 Stanford
Well, it WAS a great season for Andrew Luck and the Stanford Cardinal. Not any more.
They were taken to the woodshed late Saturday night, at home, against the Oregon Ducks.
LaMichael James ran for 146 yards and 3 TD's, as the Ducks slapped the Cardinal around in Palo Alto, winning 53-30. The win ends Stanford's quest at an undefeated season and the possibility they would jump into the hunt for the BCS title game.
Luck was solid, throwing for 271 yards and 3 TD's, but was picked off twice and the lack of help on defense kept him from pulling off another miracle.
This leaves two of the major "BCS Cartel" conference teams undefeated...LSU and Oklahoma State. Houston is as well, but because they play in Conference USA, they aren't allowed to play for the BCS title.
Both LSU and Oklahoma State have tough, rivarly games ahead and the Oregon win here, puts them back in the chase for a potential Chmapionship game berth should LSU and Oklahoma State falter.
KVAL-TV in Eugene gives us highlights from the game:
They were taken to the woodshed late Saturday night, at home, against the Oregon Ducks.
LaMichael James ran for 146 yards and 3 TD's, as the Ducks slapped the Cardinal around in Palo Alto, winning 53-30. The win ends Stanford's quest at an undefeated season and the possibility they would jump into the hunt for the BCS title game.
Luck was solid, throwing for 271 yards and 3 TD's, but was picked off twice and the lack of help on defense kept him from pulling off another miracle.
This leaves two of the major "BCS Cartel" conference teams undefeated...LSU and Oklahoma State. Houston is as well, but because they play in Conference USA, they aren't allowed to play for the BCS title.
Both LSU and Oklahoma State have tough, rivarly games ahead and the Oregon win here, puts them back in the chase for a potential Chmapionship game berth should LSU and Oklahoma State falter.
KVAL-TV in Eugene gives us highlights from the game:
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Stanford Gets "Lucky" Over USC
Right now is their any doubt Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is going to win the Heisman Trophy.
Unless Luck suffers a season ending injury and Stanford folds the tents a la the Indianapolis Colts (And Luck may end up in Indy) the Heisman appears to be Luck's to lose.
Saturday against the Southern California Trojans Luck threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns as the Cardinal survived 56-48 in triple overtime over the Trojans.
Here are the highlights. (Thanks Fox Sports)
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck meets the media after the game. (Thanks CSN Bay Area)
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