Wednesday, December 30, 2009

2009 NFL Pro-Bowl Teams




2009 NFL Pro-Bowl Teams
- Brett Favre and Peyton Manning have other plans for visiting Miami in early 2010.
Already Pro Bowl regulars, they were selected to this season's game Tuesday. Favre was among eight Minnesota Vikings who made the NFC team, while Manning was one of six Indianapolis Colts on the AFC squad. It will be Favre's 11th Pro Bowl and the 10th for Manning. No other quarterbacks have been to 10 all-star games.
Naturally, both of them -- and every other player chosen for the Pro Bowl whose team has made the playoffs -- are thinking of appearing in another game in South Florida, the Super Bowl. All six of the quarterbacks made the playoffs and, of course, would prefer to be playing in the Super Bowl on Feb. 7 in Miami. The Pro Bowl has been moved to the previous Sunday at Dolphin Stadium, and no Super Bowl participants will play in the all-star game.
As Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco said on Twitter after discovering the AFC North champions have nobody going to the Pro Bowl:
"Just been informed myself nor any of my teammates made the Pro Bowl-bengal fans we wouldn't be abe to play in it anyway! SUPER BOWL BABY!!!"
Favre will be a backup to New Orleans' Drew Brees, the NFL's top-rated passer. The other NFC quarterback will be Aaron Rodgers, who replaced Favre in Green Bay last year.
"When you are voted in as a quarterback, you really represent the entire offense and the team," Brees said, "because there isn't anything I can accomplish without the offensive line, running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. So this is a recognition of what we've been able to achieve as a unit, and I've been thrilled to be a part of an offense that has worked together so well this season."
Tennessee running back Chris Johnson, the league's leading rusher, also made the AFC team, along with NFL receptions leader Wes Welker of New England. Manning will be backed up at quarterback by New England's Tom Brady and San Diego's Philip Rivers.
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, the league's top scorer among non-kickers, will be in the NFC backfield. The other Vikings who made it: wide receiver Sidney Rice, defensive end Jared Allen, guard Steve Hutchinson, defensive tackle Kevin Williams, special teamer Heath Farwell and tackle Bryant McKinnie.
Dallas and Philadelphia, which meet for the NFC East title on Sunday, had the next most players on the NFC roster with six each, followed by top-seeded New Orleans with five. There were 13 first-timers chosen in the NFC in voting by fans, coaches and players.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has earned another $1.5 million by making his fifth Pro Bowl, pushing his NFL-high salary to $18.2 million this season. Peppers has 10½ sacks and was voted an NFC starter.
Nobody made it from the Falcons, Seahawks, Buccaneers or Lions.
The other Colts on the AFC roster were tight end Dallas Clark, defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and center Jeff Saturday.
San Diego, Denver and Baltimore each had five players chosen for the AFC team. There were eight newcomers in the AFC, while Cincinnati was the only division champion with no Pro Bowlers. Kansas City was the other AFC team without one, for the first time since 1978.
Two rookies made the AFC team, Houston linebacker Brian Cushing and Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd, who is on injured reserve.
"I'm just thrilled," Cushing said. "It's one of those things you always look forward to growing up playing football. When coach called me today I was just beyond ecstatic. I couldn't believe that it actually happened."
Washington LB Brian Orakpo is the lone rookie on the NFC squad. Orakpo is the first Redskins rookie selected for the Pro Bowl in 31 years.
"It really humbles me, because it shows people are watching and really know what I can do out there," Orakpo said. "I appreciate this honor and hopefully will get some more in the future -- and turn this team around, as well."
Several players used social media to reveal their selections to the game well before the NFL's official announcement at 7:15 p.m. ET. The NFL found that "understandable."
"To be named to the Pro Bowl is a tremendous individual honor," league spokesman Michael Signora said. "We notified each club of its Pro Bowl players at 4 p.m. ET to provide an opportunity for the club to inform its own players. This is standard procedure. It is understandable in today's world of social media that some players couldn't resist sharing their good news by tweeting."
Record-setting kick returner Josh Cribbs made the AFC team and joked it might help his stalled contract negotiations. Cribbs is planning to take most of the members of Cleveland's return units with him to the Pro Bowl.
"I hope I get that contract so I can afford it," he said, laughing. "It's the least I can do for a job well done. I can't leave those guys behind, they deserve it as much as I do. I've got to take care of my guys."

Monday, December 28, 2009

Meyer Now Taking an Indefinite Leave of Absence from Florida

Different articles on Urban Meyer's decision.
Now! Honestly! All of us had a first thought when we heard the news about Urban Meyer and I bet over 75% of us thought ok, what did he do, or who is being investigated, TIGER WOODS..... that was a joke, but seriously any comments???






Between heaven (coaching a national power) and the hell of retirement Florida's Urban Meyer chose a purgatorial spot on the sidelines. For how long, no one knows, not even the protagonist himself.
Judging from the events on Sunday, though, it is now possible to unring a bell or be sort of pregnant. In other words, there are no absolutes in Urban's World.
A resignation changed to a leave of absence for Meyer but it was much more complicated than that. In less than 18 hours, he went from leader of Gator Nation to changing the laws of time and space -- becoming his own coach-in-waiting.
After sleeping on it, the subject changed from chest pains to being homesick.
After careful reconsideration, Meyer walked into a karaoke bar and started belting out Billy Donovan tunes.
Wait, check that. Compared to Meyer's sudden change of heart, Donovan actually made a commitment -- lasting less than a week as head coach of the Orlando Magic -- 2½ years ago.
If you believe in conspiracy theories, Urban Legend has left the Tebowless Gators of 2010 to offensive coordinator Steve Addazio, only to re-emerge in 2011 to "save" the program.
Problem is, Meyer might not be gone that long. What they're officially calling it is an indefinite leave of absence. Note the uncertainty of the time frame and the certainty that the man will be back on the sidelines, probably soon (see below).
Pardon us if some of us are confused, mystified and a little bit irate. Strip away the speculation and news conferences and it's clear football won this battle. It won over physical ailments that, as of Saturday night, had forced Meyer to the sidelines. It won over a recruiting class that teetered in the balance had Meyer stayed away. It won over a career that looked all but finished. At least at Florida.
Now? There is something that Meyer is not telling us. That is certainly his right, considering his health is his business. But football is Gator Nation's business and Meyer has to understand that inquiring minds will want to know about the future of their franchise with or without him. All the pointed questions at Sunday's Sugar Bowl news conference in New Orleans announcing that the coach had indeed changed his mind and will return at some future date, were left unanswered.
Is there a surgical procedure in his future?
"I'm not sure," Meyer said.
Did doctors ever advise him to get away from coaching?
"I'd rather not get into that."
Those deflections could be nothing. No coach wants to reveal a "weakness" to recruits or to rival recruiters who will pounce. They could be hiding larger truths. The most telling admission was when Meyer was asked "in his gut" did he believe he'd be coaching in 2010.
"I probably knew that question was coming," he said. "I do, in my gut, believe that will happen."
So what was Saturday night all about? The decision to step down was as baffling as it was sudden. There was the revelation of chest pains and multiple hospital visits. The complications emerging from the cyst that rests on his brain have been chronicled.
Meyer spoke constantly of getting something "fixed."
"I've lived a 30-year coaching career in nine years," he said.
What Meyer intimated on Sunday was that he is taking six months off and hoping it will be enough that his condition will improve. That could be all he needs. Maybe it's simple as delegating authority and eliminating those 4 a.m. film sessions that he considers "our fault." Coach K pulled it off. Mike Krzyzewski took a leave of absence, missing most of the 1994-95 season because of back surgery.
If you take the man at his word, then, Meyer changed his mind after seeing his players at Sunday's practice.
"My family comes first, that's non-negotiable," Meyer said. "My second family is my players. That [practice] was the moment."

Meyer's Career Record
Year School Record Bowl
2009 Florida 12-1 TBA in Sugar
2008 Florida 13-1 Won BCS Title
2007 Florida 9-4 Lost Capital One
2006 Florida 13-1 Won BCS Title
2005 Florida 9-3 Won Outback
2004 Utah 12-0 Won Fiesta
2003 Utah 10-2 Won Liberty
2002 Bowling Green 9-3 None
2001 Bowling Green 8-3 None
Tot. 9 years 95-18 5-1 in bowls

Maybe it was a simple change of heart. Maybe Meyer is going against doctors' wishes by coming back. Either way there is still room to criticize him for waffling. Posters ripped him on Sunday for being "a drama queen." We don't know for sure because Meyer wouldn't let us know for sure.
Sunday's flip came just as suddenly and makes you wonder if Meyer can ever be the same on the sidelines. His intense persona is part of the package. After clinching the Fiesta Bowl berth in 2004 at Utah, trainers reportedly had to attend to Meyer. The cyst had become so inflamed that he was close to passing out.
If, as officials said, the leave-of-absence option was always on the table, why go to the trouble of Saturday night? That announcement seemed rather permanent.
All of this could have been avoided by Meyer sleeping on a final decision, maybe until after signing day. A bit unseemly, sure, but coaches have done it in the past. Get the herd in the pen and shut the gate.
Sunday, then, wasn't about celebration in Florida as much as it was for head scratching. The coach-for-now and coach-in-waiting passed along the reaction of his 18-year-old daughter when he stepped down on Saturday: "I got my daddy back."
On Sunday the question had to be, "For how long?"






Meyer Now Taking an Indefinite Leave of Absence from FloridaTechnically, Urban Meyer did nothing wrong. As strange and as stunning as the Florida coach's 24-hour career crisis has been, it's hard to criticize his handling of a life-altering decision, especially when it involves health factors no one but he can comprehend.
Yet there's no escaping that in the span of 24 hours, everything we thought we knew about the immediate future for both Meyer and Florida has irreparably changed.
On Saturday afternoon, the college football world went about its business assuming Florida to be one of its reigning bedrocks and Meyer the program's unflappable, steel-fisted leader. By Sunday afternoon, the sport's winningest active coach sat at a dais in New Orleans looking exhausted, emaciated and overwhelmed as he discussed his decision to take an indefinite leave of absence -- rather than flat-out resign, as he'd originally announced the previous evening -- from the Gators.
"After careful consideration and spending time at practice this morning with my players and coaches that I care so deeply about, I accepted this offer to improve my health," said Meyer, 45. "We've developed a program we're very proud of at Florida. I owe it to our players and our staff and my family and the University of Florida to get healthy and coach."
As of 6:43 p.m. Saturday, Florida appeared to be searching for a new coach. There was a moment when it appeared Bob Stoops might be roaming the sidelines at the Swamp come fall. By 1 p.m. Sunday, the Gators' current coach had decided to stay after all. The only person that might take his place, temporarily, is interim coach Steve Addazio.
Sportscasters rushed to proclaim the "sigh of relief" that must be sweeping through Gainesville. In truth, Florida's program may face more uncertainty in the months ahead than if Meyer had stuck with his original plan.
Sure, next year figured to bring a potentially tumultuous dose of transition, what with the departure of Tim Tebow, Charlie Strong and a slew of NFL prospects that formed the core of a 25-2 run these past two seasons. But as long as it had Meyer and his career .841 winning percentage, Florida's drop-off figured to be slim. Its offense might look different with pro-style quarterback John Brantley, but there'd still be playmakers galore around him. Meyer was still bringing in five-star recruits by the bushel.
Now, for the first time since the days of Ron Zook, it's impossible to predict what the future holds in Gainesville. Will Meyer be gone for two months or two years? He said Sunday his gut tells him he'll be back on the sideline come fall, but that possibility may depend more on his heart, which reportedly requires medical attention.
Apparently, beneath that tough shell and hypercompetitive personality was a man who for years had been dealing with an enormous physical toll -- a cyst on his brain that caused splitting stress-induced headaches, recurring chest pains, a loss of consciousness after the Dec. 5 SEC title game.
At Sunday's press conference, Meyer unconvincingly brushed off reporters' questions about whether he needs a new heart valve (as has been speculated) or whether his doctors have told him that he needs to step away. The only thing he adamantly denied was the rumor he'd had a heart attack.
His chest pains "started about four years ago, and became more serious two years ago. ... I was advised I had to get this right or it could lead to damage. "
If Meyer had announced his leave of absence from the get-go, perhaps it wouldn't seem so severe. But the fact that he was scared enough for his family's well being to initially quit his job -- telling The New York Times "I didn't want there to be a bad day where there were three kids sitting around wondering what to do next" -- carries serious consequences that, in the cut-throat world of college football, could cause significant problems for the Gators.
Even as fellow SEC coaches like Tennessee's Lane Kiffin were expressing the appropriate remorse publicly Saturday night ("The SEC & college football are suffering a huge loss," Kiffin tweeted), privately he, Georgia's Mark Richt and South Carolina's Steve Spurrier had to be salivating at the prospect of Meyer's departure. The SEC East was suddenly open for takers.
That doesn't change just because Meyer's hiatus is now temporary.
Florida will be at a disadvantage recruiting-wise for as long as Meyer's status is in limbo, and even when he returns, the famously relentless recruiter might not be able to pick off where he left off. (Rivals.com ranks the Gators' current crop of 20 commitments No. 3 in the country.) You can be sure Kiffin, Nick Saban, Les Miles and the rest of Meyer's SEC rivals will be providing prospects with a friendly reminder of the Florida coach's health situation. You never know when he might get another headache and jump ship on you, son. Crass, but inevitable.
Meyer's leave could also affect dynamics within the state of Florida. Suddenly, the race is on for Bowden's Florida State successor, Jimbo Fisher, to seize on the uncertainty in Gainesville. Fisher has already made a remarkably quick impact, landing commitments from two of the top prospects in the country (cornerback Lamarcus Joyner and linebacker Jeff Luc), but was still facing a colossal challenge trying to close the gap between his rebuilding program and Meyer's assembly line. Suddenly he's been gifted a window of opportunity.
But given the two, equally unexpected scenarios that flashed before Florida fans' eyes this weekend, the prospect of Meyer's return seems far more promising than his departure. As one Gator zealot texted me Sunday: "For the other choices out there, I'd still rather have Urban."
It's hard to blame him.
Meyer, whom SI.com recently named the sport's Coach of the Decade, has made such a profound impact on Florida in just five seasons that the thought of someone else coaching the Gators seemed no less unfathomable Saturday night than the day Steve Spurrier abruptly resigned eight years earlier. Had he walked away, Meyer still would have accomplished more in nine years (a 95-18 record, two BCS championships, an undefeated season at Utah) than most head coaches have their entire careers.
"Not to give it a shot wouldn't be fair to the university or to Coach Meyer," said AD Jeremy Foley. "Obviously, our primary concern is Coach Meyer and his health, taking this opportunity to get him fixed. There's no question it's the right thing to do for the institution and it's the right thing for Coach Meyer."
But it's simply impossible to predict what path he and the Gators will take from here.
The most obvious comparison is to that of Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, who took a leave for most of the 1994-95 season following offseason back surgery. Though he returned the next year and eventually brought the Blue Devils back to three more Final Fours, winning his third national title in 2001, the program first had to suffer through a 13-18 debacle and a first-round tourney exit the year after that.
Furthermore, Krzyzewski had a specific health issue he needed to address. By his own admission, Meyer's own extreme single-mindedness and self-punishing ways have contributed to his stress-related symptoms. Fixing an organ is one thing; fixing one's internal makeup is a far more vexing chore.
If and when he does return, Meyer may need to take on more of a CEO-type approach -- cut back on the long hours and travel miles, let his assistants do more of the dirty work. Yet that would fly in the face of the very reasons he's been so successful (his first-hand involvement from the early stages of players' recruitment, his personal craftsmanship of Florida's offense).
"Urban Meyer is very, very successful because of how he has done things," said Foley. "The challenge is to help him [reevaluate] how he does things but not take away the edge that makes him successful."
Having produced two national championships, a recent 22-game winning streak and a Heisman Trophy winner in his first five seasons, Meyer was well on his way to building a dynasty in Gainesville. In the ideal scenario for both he and his school, he'll return to his office sometime this offseason with a new perspective and to the sideline this fall with renewed zeal. He and the Gators will begin pursuit of their next trophy as if he never skipped a beat.
"Coach Meyer needs to be the Coach Meyer we all know, and we want to help him deal with it," said Foley. "We're very confident we can keep this thing going in the right direction."
In a more realistic scenario, however, Florida could be in for some rough sledding ahead. The demands of the job are too great, the SEC too competitive to be without one's head coach for an extended period.
But even the biggest Gator hater should be wishing Meyer good health and a speedy return. Everywhere he's been, at Bowling Green, Utah and Florida, Meyer has orchestrated remarkable transformations. Now comes his chance to perform one for himself.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

2009-2010 List of Gifts that each Bowl gives to its Participants



Ever since starting this site back in 2006, I've shared with you the goodies that each player gets for being in a bowl game. You'd think that college students wouldn't be able to receive that much, but for certain Bowl Games....you make out pretty good. Here is the list from Sox and Dawgs via SBD....

New Mexico Bowl (Fresno State vs Wyoming):
Sony gift suite, Oakley beanie, Oakley Antix sunglasses, Ogio wheeled garment bag, Oakley Surf Pack backpack

St. Petersburg Bowl (UCF vs Rutgers):
iLuv iPod/DVD player, Oakley Holeshot 3-Hand watch, Oakley Eyepatch sunglasses, Oakley Surf Pack backpack

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (Southern Miss vs Middle Tennessee):
Pure Digital Flip mini-camcorder, Balfour ring, Oakley Antix sunglasses, Oakley Panel Packbackpack

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl (Oregon State vs BYU):
Sony gift suite, Fossil watch, New Era cap, Ogio Fugitive laptop pack

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (Utah vs California):
Flo TV television, 1-year of service; Best Buy gift card, Tourneau watch, Sports Tek hooded sweatshirt, cap

Sheraton Hawaii (SMU vs Nevada):
Kahala Aloha shirt

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl (Marshall vs Ohio):
Sony gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, Football

Meineke Car Care Bowl (Pittsburgh vs North Carolina):
Choice of Bose gift packages or iPod touch, speakers and $20 gift card, Fossil watch, Ogio duffle bag, Commemorative Richard Petty Driving Experience photo

Emerald Bowl (Boston College vs USC):
Fossil watch

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl (Kentucky vs Clemson):
RCA HD camcorder, Fossil watch, Majestic fleece pullover, New Era hat, Ogio Metro laptop pack

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl (Texas A&M vs Georgia)
Sony gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, New Era hat, Football

EagleBank Bowl (Army or UCLA vs Temple):
Slingbox SOLO with Slinglink Turbo 1 Port, Powermat charging station ,Visions Marketing Hat, Football, Kanata tailgate blanket

Champs Sports Bowl (Miami, FL vs Wisconsin):
Party at Best Buy($420 limit), Timely Watch Co. watch

Roadys Humanitarian Bowl (Bowling Green vs Idaho):
Sony gift suite, Garmin GPS, Parka, Nike pullover, gloves, hand warmers, skull cap Ogio Fugitive laptop pack Football

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl (Arizona vs Nebraska):
Flo TV personal television (includes one-year of service), Best Buy gift card, Tourneau watch, Sports Tek hooded sweatshirt, cap

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Houston vs Air Force):
Sony gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, Camouflaged knit cap, Ogio Metro laptop pack, luggage tag, Football, calendar

Brut Sun Bowl (Oklahoma vs Stanford):
Sony gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, Majestic fleece pullover, VP Sports cap, Ogio Politan laptop pack,Brut hair dryer; coin

Texas Bowl (Navy vs Missouri):
$300 Best Buy gift card, Fossil watch, Under Armour shirt and hat; Bowl T-shirt, Under Armour backpack, Belt buckle

Insight Bowl (Minnesota vs Iowa State):
Sony gift suite, Fossil watch, Hat, Ogio Bounty Hunter or Hermit laptop pack

Chick-fil-A Bowl (Virginia Tech vs Tennessee):
$250 Best Buy gift card, Fossil watch, Russell Athletic knit cap, Russell Athletic travel bag, Football, Chick-fil-A gift card

Outback Bowl (Northwestern vs Auburn):
Best Buy gift card, Pro-Swiss watch, Jostens ring Hat, Outback Steakhouse gift card

Capital One Bowl (Penn State vs LSU):
Party at Best Buy($420 limit), Timely Watch Co. watch

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl (West Virginia vs Florida State):
Fossil watch, Oakley Antix sunglasses

Rose Bowl presented by Citi (Ohio State vs Oregon):
19″ Sharp television combo, Fossil watch, New Era 59Fifty fitted hat, Ogio Fugitive laptop pack, Plaque

Allstate Sugar Bowl (Florida vs Cincinnati):
Sony, Apple, Trek, Garmin and Weber gift suite, Timely Watch Co. watch, New Era cap, Ogio Politan laptop pack, Lane recliner

International Bowl (South Florida vs Northern Illinois):
Electronics package, Timely Watch Co. watch, Football

Papajohns.com Bowl (UConn vs South Carolina):
RCA HD mini-camcorder, Pro Swiss Watch, Oakley Surf Pack backpack, Football

AT&T Cotton Bowl (Oklahoma State vs Ole Miss):
Would Not Disclose

AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Arkansas vs East Carolina):
Westinghouse 19 LCD HDTV/computer monitor, Fossil watch, Nike training shoes, Nike sport sandals, Nike sunglasses, Football

Valero Alamo Bowl (Michigan State vs Texas Tech):
32-gig iPod Touch, Dr. Dre Monster Beats headphones, Fossil watch, Oakley Antix sunglasses, Shutt mini-helmet, panoramic photo

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (Boise State vs TCU):
Sony gift suite, Fossil watch, Tourneau watch Hat, Ogio Hermit checkpoint friendly laptop pack

FedEx Orange Bowl (Iowa vs Georgia Tech):
Sony gift suite, Tourneau watch, New Era cap, Ogio Politan laptop pack

GMAC Bowl (Central Michigan vs Troy):
RCA HD mini-camcorder, Timely Watch Co. watch, Cap, Garment bag with dop kit, Football

Citi BCS National Championship (Texas vs Alabama):
Sony gift suite with Trek and Garmin, Fossil watch, New Era 59Fifty hat, Ogio Politan laptop pack


2009 Bowl gifts to participants

Bowl Electronics Watch/Ring Apparel/Sunglasses Luggage Other
New Mexico
Dec. 19, 4:30 p.m., Albuquerque, N.M., ESPN Sony gift suite Oakley beanie, Oakley Antix sunglasses Oakley Surf Pack backpack
St. Petersburg
Dec. 19, 8 p.m., St. Petersburg, Fla., ESPN iLuv iPod/DVD player Oakley Holeshot 3-Hand watch Oakley Eyepatch sunglasses Oakley Surf Pack backpack
R&L Carriers New Orleans
Dec. 20, 8:15 p.m., New Orleans, ESPN Pure Digital Flip mini-camcorder Balfour ring Oakley Antix sunglasses Oakley Panel Packbackpack
MAACO Las Vegas
Dec. 22, 8 p.m., Las Vegas, ESPN Sony gift suite Fossil watch New Era cap Ogio Fugitive laptop pack
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia
Dec. 23, 8 p.m., San Diego, ESPN Flo TV television, 1-year of service; Best Buy gift card Tourneau watch Sports Tek hooded sweatshirt, cap
Sheraton Hawaii
Dec. 24, 8 p.m., Honolulu, ESPN Kicker EB101 ear bud headphones
i-Luv i1166 multi-media DVD player Kahala Aloha shirt
Oakley sunglasses Custom Hawaii Bowl Backpack
Little Caesars Pizza
Dec. 26, 1 p.m., Detroit, ESPN Sony gift suite Timely Watch Co. watch Football
Meineke Car
Care Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m., Charlotte, ESPN Choice of Bose gift packages or iPod touch, speakers and $20 gift card Fossil watch Ogio duffle bag Commemorative Richard Petty Driving Experience photo
Emerald
Dec. 26, 8 p.m., San Francisco, ESPN HP Netbook Fossil watch Emerald Bowl Cap Armor Gear backpack
Gaylord Hotels Music City
Dec. 27, 8:30 p.m., Nashville, ESPN RCA HD camcorder Fossil watch Majestic fleece pullover,New Era hat Ogio Metro laptop pack
AdvoCare V100 Independence
Dec. 28, 5 p.m., Shreveport, La., ESPN2 Sony gift suite Timely Watch Co. watch New Era hat Football
EagleBank
Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m., Washington, D.C., ESPN Slingbox SOLO with Slinglink Turbo 1 Port, Powermat charging station Visions Marketing Hat Football, Kanata tailgate blanket
Champs Sports
Dec. 29, 8 p.m., Orlando, ESPN Party at Best Buy($420 limit) Timely Watch Co. watch
Roadys Humanitarian
Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m., Boise, Idaho, ESPN Sony gift suite, Garmin GPS Parka, Nike pullover, gloves, hand warmers, skull cap Ogio Fugitive laptop pack Football
Pacific Life Holiday
Dec. 30, 8 p.m., San Diego, ESPN Flo TV personal television (includes one-year of service), Best Buy gift card Tourneau watch Sports Tek hooded sweatshirt, cap
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
Dec. 31, Noon, Fort Worth, Texas, ESPN Sony gift suite Timely Watch Co. watch Camouflaged knit cap Ogio Metro laptop pack, luggage tag Football, calendar
Brut Sun
Dec. 31, 2 p.m., El Paso, Texas, CBS Sony gift suite Timely Watch Co. watch Majestic fleece pullover, VP Sports cap Ogio Politan laptop pack Brut hair dryer; coin
Texas
Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m., Houston, ESPN $300 Best Buy gift card Fossil watch Under Armour shirt and hat; Bowl T-shirt Under Armour backpack Belt buckle
Insight
Dec. 31, 6 p.m., Tempe, Ariz., NFL Network Sony gift suite Fossil watch Hat Ogio Bounty Hunter or Hermit laptop pack
Chick-fil-A
Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., Atlanta, ESPN $250 Best Buy gift card Fossil watch Russell Athletic knit cap Russell Athletic travel bag Football, Chick-fil-A gift card
Outback
Jan. 1, 11 a.m., Tampa, ESPN Best Buy gift card Pro-Swiss watch, Jostens ring Hat Outback Steakhouse gift card
Capital One
Jan. 1, 1 p.m., Orlando, ABC Party at Best Buy($420 limit) Timely Watch Co. watch
Konica Minolta Gator
Jan. 1, 1 p.m., Jacksonville, CBS Fossil watch Oakley Antix sunglasses
Rose Bowl presented by Citi
Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m., Pasadena, Calif., ABC 19 Sharp television combo Fossil watch New Era 59Fifty fitted hat Ogio Fugitive laptop pack Plaque
Allstate Sugar
Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m., New Orleans, Fox Sony, Apple, Trek, Garmin and Weber gift suite Timely Watch Co. watch New Era cap Ogio Politan laptop pack Lane recliner
INTernational
Jan. 2, Noon, Toronto, ESPN2 Electronics package Timely Watch Co. watch Football
Papajohns.com
Jan. 2, 2 p.m., Birmingham, Ala., ESPN RCA HD mini-camcorder Oakley Surf Pack backpack
AT&T Cotton
Jan. 2, 2 p.m., Arlington, Texas, Fox Would Not Disclose
AutoZone Liberty
Jan. 2, 5:30 p.m., Memphis, Tenn., ESPN Westinghouse 19 LCD HDTV/computer monitor Fossil watch Nike training shoes, Nike sport sandals, Nike sunglasses Football
Valero Alamo
Jan. 2, 9 p.m., San Antonio, ESPN 32-gig iPod Touch, Dr. Dre Monster Beats headphones Fossil watch Oakley Antix sunglasses Shutt mini-helmet,panoramic photo
Tostitos Fiesta
Jan. 4, 8 p.m., Glendale, Ariz., Fox Sony gift suite Fossil watch,Tourneau watch Hat Ogio Hermit checkpoint friendly laptop pack
FedEx Orange
Jan. 5, 8 p.m., Miami, Fox Sony gift suite Tourneau watch New Era cap Ogio Politan laptop pack
GMAC
Jan. 6, 7 p.m., Mobile, Ala., ESPN RCA HD mini-camcorder Timely Watch Co. watch Cap Garment bag with dop kit Football
Citi BCS National Championship
GameJan. 7, 8 p.m., Pasadena, Calif., ABC Sony gift suite with Trek and Garmin Fossil watch New Era 59Fifty hat Ogio Politan laptop pack

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Top College Football Prospects In Non-BCS Bowl Games to Watch and Bowl Schedule


Top College Players to Watch in Non-BCS Bowl Games
si.com

The college bowl season has kicked off in earnest and offers another phase of scouting for NFL franchises. Much of the focus will be on the high-profile players over the next three weeks but NFL scouts are just as interested in the talent not as well-known to football fans. Here's a list of legitimate NFL prospects who scouts will be closely monitoring in non-BCS contests: (*denotes underclassmen)

Robert Johnson/S/Utah: Johnson was not graded by NFL scouts coming into the season, yet could end up as a top 100 pick next April. His range in centerfield is impressive as Johnson is a complete safety with terrific ball skills in coverage as well as an aggressive nature defending the run. He'll have his work cut out for him in the Poinsettia Bowl against Cal's potent passing game.

Kevin Basped*/DE/Nevada: Basped is one-half of Nevada's pass rushing duo that terrorizes opposing QBs with regularity. His totals this season include a team leading 7.5 sacks as well as 10.5 tackles for loss. Basped is expected to enter April's draft and would like to leave on a high note in the Hawaii Bowl where Nevada is pitted against SMU and the high-flying offense of June Jones.

Taylor Price/WR/Ohio: Price has been Ohio's top receiver the past two years and possesses the size/speed numbers scouts want in a No. 1 wideout. He's rough around the edges and needs to polish his game, but Price is a prospect who could end up in the first half of the draft if he continues to prove his worth. He'll have another opportunity to showcase his skills against a porous Marshall defense in the Little Caesars Bowl.

Mick Williams/DT/Pittsburgh: The Panthers have an abundance of quality on the defensive side of the ball and it's easy for a player like Williams to get lost in the shuffle. The hard-charging senior is well thought of in scouting circles and Williams is a high motor defender who plays with great quickness. He was graded as a free agent entering the season but has since moved into the late rounds. North Carolina's stout offensive line will offer Williams another challenge in the Meineke Bowl.

Stanley Havili*/FB/USC: Fullbacks rarely cause excitement in scouting circles, but Havili is one of two from the Pac-10 who has scouts buzzing. He's a triple threat, excelling as a lead blocker, pass catcher or ball carrier. Havili has the skills to play in a variety of offensive schemes at the next level. He'll be a big part of the Trojans offense against Boston College in the Emerald Bowl.

Jarvis Jenkins*/DL/Clemson: The Clemson program has a history of putting talented defensive lineman into the NFL and Jenkins looks like the next big prospect. He's a tremendous athlete with outstanding size and the ability to line up at defensive tackle or as a two-gap end. The Kentucky Wildcats offensive line will have their work cut out for them trying to slow down Jenkins in the Music City Bowl.

Von Miller*/OLB-DE/Texas A&M: Miller has been a pass-terror for the Aggies and is considered by scouts to be one of the Big 12's better defensive players after Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska and Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy. His 21 tackles for loss and 17 sacks ranks amongst the best in the nation. Scouts expect Miller to enter the draft where he'll be a top 60 pick. During the Independence Bowl he has an opportunity to feast on a Georgia offensive line that's been inconsistent all season.

Allen Bailey*/DL/Miami-Fla: Bailey is the third defensive prospect from the ranks of the underclassmen with potential at several positions. The athletic lineman has the size to play at tackle as well as the strength to hold down the defensive end position in the NFL. He'll have to earn his wage against Wisconsin's traditionally strong offensive line during the Champs Sports Bowl.

Steve Maneri/TE/Temple: Maneri moves towards the 2010 NFL Draft as the highest rated blocking tight end on draft boards. Scouts also think the 6-foot-5, 275-pound Maneri is a prospect at offensive tackle. Maneri's next task is slowing down the opportunistic UCLA defense as Temple makes its long awaited return to the postseason in the EagleBank Bowl.




Freddie Barnes/WR/Bowling Green: Barnes has been the most prolific receiver in the nation this season, leading the country with 129 receptions, 1,428 receiving yards and 14 touchdown catches. He's a terrific possession receiver that makes the important reception on third down. Barnes will have an opportunity to shine in the Humanitarian Bowl against an Idaho defense that gives up a fair share of points to the opposition.

Earl Mitchell/DT/Arizona: The eyes of the nation will be on Ndamukong Suh in the Holiday Bowl, but Arizona also has a legitimate defensive line prospect in Mitchell, an explosive tackle Nebraska must concentrate on.

Case Keenum*/QB/Houston: Keenum set the college football world on fire this season and is building a buzz about himself in the scouting community. He's drawing comparisons to Drew Brees in size and style and Keenum is likely to throw up big numbers against Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Owen Marecic*/FB/Stanford: Heisman Trophy runnerup Toby Gerhart's sensational season carrying the ball was due in large part to his lead blocker, the second top flight fullback prospect from the Pac-10. Marecic gives Stanford a dominant blocker in the backfield as well as a terrific pass catcher that makes plays downfield. Marecic will need all his skills against the dominant, aggressive Oklahoma defense in the Sun Bowl.

Danario Alexander/WR/Missouri: Alexander hopes to finish off his dominant senior season in style against Navy in the Texas Bowl. He rebounded from several knee injuries and became a leader on the Tigers offense in 2009. Alexander carries a third-round grade moving towards April, assuming his knees pass medical tests at the combine.

Luke Stocker/TE/Tennessee: Stocker was not on the radar screen coming into the season yet presently ranks as one of the top five senior tight ends in April's draft. He's a long, lean pass catcher that should grow into an effective blocker in time. His battle against Virginia Tech's Kam Chancellor in the Chick-fil-A Bowl could be epic.

Ryan Pugh*/C/Auburn: Pugh has become one of the nation's best centers since moving over from offensive tackle. He plays an intelligent brand of football, which nicely compliments his aggressive style. The Tigers face Northwestern in the Outback Bowl, a program always loaded with quality defensive linemen. It will be another good test for Pugh.

Jock Sanders*/RB/West Virginia: Sanders does not receive the same press as many of his teammates yet scouts think he's on a level with running back Noel Devine and quarterback Jarrett Brown. Sanders is a sensational pass catcher out of the backfield and also produces carrying the ball. He's perfectly suited to be a situational skill player in the NFL and will give the Florida State defense all they can handle in the Gator Bowl.

Nate Allen/S/South Florida: NFL scouts gave Allen high grades coming into the season and the senior has not disappointed. He's an intimidating defender in centerfield who plays big. Already invited to several important post-season All-Star games, Allen finishes his career with the Bulls in Canada at the International Bowl.

Weslye Saunders*/TE/South Carolina: Saunders has done an admirable job following in the footsteps of former Gamecock star tight end Jared Cook. Like his former teammate Saunders is a terrific athlete and downfield pass catching threat. Speculation is rampant Saunders will opt for April's draft following the PapaJohns.com Bowl against UConn.

Shay Hodge/WR/Mississippi: Hodge turned in a tremendous senior season and is zipping up draft boards. He's been branded as a possession receiver yet averaged 16.2 yards on 63 receptions this season. The Rebels return to the Cotton Bowl this year and square off against Oklahoma State. Hodge will be matched up against Cowboys cornerback Perrish Cox, considered by many scouts to be a top 45 selection next April.

Mitch Petrus/G/Arkansas: Petrus made a successful return to the field this year after sitting on the sidelines in 2008 to concentrate on academics. He's a former fullback who bullies defenders at the line of scrimmage or removes them from plays blocking in motion. The matchup against East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl is a good test for Petrus as the Pirates have several NFL prospects on the defensive line.

Greg Jones*/LB/Michigan State: The Spartans star linebacker has been a tackling machine since his freshman season. Jones has led Michigan State in tackles the past three years and is third in the nation this season with 141. He's an instinctive linebacker with a nose for the ball. Jones has publically stated he is weighing his options whether or not to enter the draft. The matchup against Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl offers Jones the ability to prove he can cover the pass as well as defend the run.

Brandon Lang/DE-OLB/Troy State: Lange entered the season with high grades from NFL scouts and has played reasonably well. He's similar to former Troy State star DeMarcus Ware as Lange is another explosive college defensive end slated to move to linebacker at the next level. Lang will be able to showcase his skills in the GMAC Bowl against Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour, a QB as lethal carrying the ball as he is throwing it.




2009 Bowl Schedule and TV Times
Dec. 22 MAACO Las Vegas (PREVIEW)
Las Vegas, Nev. BYU vs. Oregon State
ESPN
Dec. 23 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia
San Diego, Calif. Utah vs. Cal
ESPN
Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii SMU vs. Nevada
ESPN
Dec. 26 Little Caesars
Detroit, Mich. Marshall vs. Ohio
ESPN
Dec. 26 Meineke Car Care
Charlotte, N.C. North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
ESPN
Dec. 26 Emerald
San Francisco, Calif. Boston College vs. USC
ESPN
Dec. 27 Gaylord Hotels Music City
Nashville, Tenn. Clemson vs. Kentucky
ESPN
Dec. 28 AdvoCare V100 Independence
Shreveport, La. Texas A&M vs. Georgia
ESPN2
Dec. 29 EagleBank
Washington, D.C. Temple vs. UCLA
ESPN
Dec. 29 Champs Sports
Orlando, Fla. Miami vs. Wisconsin
ESPN
Dec. 30 Roady's Humanitarian
Boise, Idaho Idaho vs. Bowling Green
ESPN
Dec. 30 Pacific Life Holiday
San Diego, Calif. Nebraska vs. Arizona
ESPN
Dec. 31 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
Fort Worth, Texas Houston vs. Air Force
ESPN
Dec. 31 Brut Sun
El Paso, Texas Oklahoma vs. Stanford
CBS
Dec. 31 Texas
Houston, Texas Missouri vs. Navy
ESPN
Dec. 31 Insight
Tempe, Ariz. Minnesota vs. Iowa State
NFL Network
Dec. 31 Chick-fil-A
Atlanta, Ga. Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
ESPN
Jan. 1 Outback
Tampa, Fla. Northwestern vs. Auburn
ESPN
Jan. 1 Capital One
Orlando, Fla. Penn St. vs. LSU
ABC
Jan. 1 Konica Minolta Gator
Jacksonville, Fla. Florida State vs. West Virginia
CBS
Jan. 1 Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi
Pasadena, Calif. Ohio St. vs. Oregon
ABC
Jan. 1 Allstate Sugar
New Orleans, La. Florida vs. Cincinnati
FOX
Jan. 2 International
Toronto, Canada USF vs. Northern Illinois
ESPN2
Jan. 2 Papajohns.com
Birmingham, Ala. Connecticut vs. South Carolina
ESPN
Jan. 2 AT&T Cotton
Arlington, Texas. Oklahoma St. vs. Mississippi
FOX
Jan. 2 AutoZone Liberty
Memphis, Tenn. East Carolina vs. Arkansas
ESPN
Jan. 2 Valero Alamo
San Antonio, Texas Michigan St. vs. Texas Tech
ESPN
Jan. 4 Tostitos Fiesta
Glendale, Ariz. TCU vs. Boise St.
FOX
Jan. 5 FedEx Orange
Miami, Fla. Iowa vs. Georgia Tech
FOX
Jan. 6 GMAC
Mobile, Ala. Troy vs. Central Michigan
ESPN
Jan. 7 Citi BCS National Championship Game
Pasadena, Calif. Alabama vs. Texas
ABC

Thursday, December 17, 2009

College Basketball Weekly Roundup and Undefeated Teams

College Basketball's weekly round-up according to espn.com and Seth Davis tell us when the undefeated teams will lose.
UGH! Did I mention that Tiger's wife is going to divorce the superstar ASAP?????




Places To Be This Week

Southaven, Miss., Wednesday: UTEP, my personal sleeper, travels to the suburbs of Memphis to play Ole Miss in an attempt to get some national recognition. This should be one of the better games of the week between two teams that have had little national profile so far but could make some noise in March.


Arlington, Texas, Saturday: Texas probably can't command the massive crowd that Michigan State could against North Carolina at Ford Field in Detroit last December. But we'll see if the Longhorn faithful come out in droves to see Carolina. This matchup could be repeated in Indianapolis or in the Elite Eight.


Lawrence, Kan., Saturday: Michigan has swung and missed in each of its high-profile games this season. No one expects the Wolverines to win this game, but a strong showing at KU would do wonders for a strong push in the Big Ten. This, by the way, is ESPN's Green Game, an attempt to prove that a broadcast can be done and a game put on with environment-first thinking.


New York City, Saturday: Gonzaga plays Duke for the second-time ever at Madison Square Garden. This will be yet another chance for some of the Zags' new stars like Elias Harris and Robert Sacre to be on a big stage. Zags guard Matt Bouldin is already having an All-American season. Gonzaga lost to Wake Forest and probably could use another signature win post-Maui. But Duke is always the home team in the New York/New Jersey area.


Sunrise, Fla., Saturday: Richmond has fallen to in-state schools William & Mary and VCU yet took out Missouri and Mississippi State in South Padre Island, Texas, and gets a shot at banged-up South Carolina on Wednesday. The Spiders have the potential to pick up another SEC win when they face Florida. The Gators are back to some extent and the Spiders could use another résumé win before they hit the A-10.


Seattle, Saturday: Washington doesn't have a win yet that it can shout about. There only a handful of opportunities left. Portland is one of them. The Pilots need this just as much after a successful 76 Classic week was subdued by losses to Portland State and Idaho.


Los Angeles, Saturday: There might be nothing of note here, but it will still be interesting to see if a Pac-10 team can beat an NCAA tournament team from a power-six conference. USC hosts Tennessee in one of the league's last opportunities.


Atlanta, Sunday: The ACC continues its early openings with Florida State at Georgia Tech (BC has already defeated Miami, and the FSU-Tech game is followed by NC State at Wake). Both teams need their bigs to be dominant throughout the season. Seeing how Solomon Alabi and Chris Singleton of Florida State match up against Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors and Gani Lawal should be a good watch.

Team Of The Week: Kansas State

Last week: Beat Xavier, 71-56; won at UNLV (Orleans Arena), 95-80.
The top-ranked team in the country is in the state of Kansas, but one of the best-kept secrets is there as well: Kansas State.
The Wildcats' only loss this season was by 12 to a likely NCAA tournament-bound Ole Miss team in the semifinals of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off Classic in late November.
Since then, the Wildcats have ripped off six wins in a row, including an eight-point win over A-10 favorite Dayton, a 17-point win over Washington State (one of the better teams in a weak Pac-10), a 15-point win over A-10 contender Xavier and a 15-point win over 17th-ranked UNLV in Las Vegas. The game wasn't at the Thomas & Mack, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking this was anything but a true road game for the Wildcats. UNLV had just knocked off Louisville and won at Arizona in overtime. These are are solid wins for a K-State team looking for national recognition.

Well, here it is.

Kansas State is not just about Denis Clemente and his ability to get major numbers. Jacob Pullen is actually leading this team in scoring with 19 a game and made seven 3-pointers and scored 28 points in the win over the Runnin' Rebels. KSU coach Frank Martin has a team that's a good watch and will put up points, averaging more than 80 a game. The Wildcats play another true road game this week at Alabama on Saturday. Just ask Purdue if that's an easy task.
The search for the third-best team in the Big 12 is on, with the likely candidates being Kansas State or Texas A&M, unless Texas Tech can show staying power once league play begins. Oklahoma and Baylor can't be ruled out and neither should Missouri. But so far, the Wildcats and Aggies may have proven to be the most viable. The Wildcats' wins last week are putting them in position to be the ones to watch.

Player Of The Week: Greg Monroe

Greg Monroe was a lock for the lottery last season. But he knew he wasn't ready to be a contributor in the NBA. He will be now whenever he decides to leave.
His passing has never been a question, but Monroe needed to be more demonstrative. He was this week in what was the biggest week for Georgetown in the nonconference portion of the schedule.
Monroe had career-highs in points (24), shots (20) and rebounds (15) in a neutral-site win over Butler at Madison Square Garden in New York. He followed that up with a 15-point, seven-rebound, 14-shot outing in a win over Quincy Pondexter and No. 16 Washington at the Wooden Classic in Anaheim. Monroe had four steals in the two games and three blocked shots.
The offense runs through him, whether it's at the top of the key or rotating through him when he's moving. He has asserted himself quite nicely to the point where John Thompson III can rely on getting a star performance on a nightly basis. He got two of them this past week.

The Rest Of The Rotation

Jamel Jackson, Jr., G, Seton Hall: Jackson was averaging just 7 points a game and had just one point in 12 minutes in the previous outing against UMass. But something special occurred Saturday against VMI. He put together an unbelievable outing, scoring 40 points off the bench, making 12 3s and connecting on 14 of 17 shots. Wow. Who saw that happening?


Xavier Henry, Fr., F, Kansas: Henry gets dwarfed nationally by John Wall, but he's hardly an unknown -- and he's not playing like it either. Henry scored 31 in a win over La Salle in Kansas City, making an efficient 10-of-15 shots and 4-of-5 on 3s. Henry was always billed as a talented player to complement preseason all-Americans Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich, but who had him scoring this much (18.0 ppg) and leading the consensus top-ranked Jayhawks?


John Wall, Fr., G, Kentucky: Wall continues to be the bookend player. He starts strong, finishes strong and the Wildcats win. Wall hit the decisive bucket to beat Connecticut in New York City in Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night in the SEC/Big East Invitational. He finished with 25 points, making 10 of 16 shots and swiping six steals. His scoring numbers weren't as high (11) in a win at Indiana, but he had eight assists and just one turnover.


Jeremy Lin, Sr., G, Harvard: Lin had a super week after the previous Sunday saw him score 30 in a six-point loss at Connecticut. Lin scored 25 and was nearly untouchable for the Crimson in their second upset win at Boston College in as many seasons. Lin made 7 of 10 shots, 10 of 12 free throws and dished out four assists (with just two turnovers). He's easily one of the nation's best-kept secrets. Perhaps no more.

Get To Know ...

• Kawhi Leonard, Fr., F, San Diego State: San Diego State has been on a tear of late, winning five straight games, and a lot of that has to do with Leonard. He scored 23 points and grabbed 18 boards in a win over Cal State Fullerton and then notched a solid 13 points and 12 boards in a win over Arizona.

• Noruwa Agho, Soph., G, Columbia: He might be one of the best shooters in the country that no one is talking about. Agho is shooting 64.4 percent on 3s, with 29 made already this season. He scored 30 in a win at Wagner and then 23 in a win at Bryant, making 6 of 9 3s in the two games.


• John Roberson, Jr., G, Texas Tech: The Red Raiders had a huge win at TCU to go to 9-0 under Pat Knight, and a lot of the credit has to go to Roberson. He scored 25 points last week in the win over Washington and then followed it up with 21 points and 10 assists and just four turnovers (and two steals) in the win over the Horned Frogs.


• Kwadzo Ahelegbe, Jr., G, Northern Iowa: The Panthers have been cruising, save for a bad loss to DePaul in the Virgin Islands. Ahelegbe scored 32 on BC in St. Thomas and then cooled for two games and then rose back up to score 20 in a 17-point win over Iowa and a solid 14 in a win over Siena.


• Tony Crocker, Sr., G, Oklahoma: So much of the preseason hype at OU was about Willie Warren and deservedly so. But Crocker has been more consistent. He had one game earlier this month when he went for 16 points and 16 boards in a win over Arkansas. Last week, Crocker scored 33 points (29 in the first half) and grabbed 13 boards in a win over Centenary and then followed that up with another double-double (12 points and 10 boards) in a road win at Utah.


• Roman Martinez, Sr., F, New Mexico: The Lobos are easily one of the surprise teams this season at 10-0 with wins over Cal, a road win at San Diego and a neutral-court win over Texas A&M in Houston. Martinez, averaging 17 points a game, has been one of the primary reasons. He was stellar in scoring 26 points and making 8 of 9 3s (the only shots he attempted) in the win at USD and then scored 22 points with seven boards in the win over the Aggies. He made 4 of 7 3s in that game. The tough slate for the Lobos continues with a game against Creighton (yes, even with the Bluejays' struggles they're not easy), a trip to Oral Roberts (already beat Mizzou at home) and home games against Texas Tech and Dayton before opening the MWC at surging San Diego State.

• Juan Fernandez, So., G, Temple: Fernandez made seven 3s and scored a career-high 33 points to put himself into Big Five lore with a stellar performance in leading the Owls to a 75-65 win over third-ranked Villanova. If only the Owls had come back and beaten Georgetown (lost by one in D.C.), they would have two of the best wins against the Big East this season.

• Rhode Island: The Rams are now 8-1 after upsetting Boston College on Sunday night at Conte Forum. URI's only loss is at VCU by two, which is nothing to be ashamed of at this point in the season. Rhode Island beat rival Providence, and even though the Friars will finish near the bottom of the Big East, the Rams can claim to be the best in the state. URI has a tough slate ahead with a home game against surging Fairfield out of the MAAC, at Drexel's bandbox, and then against Oklahoma State at the Mohegan Sun on Jan. 2. The Rams start the A-10 by hosting Temple. Don't sleep on this squad, which loves to push the basketball and can create turnovers and turn them into points.

• The Atlantic 10: The league knocked off two Big East teams Sunday (Temple over Villanova and XU over Cincy) and an ACC school (URI over BC). If you're looking for a beneficiary from the Pac-10's woes, then head east. The A-10 could ultimately have plenty to choose from among Dayton, Temple, Rhode Island, Xavier, Charlotte and Richmond if there is some clear separation come March between this lot and the rest.

• Rivalry games: They are different. They just are. Cincinnati has more of a shot to make the NCAAs and win games than Xavier, but still lost in double overtime Sunday night at the Cintas Center. UTEP has more of a chance to win Conference USA than struggling New Mexico State does in the WAC, yet the Miners lost at home to the Aggies on Sunday night.

Places To Be This Week

Southaven, Miss., Wednesday: UTEP, my personal sleeper, travels to the suburbs of Memphis to play Ole Miss in an attempt to get some national recognition. This should be one of the better games of the week between two teams that have had little national profile so far but could make some noise in March.


Arlington, Texas, Saturday: Texas probably can't command the massive crowd that Michigan State could against North Carolina at Ford Field in Detroit last December. But we'll see if the Longhorn faithful come out in droves to see Carolina. This matchup could be repeated in Indianapolis or in the Elite Eight.


Lawrence, Kan., Saturday: Michigan has swung and missed in each of its high-profile games this season. No one expects the Wolverines to win this game, but a strong showing at KU would do wonders for a strong push in the Big Ten. This, by the way, is ESPN's Green Game, an attempt to prove that a broadcast can be done and a game put on with environment-first thinking.


New York City, Saturday: Gonzaga plays Duke for the second-time ever at Madison Square Garden. This will be yet another chance for some of the Zags' new stars like Elias Harris and Robert Sacre to be on a big stage. Zags guard Matt Bouldin is already having an All-American season. Gonzaga lost to Wake Forest and probably could use another signature win post-Maui. But Duke is always the home team in the New York/New Jersey area.


Sunrise, Fla., Saturday: Richmond has fallen to in-state schools William & Mary and VCU yet took out Missouri and Mississippi State in South Padre Island, Texas, and gets a shot at banged-up South Carolina on Wednesday. The Spiders have the potential to pick up another SEC win when they face Florida. The Gators are back to some extent and the Spiders could use another résumé win before they hit the A-10.


Seattle, Saturday: Washington doesn't have a win yet that it can shout about. There only a handful of opportunities left. Portland is one of them. The Pilots need this just as much after a successful 76 Classic week was subdued by losses to Portland State and Idaho.


Los Angeles, Saturday: There might be nothing of note here, but it will still be interesting to see if a Pac-10 team can beat an NCAA tournament team from a power-six conference. USC hosts Tennessee in one of the league's last opportunities.


Atlanta, Sunday: The ACC continues its early openings with Florida State at Georgia Tech (BC has already defeated Miami, and the FSU-Tech game is followed by NC State at Wake). Both teams need their bigs to be dominant throughout the season. Seeing how Solomon Alabi and Chris Singleton of Florida State match up against Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors and Gani Lawal should be a good watch.




Si's Seth Davis Tells Us When the Undefeated Teams will Lose!Seton Hall
Record: 8-0

Best win: 89-79 at Cornell

Streak will end on: Dec. 19 vs. Temple

Skinny: While I wouldn't discount a true road win against a very good Cornell team, clearly the Pirates have not established their bona fides like most of the others on this list. If this game against Temple was coming two or three days after the Owls' upset of Villanova, I would probably pick the Hall to win. But Temple has had plenty of time to come down from its emotional high, and the Owls have played a far more rigorous schedule (Georgetown, Siena, Virginia Tech, St. John's, Villanova) than Seton Hall to this point. Seton Hall will benefit from gaining the eligibility of guard Keon Lawrence (suspension) and forward Jeff Robinson (second-semester transfer), but I doubt those guys will have much of an impact in just their first game.

Missouri State
Record: 9-0

Best win: 83-75 vs. Tulsa

Streak will end on: Dec. 19 at Saint Louis

Skinny: The Bears have done well to stay unblemished thus far, but keep in mind they also got off to a good start last year before losing 17 of their final 21 and finishing in 10th place in the Missouri Valley Conference. The rubber will once again hit the road -- literally -- when the Bears embark on the final three games of their current four-game road swing. Rick Majerus' Billikens aren't exactly a Final Four team, but their 6-3 record does include a win at home against Southern Illinois, which most Valley watchers would say is better than Missouri State.

Texas
Record: 8-0

Best win: 78-62 vs. Pittsburgh in Kansas City

Streak will end on: Dec. 22 vs. Michigan State

Skinny: The Longhorns have looked very impressive in the early going, but considering their best win is against a Pitt team that probably won't make the NCAA tournament, the jury is out on just how good they are. You also have to wonder how well that schedule has prepared them for their upcoming games. If they get by North Carolina on Saturday at Dallas Cowboys Stadium, they will have to rejigger their emotions for a Spartans team that has, by contrast, played a brutal early schedule. Michigan State has also won the last three meetings between these teams. Maybe the Spartans just have the Longhorns' number.

Texas Tech
Record: 9-0

Best win: 99-92 (OT) vs. Washington

Streak will end on: Dec. 29 at New Mexico

Skinny: Raise your hands if you circled this game in the preseason as a potential battle of the unbeatens. The Red Raiders are one of the pleasant surprises in the early going, but aside from their win at home over the Huskies, their victories have come almost exclusively against weak teams at home. (They did not play in any early-season tournaments, and their only road wins have come at Stephen F. Austin and TCU.) If the Raiders can get by Wichita State on the road and Stanford at home, they will have their comeuppance in The Pit, which is always one of the toughest places to win.

New Mexico
Record: 10-0

Best wins: 86-78 vs. California; 84-81 vs. Texas A&M in Houston

Streak will end on: Jan. 1 vs. Dayton

Skinny: The Lobos are not pretenders. Steve Alford has a couple of real gems in his two versatile, lefty forwards Roman Martinez and Darington Hobson. While I would normally be hesitant to pick against this team in the Pit, in this case they will be facing a Dayton team that can match their talent but far exceeds them in experience and toughness. This game also comes right before the start of the conference season, which for New Mexico begins with a road date at San Diego State followed by home games against UNLV and Utah. And if New Mexico really is still undefeated going into this game, you can be sure the Flyers will be plenty amped up to hand them their first loss.

West Virginia
Record: 7-0

Best win: 73-66 vs. Texas A&M in Anaheim

Streak will end on: Jan. 1 at Purdue

Skinny: To beat the Mountaineers, you have to be able to match their muscle at all five positions. Purdue can do that, but the Boilermakers can also score more proficiently than West Virginia, especially at home. I know the Mountaineers would like to stay undefeated, but they've already played some important games, and since it's not a Big East contest, I don't see a real high incentive for them in this one.

Kansas
Record: 9-0

Best win: 57-55 vs. Memphis in St. Louis

Streak will end on: Jan. 10 at Tennessee

Skinny: It's hard to envision the top-ranked Jayhawks losing in Allen Fieldhouse, so that leaves four possible road opponents: Temple (Jan. 2), Tennessee (Jan. 10), Iowa State (Jan. 23) and Kansas State (Jan. 30). Temple will provide a major test (as Jay Wright can attest), but I went with Tennessee because that will only be KU's third true road game of the season. I like this Vols team; they're one of the few squads in the country who come close to matching up with Kansas in both talent and experience.

Purdue
Record: 9-0

Best wins: 73-72 vs. Tennessee in the Virgin Islands; 69-58 vs. Wake Forest

Streak will end on: Jan. 9 at Wisconsin

Skinny: This was an easy call. Madison is the place where perfect records go to die. The Badgers will be laying in wait to snap the Boilermakers' win streak, and they'll be more than happy to slow down the game and slug it out in the half court. Remember, Purdue is still playing without speedy point guard Lewis Jackson, who has not played this season (and may be done for the year) because of a foot injury.

Georgetown
Record: 8-0

Best wins: 72-65 vs. Butler in Madison Square Garden; 74-66 vs. Washington 74-66 in Anaheim

Streak will end on: Jan. 14 vs. Seton Hall

Skinny: It might surprise you to see me going with a home game against a middle-of-the-pack Big East team. I did so because a) Seton Hall is better than people realize and b) this game comes right after the Hoyas' home date with UConn and before their road game at Villanova. There's only so much energy a team can muster, and while Georgetown is Sweet 16 good (which is why I think they'll squeak by UConn), this team is not operating on a huge margin for error.

Syracuse
Record: 10-0

Best wins: 87-71 vs. North Carolina at Madison Square Garden; 85-73 vs. Florida in Tampa

Streak will end on: Jan. 16 at West Virginia

Skinny: I was tempted to go with the Jan. 6 date with Memphis in the Carrier Dome, but assuming the Orange survive that one, I envision them falling in Morgantown. That will be the second of a three-game road swing for Syracuse that includes games at Rutgers and Notre Dame. That means the Orange will be ripe for the picking.

Kentucky
Record: 10-0

Best wins: 68-66 vs. North Carolina; 64-61 vs. UConn in Madison Square Garden

Streak will end on: Jan. 26 at South Carolina

Skinny: According to coach John Calipari, the Cats are actually 5-5, so maybe I shouldn't have included them on this list. That aside, I think this team has the ability to rise to the occasion against good teams, even on the road, which is why I didn't select their Jan. 12 date in Gainesville. Kentucky is more likely to lose because it overlooked a lesser opponent that is good enough to beat them. By the time the Cats get to Columbia, the folks there will have had this game circled for months. For Kentucky, it will be just another game.

This weekends schedule
Friday
10 p.m.: Pacific at Saint Mary's
10 p.m.: Utah State at Long Beach State

Saturday
Noon: Michigan at Kansas (ESPN)
2 p.m.: North Carolina vs. Texas (ESPN)
2 p.m.: Xavier at Butler (ESPN2)
4 p.m.: Gonzaga vs. Duke (CBS)
4:30 p.m.: Tennessee at USC (FSN)
6:30 p.m.: Richmond vs. Florida (Sun Sports)
7 p.m.: Temple at Seton Hall
8 p.m.: Texas Tech at Wichita State
10 p.m.: Portland at Washington (FSN NW)

Sunday
5:30 p.m.: Florida State at Georgia Tech (FSN)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

2009 College Football All-Americans

I cannot believe Kurt Coleman from Ohio State did not make a team!


SI.com's 2009 All-Americas First Team OFFENSE DEFENSE
QB Kellen Moore
So., Boise St.
The nation's top-rated passer threw 39 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

DE Jerry Hughes
Sr., TCU
The Lott winner led the Horned Frogs' top-rated defense with 11.5 sacks.

RB Toby Gerhart
Sr., Stanford
The Doak Walker winner led all rushers with 1,736 yards and 26 touchdowns.

DT Brian Price
Jr., UCLA
A menacing defender, Price ranked second nationally with 22.5 sacks.

RB Mark Ingram
So., Alabama
This year's Heisman winner notched 1,864 total yards and 18 touchdowns.

DT Ndamukong Suh
Sr., Nebraska
The Heisman finalist recorded 88 tackles (23 for loss), 12 sacks and 10 pass breakups.

WR Danario Alexander
Sr., Missouri
Alexander caught 107 passes and led the nation with 137 yards per game.

DE Von Miller
Sr., Texas A&M
This hybrid linebacker led the nation with 17 sacks and also forced four fumbles.

WR Golden Tate
Jr., Notre Dame
The Biletnikoff winner averaged 16 yards per catch and scored 15 touchdowns.

LB Pat Angerer
Sr., Iowa
Angerer's 135 tackles set the pace for the Hawkeyes' top 10 scoring defense.

TE Dennis Pitta
Sr., BYU
Pitta led all tight ends with 787 yards and seven touchdowns on 57 catches.

LB Greg Jones
Sr., Michigan St.
Jones ranked third nationally with 141 tackles, including 13.5 for loss.

C Jake Kirkpatrick
Jr., TCU
This Rimington finalist calls schemes for the nation's No. 4 offense.

LB Rolando McClain
Jr., Alabama
This year's Butkus winner was the MVP of the nation's No. 2 defense.

OL Rodney Hudson
Jr., Florida St.
Hudson did not allow a sack or quarterback pressure and graded out at 88 percent.

CB Javier Arenas
Sr., Alabama
'Bama's shutdown corner snagged a key interception in the SEC title game.

OL Mike Iupati
Sr., Idaho
The Outland finalist did not allow a sack and notched 49 knockdowns.

S Eric Berry
Jr., Tennessee
The Thorpe Award winner notched 83 tackles and recovered four turnovers.

OL Mike Johnson
Sr., Alabama
Johnson served as the key-run blocker for eventual Heisman winner Ingram.

S Earl Thomas
So., Texas
The Longhorns' defensive star tied for second nationally with eight interceptions.

OL Russell Okung
Sr., Oklahoma St.
Okung, an Outland finalist and likely top 10 pick, allowed one sack all season.

CB Joe Haden
Jr., Florida
The Thorpe finalist notched four interceptions and nine pass breakups.

SPECIAL TEAMS
K Grant Ressel
So., Missouri
Ressel was 24-of-25, leading all kickers with a .960 field-goal percentage.

RETURNS C.J. Spiller
Sr., Clemson
The speedster returned four kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns.

P Drew Butler
So., Georgia
Butler's 48.8 yard average was three yards higher than any other player's.

ALL-PURPOSE Mardy Gilyard
Sr., Cincinnati
The receiver/returner ranked second nationally with 203.5 yards per game.

Second Team OFFENSE DEFENSE
QB Colt McCoy, Sr., Texas
DE Brandon Graham, Sr., Michigan
RB Dion Lewis, Fr., Pittsburgh
DT Terrence Cody, Sr., Alabama
RB Ryan Mathews, Jr., Fresno St.
DT Gerald McCoy, Jr., Oklahoma
WR Freddie Barnes, Sr., Bowling Green
DE Derrick Morgan, Jr., Georgia Tech
WR Jordan Shipley, Sr., Texas
LB Navorro Bowman, Jr., Penn State
TE Aaron Hernandez, Jr., Florida
LB Luke Kuelchy, Fr., Boston College
OL Maurkice Pouncey, Jr., Florida
LB Eric Norwood, Sr., South Carolina
OL Ciron Black, Sr., LSU
CB Brandon Harris, So., Miami
OL Zane Beadles, Sr., Utah
S DeAndre McDaniel, Jr., Clemson
OL Jason Pinkston, Jr., Pittsburgh
S Rahim Moore, So., UCLA
OL Trent Williams, Sr., Oklahoma
CB Tyler Sash, So., Iowa
SPECIAL TEAMS K Hunter Lawrence, Sr., Texas
RETURNS Brandon Banks, Sr., Kansas St.
P Matt Dodge, Sr., East Carolina
ALL-PURPOSE C.J. Spiller, Sr., Clemson




2009 AP All-America first team College Football
Position Player(s)
QB Colt McCoy (Texas)
RB Toby Gerhart (Stanford), Mark Ingram (Alabama)
WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame), Jordan Shipley (Texas)
T Russell Okung (Oklahoma State), Trent Williams (Oklahoma)
G Michael Johnson (Alabama), Mike Iupati (Idaho)
C J.D. Walton (Baylor)
TE Aaron Hernandez (Florida)
All-purpose player C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
K Leigh Tiffin (Alabama)
DE Jerry Hughes (TCU), Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech)
DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), Terrence Cody (Alabama)
LB Rolando McClain (Alabama), Greg Jones (Michigan State), Eric Norwood (South Carolina)
CB Joe Haden (Florida), Javier Arenas (Alabama)
S Earl Thomas (Texas), Eric Berry (Tennessee)
P Drew Butler (Georgia)


AP Second and Third Team All-Americans
Second Team
Offense: QB: Tim Tebow, senior, Florida; RB: Ryan Mathews, junior, Fresno State; Dion Lewis, freshman, Pittsburgh; WR: Mardy Gilyard, senior, Cincinnati; Danario Alexander, senior, Missouri.; TE: Dennis Pitta, senior, BYU; OT: Bryan Bulaga, junior, Iowa; Chris Marinelli, senior, Stanford; OG: Rodney Hudson, junior, Florida State; Mike Pouncey, junior, Florida; C: Maurkice Pouncey, junior, Florida.
Defense: DE: Von Miller, junior, Texas A&M; Brandon Graham, senior, Michigan; DT: Gerald McCoy, junior, Oklahoma; Jared Odrick, senior, Penn State; LB: Pat Angerer, senior, Iowa; Brandon Spikes, senior, Florida; Sean Weatherspoon, senior, Missouri; CB: Perrish Cox, senior, Oklahoma State; Kyle Wilson, senior, Boise State; S: Taylor Mays, senior, Southern California; Rahim Moore, sophomore, UCLA.
Special Teams: K: Kai Forbath, junior, UCLA; P: Zoltan Mesko, senior, Michigan; All-purpose player: James Rodgers, junior, Oregon State.
Third Team
Offense: QB: Kellen Moore, sophomore, Boise State; RB: LaMichael James, redshirt freshman, Oregon; Jacquizz Rodgers, sophomore, Oregon State; WR: Freddie Barnes, senior, Bowling Green; Demaryius Thomas, junior, Georgia Tech; TE: Dorin Dickerson, senior, Pittsburgh; OT: Dennis Landolt, senior, Penn State; Ciron Black, senior, LSU; OG: Brandon Carter, senior, Texas Tech; Jeff Byers, senior, Southern California; C: Chris Hall, senior, Texas.
Defense: DE: Jeremy Beal, junior, Oklahoma; Brandon Sharpe, senior, Texas Tech; DT: Brian Price, junior, UCLA; Dan Williams, senior, Tennessee; LB: Sergio Kindle, senior, Texas; Cody Grimm, senior, Virginia Tech; Navorro Bowman, junior, Penn State; CB: Brandon Harris, sophomore, Miami; Alterraun Verner, senior, UCLA; S: Tyler Sash, sophomore, Iowa; Mark Barron, sophomore, Alabama.
Special Teams: K: Hunter Lawrence, senior, Texas; P: Matt Reagan, senior, Memphis; All-purpose player: Dexter McCluster, senior, Mississippi.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Two of Bob Knight's Favorite's Enter the Top 25 College Basketball Poll




I thought it was awesome that Pat Knight has Texas Tech back in the Top 25 and Steve Alfred has New Mexico back in the Top 25. Even though Bobby Knight is not physically coaching anymore, his methods still are through his favorite pupils.

AP Top 25 College Basketball 12-15-09
No. School Record Points Prev
1 Kansas (61) 9-0 1620 1
2 Texas (1) 8-0 1512 2
3 Kentucky (1) 10-0 1486 4
4 Purdue 9-0 1426 5
5 Syracuse (2) 10-0 1388 7
6 West Virginia 7-0 1315 6
7 Duke 7-1 1137 8
8 Villanova 9-1 1107 3
9 Tennessee 7-1 1104 9
10 North Carolina 8-2 1039 11
11 Georgetown 8-0 1008 15
12 Michigan State 8-2 922 12
13 Florida 8-1 864 10
14 Connecticut 6-2 762 14
15 Gonzaga 8-2 505 21
16 Texas Tech 9-0 492 23
17 Kansas State 9-1 391 29
18 Ohio State 7-2 383 13
19 New Mexico 10-0 364 35
20 Mississippi 8-1 334 25
21 Butler 7-3 257 22
22 Georgia Tech 7-1 253 24
23 Texas A&M 8-2 221 16
24 Washington 6-2 179 17
25 Cincinnati

Monday, December 14, 2009

Mark Ingram 2009 Heisman Trophy Winner: A Perfect Fit



All the different articles on the heisman
Ingram's Heisman fills big void
www.si.com
NEW YORK -- He was clearly gripped by emotion the moment his name was called, struggling to collect his composure as he climbed on to a stage thronged by some of the biggest legends in the history of the sport.
Upon beginning his Heisman acceptance speech, Mark Ingram finally broke down after uttering the following words: "I'm just so excited to bring Alabama their first Heisman winner."
The good people of that state waited a long, long time for this night. Few place more importance on college football history, and no fan base lionizes its gridiron heroes more than those of the Crimson Tide's. They'll be the first to let you know they take a backseat to nobody -- 12 national championships, 22 SEC titles, 57 bowl berths.
Yet, for 74 years, one trophy had mysteriously eluded Tuscaloosa. Every December since 1935, 'Bama fans have had to watch from a distance as stars from places like USC, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Miami -- heck, from Stanford, BYU, Houston and, egads! Auburn -- basked in the glory of college football's highest honor.
On Saturday night at the Times Square Nokia Theatre, Ingram -- the pride of Flint, Mich., and now, suddenly, the most decorated player in Alabama's lustrous history -- claimed the 75th Heisman Memorial Trophy.
"The legacy of Alabama football certainly has a void filled," said Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. "It made this an even greater opportunity [for Ingram] from a bigger picture standpoint."
As Ingram was escorted through the main floor of the Marriott Marquis for his post-ceremony press conference Saturday night, a school staffer informed him, "They're blowing up back in Tuscaloosa. I'm getting texts like crazy." Ingram, whose sober expression rarely seems to change (except, of course, when he's doing Gator chomps on the sideline), looked down at this own phone. "I've got 260 [texts]," he said.
If he doesn't fully appreciate it yet, he soon will. With the opening of an envelope Saturday night, Ingram, whose 1,864 total yards and 18 touchdowns helped lift No. 1 Alabama to a 13-0 regular season, assured himself a lifetime of adulation in a state whose residents adorn their walls with framed prints of famous moments in Crimson Tide history.
Ingram's fellow finalist, Tim Tebow, the 2007 Heisman winner, knows well how his new friend's life is about to change.
"He'll always be known as the 75th Heisman Trophy winner," Tebow said Saturday. "He'll become more and more popular. More and more of a petting zoo."
Ingram didn't run away from the other contenders quite as strikingly as he did Florida's defense last week. In fact, his victory was the closest in Heisman history. Another tailback, Stanford's Toby Gerhart, finished a mere 28 points behind. (For comparison's sake, Reggie Bush beat Vince Young by 933 points in 2005.) Texas quarterback Colt McCoy finished just 159 points behind Ingram.
It was a fitting ending to an unusual season in which the Heisman pecking order seemed to change by the week. After netting a season-low 30 rushing yards against Auburn on Nov. 27, Ingram was thought to be on the outs. Prior to notching a staggering 4½ sacks against Texas in the Dec. 5 Big 12 title game, Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh -- who wound up finishing a historic fourth (highest of any player at his position since 1994) -- was thought to have almost no shot of coming to New York.
Just as Suh assured his spot with a huge performance the last night of the season, Ingram made his case with a 189-yard, three-touchdown masterpiece in the SEC championship game. (Ironically, he also benefitted greatly from Suh's defensive dominance of presumed front-runner McCoy.)
Over the past decade, Heisman voters have increasingly intertwined the award with the BCS title chase. That might not seem fair to some (like Gerhart's supporters, knowing he may have run away with the thing had his team not lost four games), but for Alabama fans, it probably seems appropriate. During Bear Bryant's heyday, the Heisman drought became something of a source of pride. Other programs produced stars. Alabama produced champions.
But it's been 17 years since the Tide last played for a national title, and there have been many, many lows in the interim. Having endured 3-8 seasons, NCAA sanctions and coaching turmoil, Alabama finally finds itself back in the limelight. Last year, Saban led the Tide to a 12-0 regular season. This year, he's got them playing for a national championship.
Ingram's Heisman, therefore, is the best of both worlds. Tide fans can finally celebrate the sport's highest individual honor knowing full well Ingram's achievement came in the context of an old-fashioned, power-running, championship-caliber team.
"It was an unbelievable team concept this year," said longtime Alabama AD Mal Moore, once a member of Bryant's coaching staff. "The offense [Saban] runs was set for Mark. He handled it very well. [Freshman] Trent Richardson shared time and contributed. [The Heisman] just happened.
"This is as good as it gets."
By the time he reached the Marquis podium about 40 minutes after the presentation ended, Ingram, who stopped and openly wept during a brief but gripping acceptance speech, had collected his composure. He reiterated how honored he was to be his school's first Heisman winner, how excited he was to be able to serve as inspiration to youngsters in his downtrodden hometown and how happy he was to bring pride to his family, noting "it hasn't always been easy for us."
(Ingram's father, Mark Sr., a former star receiver for the New York Giants, was convicted on bank fraud and money laundering charges last year and is currently being detained at the Queens Correctional Center, one borough over from where Saturday night's festivities were held.)
Ingram, the only Northerner on Alabama's entire roster, admittedly knew few details of the program's rich history upon signing there two years ago. He was brought up to speed soon enough. Like many, he was stunned to learn of the Tide's 74-year Heisman shutout. (Saban himself said he wasn't aware of it until Ingram became a candidate.)
But he's spent plenty of time walking past the many trophy cases that litter the walls of Alabama's football facilities.
"I'm not sure where [the Heisman] is going to go," said Ingram. "I'm sure it's going to be in the trophy case with all those national championships and all those other awards people have won."
Ingram's honor doesn't lessen the accomplishment of all the greats that came before him. But this one's going to merit a celebration 75 years in the making.












Mark Ingram 2009 Heisman Trophy Winner: A Perfect Fit
www.espn.com
NEW YORK -- After winning the closest Heisman Trophy race in the 75-year history of the award on Saturday night, Alabama running back Mark Ingram walked to the dais at Nokia Theatre in Times Square and was overcome with emotion.
Maybe it was the relief or sheer joy of becoming Alabama's first Heisman Trophy winner. Alabama has long been one of college football's most tradition-rich programs, but never before had one of its players won the sport's most coveted individual honor.
"When he started reading that letter, my heart started beating," said Ingram, who edged Stanford running back Toby Gerhart by 28 points and five first-place votes. "I could just feel it beating real fast. When they called my name out, I was excited and then I saw my mom crying, and it kind of made me break down, too. It was just a real special moment for me that I'll cherish for the rest of my life."
Across the East River, Ingram's father had to be overcome with pride and joy, too. Mark Ingram Sr., a former star wide receiver for Michigan State and the NFL's New York Giants, is being held at the Queens Private Correctional Facility on charges of failure to surrender, which will be added to the 92-month prison sentence he already faced for money laundering and bank fraud.
After regaining his composure Saturday night, Mark Ingram thanked his family for their support, including his troubled father.
"I'd like to thank my family, my mother and grandparents, who are sitting right there," Ingram said. "My father, who has been a great influence on my life, and I love him to death."
Several minutes after Ingram was named the Heisman Trophy winner, Mark Ingram Sr. called his wife from prison.
"He just called me and he's excited and proud, too," Shonda Ingram said. "He was asking, 'Where was Mark?'"
Mark Ingram said he last talked to his father two days ago. Shonda Ingram said she wasn't sure if Ingram would get to see his father before returning to Tuscaloosa, Ala., in a couple of days.
Nearly one year ago, U.S. marshals captured Ingram's father in a hotel room in Flint, Mich. Ingram had been on the run after failing to report to a federal prison in Ashland, Ky., on Dec. 5, 2008. Ingram had asked a judge to delay his sentence so he could watch his son play against Utah in the Sugar Bowl at the end of the 2008 season. Marshals captured Ingram on Jan. 2, just minutes before the Crimson Tide played the Utes in New Orleans.
"I can believe that he did it," Shonda Ingram said of her husband's flight from authorities. "He would do anything for his kids. If that was his last thing, if he could see that game, I understand why he did it."
Mark Ingram Sr. still calls his son two or three times a week. The elder Ingram is able to watch many of the Crimson Tide's games on TV in prison and calls his son to offer advice, according to Ingram's maternal grandfather, Arthur Johnson.
"Mark is a good person and is an outstanding individual," said Johnson, who also played football at Michigan State. "He doesn't belong where he's at. I can tell you that because I know him as a person. He's a beautiful person. He'll give you anything you want and if you ask him, he'll do it. He just made a wrong turn once and wrong turns can get you in trouble."
If nothing else, Mark Ingram Sr. made sure his son steered clear of the pitfalls that sent his life spiraling. Ingram has been reluctant to talk about his father this season. Mark Ingram Sr. has denied requests for interviews, not wanting to distract his son during No. 1 Alabama's run to the Jan. 7 Citi BCS National Championship Game.
"His dad has always been a part of his life since he was a baby," Shonda Ingram said. "He instilled all those things in him and worked on a lot of things. He is an important piece of him and that's a part of him -- his dad."
But as Ingram stood in front of reporters after winning the tightest Heisman Trophy vote in history, he openly talked about what his father means to him.
His dad has always been a part of his life since he was a baby. He instilled all those things in him and worked on a lot of things. He is an important piece of him and that's a part of him -- his dad.
"Ever since I was little boy, I just remember playing basketball," Ingram said. "He'd knock me down or block a shot and wouldn't let me win. We'd go on a race, and I'd catch up to him and he'd take off and win. He'd be tough on me as far as my grades go or not letting me go out all the time and get in trouble. Everything he did for me helped me develop into the man I am today and the competitor I am on and off the field."
Ingram didn't start the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate. He wasn't even Alabama's featured running back last season, when the Crimson Tide rose to No. 1 in the country before losing to Florida in the SEC championship game.
The 2009 season started with the Heisman spotlight on three quarterbacks: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, the reigning winner; Florida's Tim Tebow, who was the first sophomore to win the award in 2007; and Texas' Colt McCoy, who lost a narrow race to Bradford last year.
But then Bradford injured his shoulder in the Sooners' opening game of the season and was shelved for good after six games. With new receivers and a porous offensive line, Tebow never regained his form from last season, when he led the Gators to their second BCS national title in three seasons.
McCoy seemed to have the best chance at winning the Heisman Trophy, before he was sacked nine times and threw three interceptions in last week's 13-12 win over Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game.
Almost quietly, Ingram put together one of the best seasons by a running back in SEC history, setting an Alabama single-season record with 1,542 yards and 15 touchdowns. He ran for 113 yards with three touchdowns in last week's 32-13 victory over No. 1 Florida in the SEC championship game in Atlanta's Georgia Dome, a performance that undoubtedly helped him overcome a 30-yard effort in a 26-21 win over rival Auburn the week before.
It was enough for Ingram to do what legendary Alabama players like Bart Starr, Joe Namath and Kenny Stabler couldn't do -- win the Heisman Trophy.
"The legacy of Alabama football certainly has a void filled," Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said.
Now Ingram will try to do what several Heisman Trophy winners before him didn't do: lead their teams to national championships. Alabama plays No. 2 Texas in the BCS National Championship Game in 26 days. Ingram will become the eighth Heisman Trophy winner in the last decade to play for a national title. Of the previous seven, only former Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart, the 2004 winner, led his team to victory.
"It doesn't phase me at all," Ingram said. "Some people, when they have success, they let it get to their heads. But when I get back to practice on Friday, my main focus is going to be the national championship game. I'm going to help my team do whatever we can to get ready for this. My team is looking forward to it and I'm looking forward to it."
Nothing seems to faze Ingram much, not even losing his father to prison.
"It's been hard because he missed him," Shonda Ingram said. "But we just pretty much move forward because we're still here and we have to keep going every day. Even though he's not here, you still keep moving forward. I often hear Mark say, 'It is what it is and we're still here so we have to keep moving forward with our plans and our goals.'"
Ingram achieved college football's greatest individual honor Saturday, but an even bigger goal still awaits the Crimson Tide.


More Articles from www.espn.com
NEW YORK -- Mark Ingram dabbed his eyes, took a deep breath and tried to steady himself. All set, he accepted the Heisman that completes Alabama's trophy case.
The tough-running tailback turned tearful after winning the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night in the closest vote in the award's 75-year history. Next, he'll try to lead the most storied program in the South to a national championship.
Ingram finished 28 points ahead of Stanford running back Toby Gerhart.
The sturdy, 212-pound Ingram took a moment to get composed before starting his speech. Dressed in a dark suit with blue pinstripes, his voice wavered throughout.


Close call
Alabama running back Mark Ingram won the closest Heisman race in history on Saturday. Here's a breakdown of the voting:

Player 1st place Total
Mark Ingram 227 1,304
Toby Gerhart 222 1,276
Colt McCoy 203 1,145
Ndamukong Suh 161 815
Tim Tebow 43 390


"I'm a little overwhelmed right now," he said. "I'm just so excited to bring Alabama their first Heisman winner."

Ingram received 227 first-place votes and 1,304 points. Gerhart got 222 first-place votes and 1,276 points, while Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, last season's runner-up, received 203 and 1,145.

Ingram said later he was feeling relaxed -- right up until the winner was announced.
"When he started reading that letter, my heart started beating and I could feel it beating real fast," he said. "When he called my name I was excited, then I saw my mom crying and it kind of made me break down, too."
His father, a former Super Bowl star, was a few miles away. Incarcerated on bank fraud and money-laundering charges, he watched his son's biggest moment on a prison television.
Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was fourth and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who won the Heisman two years ago, was fifth.
The previous closest vote in Heisman history came in 1985, when Auburn's Bo Jackson beat Iowa quarterback Chuck Long by 45 points.
Ingram won four of the six regions. Gerhart took the far west and Suh won the southwest.
"I appreciate the way he plays," said Gerhart, who ran for 1,736 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. "The passion for the game. I'm a physical guy, he's a physical guy. I feel we're similar in a lot of ways. I'm proud of him and honored to be included with him."
Ingram has been the backbone of Alabama's offense, rushing for a school-record 1,542 yards, gaining 6.2 yards per carry and scoring 18 touchdowns.
And in his final chance to make a case for the Heisman, facing Florida's then-top-ranked defense, Ingram ran for 113 yards and scored three touchdowns to punctuate his season.
The win sent the top-ranked Crimson Tide to the BCS national title game against McCoy and No. 2 Texas on Jan. 7 at the Rose Bowl.
"This is a great, special moment for me but at the same time you've got to move forward," Ingram said. "We still have a national championship game to play in."
Ingram hugged family members and Alabama coach Nick Saban after winning, and went to the podium. As he searched for the proper words, several former Heisman winners standing behind him offered encouragement, saying "take your time" and "it's all right."
Ingram thanked everyone he could think of, including teammates, coaches, trainers, support staff, an intern and his school teachers.
He is the third consecutive sophomore to win the Heisman since Tebow became the first in 2007 and he will be the sixth winner in the last seven years to go on to play in the BCS national championship game.
Few college football teams can match Alabama's history of success. The Crimson Tide dominated the Southeastern Conference for decades. With six AP national championships, only Notre Dame and Oklahoma have won more.
But at Alabama, it's a coach who has towered over the program more than any player.
Bear Bryant led some of college football's greatest players -- from Joe Namath to John Hannah, Ken Stabler to Ozzie Newsome -- but never had a player even finish in the top three of the Heisman voting over his more than three decades at Alabama.
"The legacy of Alabama football certainly had a void filled," Tide coach Nick Saban said.
David Palmer, the shifty receiver and return man, was third in the Heisman voting in 1993, the best finish by a Crimson Tide player.


Join The Club
Alabama sophomore running back Mark Ingram became the 75th recipient of the Heisman Trophy and first Crimson Tide player to ever take home the honor. Here's a look at the past six winners:
Year Winner
2009 Mark Ingram, Alabama
2008 Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2007 Tim Tebow, Florida
2006 Troy Smith, Ohio St.
2005 Reggie Bush, USC
2004 Matt Leinart, USC


No major college program had won more games without a Heisman winner.
"Everybody that's been in the Alabama family has been supporting me," Ingram said before hoisting the bronze statue. "Walking to class, students flashed me the Heisman pose."
Now he can take his place among Alabama's greats and the Paul W. Bryant Museum has a new piece of a hardware to display.
"I'm sure it'll be in the trophy cases with all those national championships and all the other awards people have won," he said later.
The announcement that Ingram had won came minutes before the Alabama men's basketball team was set to host No. 5 Purdue, prompting an immediate roar from the mostly full Coleman Coliseum.
Even though the presentation wasn't shown on the videoboard, fans instantly found out the news. The public-address announcer congratulated Ingram early in the game, bringing another big ovation. One young fan sat at courtside sporting a 22 jersey -- Ingram's number -- with "Heisman" across the top.
By midway through the first half, Heisman T-shirts were already on sale at the arena.
Ingram came to Tuscaloosa from Flint, Mich., the son of the former Michigan State and NFL receiver of the same name. Saban had been a coach at Michigan State when the elder Ingram was in college.
Mark Ingram Sr. starred for the New York Giants, but last year he was sentenced to almost eight years in prison. Then he did not show up at the federal prison in Kentucky to serve his sentence, which might cost him even more time.
He was found hiding out in a Michigan hotel the same day his son played Utah in the Sugar Bowl last season.
He has been serving his time in a New York City holding facility, where he's been able to watch his son play.
"My father has been a great influence on my life and I love him to death," Ingram said on the podium.
The father has seen his son quickly blossom into a feature back. As a freshman last season, Ingram was Bama's No. 2 back, with a nose for the goal line. He ran for 728 yards and a team-high 12. This season, he's been the best weapon on an offense with a first-year starting quarterback and a rebuilt offensive line.
And he's been at his best against most of Alabama's best competition. He opened the season with 150 yards rushing and two TDs against Virginia Tech, had 172 yards rushing at Mississippi, and set a Bryant-Denny Stadium record with 246 yards versus South Carolina.
In what was billed as the year of the quarterback -- with Tebow, McCoy and last year's Heisman winner Sam Bradford -- all returning to college, Ingram emerged as the Heisman front-runner at midseason.
His only poor game, a 30-yard rushing performance against Auburn on Nov. 27, came at the worst time and in front of a national television audience.
But with the Tide playing in the biggest game of the season, a No. 1 vs. No. 2 SEC championship against Florida, Ingram had one more chance to impress voters -- and he delivered.
Tide fans like to say their team is about winning championships, not Heismans.
Thanks to Ingram, Alabama might get both this season.