Big East Predictions

Stiles Points is providing predictions for all the major conferences....today it is the Big East.....
1. West Virginia (12-0) - this team learned a lot over the last two years while posting a 22-3 mark....the X factor will be freshman Noel Devine....Pat White (photo) is an amazing talent at quarterback and Steve Slaton is a Heisman candidate....should be a fun year in Morgantown....

2. S. Florida (9-3) - the Bulls are the best kept secret in the nation....they pounded The ‘Ville 2 years ago and beat West Virginia last year....remember the name Mike Ford - a freshman running back who couldn’t make the grade at Alabama....he supposed to be the real deal....the Bulls return 9 on offense and 7 on a defense that only gave up 17 points a game....

3. Louisville (9-3) - even though Brian Brohm is back at quarterback, the Cards will miss Bobby Petrino....they return six on defense and added former Miami linebacker Willie Williams....they do have the best wide receivers in the conference....

4. Rutgers (8-4) - Greg Schiano will not be able to surprise anyone this year....Ray Rice will have to carry the load this year....

5. Pitt (7-5) - the Panthers were 6-1 at one point last year, then tanked the rest of the season....Wannstedt has recruited well and it will start to show this year....the Panthers took a hit by losing all-conference wideout Derek Kinder to a knee injury during summer practice...

6. Cincinnati (5-7) - the Bearcats have to start over again with another new coach....they return 16 players....

7. Syracuse (4-8) - is it too late to get Coach McPherson out of retirement?....

8. Connecticut (3-9) - this program was going north a few years ago, but has fallen on hard times....

Upset Alert
Sept. 28 - West Virginia @ S. Florida - a Friday night game in which West Virginia must have their A game or their title game hopes will not even make it to October.....
Sept. 29 - Louisville @ N.C. State - Chuck Amato is no longer the coach at N.C. State....the Wolfpack will be tough to beat at home....
Nov. 25 - S. Florida @ Pitt - the Bulls host Louisville the week before and could be in line for a let down in Pitt’s final home game of the year....plus it will also be cold this time of year....

Best Players
W. Virginia - Steve Slaton - rb; Patrick White - qb
S. Florida - Ben Moffitt - lb; Mike Jenkins - cb
Louisville - Brian Brohm - qb; Harry Douglas - wr; Mario Urrutia - wr; Malik Jackson - lb
Rutgers - Ray Rice - rb; Jeremy Ito - k; Anthony Davis - g
Pitt - Lowell Robinson - kr
Cincinnati - Dominick Goodman - wr
Syracuse - Jameel McClain - de
Connecticut - Danny Lansanah - mlb

Best coach - Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia - there are some good coaches in this conference, but R-Rod is the leader
Best quarterback - Pat White, West Virginia - Brian Brohm will be a better NFL quarterback, but Pat White is the man in college....he can beat you running and throwing....
Best offensive player - Steve Slaton, West Virginia - the kid is a beast....
Best defensive player - Ben Moffitt, S. Florida - everything I read about this kid indicates he is a difference maker....

Overview - forget the naysayers who bash the Big East.....last season proved that the Big East is a legitimate football conference and will only get better in time.....for instance, freshman offensive lineman Anthony Davis picked Rutgers over Ohio State when he was choosing his college....a few years ago that would not have happened....all the players and coaches in the conference are setting the foundation for a solid future of this conference.....they are the trendsetters....

Five Good Questions with Steve Sipple about Nebraska

Today's Five Good Questions is with Steve Sipple of the Lincoln Journal Star.....Steve took the time to respond to some questions about the Nebraska Cornhuskers....I want to thank him for his time....

Q1. Bill Callahan is beginning his fourth season as head coach at Nebraska. Has Husker Nation accepted the changes he has made such as running the West Coast offense?
As expected, there was some initial resistance to some things the new coach was doing. It didn't help matters that his first team finished with a 5-6 record. But fans have warmed to Callahan because they see progress in the program. The Huskers had records of 8-4 and 9-5 in the head coach's second and third seasons, and it's clear he has upgraded talent across the board. As for the West Coast offense, many people erroneously regarded it as a "finesse" system initially. However, Callahan's system emphasizes a "pound the rock" mentality -- in fact "Pound the 'Rock" was the theme of last year's preseason camp. He emphasizes the need for a punishing ground attack to go with an elaborate passing system. People in these parts appreciate physical football.

Q2. On September 15th, number 1 Southern Cal will be visiting Lincoln. How big of a game is this for Bill Callahan and the football program? What are Nebraska's chances of winning this game?
I'd say it's a huge game because Nebraska is in need of a "breakthrough" win against an elite-level opponent. Four of last year' s losses occurred against such programs (USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Auburn). Now Husker fans hunger for such a victory. I think Nebraska will have a decent chance to beat USC because the Huskers are awfully good on their home field at night. I think it'll be crucial for NU to have success early in the game. If they can jump ahead on the scoreboard and build momentum, the crowd will get really loud. It's tough for any team to turn back that tidal wave of noise and emotion once it gets rolling.

Q3. What is the overall strength of this team and what areas are they weak at?
Nebraska possesses a deep and talented corps of receivers and a huge and efficient offensive line. The Huskers lost two-year starting quarterback Zac Taylor to graduation. But Sam Keller, a transfer from ASU, appears set to take over at QB and seems to have enormous potential. He's battling for the starting job with junior Joe Ganz, a hard-nosed competitor and a popular player on the team. Defensively, Nebraska must replace all four starters on the line, including Adam Carriker, the 13th overall selection in last April's NFL Draft (to the St. Louis Rams). However, the Huskers have a talented and experienced group of linebackers, led by preseason All-Big 12 choice Bo Ruud. The secondary was a major issue last season, but appears to be improved.

Q4. Sam Keller takes over at quarterback this year. He was a former starting quarterback at Arizona State. What do you expect from Keller this year? Does he have a good grasp of Callahan's offense?
See above. Yes, by all accounts, Keller has a good grasp of the offense. I think Keller ultimately will capture the starting job and put up good numbers in his only season as starter (he's a fifth-year senior). He started seven games at ASU in 2007 before a thumb injury ended his season. He has a ton of experience against elite teams (LSU and USC, for instance) and has put up big numbers (461 passing yards and four touchdowns against LSU, for instance). Taylor threw for 3,197 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. I think Keller can exceed those numbers.

Q5. Overall, what do you expect from this year's team? What will be their final record?
I see them as a 9-3 team in the regular season, and champions of the Big 12 North with a 6-2 record (same as last season). In order to take the proverbial "next step," the Huskers would need to capture the Big 12 title game and make it to a BCS game. I think NU will have a decent chance to beat the South champion in the league title game. NU now has talent on its starting units that is comparable to Texas and Oklahoma. Those teams, however, still have more depth than Nebraska.

Once again, I want to thank Steve for his time...

Early Football Line on Big College Games

Phil Steele’s Northcoast Sports Service (Power Sweep) has released the early line for this year’s big college football games.....here is what the line would be if these games were played today.....

September 1 - Georgia Tech @ Notre Dame - Notre Dame -7.5

September 8 - Miami (Fla) @ Oklahoma - Oklahoma -7
September 8 - Virginia Tech @ LSU - LSU -10.5

September 15 - Tennessee @ Florida - Florida -6
September 15 - Notre Dame @ Michigan - Michigan -9
September 15 - Southern Cal @ Nebraska - Southern Cal -12

September 20 - Texas A&M @ Miami (Fla) - Miami -6

September 22 - Georgia @ Alabama - Alabama -2.5

September 29 - Alabama vs. Florida State - Florida State -8 (neutral field - at Jacksonville)
September 29 - Auburn @ Florida - Florida -9

October 6 - Oklahoma vs. Texas - Even (neutral field - at Dallas)
October 6 - Florida @ LSU - LSU -6.5

October 11 - Florida State @ Wake Forest - Florida State -8

Ocotber 13 - Wisconsin @ Penn State - Wisconsin -2

October 20 - Tennessee @ Alabama - Even
October 20 - Miami (Fla) @ Florida State - Florida State -4
October 20 - Southern Cal @ Notre Dame - Southern Cal -14
October 20 - Auburn @ LSU - LSU -11
October 20 - Boston College @ Virginia Tech - Va. Tech -14

October 27 - Nebraska @ Texas - Texas -10
October 27 - Florida vs. Georgia - Florida -3 (neutral field - at Jacksonville)

November 3 - Wisconsin vs. Ohio State - Ohio State -3
November 3 - LSU @ Alabama - LSU -6.5

November 8 - Louisville @ West Virginia - W. Virginia -7

November 10 - Auburn @ Georgia - Georgia -6
November 10 - Michigan @ Wisconsin - Wisconsin -2.5
November 10 - Southern Cal @ Cal - Southern Cal -9.5

November 17 - Miami (Fla) @ Virginia Tech - Va. Tech - 9
November 17 - Ohio State @ Michigan - Michigan -6

November 23 - Texas @ Texas A&M - Texas -2.5

November 24 - Florida State @ Florida - Florida -5.5
November 24 - Georgia @ Georgia Tech - Georgia -2
November 24 - Alabama @ Auburn - Auburn -3

November 29 - Rutgers @ Louisville - Louisville -15.5

December 1 - UCLA @ Southern Cal - Southern Cal -13

The Sunday Baker's Dozen - Sunday, August 12, 2007

Sunday Fact - Including playoff games, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns are 55-55 all-time versus each other.

The Associated Press writes how Urban Meyer wants to run a two quarterback system again - but his options are slim who is going to be number two.... "It might not be possible. Highly touted sophomore Tim Tebow, a formidable runner who successfully shared snaps with Chris Leak last year, has taken over the starting job." ....

Associated Press

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein writes how the Green Bay Packers allow cornerback Charles Woodson to use his instincts.... "Ask Packers defensive coordinator Bob Sanders about the aggressiveness with which Woodson goes after the ball on defense and he'll tell you that Woodson is a crafty, instinctive player who might take a chance or two but would never, ever freelance." ....

Tom Silverstein

Washington Post reporter Eric Prisbell writes how Cal's DeSean Jackson wants to "strike the pose".... "DeSean Jackson was only 4 years old on Nov. 23, 1991, but the California wide receiver has since seen replays of a certain 13-second sequence from that day so many times he can visualize the dramatic events with clarity." ....

Eric Prisbell

Seattle Post-Intelligencer sports columnist writes how Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is approaching 30-years-old and still an elite back.... "When running backs turn 30, a pestilence spreads through their bodies, leaving behind a graying, gooey pile of sagging flesh. Think Ebola, only uglier." ....

Ted Miller

Boston Globe sports columnist Bob Ryan writes about David Beckham.... "He's just a football-loving kid from Leytonstone in the east of London who grew up wanting desperately to play for Manchester United, which he did." ....

Bob Ryan

Washington Post's Les Carpenter writes about another side of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.... "Tomlin moves quickly around the Steelers camp, slapping players on the back, waving to fans and playing practical jokes on his assistant coaches." ....

Les Carpenter

Atlanta Journal Constitution reporter Michelle Hiskey about a Georgia Bulldog player whose mother was beaten to death earlier this year.... "She never missed a game, and that includes my basketball games since I was 14. I showed up if she was singing at church, or at her job if she needed me there." ....

Michelle Hiskey

The Associated Press' Arnie Stapleton writes about Denver's Javon Walker who held the late Darrent Williams in his arms when he was murdered on New Year's Eve.... "Denver Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker says he still has the bloodied shirt from the night teammate Darrent Williams died in his arms in a drive-by shooting on New Year's Day." ...

Arnie Stapleton

Plain Dealer sports columnist writes about the quarterback battle at Cleveland Browns camp.... "Top draft pick Brady Quinn has to make up for lost time from his holdout, but nothing that happened Saturday night in the exhibition opener dissuaded those who think he will be starting under center by the seventh game, following the bye week in October." ....

Bill Livingston

Remember when Drew Henson had the world in his hands by being a two sport stud....Detroit Free Press reporter Shawn Windsor writes how Henson is now getting his last shot in the NFL.... "It was painful because Henson -- once the can't-miss prospect from the University of Michigan and Brighton High with the rifle arm and a jaw cut from central casting -- was competing at Minnesota Vikings training camp with Tyler Thigpen, a rookie from Coastal Carolina, just to make the team. Thigpen played in Friday's exhibition opener; Henson didn't." ....

Shawn Windsor

Dallas Morning News reporter Calvin Watkins writes how Greg Ellis' time may be winding down with the Cowboys.... "Greg Ellis wants to play in 2007, but for the first time since training camp has started, he's losing confidence that will happen." ....

Calvin Watkins

Dayton Daily News sports columnist Tom Archdeacon writes about former heavyweight boxer Greg Page.... " . . . thanks, in part, to an unconscionable display of ineptitude, carelessness and almost total disregard for the boxers by a fight promoter, an unlicensed ringside doctor and a state boxing commission — he nearly died in the ring." ....

Tom Archdeacon

New York Times sports columnist Murray Chass writes how the brother combination was popular this year in baseball.... "Fourteen sets of brothers have played in the majors this season." ...

Murray Chass

Five Good Questions with Andy Hamilton about the Iowa Hawkeyes

Today's "Five Good Questions" is with Andy Hamilton, football beat writer for the Iowa City Press-Citizen.....Andy covers the Iowa Hawkeyes and took some time to respond to some questions about this season's Hawkeyes....

Q1. The Hawkeyes will have a new starting quarterback this year after the departure of Drew Tate. Who do you see as the starter, sophomore Jake

Christensen or red-shirt freshman Arvell Nelson? What type of quarterback are they (pocket passer, scrambler, etc.)? By all accounts, Jake Christensen solidified his grip on the starting job during the spring. He went into the spring with a big advantage over freshmen Arvell Nelson and Rick Stanzi in terms of game experience and understanding of the offense. Christensen spent the spring and fall of 2006 getting reps with the first- and second-team offense, while Nelson and Stanzi only had one fall of operating the scout team.

Christensen is a little bit like a left-handed Drew Tate with his size and ability to move around and buy time in the pocket with his feet. I’m still not sold on his arm strength, and until he performs in big situations you have to wonder how he’ll handle a night game at Wisconsin or on the road at Penn State.

Nelson might have the highest ceiling of the three being 6-4 and probably having the best arm strength and mobility in the group. Stanzi is more of a pure pocket passer. But Christensen is best equipped to start now with the way Iowa is built and his intangible advantages.

Q2. What will be the strength of this year's offensive unit? Who are some players we should keep an eye on?
The strength of the offense should be the running backs and receivers in that order. Albert Young and Damian Sims are both career 1,000-yard rushers. Young is more of a complete back with his blocking, inside running and receiving skills while Sims is a big-play threat who has averaged 5.9 yards per carry the past two seasons. The receivers went from being a liability to an asset over the course of the final three months of the 2006 season. WR Andy Brodell caught 13 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games of the season and Dominique Douglas broke nearly every freshman receiving record in Iowa history last year when he caught 49 passes for 654 yards as a true freshman.

Q3. Defensive end Kenny Iwebema is listed as All Big Ten. What can you tell us about him and the rest of the defense?
Kenny was a first-team all-Big Ten selection as a sophomore in 2005 when he had seven sacks, including two that came head-to-head against Joe Thomas. He was listed by a few publications as a preseason All-American last year, but that turned out to be one of the highlights of his junior season. He missed some time during training camp for an unspecified violation of team rules, served a one-game suspension and then suffered a shoulder injury in the Big Ten opener. He basically played one-handed for three weeks and only had five tackles during that stretch. Finally, they shut him down and he underwent shoulder surgery that sidelined him until the Alamo Bowl. When Kenny’s right, he’s probably the biggest playmaker on Iowa’s defense. With him, they thought they had one of the Big Ten’s best defensive lines last year. Without him and without a healthy Mitch King, Iowa put little pressure on the quarterback last year and had trouble slowing the run.

As a whole, Iowa’s best unit on paper is its defense, provided it can avoid injuries at a couple positions. The first-team defensive line is filled with guys entering their third year as starters. As a whole, the defense has eight starters returning, including both corners and MLB Mike Klinkenborg, who was second in the Big Ten in tackles last season. The biggest questions are the safeties and the depth as a whole. Reserve DT Ryan Bain and FS Marcus Wilson figured to play key roles, but both players left the program during the offseason.

Q4. What is the feeling around campus and the football team after there were high expectations last year only to finish with a 6-7 season?
There seems to be a lot of curiosity about Iowa football right now. I think a lot of fans are wondering whether the Hawkeyes will bounce back and have a season like the 2002 through 2004 years or if they’ll continue to hover around .500 like they have the past two years when they went 13-12. What’s interesting about last year’s 6-7 team was that it was so unlike Kirk Ferentz (photo) teams of the past. It got off to a 4-0 start and then things came unraveled. More specifically, ball security, special teams and in-season improvement have been trademarks of Ferentz teams. Iowa was one of the worst teams in the country in turnover margin last year, the special teams were mediocre at best and the Hawkeyes lost six of their final seven games. Ferentz even questioned his team’s attitude in a loss at Indiana and called the Hawkeyes “fat cats” after they got hammered at home by Northwestern. But after the Alamo Bowl, he said they looked more like an Iowa football team again. All of the circumstances surrounding last year’s puzzling season and a new starting QB have created a lot of interest entering this season.

Q5. The Hawkeyes do not play Ohio State nor Michigan this season. Overall, what do you expect from this year's team? What will their final record be?
Anybody who asks Ferentz about not playing Ohio State and Michigan this year will get his standard answer – he’ll point out Iowa was 2-4 last year against the other six Big Ten teams on the 2007 schedule. I’m not sure what to think of the 2008 Hawkeyes yet. I think they learned a lot of lessons from the 2007 team and Ferentz is confident they got back on the right track during bowl prep and through the spring and summer. But this isn’t a deep team and injuries to Drew Tate, Albert Young, Kenny Iwebema and Mitch King derailed the 2006 team and showed what can happen if Iowa endures a few critical injuries. This team can’t afford an injury at a couple positions and it will have to improve across the board on special teams and especially in the turnover-margin category.

With some progress in those areas and a little luck, it could reach double-digits in victories. But if the offensive line doesn’t create running room for Young and Sims and Christensen has to put the offense on his shoulders like Tate did in 2004, if the defense has an injury or two at the wrong spots and the defensive line performs like it did last season, if the turnover-margin stats and special teams don’t improve, Iowa could be looking at another 6-6 regular season.

I want to thank Andy for his time....it is much appreciated....please note that I will not have a blog on Friday morning because I will be leaving early for a meeting in Columbus...

Five Good Questions with Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal

Today's "Five Good Questions" is with Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal....Joe covers Michigan State sports for the newspaper....I want to thank him for his time....

Q1. The Spartans have a new head coach in Mark Dantonio who was formerly an assistant with Ohio State. What can you tell us about him? Do you think he can start beating Michigan like his mentor Jim Tressel?
Dantonio was a good fit at Michigan State for a variety of reasons, starting with the fact that he's been here before -- as secondary coach under Nick Saban from 1995-99 and Bobby Williams in 2000 -- and has a grasp of the political terrain. That gives someone a big leg up at a place like MSU. He also became a hot prospect as the defensive coordinator for Tressel's 2002 national title team; he has proved himself as a head coach, leading three solid years at Cincinnati, a tough place to win; he's an Ohio native with strong Ohio ties, which should allow MSU to recruit there like it hasn't since Saban left; he's defensive-oriented (unlike predecessor John L. Smith); and his personality is serious and businesslike (very unlike John L.).

Can he start beating Michigan like Tressel did? There's no question, Dantonio is embracing the rivalry. He has clocks in the football building counting down toward the Nov. 3 game. But when Tressel came in 2001 and essentially guaranteed a win over U-M right away, he did so with a roster full of inherited talent. It will take Dantonio a while before his teams can compete consistently with the Wolverines.

Q2. The Drew Stanton era is over and it looks like Brian Hoyer will take over at quarterback. What type of quarterback is Hoyer and will there be much of a dropoff at this position?
Inevitably, there will be some drop-off from Drew Stanton. He was a tremendous quarterback, athlete, leader. Hoyer does not have the ability to move outside the pocket and make plays like Stanton did, and he still has a ways to go in terms of intangibles. But he also throws a better ball. That has been clear for a couple years now. And he isn't the chance taker Stanton was -- a trait that hurt Stanton and MSU more than once. Hoyer seemed genuinely excited about the change in offense this spring, because although he'll throw less in the run-based pro set attack vs. John L.'s spread, he may actually throw downfield more. And Hoyer has nice touch and accuracy on his deep ball. Considering the large turnover in Big Ten quarterbacks from last season, Hoyer has a chance to be one of the league's top five signal callers in 2007.

Q3. Running back Javon Ringer was injured late last season. What is his health status and will he be playing full time as the featured back?
Ringer is 100 percent, an amazing thing considering he has severely injured the same knee twice. He will definitely be the featured back, with a legit chance to reach 1,000 yards -- although back-ups Jehuu Caulcrick and A.J. Jimmerson are good, will get carries and make this position MSU's best and deepest by a wide margin. But Ringer is MSU's best football player and it looks like he could have a big year in the new offense.

Q4. Dantonio is known as a defensive wiz. Does he have much talent to work with this year? What changes do you expect to see on defense?
If new defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi has anything to say about it, the ridiculous communication errors, missed signals and blown coverages that marked the MSU defense of the past few seasons will disappear. If the Spartans can get there -- to the point where they know their assignments on every play -- the defense should improve overall. There is some talent here, led by free safety Otis Wiley, who heads up a secondary that could be the best at MSU in a few years. SirDarean Adams and Kaleb Thornhill are seniors who lead a linebacking corps with some young talent. But the defensive line could be a major, major problem. Very little proven depth and experience. This is why the defensive numbers might not improve dramatically in 2007.

Q5. Overall, what do you expect from this year's team? What will their final record be?
Considering the schedule -- with Illinois and Minnesota off and Wisconsin and Iowa back on -- a 6-6 record would be a tremendous achievement. That won't be easy, but it's possible if MSU wins its first three at home, takes care of Indiana and Northwestern at home and finds another win somewhere. I can't imagine the Spartans being any better than 7-5 this season -- although no one predicted them to be anywhere 8-4 in John L.'s first regular season. The first year of a new coaching regime often does result in a bump.

Once again I would like to thank Joe for his time...it is appreciated..

Erin Andrews

If you love ESPN's Erin Andrews, then you have to check out this site...

Barstool Sports

Five Good Questions with - Neil Milbert of The Chicago Tribune about Illinois

Today's "Five Good Questions" is with Neil Milbert of The Chicago Tribune....Neil covers Illinois sports for The Tribune and was nice enough to take a few minutes to respond to my questions about the Fighting Illini.....

Q1. For the first time in about six years, expectations are high with the Illinois football team. Has head coach Ron Zook really sparked a positive feeling around campus?
Illinois fans have high hopes but their expectations are tempered by what has happened during the previous four seasons. Ron Zook is positive thinking personified and he has justifiably gotten raves for his recruiting. But the fact remains that the Illini have won only two games the last four years (one under Zook's predecessor, Ron Turner, and one under Zook who came to Illiniois prior to the 2005 season). As last season wore on attendance at home games dwindled significantly.

Q2. Juice Williams (photo) begins his second season at quarterback. What do you expect from him this season? Is he a leader both on and off the field?
I think Juice Williams will continue to show improvement this season after becoming a starter in last season's fourth game. He has a tremendous arm and he can run the football. But his accuracy last season left a lot to be desired. His leadership qualities are a question mark because this is only his second season on campus. I think he can develop into a leader, both on and off the field. How soon remains to be seen.

Q3. Illinois shocked the recruiting world last year by snatching two stud high school stars in wide receiver Arrelious Benn and defensive lineman Martez Wilson. How much of an impact will they have on this year's team? How much of an impact will they have in getting the attention of other recruits down the road?
My expectations are that both wide receiver Arrelious Benn and defensive end/defensive back Martez Wilson are capable of making an immediate impact. Benn can turn some of Williams' incompletions into completions and Wilson will get playing time because the defense, which was much improved last year, still needs some help.

Q4. How does this year's defense look? Who are the players we should keep an eye on?
The defense should be even better because three members of the line and secondary and all of the linebackers will return. Linebacker J Leman is one of the best players in the Big Ten, Chris Norwell is a fine defensive tackle and Kevin Mitchell is a very good strong safety.

Q5. Do you think the Illini can pull an upset against either Penn State, Michigan, or Ohio State? Overall, what do you expect from this year's team? What will their final record be?
I don't forsee Illini upset victories against Penn State, Michigan and Ohio State, even though the first of those are home games. The team will be improved but the record for the last four years is indicative of how much improvement will be needed to get over the hump. I think the improvement will translate to a 5-7 record. If the Illini manage to win three of their conference games they have shot at being 6-6, which would be a tremendous improvement.

Q5a. I have to ask you this extra question. This will be the first football season without Chief Illiniwek. What is the overall views around campus now that the Chief is gone?
Alumni and students are still mourning the forced retirement of Chief Illiniwek. It will take years for many of them to get over it and some will never get over it. Illinois football and basketball games won't be the same without him.

Once again, I want to thank Neil for his time....

Interview with Bill Livingston of the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer about the AFC North

On Wednesday, August 1st, Stiles Points conducted a telephone interview with (Cleveland) Plain Dealer sports columnist Bill Livingston....I want to thank Bill for his time - it was greatly appreciated....the AFC North was the focus of the interview.....

Q1. Why has the Cleveland Browns franchise struggled since it came back into the league in 1999?
BL: I think the (Carmen) Policy/(Al) Lerner ownership team was over-rated. I think Lerner would do whatever it took to win because he wanted to restore his good name in town. (Former NFL Commissioner Paul) Tagliabue set up this marriage with Policy (photo). In my estimation, Policy would admit he was not a football man. Policy brought Dwight Clark over who made some horrendous personnel decisions and draft choices. I feel that Policy brought him over basically because Clark would not say anything about salary cap violations that took place with the 49ers. That is just my theory. Also, they were under a severe time deadline. (Former head coach) Chris Palmer was like the sixth or seventh choice as coach. But they missed on so many draft picks - not just (Tim) Couch and Courtney Brown.

Then (Butch) Davis came in and started taking high risk guys. It was a continual process with Davis making up for his mistakes from the year before such as taking "Big Money" Gerard Warren, whom I call "Pocket Change" and I should not have even called him that because he was never in the pocket (after the quarterback), instead of LaDainian Tomlinson. Then the next year they took (William) Green because they did not get a premier running back the year before. I think it was a combination of the rushed circumstances that it took to sell the team and just not a good management team with Policy and Clark right off the bat. They had a great number of middle round draft choices that they missed on and that is where you really build your team.

Q2. Do you think current general manager Phil Savage is taking the organization in the right direction?
BL: Oh I hope so. I think he just wants to go out and scout basically. He is not that consumed by the business side of being a general manager. I certainly like the draft that they had this year. It is kind of amusing to me that he (Savage) speaks about all this character then he takes guys like Eric Wright and Jamal Lewis. I don’t really see the Indians and Cavaliers who also make a big deal about character taking risks like that. But maybe those teams are not that much behind the eight ball as the Browns are. Plus it is a lot easier to contend when you have a LeBron James or Grady Sizemore.

Q3. Speaking of Butch Davis (photo), do you think he was a good coach who was just in a bad situation here in Cleveland or was he not cut out to be an NFL head coach?
BL: My thoughts on Butch is that he had an enormous credibility gap inside the locker room and outside it in the end. I think he was not straight with players. I think his constant spinning and playing his own draft picks when obviously they were not going to be anything special hurt him. The way he would talk up his guys to protect his position in the organization. I think everyone saw through that and not a whole lot of people believed him in the end.

Q4. Browns fans hate to hear this, but why do you think the Steeler organization is more effective?
BL: They have a very solid, very stable ownership. After a real slow start, the Rooney family has been solid. I am not a native Clevelander but I understand the rivalry (between the Steelers and Browns) and how tough it is to see a team that is a two hour drive away winning so much but I don’t think the hatred should extend to the Rooney family. The Steelers voted for the Browns, perhaps it was self-serving to some extent because of the rivalry, but I think the Rooneys can be trusted to do the right thing and I don’t think you could have ever said that about Art Modell and you cannot really say it about the Lerner family because he (Al Lerner) midwifed the move. Now, that doesn’t mean the son (Randy) has to pay for this for years and years. But I didn’t think the slate was wiped clean when Al Lerner bought the team. The team sucks because you moved the team.

Q5. What are your views about Randy Lerner (Al's son and current owner of the Browns)?
BL: Oh I think he is in a tough position. He wants to win. I don't think he has a strong personality but you don't have to as an owner as long as you pick the right people. I would like to see him be successful on a personal level. He promised his dying father that he would try to make this work. Plus, there is no fun in covering a constantly bad football team. We used to have a little pool in the pressbox when the Indians had that ‘99 team of who would score more, the Indians or the Browns. Also for some time, maybe the first couple of seasons that the Browns came back, there was this great trivia question. Who has won more in Ohio - the Cleveland Browns or Tiger Woods? Between the tournament in Akron and (Jack) Nicklaus' tournament in Dublin, Tiger had the edge for awhile.

Q6. The Steelers begin a new era under new head coach Mike Tomlin. What do you know about Tomlin?
BL: I don't know much about him. I would think this is a year of transition for them (Steelers) with a new coach and Big Ben (Roethlisberger) coming off his worst year when nothing went right for him. I would not expect them to be a premier team this year. But you know, they (as an organization) have always had these slipbacks but they always come back right away. You have to admire the stability of the organization.

Q7. You've heard the rumors, Bill Cowher (photo) will be the next head coach of the Browns. What do you think about that?
BL: I don't know if Cowher would come here. If so, they would have to work out what to do with Phil Savage. Would Savage become a super scout for the team? I am sure Cowher would probably want Butch Davis type power if he was going to come to Cleveland with the franchise is such disarray that it is. Although there is some building blocks now. The bottomline, I don't think he is going to come to Cleveland. When you think of it, who is the premier player with the Browns. Kellen Winslow is a very good player but he's difficult to deal with and he is never going to be the player he was after those injuries. Compared to the Indians with Sizemore and (Victor) Martinez, and (Travis) Hafner, and (C.C.) Sabathia and with the Cavaliers with number 23, right now, who is a good return for your entertainment dollars? It's not the Browns.

Q8. What are your thoughts about Romeo Crennel? He seems like a nice guy who may not be head coaching material.
BL: I think he should have made more of a public display with Braylon Edwards last year when he went to the Ohio State-Michigan game without permission. He (Crennel) supposedly took care of it internally, as they say, but he did not get the message across publicly that he is in control and would not tolerate it. One of the curses of Cleveland is that we do not hire established head coaches in any of the three sports. Mike Fratello was probably the last head coach who was established when he was hired. It is always trying to catch lightning in a bottle with the new guy. Hiring Romeo was a lot like the organization did when they hired Bud Carson. Romeo has the experience and knowledge, but does he have the fire and determination and eagerness of a younger head coach? I don't know. Right now I would say Romeo Crennel is in serious danger of being sacked after this year, if not before.

Q9. I am going to throw out a few names of people from the AFC North and you tell me the first thing you think of.
Carson Palmer - BL: Oh I think he is going to be very good. I picked the Bengals to go to the Super Bowl last year but they fell victim to a plague of lawlessness. I think he is for real. I am not sure he was entirely sound after the injury he suffered in that playoff game. I believe if that knee injury did not happen, Pittsburgh would not have won the Super Bowl. I think the Bengals would have beaten them in that first game. I think he is legit. I think he is the best quarterback in the division.
Jamal Lewis - BL: A big problem for him is that he won't be able to run against the Cleveland Browns anymore. The offensive line is better and hopefully he has a more productive season than (Rueben) Droughns did when he had 1,000 yards. But we'll see.
Brian Billick - BL: I think he is over-rated. He is this offensive guru who won with one of the greatest defenses ever. He has never really developed a quarterback even though he is supposed to have this Midas touch. But, you have to give it to him that most years his teams are right there in the hunt. I consider him over-rated though.
Troy Polamalu - BL: I think he is a very good player. He's the type of player that the Browns fans hate because he is a Steeler but I think they would love him if he played here. He is an immediate visible player with that hair.
Bernie Kosar - BL: First of all, retrospectives have certainly shown that Bill Belichick was correct that he (Kosar) could no longer perform at a high level anymore. I thought he was the perfect guy for Cleveland at the time. A city that was down on itself at the time got this kid who loved the town. He wanted to be here. People love players like Kosar or (Brian) Sipe, those scrappy type of players. That is the romance of sports. They capture the fans' hearts. He was probably the last guy who was the face of the franchise.

Q10. Talking about Kosar, how come he has not had an active role in the organization since its return in 1999?
BL: Well, I really don't understand that either. One of the things that really bothered me about the Policy/Lerner camp was that they got Kosar's endorsement of their ownership, but I guess Kosar did not get anything in writing. I don't know what type of promise he got, but he certainly thought he was going to be involved in ownership. It was the Modell ownership all over again. There was one star on the franchise when Modell owned the team and that was him. Ernie Accorsi used to say, "don't quote me too much" because it took away from Arthur. Policy wanted to be the star. He was a ten percenter as Wayne Embry used to disdainfully speak of minority partners. I think they did have some concerns about Bernie's willingness to be involved on a daily basis because he wanted to still live in Florida. Overall, I think Policy wanted to be the dominant voice of the Browns. It's a shame though. It should have happened.

Q11. What are your thoughts about the off-the-field problems with the Cincinnati Bengals?
BL: They need to clean that up because it looks like this commissioner is not going to tolerate that type of behavior. I always thought there was every bit as much, and more so, thugishness in the NFL than there is in the NBA which has such a bad reputation. In the NFL you are farther away from the players, they wear helmets and uniforms that you cannot see their tattoos and all the dreadlocks and other racist assumptions. But as far as the Bengals, they have the parts to be a very good team as long as Palmer gets back to where he was two years ago.

Once again I want to thank Bill for his time....it was a joy talking to him about football...

Stiles Points - The Sunday Baker's Dozen - August 5, 2007

Sunday Fact - The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio for three reasons: 1) the American Professional Football Association, later named the National Football League, was founded in Canton on September 17, 1920; 2) the Canton Bulldogs were an early-day pro football power, even before the days of the NFL. They were also the first two-time champion of the NFL in 1922 and 1923. The great Jim Thorpe, the first big-time athlete to play pro football, played his first pro football game with the Bulldogs in 1915; 3) Canton, Ohio citizens early in the 1960s launched a determined and well-organized campaign to earn the site designation for their city.

San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Gwen Knapp writes that after 3 decades, Hank Aaron now shares the homerun throne.... "Barry Bonds, the most captivating, daunting, polarizing baseball man of his generation, joined Aaron, a supporting character in the era of Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle, as king of the home run Saturday night." .....

Gwen Knapp

San Diego Union-Tribune sports columnist Tim Sullivan writes that for the most part, athletes will seldom speak out against another athlete.... "To accuse him (Bonds), however, is to betray the brotherhood, to violate the code of the clubhouse and, perhaps more to the point, to invite investigation of your own affairs." ....

Tim Sullivan

The New York Times sports columnist Jack Curry writes how a little extra batting practice may have helped Bonds.... "So, in a serene atmosphere, Bonds worked on relaxing at the plate, on hitting the ball the opposite way and on not trying to blast home runs." ....

Jack Curry

A-Rod hit number 500 yesterday.....so who is the lucky person who caught the historic baseball.... "A lucky Rutgers University graduate student - a lifelong Yankees fan and a season ticket holder - made the catch of a lifetime . . . "

New York Post

A few years ago Billy Beane was the wunderkid after the publication of "Moneyball"....now some of that glow has come off as former Athletic Milton Bradley unloads on the Oakland general manager..... ""Billy (Beane) just has a way of thinking he's smarter and better than everyone else, and I don't take kindly to the better-than-you attitude,'' Bradley said at Petco Park before the Giants played the Padres." .....

John Shea and Susan Slusser

He may not play for the New York Yankees, but Francisco Estevez may have the best seat at Yankee Stadium.... "His seat is so close to the Yankees' dugout, he can reach out and high-five a player sitting at the end of the bench." .....

Vincent M. Mallozzi

New York Daily News reporter Anthony McCarron writes how Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is finally playing without worrying about his son who was ill.... "Posada and his wife, Laura, cried and prayed and stood in amazement at their son's toughness through eight different operations, some of which took about 10 hours. Jorge Luis was born with craniosynostosis, . . ."

Anthony McCarron

Dallas Morning News football columnist Rick Gosselin writes about Michael Irvin's emotional night at the Hall of Fame.... "Then came some very personal and emotional apologies for his failures off the field during the 1990s – the parties, the women, the drug arrests. He spoke directly to his wife, Sandi, bringing a tear to her eye." .....

Rick Gosselin

Buffalo News sports columnist Jerry Sullivan writes how Thurman Thomas may be the most deserving Buffalo Bill to make the Hall of Fame..... "There are rare times in this job when you permit yourself to step outside the boundaries of objectivity and be an unabashed fan. This is one of them. Tonight, I get to root like crazy for Thurman Thomas." ....

Jerry Sullivan

Dallas Morning News reporter Barry Horn writes how the players from the 1977 Dallas Cowboys are hurting..... "Almost 30 years after limping through Super Bowl XII – his final NFL game – Mel Renfro walks with an artificial left hip. His right knee needs to be replaced. Arthritis has settled in his shoulders and ankles. Damaged vertebrae have robbed his neck of movement. Sunlight often triggers headaches." ....

Barry Horn

Arizona Republic reports Bob McManaman writes how former Michigan defensive tackle is using Mel Kiper as motivation during this rookie year..... "Branch said, among other things, he would "make Kiper eat his words." ...

Bob McManaman

San Francisco Chronicle reporter Bruce Jenkins reflects on Bill Walsh's first Super Bowl team - a team that won with defense.... "The 1982 Super Bowl made heroes out of Fred Dean, Hacksaw Reynolds and Dan Bunz, who made that epic tackle during an unforgettable goal-line stand. My lasting memory of that team, though, is the secondary - perhaps Walsh's master stroke as a talent evaluator." ....

Bruce Jenkins

The San Francisco Chronicle has a PDF file of the Bill Walsh coaching tree....

Bill Walsh Coaching Tree

Five Good Questions with . . . Wendell Barnhouse about the TCU Horned Frogs

Stiles Points is previewing various "small schools" who can possibly make some loud noise come bowl season ala Boise State last season....Wendell Barnhouse of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram responded to my five questions about the TCU Horned Frogs.....

Q1. First off, what can you tell me about head coach Gary Patterson? He has been at TCU for 6 years with a 54-20 record. But is he is defensive or offensive minded coach? How come he has never taken a bigger job?
Patterson is a firebrand-type coach, emotional and animated on the sidelines. So far, that has been a positive more than a negative. Ever since the Southwest Conference disbanded and TCU was not included in the Big 12, the school has had a chip on its shoulder (particularly in regard to football). Patterson fits perfectly in that mind set. His background is in defense and the signature of his TCU teams has been speed on the defensive side of the ball. Patterson seems to be content at TCU; it appeared the Kansas State job would be a food fit (he’s from Kansas) but he never campaigned for that job. Unless and until TCU reaches a BCS bowl, Patterson doesn’t believe his work is finished.

Q2. Every preview magazine has TCU's defense as the best in the Mountain West conference. Who should we keep an eye on? Are there any NFL potential first or second rounders on that defense?
Senior defensive end Tommy Blake (photo - left) is considered the top defensive player in the Mountain West. He’s a disruptive force who could be in line for some post-season awards if he plays like he has the last two years. Chase Ortiz, a senior, book ends the defensive line. He and Blake could be the best DE duo in the nation. Blake and Ortiz probably will be gone on the first day of the NFL Draft. As mentioned earlier, TCU’s defense is all about speed. Defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas’ 4-2-5 alignment basically is four linemen with seven LBs ... or seven DBs, depending on the situation. The players in the back seven can all run and hit.

Q3. How does TCU's offense look this year?
The Frogs must replace Jeff Ballard at QB. All he did was win 90 percent of his starts. Ballard was tough and efficient. His replacement will be either sophomore Marcus Jackson or red shirt freshman Andy Dalton. TCU wants its QB to manage the game and avoid mistakes. The offense relies on its running game; junior Aaron Brown averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season and should be the work horse. TCU’s receivers are solid and the offensive line has three returning starters.

Q4. On September 8th the Horned Frogs play at Texas. Is there any chance for TCU to pull the upset? What must they do if they want to win this game?
TCU can win this game, but it will be a huge challenge. The Frogs have defeated Oklahoma and Texas Tech recently but winning in Austin against a top 10 team might be a stretch. TCU would have a better chance if it had a veteran QB. To beat Texas, the Frogs’ defense needs to rattle UT quarterback Colt McCoy and force some game-changing turnovers.

Q5. TCU beat Oklahoma a few years back, but what must they do to be nationally recognized? How are the football facilities?
Like Al Davis says, “Just win, baby.” TCU has more football history and more of a national name than Boise State. It’s logical that if TCU could go undefeated and win a BCS bowl, it would get as much or perhaps more attention than Boise State did last year. What TCU has done the last six years is amazing and comendable (particularly when you look at the lean years in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The lack of national recognition comes from not winning a meaningful bowl game.

Over the past decade, TCU’s football facilities have improved greatly. Weight rooms, football offices, an indoor practice facility (named for former Frog great Sam Baugh and opened this past spring) indicate the school’s commitment to football. Amon Carter Stadium needs a facelift and that’s next on the “to do” list.

I want to thank Wendell for his time....it is much appreciated...on Monday, my interview with sports columnist Bill Livingston of the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer and his thoughts about the AFC North...

College Football at its Best - Michigan Wolverines

The last feature in the College Football at its Best series is the Michigan Wolverines.....the editor of the blog M Go Blog was gracious enough to respond to my questions....however, in a little twist today, I too am going to give my responses being that Michigan is my favorite team....I usually try to stay unbiased on this blog, but today I am going to have a little fun too....

M Go Blog

Q1. What is Michigan football most known for - the winged helmets, The Victors, or The Big House and why?
MGoBlog: Uh... wow. I have no idea. I think we can eliminate the Big House. It's a big fricking stadium, yes, but there are many stadiums close enough to it that it's probably not the biggest deal of the three. Now you are forcing me to choose between the helmets and the fight song and I'm not sure if I like this anymore. I... ah. The fight song? Sorry, helmets.
Rstiles: Honestly, they are known for all three which is why the Wolverines are one of the most unique football programs in the country....ultimately, I would have to say The Victors....even John Phillip Souza ranked The Victors as the greatest fight song in the country....

Q2. What is the greatest Michigan football game that you have seen whether it be in-person or on television?
MGoBlog: In terms of how riveting and amazing the game was probably the 2005 Rose Bowl against Texas. Which you will not that we lost. A true freshman slinging four touchdowns, Vince Young blooming, and a 37 yard field goal that ticked off the inside of Ernest Shazor's elbow but still went through the uprights. It was a hell of a game.
Rstiles: I have been attending Michigan games with my father for the last 15 years....I was there for the Kordell Stewart Hail Mary and when Woodson brought the punt back against Ohio State....however, the best game that I saw was in 1997 when Michigan went to play at number 1 Penn State....it was a late afternoon game in November and it was drizzling and cold....I sat in a small pocket of Michigan fans and watched as the Wolverines dismantled Penn State 34-8...at the end of the game, the players came over and acknowledged the fans....it was so great to be singing The Victors and knowing that we had a chance to be #1 when the new polls came out....

Q3. Who do you hate more as a rival - Ohio State or Michigan State?
MGoBlog: Ohio State. Michigan State is a big rival in basketball and hockey, but they've never been good enough to be a serious rival in football. It's just not that exciting to beat them. You hate losing to them, but that's not enough.
Rstiles: I live in Ohio....that says it all.....I hate Ohio State with a passion!!....95% of the Ohio State fans are the most arrogant, pompous, drunken fans in the nation....what is this crap with "The" Ohio State University....it's a freakin state school - but they act like it's Yale or Harvard....OSU fans and their coach think the college football world revolves around Columbus.....that is why I hate Ohio State....I believe the people who live in Michigan don't truly understand the hatred of this rivalry.....if Michigan loses to Ohio State, it's no big deal....the Michigan fans need to start taking this rivalry more serious because the Ohio State people certainly are....I was at the The Game two years ago in Ann Arbor when Michigan choked and lost the game in the last 30 seconds....when I was leaving Michigan Stadium, I literally wanted to puke when I saw Michigan fans tailgating and laughing after the game.....I'm not saying burn the town or verbally abuse your opponent (like they do in Columbus), but there should have been more disappointment and disgust with the Michigan fans....at that time we just lost to our rival for the second straight year and it just seemed like no big deal to many Michigan fans....

Q4. Since 1970, who are the five greatest players to wear a Michigan uniform and why?
MGoBlog: 1. Charles Woodson (photo) - As the only defensive player to ever win the Heisman he beats out...
2. Desmond Howard - Who also has a Heisman.
3. Anthony Carter - Convinced Bo to throw the ball some.
4. Braylon Edwards - Seriously under consideration as Michigan's best wide receiver ever. I still think Carter beats him out.
5. Tyrone Wheatley - I don't know how his professional career collapsed so abruptly, but God he was huge and fast and just ran past and through and over people.

Rstiles: 1. Charles Woodson - he may be the best player to ever wear a Michigan uniform...he did everything - defense, offense, special teams.....
2. Braylon Edwards - he was the best wide receiver ever at Michigan....yes I know Anthony Carter was special, but Edwards could take over a game....just ask Michigan State....
3. Desmond Howard (photo) - he was Mr. Excitement.....but he will always be remembered for striking the Heisman pose in front of the Ohio State fans after bringing a punt back for a touchdown....
4. Rick Leach - he was Michigan’s first true quarterback under Bo.....Bo loved the kid and even trusted him to throw a few times during the game....
5. Jim Harbaugh - he was the toughest son of a bitch ever...plus, he hated Ohio State.....Jim Tressel would not be 5-1 against Michigan if Harbaugh was the quarterback.....

Q5. Make your case why Michigan football, as a whole, is the best football program in the country?
MGoBlog: Michigan has a fairly easy time of this: more wins than any other team, the highest winning percentage in college football, the largest stadium, best and most recognizable fight song, best and most recognizable helmets, and so forth and so on etc etc. It probably isn't the best in terms of on-field results, if we're being honest with ourselves, but Michigan is the old school power that has maintained its winning form the most consistently over the past thirty years.
Rstiles: Michigan is one of probably the top 5-7 programs in the country.....Michigan does not have that arrogance like Ohio State and their plastic fake head coach who thinks everything is the best in Columbus.....Michigan is built on tradition and at times, it hurts the football program because they are too worried about showing class....I don’t want the Wolverines to be arrogant like in C-bus, but they lack that nasty streak that some programs have such as Southern Cal or the hey days at The U.....I’m not saying Michigan should recruit thugs, but they lack that bad ass mentality where they strike fear in an opponent....in the end, Michigan is about doing things the right way....it's about success....it's about toughness....and there wasn't any tougher son of a bitch than Bo....."Those Who Stay Will Be Champions"....

College Football at its Best - Florida State Seminoles

Today Stiles Points gets a little tag team action as Jerry (JScott) and Ralph (Nafselon) give their views about the Florida State Seminoles as part of the College Football at its Best series.....Jerry is a 24-years-old and has been blogging at various sites while Ralph is 30-years-old and been blogging for a year.....if you want the lowdown on the Noles, check out their site.....

Tomahawk Nation

Q1. What is your opinion about Florida State using the Seminole as its mascot?
JScott: Let me preface this answer by stating I'm a Caucasian Male so I can't really speak for Native Americans, but I think our School's use of the Mascot is done in a respectful and historical manner. If I were a Native American, I would feel proud that my heritage is being displayed in such an honorable way. I know it's only a Mascot, but when a young kid asks his father/mother where the Mascot originated from, it gives a continuing legacy to the culture that is being a
Native American. I could understand the frustrations of protesters of the use of the Mascot if Florida State only used the "Seminole" as an athletic symbol. That clearly isn't the case when you step foot on Florida State's Campus. There are several Statue's erected to explain the
significance of the Seminole Tribe and its connection to Florida State University students, staff, and educators.

nafselon: I'm on the fence. The University has always had the blessing of the Seminole tribe and they have a great working relationship. At the same time, I think certain elements, whether it be the chop or something else, might be examined more closely in the future if problems arise.
I do think the University should continue to be proactive in maintaining good relationships with the tribe and continue to pay honor to their heritage.

Q2. What is the greatest Florida State football game that you have seen - whether it be in-person or on television? Explain the game and why it was so great.
JScott: Admittedly the game was on Television for me (We used to eat at my grandmothers house every Thanksgiving, so FSU-UF games were always a Television Tradition for me and my father): Florida State 31 Florida 31 .... "The Choke at Doak" It was one of the greatest fourth quarter comebacks I have ever witnessed. Who am I kidding, it was hands down the GREATEST FSU game I had ever seen to date. The Gators beat the living hell out of us for the entire first three quarters and led us by 28 points at the start of the 4th quarter. However, my Seminoles scored 28 points in the final quarter to tie the game 31-31 (Back then there was NO Overtime). Me and my father just looked at each other in amazement as to what we had just witnessed. We wanted Bobby to go for the win, but we knew the team had tried to hard for gimmick plays. I will never ever forget that game. Who would have thought Danny Kanell could have led such an attack.

nafselon: Probably the 1998 Florida-FSU game which is also known as "the Outzen game". As it turned out the winner of the game was going to go to the BCS Championship. It was probably the loudest Doak crowd in recent memory and frankly, Florida was the better team on paper, so in some ways it was an upset. I remember the FSU defense holding Florida to 0-of-11 on third downs, something that NEVER happens to a Spurrier-coached team. Peter Warrick and Travis Minor had excellent days. It was one of my favorite and most memorable days in Tallahassee.

Q3. Who are the Seminoles most hated rival - Miami, Florida, or Virginia Tech?
JScott: Hands DOWN it's the Florida Gators from Gainesville. It's an absolute Non-Contest. I rarely hung around arrogant Hurricane fans growing up, but boy did I grow up with some of the Rowdiest Gator fans alive. My Buddy actually got an Albert (UF's Mascot) tattooed on his lower calf (of course the artist forgot to FILL IN the EYE, hah). Aside from the Fan-to-Fan Rivalry growing up, you just knew that there was going to be a great display of passion (aka fights) on the field (before-during and after FSU-UF games). I mean, you couldn't have further extremes in terms of coaching as you did with UF and FSU growing up. You had Steve Spurrier who was a whiny SOAB, but did he ever have a game plan (and a killer instinct). Bobby on the other hand, was the good ole boy southerner who could do no wrong. I think the Stadiums being right on Campus add a little flair to the Rivalry. Most of all though, it has to be the distance between the schools. Gainesville is what, an hour away, "spitting distance" as we like to call it. Over the years, Florida players and Florida State players have gone to great lengths to prank the opposing in State University. Florida players used to put LIVE gators in the Noles Locker room (whether that's a tall tale, I'll never know, but it would be enough to piss me off, figuratively and literally). Anyway, UF is HANDS DOWN, Florida State's absolute most HATED Rival.

nafselon: Virginia Tech? FSU's most hated rival is Florida. FSU's most intense rival is Miami. I'll explain. Florida fans suck, I mean they are just a bunch of clowns and they could win the next 20 football and basketball national titles and they'd still be a bunch of clowns. Look at how they turned on Billy Donovan when he decided (and later reneged) on going to the Magic. They weren't any "thank yous" and good lucks" for the coach that led that sullen basketball program to the promise land. Instead they insulted him, his family and his integrity (the latter is certainly questionable, but still). Spurrier left because they had the nerve to criticise him after an 11-2 season with a BCS Bowl victory! So they are a bunch of thankless jackasses. They will turn on Urban Meyer too, you watch.

Now onto Miami. I don't hate Miami. I see Miami and FSU much like feuding brothers. I respect the Hurricanes success on the field. I respect their bravado, it's well-earned. I think when FSU and Miami get together on the field you're going to see a high-intensity, high-quality contest that drives both teams to the brink. I've been disappointed by Miami on several occasions, but usually the Hurricanes went on to win the national title afterwards so I can't hate them. The programs truly mirror each other in terms of talent they recruit, speed, etc. When Miami isn't playing FSU, I root for Miami, when Miami is good, college football is better for it. I expect Randy Shannon to do a good job there if he can get over a few hurdles.

Q4. Since 1970, who are the five greatest players to wear a Florida State uniform?
JScott: Warrick Dunn - he's my favorite All-Time Nole. Just the way he carried himself on the field and off the field, the way he would look tackled and then break away for a 60+ yard gain, and he just has a great (sad) life story. He should definitely write a book one day, if he hasn't already.

Charlie Ward (photo) - One of the most spectacular Quarterbacks I have ever seen play the collegiate game. A class act in society, head strong, and a delight to watch play. Winning the Heisman also doesn't hurt. It's a shame he didn't play NFL ball.

Peter Warrick - My goodness was he a freak-of-nature. The way he reversed fields was Barry Sanders like. I'll never forget his performance in the Sugar Bowl. I can't believe his career in the NFL was wasted by the Bengals.

Deion "Neon Deion" Sanders - He basically gave birth to the Warrick Dunn's, Charlie Ward's and Peter Warrick's of Florida State. Those guys had to come to FSU because of Prime Time. He was/is a great performer. I remember making my mom take me to a local Barbeque Shack to get his autograph (only he left EARLY).

Snoop Minnis - I'll let everyone clean off their computer screens .... the logical pick would have been Chris Weinke, Derrick Brooks, or Anquan Boldin, but Snoop Minnis to me (the fan) was an absolute joy to watch play the game. He was like our watered down version of Marvin Harrison. Honorable Mention for me: Greg Jones, Andre Cooper, Kendyll Pope, Sam McGrew (Wakulla Bias), Matt Friar.

nafselon: Charlie Ward: First Heisman winner, QB of first national title team. Great leader, always been a great representative of the University.

Chris Weinke: Second Heisman winner, QB of second national title team. An individual with great heart. He battled back from a major neck injury to win 24 of his final 26 games when he didn't have to. He had already invested his money from baseball in real estate and could've sat back and left the contact sports to someone younger.

Ron Simmons: Probably the first great dominating defensive player in the University. He set the stage for Odell Haggins and Corey Simon and the other great nose guard/defensive tackles. He was also the first black WCW pro wrestling heavyweight champion. Can't put a price on that.

Deion Sanders (photo): Ask 100 different people and get 100 different opinions on Deion. But he was a great showman, a great talent and he brought that swagger to the program that started the ride of 14 straight seasons in the top 5.

Q5. Make your case why Florida State football, as a whole, is the best football program in the country?
JScott: It's impossible for me to make that case. Mainly because FSU is not the best football program in the country. It's not even the best football program in the state of Florida (Miami owns that right with all of the Nat'l Titles and NFL Pro's they have produced and I would argue that Florida falls in right behind Miami. I have 52 reasons to support that cause). I would argue with anyone, that Florida has the BEST COLLECTIVE FOOTBALL PROGRAMS in the country. They may not always walk the "straight and narrow path", but they more than hold their own against out-of-state competition.

nafselon: I would have to agree with JScott on this subject.

I want to thank Jerry and Ralph....it is much appreciated...tomorrow the Michigan Wolverines will be the last team featured in the series...

Culpepper signs with Raiders

ESPN reports that the Oakland Raiders sign former Vikings and Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

Bill Walsh - The Real Genius

The San Francisco Chronicle's Tom FitzGerald writes the news story about Bill Walsh...... "A master of using short, precisely timed passes to control the ball in what became known as the West Coast offense, he guided the team to three Super Bowl championships and six NFC West division titles in his 10 years as head coach." ....

Tom FitzGerald

The San Francisco Chronicle devotes a tribute page to Walsh.....

Tribute Page

The San Francisco Chronicle's Michelle Smith covers the days when Walsh coached at Stanford.... "Walsh spent his final years in Stanford's fold, playing roles of teacher, counselor, fundraiser, cheerleader and administrator." ....

Michelle Smith

Los Angeles Times football reporter Sam Farmer writes how Walsh was a perfectionist.... "Bill Walsh was a perfectionist who refused to be hurried. I learned that the hard way." .....

Sam Farmer

Marv Levy recalls giving Walsh his first break in football..... "It was 1960, after Levy took over California, when he was looking to fill out his staff and happened upon Walsh by accident." ....

John Wawrow

The Oakland Tribune dedicates a page to Walsh.....

Oakland Tribune

Seattle Post Intelligencer's Clare Farnsworth talks with Walsh disciple Mike Holmgren..... "Mike Holmgren admits that Bill Walsh wasn't always easy to like, but the Seahawks coach definitely respected the man who was his first boss in the NFL and eventually became his mentor and friend." ....

Clare Farnsworth

The Boston Globe’s Mike Reiss gets a few comments from Bill Belichick about Walsh.... “One of the greatest challenges of my career was coaching defense against Bill Walsh.” ....

Mike Reiss

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Bryan Burwell writes about his first encounter with Walsh..... “The first time I saw Bill Walsh at work, he was cussing up a storm.” ....

Bryan Burwell

Mike Klis of the Denver Post gets reactions from the Broncos camp about the death of Bill Walsh.... “Indirectly, Walsh had great influence on how Mike Shanahan operates the Broncos.” ....

Mike Klis

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King writes how Walsh changed the game of football..... “Walsh's words: "Football is detail work. It's teaching. People in baseball may disagree, but I think football is the real thinking person's game and I think that's what you'll see in this book. Coaches and players know that today, but that's not how it used to be. I'd like to think that my coaching successes have had some effect in changing the image.” .....

Peter King

Dennis Green’s son, Jeremy Green of Scouts Inc., writes how Walsh was a master of evaluating talent..... “One of the things I used to love about hanging around the 49ers' facility was the amount of game tape that was available. It was around 1980 that I decided I wanted to work in player personnel. I never wanted to coach. It was evaluating players that I came to love.” ....

Jeremy Green

ESPN’s Ivan Maisel writes how new Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh got to know Walsh for even a short time..... “Walsh had an office in the Stanford athletic department, and came in as recently as early this month, according to Harbaugh.” ....

Ivan Maisel

Washington Post columnist Mike Wise looks at the various layers of Walsh..... "Joe Gibbes told a story in his office the other day. It started out about Dexter Manley and humility, but it ended up saying more about Bill Walsh, beyond the cerebral professor of the sideline we solely made him out to be." .....

Mike Wise