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College Football Week Three 2009 Preview

Allison Boyer — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:00:07 +0000

We’re getting to the point where most teams are actually starting to play some real games now. I say “most” because my beloved Penn State is playing Temple this weekend. You know when Temple last beat PSU? 1941. I mean, they haven’t played every year…but still.

I digress. Let’s check out the AP Top 10 this week:

Florida
Texas
USC
Alabama
Mississippi
Penn State (actually, they’re also #5, it was a tie)
BYU
California
LSU
Boise State

All of the top ten teams are still undefeated, but that’s not surprising since many of them had super easy games the past two weeks – or no game at all (Mississippi already had their week off).

I have to start at the bottom with Boise State at #10. I predict a win against Fresno State, with a score of roughly 51 – 34. Ok, that game was tonight. So, they remain undefeated – more on that when we review Week Three. Also significant: #20 Miami beat #14 Georgia Tech 33 – 17 on Thursday night. Again, we’ll talk about that more in a few days when I review the entire weekend, but damn. Where did this team come from?

So let’s see. #5 Penn State has a gimme, and #8 California should have too hard of a time at Minnesota. #4 Alabama plays North Texas at home. *shrug* And poor Washington is about to feel the wrath of #3 USC. Even #5 Mississippi is just playing Southeastern Louisiana (who?), and #9 LSU is playing Louisiana-Lafayette. Errr….scratch what I said about people playing real teams.

We aren’t totally without decent match-ups. #1 Florida finally plays someone we’ve heard of at least when they host Tennessee tomorrow afternoon. Can Kiffen and his boys pull off the upset? Highly unlikely, but you never know. Stranger things have happened. I think that it is more likely that Florida will run all over them. We’ll see I guess.

#7 BYU hosts Florida State later that evening. Now, if you would have asked me at the start of the season, I would have said that this would be an interesting game. Florida State has proven, however, that they were highly overrated coming into 2009. I mean, at least they won last week. There for awhile, it looked like they were going to lose to Jacksonville State.

Then there’s #2 Texas, who hosts Texas Tech this week. Texas Tech is 2 – 0, but they’ve played North Dakota and Rice…so they might as well be 0 – 0. What makes this game interesting is that last year, Texas Tech stop the Longhorns at the last second with a Michael Crabtree touchdown. This year, though, they have a brand new quarterback after losing Graham Harrell, and of course, Michael Crabtree is making NFL headlines instead of NCAA headlines. Texas? They still have Colt McCoy. Either Texas Tech is going to prove themselves in this game, or they’ll prove that their first two games really were just against horrible opponents. Texas is out for blood, having been denied the National Championship because of this game last year, so my prediction is that Texas will put them in their place.

McCoy and the Longhorns want a little revenge after last year. Image: Newscom

That covers the top ten, but there are a few other games worth mentioning. #19 Nebraska travels to #13 Virgina Tech, with kick off at 3:30. I think Nebraska has really been a sleeper team so far. Granted, like most programs, their first two weeks were basically not even games, but their offense is pretty strong. I’m looking forward to both teams showing what they got.

I’m also interested to see if Notre Dame bounces back from their loss last week to Michigan. They play one of their rivals, Michigan State, this week. Now, Michigan State isn’t the bottom of the barrel, but they aren’t good by any stretch of the imagination. Ya’ll know as well as I do, though, that college football is all about momentum. Notre Dame was thrown for a real loop last week, so we’ll see if they can spring back.

To be honest, not many games interest me this week. Penn State will be lucky if I roll out of bed in time to watch the kick off, and most of the top ten have easy weeks, once again. I know the major debate in college football is whether or not to have a playoff system, but maybe more important that this is the debate of changing scheduling rules. I mean, when a horrendous team plays a top-ranked team, it just looks bad for both schools.

Post from: EveryJoe

College Football Week Three 2009 Preview

Michael Crabtree Makes Demands

Allison Boyer — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:52:35 +0000

This past draft, Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech dropped to tenth, and the San Francisco 49ers thought they were getting the deal of a lifetime. Many speculated that he should have gone much higher, at least at number seven. Instead, the Oakland Raiders choose wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey with their seventh pick, surprising everyone. Al Davis is known for his random, weird decisions, though, so I guess none of us were too surprised.

Now, the 49ers kind of wish they would have passed on Crabtree as well. The rookie, who hasn’t even played in an NFL game yet, is demanding a larger contract since he should have went higher in the draft. In fact, the Crabtree camp says that this college star is prepared to sit out 2009 and enter the 2010 draft, rather than sign the current offered contract.

The Raiders have offered Heyward-Bey a $23.5 million contract. Crabtree wants more. This is an innovative idea – to challenge the rookie salary tradition based on what he deems as a mistake another team made by picking another draftee.

Whether or not Crabtree is better than Heyward-Bey, or at least, was better in college, is a moot point. The fact of the matter is that the Raiders thought he was better for their team. And the 49ers shouldn’t be forced to pay for that decision. Crabtree is already getting tens of millions of dollars, and there’s no guarantee that he’ll succeed in the professional world. Many college players go bust in the NFL.

In my opinion, rookies shouldn’t get the salaries they do. The entire salary system benefits rookies, leaving less money to reward the players who have put in years of hard work and have proven their talent and skill. I guess this is an argument for another day.

You know what, though? I hope they let Crabtree sit out. If he’s really worth more money, they’ll give him more money after they see him play. He’s being a whiny jerk right now, and he needs to be knocked down a few notches. So yeah, I hope they deny him the extra money, that he enters the 2010 draft, and that he doesn’t go until much later than the top ten.

Image via WikiCommons.

Post from: EveryJoe

Michael Crabtree Makes Demands

Graham Harrell to Play in the CFL

Allison Boyer — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:07:52 +0000

Graham Harrell has the most career touchdown passes in Division I, and he broke tons of school and conference records. That apparently doesn’t mean a lot in the NFL, though. This Texas Tech quarterback wasn’t drafted, and although he later worked up with the Cleveland Browns, no one ever offered him a contract. Everyone says that he’s the product of a great offense, not a talented player on his own.

Graham Harrell, Image: Newscom

This week, though, Harrell announced that there would be football in his future. He’ll get the chance to prove people wrong as he plays with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL, whose season has already started.

Good luck, Harrell. Personally, I hope that he rocks the hell out of the CFL and eventually comes back to the states to play in the NFL. I think he got a bad rap from the start and really does have personal talent. I guess we’ll see.

Post from: EveryJoe

Graham Harrell to Play in the CFL

Graham Harrell Gets Workout with Browns

Stephen Kersey — Sun, 03 May 2009 03:50:18 +0000

To the surprise of some, Graham Harrell went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft. While in college at Texas Tech, Harrell had amazing numbers and was even in the Heisman conversation the last two years. However, after struggling since the end of the season, his name wasn’t called in any of the seven rounds.

Harrell did get a call after the draft and has decided to accept a workout with the Cleveland Browns. The workout will be for three days and will give Harrell a chance to show that he has NFL skills. If he performs well, he could be invited to training camp and given an opportunity to win a spot on the Browns.

Graham Harrell, Cleveland Browns (Image: Newscom)

In his senior season at Texas Tech, Harrell had 5,111 passing yards to go with 45 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He had a rating of over 160 and completed more than 70% of his passes. His junior season was just as impressive. In that year, he had 5,705 passing yards along with 48 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and a completion percentage of of 71.8%.

Despite the impressive stats, many NFL scouts believed Harrell was a product of Mike Leach’s system at Texas Tech. Leach has run high-powered passing offenses and has had success with a variety of quarterbacks.

Post from: EveryJoe

Graham Harrell Gets Workout with Browns

No New Contract Yet for Mike Leach and Texas Tech

Allison Boyer — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:34:08 +0000

Mike Leach had a great year, so no one was surprised when Texas Tech began negotiating a new contract with the coach. They were close to signing, but Texas Tech threw in a few choice terms at the last minute that made Leach say no. There include:

- Only a 12% guarantee if he is fired (his current guarantee is 40%, and the league average is around 55%)

- A $1.5 million buyout (his current buyout is only $500,000)

- A $1.5 million fine if he talks to other schools unless he has permission from Texas Tech

The doozy here, in my opinion, though, is that any money he makes from personal speaking, book sales, etc. would go to Texas Tech. Yeesh. Of course, the 12% is a bit crazy too.

The deal is a five-year contract worth $12.7 million, so around $2.5 million a year. Leach’s counter removes the above five terms, but is the same money and same time span. He’s a good coach, so I hope they’ll do him right.

Picture via Newcom.

Post from: EveryJoe

No New Contract Yet for Mike Leach and Texas Tech

2008 Week 11: Blogging about the Big 12

Allison Boyer — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:14:29 +0000

I can’t watch every game, and there are tons not on TV every week. So, instead of blogging about every game, I’ll link you to the people who are talking about it (by conference). If I missed your link, leave a comment!

#4 Texas 45, Baylor 21

Texas vs. Baylor at City Limits
Texas vs Baylor: #52 Brings the Heat! at The Michners
Baylor. My God. at Fire Mack Brown

Colorado 28, Iowa State 24

Colorado 28, Iowa State 24 at Iowa State Cyclones Football

Nebraska 45, Kansas 35

Nebraska uses big second half to beat Kansas at The College Game
Nebraska vs. Kansas Post Game Overreaction at Corn Nation
Nebraska Downs Kansas, 45-35 at Big Red Network

#6 Oklahoma 66, Texas A&M 28

Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M at Sports by the Numbers
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma at Voice of the 13th Generation
Another Day At The Office: Oklahoma Routs Texas A&M 66-28 at Crimson and Cream Machine
Oklahoma dominates Texas A&M at Oklahoma Sooners Football

#14 Missouri 41, Kansas State 24

No. 13 Missouri takes down Kansas State, 41-24 at Rock M Nation
K-State falls to No. 13 Missouri, 41-24 at Kansas State Football Headline News

#2 Texas Tech 56, #9 Oklahoma State 20

Post Game Quotes – Oklahoma State 20, Texas Tech 56 at Double-T Nation
Oklahoma State no problem for Texas Tech at Sports Corner
Texas Tech v. Oklahoma State & Other College Football Musings at Cranky Greg’s View
Graham Harrell (and Texas Tech) at The Big Lead
#2 TEXAS TECH demolished #9 OKLAHOMA STATE 20 – 56 at Michael Madison’s blog

Other conferences: ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Conference USA, Independents, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-10, SEC, Sun Belt, WAC

(check back soon if the link isn’t live yet)

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Week 11: Blogging about the Big 12

Mike Leach: Bribed to Stay at Texas Tech?

Allison Boyer — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:03:18 +0000

Texas Tech athletic director Gerald Myers announced yesterday that he’s going to renegotiate head coach Mike Leach’s current contract. Currently, Leach is in the third year of a five year contract that guarantees him a base pay of $300,000 and $1.45 million in income from public appearances and other outside deals. He can buy out his contract at any time for $500,000.

And right now, that has to be looking somewhat good to him. He’s led the team to a top 3 BCS standing and what could be the first Big 12 title in the history of Texas Tech. When the job at Washington opened up, Leach’s name came up right away…but really is that a step up from Texas Tech? Probably not.

The Tennessee job, on the other hand…that has to look pretty enticing to him. It’s not really a bribe…but renegotiating his contract for more money and perks could definitely help convince Leach to stay at Texas Tech. Either way, I smell a pay raise coming his way.

You can read more about this story here.

Pictures via Newscom.

Post from: EveryJoe

Mike Leach: Bribed to Stay at Texas Tech?

2008 Week 10: Blogging about the Big 12

Allison Boyer — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 07:56:51 +0000

Kansas 52, Kansas State 21

Game At-A-Glance: Kansas 52, K-State 21 at Kansas State Football

Texas A&M 24, Colorado 17

Texas A&M uses 2nd-half run to bounce Colorado at College Football Blog

#14 Missouri 31, Baylor 28

Missouri-Baylor Analysis at Nick Sloan’s Official Web Site
Behind the Numbers … and more at Missouri Tigers Football, Sports Snipe

#9 Oklahoma State 59, Iowa State 17

Cowboys rip Cyclones 59-17 at Oklahoma State Football

#7 Texas Tech 39, #1 Texas 33

Texas Tech Over Texas at Dreadnaught
Crazy Texas Tech Upset: How An 8-Team Playoff System Would Look at Bulldog Maroon & White
Good Start, Great Finish at Heartland Pinstripes
Post Game Venting at Finding Balance
The Bell Has Been Rung… at Happy Hour Valley

#4 Oklahoma 62, Nebraska 28

Oklahoma 62 – Nebraska 28 at HuskerZone
Final: Oklahoma 62, Nebraska 28 at OUInsider News

Other conferences: ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Conference USA, Independents, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-10, SEC, Sun Belt, WAC

(check back soon if the link isn’t live yet)

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Week 10: Blogging about the Big 12

Service Announcement: The Texas/Texas Tech Game was Freaking Out of Control

Allison Boyer — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:56:55 +0000

I am physically exhausted after watching the Texas/Texas Tech game. I mean, I know that we’ve had other good games this season…

but for Texas to come back in the 4th…

then Texas Tech to pull ahead at the last second…

the fans STORMING the field…

penalties FOR the fans storming the field before the game was over…

a last-chance lateral attempt by Texas…

Woah mama. I am watching people hurdle over barriers right now. They’re swarming Michael Crabtree, but really..this was a quarterback game. I love Colt McCoy, but he was outplayed Final score? 39-33.

This is a game ESPN Classic will be replaying for years to come. This is why I love college football. #1 has been de-throned in an epic game.

*whew* That is all. For now.

Post from: EveryJoe

Service Announcement: The Texas/Texas Tech Game was Freaking Out of Control