Senior writer jclombardi wishes happy thanksgiving to Packers fans.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Packers: Happy Thanksgiving!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.
Jacobs has chance to prove himself
Published: November 24th, 2010 | Tags: Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, New York GiantsGiants RB Brandon Jacobs has been one of the more frustrating backs in fantasy football over recent seasons. You see him barrel over a guy like Redskins S LaRon Landry, and he seems like he should be a fantasy stud.
Yet, he continues to disappoint. Like the latest television show that is supposed to be just like “Lost.”
Jacobs may get his chance, however, to right those wrongs. Coach Tom Coughlin announced the Jacobs will be the No. 1 running back Sunday against the Jaguars. Coughlin apparently has had enough of Ahmad Bradshaw‘s fumbles and cannot tolerate turnovers.
And if that’s the case, should we expect QB Eli Manning to be replaced by Sage Rosenfels, too?
Jacobs becomes a solid No. 2 or flex starter against the Jaguars this week, as the Giants figure to run the ball more with top receivers Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith sidelined. Jacobs already took the goal-line attempts, so any added rushing attempts only makes him more valuable.
Bradshaw owners should continue to hold on to him, though. But keep him on the bench until Coughlin’s rotation becomes clearer.
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Posted in: Fantasy
Winless Watch, Week 13
Welcome to the final edition of Winless Watch, where just one team is left looking for that first win of the season.
Akron (0-11). Streak: L 11. The Zips have come oh-so-close to winning the last two weeks, but have fallen just short against Ball State and Miami (Ohio). Now they get a winnable game to close out the season -- at home against Buffalo (2-9) on Friday. The Bulls are having their own set of struggles -- they have lost six straight. Their only win was over an FBS team -- 28-26 to Bowling Green, which missed a 40-yard field goal for the win as time expired.
The Bulls have had a tough time under first-year coach Jeff Quinn as well. Jerry Davis started the season at quarterback but wasn’t what Quinn was looking for to run the spread. Freshman Alex Zordich replaced him, but he is out with a rib injury, so Davis is back in. He has 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions this season. The Bulls haven’t been helped by their lackluster run game, either. They have an NCAA-worst three rushing touchdowns this season.
These are two of the worst offenses in the MAC and the country. They rank in the bottom in the league in scoring, and total offense. But the Zips have shown some signs of life. They have lost their last two games by a combined 12 points, including the overtime loss to the Cardinals. Last week against Miami, they fumbled late in the game as they were driving for the winning score.
Winning teams somehow find a way to win. That is what Rob Ianello is waiting to see out of his players.
“We have to make those plays we haven’t made,” Ianello said. “We’ve lost two games in overtime and one game on the last possession and all those games you can look at a few key plays that we haven’t made and the opponent has.
“Last week, we turned it over twice. They didn’t turn it over at all. As I told our team, we’ll win when we get good enough to win. How do you get good enough? You make those plays you have to make in a close game. When you get the taste of victory then you understand what it takes, next time you get in a situation you make them again.”
My pick: Akron 21, Buffalo 17.
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South Florida linebacker Sabbath Joseph has seen his popularity in social media soar in the past several days. 
AP Photo/Chris O'MearaQB Jacory Harris led the Canes past the Bulls last season, throwing for two TDs with no interceptions.Beating Miami would also make up for the disappointment that South Florida felt last week. A 17-10 loss to Pittsburgh at home pushed the Bulls out of the Big East title race. The Hurricanes know that feeling well, as they fell to Virginia Tech last week and saw their chances of making the ACC title game evaporate.
"Everybody is blowing up my Twitter and Facebook, asking me how they can get tickets," Joseph said.
The senior has a lot of requests to fill as he returns to his hometown this weekend for the Bulls' game at Miami. Joseph has already secured tickets for about 40 friends and family members and is trying to find more.
"I'm very excited about it," he said. "Getting a win would make it even better."
[+] Enlarge AP Photo/Chris O'MearaQB Jacory Harris led the Canes past the Bulls last season, throwing for two TDs with no interceptions.Beating Miami would also make up for the disappointment that South Florida felt last week. A 17-10 loss to Pittsburgh at home pushed the Bulls out of the Big East title race. The Hurricanes know that feeling well, as they fell to Virginia Tech last week and saw their chances of making the ACC title game evaporate. It's easier to forget about those downers when there's an in-state rivalry looming the following Saturday. Joseph is one of many Bulls players who is very familiar with several Hurricanes from high school and youth football days, and USF guys grew up watching Miami dominate the Big East.
For the Bulls, this game brings another chance to prove themselves against the state's powers. They beat Florida State last year but couldn't hang with the Hurricanes at home later in the season, falling 31-10. They got their first crack at Florida this season and were competitive for more than a half before turnovers doomed them to a 38-14 loss.
"Everybody wants to be in the Big Three," Joseph said. "But in order for us to be considered the Big Four, we've got to beat them."
USF coach Skip Holtz has a slightly different take on the in-state pecking order. While Holtz says a win this week would "help our national reputation" and that the Bulls have to beat the Big Three to earn respect, he argues that the best way to be considered a state powerhouse will be to compete for the Big East title year in and year out. They haven't really done that yet, though they got close this year.
As for this week, Miami is a heavy favorite despite its disappointing 7-4 season. The Hurricanes still have elite-level athletes and a punishing defense that could make life tough on B.J. Daniels and the low-wattage South Florida offense. Daniels has been dealing with a quadriceps injury that has limited his movement and scrambling ability, a major part of his game.
At least Daniels has cut way down on his turnovers since the Florida game and other early-season calamities. The same cannot be said for Miami's quarterbacks, who have thrown more interceptions (21) than any FBS team other than Buffalo. The Bulls will likely have to hope their defense can cause some mistakes and capitalize on them.
If USF could spring the upset, it would give the team and Holtz a signature victory on the way to a bowl game. The Bulls would have a chance for an eight-win regular season. And Joseph's social-media platforms might crash from all the congratulatory messages.
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Just when the Patriots looked at the scoreboard to find themselves down 11 – they found their stride and turned on the offense.
After trailing 14-3 in the second quarter to the Lions in the first of three Thanksgiving Day games, the Pats offense could not be stopped, as they ran up 447 yards in beating Detroit 45-24 to move to 9-2 on the season.
Tom Brady and the Pats offense found their stride, getting some help from rookie CB Devin McCourty who had two picks both of which set up scores in the big win.
Deion Branch had a big day helping his buddy in Brady, making a 79-yard touchdown catch that tied the game at 24 in the third quarter, and then a 22-yard scoring catch that put the Pats up for good at 31-24 with 13:45 to play.
Branch ended the day with three catches for 113 yards and two scores. Who needs Randy Moss?
The Lions started strong, and even led 24-17 in the third quarter till Brady and the Pats offense dominated the final 20 minutes, scoring 28 points.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis had 59 yards on 12 carries with two scores to pace the ground game. Danny Woodhead had 32 yards on the ground and 13 yards through the air.
Brady threw for 341 yards on 21-of-27 passing with four touchdowns and a perfect QB rating of 158.3. Shaun Hill was 27-for-46 for 285 yards with a TD and two picks.
Detroit took a 7-3 lead in the first quarter on a Hill 19-yard pass to Calvin Johnson on the last play of the quarter. They went up 14-3 after the Lions D shut down the Pats, and Detroit went on a drive that ended up with a Maurice Morris one-yard run with 5:58 left in the half.
The Pats came back with a critical drive that ended with a Green-Ellis 15-yard run to make it 14-10, but Detroit got a field goal on the last play of the half to make it 17-10.
New England plays the Jets next Monday night at home, in the critical AFC East game of the year. For the Lions, they have lost seven straight Thanksgiving Day games.
Refreshed Gophers to face slumping Iowa
Minnesota's open week came at the perfect time, but only because of what the Gophers had done on the preceding Saturday. 
AP Photo/Charlie NeibergallThe Floyd of Rosedale trophy is on the line when Iowa faces Minnesota."You could definitely tell we had a different feel around here," interim coach Jeff Horton said. "You could actually smile and laugh and not be fake."
A win at Illinois snapped a nine-game losing streak and an eight-game Big Ten slide stretching back to last season. The emotion-charged triumph momentarily parted the clouds and left the Gophers feeling good and relaxed as they went through practice last week.
[+] Enlarge AP Photo/Charlie NeibergallThe Floyd of Rosedale trophy is on the line when Iowa faces Minnesota."You could definitely tell we had a different feel around here," interim coach Jeff Horton said. "You could actually smile and laugh and not be fake." More than a week after the victory, Horton wasn't about to minimize what it meant.
"The old monkey had grown into a gorilla, it was King Kong on our backs, losing that many in a row," Horton said. "So obviously, it was an awesome feeling to get that off of you."
Minnesota is undoubtedly the looser team heading into Saturday's season finale at TCF Bank Stadium. But Iowa is still the better team.
The Hawkeyes simply need to play like it. Although they've fallen well short of preseason expectations, they can still secure a Jan. 1 bowl berth and retain the Floyd of Rosedale with a win in Minneapolis.
Iowa's biggest challenge could be the mental hurdle of bouncing back from consecutive losses in which it blew fourth-quarter leads.
"I'd have concerns either way," Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz said. "If we were coming off two big, euphoric-type wins, I'd be concerned probably the other direction. So it's like in any game. ... The mental state of the team is always an issue that you think about and try to do your best to manage. Circumstances change, but you're always trying to anticipate how the team's thinking and what things you might have to cover."
Iowa has held Minnesota scoreless in each of the teams' last two meetings, and the Hawkeyes have surrendered a combined 39 points in five of their wins this season. While Ferentz has struggled with Iowa's previous two opponents, Ohio State and Northwestern, he's 8-3 against Minnesota.
"It is a huge rivalry game," Horton said. "In the last 10 years, we're 2-8, so we’ve got to do our part to rekindle that. We don't want Iowa to feel comfortable about just coming in expecting to win."
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Senior writer jclombardi highlights Packers Bishop, Peprah & Zombo profiles.
Commentary: For the 2010 NFL Season, three major players stepped up to replace injured starters on the front line Packers defense. Without their stellar performances on defense, the Packers would not be 7-3 with a prime time showdown Sunday against the Falcons. Although LB Bishop is no surprise considering we recommended that he start long ago along with other Packers bloggers in the Packers nation, the steady performances of S Peprah and OLB Zombo are pleasant surprises. Happy holidays!
LB Bishop: Desmond Bishop was one of three 6th round Packer draft choices in 2007. Today, he is Green Bay’s starting middle linebacker and the team’s third leading tackler. And there isn’t a day that goes by that Bishop doesn’t appreciate his good fortune and try to help others whose lives have taken less favorable paths. “It takes you back to the saying, ‘much is given, much is required,” Bishop said. “I feel like I’m in a fortunate situation where I can give back. There was a time in my life and I think in everybody’s life where I needed help. To give back in a situation where you can I think is good.” Bishop is already been a major role model for many kids back at his high school in his native Fairfield, California, which is 40 miles northeast of San Francisco. Bishop uses football as a teaching tool for young people who may be struggling to find their way. “I do a football camp back home in my high school,” Bishop said. “It’s free, I just want to give back, really teach the kids more about football, but also about life, just tell them my journey and let ‘em know if they have a dream, whether it be about football or whatever you want to be, if you want to be a doctor, a lawyer, stick to your dream and do whatever you think is necessary to reach your goals.” While playing college ball at the University of California, Bishop routinely volunteered to serve food to homeless people. While in Green Bay, Bishop has helped to improve the facilities at Golden House, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. “Whether you’re home or whatever city you’re in, I feel it’s an important part of being an NFL player.” As one of four roaming linebackers in Dom Capers sophisticated 3-4 scheme, Bishop has to study a lot of film of opposing offenses. But that’s not all he’s studying. Bishop is working on a screenplay.
Safety Peprah: Peprah took over as the starter alongside Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins after rookie Morgan Burnett suffered a season-ending knee injury Oct. 3 against Detroit while former starter Atari Bigby was on the physically unable to perform list. When Bigby was activated Nov. 6, most assumed that he’d reclaim his job. Instead, he simply rotated in for Peprah against Dallas on Nov. 7 and at Minnesota last Sunday before pulling his hamstring against the Vikings. As long as Bigby is sidelined, he’s already been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Falcons, Peprah will hold the job full-time. “Charlie’s played well,” safeties coach Perry said. “He hasn’t been a guy that’s just been lining up. I could probably line up and be in the right place, but I’m not going to make any plays, not at my age. But Charlie’s been productive. He has taken advantage of the opportunity.” Peprah certainly waited long enough for the opportunity. Claimed on waivers, Peprah spent his first three seasons with the Packers playing special teams. He made just one start on defense before suffering a knee injury in training camp last year and reaching an injury settlement with the Packers. He ended up joining the Falcons last November and played in two games. He re-signed with the Packers during the offseason. He entered training camp toward the bottom of the safety depth chart, but he made the roster. Now, the Packers are relying on him to continue his steady play. After a rocky start as Burnett’s replacement, he made two key plays in the Packers’ Oct. 31 shutout victory over the New York Jets and has played well ever since.
OLB Zombo–hard work, zeal for game make undrafted rookie a starter: A funny thing happened on the way to the practice squad. Injuries swept through the Packers’ linebackers like a brush fire in the Hollywood hills, and suddenly Zombo was the last man standing. There was nobody else to play right outside linebacker. He was it. Zombo made his first start in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears replacing the injured Brad Jones. After Jones (shoulder) went on injured reserve Oct. 27, the position was Zombo’s for good. Linebackers coach Greene worked to get Zombo up to speed, but for the most part it’s been baptism by fire. The 23-year-old Zombo has had to learn a new position on the fly. Zombo ranks sixth on the Packers with 45 tackles including eight against the Vikings and has forced a fumble. ”He is doing really, really well,” Greene said. “He set a real hard edge against a Pro Bowl player in McKinnie. He made a couple of really nice tackles. He’s playing well. He’s very self-conscious about how he plays. He wants to learn and get better and it shows.” Zombo’s pass-rushing skills help him at linebacker. He’s strong enough to walk tackles back into the quarterback and has two sacks. ”Everybody measures the sacks, but you need people that know how to rush, where they just aren’t flying up the field,” said DC Capers. “If you put on the tape you’ll see a couple times (Sunday) that he had the tackle right back into Brett’s lap.” Of course, Zombo has made his share of mistakes, too. “There are some fundamentals and technique things that we can improve on,” Greene said. “He’ll learn that.” Like Zombo, Packers inside linebacker Desmond Bishop got his chance to play because of injuries. Now a starter alongside Zombo, Bishop said the two had a lot in common, starting with their passion for the game. Zombo has a deep appreciation for the Packers organization and its storied tradition. He’s fallen in love with Green Bay and said he’s converted most of Sterling Heights, a suburb of Detroit, into Packers fans.
Four players to watch for below the radar
I helped call the Redskins-Titans game last week, and of course all of the discussion since then has focused on the aftermath of the fallout between QB Vince Young and coach Jeff Fisher and whether they can coexist in Tennessee. That story will work itself out over the coming weeks and months.
What I did see in that game were a number of players who are below the radar, but made big contributions to their teams:
Keiland Williams, RB, Redskins: He was never a full-time starter at LSU, but has played very well as a rookie and at times as been the Redskins’ lead back. With Chad Simpson going down in pregame warmups, Ryan Torain still out and Clinton Portis unable to finish the game, Williams had to carry the load against the Titans. I’m very impressed by what I see out of a back who can run, catch and also does a nice job in blitz pickup. He’s turning into an all-around back in a short amount of time.
Brandon Banks, WR, Redskins: Don’t be surprised at all if this guy — who is all of 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds — starts to get into the rotation at wide receiver. He’s absolutely fearless. Check out his tapes from Kansas St., he can absolutely fly and will eventually make a difference for the Redskins.
Marc Mariani, WR, Titans: It was quietly whispered in my ear from someone within the organization to not be surprised if Mariani develops into a slot receiver for the Titans. He would be very dependable in that role. The pride of Havre, Montana (home of the Havre High Blue Ponies), this guy has both a punt return and a kickoff return for touchdowns this season as a seventh-round draft pick. He was a walk-on at the University of Montana before eventually becoming an All-America.
Alterraun Verner, CB, Titans: One of my favorite young defensive backs. He got into the lineup because of the injury to Jason McCourty earlier in the season. I liked him during his entire career at UCLA. We talk about the term “ball hawk” quite a bit, and Verner is a flat-out ball hawk. He’s around the football all the time, is fearless in run support and tackles better than he’s given credit for.
These guys might not get the headlines, but it doesn’t mean they don’t make valuable contributions to help their teams win. Enjoy these guys on Sundays and don’t sleep on them.
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Posted in: NFL Network
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Hope you get to spend today with lots of food, family and football -- it will be a great treat to see whether Texas can pull the upset and become bowl-eligible tonight against Texas A&M.
What are you thankful for today? Here is my list:
Passionate college football fans, who are all to eager to tell you that you are either 1) The smartest person alive or 2) The dumbest person who ever lived and should be scrubbing toilets rather than talking college football. I love you all!
Boise State and TCU. Haters can hate all they want, but we are seeing something this season that may never happen again. This is history in the making, the possibility that a non-AQ makes it into the national championship game. With Boise State and TCU set to be in the same conference in 2011, Utah leaving for the Pac-12 and the implosion of the WAC, this could very well be the last time we see two undefeated non-AQ teams jockeying for position in a national championship race.
The Pistol offense. It's nice to see Nevada coach Chris Ault get all the pub he has gotten for his innovative offense this season. Not only have countless stories been done on him, but several teams throughout college football are now running some version of it, from UCLA to Alabama to Stanford.
Great coaching jobs. Look across the non-AQs and you will find plenty -- TCU coach Gary Patterson and Boise State coach Chris Petersen go without saying. Here are a few others: Miami (Ohio) coach Mike Haywood -- Took a 1-11 team to an 8-4 record and a share of the East Division title.Ohio coach Frank Solich -- Overcame the loss of three star players to lead his team to a share of the MAC East.Northern Illinois coach Jerry Kill -- On the verge of a 10-win season for the Huskies.FIU coach Mario Cristobal -- Has his never-been-bowling Panthers one win away from a Sun Belt title.UCF coach George O'Leary -- Has his team one win from the C-USA title game with a freshman quarterback and an outstanding defense.BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall -- His team is bowl-eligible after starting the season 1-4.Great players. You know the headliners. Here are some of the most unheralded from the non-AQs: Western Kentucky RB Bobby Rainey, who has carried the ball a whopping 313 times this season and ranks No. 4 in the country in rushing, averaging 135 yards a game. North Texas back Lance Dunbar is right behind him in the Sun Belt. Dominique Davis of East Carolina, Bryant Moniz of Hawaii, Alex Carder of Western Michigan and Corey Robinson of Troy all rank in the top 10 in the nation in passing.
Great WR duos, too: Titus Young and Austin Pettis at Boise State; Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares at Hawaii; Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson at San Diego State; Juan Nunez and Jordan White at Western Michigan.
Defensively, it's hard not to like Jamon Hughes of Memphis, Bobby Wagner of Utah State, Dwayne Woods of Bowling Green, Vinny Curry and Mario Harvey of Marshall, Archie Donald and Danny Molls of Toledo, the entire TCU and Boise State defenses, Josh McNary of Army and Wyatt Middleton of Navy. Three of the best special-teamers in the nation are from non-AQs too: Shaky Smithson of Utah, Jeremy Kerley of TCU and Darius Johnson of Tulsa.
Happy eating, everyone!
Tags:WAC, MWC, C-USA, MAC, Sun Belt, Army Black Knights, Northern Illinois Huskies, Chris Petersen, Ohio Bobcats, Nevada Wolf Pack, East Carolina Pirates, BYU Cougars, Toledo Rockets, North texas Mean Green, Miami-Ohio RedHawks, Memphis Tigers, Frank Solich, Marshall Thundering Herd, TCU Horned Frogs, Boise State Broncos, Mario Cristobal, Bowling Green Falcons, Gary Patterson, Chris Ault, Bronco Mendenhall, Mike Haywood, Hawaii Warriors, Tulsa Golden Hurricane, Austin Pettis, Titus Young, Jerry Kill, UCF Knights, Greg Salas, Troy Trojans, Western Michigan Broncos, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, George O'Leary, Juan Nunez, Bryant Moniz, Shaky Smithson, Jeremy Kerley, Vincent Brown, Lance Dunbar, FIU Panthers, Josh McNary, Alex Carder, Darius Johnson, Utah State, Corey Robinson, Wyatt Middleton, DeMarco Sampson, Jordan White, Vinny Curry, Bobby Rainey, Danny Molls, Dwayne Woods, Archie Donald, Kealoha Pilares, Mario Harvey, Jamon Hughes, Bobby Wagner, Dominqiue Davis
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.Lions RB Best to play, not a good fantasy start
Published: November 24th, 2010 | Tags: Detroit Lions, Jahvid Best, Maurice MorrisLions rookie RB Jahvid Best is expected to play Thursday against the Patriots, but he is still a huge fantasy risk. Best has shown some true grit battling through his turf toe injury, but he has been a pain for fantasy owners wanting to believe in him. Best rushed just three times on Sunday at Dallas for two yards.
Lions RB Maurice Morris is an interesting play this week, as he figures to get the bulk of the carries. The Patriots have allowed the ninth-most points to running backs this season.
And hey, who doesn’t want to sit around on Thanksgiving Day and root for a member of the Lions?
Tweet your fantasy questions to @nflfantasy. Your Tweet might end up on the air on NFL.com Fantasy LIVE.
Posted in: Fantasy
Cobb gets one last shot at Vols in Neyland
Randall Cobb, Kentucky’s Mr. Do-It-All, figures he’s seen 30 games or more in Neyland Stadium. 
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesKentucky's do-everything star Randall Cobb grew up a Tennessee fan. The Wildcats and Vols meet on Saturday.“I sold hot dogs for about two weeks at the stadium until I got tired of carrying the little pale around,” Cobb said. “It was pretty heavy. Whenever I got tired of doing it or bored, I’d sit on the steps and start watching the game.” 
Marvin Gentry/US PRESSWIRERandall Cobb has caught 66 passes for 839 yards and seven touchdowns. He's rushed for 376 yards and five touchdowns. He's also completed 5 of 8 passes for 54 yards and three touchdowns.“I really think Randall just felt more at ease with everything and everybody at Kentucky and more at home, too.”
Growing up 15 minutes away in nearby Alcoa, Tenn., Cobb caught the Big Orange fever at an early age thanks to his father, Randall Cobb, Sr.
“I was a Tennessee fan and took him to the games when he was little,” Cobb Sr. said. “He got a chance to see Tee Martin play, to see Charlie Garner play, to see some of the great players who’ve come through there.”
At one point, Cobb even sold hot dogs during Tennessee games, although he jokes that he wasn’t cut out for sales when there was a football game being played.
[+] Enlarge Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesKentucky's do-everything star Randall Cobb grew up a Tennessee fan. The Wildcats and Vols meet on Saturday.“I sold hot dogs for about two weeks at the stadium until I got tired of carrying the little pale around,” Cobb said. “It was pretty heavy. Whenever I got tired of doing it or bored, I’d sit on the steps and start watching the game.” As a fundraiser, his high school basketball team also worked the concession stands at Neyland Stadium.
“I’ve got a few memories from Neyland,” Cobb said. “I need one more good one.”
How about the ultimate one?
Cobb gets his final shot at the Vols in Neyland Stadium on Saturday. He wasn’t even born the last time Kentucky beat Tennessee in a football game. For that, matter, nobody on Kentucky’s team was.
The Vols have won 25 straight games in the series, the longest active winning streak in the country involving rivals that play every year.
And it just so happens this year that Tennessee (5-6, 2-5) needs to win this game to go to a bowl. Kentucky (6-5, 2-5) has already qualified for a bowl game.
Cobb admits that he was probably too stoked as a freshman when the Wildcats came to Neyland Stadium, and it affected his play.
“One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that you can’t get too hyped up for these type of games because you don’t play as well,” said Cobb, who’s second nationally with 2,047 all-purpose yards. “So I’ve been trying to stay as cool and collected as I can, just to make sure I’m ready to handle my business on Saturday.”
Make no mistake, though. Inside, the fire will burn as brightly as ever for one of college football’s finest all-around players.
Cobb’s recruitment, or lack thereof, by Tennessee has been well-documented. The Vols didn’t offer a scholarship until late in the process and did so only after Cobb put on a show in the state playoffs.
“We really didn’t hear anything from Tennessee until right before the state championship game,” Cobb Sr. said. “We received a brochure about their camp, but that’s about it. They never really showed any interest in him until there at the end.”
By that time, Cobb was already committed to Kentucky. He did so that summer prior to his senior year of high school after attending one of the Wildcats’ camps.
Kentucky had promised him a chance to play quarterback, and Tennessee made that same promise when the Vols finally got around to offering.
But neither father nor son were ever completely sold that the Vols were being genuine.
“We didn’t feel they were being upfront and honest,” Cobb Sr. said. “They said they were going to change their system and go to a spread to fit Randall’s talents. But then later on, they wanted to know why he didn’t come to camp so they could see him play. That was a red flag right there.
“Coach (Rich) Brooks told Randall he would like to have him as a receiver, and Randall told him his heart was at quarterback. Coach Brooks told him they would give him a chance at quarterback, and that’s where Randall played his freshman year.
[+] Enlarge Marvin Gentry/US PRESSWIRERandall Cobb has caught 66 passes for 839 yards and seven touchdowns. He's rushed for 376 yards and five touchdowns. He's also completed 5 of 8 passes for 54 yards and three touchdowns.“I really think Randall just felt more at ease with everything and everybody at Kentucky and more at home, too.” The clincher for Cobb was that Kentucky was there from the beginning and Tennessee got to the party so late, especially with his being right there in the shadow of Neyland Stadium.
“I mean, coach (Phillip) Fulmer practically drove by my house every day on his way to work,” said Cobb, who helped lead his high school to four straight state championships.
He insists he’s not bitter, and in Tennessee’s defense, says the Vols’ staff did what a lot of coaching staffs do when they miss on a player during the recruiting process.
They got too caught up in all the measurables and forgot about the intangibles.
“They didn’t realize how much heart I play with and how much the game means to me,” Cobb said. “I think they overlooked some of the qualities I have as a player that make me who I am. But that happens. It happens all the time in recruiting.
“That’s something I can’t control. I don’t know how they feel about it right now at Tennessee. All I can tell you is that I’m excited to be where I am.
“I believe things work out for a reason, and I wouldn’t want to be any place else but Kentucky.”
His family has been able to scrounge up 42 tickets for this game. Relatives are coming in from out of town, while several others will be making the short drive from Alcoa to Neyland Stadium.
Cobb was back home last week to have his high school jersey retired. He was peppered then with questions about Tennessee.
He’s said repeatedly this week that he wants to let his pads do the talking.
They’ve already had plenty to say this season.
Cobb needs 264 yards in his next two games to break Darren McFadden’s SEC record for all-purpose yardage (2,310) in a season. He’s accounted for 16 touchdowns – seven receiving, five rushing, three passing and one on a punt return.
His 66 catches are second in the SEC to South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery. And with 839 receiving yards and 376 rushing yards, he has a chance to become the first player in SEC history to collect 1,000 receiving yards and 500 rushing yards in the same season.
It all culminates this weekend at a place where Cobb spent more than a few fall Saturday afternoons as a kid.
“It’s in the back of my mind, something you can’t ignore,” Cobb said of his last shot at the Vols in Neyland Stadium. “But if I can just find a way to control my emotions before the game, I think we’ve got a great chance to get a win, and it will mean that much more in the end.
“I want to feel it, not sit around thinking about it.”
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Published: November 23rd, 2010 | Tags: Brad Childress, Brett Favre, Joe Webb, Leslie Frazier, Mike Mayock, Minnesota Vikings, Tarvaris Jackson, Vic CarucciLeslie Frazier left little doubt when he was introduced as the interim coach of the Vikings this week that Brett Favre is his guy.
Maybe he should have included the phrase ”for better or worse.”
While benching Favre is unfathomable for some, many on the outside are clamoring for the Vikings, at 3-7 and with little reasonable hope for the playoffs, to turn the page from No. 4. There was some reason to believe that process would be expedited with Frazier at the helm, but for now the Vikings’ plan doesn’t include an extended look at whether Tarvaris Jackson or Joe Webb are the future.
NFL.com senior columnist Vic Carucci has called out that it’s time for Favre to step aside, and NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock is also now on the record that it’s time for the Vikings to cut ties with Favre. Right now.
“At this point, you fired your coach,” Mayock said. “It would be a crime if you don’t find out in the remainder of the season whether or not either one of your backup quarterbacks can play.
“If I was there, I’d like to see a uniform situation within the organization where the owner, the new head coach and head of personnel Rick Spielman sit down and say, ‘It’s time to release Favre. We need to get a clean look at these two young quarterbacks, and find out if either of them is our quarterback of the future.’ If that’s the case, then you know what you have to do in the draft.”
Maybe the Vikings’ brass has already made up their collective minds on Jackson and Webb. A school of thought also exists that had Frazier been the one to bench Favre, he would have lost the credibility and respect that Brad Childress seemed to lack in a locker room that was pro-Favre.
Nevertheless, Mayock is the latest to make a compelling point that it’s in the Vikings’ best interest to move ahead. By no stretch of the imagination does this story feel like it’s over.
Posted in: NFL Network
La Canfora: Marvin Lewis ‘very unlikely’ to return
Published: November 24th, 2010 | Tags: Around the League, Cincinnati Bengals, Jason La Canfora, Marvin Lewis, NFL Total AccessAs we enter the final six weeks of the season, are we witnessing the end of an era in Cincinnati?
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, who is in the final year of his contract, has been included on just about every recent list of coaches who might not be back with their teams in 2011. NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora was in the Around the League seat on “NFL Total Access” Wednesday, and he said he’s indeed hearing it’s “very, very unlikely” Lewis will return next season.
La Canfora included Carson Palmer, Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco and Cedric Benson as players who could be entering their final month with the team, which might give the rallying cry ‘Who Dey!’ a whole new meeting in the Queen City next season.
Posted in: NFL Network
Saints still hoping that RB Bush can play on Thursday
Saints coach Sean Payton says he’s optimistic Reggie Bush will be able to finally come back from his broken right leg at Dallas on Thanksgiving.
Bush, who’s missed eight games since fracturing his right fibula, is listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis this week. Payton says it was tough to gauge whether Bush is 100 percent because the Saints did not practice at full
If the Saints decide not to play Bush, Payton says fullback Heath Evans could see more action as a ball carrier because Ladell Betts is out with a sprained neck. Chris Ivory and Julius Jones are New Orleans’ only other healthy running backs.
Rex Ryan: ‘We have no excuse’
Rex Ryan doesn’t make an apologies for his self-confidence, or his confidence in his players. The swagger that has come to define Ryan and his Jets is considered brash by some standards, inspiring by others. Either way, Ryan isn’t changing his ways for anyone.
During a wide-ranging interview with NFL Network’s Deion Sanders, Ryan discusses his QB Mark Sanchez, why the Jets are better than last season, what they need to improve on to reach the Super Bowl and the source of his all-encompassing confidence.
Here are a few excerpts of the interview:
Sanders: What kind of team do you have?
Ryan: I think we’ve got a great team.
Sanders: [There is] a bull’s-eye on your chest. But I think you like that.
Ryan: Well, you know what? I look at it this way, Prime. I look at it this way: I think the bull’s-eye is on our back. I think the bull’s-eye we place on our opponent is on their chest. And I think that’s the difference. So, we come right out. We tell you what we believe. And yeah, we got a bull’s-eye on our back. But we’re telling you that we think we’re better than your team. We know we’re gonna get the best you’ve got. But the great thing is, we’re gonna come out and we think we can beat anybody at their best and our best. We think we’re good enough to win games.
Sanders: Where do you get this swagger from, man? I mean, you know, they criticize you about “Hard Knocks,” first of all. You did a great job, man.
Ryan: I’m just gonna be myself. And, you know, I think that’s it. And I just got such great confidence. I have confidence in myself, but more importantly, I have confidence in this organization.
Sanders: There’s an expectation in New York …
Ryan: Yeah, but there can’t be a higher expectation than what we’ve placed on ourselves. We expect to be champions. We know we gotta work our tail off to even be considered that. But we’re not afraid to say that this is our goal and this is who we are. And this is always gonna be our expectation.
Sanders: What do you want to be?
Ryan: I want to be number one. In every category. You know, because that’s what we’ve built. Now, we’re ahead of where we were last year. We know where we’re gonna be. I mean, we truly know where we’re gonna be. We will have the best defense in football. And it’s just because we have the scheme, we have the players, we have the coach. Then what’s our excuse? We have no excuse. Let’s go out and do it. Now, we just gotta get it done. And we got to tighten some things up. And, you know, our communication and all that. Let our guys play to that god given ability that they have. And it’s gonna be beautiful.
Don’t miss the full sitdown with Sanders and Ryan on NFL Network’s “Thursday Night Kickoff” tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Posted in: NFL Network
Vick needs to protect himself to help Eagles
The magic that makes Michael Vick so special, and maybe the MVP of the entire league this season, is exactly what could also lead to his demise. It’s the classic double-edged sword.
It’s going to be a problem that Vick really doesn’t know how to protect himself on the field. He doesn’t make people miss, he doesn’t slide and he doesn’t go out of bounds. I think it’s going to be an issue for the Eagles, because their offense all but stops without him.
Vick just can’t get out of harm’s way sometimes, leading to unnecessary hits. I don’t think there’s any way he survives the season the way he’s playing.
Teams can’t stop Vick, but he can stop himself.
In a way I feel like I’m criticizing Vick, taking him aside and giving him an earful. But he needs to understand how valuable he is to the entire franchise. By taking these hits, he’s putting the Eagles’ entire season in jeopardy. There’s no question that Andy Reid could win his first Super Bowl this year. The Eagles have all the tools to do it, and Vick is the key ingredient.
Part of Vick’s magic, though, is the unpredictability of what he does. Nobody really knows where’s he’s going to go next. It’s like squeezing Jello. You just don’t know where he’s going to come out from.
It’s almost comical the amount of attention Vick and DeSean Jackson get from defenses because of their speed. But that will all fall apart without Vick. It’s not an indictment on Kevin Kolb, either, but he can’t make defenses do what Vick makes them do. The Giants showed their concern for Vick in everything they did, using schemes against the Eagles they hadn’t used all season. We’re going to see that from teams every week.
There’s a certain arrogance about Vick, who has a Superman tattoo on his hand. But that’s what he is, and he knows it. But he literally has to take it down just a notch. He can still make all the plays and still be the MVP and win a Super Bowl. But he doesn’t need to take on safeties, dive head-first between players and avoid going out of bounds. He needs to be his own safety net.
I don’t even think this year’s MVP is really about statistics. It’s about exciting your team and your fan base. Vick has Jason Peters, a classic underachiever, playing the best football of his life. Everyone wants to be out there and be a part of it. He’s energized the entire franchise. That’s what special players can do.
You don’t want to take away what makes Vick the special player he is, but I would love to explain to him that he can’t continue to let guys get their shots in. He’s done that in the past, but now he’s playing at a totally different level. He needs to be a little bit more like Peyton Manning.
Live to play another play.
Posted in: NFL Network
Playbook picks: Colts or Bolts? Tough call
Published: November 24th, 2010 | Tags: Brian Baldinger, Michael Lombardi, Mike Mayock, Playbook picks, Sterling SharpeThe November Nine. No, it’s not just the name given to the final table at the World Series of Poker. It also represents a feat two NFL teams are trying to accomplish Sunday night.
The Chargers are going for their ninth consecutive November victory, while the Colts are aiming for their ninth consecutive November home win. Which one of those two clubs will achieve their goal?
Sterling Sharpe, Michael Lombardi, Mike Mayock and Brian Baldinger made picks this week. While Lombardi and Mayock both like the Colts to get the job done, Baldinger sides with the Chargers.
Baldinger is also an island with his picks in two other key games. He predicts the Packers and Jaguars will come out on top this week, but Lombardi and Mayock go with the Falcons and Giants.
Without further ado, take a look at all of their Week 12 picks:
“Playbook” combines Xs-and-Os analysis of each NFL game with roundtable debates on the NFL’s hottest topics. For more information, check out NFL Network’s broadcast schedule.
Posted in: NFL Network
Boise State president rips Gee
Boise State president Bob Kustra had some choice words for Ohio State president E. Gordon Gee, who set off a firestorm earlier today with his comments about the Broncos and TCU.
In a nutshell, Gee said TCU and Boise State were unworthy of national championship consideration because of their strength of schedule, pointing to the "murderer's row" Ohio State has to play every week. A murderer's row including Eastern Michigan, Marshall, Indiana and Purdue.
Chadd Cripe of The Idaho Statesman spoke to Kustra for a reaction. Boy, did he get one.
“He claims that in the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12 it’s murderer’s row every week and there’s absolutely little substance to that claim. … The BCS has finally found someone to stand up and defend the indefensible and Gordon Gee proved it — he not just proved that it’s indefensible but he did so with facts that are simply wrong. … Everyone in intercollegiate football knows that athletic directors of those large power conferences are scheduling more and more teams who are I-AA, who are teams at the weaker end of the non-AQ conferences, and for Gee to stand up and talk about murderer’s row every week is just the height of folly. It’s ridiculous. I think he’s going to set off a firestorm he probably has no interest in creating. To say that he overstated his case is an understatement.”
TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte said this on ESPN Radio: "When a president of a major institution is taking shots at us, I know we've arrived... I thank him very much."Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Palmer expected to make start for Bengals
Published: November 25th, 2010 | Tags: Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals, Kara Henderson, Marvin LewisUPDATE: Palmer is active for the game.
Carson Palmer‘s status for Thursday night’s meeting with the Jets was believed to be a game-time decision, but Bengals coach Marvin Lewis didn’t need that much time.
Lewis told NFL Network’s Kara Henderson hours before the game that the QB will start.
Palmer, who was listed as probable on the Bengals’ injury report, returned to practice Wednesday after missing the previous two days because of a foot injury he aggravated during last Sunday’s loss to the Bills. Sources close to the team told NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi on Wednesday that the injury still hadn’t healed.
But Palmer is going to give it a go.
The Bengals’ biggest injury concerns are on defense. Starting FS Chris Crocker (right knee) was placed on injured reserve, DE Antwan Odom (wrist) and SS Roy Williams (concussion) already have been declared out, and CBs Johnathan Joseph (ankle), Brandon Ghee (groin) and Rico Murray (ankle) are all questionable.
We’ll have more updates when the inactives are announced.
Posted in: News
Gridiron Gab Week Twelve Preview: New Orleans at Dallas
New Orleans Saints (7-3) vs. Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
When: Thursday, November 25 at 4:15 pm EST
Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX
Media: FOX
There are very few teams in the league that are flying as high as the Cowboys are. After a disastrous 1-7 start to the season the Cowboys have won two in a row and are looking to make it three tomorrow. As Thanksgiving approaches, he Boys haven’t had much to be thankful for this season. They’ve lost their star quarterback, changed coaches, and suffered through a very disappointing season. One thing that will make the players and fans feel better is if they can get a win on Thanksgiving over the potent defending Super Bowl champs, the Saints.
This will be the first time that the Saints and Cowboys have met on Thanksgiving. Dallas holds a 27-14-1 record on Thanksgiving and have won their last four. This year will be a lot tougher. The Saints, led by former Cowboys coach Sean Payton, come into this weeks game on a bit of a hot streak. After a slow start the Saints have really turned it on of late winning their last three games and have started to look like their old selves again, that is bad news for the Cowboys, especially their defense.
The Saints have a very potent attack, particularly through the air. Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees is one of the best in the league. He has a great arm and a ton of weapons at his disposal. When the Saints and Cowboys clashed near the end of last season, the Cowboys won because Brees had little time to throw. The Cowboys will have to mirror that blueprint this week, something they haven’t done consistently all season.
The Cowboys are also a team that is looking like it’s old self. Interim head coach Jason Garrett has his team playing at a much different level the last two weeks. While the offense has sputtered at times, it has been the defense that has looked completely different.
For the Cowboys to win they will have to be able to put up a lot of points. One thing is certain, the Saints will score. QB Jon Kitna is going to need to be sharp. The offensive line is going to have to have its best game of the season and allow Kitna to find his receivers. TE Jason Witten will figure to get a lot of catches as the Saints will blitz often trying to get to Kitna. We have seen the last two weeks when Kitna has time to throw he still has a rocket arm. The Cowboys will also need to control the clock by running the ball and keeping the Saints off the field. The Cowboys run game has been awful this year, and hasn’t looked a lot better lately. While it has improved modestly, the Cowboys stats are a little inflated because of a couple big runs. The coaching staff would like to see the Cowboys run more consistently and gain between 4 and 5 yards minimum a carry. Lately, the Boys have been around 2 of 3. Part of the problem has been defenders in the backfield and the Cowboys unwillingness to disguise their play calls. When everyone knows you’re running it makes it tough to get very far.
The Cowboys will be unable to rely on undrafted rookie Bryann McCann to continue to score like he has, but it would be nice if he is able to help solidify the secondary. New Orleans receivers go 5 deep. All guys capable of starting on other teams. The Cowboys will have to play sound football and get some pressure on Drew Brees in order to coral this potent attack. Saints RB Reggie Bush is looking to make his return to the lineup this week, which would give them another weapon.
The most surprising part of the Saints in 2010 has been their defense. They rank fourth in the league in both points allowed and yards allowed. They have the second best pass defense and have been able to generate some key turnovers this season. Look for the Cowboys to try to expose the Saints defense with Jason Witten and Dez Bryant. Bryant has been coming on of late and he has tremendous speed and elusiveness, which the Saints will be mindful of.
The Cowboys face a tough task on Thursday. While Jason Garrett has been able to go 2-0, I doubt he will be able to make it three. Saints will take it 30-21.
Packers: Jennings Profile & Falcons Scouting Report
Senior writer jclombardi highlights Packers headlines.
Packers Jennings receiving attention: If ever there were a year for Greg Jennings to distinguish himself from his peers, carry the passing offense and seize his first Pro Bowl berth, this is it. In fact, after the Green Bay Packers drubbed the Minnesota Vikings and Jennings had a seven-catch, 152-yard, three-touchdown day, quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he has made a conscious effort to find No.?85 more often. Rodgers is as sure a bet as anyone to make the Pro Bowl. Why wouldn’t his top target have a shot as well? Jennings sure has made his case. He has 32 receptions and 520 receiving yards in the last five games, four of which the Packers have won – two of them on a national stage. If Jennings could somehow maintain that pace in the final six games of the year – and this is asking a lot – he would leapfrog over other receivers in the NFC and could even have his best year statistically. His relevance, to Green Bay’s offense and success, has never been more evident. But here’s the catch – it is not so intentional beyond the quarterback. ”We are not designing new plays for Greg or anything like that,” said Packers coach Mike McCarthy. “Greg is an outstanding football player, he is an excellent route-runner, and Aaron and Greg have really been on the same page here of late.”
Falcons scouting report: Run Offense–Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, a former head coach with the Buffalo Bills, runs the power running scheme he learned as an assistant coach with the Steelers. Halfback Michael Turner is a perfect back for the scheme because of his bowling-ball type build and enough speed even at age 28 to break a long run. He’s the NFL’s No. 6 rusher (864 yards, |4.3-yard average). “He runs hard, powerful, guys bounce off him,” a scout said. “I don’t think (he’s elite), he’s second or third tier.” Passing offense–Falcons, who rank No. 6 in total yards and scoring, have one of the league’s top young guns in quarterback Matt Ryan plus two top weapons in receiver Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez. He’s close to the total package, with good size, plenty of arm talent, a first-rate mind and strong leadership skills. His mobility isn’t great but is good enough. This season he’s thrown 18 touchdown passes to only five interceptions, and his passer rating (92.9 points) ranks No. 13 in the NFL. Run defense-the Falcons run a quickness-oriented 4-3 scheme and this year rank No. 7 in points allowed and No. 17 in yards allowed. A smallish defensive front that mostly tries to shoot gaps rather than hold up blockers. “They just don’t make mistakes ever,” a scout said of the defense as a whole. “Really disciplined.” Pass Defense--the Falcons have only one pass rusher of note, defensive end John Abraham. He’s on pace to hit double digits in sacks again. Cornerback Dunta Robinson is the Falcons’ best cover man. Brent Grimes, a third-year pro from Shippensburg who entered the league undrafted, is smallish but smart and has three interceptions opposite Robinson. Special Teams--little Eric Weems is a good dual-role return man even though he lacks top-end speed. His 13.6-yard average on punts would rank No. 4 in the NFL if he had enough returns to qualify for the league rankings, and his 26.0-yard average on kickoffs is tied for No. 10 in the league.
Orton owners should worry about Tebow
Published: November 23rd, 2010 | Tags: Denver Broncos, Jon Kitna, Josh Freeman, Josh McDaniels, Kyle Orton, Tim TebowTim Tebow was a mild irritant for fantasy owners when he started sneaking a touchdown — or four — away from the other Broncos you actually had on your team. But Tebow could develop into a full-blown fantasy rash if the Broncos continue to falter down the stretch.
Many of you Kyle Orton owners will shudder to even think about this topic. But at some point — when the season is lost in Denver — it seems inevitable that Tebow will get some starts. But just how soon will that happen?
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels would not take the bait from reporters Tuesday when asked this very question, according to the Denver Post.
“I don’t know,” McDaniels said. ”Not willing to go there. That’s not the case right now, so we’ll think about that when that happens.”
McDaniels is right, mathematically. But a huge home loss to the Raiders and the drubbing in San Diego Monday night should be a final alarm for fantasy enthusiasts who own Orton, who ranks fourth among quarterbacks on NFL.com.
Do not hit the snooze button to get some extra sleep on this one. Grab another quarterback for the stretch drive, stat.
Fantasy editor Michael Fabiano already did the heavy lifting, but there are a few names to consider, starting with Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman and Cowboys QB Jon Kitna. Freeman has one of the best schedules down the stretch. This is also true of the Broncos, which would be awesome if Orton is still starting.
Tweet your fantasy questions to @nflfantasy. Your Tweet might end up on the air on NFL.com Fantasy LIVE.
Posted in: Fantasy
Cowboys Crack Late in 30-27 Loss to Saints
Looking to go to 3-0 with new head coach Jason Garrett, the Cowboys found a way Thursday to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Leading by four with three minutes to play, the Cowboys had a chance to clinch the game vs the Saints, but wide out Roy Williams fumbled inside the Saints 10 on a pass play from Jon Kitna, and the Saints recovered.
With the air out of the balloon, the Saints marched down the field, hitting a big pass play from Drew Brees to Robert Meachem of 55 yards to the Dallas 12.
One play later with 1:55 left, Brees went to the end zone, hitting Lance Moore with a score to give the Saints a 30-27 lead. Dallas had a chance to tie but David Buehler was wide on a 59-yard field goal in the last seconds, saving the three-point win for New Orleans.
Dallas falls to 3-8, despite outgaining the Saints 457 to 414. They trailed 17-0 before many could finish their Thanksgiving dinners, but rallied with Kitna throwing for 313 yards on 30-of-42 passing.
The Cowboys clawed back into the game with a couple field goals to make it 20-6 at the half, and then Miles Austin got them back in the game with a 60-yard run to close it to 20-13.
New Orleans pushed it to 23-13, but the Cowboys got back to back short TD runs from Marion Barber and Tashard Choice to put Dallas up 27-23 before they killed themselves with the late turnover.
Brees was 23-for-39 for 352 yards with a TD and a pick. Chris Ivory scored twice for the Saints as they built the early lead before the Cowboys rallied.
New Orleans is now 8-3, winners of four in a row.
The Cowboys will be at Indy for a 4:15 EST game next Sunday.
Video: Boise State-Nevada keys to victory
Andrea Adelson looks at what Nevada must do to slow down Kellen Moore and upset Boise State.
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Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.Roles reversed for Clemson, South Carolina
This isn’t the South Carolina that Clemson has grown accustomed to. 
AP Photo/ Richard ShiroStephen Garcia, right, led the Gamecocks to a 34-17 victory over C.J. Spiller and the Tigers last season.The roles are reversed this year heading into Saturday’s rivalry game in Death Valley. That doesn’t mean too much, though. With Clemson -- one of the most baffling programs in the country -- you never know what to expect. Last year, South Carolina entered the game unranked, on a three-game losing streak and with only six wins. The Tigers were ranked No. 18, Atlantic Division champs, and had won six straight games.
These Gamecocks (8-3) have reached a new level. They’re the SEC East champs for the first time in school history. They’re No. 3 in the country with a school-record 36 sacks. And they’re finally good enough to string together two wins over Clemson for the first time since winning three straight from 1968-70.
[+] Enlarge AP Photo/ Richard ShiroStephen Garcia, right, led the Gamecocks to a 34-17 victory over C.J. Spiller and the Tigers last season.The roles are reversed this year heading into Saturday’s rivalry game in Death Valley. That doesn’t mean too much, though. With Clemson -- one of the most baffling programs in the country -- you never know what to expect. Last year, South Carolina entered the game unranked, on a three-game losing streak and with only six wins. The Tigers were ranked No. 18, Atlantic Division champs, and had won six straight games. Didn’t matter. Never does. Clemson fumbled and flopped, losing 34-17.
This year, the Tigers have been inconsistent on offense and won with one of the country’s best defenses. If they’re going to pull off an upset on Saturday, that’s the formula they’ll need again.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney didn’t have to watch much film of South Carolina to recognize the biggest difference in the Gamecocks’ success this year.
“No. 21, Marcus Lattimore,” Swinney said. “He wasn't there last year. He's a very, very good player. He's got 19 touchdowns, rushed for over 1,000 yards. That's been the difference in their football team.”
Lattimore set the school record for single-season touchdowns in the 69-24 undoing of Troy, scoring three times to run his total to 19 for the season, breaking Harold Green’s mark of 16 set in 1987. He needs just one more to tie Tennessee’s Reggie Cobb (1987) for the SEC freshman scoring record.
Lattimore, though, isn’t the only problem for Clemson’s defense. Sophomore receiver Alshon Jeffery broke the school record for single-season receiving yards in Saturday’s win over Troy, surpassing a 1,143-yard season by Sidney Rice in 2005. It’s the first time South Carolina has had a 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver in the same season.
“We live and die with our guys up front,” Swinney said. “That's where we build our defense. Those guys have played very good. We've had to play some other good offenses. I do think this is the best one we'll have played yet as far as when we played them and most efficient.
“But they present a big challenge. But it still comes down to being able to block, tackle and get off blocks. So if our guys up front will play well and do a good job of minimizing the effectiveness of their running back, then I think that gives us certainly a better chance to win the game. If they can stay balanced, that makes for a long day.”
And an even longer offseason.
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.Wyche: Sanchez has earned trust of Jets
Published: November 23rd, 2010 | Tags: Mark Sanchez, New York Jets, Steve WycheNFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche reports from Florham Park, New Jersey, on the evolution of Jets QB Mark Sanchez, who has shown the team that he can win games instead of just managing them.
Posted in: NFL Network
Woody active, expected to start for Jets
Published: November 25th, 2010 | Tags: Cincinnati Bengals, Damien Woody, Johnathan Joseph, New York Jets, Thursday Night Football, Week 12 inactivesJets starting RT Damien Woody is active and expected to start in Thursday night’s game against the Bengals.
There had been some question whether or not Woody, who didn’t practice this week and was listed as questionable, would be able to play after injuring the medial collateral ligament in his right knee last week. But Woody worked out on the field with offensive line coach Bill Callahan before the game and appears to be ready to go.
The Bengals, who already were without FS Chris Crocker (right knee), DE Antwan Odom (wrist) and SS Roy Williams (concussion), deactivated starting CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle) as well as Brandon Ghee (groin) and Rico Murray (ankle). Jonathan Wade, who was signed Monday, is expected to make the start.
Full inactives list:
Jets
Kellen Clemens (No. 3 QB)
CB Dwight Lowery
CB Marquice Cole
LB Jamaal Westerman
TE Jeff Cumberland
WR Jerricho Cotchery
DT Marcus Dixon
DL Matt Kroul
Bengals
Dan LeFevour (No. 3 QB)
CB Brandon Ghee
CB Jonathan Joseph
S Roy Williams
CB Rico Murray
C Reggie Stephens
OT Kirk Chambers
DE Antwan Odom
Patriots Ink RB Danny Woodhead to a two-year Extension
The Boston Herald reports the Patriots have signed running back Danny Woodhead to a two-year contract extension.
Signed to a one-year contract on September 18, Woodhead’s two-year extension included a $425,000 signing bonus and base salaries of $550,000 in 2011 and $700,000 in 2012.
Another $1.175 million is available via playing time incentives, the Herald adds.
A former undrafted free agent from tiny Chadron State, Woodhead has 56 carries for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns with 22 receptions for 217 yards and a touchdown in his eight games with the Patriots this season. Woodhead had 64 yards rushing and 87 receiving for the 2009 New York Jets.
Dirty turkeys and happy grandmas
In continuing with our theme of talking with players about favorite Thanksgiving memories, we talked to emerging Green Bay Packers wide receiving threat James Jones, wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery of the New York Jets, and inside linebacker Bradie James of the Dallas Cowboys.
“I grew up with 12 brothers and a sister,” Cotchery said. “Thanksgiving was always family time. Every Thanksgiving was memorable.”
He marveled now at how much work it must have been to pull together a feast like Thanksgiving. “Oh, my mom cooked it all, turkey, stuffing, everything.” Though he loved the whole dinner, Cotchery couldn’t wait until the dessert. “My mom makes a good German chocolate cake,” he boasted.
This year, Cotchery is inviting his whole family up to New York as the Jets host their first Thanksgiving game, Thursday night vs. the Bengals on NFL Network. He said he can’t wait to host everyone. It may take some planning, but it will be worth it because Cotchery can’t wait to get his hands on that chocolate cake!
James’ Cowboys will also be hosting a Thanksgiving Day game. Unlike New York, Dallas is quite adept at hosting the turkey day game. Thursday’s game will be the Cowboys’ 43rd since the tradition began in 1966.
James’ favorite memories of Thanksgiving as a kid included competition — not the kind on the football field however. He loved to play games against his other family members and then “sack out” on the couch and watch movies.
Recently, he tried his hand at his own turkey. “Being from Louisiana, I couldn’t just put it in the oven, I had to deep fry it, cajun style.”
Jones has a favorite Thanksgiving memory that Ahmad Bradshaw, with his recent fumbling problems, could probably relate to. “My grandma prepared a huge meal one year when I was a kid and she accidentally dropped the whole turkey as she was bringing it out of the kitchen and onto the table…”
Jones grew quiet. “Everyone was in shock and didn’t want to laugh because she was devastated,” he continued, “so we all picked it up as though nothing had happened and ate it all anyway.” He went on to say that they had no other choice. She had put so much effort into it.
James gets it. Thanksgiving is about putting your family first no matter how dirty the turkey gets. To dirty turkeys and happy grandmas everywhere. Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted in: Sidelines
Tomlinson: Jets bought into Ryan’s plan
Published: November 24th, 2010 | Tags: Fran Charles, LaDainian Tomlinson, New York Jets, NFL Total Access, Rex RyanOne could argue the Jets have been successful in an area where many teams before them have failed: bringing in a collection of impressive individual pieces and making them work as a whole.
Over the last two seasons those pieces have included LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Cromartie, Santonio Holmes, Bart Scott, Braylon Edwards and Jim Leonhard, among others.
How have the Jets made it work?
During a sitdown with Fran Charles, Tomlinson answered that question in two words: Rex Ryan.
“One of the first things he talked about was everybody buying in and forgetting about individual success, and that it’s all about the team and the things we want to get accomplished here,” Tomlinson said. “Everybody bought in from day one, and I think you’re seeing the result of that.”
Posted in: NFL Network
Gee's comments don't help Ohio State
Dr. E. Gordon Gee opposes the idea of a playoff in college football and loves the BCS and the bowl system.
Ugh. It's just not cool for Goliath to pick on David when Goliath's forehead keeps filling up with welts.
No, it's not.
This is not news.
As a Big Ten president who has benefited greatly from the current setup, you wouldn't expect anything less. Gee has to look out for Ohio State, and while the Buckeyes could benefit both financially and competitively from a system that would bring playoff games to The Horseshoe, the current setup has served them well.
What Ohio State didn't need from Gee was this:
In an interview with The Associated Press, the president at the university with the largest athletic program in the country said that TCU and Boise State do not face a difficult enough schedule to play in the national championship game.
"Well, I don't know enough about the X's and O's of college football," said Gee, formerly the president at West Virginia, Colorado, Brown and Vanderbilt universities. "I do know, having been both a Southeastern Conference president and a Big Ten president, that it's like murderer's row every week for these schools. We do not play the Little Sisters of the Poor. We play very fine schools on any given day. So I think until a university runs through that gantlet that there's some reason to believe that they not be the best teams to [be] in the big ballgame."
Ugh. It's just not cool for Goliath to pick on David when Goliath's forehead keeps filling up with welts.
But that's beside the point. The Big Ten is a very tough conference this season. Would Boise State or TCU make it through a Big Ten schedule unscathed? It'd be tough, but it's also possible.
The bigger issue is that Ohio State has a tough time making the strength of schedule argument in 2010. Although the Buckeyes take more scheduling risks than many of their Big Ten brethren, they still face the Eastern Michigans of the world too often.
From The Cleveland Plain Dealer:
It's tough for anyone at Ohio State to make a strength of schedule argument this year, when according to Jeff Sagarin's strength of schedule ratings, for instance, Ohio State has the 59th-ranked schedule in the country, while TCU is No. 68 and Boise State 73. In the Massey ratings, Ohio State is No. 34 in schedule strength, Boise State is 47 and TCU 57. In the Colley Matrix, Ohio State's schedule is No. 60, TCU is 72 and Boise State 79. That's not much to argue about.
No, it's not.
One thing several Ohio State fans pointed out on my chat is that Gee has just given Boise State or TCU some bulletin-board material if it should face the Buckeyes in a BCS bowl. Ohio State has had a hard enough time beating SEC schools in bowls. Now the Broncos, who have been brilliant in BCS games, or TCU have some extra incentive to beat the Scarlet and Gray.
It's fine for Gee to support a system that is set up to benefit his school. But singling out Boise State and TCU does nothing to help Ohio State.
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So my first job in management is at Hereford United. Nothing too glamorous I'm afraid but I already have big plans to make it to the top - starting with a successful tenure here. I have £20,000 to play with in the market so nothing fancy but not total dire straights either.
Let's keep them sweet hey? When it all boils down to it the media can make or break a football manager so best to keep on their good side in my book. Never to eager to talk to the media myself but if it'll guarantee a positive outcome I'll have a few words for any journalist. Pretty standard approach to the new job I know, nothing flas
read more November 25th, 2010 at 04:56 am / #loan #media #veteran #job #storyFollowing on from Kelvin Davis' heroics last night saving a Brighton penalty to hold them to a draw against Southampton, here's a compilation of great saves from the spot.
read more November 24th, 2010 at 09:12 am / #video #great #saves #penalty #penaltiesFabio Capello is public enemy number one at the moment but with his contract ending in 2012, following the European Championships, I've taken a look at who may be the leading candidates for the job.
Harry Redknapp: Currently manager of Tottenham Hotspurs, Harry Redknapp is the clear favourite for the job at present. He has taken Spurs to the Champions League for the first time in the club's history, focusing on a British core. He is already very popular in England, and would be a popular choice amongst the fans but whether he'd be tempted to leave Spurs with their recent form is unknown.
Jose Mourinho: Currently manager of Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho has been arguably the best manager of the decade. Winning the Champions League at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan
read more November 23rd, 2010 at 02:44 pm / #Portugal #british #England #international #DutchArsenal 2-3 Tottenham Cracking result for Spurs but Arsenal really should have held onto the lead at half-time. Wenger will be unhappy that his side aren't top this evening, but Harry Redknapp's comments about a Tottenham title bid are totally ill-judged. Will never happen. Birmingham 1-0 Chelsea They really shouldn't have sacked Wilkins should they? A poor result for Chelsea but they're still my tip for the title, perhaps shows the growing ability of smaller teams though. Blackpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Holloway's men continue to shock the world with another brilliant home win while Wolves continue to slump. McCarthy may have to start looking over his shoulder in coming weeks as good performances won't keep the unrestful fans off his back if results don't get better. Bolton 5-1 Newcastle Brilliant result for Bolton and a real signifier as to the importance of striker Kevin Davies. read more
November 21st, 2010 at 02:38 pm / #Liverpool #Arsenal #lost #poor #aston villa1. Plymouth Argyle Winning Promotion
Watching your club win the league is truly amazing, and I don't think many Argyle fans will ever forget that day. Incredible scenes that now seem so long ago.
2. David Beckham Free-Kick Against Greece
Arguably the most iconic moment of English football in the last decade? Ever maybe? However highly you rate it David Beckham will never be replaced. A true great.
3. England Winning The Rugby World Cup
To kick for the title with his weaker foot at that time was truly breath-taking. And to beat the Aussies at the same time, well? No more need be said.
4. Sir Steve Redgrave Winning His 5th Gold Medal
Sir Steve Redgrave is without doubt the most inspirational sports person out there, an
read more November 21st, 2010 at 12:04 pm / #home #inspiration #England #greece #promotionSo following Rafael van der Vaart's top form and spectacular performance against Arsenal this afternoon, I've found this video highlighting VDV's obvious talent.
read more November 20th, 2010 at 09:18 am / #video #Arsenal #spectacular #form #spursVerdict: Southampton 2 - 1 Peterborough United.
Despite sitting on a few points outside of the Playoffs both Southampton and Peterborough United can be seen as two of this year's underachievers in League One. Both were expected to challenge for the title but with a distinct amount of inconsistency at London Road and nothing short of a managerial/ownership crisis at Southampton both have fell sort of their title-winning credentials so far. Southampton come into this game following a 3 - 2 loss at the hands of Carlisle knowing league leaders, and runaways, Brighton are next in line. In comparison to this Peterborough lost their last league match 5 - 1 at home to Charlton but went on to beat Stockport in the cup 4 - 1 within a handful of days.
With such inconsistency travelling from London Road today it is hard to predict which team will turn up. Southampton, despite a poor loss last week are rising up the table and if Peterborough don'
read more November 20th, 2010 at 05:00 am / #rising #prediction #brighton #runaways #verdictI'll let this video talk for itself …
read more November 19th, 2010 at 12:11 pm / #pride #video #inspiration #Passion #skillVerdict: Port Vale 0 - 1 Wycombe Wanderers
Port Vale play host to 4th place Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday knowing that their first defeat in nine games would see them slip below their promotion rivals in the table. Port Vale hold one of the most impressive defensive records in the country and have only lost once at home all season, but having only picked up two wins since the end of September look vulnerable at times. Wycombe on the other hand have won their last four games in the league, and not lost once on their travels in all competitions.
Despite the teams being very evenly matched all across the park I feel the recent rich form of Wycombe will carry them through this fixture. Port Vale are a strong side but look as if they've come undone slightly in recent weeks. Wycombe to win 1 - 0.
read more November 19th, 2010 at 11:16 am / #best #country #table #season #weekSo today FIFA president Sepp Blatter has insisted that FIFA is clean from corruption. Is that so Mr. Blatter? If so, then why has this been allowed to happen, and why are the punishments far from severe? Find the original story here.
Someone please help me out.
read more November 19th, 2010 at 09:18 am / #President #clean #international #world cup #fifaBreer: Sense of relief for Vikings
Published: November 24th, 2010 | Tags: Albert Breer, Minnesota Vikings, NFL Total AccessNFL Network’s Albert Breer reports from Eden Prairie, Minn., on the latest surrounding Brett Favre, interim coach Leslie Frazier and why there is renewed optimism for the Vikings.
Posted in: NFL Network
Instant analysis: Texas A&M 24, Texas 17
I'd say that's about what most expected, no? Texas A&M finished off a red-hot stretch with a 24-17 victory to end its regular season, and is now in great position for a big-time bowl game. 
AP Photo/Eric GayTexas A&M running back Cyrus Gray rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns against Texas.Player of the game: Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M. Gray finished with a career-high 223 yards on 27 carries and scored on runs of 84 and 48 yards. The first tied the game at seven in the second quarter, and the second run gave the Aggies a 24-14 lead on the first play of the possession after Texas got within three in the third quarter.
Here's some instant analysis:
How the game was won: Texas A&M (9-3) shook off a slow start offensively, and rode Cyrus Gray to a win for a second consecutive week. The Longhorns (5-7) had a final chance late, but Von Miller intercepted a tipped ball from Garrett Gilbert to seal the game. Texas recovered a muffed punt and blocked another to produce 10 second-half points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Gray's career-best night. After a first-quarter touchdown drive that featured two completions of longer than 30 yards, the Longhorns offense didn't reach the end zone again.
[+] Enlarge AP Photo/Eric GayTexas A&M running back Cyrus Gray rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns against Texas.Player of the game: Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M. Gray finished with a career-high 223 yards on 27 carries and scored on runs of 84 and 48 yards. The first tied the game at seven in the second quarter, and the second run gave the Aggies a 24-14 lead on the first play of the possession after Texas got within three in the third quarter. Stat of the game: Yards per carry. Texas' time of possession advantage of nearly eight minutes doesn't count for much. A big reason for that advantage was Cyrus Gray's big runs. Texas A&M runners averaged 6.6 yards per carry. Texas averaged 3.7.
Unsung hero of the game: Texas A&M's offensive line. Gray played well, but he wasn't exactly bowling over multiple defenders on his touchdown runs. Texas' defensive line features big talents in Sam Acho and Kheeston Randall, but the Aggies' improving offensive line, featuring two freshman tackles in Jake Matthews and Luke Joeckel, dominated them up front and gave Gray big holes to burst through.
What it means for Texas: Texas will most likely be home for the holidays for the first time since 1997. There are 64 bowl-eligible teams in America, and 70 slots for bowl teams. Eleven more teams will play over the weekend to achieve bowl eligibility. Want to keep an eye on your fate, Longhorns? Here are the remaining teams playing for bowl eligibility this week: Colorado, Louisville, Houston, Western Michigan, Oregon State, California, Tennessee, Georgia, Troy, Florida International and Louisiana-Monroe.
What it means for Texas A&M: Texas A&M finishes their regular season on a six-game winning streak in Big 12 play that featured two road wins and two wins over top 10 teams. If Oklahoma beats Oklahoma State on Saturday, the Aggies will be in a three-way tie for first in the Big 12 South. Here's more on how that tiebreaker will be settled. The Aggies aren't completely eliminated, but in all likelihood, the winner of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State on Thursday will advance to the Big 12 title game next Saturday at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Record performance: Cyrus Gray was the first Texas A&M player to top 200 yards rushing since Leeland McElroy in 1995. That's the fifth-best performance in Texas A&M history.
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.Bush set to make return for Saints
Published: November 25th, 2010 | Tags: Dallas Cowboys, Darren Sharper, Felix Jones, Jeremy Shockey, Malcolm Jenkins, New Orleans Saints, Reggie Bush, Week 12 inactivesUPDATE: Bush did take the field during the Saints’ first series of the game against the Cowboys.
The Saints can be thankful for this: Reggie Bush is back.
The running back had been listed as questionable for the Thanksgiving Day game against the Cowboys after being limited in the last two practices during a short work week. The Saints have been without Bush since Week 2, when he broke his lower right leg against the 49ers.
The Saints, however, will be without FS Darren Sharper (hamstring) and TE Jeremy Shockey (rib), who also had been listed as questionable. Even without Sharper, the Saints will get two members of their secondary back, as FS Malcolm Jenkins and CB Patrick Robinson are active after missing last weekend’s game against the Seahawks.
The biggest question mark for the Cowboys was the status of leading rusher Felix Jones, who is active after being listed as questionable with a hip injury.
Full inactives list:
Saints
Sean Canfield (No. 3 QB)
RB Pierre Thomas
S Matt Giordano
S Darren Sharper
RB Ladell Betts
OT Charles Brown
TE Jeremy Shockey
DE Junior Galette
Cowboys
QB Tony Romo
G Phil Costa
DT Sean Lissemore
WR Kevin Ogletree
OT Jeremy Parnell
DT Jimmy Saddler-McQueen
LB Brandon Williams
OT Sam Young
Chris Henry’s mother shares story of his legacy
Published: November 25th, 2010 | Tags: Chris Henry, Cincinnati BengalsOn a day when many of us are already giving thanks, the stories of four people whose lives were changed forever by the late Chris Henry – through his death — have been brought to light.
Carolyn Glaspy, the mother of the former NFL player, decided after his tragic death in December of 2009 to donate his organs, a decision that would allow four strangers another chance at life.
Thanks to an excellent piece by David Zucchino of The Los Angeles Times and an equally compelling and emotional look at the story from CBS Sports, we now know how Henry’s legacy lives on through the decision made by his mother.
Here’s the account of Glaspy from when she met the families of the four recipients face to face for the first time:
“Believe it or not, this is my first tear,” she said. “I think this is my closure. This is what he wanted me to do. I can rest in peace now.
“I know people said some things about him, but he was a giver. And you all just gave him back to me. Today I got him back.”
CBS ran its story during “NFL Today” prior to the game between the Patriots and Lions. They’ve posted the full video of the piece here.
Two very well done accounts that are worth your time.
Posted in: Around The Web
Cowboys’ Austin leaves game with forearm injury
Published: November 25th, 2010 | Tags: Dallas Cowboys, Jon Kitna, Miles Austin, Week 12 injuries 2010UPDATE: Austin returned to the game on the following series. The FOX broadcast reported X-rays on Austin’s forearm were negative.
Not much is going right for the Cowboys in their Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Saints. Dallas trails 17-0 at the end of the first quarter, and Pro Bowl WR Miles Austin has left the game with a forearm injury.
Austin was injured at the end of a 6-yard reception late in the first quarter. Officials initially ruled that Austin had fumbled on the play, but it was overturned after the Cowboys challenged the call (about the only thing going right for Jason Garrett so far; he’s 2-for-2 on challenges).
Trainers checked out Austin’s right forearm on the sideline, and he soon headed toward the locker room for X-rays. The team announced he’s questionable to return.
Dez Bryant and Roy Williams have been in on the base packages for the Cowboys.
Posted in: News
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