I normally wouldn't post multimedia from another website, but its College Gameday week here in Tucson. A relatively unknown program that ESPN has is the Road Trip, and this week they stopped in Tucson, most notably at one of my favorite hangouts, Frog & Firkin. I just felt that everyone needed to see this to recognize that my university is better than yours. To quote Channing Frye, "U of A is the greatest school in the history of schools."
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4674185
Because the game this week is senior night, and it is my (2nd) senior year, I will be giving you a rundown of the things that I will miss the most about this place. In my half decade in Tucson, I have enjoyed many great times, with many great people, in a lot of different places.
Here's my list, in no particular order (they are all great):
Frog & Firkin: We all know and love it as Frog. Great food, a ton of my bros work there, and you can always count on a ton of Arizona's most 'talented' female students being there. They have a solid selection of beers, a great location to people watch, and honestly, with the weather that we have in AZ having an outdoor hangout is a must.
Sorority Recruitment: I don't know about you, but a big selling point in U of A's favor when I was applying was the aforementioned talent. A great deal of this talent belongs to the bigger sororities here on campus. Recruitment happens before classes actually start, which wasn't always the case, but I think that things work better this way. One thing that is critical to the Arizona experience is the school spirit. This ties directly into sororities as I think the culmination of recruitment gets everyone (bros and bras both) real jacked for the semester to start. Running of the Bulls is awesome. It gives you a chance to scout potential stars of the rookie class. What happens is that the girls pick up there bids to find who they were matched up with, and traditionally (not always the case) they run to their new sorority and all of their new best friends. This ends a period during which sorostitutes, and rushees (is that even a word) are not allowed to go out and have any fun at all, which is probably the only bad thing about sorority recruitment. To me, it is the perfect kickoff to school at the greatest university there is.
Football Games: For a kid who goes to a basketball school, I enjoy football a little too much. However, for students, game day is pretty tough to top. Generally tailgates start hours before kickoff, and while I won't go into details (your welcome mom and dad) these are awesome. And honestly, who doesn't like the girls in those Zona Zoo shirts? If your a guy and you don't, then stop reading this, never talk to me again, and join the clergy right now. Then there's the actual game. While I don't love the seating arrangement, in fact a word comes to mind that rhymes with 'mustard duck", our student section is pretty tough to beat. In fact, its nationally recognized as one of the top student sections in the country. All of these things combined with my favorite sport add up to some of my favorite days on campus.
After the Game: This is something that a a lot of people have no idea about, which is a damn shame. Following home games, the band, cheerleaders, and a couple other spirit groups perform out in front of heritage hill, near the admin building. Playing "Bear Down" and a host of other songs, the performance ends with a ringing of the USS Arizona bell, which is both haunting and badass at the same time. To me, this experience showcases the pageantry that makes college football unique, and at least in my opinion, the greatest sport in the world.
Oceanography: Everyone takes this class. I failed the first exam, and still got over 100 percent in the class. Taking 'Ocean' is a great opportunity to hang out with your bros on campus, people watch (generally there are hundreds of students in the class, including athletes and sorostitutes alike) and take a step back to middle school. This is the only class I have taken in college where drawing is a big part of your grade. Look, if your GPA sucks, register for this mother and you'll get the gist of what I'm talking about.
Dirtbags: A lot of people will give me a tough time for this. Let me start by saying that generally, there are a lot of tools, chads, or whatever hanging out at this bar. That part I don't like, and for many people, to an extent understandably so, that is is a deal breaker. However, there is no place in Tucson that really embodies what a classic college bar should like Fratbags does. The bathrooms are revolting. The music sucks. In fact, Neil Diamond might be the newest artist they have. But look at the walls. All types of classic U of A moments captured in photos. License plates that are promoting Arizona or degrading ASU. Plus, honestly, the talent I keep talking about. If you are a red-blooded male, you cannot at least admire the clientele at this place. Maybe even talk to one or two of them. Also, and I hate to namedrop (OK that's a blatant lie) but many members of the staff here tend to know who my friends and I are, and even what we order. A lot can be said for having a place like this to call your own. Regardless, this place reminds me of the Hollywood idea of college, for better or worse. If nothing else, it is an interesting atmosphere to delve into for a couple hours a week.
Homecoming/Spring Fling: I lump these two together because they are pretty similar. Both are week long celebrations of a weekend event. Both have nothing really do to with said event. The reason that I love these weeks are the week of parties that precede said event. I have never physically been to the Spring Fling Carnival. But honestly, 5 nights of theme parties, hydration, and meeting girls is pretty awesome. It also just so happens, probably due to how much Jesus loves me, that I never have any homework due during these weeks, so I can eschew many of the responsibilities that I normally would have in favor of a good time. The added bonus is the weekend for homecoming, which includes a football game, and many of your friends who have moved on returning to relive the glory days.
Date Dashes: You you get a date (although this is not always a set-in-stone requirement at some sororities), a stupid costume (read previous note) and ride a bus to some undisclosed location where there is a dance floor and a crappy bar, as well as lots of microwaved snacks to enjoy. I know that wasn't the most endearing description, but you have to live these to understand them. Honestly, every chance I get to wear a crappy blazer, or a drawn on mustache, or a Penny Hardaway college throwback (only 14 bucks and better than any jersey ANYONE else has) I take it. Notice the theme here. Look, if you don't get it, come to U of A for the girls. It will make you regret ever wanting to go someplace like Kansas or Indiana or Holy Cross. Trust me here.
Greek Life: Having 100 best friends. Having a location on campus where you can do whatever you want. Instant access to any club or resource on campus. 100 best friends. Rolling deep. Spring Fling. Date Dashes. Homecoming. Late Nights. Bars. Bags. Beta. Battlestar Galactica.(KIDDING) Potential New Members. Dude, rush. It is the best decision you will ever make and you will not regret one second of it. I can't emphasize enough how awesome it is to join an organization along the lines of mine. The past 4 years have been incredible for me, and if you want the college experience, rush. We are not paying for friends. In fact, we are generally paying so that our friends are insured in case they are hurt. I can't explain this via words on the Internet, at least enough to give the Greek community justice. All I can say is, find a house where you fit, get a bid, and join it.
Honorable Mention:
Basketball games
the ILC
D2L
the Rec Center
Lecture Halls
Labor Day Vegas Trip (a later column when I get more famous than I already am)
The U of A mall.
Highland Breakfast Burritos
4th Ave
Sorority Kitchens on weekends
I am terrified of this game. Not only of the machine that is the Oregon Ducks, but because it is my last home game as an undergrad. The next time the 'Cats play in Arizona Stadium, I will be wearing a tie. Enjoy every second that you get at this school, don't take anybody or anything for granted. This is the greatest place on earth. On the Real, I'm going to miss this place, and everyone here. Come back soon for more Real Talk
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Cal Week
Sup dudes. This is a pretty crazy time to be an Arizona fan, isn't it. Ranked in football, with a chance (albeit an outside shot) at the Rose Bowl? Makes me pretty happy that I 'chose to stick around' for another year. Perhaps most important this season is that we toppled the Washington State Cougars. This win ensured bowl eligibility, but that was NOT why it was critical. What it prevented was. If Arizona lost, I had promised to camp outside sunny Jim Livengood's office until he and Mike Stoops were unemployed. Thankfully, and I never thought I'd say this about that dainty AD of ours, they still have a job.
I am pretty bummed that our football team lost out on Jordon James. Honestly, I am quite bitter. He was a 'silent commit' to UCLA for months. What this means is that Jordon wasted hours of our coaches time, and our athletic departments money, and was essentially abusing the recruiting process. I hope he enjoys the Neuheisel regime in Los Angeles. I don't see that team getting any better, and James, who in my opinion is a cornerstone type talent, will be running for his life every play. Great choice kid. Just ask Aundre Dean. Or Cris Ramirez. Or Derrick Coleman. Or Milton Knox. Look all of them up, and you will get an idea of how life is for running backs in the Rose Bowl in the post Maurice Drew era.
Lets all hope and (if you believe) pray for Jahvid Best's recovery. I absolutely despise the city of Berkley, the university located there, and its athletic program. Not to mention everything that has come out of it, perhaps most notably 'free love', creepy, smelly hippies, and DeSean Jackson. Jahvid is the lone exception. He is a standup human being from nearby Vallejo, otherwise known as the birthplace of Jeff Gordon, and by all accounts doesn't seem to be the weirdo that Cal breeds. And honestly, even if he was, that injury looked horrific. I wouldn't wish that fall on Rudy Carpenter, or the U Dub referees, or any Oregon Duck. Keep your head up #4, your a champion whether you play again or not.
On a slightly related note, anyone with a soft stomach should probably avoid tommorow's broadcast. I have no doubt that we will see the injury about 60 times throughout the course of the game. Jahvid's fall, and his injury, is one of the most revolting images I have ever seen, a rare video that makes my stomach turn when I watch it. Makes me all the more thankful that he can communicate and move his extremeties, but that doesn't mean I need to see it ever again.
Don't get me started on LeGarrette Blount. Typical Mike Bellotti and Oregon garbage up there, and I can't believe that no one is calling Chip Kelly out for going back on his word. Im done talking about this, but I will close with this: My money is on Mr. Blount making things hard on himself again, maybe not now, but somewhere down the road.
This weeks game has massive ramifications for the Arizona program. A win, and the 'Cats remain in first place in the league. A loss, and who knows what happens this season. Arizona is a markedly better team than the Cal Bears, especially with no Best. However, there is one massive thing in favor of USSR state. Going back 30 games, no team not called Oregon State or USC has marched onto Patrice Lumumba field and claimed a victory. Stoops coached Arizona teams have had a ton of trouble there, including several shutouts, and a sloppy, uninspired loss two years ago. If talent wins games, and I hope if does, Arizona wins easily. However, a riled up home crowd will be in store, and you just never know what to expect from a team that has gone through what Cal has the past 7 days emotionally. This game is one that I am marking as a 'toss up'.
Keep reading, bros and bras. Sunday I will be writing a lot of papers, and I plan on writing something for you as well. We will be taking a step away from college football and instead Real Talk will discuss other aspects of our lives, the contents of which haven't been decided. Stay tuned.
I am pretty bummed that our football team lost out on Jordon James. Honestly, I am quite bitter. He was a 'silent commit' to UCLA for months. What this means is that Jordon wasted hours of our coaches time, and our athletic departments money, and was essentially abusing the recruiting process. I hope he enjoys the Neuheisel regime in Los Angeles. I don't see that team getting any better, and James, who in my opinion is a cornerstone type talent, will be running for his life every play. Great choice kid. Just ask Aundre Dean. Or Cris Ramirez. Or Derrick Coleman. Or Milton Knox. Look all of them up, and you will get an idea of how life is for running backs in the Rose Bowl in the post Maurice Drew era.
Lets all hope and (if you believe) pray for Jahvid Best's recovery. I absolutely despise the city of Berkley, the university located there, and its athletic program. Not to mention everything that has come out of it, perhaps most notably 'free love', creepy, smelly hippies, and DeSean Jackson. Jahvid is the lone exception. He is a standup human being from nearby Vallejo, otherwise known as the birthplace of Jeff Gordon, and by all accounts doesn't seem to be the weirdo that Cal breeds. And honestly, even if he was, that injury looked horrific. I wouldn't wish that fall on Rudy Carpenter, or the U Dub referees, or any Oregon Duck. Keep your head up #4, your a champion whether you play again or not.
On a slightly related note, anyone with a soft stomach should probably avoid tommorow's broadcast. I have no doubt that we will see the injury about 60 times throughout the course of the game. Jahvid's fall, and his injury, is one of the most revolting images I have ever seen, a rare video that makes my stomach turn when I watch it. Makes me all the more thankful that he can communicate and move his extremeties, but that doesn't mean I need to see it ever again.
Don't get me started on LeGarrette Blount. Typical Mike Bellotti and Oregon garbage up there, and I can't believe that no one is calling Chip Kelly out for going back on his word. Im done talking about this, but I will close with this: My money is on Mr. Blount making things hard on himself again, maybe not now, but somewhere down the road.
This weeks game has massive ramifications for the Arizona program. A win, and the 'Cats remain in first place in the league. A loss, and who knows what happens this season. Arizona is a markedly better team than the Cal Bears, especially with no Best. However, there is one massive thing in favor of USSR state. Going back 30 games, no team not called Oregon State or USC has marched onto Patrice Lumumba field and claimed a victory. Stoops coached Arizona teams have had a ton of trouble there, including several shutouts, and a sloppy, uninspired loss two years ago. If talent wins games, and I hope if does, Arizona wins easily. However, a riled up home crowd will be in store, and you just never know what to expect from a team that has gone through what Cal has the past 7 days emotionally. This game is one that I am marking as a 'toss up'.
Keep reading, bros and bras. Sunday I will be writing a lot of papers, and I plan on writing something for you as well. We will be taking a step away from college football and instead Real Talk will discuss other aspects of our lives, the contents of which haven't been decided. Stay tuned.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Return from my hiatus
Let me start off, again, by apologizing. It has been too long since all of you had something new to read from me. Well, midterms and other obligations prevented me from giving this blog much time to get anything done. For those of you that haven't been watching the major news networks over the past several days, the rumors are true. I am currently quarantined with the dreaded H1N1 virus, the 'swine flu'. Really, I am not sure if it is as bad as it sounds. The first day was pretty bad, but honestly, I can walk, talk, and I et that I could drive in a pinch. Whatever.
What I am most frustrated about is the reality that I am probably going to miss Halloween this year. Here at U of A, and most likely at all college, Halloween might just be the greatest day of the year. Last year, I dressed up as the bachelor. I'm sorry, but that is a brilliant costume. Unfortunately for me, I go to Arizona, and it seems none of the sorostitutes quite figured out why the guy in a blazer was walking around with roses. This year, my Billy Mays costume was sure to win them over. I had even planned on picking up some putty or oxyclean to drive it home. If your scoring at home (and I know you are), that is ten days of not shaving gone completely to waste. Thanks, god. A real travesty, indeed.
Today I want to talk about football recruiting. Back in august I gave you a list of guys that I wanted to see end up at Arizona. While the majority of that list is unchanged, I wanted to highlight a few more guys that I would like Arizona to pick up. Note that most of Arizona's defensive back prospects are still undecided, we have our quarterback in the class, the offensive line is filled up, and we have two linebackers. We are only recruiting one running back, Jordon James, and he is down to Arizona, UCLA and Notre Dame. So I am mostly focusing on receivers and defensive linemen.
NOTE: This is by no means official, these are just guys that I think Arizona has at least some chance landing.
Victor Dean. Big Vic is 6'6, 190 pounds, and runs a 4.4 40. Perhaps more impressive is the 18 touchdown catches he has, basically playing in 2 quarters a game. Dean hails from Lincoln High School in San Diego, California. Lincoln was one of the traditional powers in the San Diego section for years until it closed in 2004, and reopened several years ago. With Oceanside's JJ Whittaker already headed here, coach Stoops would have pipelines open to the two prevailing powers in San Diego. Also notable about Dean is that he does his damage out of a wing-T formation, which employs 3 backs and not much passing. Dean's coach is my former coach, Ron Hamamoto, who has sent a few players to Tucson in the past, including the late Bill Wacholz.
NOTE: As far as I know, Victor is not related to Delashaun Dean.
De'Shawn Beck. This guy is reported to be the fastest player in Southern California, running a 4.22 in the 40. With Garic Wharton already on board, landing Beck would mean that Arizona has the two fastest kids on the west coast enrolling in 2010. Take a look at our current crop of receivers. Only Bug Wright is really a burner. (although Criner has established himself as a threat downfield) Getting Beck and Garic on board means stretching the field vertically, which opens up the middle of the field for our outstanding intermediate guys.
Tyler Slavin. Okay, so this guy is kinda goofy looking. I don't care. He is tall (6'3) and smooth as hell. Slavin looks exactly like Terrell Turner, and I would argue is further along as a senior than Terrell was back in '05. This guy looks built for the spread, and honestly, out of all our receiver targets, I put money on him ending up the best. Slavin is physical, beats man coverage, and knows how to attack the football, which means he would be the perfect red zone receiver when Dela and Turner are gone.
Kyle Benson. A big, fast linebacker out of Tempe. I would love stealing some kids out of the Scumdevils backyard, and the 220 pound Benson would be an ideal place to start. Arizona is going to sign several more linebackers this year, and with two junior college guys on board, expect to see an emphasis on high school kids from here on out. Benson's teammate, safety Ramon Abreu, is an extreme long shot, but he is another kid I really like, and it will break my heart when he inevitably signs with Arizona State.
Fred Thompson. Thompson is 6'4, and a lean 260 pounds. A defensive tackle out of Oakland, he visited Tucson last week and by all accounts loved it. This is a guy I see blowing up late, and it wouldn't shock me to see the Cals and Oregons of the world try and steal this guy.
Brandon Mosley. Brandon is a junior college guy, playing ball in Coffeyville, Kansas. This is notable, and extremely important to all of you, because I have a ton of extended family in Coffeyville. That also happens to be a JC powerhouse. The last guy we recruited from that part of the country was Jason Pierre-Paul, an end who can do a standing back flip and is in the process of turning the Big (L)East upside down for South Florida. Mosley has great size, and with 3 defensive ends scheduled to be seniors next season, we need an instant contributor. Out of all of these guys, none of whom are guarantees to attend Arizona, Mosley is perhaps the biggest long shot.
Here is the list, which will include guys mentioned in my previous blog, of recruits I want.
1) Jordon James, RB
2) Victor Dean, WR
3) Marquis Flowers, Athlete
4) Tyler Slavin, WR
5) Josh Robbins, Athlete
6) Jourdan Grandon, DB
7) De'Shawn Beck, Athlete
8) Demetrius Wright, CB
9) Cecil Whiteside, LB (committed to Cal)
10) Andrew Hudson, DE
11) Ronald Powell, DE
12) Brandon Mosley, DE
13) Fred Thompson, DT
14) Kyle Benson, LB
15) Shaydon Acuna, LB
16) Bruce Gaston, DT
Hope you enjoyed the return of the mack. (get it, hehehe) Due to my quarantine, I will have more posts coming soon!
What I am most frustrated about is the reality that I am probably going to miss Halloween this year. Here at U of A, and most likely at all college, Halloween might just be the greatest day of the year. Last year, I dressed up as the bachelor. I'm sorry, but that is a brilliant costume. Unfortunately for me, I go to Arizona, and it seems none of the sorostitutes quite figured out why the guy in a blazer was walking around with roses. This year, my Billy Mays costume was sure to win them over. I had even planned on picking up some putty or oxyclean to drive it home. If your scoring at home (and I know you are), that is ten days of not shaving gone completely to waste. Thanks, god. A real travesty, indeed.
Today I want to talk about football recruiting. Back in august I gave you a list of guys that I wanted to see end up at Arizona. While the majority of that list is unchanged, I wanted to highlight a few more guys that I would like Arizona to pick up. Note that most of Arizona's defensive back prospects are still undecided, we have our quarterback in the class, the offensive line is filled up, and we have two linebackers. We are only recruiting one running back, Jordon James, and he is down to Arizona, UCLA and Notre Dame. So I am mostly focusing on receivers and defensive linemen.
NOTE: This is by no means official, these are just guys that I think Arizona has at least some chance landing.
Victor Dean. Big Vic is 6'6, 190 pounds, and runs a 4.4 40. Perhaps more impressive is the 18 touchdown catches he has, basically playing in 2 quarters a game. Dean hails from Lincoln High School in San Diego, California. Lincoln was one of the traditional powers in the San Diego section for years until it closed in 2004, and reopened several years ago. With Oceanside's JJ Whittaker already headed here, coach Stoops would have pipelines open to the two prevailing powers in San Diego. Also notable about Dean is that he does his damage out of a wing-T formation, which employs 3 backs and not much passing. Dean's coach is my former coach, Ron Hamamoto, who has sent a few players to Tucson in the past, including the late Bill Wacholz.
NOTE: As far as I know, Victor is not related to Delashaun Dean.
De'Shawn Beck. This guy is reported to be the fastest player in Southern California, running a 4.22 in the 40. With Garic Wharton already on board, landing Beck would mean that Arizona has the two fastest kids on the west coast enrolling in 2010. Take a look at our current crop of receivers. Only Bug Wright is really a burner. (although Criner has established himself as a threat downfield) Getting Beck and Garic on board means stretching the field vertically, which opens up the middle of the field for our outstanding intermediate guys.
Tyler Slavin. Okay, so this guy is kinda goofy looking. I don't care. He is tall (6'3) and smooth as hell. Slavin looks exactly like Terrell Turner, and I would argue is further along as a senior than Terrell was back in '05. This guy looks built for the spread, and honestly, out of all our receiver targets, I put money on him ending up the best. Slavin is physical, beats man coverage, and knows how to attack the football, which means he would be the perfect red zone receiver when Dela and Turner are gone.
Kyle Benson. A big, fast linebacker out of Tempe. I would love stealing some kids out of the Scumdevils backyard, and the 220 pound Benson would be an ideal place to start. Arizona is going to sign several more linebackers this year, and with two junior college guys on board, expect to see an emphasis on high school kids from here on out. Benson's teammate, safety Ramon Abreu, is an extreme long shot, but he is another kid I really like, and it will break my heart when he inevitably signs with Arizona State.
Fred Thompson. Thompson is 6'4, and a lean 260 pounds. A defensive tackle out of Oakland, he visited Tucson last week and by all accounts loved it. This is a guy I see blowing up late, and it wouldn't shock me to see the Cals and Oregons of the world try and steal this guy.
Brandon Mosley. Brandon is a junior college guy, playing ball in Coffeyville, Kansas. This is notable, and extremely important to all of you, because I have a ton of extended family in Coffeyville. That also happens to be a JC powerhouse. The last guy we recruited from that part of the country was Jason Pierre-Paul, an end who can do a standing back flip and is in the process of turning the Big (L)East upside down for South Florida. Mosley has great size, and with 3 defensive ends scheduled to be seniors next season, we need an instant contributor. Out of all of these guys, none of whom are guarantees to attend Arizona, Mosley is perhaps the biggest long shot.
Here is the list, which will include guys mentioned in my previous blog, of recruits I want.
1) Jordon James, RB
2) Victor Dean, WR
3) Marquis Flowers, Athlete
4) Tyler Slavin, WR
5) Josh Robbins, Athlete
6) Jourdan Grandon, DB
7) De'Shawn Beck, Athlete
8) Demetrius Wright, CB
9) Cecil Whiteside, LB (committed to Cal)
10) Andrew Hudson, DE
11) Ronald Powell, DE
12) Brandon Mosley, DE
13) Fred Thompson, DT
14) Kyle Benson, LB
15) Shaydon Acuna, LB
16) Bruce Gaston, DT
Hope you enjoyed the return of the mack. (get it, hehehe) Due to my quarantine, I will have more posts coming soon!
Friday, October 9, 2009
UW Week
Hey readers. Due to that evil thing that all college students are stricken with for about 3 weeks a semester (midterms) I haven't been able to update you as much as I'd like. I can't promise more frequency in the next few weeks, but I will do my best. Before we get into the game, there are a few things I wanted to talk about.
Quick, name the last 5 Nobel prize winners. I can't, and I'd bet that you can't either without our friend wikipedia bailing you out. Look, there are plenty of reasons to hate on Obama (my favorite are his slanderous remarks directed at Arizona basketball last tournament), but I am not going to use this one. The Nobel prize is great for the resume, but I care about it as much as I do the War of the Roses champion. Actually, I care about that one more. But I digress.
Lets talk about Facebook for a second. As someone who joined back when groups had 'groupies' and the web address was still thefacebook.com, I guess I am something of a purist There is a new generation of users, and some old-timers, who have obviously forgotten how to operate. 'Liking' statuses is fine, but when I make a wall post on your wall, you damn well had better make one on mine. Don't respond underneath yours. Otherwise, all of the hot girls that look at my profile all day won't know how many friends I have who have opinions about the same things that I do. Get it together folks. Remember the good old days of 'wall-to-wall'? Lets keep that alive before Zuckerberg makes more changes. Conformists.
I thought the latest South Park was fantastic. While I appreciate the fragile nature of life, I think people like Billy Mays, David Carradine and Michael Jackson should never be off-limits from jokes, dead or alive. Lets see, Mays decided to blow a lot of powdery substances, drank some drinks, and proceeded to take the all-powerful Tylenol PM to go to sleep. I'm not a doctor, but that is REALLY stupid, especially when your already a fat guy. Carradine, well, I'll just say that I enjoy the way his name has become a verb. Like, "I hate you, go pull a 'Carradine'!!" Jacko has been discussed ad-nauseam, and I don't want to come across as ignorant. While it wasn't as funny as the "Fishsticks" episode or the bailout one, this was a great start to the fall campaign by Matt Stone and Trey Parker.
On to the game. I got two linemen for you to watch. First is every ones favorite T-loc Brooks Reed. He has battled injuries all season, and looks to be as close to 100% as we've seen him. Look out on Saturday. Coming in at #10 on the countdown is Earl Mitchell. Big Earl, or Earl "M********** Mitchell as he is known in some circles, is a senior defensive tackle, wearing #49. Earl played fullback his first two years, and developed a cult following for his clutch hands and big blocks. He has kept up his stellar play on the defensive side of the ball, and looks set to garner postseason honors. With UW tomorrow, these guys are going to have to step up big time.
I have been an ardent Matt Scott supporter for a long time now. I went on record saying that he should be the opening day starter, a position I still maintain. I also maintain that a lot of our 'fans' decided to root against him early, regardless of how well he did or didn't play. With time, once he gets used to the speed of division 1 defenses, I am confident that Matt can turn into an outstanding quarterback. That all said, it was clear during the Iowa game that he had lost the team, and a change simply had to happen. Something about Nick Foles just makes me feel safe about the offense, and I think that right now the big Texan is just what the doctor ordered. He is poised, smart, and much more athletic than any reporter or announcer will ever give him credit for. After looking great last week, here's to Nick Foles running away with the quarterback position. This team has responded in a big way to his style as well as his pocket presence. Nick just knows how to win, that's all there is to it. Lets hope that the game in Corvallis wasn't an aberration and Nick continues his stellar play all season long.
I am not going to get to in depth about Saturdays game, but I have some keys for you to watch. The defense of Jake Locker is obviously going to be key #1. The man has really come into his own, and word is he might be the first QB drafted in April. Another key is Washington running back Chris Polk. He isn't a world beater, but this is a guy who runs hard and breaks tackles. Arizona has struggled this season with wrapping up and over pursuit, something that could really hurt them. The crowd also has to be neutralized. Historically, Husky Stadium or whatever its called has been regarded as the toughest place to play in the PAC-10, outside of that hideous commune known as Eugene of course. For Arizona to win, the running game must be a priority. Keep the UW defense on the field and limit the chances for Jake 'the Bro' Locker to take over. The more he is on the sidelines stuffing his mouth with Skoal and Kodiak (FWIW,how guys that do this ever meet girls is beyond me), the better for our Cats. Bear Down, keep it real, and wear long sleeves or hoodies this weekend.
Quick, name the last 5 Nobel prize winners. I can't, and I'd bet that you can't either without our friend wikipedia bailing you out. Look, there are plenty of reasons to hate on Obama (my favorite are his slanderous remarks directed at Arizona basketball last tournament), but I am not going to use this one. The Nobel prize is great for the resume, but I care about it as much as I do the War of the Roses champion. Actually, I care about that one more. But I digress.
Lets talk about Facebook for a second. As someone who joined back when groups had 'groupies' and the web address was still thefacebook.com, I guess I am something of a purist There is a new generation of users, and some old-timers, who have obviously forgotten how to operate. 'Liking' statuses is fine, but when I make a wall post on your wall, you damn well had better make one on mine. Don't respond underneath yours. Otherwise, all of the hot girls that look at my profile all day won't know how many friends I have who have opinions about the same things that I do. Get it together folks. Remember the good old days of 'wall-to-wall'? Lets keep that alive before Zuckerberg makes more changes. Conformists.
I thought the latest South Park was fantastic. While I appreciate the fragile nature of life, I think people like Billy Mays, David Carradine and Michael Jackson should never be off-limits from jokes, dead or alive. Lets see, Mays decided to blow a lot of powdery substances, drank some drinks, and proceeded to take the all-powerful Tylenol PM to go to sleep. I'm not a doctor, but that is REALLY stupid, especially when your already a fat guy. Carradine, well, I'll just say that I enjoy the way his name has become a verb. Like, "I hate you, go pull a 'Carradine'!!" Jacko has been discussed ad-nauseam, and I don't want to come across as ignorant. While it wasn't as funny as the "Fishsticks" episode or the bailout one, this was a great start to the fall campaign by Matt Stone and Trey Parker.
On to the game. I got two linemen for you to watch. First is every ones favorite T-loc Brooks Reed. He has battled injuries all season, and looks to be as close to 100% as we've seen him. Look out on Saturday. Coming in at #10 on the countdown is Earl Mitchell. Big Earl, or Earl "M********** Mitchell as he is known in some circles, is a senior defensive tackle, wearing #49. Earl played fullback his first two years, and developed a cult following for his clutch hands and big blocks. He has kept up his stellar play on the defensive side of the ball, and looks set to garner postseason honors. With UW tomorrow, these guys are going to have to step up big time.
I have been an ardent Matt Scott supporter for a long time now. I went on record saying that he should be the opening day starter, a position I still maintain. I also maintain that a lot of our 'fans' decided to root against him early, regardless of how well he did or didn't play. With time, once he gets used to the speed of division 1 defenses, I am confident that Matt can turn into an outstanding quarterback. That all said, it was clear during the Iowa game that he had lost the team, and a change simply had to happen. Something about Nick Foles just makes me feel safe about the offense, and I think that right now the big Texan is just what the doctor ordered. He is poised, smart, and much more athletic than any reporter or announcer will ever give him credit for. After looking great last week, here's to Nick Foles running away with the quarterback position. This team has responded in a big way to his style as well as his pocket presence. Nick just knows how to win, that's all there is to it. Lets hope that the game in Corvallis wasn't an aberration and Nick continues his stellar play all season long.
I am not going to get to in depth about Saturdays game, but I have some keys for you to watch. The defense of Jake Locker is obviously going to be key #1. The man has really come into his own, and word is he might be the first QB drafted in April. Another key is Washington running back Chris Polk. He isn't a world beater, but this is a guy who runs hard and breaks tackles. Arizona has struggled this season with wrapping up and over pursuit, something that could really hurt them. The crowd also has to be neutralized. Historically, Husky Stadium or whatever its called has been regarded as the toughest place to play in the PAC-10, outside of that hideous commune known as Eugene of course. For Arizona to win, the running game must be a priority. Keep the UW defense on the field and limit the chances for Jake 'the Bro' Locker to take over. The more he is on the sidelines stuffing his mouth with Skoal and Kodiak (FWIW,how guys that do this ever meet girls is beyond me), the better for our Cats. Bear Down, keep it real, and wear long sleeves or hoodies this weekend.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Iowa Week
Well, Arizona's marquee non-conference match up with the Iowa Hawkeyes is finally here. Having previewed the Hawkeyes club back in July, there isn't a whole lot to talk about, but I have some observations that are worth noting.
There is NO quarterback controversy. I had a feeling that, regardless of how Nick Foles played, people would begin to call for his head immediately. Look, I know he was 6 of 8 and threw a touchdown in the third quarter of a blowout, but that really doesn't impress me. "But he threw a beautiful out route to Terrell Turner!!!", many of these armchair QBs have said. Our starting quarterback goes 15 for 20, including 2 pretty nice long completions, but Foles is better because of one pass? I don't follow. Scott has been fine, looking to pass, and taking what the defense has given him. The best throw made by either quarterback was his completion to Delashaun Dean at about the 1 yard line. I like the idea of playing Foles 3-4 series a game. He is talented in his own right, and it means that the defense must spend that much more time game planning for him. For the record, Foles first pass of the night was a TERRIBLE pass. I know, it flew a long way in the air and looked pretty, but he threw it to the wrong shoulder, and Juron "drops" Criner had to take a very difficult angle to get there. Matt Scott is our quarterback and you need to rally around him. This week is no doubt a big test for him, and yeah things could get ugly, but it really seems that a lot of Wildcat fans are cheering for Matt to fail out there. Stop it. Seriously. If you told me that in his 2nd start, Matt would lead Arizona to well over 500 yards of offense, I would absolutely taken it in a flash. Finally, our offense is 2nd in the country in time of possession, and in the top 10 in first downs. Let the kinks get worked out, folks, the season is young.
On to the defense. A lot of people have been in a panic as a result of last weeks performance. I have a theory here. Lets be honest, everyone knew that NAU was going to lose, including NAU. If you watched, Arizona ran less than 5 blitzes all night, and never strayed from a loose cover-3 defense, despite NAU running bubble screen after bubble screen. Given that we shut down a similar offense, with a significantly higher amount of talent the week before, something seems strange. I believe that the coaching staff made a big gamble last week. Instead of focusing on NAU, they spent an extra week game planning for the Hawkeyes. I expect a return to the aggressive, fly to the football defense that we were treated to Labor Day weekend. Expect to see blitz packages, more disguised coverage, and more faith shown in our corners, Devin Ross and Trevin Wade.
This game is going to be a good one, of that I have no doubt. While losing Rob Gronkowski is huge, and a devastating blow, consider this. Iowa almost never plays a nickel or dime package. I think we will see a ton of 4 wide sets Saturday, but we will run out of them. Iowa's strength is the linebackers, and I expect AJ Edds, Jermiha Hunter and Pat Angerer to spend a lot of time on the outside in coverage. (Angerer, BTW, might be my favorite non-Wildcat in the country.I can't wait until next week when I can root for this guy) This means that our quick hitting Slip'n'slide combo will have creases in the defense to run to. Expect either Brett Greenwood or Tyler Sash, Iowa's safeties, to play close to the line of scrimmage, with the other over the top, to try and take away the read option play. This game will not be a blowout, and the outcome will not be decided until very late. I can't wait, and I hope your the same way.
Finally, here are two guys worth watching closely Saturday. Coming in at 13th on the countdown is left tackle Mike Diaz. a transfer from junior college, Diaz inherited a starting spot in week 4 against UCLA and never looked back. The 330 pound senior has looked great at left tackle so far, and will no doubt be tested by ends Adrian Clayborn and Broderick Binns. For Arizona to win, Diaz has to be stellar. At 12 we have Nic Grigsby. This is a guy who came into the program at 170 pounds, expected to play receiver. Instead, he has built himself into an every down tailback, which as I have said before is a huge help to our young quarterback. Nic has learned to channel his energy, no longer taking the time to taunt visiting teams as they run on the field. It was been refreshing to see the guy grow up in his 3 years here. Not only that, but he is one of the top students on the squad, and rumor has it he is going to give baseball a shot in the spring. If Grigsby continues his early season form, you can't help but feel good about Saturday.
Well, sit back and enjoy, folks. We don't play a lot of Midwestern teams at Arizona, which makes this match up that much more appealing to this transplant. Just do me a favor when you watch this game, and support whoever is behind center. We don't need any bad noise on campus. Real Talk
There is NO quarterback controversy. I had a feeling that, regardless of how Nick Foles played, people would begin to call for his head immediately. Look, I know he was 6 of 8 and threw a touchdown in the third quarter of a blowout, but that really doesn't impress me. "But he threw a beautiful out route to Terrell Turner!!!", many of these armchair QBs have said. Our starting quarterback goes 15 for 20, including 2 pretty nice long completions, but Foles is better because of one pass? I don't follow. Scott has been fine, looking to pass, and taking what the defense has given him. The best throw made by either quarterback was his completion to Delashaun Dean at about the 1 yard line. I like the idea of playing Foles 3-4 series a game. He is talented in his own right, and it means that the defense must spend that much more time game planning for him. For the record, Foles first pass of the night was a TERRIBLE pass. I know, it flew a long way in the air and looked pretty, but he threw it to the wrong shoulder, and Juron "drops" Criner had to take a very difficult angle to get there. Matt Scott is our quarterback and you need to rally around him. This week is no doubt a big test for him, and yeah things could get ugly, but it really seems that a lot of Wildcat fans are cheering for Matt to fail out there. Stop it. Seriously. If you told me that in his 2nd start, Matt would lead Arizona to well over 500 yards of offense, I would absolutely taken it in a flash. Finally, our offense is 2nd in the country in time of possession, and in the top 10 in first downs. Let the kinks get worked out, folks, the season is young.
On to the defense. A lot of people have been in a panic as a result of last weeks performance. I have a theory here. Lets be honest, everyone knew that NAU was going to lose, including NAU. If you watched, Arizona ran less than 5 blitzes all night, and never strayed from a loose cover-3 defense, despite NAU running bubble screen after bubble screen. Given that we shut down a similar offense, with a significantly higher amount of talent the week before, something seems strange. I believe that the coaching staff made a big gamble last week. Instead of focusing on NAU, they spent an extra week game planning for the Hawkeyes. I expect a return to the aggressive, fly to the football defense that we were treated to Labor Day weekend. Expect to see blitz packages, more disguised coverage, and more faith shown in our corners, Devin Ross and Trevin Wade.
This game is going to be a good one, of that I have no doubt. While losing Rob Gronkowski is huge, and a devastating blow, consider this. Iowa almost never plays a nickel or dime package. I think we will see a ton of 4 wide sets Saturday, but we will run out of them. Iowa's strength is the linebackers, and I expect AJ Edds, Jermiha Hunter and Pat Angerer to spend a lot of time on the outside in coverage. (Angerer, BTW, might be my favorite non-Wildcat in the country.I can't wait until next week when I can root for this guy) This means that our quick hitting Slip'n'slide combo will have creases in the defense to run to. Expect either Brett Greenwood or Tyler Sash, Iowa's safeties, to play close to the line of scrimmage, with the other over the top, to try and take away the read option play. This game will not be a blowout, and the outcome will not be decided until very late. I can't wait, and I hope your the same way.
Finally, here are two guys worth watching closely Saturday. Coming in at 13th on the countdown is left tackle Mike Diaz. a transfer from junior college, Diaz inherited a starting spot in week 4 against UCLA and never looked back. The 330 pound senior has looked great at left tackle so far, and will no doubt be tested by ends Adrian Clayborn and Broderick Binns. For Arizona to win, Diaz has to be stellar. At 12 we have Nic Grigsby. This is a guy who came into the program at 170 pounds, expected to play receiver. Instead, he has built himself into an every down tailback, which as I have said before is a huge help to our young quarterback. Nic has learned to channel his energy, no longer taking the time to taunt visiting teams as they run on the field. It was been refreshing to see the guy grow up in his 3 years here. Not only that, but he is one of the top students on the squad, and rumor has it he is going to give baseball a shot in the spring. If Grigsby continues his early season form, you can't help but feel good about Saturday.
Well, sit back and enjoy, folks. We don't play a lot of Midwestern teams at Arizona, which makes this match up that much more appealing to this transplant. Just do me a favor when you watch this game, and support whoever is behind center. We don't need any bad noise on campus. Real Talk
Friday, September 11, 2009
One other thing I forgot
Today is, of course, September 11th. Maybe the craziest day that I can remember. I am sure you all remember exactly where you were. For me, I was in a 3rd period study hall at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School. I remember coming to class, where the TV was on, and wondering what the hell was going on. At this point, only 1 airliner had crashed into the towers. We witnessed #2 in real time. I never told anyone this, but I remember fighting back tears for the rest of the day thinking about all the people who were helpless in those buildings, and on those planes. (NOTE: Ask anyone who knows me, I never get emotional, ever) We had a football game that day, and thank goodness it was canceled. Nobody really cared about a game against Hopkins North, this was much bigger than that. Today, remember what is important, as you should everyday. We live in the greatest country in the world, and whether you like the President or not, trust that dude is working his butt off to keep us safe and in the #1 spot, just like George W. Bush did. Life has been different since then, with security on planes getting more serious and American foreign policy going in an entirely new direction. If you are my age, you have basically grown up in the post 9-11 world. One thing I hope for is that America rallies around the flag on a permanent basis the way we all did after 9-11. If you don't think that all those big flag rallies, or U-S-A chants at concerts and sports games were awesome, then honestly we are not friends and you can go to hell. Please remember the fallen today, please remember what makes America great, and please give props to everyone who is on a ship or base somewhere laboring to keep us safe. Like I said, this is the greatest country in the world, so most of all, please remember that. Not today, but everyday. By doing this, we will frustrate all the haters out there, and remind them that they can't ever break us. Real Talk.
Week 2, the start of the season?
I am really pumped for this week. As many of you know, I spent Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas. Aside from having a ton of fun, soaking up rays poolside, and all sorts of other shenanigans, I did not get to fully engulf my Saturday in my favorite thing. That, my friends, is college football. There's nothing I enjoy more than spending a Saturday on the couch with my bros and taking in every single game. Pathetic, probably, but honestly its a pastime that I know many of you enjoy just as much as I do, so there really is no shame to be had. This week is essentially week 1 for me. I will not be doing a preview on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, but I have some opinions about both Arizona and the national scene that I think you will really like.
Before this incident gets put to bed, let me just say that I am thrilled with the LeGarrette Blount suspension. There is absolutely no reason to go after fans. It is similar to running a shop or fast food business: the customer is always right. In this instance, the fan is always right. No matter what is said or how vile their actions. Ask soccer stars like Samuel Eto'o or Mario Balotelli, who have both faced entirely worse crowds than the isolated group of drunken idiots Blount encountered. Both of them, who are of African descent, have faced racial taunts, bananas being thrown at them, trash, all sorts of despicable things. Yet never once have you seen them go after a crowd. As a public figure, you absolutely must conduct yourself in a professional manner. Be the bigger man, and let the crowd look like jerks. If not, well, enjoy the season from your sofa, LeGarrette. I also can't stand the Oregon program. Mike Bellotti is not the 'Dean of the Pac-10'. This is a program that has gone to a few big time bowls, I'll give them that, but they are not even close to a national power. Kirk Herbstreit said it best, describing the Ducks as the 'Paris Hilton of college football'. Rich daddy, famous for no reason, and yeah they do look pretty good (debatable on both fronts, IMO). So any time this program comes crashing back down to earth, even if its not that far of a fall, forgive me for enjoying it just a little.
As for the Wildcats, I have a few things to take away from last weeks game. The 19-6 score was disappointing, but touchdowns dropped by Bug Wright and Juron Criner, as well as the Cats taking a knee on the 1, show me a game where the score was never that close, and the outcome never in doubt. Matt Scott played the entire game, which I liked, because it allowed him to grow into the job and get comfortable. Everything I have heard told me that he played his best ball in the second half, once he was given the green light to finish the game. This week, I expect Scott to play at least a half, especially if the result is what we all expect. If Arizona has a big lead at the half, expect Nick Foles to get the playing time he deserves to show the staff that we have a very capable backup.
I am going to give you two guys that I want you to pay attention to against NAU. This is an extension of my countdown, which I have tweaked a little to fit the reason. Coming in at #15 and #14 are Keola Antolin and Terrell Turner. Turner is a senior who has started since his freshman season (he only caught 1 pass in 3 2006 starts) who has established himself as the possession receiver for the Zona offense. Terrell will play a bigger role as the season progresses, but this is a guy that the staff feels very good about in any situation. Keola burst onto the scene last year with a 10 touchdown season, and looks to add more in 2009. With Nic Grigsby looking very good in week 1, Antolin's best opportunity to shine may be on kickoff returns, where this season he is averaging 32 yards a runback. I think its only a matter of time before the 5'8 stick of dynamite busts one wide open. Look out for these guys and more in Arizona Stadium this week.
Nationally, lets take a look at OSU-USC. A lot has been made about Matt Barkley going into the Horseshoe as a true freshman. I think I stray from the pack in that I don't anticipate him being rattled. This is a kid who has seen his mug in the newspaper and on national TV since he was 15. While the snap count may be an issue, particularly early, Barkley is a smooth operator and I don't think he will let the attention faze him. Lets not forget he has an outstanding running game to boot, always a young quarterback's best friend. I am not impressed by Ohio State's team, outside of Terrelle Pryor. I think that they keep it closer than last year, but USC is still a juggernaut and I don't see anyone getting past Taylor Mays. USC doesn't win big, but they still win.
Looking at the rest of the nation, I think Notre Dame beats a sorry Michigan team. In a battle of Southern California douche bags, Jimmy Clausen outshines Tate Forcier and his basket case father in a game in which we will see plenty of missed tackles. Forcier is the truth, but his supporting cast is pretty lacking, especially when you see guys like Mike Floyd and Golden Tate suiting up for the Irish. In my opinion, its only a matter of time before backup quarterback Denard Robinson moves to receiver for the Wolverines. Robinson is one of the 5 or 6 fastest guys in football, a borderline Olympic caliber sprinter out of Miami who is wasting his time at Quarterback. The sooner they get him on the field full time, the faster Michigan gets its 'stuff' together. I also think the Troy Trojans will play Florida closer than the country expects. Troy is a team full of athletes and nasty junior college guys, and historically they have a pretty good record of keeping things interesting against BCS-level teams. I won't put them on upset alert, but the line in this game could be lucrative for any of you compulsive gamblers out there.
Keep reading, I hope you like this as much as I do. I am going to have a piece that will hopefully make the country shut up about the Donte Stallworth story, as well as some ideas for the NFL and college playoffs. Be safe this weekend folks, and whatever you do, make sure its always Real.
Before this incident gets put to bed, let me just say that I am thrilled with the LeGarrette Blount suspension. There is absolutely no reason to go after fans. It is similar to running a shop or fast food business: the customer is always right. In this instance, the fan is always right. No matter what is said or how vile their actions. Ask soccer stars like Samuel Eto'o or Mario Balotelli, who have both faced entirely worse crowds than the isolated group of drunken idiots Blount encountered. Both of them, who are of African descent, have faced racial taunts, bananas being thrown at them, trash, all sorts of despicable things. Yet never once have you seen them go after a crowd. As a public figure, you absolutely must conduct yourself in a professional manner. Be the bigger man, and let the crowd look like jerks. If not, well, enjoy the season from your sofa, LeGarrette. I also can't stand the Oregon program. Mike Bellotti is not the 'Dean of the Pac-10'. This is a program that has gone to a few big time bowls, I'll give them that, but they are not even close to a national power. Kirk Herbstreit said it best, describing the Ducks as the 'Paris Hilton of college football'. Rich daddy, famous for no reason, and yeah they do look pretty good (debatable on both fronts, IMO). So any time this program comes crashing back down to earth, even if its not that far of a fall, forgive me for enjoying it just a little.
As for the Wildcats, I have a few things to take away from last weeks game. The 19-6 score was disappointing, but touchdowns dropped by Bug Wright and Juron Criner, as well as the Cats taking a knee on the 1, show me a game where the score was never that close, and the outcome never in doubt. Matt Scott played the entire game, which I liked, because it allowed him to grow into the job and get comfortable. Everything I have heard told me that he played his best ball in the second half, once he was given the green light to finish the game. This week, I expect Scott to play at least a half, especially if the result is what we all expect. If Arizona has a big lead at the half, expect Nick Foles to get the playing time he deserves to show the staff that we have a very capable backup.
I am going to give you two guys that I want you to pay attention to against NAU. This is an extension of my countdown, which I have tweaked a little to fit the reason. Coming in at #15 and #14 are Keola Antolin and Terrell Turner. Turner is a senior who has started since his freshman season (he only caught 1 pass in 3 2006 starts) who has established himself as the possession receiver for the Zona offense. Terrell will play a bigger role as the season progresses, but this is a guy that the staff feels very good about in any situation. Keola burst onto the scene last year with a 10 touchdown season, and looks to add more in 2009. With Nic Grigsby looking very good in week 1, Antolin's best opportunity to shine may be on kickoff returns, where this season he is averaging 32 yards a runback. I think its only a matter of time before the 5'8 stick of dynamite busts one wide open. Look out for these guys and more in Arizona Stadium this week.
Nationally, lets take a look at OSU-USC. A lot has been made about Matt Barkley going into the Horseshoe as a true freshman. I think I stray from the pack in that I don't anticipate him being rattled. This is a kid who has seen his mug in the newspaper and on national TV since he was 15. While the snap count may be an issue, particularly early, Barkley is a smooth operator and I don't think he will let the attention faze him. Lets not forget he has an outstanding running game to boot, always a young quarterback's best friend. I am not impressed by Ohio State's team, outside of Terrelle Pryor. I think that they keep it closer than last year, but USC is still a juggernaut and I don't see anyone getting past Taylor Mays. USC doesn't win big, but they still win.
Looking at the rest of the nation, I think Notre Dame beats a sorry Michigan team. In a battle of Southern California douche bags, Jimmy Clausen outshines Tate Forcier and his basket case father in a game in which we will see plenty of missed tackles. Forcier is the truth, but his supporting cast is pretty lacking, especially when you see guys like Mike Floyd and Golden Tate suiting up for the Irish. In my opinion, its only a matter of time before backup quarterback Denard Robinson moves to receiver for the Wolverines. Robinson is one of the 5 or 6 fastest guys in football, a borderline Olympic caliber sprinter out of Miami who is wasting his time at Quarterback. The sooner they get him on the field full time, the faster Michigan gets its 'stuff' together. I also think the Troy Trojans will play Florida closer than the country expects. Troy is a team full of athletes and nasty junior college guys, and historically they have a pretty good record of keeping things interesting against BCS-level teams. I won't put them on upset alert, but the line in this game could be lucrative for any of you compulsive gamblers out there.
Keep reading, I hope you like this as much as I do. I am going to have a piece that will hopefully make the country shut up about the Donte Stallworth story, as well as some ideas for the NFL and college playoffs. Be safe this weekend folks, and whatever you do, make sure its always Real.
Friday, September 4, 2009
College football comes out swingin...
Hey guys, its good to be back. Due to an internet problem, things will be a little different around Real Talk. First, I have made two slight adjustments. The countdown will now be weekly, including bye weeks, and should wrap up around the Territorial Cup. In addition, the extended team previews (of clubs that haven't been covered) will be the week Arizona matches up with them. Today, I will be giving you the much anticipated preview of our Arizona Wildcats. It is not too different from information provided by other outlets, however my opinion is my own and I think I have a few things in here that will surprise you. I will wrap things up with a rough prediction for this week, and my opinion on the now infamous LaGarrette Blount incident up in Boise.
Arizona is a pretty interesting football program. While I can't say that the 'Cats have ever been elite, there are some pretty big accomplishments. A 12-1 season back in 1998 that featured about 15 NFL players is one of them. While some of these guys, such as wideout Jeremy McDaniel, merely had cups of coffee at the highest level, Edwin Mulitalo, Chris McAlister, and Trung Canidate were successful pros. Arizona holds the dubious distinction of never playing in a Rose Bowl. That could change in the not-so-distant future. Head Coach Mike Stoops has now learned what it takes to build a winner. While he has had his fair share of questionable decisions, you cannot argue with the personnell that he has developed in Tucson. After initially going after high profile, high risk players like BJ Vickers, Derke Robinson and, perhaps most famously, Louis Holmes, Stoops has instead decided to go after hungry players who may not be as well known to the rest of the recruiting world. Guys like Keola Antolin and Trevin Wade have already been big time performers, and it stands to reason Stoops may be on to something here. Arizona Stadium seats about 57,000 fans, and while it's size isn't daunting, the place is a rickety, loud, old fashioned trap for visitors. With over 10,000 'courageous' students stretching from end zone to end zone, the Wildcats have a unique home field advantage, which has played a part in several notable giant-killings over the years.
Quarterbacks: I really have nothing to add here that wasn't discussed last week. I am going to predict that Matt Scott gets the first snap of the game. If he suceeds, I don't think that the 2-qb system will come to fruition. If he struggles, big Nick Foles will get the call. I just feel that the staff wants Scott to win, if for no other reason than the added dimensions he gives the offense. The third stringer is Bryson Bierne, who is a smart, nice kid that teammates regard as a leader. True freshman Richard Morrison is waiting in the wings. At about 5'11 and running a 4.3 40, Morrison was coveted as a receiver by Texas and Oklahoma, but chose to come here and compete to call signals. Aside from a disaster scenario, Morrison won't play this year but is a name to keep an eye on in the future.
Running Backs: After rushing for over 1100 yards last season, one would think that Nic Grigsby would get just a little credit for an outstanding season. Instead, the media has acted as if he doesn't exist. Nic has bulked up from his freshman season, going from a 170 pound teenager to a 200 pound machine. The junior is electric, with great moves and a nose for the end zone. Keola Antolin, a touchdown machine from Las Vegas, should see plenty of time as well. Antolin burst onto the scene as a true freshman with a 150 yard, 3 score performance against Cal. He is a hard charging, speedy guy who surprises anyone not named Taylor Mays with his pop. Look for Slip'n'Slide to run for a ton of yards this season, and lets keep our eyes open for these two studs to be on the field together. In short yardage, look for Greg Nwoko, a monster from Texas who has been the talk of the town since spring practice. H-Back Chris Gronkowski proved to be a dangerous receiver when called upon, and the team plays much better when the former baseball player has the ball in his hands.
Receivers: A lot of names, plenty of game. I am starting with TE Rob Gronkowski, the younger brother of H-Back Chris. Rob is 6'6, 240 pounds and is just about perfect. He is the only Tight End I have ever seen pull away from defensive backs with such authority. Not only are his hands money, but the guy is a devastating blocker. Backing him up is former big time recruit AJ Simmons, more of a blocker than receiver, who plays well in short yardage situations. On the outside, Terrell Turner and Delashaun Dean are names that you are no doubt familiar with. The senior Turner has great hands, makes plays in traffic, and is dangerous after the catch. Junior Dean is a big play, flashy kid from the Bay Area who is also a devastating blocker. In addition, Delashaun is one of the coolest names in the game right now. Sophomore Bug Wright will play in the slot. The coaches like to put the former quarterback in motion, utilizing him on fly sweeps, passes, and underneath routes. Classmates David Douglas and Juron Criner will also see a lot of time. the 6'4 Criner, in particular, has the look of a future star about him. True freshman Terrence Miller has been too good to keep off the field, and it wouldnt surprise me if the oversized wideout overtook any number of elder statesmen in the rotation.
Offensive Line: A completely set, solid group. Left tackle Mike Diaz is probably the most talented, a devastating run blocker who has re-tooled his game to replace Eben Britton. Fellow tackle Adam Grant is equally effective when healthy. On the inside, look for Colin Baxter, Vaughn Dotsy, Jovon Hayes, and Conan Amituanai to see the most time. This isn't a great unit, but you have 8 or 9 pretty solid players ready to contribute.
Defensive Line: The star is Brooks Reed. A high school tailback here in Tucson, Reed has dedicated himself in the weight room to becoming a terror on the line. Extremely coachable, strong, and a little creepy, the Thor-like junior looks to build off of an 8.5 sack season. Brooks is a guy you can't help but like, and honestly he may be my favorite player on this team. Opposite him are fellow juniors D'Aundre Reed and Ricky Elmore. Elmore is more steady, while Reed has flashed his potential in spot duty. If D'Aundre could ever keep some weight on his lanky frame, we would be talking about an All league type player. Inside, a rotation of Earl Mitchell, Donald Horton, Lolomana Mikaele and Jonathan Hollins will keep things interesting. Horton is a pass rusher of note, and maybe the coolest guy on the team. The others are very stout against the run. Sophomore Dominique Austin, who won't play a ton this year, is my prediction for future star. The kid has gained 40 pounds in his first year on campus, and is always around the ball when he is in.
Linebackers: The most interesting position on the team. Starters Xavier Kelley, Sterling Lewis, and Vuna Tuihalamaka are all immensly talented seniors. Lewis and Kelley are slightly undersized guys from Texas that have a nose for the ball and really impressed in spot duty last season. Vuna (his last name is spectacular) was so talented that the staff implemented a 3-4 at times just to get him on the field, which tells me all that I need to know. Corey Hall, Orlando Vargas, and newcomer CJ Parish will all see time at one point or another this season.
Defensive Backs: If there is one thing the Stoops boys know, its defensive backs. Just ask Derrick Strait, Andre Woolfolk, Wilrey Fontenot, or Antoine Cason. If your head is in the sand, those 4 are just a handful of Stoops products playing in the NFL. The current crop has a few candidates as well. Starting on the backline, Cam Nelson is primed for a breakout season. A speedy, former option quarterback from Kimball, Texas, Cam is an intellectually gifted specimen who always seemes to close on tacklers and the ball with equal tenacity. Sophomore Robert Golden is probably the biggest hitter in the group, a former corner and quite the ambassador to the University of Arizona when it comes to recruiting. At corner, its the Devin and Trevin show. Devin Ross, a former high school All-American, is back for another outstanding year. Despite taking a lump or two last season (I still maintain the OSU debacle wasn't his fault), Ross is one of the premier corners in the nation. Wade is a ball-hawk, a kid who had 4 picks last year and very nearly 3 or 4 more. Trevin's only other option out of high school was to walk on. Early indications are that the rest of Division 1 football completely missed the boat. Bold Prediction: Senior Brandon Tatum will come up big for the 'Cats this year. Another All-American, Brandon has been seemingly lost in the shuffle his entire career. The light has gone on for him, and with his physical attributes (best athlete on the team, related to legend Jack Tatum) you can't help but think that he will be a big part of the team. Please take note of the Arizona 'A' that is tatooed on Brandon's wrist. A guy who loves his school and team that much will come through in the clutch, of that I have no doubt. I also look for contributions from former LSU commit Marcus Benjamin. Marcus is another ball-hawking corner from the south-central United States. At 6'1, 200, he looks to be first in line when D Ross moves on to the NFL.
Special Teams: Punter Keenyn Crier has a boot, and reportedly has finally learned consistency. Crier has an NFL caliber leg, and 2 more years to hone his craft. Deep snapper Jason Bertoni returns for his senior season. Last season wasn't his best, but Bertoni has worked very hard this offseason to be better and I expect a banner year from him, meaning this is the last time you hear his name. Your kick returner will probably be Travis Cobb, a junior college transfer with great speed and vision. I like Bug Wright at punt returner. You probably don't remember, due in large part to the announcers screwing up (hey, its FSN!) but Bug had a 52 yard return against UCLA in his only real duty. Sophomore Alex Zendejas has struggled in camp, but the kid has a strong leg and enough family advice to keep him chugging. While he won't be as good as Nick Folk, I think Alex will come around.
Season Outlook: To me, it all depends on Stoops. If he truly has grown, this is a 9 or even 10 win ballclub. If not, expect another year slumming for a mediocre bowl. I prefer option #1, but college football is beautiful in that it is so unpredictable. As far as saturday goes, Central Michigan is certainly talented enough to win. But Arizona is better. If we (I am a Wildcat) play our game (again, it literally is my team, unlike the NFL or NBA), The 'Chips go home empty handed. But if Zona's players aren't willing to respect their opponent and play disciplined football, expect another nerve racking fall in Tucson.
As far as tonight's game, you may never see draft stock plummet so spectacularly. Short of killing a baby, LeGarrette Blount couln't have done anything more to damage his pro prospects. Rushing 8 times for -5 yards is bad enough, but then you have his postgame shenanigans. Let me tell you what I think here. First, Blount has been running his mouth in the papers for some time, including the now famous last words "(Boise State) needs a (butt)kicking". This is a family blog, I can't give you the real quote. Im cure that Byron Hout, the clown from Boise State, was asking if he had received his "buttkicking" from Blount yet. While Hout was completely out of line and in very poor taste, Mr. Blount needs to realize that you can't react that way. After dropping Hout, and rumor has it Byron is short a tooth tonight, Oregon's team cancer got into it with a teammate. Then some 'courageous' (note: that is a euphemism) college students decided to tell him what they thought of the game. If it wasn't for former Nebraska QB and Duck assistant Scott Frost, I have no doubt that one LeGarrette Blount would have gone postal in the Bronco Student section. It hasn't been confirmed, but he reportedly took a swing at an officer of the law in the tunnel while being dragged to the locker room.
Look, those kids and Byron Hout were way out of line. But I don't think Blount should get a pass here. If I am the coach, he is off the team effective right now. I am not even sure I let him travel back to Eugene with the team. There is no place for his actions in college athletics. His job is a privelege and I think he no longer earns opportunity to suit up for the Ducks. I am firmly in the camp of "Kick LeGarrette to the curb". And for the record, if anyone on Arizona ran into the stands following a loss, I say good riddance and time to move on to him as well. This is Mike Bellotti's first big challenge as AD, and the eyes of the entire College football world are on him. On the real, don't screw this up, Mike.
Sadly, I will not be at saturday's game. I have uncovered several awesome deals and will be in Vegas enjoying the festivities that come with long weekends. I pray that all of you, including the dozens of kids joining me on our journey to Nevada, exercise caution. There are too many avoidable things that can go wrong in college, so be smart and use good judgement. I know that I will do my best, and I can't wait to write some more for you guys upon my return to the Old Pueblo next week. Stay real folks.
Arizona is a pretty interesting football program. While I can't say that the 'Cats have ever been elite, there are some pretty big accomplishments. A 12-1 season back in 1998 that featured about 15 NFL players is one of them. While some of these guys, such as wideout Jeremy McDaniel, merely had cups of coffee at the highest level, Edwin Mulitalo, Chris McAlister, and Trung Canidate were successful pros. Arizona holds the dubious distinction of never playing in a Rose Bowl. That could change in the not-so-distant future. Head Coach Mike Stoops has now learned what it takes to build a winner. While he has had his fair share of questionable decisions, you cannot argue with the personnell that he has developed in Tucson. After initially going after high profile, high risk players like BJ Vickers, Derke Robinson and, perhaps most famously, Louis Holmes, Stoops has instead decided to go after hungry players who may not be as well known to the rest of the recruiting world. Guys like Keola Antolin and Trevin Wade have already been big time performers, and it stands to reason Stoops may be on to something here. Arizona Stadium seats about 57,000 fans, and while it's size isn't daunting, the place is a rickety, loud, old fashioned trap for visitors. With over 10,000 'courageous' students stretching from end zone to end zone, the Wildcats have a unique home field advantage, which has played a part in several notable giant-killings over the years.
Quarterbacks: I really have nothing to add here that wasn't discussed last week. I am going to predict that Matt Scott gets the first snap of the game. If he suceeds, I don't think that the 2-qb system will come to fruition. If he struggles, big Nick Foles will get the call. I just feel that the staff wants Scott to win, if for no other reason than the added dimensions he gives the offense. The third stringer is Bryson Bierne, who is a smart, nice kid that teammates regard as a leader. True freshman Richard Morrison is waiting in the wings. At about 5'11 and running a 4.3 40, Morrison was coveted as a receiver by Texas and Oklahoma, but chose to come here and compete to call signals. Aside from a disaster scenario, Morrison won't play this year but is a name to keep an eye on in the future.
Running Backs: After rushing for over 1100 yards last season, one would think that Nic Grigsby would get just a little credit for an outstanding season. Instead, the media has acted as if he doesn't exist. Nic has bulked up from his freshman season, going from a 170 pound teenager to a 200 pound machine. The junior is electric, with great moves and a nose for the end zone. Keola Antolin, a touchdown machine from Las Vegas, should see plenty of time as well. Antolin burst onto the scene as a true freshman with a 150 yard, 3 score performance against Cal. He is a hard charging, speedy guy who surprises anyone not named Taylor Mays with his pop. Look for Slip'n'Slide to run for a ton of yards this season, and lets keep our eyes open for these two studs to be on the field together. In short yardage, look for Greg Nwoko, a monster from Texas who has been the talk of the town since spring practice. H-Back Chris Gronkowski proved to be a dangerous receiver when called upon, and the team plays much better when the former baseball player has the ball in his hands.
Receivers: A lot of names, plenty of game. I am starting with TE Rob Gronkowski, the younger brother of H-Back Chris. Rob is 6'6, 240 pounds and is just about perfect. He is the only Tight End I have ever seen pull away from defensive backs with such authority. Not only are his hands money, but the guy is a devastating blocker. Backing him up is former big time recruit AJ Simmons, more of a blocker than receiver, who plays well in short yardage situations. On the outside, Terrell Turner and Delashaun Dean are names that you are no doubt familiar with. The senior Turner has great hands, makes plays in traffic, and is dangerous after the catch. Junior Dean is a big play, flashy kid from the Bay Area who is also a devastating blocker. In addition, Delashaun is one of the coolest names in the game right now. Sophomore Bug Wright will play in the slot. The coaches like to put the former quarterback in motion, utilizing him on fly sweeps, passes, and underneath routes. Classmates David Douglas and Juron Criner will also see a lot of time. the 6'4 Criner, in particular, has the look of a future star about him. True freshman Terrence Miller has been too good to keep off the field, and it wouldnt surprise me if the oversized wideout overtook any number of elder statesmen in the rotation.
Offensive Line: A completely set, solid group. Left tackle Mike Diaz is probably the most talented, a devastating run blocker who has re-tooled his game to replace Eben Britton. Fellow tackle Adam Grant is equally effective when healthy. On the inside, look for Colin Baxter, Vaughn Dotsy, Jovon Hayes, and Conan Amituanai to see the most time. This isn't a great unit, but you have 8 or 9 pretty solid players ready to contribute.
Defensive Line: The star is Brooks Reed. A high school tailback here in Tucson, Reed has dedicated himself in the weight room to becoming a terror on the line. Extremely coachable, strong, and a little creepy, the Thor-like junior looks to build off of an 8.5 sack season. Brooks is a guy you can't help but like, and honestly he may be my favorite player on this team. Opposite him are fellow juniors D'Aundre Reed and Ricky Elmore. Elmore is more steady, while Reed has flashed his potential in spot duty. If D'Aundre could ever keep some weight on his lanky frame, we would be talking about an All league type player. Inside, a rotation of Earl Mitchell, Donald Horton, Lolomana Mikaele and Jonathan Hollins will keep things interesting. Horton is a pass rusher of note, and maybe the coolest guy on the team. The others are very stout against the run. Sophomore Dominique Austin, who won't play a ton this year, is my prediction for future star. The kid has gained 40 pounds in his first year on campus, and is always around the ball when he is in.
Linebackers: The most interesting position on the team. Starters Xavier Kelley, Sterling Lewis, and Vuna Tuihalamaka are all immensly talented seniors. Lewis and Kelley are slightly undersized guys from Texas that have a nose for the ball and really impressed in spot duty last season. Vuna (his last name is spectacular) was so talented that the staff implemented a 3-4 at times just to get him on the field, which tells me all that I need to know. Corey Hall, Orlando Vargas, and newcomer CJ Parish will all see time at one point or another this season.
Defensive Backs: If there is one thing the Stoops boys know, its defensive backs. Just ask Derrick Strait, Andre Woolfolk, Wilrey Fontenot, or Antoine Cason. If your head is in the sand, those 4 are just a handful of Stoops products playing in the NFL. The current crop has a few candidates as well. Starting on the backline, Cam Nelson is primed for a breakout season. A speedy, former option quarterback from Kimball, Texas, Cam is an intellectually gifted specimen who always seemes to close on tacklers and the ball with equal tenacity. Sophomore Robert Golden is probably the biggest hitter in the group, a former corner and quite the ambassador to the University of Arizona when it comes to recruiting. At corner, its the Devin and Trevin show. Devin Ross, a former high school All-American, is back for another outstanding year. Despite taking a lump or two last season (I still maintain the OSU debacle wasn't his fault), Ross is one of the premier corners in the nation. Wade is a ball-hawk, a kid who had 4 picks last year and very nearly 3 or 4 more. Trevin's only other option out of high school was to walk on. Early indications are that the rest of Division 1 football completely missed the boat. Bold Prediction: Senior Brandon Tatum will come up big for the 'Cats this year. Another All-American, Brandon has been seemingly lost in the shuffle his entire career. The light has gone on for him, and with his physical attributes (best athlete on the team, related to legend Jack Tatum) you can't help but think that he will be a big part of the team. Please take note of the Arizona 'A' that is tatooed on Brandon's wrist. A guy who loves his school and team that much will come through in the clutch, of that I have no doubt. I also look for contributions from former LSU commit Marcus Benjamin. Marcus is another ball-hawking corner from the south-central United States. At 6'1, 200, he looks to be first in line when D Ross moves on to the NFL.
Special Teams: Punter Keenyn Crier has a boot, and reportedly has finally learned consistency. Crier has an NFL caliber leg, and 2 more years to hone his craft. Deep snapper Jason Bertoni returns for his senior season. Last season wasn't his best, but Bertoni has worked very hard this offseason to be better and I expect a banner year from him, meaning this is the last time you hear his name. Your kick returner will probably be Travis Cobb, a junior college transfer with great speed and vision. I like Bug Wright at punt returner. You probably don't remember, due in large part to the announcers screwing up (hey, its FSN!) but Bug had a 52 yard return against UCLA in his only real duty. Sophomore Alex Zendejas has struggled in camp, but the kid has a strong leg and enough family advice to keep him chugging. While he won't be as good as Nick Folk, I think Alex will come around.
Season Outlook: To me, it all depends on Stoops. If he truly has grown, this is a 9 or even 10 win ballclub. If not, expect another year slumming for a mediocre bowl. I prefer option #1, but college football is beautiful in that it is so unpredictable. As far as saturday goes, Central Michigan is certainly talented enough to win. But Arizona is better. If we (I am a Wildcat) play our game (again, it literally is my team, unlike the NFL or NBA), The 'Chips go home empty handed. But if Zona's players aren't willing to respect their opponent and play disciplined football, expect another nerve racking fall in Tucson.
As far as tonight's game, you may never see draft stock plummet so spectacularly. Short of killing a baby, LeGarrette Blount couln't have done anything more to damage his pro prospects. Rushing 8 times for -5 yards is bad enough, but then you have his postgame shenanigans. Let me tell you what I think here. First, Blount has been running his mouth in the papers for some time, including the now famous last words "(Boise State) needs a (butt)kicking". This is a family blog, I can't give you the real quote. Im cure that Byron Hout, the clown from Boise State, was asking if he had received his "buttkicking" from Blount yet. While Hout was completely out of line and in very poor taste, Mr. Blount needs to realize that you can't react that way. After dropping Hout, and rumor has it Byron is short a tooth tonight, Oregon's team cancer got into it with a teammate. Then some 'courageous' (note: that is a euphemism) college students decided to tell him what they thought of the game. If it wasn't for former Nebraska QB and Duck assistant Scott Frost, I have no doubt that one LeGarrette Blount would have gone postal in the Bronco Student section. It hasn't been confirmed, but he reportedly took a swing at an officer of the law in the tunnel while being dragged to the locker room.
Look, those kids and Byron Hout were way out of line. But I don't think Blount should get a pass here. If I am the coach, he is off the team effective right now. I am not even sure I let him travel back to Eugene with the team. There is no place for his actions in college athletics. His job is a privelege and I think he no longer earns opportunity to suit up for the Ducks. I am firmly in the camp of "Kick LeGarrette to the curb". And for the record, if anyone on Arizona ran into the stands following a loss, I say good riddance and time to move on to him as well. This is Mike Bellotti's first big challenge as AD, and the eyes of the entire College football world are on him. On the real, don't screw this up, Mike.
Sadly, I will not be at saturday's game. I have uncovered several awesome deals and will be in Vegas enjoying the festivities that come with long weekends. I pray that all of you, including the dozens of kids joining me on our journey to Nevada, exercise caution. There are too many avoidable things that can go wrong in college, so be smart and use good judgement. I know that I will do my best, and I can't wait to write some more for you guys upon my return to the Old Pueblo next week. Stay real folks.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Quarterbackin
Todays entry will focus on the most intriguing dilemma that Arizona fans are faced with. Who will replace Willie Tuitama as the starting quarterback? Competing for the job we have two talented yet inexperienced sophomores, Nick Foles and Matt Scott. A distant third, btw, is Bryson Bierne. For the record, Scott is #15 on my countdown and Foles is #14. Also, I will be straying just a little from the traditional format as many of the things usually covered within the countdown will be covered here.
Nick Foles is a 6'5, 235 pound sophomore who hails from Texas. Attending the same high school as Drew Brees, Foles rewrote Austin Westlake's record books, compiling one of the most spectacular prep careers in Texas history. That, my friends, is no small feat. Nick is a pretty solid athlete, has a strong arm, and possesses great composure. He saw some PT in 2007, as a true freshman at Michigan State. Foles decided that he didn't like the cold weather and headed to Tucson. Interestingly, and I will touch on this later, Foles committed to head coach Dirk Koetter and Arizona State before Koetter was ousted, leading to his de-commitment.
Matt Scott is about 6'3 190, and has a completely different skillset. Scott played for Centennial High in Corona, California, on one of the most loaded teams in Southern California history. Interestingly, he has 6 former teammates playing for the bad guys up in Tempe, including Ryan Bass, a former UA commit who fell for the ASU 'plan'. While it did get him into school, he is looking like a bust thus far. More on him later. As for Scott, he is a devastating runner, in my opinion one of the 5 fastest guys on the team. He served as Tuitama's primary backup last year (Foles had to sit out as a transfer) and looked good early before being relegated to spot duty against Oregon and a few other teams. He was 7 for 11 with a touchdown and no interceptions last year, and also was the Wildcats #3 rusher, averaging 8.8 yards a carry.
Arm: While most assume that the mammoth Foles has the advantage here, I am not so sure. He has good touch on intermediate and deep routes, and does a great job of going through progressions. What I really don't like about Foles arm is his release. It isn't sidearm, but in the spring game the ball looked more like a shot put. Scott has some work to do on the deep ball, but he is much better on the short stuff. Bubble screens, outs, swing passes to the backs, and quick strikes to Rob Gronkowski are huge parts of the offense. I think that Foles takes the intermediate and the progression, while I like Scott's release better and his short game is a considerable strength. I give this a Push, which I am sure shocks man of you.
On the run: Foles is a solid runner. Scott, however, is a great one. He is more dangerous in the open field than any quarterback in the conference. With Scott, you would see a lot more stuff incorporated into the offense, such as option, fly sweeps, and zone reads. Don't get me wrong, Nick is no slouch. Defensive Ends and Linebackers will have to respect his abilities on roll out plays. However, Scott is so dangerous that it changes the way you call a game. The running ability is a total win for Scott.
Poise: This is where Nick separates himself for some fans, particularly after last night. He comes across as a hell of a guy (so does Scott) in interviews, and looked great in the huddle. After dropped passes or mistakes by teammates, Foles appeared to be composed in the huddle and shrugged it off. Having a short memory can't hurt. In last night's scrimmage Matt was plagued by drops from the get-go, including a beautiful deep ball to DeWayne Peace (more on him at the end). He appeared visibly frustrated, and his performance seemed to reflect that. Matt is by no means a spaz, and I hope none of you are drawing comparisons to Trudy Carpenter up north, who had an entire offense quit on him last season. Nick just seems to have a cooler head, and that's why I give Foles the nod here.
Miscellaneous: As you can see, things are even to this point. This is where I feel that the two separate just a little. Nick seems to have a tough time in the pocket. He has poor technique on his drops, and has backed into his own offensive line a few times, in effect collapsing his own pocket and creating a sack. Also, at one point his master plan was to attend Arizona State. We can't have that (KIDDING). More importantly is the rapport with the go-to receivers. The coaching staff has been very careful with Gronkowski and junior Delashaun Dean during fall camp. However, throughout the off season I noticed that Scott did a better job of getting Dela and Gronk the ball. With the two key receiving cogs in, the offense moves better, and Scott is just better at getting it to these two guys. So, I give the edge to Scott.
Let me make something very clear. I do believe that Matt Scott should get the ball against Central Michigan on September 5th. The simple reason is that he knows where to put the ball, and the offense becomes that much more dangerous. However, I feel GREAT about the team if Nick is the man. I also want a starter decided on. I don't think whoever it is should have a 'short leash', in fact to some extent let them build off the positives and the negatives of their actions on the field. I hate two quarterback systems. Arizona fans will point out Keith Smith and Ortege Jenkins, who shared the reins in '98, leading the Cats to a victory over Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. Despite a great year, I think the Cats should have stuck with one (my pick would be Smith, an undersized gunslinger and all-around BAMF) and gone from there. Others will point to the Leak-Tebow combo that led Florida to a national title. Honestly, that team had a noticeable change in pace whenever they made a switch, and in my opinion, it wasn't even a platoon. They essentially used Tebow in the 'Wildcat' formation, running about 3 plays with him.
Whoever gets the call, I expect all of you to treat our boy with respect, be patient, and cheer him on. Remember, we are Wildcat fans, not Scott or Foles fans, first.
DeWayne Peace is a talented freshman receiver from just outside of Dallas, Texas. At one point, he was heading to Michigan before changing his mind. His final two choices were Oklahoma State and Arizona. While he didn't have a high 'star' ranking, take a look at those schools. We beat out Rich Rodriguez and Mike Gundy for this kid. Two leading experts on the spread offense. In camp, DeWayne has shown a ton of talent, but two things are holding him back. He is inconsistent as hell. Peace has a bad case of the dropsy's, and that can't happen here. He has run a little with the number one offense, but we simply cannot have a guy booting the ball around with young quarterbacks. Give him a red shirt, and let him dominate from 2010 forward. Secondly, he wears number 9. On offense, the last man to don good old 9 was Anthony Johnson. AJ was big, athletic, and a hell of a guy. He had one major problem. Drops. Whether it was a touchdown against BYU, or 3! count em 3! scores dropped against New Mexico (you may remember, we lost by 2 points), he had a knack for hauling in the most unlikely passes. At the same time, he would drop bubble screens and easy catches in stride. To rid this current squad of previous demons, Peace HAS GOT to change his number. In an epilogue, I hope things are going well for AJ. Like I said, couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. But college football is not a charity, and unfortunately for all his talents he never came close to an (enormous) potential. Lets hope history isn't repeating itself here. For Real.
Nick Foles is a 6'5, 235 pound sophomore who hails from Texas. Attending the same high school as Drew Brees, Foles rewrote Austin Westlake's record books, compiling one of the most spectacular prep careers in Texas history. That, my friends, is no small feat. Nick is a pretty solid athlete, has a strong arm, and possesses great composure. He saw some PT in 2007, as a true freshman at Michigan State. Foles decided that he didn't like the cold weather and headed to Tucson. Interestingly, and I will touch on this later, Foles committed to head coach Dirk Koetter and Arizona State before Koetter was ousted, leading to his de-commitment.
Matt Scott is about 6'3 190, and has a completely different skillset. Scott played for Centennial High in Corona, California, on one of the most loaded teams in Southern California history. Interestingly, he has 6 former teammates playing for the bad guys up in Tempe, including Ryan Bass, a former UA commit who fell for the ASU 'plan'. While it did get him into school, he is looking like a bust thus far. More on him later. As for Scott, he is a devastating runner, in my opinion one of the 5 fastest guys on the team. He served as Tuitama's primary backup last year (Foles had to sit out as a transfer) and looked good early before being relegated to spot duty against Oregon and a few other teams. He was 7 for 11 with a touchdown and no interceptions last year, and also was the Wildcats #3 rusher, averaging 8.8 yards a carry.
Arm: While most assume that the mammoth Foles has the advantage here, I am not so sure. He has good touch on intermediate and deep routes, and does a great job of going through progressions. What I really don't like about Foles arm is his release. It isn't sidearm, but in the spring game the ball looked more like a shot put. Scott has some work to do on the deep ball, but he is much better on the short stuff. Bubble screens, outs, swing passes to the backs, and quick strikes to Rob Gronkowski are huge parts of the offense. I think that Foles takes the intermediate and the progression, while I like Scott's release better and his short game is a considerable strength. I give this a Push, which I am sure shocks man of you.
On the run: Foles is a solid runner. Scott, however, is a great one. He is more dangerous in the open field than any quarterback in the conference. With Scott, you would see a lot more stuff incorporated into the offense, such as option, fly sweeps, and zone reads. Don't get me wrong, Nick is no slouch. Defensive Ends and Linebackers will have to respect his abilities on roll out plays. However, Scott is so dangerous that it changes the way you call a game. The running ability is a total win for Scott.
Poise: This is where Nick separates himself for some fans, particularly after last night. He comes across as a hell of a guy (so does Scott) in interviews, and looked great in the huddle. After dropped passes or mistakes by teammates, Foles appeared to be composed in the huddle and shrugged it off. Having a short memory can't hurt. In last night's scrimmage Matt was plagued by drops from the get-go, including a beautiful deep ball to DeWayne Peace (more on him at the end). He appeared visibly frustrated, and his performance seemed to reflect that. Matt is by no means a spaz, and I hope none of you are drawing comparisons to Trudy Carpenter up north, who had an entire offense quit on him last season. Nick just seems to have a cooler head, and that's why I give Foles the nod here.
Miscellaneous: As you can see, things are even to this point. This is where I feel that the two separate just a little. Nick seems to have a tough time in the pocket. He has poor technique on his drops, and has backed into his own offensive line a few times, in effect collapsing his own pocket and creating a sack. Also, at one point his master plan was to attend Arizona State. We can't have that (KIDDING). More importantly is the rapport with the go-to receivers. The coaching staff has been very careful with Gronkowski and junior Delashaun Dean during fall camp. However, throughout the off season I noticed that Scott did a better job of getting Dela and Gronk the ball. With the two key receiving cogs in, the offense moves better, and Scott is just better at getting it to these two guys. So, I give the edge to Scott.
Let me make something very clear. I do believe that Matt Scott should get the ball against Central Michigan on September 5th. The simple reason is that he knows where to put the ball, and the offense becomes that much more dangerous. However, I feel GREAT about the team if Nick is the man. I also want a starter decided on. I don't think whoever it is should have a 'short leash', in fact to some extent let them build off the positives and the negatives of their actions on the field. I hate two quarterback systems. Arizona fans will point out Keith Smith and Ortege Jenkins, who shared the reins in '98, leading the Cats to a victory over Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. Despite a great year, I think the Cats should have stuck with one (my pick would be Smith, an undersized gunslinger and all-around BAMF) and gone from there. Others will point to the Leak-Tebow combo that led Florida to a national title. Honestly, that team had a noticeable change in pace whenever they made a switch, and in my opinion, it wasn't even a platoon. They essentially used Tebow in the 'Wildcat' formation, running about 3 plays with him.
Whoever gets the call, I expect all of you to treat our boy with respect, be patient, and cheer him on. Remember, we are Wildcat fans, not Scott or Foles fans, first.
DeWayne Peace is a talented freshman receiver from just outside of Dallas, Texas. At one point, he was heading to Michigan before changing his mind. His final two choices were Oklahoma State and Arizona. While he didn't have a high 'star' ranking, take a look at those schools. We beat out Rich Rodriguez and Mike Gundy for this kid. Two leading experts on the spread offense. In camp, DeWayne has shown a ton of talent, but two things are holding him back. He is inconsistent as hell. Peace has a bad case of the dropsy's, and that can't happen here. He has run a little with the number one offense, but we simply cannot have a guy booting the ball around with young quarterbacks. Give him a red shirt, and let him dominate from 2010 forward. Secondly, he wears number 9. On offense, the last man to don good old 9 was Anthony Johnson. AJ was big, athletic, and a hell of a guy. He had one major problem. Drops. Whether it was a touchdown against BYU, or 3! count em 3! scores dropped against New Mexico (you may remember, we lost by 2 points), he had a knack for hauling in the most unlikely passes. At the same time, he would drop bubble screens and easy catches in stride. To rid this current squad of previous demons, Peace HAS GOT to change his number. In an epilogue, I hope things are going well for AJ. Like I said, couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. But college football is not a charity, and unfortunately for all his talents he never came close to an (enormous) potential. Lets hope history isn't repeating itself here. For Real.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Hiatus
I would like to apologize for my extended hiatus. Moving from one place to another has dominated my attention the past few days so unfortunately we have fallen a little behind. As a result, we will be going with 2 players a day until the season starts, as well as a return of the season previews of particular teams. Today, we will have the Oregon Ducks.
Coming in at #17 on my countdown of Wildcats is Cam Nelson. Cam is a senior safety from Dallas. You may not recognize him on campus, he is a pretty quiet dude, but rest assured #20 is plastered (in a good way) across billboards throughout southern Arizona. Cam is a three year starter, a guy that began his career as a corner back here at Arizona. What a lot of people don't know about him is that in high school he was an outstanding quarterback, and as a true frosh there was some consideration to move him there. You may recall that at that point wide receivers Syndric Steptoe and Anthony Johnson had taken snaps at quarterback, with Johnson even getting a start. Lets hope that this season it doesn't come to that. Cam is no doubt the face of the program this season, an outstanding leader and potentially the smartest player on the field. Other than Taylor Mays, I would challenge any of you to give me a faster safety than Nelson. His primary strengths are subtle nuances of the game. He calls out the defense, lines everyone up, things like that. Cam takes perfect angles, and is perfect as the last line of defense because of his tackling ability. The one thing I don't love about his game is his ball skills. In two seasons as a starter, Cam has notched Zero interceptions. While I would love to see him force takeaways in a more aggressive manner, he is far from a liability in pass coverage. Look for senior Cam Nelson to garner all league type accolades at the end of the season.
#16 is Trevin Wade. Another Texan in Tucson, Wade joins Nelson in the defensive backfield. Last season, the sophomore played about 50 snaps. Despite the lack of defensive playing time, (he got a lot of run on coverage units) Wade tied for the team lead with 4 interceptions. Trevin was a 2 star recruit, who literally did not have another division one scholarship offer. This goes to show you the outstanding evaluating abilities Arizona's coaching staff posses. From the day he showed up for his first practice, Wade has frustrated Arizona quarterbacks to the point that they don't even challenge him in practice anymore. It isn't too big of a stretch to see that extend to games.
On to the Oregon Ducks. Oregon is a program that has become something of a national name, however the Ducks have taken a circuitous route to get there. Nike owner Phil Knight (known affectionately as Uncle Phil around campus) has pumped a ton of capital into the program, producing maybe the best facilities in the nation, not to mention way too many uniform designs. This has led to a solid team that routinely challenges for conference supremacy and even makes some noise on a national level. The Ducks play in Autzen Stadium, maybe the roughest environment on the West Coast or anywhere. Similar to Iowa's Kinnick, the fans are mere feet away from the players, with some of the smallest sidelines around. Look on any list of 'toughest places to play'. Autzen is right up there with any of the Big 12 or SEC cathedrals. This season, the Ducks introduce a new coach, Chip Kelly. Kelly is the mastermind behind a wildly successful offense that has turned the PAC-10 upside down, isolating players in unlikely one on one match ups and springing guys loose on gadget plays throughout the season. Regardless of his familiarity with the program, there is a lot of turnover on this squad, not only from graduating but from player defections, which has to alarm fans.
Quarterback: This is the nerve center of any offense, but here things are a little different. The Ducks offense utilizes athletic signal callers in a way that gets them in places to create big plays. Wide Receiver throwbacks, flea-flickers, and other crazy plays are a norm here and something coaches must prepare for. The man with the keys to the machine, at least to start the season, is Jeremiah Masoli. Despite a ton of success in junior college, Masoli was pretty under-recruited, perhaps due to his size. His skillset is similar to that of a running back, and at 5'11 and probably 220 pounds Masoli sure looks the part. He is a pretty solid passer who came into his own late last season, but his best attribute is as a runner. With Pat White moving on, I am not sure how many dual-threat quarterbacks have the makeup of a Masoli. Basically, with Masoli behind center the Ducks are always in a "Wild" formation. The backups are Nate Costa, another outstanding runner who nearly beat out Dennis Dixon in 2006 but is always hurt, and sophomore Darron Thomas, who looked to run away with the starting job before a car accident last season. These guys are all good, which is fortunate for Ducks fans because history shows a lot of injuries at this spot.
Running Back: The best player on this team is LeGarrette Blount, who stormed onto the scene via junior college in Mississippi last season. Not since LenDale White has there been such a stunning combination of power and speed in one body. He will play alongside LaMichael James in what should be dubbed, 'Le Backfield' (shout out to Graham Landry). James is a speed guy, and will play a role similar to Cal's Shane Vereen this season. Rounding out the rotation is Andre Crenshaw, a steady senior who has always produced when his number gets called. This is a great group, right up there with the units in South Central, Berkeley, and Corvallis in my opinion.
Receiver: This is a position with a fair amount of turnover this year. Gone are the dependable Terrence Scott and the massive, perennially underachieving Jaison Williams. At 6'5, 240 and maybe the fastest receiver in the PAC-10, Williams has to be considered the biggest disappointment since the setback Dennis Dixon had in Arizona a few years back. (NOTE: It's great to see Dixon get some PT in the NFL. Here's a guy who does everything right and unfortunately caught a terrible break. At Real Talk we are rooting for DD to make a ton of money in the League) This year, Jeff Maehl and Jamere Holland are the names to remember. After that, I see a pretty big drop off, but Oregon has brought in several JC guys, and that is always something they have success with. Holland is a huge X-factor. A former USC commit, Jamere was the United States fastest teenager back in 2006, running a 10.3 in the 100 meters. If he has figured out the nuances of the position, look out. Tight end Ed Dickson bears the unfortunate task of playing in the shadow of one Rob Gronkowski. This guy is an elite player in his own right, and coach Kelly is always finding new ways to get the ball in his hands.
Offensive Line: I'm not going to give you any names here, because this is an area where the Ducks were hit pretty hard by graduation. Oregon finds some of the biggest guys in division one football, and they generally have a pretty talented unit, so I wouldn't expect anything different this year. However, with so many newcomers there will be growing pains, and it wouldn't shock me to see Masoli and Blount struggle early while the line gels. If they stay healthy into November, look out. This is a squad with some dangerous guys and once the line gets up to speed, this offense turns games into a track meet. Just ask Oregon State, Oklahoma State, or anybody down here in Tucson.
Defensive Line: Another place where the Ducks lost a lot of talent, including a starter who transferred, apparently not fitting in with the Kelly regime. You may remember the name Will Tukuafu. Big Will was an Arizona commit, who then proceeded to have a 'dream' about playing in Eugene, which changed his plans. Other than ASU's Dexter Davis, and maybe Cal's Cam Jordan, I think Will is the best end in the league. He is about 280 pounds, which means unlike many of the smaller end/'backer hybrids you are starting to see he can play the run. Tukuafu will be a very high pick for any 3-4 defense come April. Other than that, this group is a bunch of unknowns.
Linebacker: This is a solid, dependable unit for the Ducks. Spencer Paysinger was second on the squad in tackles last year with 95, not bad for his first season as a starter. The junior plays in the weak side, and will be flanked by classmate Casey Matthews. Matthews is very disruptive around the line of scrimmage. The strong side backer will be either sophomore Eddie Pleasant or JC transfer Bryson Littlejohn. Littlejohn was one of my favorite recruits to follow last season, a slightly undersized 6'1 227 who hits like a train. Several schools wanted to enlist Bryson as a fullback, but the Ducks and their willingness to put him on defense ultimately won out. Depth will be provided by DeWitt Stuckey, Josh Kaddu, and former Arizona commit Terrance Pritchett, who hasn't been able to stay out of trouble in Eugene.
Secondary: I don't know about Good, Bad and Ugly, but this is without question a weird group. Rover TJ Ward returns and is right up there with the aforementioned Cam Nelson and Taylor Mays as far as safeties go. Ward is a former walk-on, and basically is a 4th linebacker, often playing close to the line of scrimmage and shadowing tailbacks. At the other safety I will give you a bunch of names: Titus Jackson, Brian Butterfield, Javes Lewis, and John Boyett. Any one of these guys could be the opening day free safety and it wouldn't shock me. At corner, ball-hawk Walter Thurmond III returns for his senior season. Thurmond posted 5 interceptions lasts season, and is a guy that must be avoided, or at least thrown at only occasionally. Opposite him, senior and former DeLaSalle standout Willie Glasper and junior Talmadge Jackson are in a tight battle to start.
P.S. RIP Todd Doxey. You may remember his tragic passing last summer in Eugene. Dox was a stand up guy, a great character, and a hell of a family man, not to mention one of San Diego's most decorated athletes of all time. We miss you buddy.
Special Teams: The kicker will be Morgan Flint. Flint wasn't called upon much last season, going 7-9 from the field. He is pretty dependable and a guy that fans have to have confidence in. However, he is completely untested from distance so its a gamble lining him up from beyond 40 yards. The punter from last season, Josh Syria, moves on, so any number of guys could get the job there. Last season Thurmond and Talmadge Jackson got reps as kick returners, and it wouldn't shock me to see LaMichael James utilized back there as well. Punt Returner is wide open.
Season Outlook: From 1-22, I have to say I really like the starters. I do, however, see them running into depth problems. Off season transfers mean that the Ducks have 10 or so less players on scholarship than the rest of the league. If any starter at almost any position misses extended time, the Ducks can't feel good (save for maybe QB). If healthy, this is a potential 10 win club. If not, than anything can truly happen.
How can the Wildcats win? On defense, you need to essentially trap Masoli and Blount. I would throw the kitchen sink at this line, who may or may not be a firmly established group of guys. Blitzes from unexpected angles, and hitting them right, will stop this offense in its tracks. Play a zone close to the line of scrimmage, and Dare Masoli to beat you deep. Is he capable, yes, but the Ducks are much more dangerous on running plays and quick hitters and long, developed routes. On offense, the Gronkowski brothers had a field day against the Ducks last season. While I don't think Rob will have another 12 catch performance, the linebackers aren't outstanding in coverage. Utilizing the Gronks, Terrence Miller, and the running backs could pay dividends here. It is too early to tell, but with this being a November home game for the 'Cats I feel pretty good about it.
Tomorrow's blog will focus on the Arizona quarterback competition. It has grabbed headlines for weeks now, and rumor has it the starter could be named Monday. Keep reading, its been Real.
Coming in at #17 on my countdown of Wildcats is Cam Nelson. Cam is a senior safety from Dallas. You may not recognize him on campus, he is a pretty quiet dude, but rest assured #20 is plastered (in a good way) across billboards throughout southern Arizona. Cam is a three year starter, a guy that began his career as a corner back here at Arizona. What a lot of people don't know about him is that in high school he was an outstanding quarterback, and as a true frosh there was some consideration to move him there. You may recall that at that point wide receivers Syndric Steptoe and Anthony Johnson had taken snaps at quarterback, with Johnson even getting a start. Lets hope that this season it doesn't come to that. Cam is no doubt the face of the program this season, an outstanding leader and potentially the smartest player on the field. Other than Taylor Mays, I would challenge any of you to give me a faster safety than Nelson. His primary strengths are subtle nuances of the game. He calls out the defense, lines everyone up, things like that. Cam takes perfect angles, and is perfect as the last line of defense because of his tackling ability. The one thing I don't love about his game is his ball skills. In two seasons as a starter, Cam has notched Zero interceptions. While I would love to see him force takeaways in a more aggressive manner, he is far from a liability in pass coverage. Look for senior Cam Nelson to garner all league type accolades at the end of the season.
#16 is Trevin Wade. Another Texan in Tucson, Wade joins Nelson in the defensive backfield. Last season, the sophomore played about 50 snaps. Despite the lack of defensive playing time, (he got a lot of run on coverage units) Wade tied for the team lead with 4 interceptions. Trevin was a 2 star recruit, who literally did not have another division one scholarship offer. This goes to show you the outstanding evaluating abilities Arizona's coaching staff posses. From the day he showed up for his first practice, Wade has frustrated Arizona quarterbacks to the point that they don't even challenge him in practice anymore. It isn't too big of a stretch to see that extend to games.
On to the Oregon Ducks. Oregon is a program that has become something of a national name, however the Ducks have taken a circuitous route to get there. Nike owner Phil Knight (known affectionately as Uncle Phil around campus) has pumped a ton of capital into the program, producing maybe the best facilities in the nation, not to mention way too many uniform designs. This has led to a solid team that routinely challenges for conference supremacy and even makes some noise on a national level. The Ducks play in Autzen Stadium, maybe the roughest environment on the West Coast or anywhere. Similar to Iowa's Kinnick, the fans are mere feet away from the players, with some of the smallest sidelines around. Look on any list of 'toughest places to play'. Autzen is right up there with any of the Big 12 or SEC cathedrals. This season, the Ducks introduce a new coach, Chip Kelly. Kelly is the mastermind behind a wildly successful offense that has turned the PAC-10 upside down, isolating players in unlikely one on one match ups and springing guys loose on gadget plays throughout the season. Regardless of his familiarity with the program, there is a lot of turnover on this squad, not only from graduating but from player defections, which has to alarm fans.
Quarterback: This is the nerve center of any offense, but here things are a little different. The Ducks offense utilizes athletic signal callers in a way that gets them in places to create big plays. Wide Receiver throwbacks, flea-flickers, and other crazy plays are a norm here and something coaches must prepare for. The man with the keys to the machine, at least to start the season, is Jeremiah Masoli. Despite a ton of success in junior college, Masoli was pretty under-recruited, perhaps due to his size. His skillset is similar to that of a running back, and at 5'11 and probably 220 pounds Masoli sure looks the part. He is a pretty solid passer who came into his own late last season, but his best attribute is as a runner. With Pat White moving on, I am not sure how many dual-threat quarterbacks have the makeup of a Masoli. Basically, with Masoli behind center the Ducks are always in a "Wild" formation. The backups are Nate Costa, another outstanding runner who nearly beat out Dennis Dixon in 2006 but is always hurt, and sophomore Darron Thomas, who looked to run away with the starting job before a car accident last season. These guys are all good, which is fortunate for Ducks fans because history shows a lot of injuries at this spot.
Running Back: The best player on this team is LeGarrette Blount, who stormed onto the scene via junior college in Mississippi last season. Not since LenDale White has there been such a stunning combination of power and speed in one body. He will play alongside LaMichael James in what should be dubbed, 'Le Backfield' (shout out to Graham Landry). James is a speed guy, and will play a role similar to Cal's Shane Vereen this season. Rounding out the rotation is Andre Crenshaw, a steady senior who has always produced when his number gets called. This is a great group, right up there with the units in South Central, Berkeley, and Corvallis in my opinion.
Receiver: This is a position with a fair amount of turnover this year. Gone are the dependable Terrence Scott and the massive, perennially underachieving Jaison Williams. At 6'5, 240 and maybe the fastest receiver in the PAC-10, Williams has to be considered the biggest disappointment since the setback Dennis Dixon had in Arizona a few years back. (NOTE: It's great to see Dixon get some PT in the NFL. Here's a guy who does everything right and unfortunately caught a terrible break. At Real Talk we are rooting for DD to make a ton of money in the League) This year, Jeff Maehl and Jamere Holland are the names to remember. After that, I see a pretty big drop off, but Oregon has brought in several JC guys, and that is always something they have success with. Holland is a huge X-factor. A former USC commit, Jamere was the United States fastest teenager back in 2006, running a 10.3 in the 100 meters. If he has figured out the nuances of the position, look out. Tight end Ed Dickson bears the unfortunate task of playing in the shadow of one Rob Gronkowski. This guy is an elite player in his own right, and coach Kelly is always finding new ways to get the ball in his hands.
Offensive Line: I'm not going to give you any names here, because this is an area where the Ducks were hit pretty hard by graduation. Oregon finds some of the biggest guys in division one football, and they generally have a pretty talented unit, so I wouldn't expect anything different this year. However, with so many newcomers there will be growing pains, and it wouldn't shock me to see Masoli and Blount struggle early while the line gels. If they stay healthy into November, look out. This is a squad with some dangerous guys and once the line gets up to speed, this offense turns games into a track meet. Just ask Oregon State, Oklahoma State, or anybody down here in Tucson.
Defensive Line: Another place where the Ducks lost a lot of talent, including a starter who transferred, apparently not fitting in with the Kelly regime. You may remember the name Will Tukuafu. Big Will was an Arizona commit, who then proceeded to have a 'dream' about playing in Eugene, which changed his plans. Other than ASU's Dexter Davis, and maybe Cal's Cam Jordan, I think Will is the best end in the league. He is about 280 pounds, which means unlike many of the smaller end/'backer hybrids you are starting to see he can play the run. Tukuafu will be a very high pick for any 3-4 defense come April. Other than that, this group is a bunch of unknowns.
Linebacker: This is a solid, dependable unit for the Ducks. Spencer Paysinger was second on the squad in tackles last year with 95, not bad for his first season as a starter. The junior plays in the weak side, and will be flanked by classmate Casey Matthews. Matthews is very disruptive around the line of scrimmage. The strong side backer will be either sophomore Eddie Pleasant or JC transfer Bryson Littlejohn. Littlejohn was one of my favorite recruits to follow last season, a slightly undersized 6'1 227 who hits like a train. Several schools wanted to enlist Bryson as a fullback, but the Ducks and their willingness to put him on defense ultimately won out. Depth will be provided by DeWitt Stuckey, Josh Kaddu, and former Arizona commit Terrance Pritchett, who hasn't been able to stay out of trouble in Eugene.
Secondary: I don't know about Good, Bad and Ugly, but this is without question a weird group. Rover TJ Ward returns and is right up there with the aforementioned Cam Nelson and Taylor Mays as far as safeties go. Ward is a former walk-on, and basically is a 4th linebacker, often playing close to the line of scrimmage and shadowing tailbacks. At the other safety I will give you a bunch of names: Titus Jackson, Brian Butterfield, Javes Lewis, and John Boyett. Any one of these guys could be the opening day free safety and it wouldn't shock me. At corner, ball-hawk Walter Thurmond III returns for his senior season. Thurmond posted 5 interceptions lasts season, and is a guy that must be avoided, or at least thrown at only occasionally. Opposite him, senior and former DeLaSalle standout Willie Glasper and junior Talmadge Jackson are in a tight battle to start.
P.S. RIP Todd Doxey. You may remember his tragic passing last summer in Eugene. Dox was a stand up guy, a great character, and a hell of a family man, not to mention one of San Diego's most decorated athletes of all time. We miss you buddy.
Special Teams: The kicker will be Morgan Flint. Flint wasn't called upon much last season, going 7-9 from the field. He is pretty dependable and a guy that fans have to have confidence in. However, he is completely untested from distance so its a gamble lining him up from beyond 40 yards. The punter from last season, Josh Syria, moves on, so any number of guys could get the job there. Last season Thurmond and Talmadge Jackson got reps as kick returners, and it wouldn't shock me to see LaMichael James utilized back there as well. Punt Returner is wide open.
Season Outlook: From 1-22, I have to say I really like the starters. I do, however, see them running into depth problems. Off season transfers mean that the Ducks have 10 or so less players on scholarship than the rest of the league. If any starter at almost any position misses extended time, the Ducks can't feel good (save for maybe QB). If healthy, this is a potential 10 win club. If not, than anything can truly happen.
How can the Wildcats win? On defense, you need to essentially trap Masoli and Blount. I would throw the kitchen sink at this line, who may or may not be a firmly established group of guys. Blitzes from unexpected angles, and hitting them right, will stop this offense in its tracks. Play a zone close to the line of scrimmage, and Dare Masoli to beat you deep. Is he capable, yes, but the Ducks are much more dangerous on running plays and quick hitters and long, developed routes. On offense, the Gronkowski brothers had a field day against the Ducks last season. While I don't think Rob will have another 12 catch performance, the linebackers aren't outstanding in coverage. Utilizing the Gronks, Terrence Miller, and the running backs could pay dividends here. It is too early to tell, but with this being a November home game for the 'Cats I feel pretty good about it.
Tomorrow's blog will focus on the Arizona quarterback competition. It has grabbed headlines for weeks now, and rumor has it the starter could be named Monday. Keep reading, its been Real.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
#18
Not much to talk about tonight, all I have for you right now is the ongoing countdown of my favorite players. Tonight we have #18 for you. I will warn you, as we get deeper into the countdown there will be some surprises and possibly some notable omissions.
My 18th favorite Wildcat is Blake Kerley. Playing center, the 5th year senior is one of the last guys remaining on the squad that came to school with me back in August 2005. Man, time flies. As a redshirt freshman in 2006, Blake beat out a senior and returning starter, playing every snap of a 6-6 campaign. His success continued into 2007. In fact, as a sophomore he was so successful that heading into 2008 Kerley was a candidate for the Rimington Trophy, which is given annually to the best center in college football. Things went south for the Texan against UCLA, as he suffered a season ending injury. Blake brings toughness and smarts to the position. He has been frequently praised for his ability to call a game and recognize defenses, which paved the way for some great early season running by Nic Grigsby. As a 5th year senior, look for Blake to bring more leadership to the table than anything else. His injury is not quite healed and his replacement, Colin Baxter, did a great job in relief. He may not be on the field as much this season as years past, but Kerley is not a guy to count out. I look for him to come around late in the season, and it wouldn't shock me if he was a big part of on-field successes if and when he gets another chance to bring it.
That's all I have. Keep reading, and I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Pitino...
Welcome back. Much has been made in the past several days about Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino. I am going to weight in myself in a bit. First, I would like to continue on with our countdown of my favorite Wildcats. Lets pick up where we left off last night.
My 19th favorite Wildcat. This is a guy that I guarantee none of you are familiar with, yet. Vaughn Dotsy will be starting at offensive guard this season, taking over for 3 year starter Joe Longacre. A highly regarded recruit out of Southern California powerhouse St. Bonaventure, Dotsy is a sophomore who checks in at 6'5, 335 pounds. While that is massive, consider that he weighed much closer to 4 bills last summer. This is a guy who has transformed his body in college, changing from an out of shape Charles Barkley-type body to one of a fit behemoth. Dotsy was coveted by everyone as a senior in high school, most notably LSU. As I have stated before, anyone that Les Miles deems good enough to get free tuition is good enough for me. This is why the 'star rankings' are not the be all, end all for prospects. Generally, yes, they predict who makes it to the NFL about as accurately as one can hope for. But there are plenty of guys who must be doing something right, as Vaughn here clearly has been, to warrant an LSU from a school that at that point was a National Champion. He may take some time to adjust to game speed, but look for Dotsy to be an elite guard in the PAC-10 and beyond by the end of 2009.
On to Pitino. I read an article on CBS Sportsline that laid out why the author, Gregg Doyel, believed Pitino should stay at Louisville. With respect to Doyel, who by the way spews a ton of venom in the direction of Arizona athletics, I completely disagree. His main point was that a very high percentage of Americans sleep around, and cheat on their significant others. The number he threw out was 50%. For one thing, I consider that to be a pretty high and slightly embellished figure. While there is no way of knowing, I just don't see how 50% of adults have time for affairs. Regardless, Mr. Pitino is in the wrong for more than that. As I lay this out, I am not going to touch the religious aspect. Rick's transgressions and his relationship with god are things that he must work out himself, and that has nothing to do with employment at a public institution.
Lets take a closer look at what Mr. Pitino did. A married, devoted father of five (he tragically had a son die in 1987) did something that goes a little bit beyond cheating. This wasn't just a situation where he was a little too sauced and was taken advantage of. Mr. Pitino waited until after hours, and performed 'the deed'. He had a driver waiting outside, which tells me this was calculated. Later on, when the object of his affection was late, he donated 3,000 dollars to her health insurance. Seems a little bit convenient, doesn't it.
While all of that is sketchy, and in my opinion downright repulsive, that is not why he should be fired. He clearly misled the athletic department about the whole situation. He first called this an extortion attempt, counting on his p.r. people and good name making a messy situation blow over. That is grounds for dismissal. As a public figure, you cannot lie to your superiors about something with ramifications like these and get away with it when smelly things land on the fan. The prospect of having to convince high school athletes' parents that you are the proper mentor for their child's hoop dreams has been explored ad nauseam, and in my opinion, irrelevant. My gripe is that Pitino knowingly lied to higher-ups within the University structure and is now trying to cover it up. Things just don't add up here, and I think when you endanger the integrity of your superiors, as well as the ability of your place of employment to function, its time to go. By the way, I think he is more sorry that he was caught than anything else. Mr. Pitino is guilty of harming the credibility of an institution, and for that he should be fired.
Let me summarize by saying that there is no excuse for cheating. I realize that I have never been married, or in a long term relationship. Regardless, character is something that has nothing to do with how 'experienced' you are in life, or relationships for that matter. The marriage vows that I have heard at every wedding I have ever been to state being exclusively intimate, among other things, with your spouse. That is kind of the central component of a relationship. If you can't even keep that in order, I am sorry, you are dog****. It shows that you are a shady individual, and a loser, if you have an extramarital affair. You can't keep the most basic promise in a pretty big part of your life? You suck. Waiting until after hours at the most popular restaurant in town, in a place where you are the de facto mayor, is a whole different level. That makes one a sleazeball of epic proportions. For for that, Slick Rick, you Miami Vice coke dealer looking clown, I tip my cap. As a public figure and liar, I hope with all of my heart that this is the end of the line for you. For the record, I also think Kobe, Governor Sanford (as I am on record discussing), John Edwards, JFK, and everyone else (women too) that have cheated are scumbags.
In conclusion, you shouldn't be fired for cheating. But you should, however, for lying about it and compromising your place of employment. If you are a screw up and you do this, fess up before you get caught in an even bigger mess. Be real with people you're marrying or dating, otherwise don't waste peoples time. Real Talk.
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