College Football - Football Betting

2005-10-30T15:53:00.000-08:00

North Carolina Tar Heels

Oct. 29---College Football---
Miami 34 ... North Carolina 16---College Football---
Miami overcame a sluggish first half to score 27 unanswered points in the second half on three Tyrone Moss touchdowns and a blocked kick for a touchdown. North Carolina dominated the first half with two Ronnie McGill touchdown runs, but missed a chance to go up 23-7 when a pass just missed a wide open Jarwarski Pollack. Miami, thanks to Moss, outgained the Tar Heels 210 rushing yards to 102. The two teams combined for seven turnovers.---College Football---
Player of the game: Miami RB Tyrone Moss ran 24 times for 195 yards and four touchdowns. ---College Football---
Stat Leaders: UNC - Passing: Matt Baker, 10-18, 74 yds
Rushing: Ronnie McGill, 13-66, 2 TD. Receiving: Jesse Holley, 6-48---College Football---
Miami - Passing: Kyle Wright, 11-16, 111 yds, 3 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Tyrone Moss, 24-195, 4 TD. Receiving: Darnell Jenkins, 3-38---College Football---
What to take away from this game: When you have a chance to stick a big nail into a team like Miami, you have to do it. The offensive line dominated the Canes in the first half and the offense moved the ball well, but just missing on the sure touchdown pass to Jawarski Pollack at the end of the first half turned the tide. The Canes turned the momentum around in the second half and the Tar Heel defense couldn't recover. QB Matt Baker has had two sub-100-yard passing games in a row; it had better not be three against Boston College next week. ---College Football---
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Oct. 22---College Football---
North Carolina 7 ... Virginia 5---College Football---
North Carolina got a two-yard touchdown pass to Rikki Cook in the first quarter for all the points it would need, and the defense took care of the rest only allowing a Connor Highs field goal in the fourth quarter. Virginia had a great chance to get in field goal range getting to the Tar Heel 36, but Marques Hagans was picked off. UNC was able to run down the clock to :06 and got the punt off, but had to run one more play after getting penalized after the ball was kicked by a celebrating Mike Mason. ---College Football---
Player of the game: North Carolina LBs Tommy Richardson and Larry Edwards combined for 21 tackles. ---College Football---
Stat Leaders: UNC - Passing: Matt Baker, 13-24, 98 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Ronnie McGill, 23-118. Receiving: Jesse Holley, 4-46---College Football---
Virginia - Passing: Marques Hagans, 14-28, 109 yds, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Wali Lundy, 18-60. Receiving: Deyon Williams, 5-42---College Football---
What to take away from this game: The defense did a fantastic job of rebounding from the blowout loss to Louisville holding Virginia to a mere 199 yards of total offense and coming through clutch late with the interception it needed to stop the final Cavalier drive. The return of Ronnie McGill to the running game give the attack more life and more pop taking the pressure off QB Matt Baker. ---College Football---
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Oct. 8---College Football---
Louisville 69 ... North Carolina 14---College Football---
North Carolina tied the score at seven on a two-yard Ronnie McGill touchdown run in the middle of the first quarter, and then Louisville rolled for 41 straight points highlighted by a 73-yard touchdown pass to Mario Urrutia. Brian Brohm finished with four touchdown passes, while the defense got a three-sack day from Elvis Dumervil and touchdowns in the fourth quarter on a 30-yard defensive return from Earl Heyman and a 42-yard return for a score from Deon Palmer.---College Football---
Player of the game: Louisville QB Brian Brohm completed 17 of 22 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns. ---College Football---
Stat Leaders: UNC - Passing: Matt Baker, 19-27, 224 yds, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: James Arnold, 11-64. Receiving: Mike Mason, 3-66---College Football---
Louisville - Passing: Brian Brohm, 17-22, 304, 4 TD---College Football---
Rushing: George Stripling, 13-74, 1 TD. Receiving: Montrell Jones, 5-86, 1 TD---College Football---
What to take away from this game: The defense didn't give up a ton of yards to Louisville, but it was horrible when it had any chance to tighten up when the Cardinals were in any sort of scoring position. The offense didn't help the cause unable to keep QB Matt Baker clean, and not getting enough long drives to keep the Cardinal offense off the field. This was a non-conference game, so the Tar Heels have to forget about this one in a hurry and find its pass defense again. ---College Football---
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Oct. 1---College Football---
North Carolina 31 ... Utah 17---College Football---
Helped by five Utah turnovers and a 96-yard kickoff return for a score on the opening kickoff by Brandon Tate, the Tar Heels avenged last year's loss to the Utes. The Tar Heels got two Matt Baker touchdown passes including a 43-yard strike to Jesse Holley with just over five minutes to play. Utah stayed alive on a two-yard Brian Johnson touchdown run and a 15-yard scoring pass to Travis LaTendresse, but was plagued by turnovers, including two fumbles in the fourth quarter. ---College Football---
Player of the game: North Carolina RB Barrington Edwards ran 25 times for 129 yards and a touchdown. NC State LB Stephen Tulloch made 19 tackles, one sack and six tackles for loss in a losing effort.---College Football---
Stat Leaders: UNC - Passing: Matt Baker, 16-31, 267 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Barrington Edwards, 23-44, 1 TD. Receiving: Mike Mason, 4-82---College Football---
Utah - Passing: Brian Johnson, 22-34, 211 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Brian Johnson, 22-98, 1 TD. Receiving: John Madsen, 8-97---College Football---
What to take away from this game: It wasn't the prettiest performance, but North Carolina didn't make as many mistakes as Utah, and capitalized when needed on turnovers and good momentum. Matt Baker had a nice game despite throwing two interceptions, but it was the play of the special teams and defense on third downs that made the difference. It would've been nice to have gotten more out of the running game with only 85 yards on the ground, but it's hard to nitpick over a win over a team as good as Utah.---College Football---
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Sept. 24---College Football---
North Carolina 31 ... NC State 24---College Football---
Matt Baker overcame a lousy first half finishing with two touchdown passes including a ten-yards to Jon Hamlett late in the third quarter to take the lead for good. The Tar Heels got up 10-0 helped by a NC State bad snap on a punt for a Quinton Person touchdown. Tony Baker ran for two touchdowns and T.J. Williams caught a 39-yard touchdown pass for a 24-14 lead, but the defense couldn't hold as Barrington Edwards ran for a two-yard score kicking off 17 unanswered Tar Heel points. ---College Football---
Player of the game: North Carolina RB Barrington Edwards ran 25 times for 129 yards and a touchdown. NC State LB Stephen Tulloch made 19 tackles, one sack and six tackles for loss in a losing effort.---College Football---
Stat Leaders: UNC - Passing: Matt Baker, 13-23, 177 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Barrington Edwards, 25-129, 1 TD. Receiving: Jawarski Pollock, 5-44, 1TD
NC State - Passing: Jay Davis, 21-35, 257 yds, 1 TD---College Football---
Rushing: Tony Baker, 15-58, 2 TD. Receiving: T.J. Williams, 6-77, 1 TD---College Football---
What to take away from this game: North Carolina's defense toughened up and made some tremendous adjustments after getting steamrolled by Wisconsin last week. The Tar Heels only allowed 13 yards of rushing against NC State and held tough over the final 20 minutes of the game allowing the offense chances to get on the field. QB Matt Baker proved he was physically tough last week, and he proved to be mentally tough this week overcoming a lousy first half to make the plays needed to get the win. The emergence of Barrington Edwards and the running game certainly helped. ---College Football---
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Sept. 17---College Football---
Wisconsin 16 ... North Carolina 5---College Football---
Brian Calhoun ran for 171 yards and two touchdowns and the Wisconsin defense held North Carolina out of the end zone on the way to a tough win. The Tar Heels were able to manage a 43-yard Connor Barth field goal, but poor field position proved costly all game long. Calhoun ran for an eighty-yard score in the first quarter and a four-yard touchdown in the fourth.
Player of the game: Wisconsin RB Brian Calhoun ran 38 times for 171 yards and two touchdowns and caught four passes for 26 yards.---College Football---
Stat Leaders: UNC - Passing: Matt Baker, 16-37, 281 yds, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Barrington Edwards, 11-37. Receiving: Jesse Holley, 5-90---College Football---
Wisconsin - Passing: John Stocco,14-23, 138 yds---College Football---
Rushing: Brian Calhoun, 38-171, 2 TD, Receiving: Brandon Williams, 5-62
What to take away from this game: The Tar Heels couldn't get the one big play against Wisconsin to turn the game around. Despite being beaten up, they hung in there on both sides of the ball. Poor field position was a problem for an offense that couldn't go on any long drives, and 12 penalties for 115 yards didn't help. QB Matt Baker has to be better protected; he was knocked around a little too much.---College Football---

Sept. 10---College Football---
Georgia Tech 27 ... North Carolina 21 ---College Football---
Reggie Ball threw two touchdown passes and ran for a another as Georgia Tech squeaked out a win. North Carolina had its chances, but Matt Baker, who threw two touchdown passes and ran for another, threw three interceptions including one with less than two minutes to play to snuff out a final shot. Tech WR Damarius Bilbo caught a career-high eight passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. ---College Football---
Player of the game: Georgia Tech QB Reggie Ball completed 24 of 47 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns and ran seven times for 20 yards and a score. ---College Football---
Stat Leaders: Georgia Tech - Passing: Reggie Ball, 24-47, 320 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: P.J. Daniels, 21-113. Receiving: Pat Clark, 6-36---College Football---
North Carolina - Passing: Matt Baker, 18-39, 280 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT---College Football---
Rushing: James Arnold, 9-28. Receiving: Jawarski Pollock, 4-65, 1 TD---College Football---
What to take away from this game: Even though the defense had problems and QB Matt Baker threw three interceptions, the Tar Heels still had a shot to beat Georgia Tech late. Baker had his moments and held up relatively well considering the pressure and speed of the Yellow Jacket defense. Unfortunately, the running game will likely be an issue all season long putting more and more pressure on Baker to not make mistakes. At the very least, he did a good job of spreading the ball around. ---College Football---
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2005 Schedule---College Football---
Sept. 10 – at Georgia Tech (7-4, 5-3 in ACC) – Offense: The offense's job will be to simply hold serve so the fantastic defense can win games. That could be a problem. QB Reggie Ball has been too erratic over his first two years throwing 18 interceptions last season. But unlike the talented backup quarterbacks, Ball is mobile making him more valuable playing behind an infant line that needs a ton of work. The running backs are among the best in the country if P.J. Daniels can stay healthy. Sophomore WR Calvin Johnson has future first-round draft pick written all over him, but there isn't a proven number two man to take the heat off.
Defense: It'll be a shock if this isn't one of the nation's best defenses. Nine starters (11 if you include DT Mansfield Wright who moved to offensive guard and CB Dennis Davis who returns from shoulder problems) come back from a defense that was a brick wall against the run and only allowed 18.9 points per game. The defensive front is tremendous with four starters who can do it all and four reserves ready to step into the rotation. Gerris Wilkinson leads a good linebacking corps that's missing experienced depth. The secondary will be better than ever with Chris Reis moving from linebacker to safety and Davis returning to man the corner spot opposite of Reuben Houston.---College Football---
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Sept. 17 - Wisconsin (7-5, 3-5 in Big Ten) – Offense: Paul Chryst comes over from Oregon State to take on the co-offensive coordinator job along with Brian White, and he should do more for the passing game. John Stocco showed flashes of being a reliable quarterback last year, but he didn't do it often enough. The running game needs the backs to stay healthy, and the receiving corps has to make more big plays. While the line loses some key parts, it'll still be a strong group with a few big-time dominators.---College Football---
Defense: Bret Bielema's defense was one of the big stories of the 2004 Big Ten season finishing ninth in the nation and sixth in scoring defense. Now the entire front four needs to be replaced as does most of the secondary with several All-Big Ten talents graduating. However, there's hope with great looking young defensive linemen ready to take over and a good linebacking corps to steady things early on. There's no way to reproduce the same numbers as last year, but don't look for the roof to cave in like many will predict.---College Football---
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Sept. 24 – at NC State (6-5, 3-5 in ACC) - Offense: All the offense had to do was be competent and not screw up so the defense could win games. It didn't happen with little consistent run production and 16 interceptions thrown from the quarterbacks. Things should be better as the line returned experienced and potentially much, much better after injuries struck just about everyone last year. The running game should shine with speedsters Darrell Blackman and Bobby Washington complementing power running Reggie Davis. The concern is the passing attack as QB Jay Davis has to be more consistent and a number one wide receiver has to emerge to take the place of Richard Washington.---College Football---
Defense: The defense was number one last year in the nation in total defense, number two in pass defense and number nine is pass defense. Even though most of the starting back seven is gone, this will still be an ultra-productive group thanks to the outstanding front four. Mario Williams and Manny Lawson form the nation's best defensive end pair, while tackles John McCargo and Tank Tyler are solid veterans. There's speed and athleticism in the back seven, but there has to be proven production early. This will be a much better defense in October than it will be in September.---College Football---
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Oct. 1 - Utah (10-1, 7-1 in Mountain West) – Offense: Andy Ludwig comes over from Oregon to handle the offense trying to keep the train rolling after gaining 5,997 yards and scoring 45.3 points per game. QB Alex Smith is off earning millions as the number one pick in the draft, leading rusher Marty Johnson and top two receivers Paris Warren and Steve Savoy are also gone. Even so, this is a good attack with RB Quinton Ganther leading a good rushing attack and Brian Johnson appearing ready to be the team's new star quarterback. The line will be more than solid, especially on the left side and at center. Former walk-on receivers John Madesn and Travis LaTendresse need to become big-time producers in the starring roles.---College Football---
Defense: The defense should remain solid despite some major losses. New defensive coordinator Gary Anderson will keep the 4-3 and has three fantastic players to build around in tackle Steve Fifita, linebacker Spencer Toone and strong safety Eric Weddle. The line should be fantastic with several great options to revolve around Fifita. The secondary will turn out to be fine in time if a corner emerges on the other side of Ryan Smith. The concern is at linebacker with little experience around Toone.---College Football---
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Oct. 8 – at Louisville (10-1, 6-1 in Big East) – Offense: Talk about reloading. Louisville loses all-star quarterback Stefan LeFors, NFL-caliber, 20-touchdown running back Eric Shelton, and 73-catch receiver J.R. Russell, but should be just as strong as the offense that was the nation's best last year. There's plenty of talent returning and several great options among the reserves to keep the party rolling. QB Brian Brohm will instantly become one of the nation's top quarterbacks now that he's the full-time starter. The Cards are loaded with talented running backs and receivers and blessed with one of the nation's deepest and most athletic lines. However, the party could crash if Brohm gets hurt with no experience behind him.
Defense: The Louisville defense was overlooked last year due to the brilliance of the offense. The Cardinal D ranked number one in Conference USA in almost every category and finished second in pass defense. It won't be quite as strong this year replacing three starters in the secondary, some stars on the line and leader and top tackler Robert McCune. Even so, it's a very fast, very athletic defense that should rank near the top of most Big East categories. ---College Football---
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Oct. 22 - Virginia (7-4, 4-4 in ACC) – Offense: The Cavaliers had one of the nation's best offenses ... against average teams. Lack of a deep threat receiver and inconsistency in the backfield led to problems against teams like Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech. That should change now that quarterback Marques Hagans has a year of starting experience. The big, fast receivers should be better with more of a focus on the passing attack. The ground game will still be outstanding with Wali Lundy and Michael Johnson working behind a line that'll have to find a way to overcome the loss of Elton Brown and Zac Yarbrough.
Defense: The defense won't be quite the killer it was last year, but it'll be strong led by future millionaires Ahmad Brooks and Kai Parham on the inside. Even though there aren't the stars of recent Cavalier defenses, there are plenty of great athletes and plenty of good, steady playmakers like Brennan Schmidt on the end and Tony Franklin at corner. There's decent depth everywhere.---College Football---
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Oct. 29 – at Miami (10-1, 7-1 in ACC) – Offense: The Cane offense is long on great prospects, but short on proven production. Unlike last year when the attack relied on experience over potential, players like QB Kyle Wright, RB Tyrone Moss and WR Lance Leggett have more excitement around them and have more NFL potential. Moss and Leggett have given a glimpse of what they can do, but Wright, or Kirby Freeman, has to show the maturity and poise to handle one of college football's most glamorous and highly scrutinized positions. The offensive line will be more than solid, but it needs Eric Winston and Tyler McMeans to return to pre-injury form.---College Football---
Defense: This will be one of the best defenses in the country, if not the best. The only concern is with a run defense that was surprisingly soft last year allowing 155 yards per game. If that's tightened up, this will be a killer with 11 players returning who started six or more games last year. That doesn't include superstar Devin Hester taking over the full-time job at one of the corners. The linebacking corps has the potential to be one of Miami's best ever.---College Football---
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Nov. 5 - Boston College (8-3, 5-3 in ACC) – Offense: The Eagle offense will be tough to stop in every phase if the receiving corps comes around. Larry Lester has to go from being a nice secondary target to a go-to receiver, while star corner Will Blackmon has to be a big-time threat. Quarterback Quinton Porter is back and ready to roar after redshirting last year using his experience and decision making ability to be a strong leader of the veteran attack. L.V Whitworth and Andre Callender form a strong 1-2 rushing punch behind the ACC's best line that returns all five starters.---College Football---
Defense: The Eagles will once again have a stingy defense after allowing a mere 333 yards and 17 points per game. The linebacking corps is terrific with all three starters returning led by weakside star Brian Toal. The line has tremendous potential working around All-American and future NFL millionaire Mathias Kiwanuka. Size is the only concern in a very productive secondary.---College Football---
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Nov. 12 - Maryland (6-5, 3-5 in ACC) - Offense: The Terp offense was non-existent for most of last year averaging a mere 298 yards and 17.7 points per game. Take out the 45-point explosion against woeful Temple and the 55-point destruction of Duke and Maryland would've averaged a mere 10.6 points per outing. Things won't be much better unless there's more production at quarterback. Sam Hollenbach will get the first look, but mobile Jordan Steffy and last year's starter, Joel Statham, will be in the hunt. There's little proven production from the rest of the skills spots, but there's a world of speed and athleticism. The line should be far better; the coaching staff raves about this group.---College Football---
Defense: Despite some huge losses (Shawne Merriman, Chris Kelley, Dominique Foxworth), last year's 21st best defense should turn out to be fine thanks to D'Qwell Jackson and a sensational linebacking corps. The back seven can move, and there might not be a faster cornerback pair in America than Gerrick McPhearson (4.28 40) and Josh Wilson (4.35). Pass rush is a concern without a true dominator to rely on, so the D will have to manufacture pressure early until young prospects like Trey Covington and Omar Savage can come through.---College Football---
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Nov. 19 - Duke (3-8, 0-8 in ACC) – Offense: The Blue Devils can go nowhere but up after finishing dead-last in total offense averaging 266 yards per game and averaging 16.6 points per outing. There's experience returning among the skill players with quarterback Mike Schneider returning for his third year as a starter getting two fantastic tight ends, Andy Roland and Ben Patrick, to work with. The backfield will be a strength as long as Cedric Dargan can stay healthy, but they won't produce much behind a rebuilding offensive line that returns one starter.---College Football---
Defense: The defense couldn't stop anyone's running game finishing 113th in the nation and allowed 426 yards per game of total offense. Expect that to change as the line has gone from a weakness to a strength with star tackle recruit Vince Oghobaase taking over in the middle along with the hopeful return of end Phillip Alexander from a broken leg. The secondary will be fine led by corner John Talley, but the linebackers will be a concern early until two new starters get their feet wet.---College Football---
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Nov. 26 – at Virginia Tech (9-2, 6-2 in ACC) – Offense: The offense was efficient last year, but it didn't move the ball much averaging almost 31 points per game despite only averaging 366 yards. Now this should be a devastating attack as long as Marcus Vick plays like he's supposed to. There are two great quarterback prospects (Sean Glennon and Cory Holt) also in the mix, but Vick is the type of player who can make this loaded attack special. There's too much talent at running back and receiver for one football, and the line is big and will be fine in time. Expect big, explosive numbers, but the question is whether or not someone can pick up the leadership slack left by Bryan Randall.---College Football---
Defense: While this probably won't be the killer defense it was last year when it finished fourth in the nation and second in scoring defense, it'll still be impressive with a tremendous front four, an experienced linebacking corps, and All-America corner Jimmy Williams leading the secondary. Depth is a bit of a problem in the back seven with decent, but mostly inexperienced prospects being shuffled around to find the right fit. Like always with the Hokies, expect plenty of great athletes, lots of big plays, and another good year.---College Football------College Football---

2005-10-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hawaii (2-4) at San Jose State (1-5), 6 pm ET GamePlan
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Why to watch: Hawaii needs all the wins it can get over lousy teams to get in the mix for a bowl game. With Fresno State, Nevada and Wisconsin still ahead, getting to a post-season game might be next to impossible, but that doesn’t mean the Warriors can’t come close if they can somehow find some semblance of a defense. San Jose State is on a five-game losing streak, but isn’t playing all that poorly even though it doesn’t have much to hang its hat on. There are signs, albeit small ones, that the team is improving with a little of offense, an improving passing game, and a wee bit of defense.---college football---
Why Hawaii might win: San Jose State doesn’t have much of a pass defense allowing 266.5 yards per game, and has even more problems against dink and dunk passing games. Helloooo Hawaii. The Warriors are quickly finding their stride with Colt Brennan coming off a 515-yard, seven touchdown day against New Mexico State. He’s averaging 332 yards per game with 18 touchdown passes in six games, but … ---college football---
Why San Jose State might win: … Hawaii tends to go bye-bye on the road. Yeah, there was the win over Idaho, but the 24-0 win was a rare occurrence. This is a team that needs to be home to win, and even though San Jose State doesn’t have much of a home field advantage, it got its one win in Spartan Stadium and played a far superior Nevada team tough. If the offense can be a little better on third downs and can keep the defense off the field, it’ll have a chance. ---college football---
Who to watch: And the San Jose State starting quarterback will be … ? J.P. Greco got the call last week and did absolutely nothing against Boise State after John Broussard took a short pass 90 yards for a score. Outside of that, Greco completed seven of 17 passes for 32 yards. Adam Tafralis, who stepped in and completed nine of 16 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns, might be the better option, but the coaching staff is looking for anyone who can provide a spark. ---college football---
What will happen: If San Jose State can get any sort of consistent play from the quarterbacks, it’ll win. Dick Tomey’s group is due to get a few breaks, and it’ll finally get them against a Hawaii defense that’ll make the San Jose State offense look like Texas Tech.---college football---
CFN Prediction: San Jose State 30 … Hawaii 27 ... Line: Hawaii -7 | Make your pick and compete against others
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 The Tyra Banks Show) ... 2---college football---
Final Score: ---college football---

2005-10-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

College Football Squad Schedules Doubleheader

ROSEVILLE, Minn. -- Doubleheaders are commonplace in baseball -- but football? Players at Northwestern College in suburban St. Paul, Minn., will be playing two games this Saturday and both count.The first will be a home game. - College Football -

Then, after a brief break, the Eagles will pile onto a bus and drive a little more than six miles to Macalester College for a nonconference evening game.Northwestern's director of athletics Matt Hill says he called the NCAA to make sure the double-up games wouldn't violate any rules. He says no one can remember any college team playing two in a day before. The school is also getting a good bit of publicity. - College Football -

Both Sports Illustrated and ESPN are planning coverage.

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

2005-10-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

College Football Notebook: Apology saves Feinstein's job

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER NEWS SERVICES

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Commentator John Feinstein will be back on the air for Saturday's Navy-Air Force game despite uttering an obscenity during the radio broadcast of last week's Navy game. - - College Football - -

"No one feels worse about this than John. He made a mistake," Navy spokesman Scott Strasemeier said Tuesday.

Feinstein is a noted author of books about sports, including basketball, golf and the football rivalry between Army and Navy titled, "A Civil War: Army vs. Navy." - - College Football - -

During the broadcast Saturday, Feinstein directed a profanity at the referees after a Duke receiver appeared to push a Navy defender so he could catch a 2-point conversion pass and tie the score 21-21 with 3 minutes, 20 seconds remaining. Navy still won, 28-21.

Feinstein pulled himself from the rest of the broadcast and offered an on-air apology at the end of the game. He also immediately offered his resignation, but it was rejected. - - College Football - -

"It was an inexcusable mistake," Feinstein said Tuesday. "I regretted it probably some kind of nanosecond after it was out of my mouth. I apologize to everybody who was listening and to the people at the academy who have been great to me and to my partners in the booth." - - College Football - -

2005-09-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

Roby: NFL just horsing around on rules change

By JIM WYATT
Staff Writer

The NFL said it planned to crack down on the horse-collar tackle this fall.

Titans receiver Courtney Roby isn't so sure he believes it.

After reviewing Ravens kicker Matt Stover's tackle of Roby in last Sunday's game at the Coliseum, the NFL has decided not to fine Stover.

Earlier this week, Titans Coach Jeff Fisher said he expected Stover to be fined since the tackle was exactly what the NFL's competition committee decided to outlaw.

Fisher is co-chairman of the committee, which guides the league through rules changes.

"Are you serious? I am very surprised,'' Roby said yesterday when he learned Stover would not be fined. "I guess I really can't comment too much, but I thought he would be fined. I thought that was a clear horse-collar. It is definitely a dangerous tackle.''

Roby injured his left big toe on the play. He remained in a walking boot yesterday and isn't expected to play tomorrow at St. Louis.

Fisher said he talked to an NFL official this week, but didn't reveal specifics of the conversation.

"To me what we want to do is eliminate the technique from the game. It has become a dangerous tackling technique which results in injuries,'' Fisher said. "Just because (Stover) wasn't fined doesn't mean they are not going to fine another incident.

"I think the issue they had there was the rule states it was the inside collar of the shoulder pad and they couldn't be certain that he didn't get part of the jersey. That is why they didn't levy the fine, I'm sure.''

Kassell's football: Linebacker Brad Kassell got his football back and Pioneer Christian senior Kyle Smith got an impressive souvenir.

Smith was at the Coliseum last Sunday and caught the ball linebacker Keith Bulluck kicked into the stands after Kassell's 21-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Ravens. Kassell lost track of the ball in the celebration.

After the game, Kassell's father got Smith's phone number. Kassell and Smith spoke this week and yesterday they met to swap footballs — Kassell got his first career touchdown ball back, while Smith received a newfootball autographed by many Titans.

"I am going to give him some money, too. He is a good guy. I appreciate what he's doing," Kassell said. "I'm not sure what I'll end up doing with the ball. I'll probably put it a closet and maybe pull it out some day when someone calls me a liar.''

Bulluck won't be fined for kicking the ball into the stands, an NFL official said yesterday.

Injuries: Linebacker Peter Sirmon (knee) practiced yesterday for the first time this week.

Sirmon, who was injured against the Ravens, took part in individual drills and also split reps in team drills. His status for tomorrow's game against the Rams is still in doubt, however.

"You saw practice,'' Sirmon said. "I am feeling better. We'll see.''

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) did not practice for the third straight day. Safety Justin Sandy (foot) was wearing a protective boot.

Getting his kicks: With Roby injured, first-round pick Pacman Jones is expected to get a chance to return kickoffs.

Roby will be a tough act to follow. He's averaging 26.6 yards a return and looked comfortable during the first two games.

"Hopefully I'll do OK,'' Jones said.

At some point Jones could work his way back as a punt returner, but that job is Andrae Thurman's for now.

As for how Jones will do returning kickoffs, Fisher said: "He is fine back there. The run skills are run skills. He has got the run skills. We had some difficulty during the preseason fielding punts. The kickoff, generally speaking, is easier to handle.''

Good fit: Before free agent defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch signed with the Titans this past offseason, he also considered the Rams.

Vanden Bosch played under Rams defensive coordinator Larry Marmie, a former UT assistant, while at Arizona. When decision time rolled around, however, Vanden Bosch also considered his knees.

"At the time they still had the turf and just because I've had the injuries I have had … my agent said it was probably better to stay away from it,'' Vanden Bosch said. - NFL Football -

The Rams tore up their old turf and now have the softer Field Turf.

Vanden Bosch, who had ACL surgery on both knees earlier in his career, has had no knee trouble with the Titans. He had three sacks last week against Baltimore. - NFL Football -

"We are familiar with Kyle. He is a high motor guy. He comes off the edge,'' Rams Coach Mike Martz said. "He is a good player. We would have liked to have him here.''

Could've been: The Rams tried to lure Sirmon to St. Louis in 2002.

Sirmon, a restricted free agent at the time, visited the Rams. But the Titans stepped in and signed Sirmon to a long-term deal. - NFL Football -

"You are never going to fool Peter," Martz said. "There is nobody in the league that does his homework better than Peter does. He will know everything about you. Whether you sneeze, whether you wheeze, whatever you do. He is going to know everything. Probably as good of film guy as there is in the league on defense.

"Obviously he plays like that. He just doesn't make any mistakes.''

2005-09-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Flavorful Fanatics

Football followers in small towns proudly display allegiance to their teams.
Tania Deluzuriaga and Steve Elling
Sentinel Staff Writers

EN ROUTE TO GAINESVILLE -- After six days touring three states and putting exactly 999.9 miles on the odometer, a trend is starting to emerge.

Yeah, football in the southeastern states is often a matter of culture, geography and environment. It's also biological.
How else to explain the chromosomal, inherent, multi-generational attraction that some folks have for their favorite college football team? Kim Wells, for instance, has a 3-year-old son named Luke who was born to be a Georgia fan.

"One of his first sentences, honest to God, was 'Go Dawgs, woof, woof, woof,' " said Wells, 27, who lives in tiny Ludowici, Ga., a one stop-light town on U.S. 301.

"One flashing red," she said.

At least it's the school color. Her daughter Leah, who is all of 4 months old, will be wearing the garb of a UGa cheerleader at Halloween. Her father, Glenn "Pig" Jones, is a longtime Georgia fan, athlete and game official who is running for mayor of Port Wentworth.

"How can you live in Georgia and not be a Georgia fan?" she said.

For those with certain DNA, there's not much choice. In terms of football fanaticism, U.S. 301 serves as football's character-defining strand. - College Football -

Crossing three states in one day Friday en route to the University of Florida's season opener tonight against Wyoming, the regional flavors of football changed almost as often as the preferred style of barbecue.

At P&M Barbecue in Folkston, Ga., just four miles north of the Florida border, Boston pork butts roast on a roadside smoker four days a week. Cooked until it falls off the bone and then slathered with a tomato-based sauce, the meat is typical south Georgia barbecue; folks further up 301 in South Carolina prefer a mustard or vinegar base. - College Football -

Everybody has their favorite, just like in football, said Randall Steedley, whose wife owns the barbecue stand. Except with the latter the lines of allegiance are mostly drawn on a map.

"That's the magic line right there," Steedley said, nodding toward the state line.

That's roughly where the game-day procession will begin as thousands of Florida fans file into Gainesville to see Urban Meyer's debut as coach of the Gators.

Outside Alexander's Gift Shop in Starke, southbound traffic was already starting to back up late Friday afternoon. - College Football -

"Highway 301 during games, all you see is Gator flags going by," said Lucille Palazzi, whose family owns the shop. "A lot of people that go to the games come from Jacksonville and this is the road."

Camped along that route in Lawtey was politically correct Cindy Dowdy, selling three types of boiled peanuts and fresh South Carolina peaches.

"I'm a Gator, but I like Florida State, too," she said. "Don't get me wrong, when it comes to Florida/Florida State, I hate to tell you, I'm a Gator." - College Football -

That doesn't make much sense, but it surely will appease all of Dowdy's customers.

Highway 301 zigs and zags its way from the north, away from Columbia, S.C., where the morning drive began following South Carolina's 24-15 victory over UCF on Thursday night.

The one constant along the way was that it didn't take long to find a football fan, eager to talk about the game as the season kicked off over the past few days. - College Football -

Copyright © 2005, Orlando Sentinel

2005-08-31T07:15:00.000-07:00

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Pittsburgh Panthers
Brian Covert

Line: Pittsburgh is a 3-point favorite for their season opener
Total: Oddsmakers have the total set at 52 ½-points

Charlie Weis’ job will be to inject new life into an offense that has not ranked higher in the nation than 76th over the last five years. The former New England offensive coordinator will start by simply trying to make the game more fun.

“Football, as tough as it is, as much work as it is, you`re supposed to have some fun,” Weis said.

The first place to start will be with the running game which set a school record for futility by averaging only 127.4 yards per game last season. However Weis does have a potential stud running back in Darius Walker to work with. Walker set a Notre Dame freshman record with 786 rushing yards last season. The entire receiving corps returns along with a five-man starting offensive line that combined for 59 starts last season.

They travel to Pittsburgh to take on NFL-refugee Dave Wannstedt and the Pittsburgh Panthers. Pittsburgh returns 16 starters including dynamic quarterback Tyler Palko who led the Panthers to an 8-4 record and a share of the Big East title last season.

Palko threw for five touchdowns and 334 yards in Pittsburgh’s 41-38 win as an 11-point favorite last November.

2005-08-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

California confident it can win Pac-10 title

David Leon Moore, USA TODAY

California is the only team to beat back-to-back national champ Southern California since the end of the 2002 season.

But two big reasons California occupied prime real estate recently in the national college football landscape are gone.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who went from obscure junior college recruit to first-round NFL draft pick, is a Green Bay Packer.

Running back J.J. Arrington, the first Cal player to lead his conference in rushing since Joe Kapp in 1958, is an Arizona Cardinal.

But perhaps the biggest reason the Bears have growled the last several years is back: coach Jeff Tedford.

Tedford, subject of innumerable hiring rumors during his successful turnaround of the program, signed a new five-year deal at the end of last season that nearly doubled his salary to $1.5 million.

So he's rich. But after Rodgers and Arrington and 11 other starters departed, can he keep the wins coming? With just nine returning starters, Cal has the fewest of any team in the Pac-10.

Fortunately for the growing legion of Bears fans, one of the new starters is sophomore running back Marshawn Lynch, who backed up Arrington last year and gained 628 yards, averaging a remarkable 8.8 yards a carry.

At Cal, they think the 5-11, 215-pound Lynch has the potential to one day compete for a Heisman Trophy.

"He is such a special player," Tedford says. "I expect great things from him. He's probably the best all-around football player I've ever been around. He's got speed. He can catch the football. He's a really, really exciting player. I'm anxious to see him be in the lead role now."

Tedford's talent at producing a balanced offense — the primary factor in Cal rising to No. 4 in the polls last year, their best ranking in 52 years, and finishing 10-2 — will be significantly tested.

The brilliant Rodgers, who threw for 2,566 yards and 24 touchdowns last year, will be replaced by an inexperienced signal-caller — either juniorcollege transfer Joe Ayoob, a 6-3 junior from San Francisco City College, or 6-5 redshirt freshman Nate Longshore.

"It's definitely a question mark about our season," Tedford says. "Aaron was a pretty special guy. He did so much in such a short period of time. Now we'll be going with guys who have never taken a snap at this level."

But Cal's Pac-10 opponents won't be surprised if Ayoob or Longshore, or both, is Tedford's next success story. Tedford, 43, a former Fresno State quarterback and assistant at Fresno State and Oregon, has coached seven quarterbacks who have gone on to start an NFL game.

"That guy is a great coach," Southern California linebacker Dallas Sartz says.

Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, the returning USC quarterback, says Tedford "has done a great job of recruiting and developing a system that works."

Cal's returnees seem confident of Tedford's ability to generate another whiz-bang offense.

"Coach Tedford, when it comes to QBs, he did it with A-Rodg, he can do it with these guys," veteran cornerback Harrison Smith says.

And the Bears can't wait to see what Lynch does with 20-25 carries a game.

"He's ridiculous," Smith says. "I've never seen anybody have the kind of impact he has. He's getting better and better. I'm happy I don't have to play against him."

Lynch, who added 15 pounds of muscle since last season, says playing at Cal and for Tedford "has been a dream. He knows what he wants and knows how to get it done."

Lynch says he's not feeling pressure to carry a big load for the Bears. "Not at all," he says. "I'll just let the season come to me and take whatever it gives me. It's an 11-man game, not a one-man game."

It's more like a 22-man game, and Cal has to be concerned about losing its top six tacklers and returning three defensive starters.

But Tedford and his staff have brought in a lot of talent on defense, both from high schools and junior colleges.

"I think we can keep it going," junior nose tackle Brandon Mebane says. "We've got a lot of competition for jobs, and I think that's a good thing. It makes people work harder."

Cal will be aided by a soft schedule to start. Chances would seem good for the Bears to be 5-0 when they travel to UCLA Oct. 8 and 8-0 before traveling to Oregon Nov. 5.

The Nov. 12 home game against USC could decide the Pac-10 title.

Cal beat the Trojans 34-31 early in the 2003 season, but USC went on to finish 12-1 and win a share of the national title. Cal outplayed the Trojans last year but lost 23-17, and USC went on to a 13-0 record and a repeat title.

"They're very strong, no question about it," Tedford says of the Trojans. "But to have the national champion in your league every year really gives you incentive to go after it yourself."

Tedford believes Cal can win a national title. Because he stayed, so do Cal fans.

USA Today

2005-08-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

July U.S. Sales See NCAA Football Dominate

North American video game sales statistics for June 2005 have now been made available to analysts, and according to reports, the NPD Group-sourced statistics show that the number one selling title of the month was Electronic Arts' college-themed football title NCAA Football 06 on PlayStation 2, selling a dominant 600,000 copies, with the Xbox version at number two, albeit with almost half as many sales. - College Football -
According to analyst reports, overall software sales were down by around 9 percent on July 2004, despite previous months managing to average above the previous year’s results by about the same percentage. Xbox software sales were down 8 percent, PlayStation 2 software sales down 18 percent and GameCube game sales down 32 percent on 2004. - College Football -
However, there was at least one relatively unexpected result in the top ten, with the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack being the third-best selling title with nearly 200,000 units sold, though grossing less than other games at a $20 price point – despite merely being a collection of nine multiplayer maps, all of which are due to be available via Xbox Live at a later date. - College Football -
Ranging further down the top-sellers, Nintendo's Pokemon Emerald continues to do well for the Game Boy Advance, with the latest in the long-running franchise selling just over 130,000 copies for the month. Activision's Fantastic Four game tie-in was the second-best selling PlayStation 2 title for the month, coming in at just over 100,000 copies sold, with THQ's Destroy All Humans only just behind it. - College Football -
Before being pulled from shelves, the Xbox SKU of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas racked up impressive sales of over 90,000.Finally, the top PSP titles sneaked into the overall top ten by sales, with Rockstar's Midnight Club 3 sneaking over 75,000 units for the somewhat slow month, and Konami’s critically questioned first person shoot ‘em-up Coded Arms only just behind it. The highest-selling Nintendo DS title was Kirby: Canvas Curse, at just under 50,000 units. - College Football -

-David Jenkins

2005-08-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

CU's Ligon OK after hit sends him to hospital

BOULDER - The play was like a hundred others during the course of a week's practice, a thousand others during the course of a college football season: With a ballcarrier in their sights, two defensive players collide, helmet to helmet. - College Football -
But Tuesday morning at the University of Colorado, one of them didn't get up.

Allowed ample time to arise and return to the defensive huddle, Alex Ligon remained motionless on the field. With coaches and trainers surrounding the 6-foot-3, 250-pound junior defensive end, drills were moved past the cluster to allow the Buffaloes to conclude the morning portion of their first day of two-a-days. - College Football -
Finishing practice, though, no longer was on anyone's priority list.
"I was nervous, scared," senior V-back Lawrence Vickers said. "You hate to see anyone go down, then when they're not moving . . . "
Paramedics arrived at 10:15 a.m. and about 10 minutes later, they had immobilized Ligon's neck and head and placed him on a stretcher. He was taken by ambulance to Boulder Community Hospital, where CU trainer Steve Willard said "a litany" of tests, including a CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging exam, were performed. - College Football -
Coach Gary Barnett said all results came back negative for an injury later described as a "stinger." No timetable was set for Ligon's return, and Willard said while the player is listed as day to day, "He will play football again." - College Football -
Barnett, who encountered a similar situation with an injured player during his first practice at Northwestern, spread word of Ligon's condition to the team about 11:30 a.m.
"It was a big relief," junior linebacker Thaddaeus Washington said. "Alex is a big part of this defense. . . . And none of us wanted to see another player go down."
Only one day earlier, the Buffs received news that junior receiver Blake Mackey was lost for the season because of a torn left knee ligament. - College Football -
In the aftermath of Ligon's injury, or possibly because it was their sixth consecutive practice without a day off, Barnett said the Buffaloes' afternoon work suffered, with balls dropped, assignments missed and a general crispness lacking.
"All of sudden, (players) wonder, 'What are you doing?' " Barnett said. "It was pretty scary."
"I just tried not to think about it," senior linebacker Brian Iwuh said of the cloud Barnett believed might have settled over the Buffs for the rest of the day. "I don't think it bothered me, but I know it was on a lot of people's minds."
Practice tape showed the injury was the result of what Barnett called "friendly fire" - a teammate (cornerback Lorenzo Sims) colliding with Ligon instead of an offensive player hitting Ligon - on the fourth-to-last play of the practice. - College Football -
Defensive line coach William Inge visited Ligon at the hospital and said the player was "fine and very upbeat. . . . He was concerned about getting back and not letting Alonzo (Barrett) take all of his 'reps.' "
Ligon, of Torrance, Calif., played in all 12 games last season with his 695 snaps, fourth most on the defense. He and fellow end Abraham Wright, also a junior, shared the 2004 team lead in sacks (4 1/2), and Ligon's six tackles for loss (34 total tackles) were the Buffs' second-most total behind the dozen posted by outside linebacker Brian Iwuh. - College Football -
Three of Ligon's sacks were registered in a 20-12 win against Washington State in Seattle. For the season, he also recovered one fumble, forced two and made five third-down stops.
The outside speed of Ligon and Wright, who shared the same spot last season, prompted CU's defensive staff to tinker with the front four during spring drills. Senior James Garee, a two-year starter at rush end, shifted to an inside "down" position, which will allow Ligon and Wright to be on the field at the same time.
Listed behind Ligon on the preseason camp depth chart are Barrett, a sophomore, and freshman Zach Jones. Barrett participated in 10 games (99 plays) last season, registering 14 tackles (two sacks, two tackles for loss). - College Football -
ETC.: Barnett said cornerback Gerret Burl was "ill" but was expected to return Thursday. Also expected back then are linebacker Jordon Dizon (shoulder) and center Bryce MacMartin (high ankle sprain) . . . Safety J.J. Billingsley was held out of work for "precautionary" measures, Barnett said . . . Junior-college transfer Terry Washington is showing well at cornerback. "He's showing why we recruited him," Barnett said. "He'll figure in all year." . . . The Buffs will have meetings and participate in media day today but will not practice. - College Football -

B.G. Brooks, Rocky Mountain News

2005-07-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

ACC says instant replay not being billed as "cure-all'

HOT SPRINGS, Va. — It's buyer beware as college football enters a brave, new world of instant replay with its officiating. - College Football -
For those still fuming about a blown call, or an omission that cost your favorite team a possible victory, the Atlantic Coast Conference has issued a disclaimer about the new replay system this year in most Division 1-A games.
"It's not going to be a cure-all," said Tommy Hunt, coordinator of ACC officials, speaking Tuesday during the final day of the ACC Football Kickoff at The Homestead, a vacation resort in the Blue Ridge mountains.
In other words, chill out, folks. - College Football -
"We will still make mistakes," Hunt said. "And there will be mistakes that are not detectable by replay officials. It's kind of like getting a new car.
"It looks good, it smells good when you first buy it. But you haven't driven it yet. Until you drive it, you don't know what kind of car it is. That's what instant replay will be like for us this year. It's sort of experimental. Until we get all the kinks out of it, we're going to make a few mistakes, so bear with us."
Shiny or flawed, however, it still represents a dramatic change for college football.
After the Big 10 Conference took the lead, using instant replay on a full-time basis last season, virtually every other major conference has copied the Big 10 model. Nine of the 11 conferences in Division 1-A will be using a replay system in the 2005 season. The only two conferences not doing it are the Western Athletic and Sun Belt. - College Football -
But it's not what you might see on Sundays in the NFL.
This one is totally different. Only one conference, Mountain West, is allowing coaches to challenge a call. But the NCAA has also mandated what plays can be reviewed. One replay official, sitting in the private booth in the press box, will tell the head referee on the field whether a call needs to be overturned. - College Football -
Any judgement call, such as pass interference, holding, personal foul penalties, offsides, illegal formations, will not be permitted for review. Only such plays involving fumbles, scoring, whether a player was in-bounds or out of bounds, or whether a player caught or dropped a pass are the kind of plays allowed for review.
"It's not the NFL system; it was not intended to be the NFL system," said ACC commissioner John Swofford. "I think we all owe the Big 10 a debt of gratitude, because they were willing to try and find a system that will work for college football and be affordable for college football."
In the NFL, of course, all games are televised. In college football, more than half the games are not televised. In games not televised, four cameras will be used, paid by the member conference, for replay. In televised games, as many as eight camera angles will be available.
The ACC is using a high-tech, computerized video system, patterned after the NFL system, so the replay official at its games has the fastest, easiest way to determine controversial calls. Decisions are expected within 90 seconds, so as to not slow down the game.
Some players aren't so sure that will happen.
"I think it's going to slow down the game," said Florida State tailback Leon Washington. "Sometimes, you want to get done with the game and go home and go out. I think the referees do a great job. But hopefully this will be a good idea." - College Football -
The ACC is spending $440,000 to outfit an instant replay system for all 12 teams. Each replay booth will have a technician from the host team and two hired replay officials supplied by the conference. One will decide if a play should be reviewed; the other will make the ruling.
"I think it's a great idea. I was in favor of it," said Miami coach Larry Coker. "We all want to do what's best for the game and let's get the calls decided correctly."
However, a replay system would not have benefited the Hurricanes in the national title game loss to Ohio State three years ago. The most controversial call in the game was a pass interference play. That would not have been reviewable. - College Football -
In other national rules changes this season, defensive players will no longer be allowed to leap in the air to block a kick if they land on any other player. It will be a personal foul penalty if they do.
The previous rule made it an infraction if the leaping player landed on an offensive player at the line of scrimmage.
The play was a specialty of former FSU safety B.J. Ward, who blocked a number of kicks while leaping and landing on teammates during the play. - College Football -
"As I told the (ACC) coaches to tell your players, if you can't fly, don't leap," Hunt said.
Penalties for celebration or taunting have also been stiffened. If two players celebrate together with gyrations or taunting actions, it will be a double penalty and the ensuing kickoff will be from the 10. If three or more are involved, the team must kick off from its own 5.

Bill Vilona, Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal

2005-07-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

Sports Video Game Review: NCAA Football 2006

NCAA FOOTBALL 2006
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release date: Available now
Retail Price: OVERALL
EA Sports realizes that not everyone has the luxury of experiencing life as a college football superstar, so the company's latest installment of NCAA Football is all about putting gamers on the field and in the dorms. NCAA Football 2006 brings more of what gamers dug in previous titles, and adds new features and tweaks such as the highly touted "Race for the Heisman" single player mode, which takes you from the high school practice field to the Downtown Athletic Club in Manhattan as a finalist (if you're lucky). EA also cleaned up many of the pitfalls of 2005's version, such as the excruciating high number of dropped passes and the inability to establish any kind of running game between the tackles. The improved game balance and new features make NCAA Football 2006 arguably the best in the series.
Rating: 4½ sore thumbs (out of 5).
GRAPHICS
Player models have been tweaked to look skinnier than players in Madden, which helps reflect the young age of college football players, most of whom haven't fully filled out yet. There have also been a lot of additions made to the animation in NCAA 2006. "Impact players" unlock Matrix-like moves when they're in the zone, which is a nice addition. Also, gang tackles, pancake blocks and other new animations have been added, further refining the game's look. The lighting differences between a smaller stadium, such as Sacramento State's Hornet Stadium, and Michigan's "Big House" are phenomenal. The base engine remains pretty much the same, though, so don't expect quite the same level of visual polish as in the Madden games. A new College GameDay-like pregame show has been added, starring announcers Brad Nessler, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. While new commentary from the trio helps with the audio presentation, the actual character models for the three look rather rough. I expect the presentation to improve dramatically with the next generation consoles, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, which arrive later this year and next spring, respectively.
Rating: 4 sore thumbs.
FEATURES
The race for the Heisman plays out much like a football role-playing game, as you take the role of a fresh-faced high school recruit looking to break into the big-time in college football. When you first boot up the game, you're actually dropped immediately into creating a character for the race for the Heisman.
You'll select from one of eight different positions, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and even defensive positions, like linebacker and defensive back. From there you'll run a drill that will determine the starting attributes of your created character, as well as generate scholarship offers from interested schools. This doesn't really matter, though, as you're able to walk on to any school you please to take over the starting job. From there, the race for the Heisman plays out like dynasty mode, without the recruiting and coaching decisions. You'll play up to four seasons of football while attempting to generate eye-popping stats that will attract the attention of Heisman voters. Throughout your time in school you'll accumulate trophies to view in your dorm room, as well as get fan mail. There's even a picture of your girlfriend that you can view on the computer. The mode can be fun for those who seek individual glory, and it's a nice twist on the standard dynasty mode.
A couple new wrinkles have been added in the dynasty mode, the most significant of which is the inclusion of in-season recruiting. Week by week, you can allocate a percentage of your recruiting clout to pursuing top high school players. Over the course of the season, recruits will cut their lists of prospective schools down, and if you can make it to their final three, you can invite them on campus for a visit. You'll want to pick a weekend where you play (and hopefully beat) a marquee opponent. If the kids dig your team and their parents like your campus, then you might be able to pick up a few blue chippers before the real bulk of the recruiting happens in the offseason.
Rating: 5 sore thumbs.
GAME PLAY
NCAA 2006 is a much smoother version than its predecessor. The fluidness of the blockers as they create holes for running backs and passing lanes for quarterbacks is the best I've seen, including Madden. There is no longer a "tip drill" on defense, which was almost circus-like in NCAA 2005. Defensive players are still able to tip the ball and create turnovers off of them, but they are now more infrequent. "Impact players" are the biggest addition to gameplay. Just like real life, you have players that step up and make plays on a consistent basis. Players you can count on, that sometimes goes into "the zone" randomly and are able to make an impact even without you controlling them. Online play is included on both platforms. You'll need to create a log-in on EA's servers, and there you'll be treated to the usual array of features, including ranked ladders, lobbies, news, periodic tournaments, and more.
As far as the differences between the two platforms, the PS2 version has superior control over the Xbox version because all of the buttons are more easily reachable. But Xbox is faster to load.
Rating: 5 sore thumbs.
FUN FACTOR
From the new mini-games -- such as the Pass Skeleton, Oklahoma Drill, Option and Rushing Attack -- to the Mascot game -- which allows you to play as your favorite team's mascot -- NCAA 2006 is filled to the brim with enough fun to keep you going until NCAA 2007. While a bevy of nifty new features has been added to NCAA Football, the best aspect of the game is probably its re-tweaking of the usual NCAA game balance. The actual nuts and bolts of playing a game of NCAA 2006 make it feel just right, and for veterans of the series, playing will evoke warm memories of NCAA 2004. Combining that great gameplay balance with all the new features added over the past two years results in a game that every college football fan should have in their library.
Rating: 5 sore thumbs.

EDDIE BROWN/THE BEE

2005-07-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Pro football returns to Kewanee

The return of professional football to Kewanee was a successful one Saturday as the semipro Mid-State Steel defeated the Lake County Chiefs 33-10 at the Kewanee High School Stadium.The win improves Mid-State's record to 3-1 on the season.The Steel, led by former Manlius stars Spencer and Brian Davis, led 14-3 at the half. - College Football -
Mid-State scored first on an interception return by Robbie Seaman then extended the lead to 14-3 on a short run by Brian Davis just before the half.In the third quarter, Spencer Davis threw for a pair of scores.
First, he passed to Beau Feuchter for a score, then later he hooked up with former Northwestern University star Ronnie Foster for a 78-yard touchdown to help the Steel to a 26-10 advantage.Mid-State rounded out the scoring late in the game on a short run by Eric Powell."Lake County was one of the toughest teams we've played so far," Mid-State coach and former Buda-Western athlete Mike Tumbleson said. "I was kind of shocked that we played that well."Tumbleson was especially pleased with the play of his offensive line. - College Football -
"Our offensive line was giving up 60 to 80 pounds at certain spots, but we flat out dominated the line of scrimmage," he said.Tumbleson said the defense also played well, allowing Lake County a short scoring drive after a bad snap on a punt."Our defense is the best I have seen in a long time," Tumbleson said. "We had two interceptions for touchdowns, but one was called back because of a penalty." - College Football -
Special teams play also was a key for the Steel as former Eureka College All-American Jason Spang had more than 100 yards in returns and two interceptions on defense."The community support for the game was great," Tumbleson said. "The people really got behind us. Hopefully we can come back sometime in the future. - College Football -
"Seaman was the defensive star of the game for the Steel as he recorded five sacks to go along with his interception return.Brian Davis ended the game with 81 yards rushing on 11 carries, while Spencer Davis completed 11 of 16 passes for more than 200 yards."Brian really set the tone on the first drive as he had runs of 11, eight and 13 yards," Tumbleson said. "He was the difference."An estimated 400 people braved the hot weather for the game with the proceeds going to the Kewanee High School football team. - College Football -

SETH UFHEIL
The Star Courier

2005-07-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Make Sports College economically viable - Osafo-Maafo

Winneba, July 5, GNA - Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Minister of Education and Sports on Tuesday urged the management of the Winneba Sports College to be innovative and look for other avenues of raising money to rehabilitate the College and turn it into an economically viable institution.He said it was possible for the College to go for loan at the banks and turn the place into a two-star hotel, and with its sporting facilities, the college could become the desire destination of many people."The College is at a good location, it's a university town, it's a tourist town and once the facilities are face-lifted, it would be able to recoup its investment in no time and start to make profit," the Minister said.Mr. Osafo-Maafo led a four-man delegation to pay a surprise visit to the national under-17 soccer team, the Black Starlets, and to inspect facilities at the College.The team included, his deputy Minister Mr O. B. Amoah, Dr Owusu Ansah, a Director at the Ministry and Mr Richard Quashie, Acting Chairman of the Starlet Management Committee.The Minister was led round by Mr. Domic Asabia, Acting Director of the College, who later briefed him on the problems facing the institution including a competent managerial staff to help run the place.The team inspected the hostel facilities, the canteen, the first-class tennis courts, an uncompleted hockey pitch and two football arenas, one yet to be completed.The consultants, AESL said the College would need not less than 250 million cedis to bring the uncompleted football arena to an appreciable level.Mr Osafo-Maafo told a workers' durbar he was disappointed at the deteriorated facilities and urged them not to undermine the system but collectively help improve the place."I have visited sports Colleges in Morocco, Tunisia and Abidjan and this is about the worse," the Minister said.He presented a bus valued at 550 million cedis purchased from the HIPC funds to the College, which is to facilitate camping of the national teams and the Academy.The College is currently housing 76 players made of the Starlets and both the soccer and tennis academies.Mr Osafo-Maafo expressed the hope that the Starlets would rediscover their scintillating form to become world champions again. He said government was ready to meet all their needs to make life more comfortable to them before the World Under-17 Championship slated for Peru in September.The Minister reminded the team that the only way to get to the top was through dedication, discipline and serious training. He said sports in general and soccer in particular was a uniting force adding that each time the national soccer team won the whole nation was in a jubilant mood.Mr. Osafo-Maafo pleaded with the boys and their technical handlers not to disappoint the nation.

GNA

2005-06-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

Green is headed to Hall of Fame
Longtime News columnist, writer is honored for his work covering pro football.

Jerry Green, a retired Detroit News columnist and writer, has won the 2005 Dick McCann Memorial Award for long and distinguished career reporting on professional football, and will be inducted into the sport's Hall of Fame.
"Outstanding -- well-deserved," said Tom Lewand, chief operating officer for the Lions. "I'm from the Detroit area, and had the good fortune of reading Jerry Green as I grew up. I learned a lot of what I know about the Detroit Lions from reading Jerry Green. Everybody in Detroit can take pride in having one of the best and longest-serving sports journalists in America."
Green's remark when reached by a News reporter Monday was perfectly typical.
"How'd you get stuck with this?" he asked. "This is worth about two inches."
Green, 77, is one of only five journalists to have covered every Super Bowl, a streak he will keep alive by reporting on the 40th game at Ford Field in February, even though he semi-retired last September.
"This was long overdue, and it's the capstone of Jerry's career," said Washington Times writer David Elfin, president of the Pro Football Writers of America, whose 300-plus members vote on the award. "When I called Jerry and told him the news, he had to compose himself a minute on the phone. It brought tears to his eyes.
"One thing we all admire about Jerry is, he always carries himself like a beat guy, never walking around with his nose stuck in the air. You'd never know he covered the Wimbledons and everything, all the major events he did. He's just a hard-working guy."
Green's name will be engraved on an honor-roll plaque in the Canton, Ohio, hall beside some of the greatest journalists in sports history.
That list includes Arthur Daley and Dave Anderson of the New York Times, John Steadman of the Baltimore News-American, Cooper Rollow of the Chicago Tribune and Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated.
"Jerry will receive his award at our annual Civic Dinner (Aug. 6) during Enshrinement Weekend," said Joe Horrigan, vice president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "Four thousand of his closest friends will be there (in Canton) to see Jerry receive his award and the players being enshrined receive their gold jacket."
In another Michigan touch, Green's award will be presented by a Pro Football Writers Association board member, Jarrett Bell of USA TODAY, a Detroit native and Michigan State graduate.
Since the late 1970s, Green has represented Detroit as one of the Hall's 39-member selection committee.
He also serves on the nine-member seniors subcommittee that chooses candidates who played at least 25 years earlier.
Dan Marino, who played from 1983 to 1999 for the Miami Dolphins, and fellow quarterback Steve Young, who played for 15 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 49ers, will be enshrined the night Green receives his award, along with deceased old-timers Fritz Pollard and Benny Friedman.
Pollard -- like Green, a Brown University alum -- died in 1986. He was the first African-American inducted into the college Football Hall of Fame, the first to play in the Rose Bowl, the first to play quarterback in the NFL and the first black head coach in NFL history. Pollard coached the Akron Pros and two other NFL teams as well. When the league imposed a ban on blacks that lasted from 1934 to 1946, he waged a one-man campaign to force the NFL to reopen its doors to blacks.
Friedman, who died in 1982, was a Michigan graduate who played for four teams between 1927 and 1934, including the Detroit Wolverines, and was considered the NFL's first great passer.
They're all the kind of player Green wrote about during his half-century in journalism, the last 41 years with The News. He covered hockey and horse racing, pro baseball and college sports, even a rodeo once. But it was always pro football, Green has said, that defined him as a journalist.
By Fred Girard / The Detroit News

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