Both the men's and women's teams lost in heart breaking fashion to end their 2008 portion of the season.
The women fell to South Carolina State in the Burrow on Monday. They were up by five points with 21 seconds left before they fell apart at the end, something that has become somewhat of a trend, losing the game by one.
The men lost to Kentucky in Lexington on Saturday. They were up by five with about 15 minutes to go, with Paul Graham III looking outstanding once again. He finished with a career high 31 points, but the Owls still couldn't pull out the victory.
The men and women both play South Alabama on New Year's Day in the Burrow. Women start first at 12pm with the men playing afterward.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Owls Win, Schnellenberger Still Undefeated in Bowl Games
FAU knows how to win the big games, and so does their head coach Howard Schnellenberger.
The Owls defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas in the Motor City Bowl the day after Christmas, bringing FAU's bowl record to 2-0 and coach Schnellenberger's bowl record to 6-0.
FAU football is the youngest program to be invited to a bowl game, and they just keep adding to their credentials.
With high expectations this year, the Owls came out of the gates looking like the pressure of being a contender had gotten to them, starting the season at 1-5.
Now that the season has ended, that terrible start has been forgotten, almost like it was all just for the suspense. FAU ended the year 5-1, becoming bowl eligible in their last game of the year in an overtime win over their rival FIU.
Now, the focus is on the future. The defense was already somewhat of a disappointment this year, and there are a lot of seniors leaving on that side of the ball. The offensive line is also filled with seniors, and the two top running backs also just finished their last year.
No more Frantz Joseph, Jervonte Jackson, Nick Paris, or Charles Pierre. Next year will be known as Rusty's year. He will be the leader, even more so than this year, and he will control the destiny of how fast the program will rise, and whether or not he will be drafted in the NFL.
Schnellenberger said that Rusty reminds him of Bernie Kosar and Jim Kelly at that age. We'll see if Rusty proves to be that caliber of a player.
The Owls defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas in the Motor City Bowl the day after Christmas, bringing FAU's bowl record to 2-0 and coach Schnellenberger's bowl record to 6-0.
FAU football is the youngest program to be invited to a bowl game, and they just keep adding to their credentials.
With high expectations this year, the Owls came out of the gates looking like the pressure of being a contender had gotten to them, starting the season at 1-5.
Now that the season has ended, that terrible start has been forgotten, almost like it was all just for the suspense. FAU ended the year 5-1, becoming bowl eligible in their last game of the year in an overtime win over their rival FIU.
Now, the focus is on the future. The defense was already somewhat of a disappointment this year, and there are a lot of seniors leaving on that side of the ball. The offensive line is also filled with seniors, and the two top running backs also just finished their last year.
No more Frantz Joseph, Jervonte Jackson, Nick Paris, or Charles Pierre. Next year will be known as Rusty's year. He will be the leader, even more so than this year, and he will control the destiny of how fast the program will rise, and whether or not he will be drafted in the NFL.
Schnellenberger said that Rusty reminds him of Bernie Kosar and Jim Kelly at that age. We'll see if Rusty proves to be that caliber of a player.
Friday, December 26, 2008
FAU Plays in the Motor City Bowl Tonight!
Attention Owl fans! As if you didn't already know, FAU (6-6) plays Central Michigan (8-4) in the Motor City Bowl Game in Detroit, Michigan at Ford Field tonight at 7:30.
Even though it's cold as hell, (you know I never understood that saying because hell is supposed to have a fire and brimstone climate) at least Ford Field is indoors so the frigid northern weather won't be a factor to the warm weathered Owls.
Last year's Motor City Bowl Game was the second highest scoring bowl game in NCAA history. Expect much of the same this year with two highly touted quarterbacks on display against two suspect defenses.
This is the third consecutive appearance in the Motor City Bowl Game for the Chippewas. They lost last year 51-48 against Purdue and won the year before 31-14 against Middle Tennessee State.
FAU's legendary head coach Howard Schnellenberger is 5-0 all time in bowl games. He says he learned how to win bowl games from his mentor Paul 'Bear' Bryant.
Let's keep that unblemished record alive and bring home a victory so we have something to brag about in the off-season.
You can watch it live tonight on ESPN.
Even though it's cold as hell, (you know I never understood that saying because hell is supposed to have a fire and brimstone climate) at least Ford Field is indoors so the frigid northern weather won't be a factor to the warm weathered Owls.
Last year's Motor City Bowl Game was the second highest scoring bowl game in NCAA history. Expect much of the same this year with two highly touted quarterbacks on display against two suspect defenses.
This is the third consecutive appearance in the Motor City Bowl Game for the Chippewas. They lost last year 51-48 against Purdue and won the year before 31-14 against Middle Tennessee State.
FAU's legendary head coach Howard Schnellenberger is 5-0 all time in bowl games. He says he learned how to win bowl games from his mentor Paul 'Bear' Bryant.
Let's keep that unblemished record alive and bring home a victory so we have something to brag about in the off-season.
You can watch it live tonight on ESPN.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Southern Miss Player Breaks His Leg, Not for the Squeamish
Southern Mississippi upset Troy, the Sun-Belt Champions, in this year's New Orleans Bowl 30-27 in overtime.
This was the same bowl game the Owls won last season and it's got to make FAU fans happy to see the Trojans go down, but no one can find anything positive about what happened to Southern Miss's DeAndre Brown during the game. Watch, but I warn you, this is gross!
Ouch! That could not have felt good. Thank God for doctors.
This was the same bowl game the Owls won last season and it's got to make FAU fans happy to see the Trojans go down, but no one can find anything positive about what happened to Southern Miss's DeAndre Brown during the game. Watch, but I warn you, this is gross!
Ouch! That could not have felt good. Thank God for doctors.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Ow-LLLLLLLL's Tack On Another Road Loss To Their Record
And the away losses continue! There's just something not clicking with the Owls men's basketball team (4-8) when they play on the road.
Proof to the point is last night's blowout defeat to the UAB Blazers (8-3). Even with All-American big man Carlos Monroe back in the lineup, the Owls got dominated in the paint, being outscored 42-8.
To add, they shot just 28 percent from the field and were just 3 for 20 from the three point line. The only strong point was their 8 for 10 shooting from the free throw line. FAU leads the Sun-Belt Conference in free throw shooting at over 70 percent.
When a team plays as well as FAU has at home (3-0) and as poorly as they have on the road (1-8) it points to the coaching. Jarvis and his staff has done a great job with these guys coaching them into a competitive team, but something has to be done to spark some energy once they leave Boca. They've been playing close games for the most part, but can't pull it out in the end.
It could have to do with the quality of teams they play on the road, and the amount of away games, but still the scheduling falls back onto the coaching staff because they set most of these games up, especially when it's a smaller school versus a larger school.
It doesn't get any easier in their next game against national powerhouse Kentucky (9-3) on December 27 at 3pm in Lexington.
What a great Christmas present that is for the guys!
Proof to the point is last night's blowout defeat to the UAB Blazers (8-3). Even with All-American big man Carlos Monroe back in the lineup, the Owls got dominated in the paint, being outscored 42-8.
To add, they shot just 28 percent from the field and were just 3 for 20 from the three point line. The only strong point was their 8 for 10 shooting from the free throw line. FAU leads the Sun-Belt Conference in free throw shooting at over 70 percent.
When a team plays as well as FAU has at home (3-0) and as poorly as they have on the road (1-8) it points to the coaching. Jarvis and his staff has done a great job with these guys coaching them into a competitive team, but something has to be done to spark some energy once they leave Boca. They've been playing close games for the most part, but can't pull it out in the end.
It could have to do with the quality of teams they play on the road, and the amount of away games, but still the scheduling falls back onto the coaching staff because they set most of these games up, especially when it's a smaller school versus a larger school.
It doesn't get any easier in their next game against national powerhouse Kentucky (9-3) on December 27 at 3pm in Lexington.
What a great Christmas present that is for the guys!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Lady Owls Basketball Team Lost in the Bahamas
No, they aren't lost at sea in the Bermuda Triangle, but they did lose both their Sunshine Shootout Tournament Games in Nassau, Bahamas.
FAU (3-7) lost to East Carolina (7-3) in their last game of the tourney 68-63. The Owls had the lead through most of the game, but couldn't hold on to it in the end, which has become a recognizable trend so far this season.
One positive note on the trip is junior guard Brittany Bowe was named to the All-Tournament Team for her strong performance in the Owls' two games.
The next game for the ladies will be Monday, Dec. 29 at 7pm against South Carolina State in the Burrow.
FAU (3-7) lost to East Carolina (7-3) in their last game of the tourney 68-63. The Owls had the lead through most of the game, but couldn't hold on to it in the end, which has become a recognizable trend so far this season.
One positive note on the trip is junior guard Brittany Bowe was named to the All-Tournament Team for her strong performance in the Owls' two games.
The next game for the ladies will be Monday, Dec. 29 at 7pm against South Carolina State in the Burrow.
Owls Are Swimming Faster
FAU's men and women swimmers had a meet over the weekend at the Boca pool.A group of swimmers improved their times once again, something the Owls have become accustom to as the season has gone on.
Freshman Rick Duran (above) won the 1,000 meter freestyle event for the second time this year.
The next meet is against Clemson at the FAU pool on January 2 at 4pm.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Men's BBall Drops Second Straight Sun-Belt Game
It was pretty much the Troy Trojans hosting a basketball game against three FAU seniors.
Graham, Nwoji, and Monroe scored 74 of FAU's 87 points. Troy (4-6,1-1) held off FAU (4-7, 0-2) with a 94-87 win.
Each of the Owl seniors scored in the 20's, with Graham reaching a career high 28 points.
The road whoa's continued for FAU, who is now 1-7 in away games on the season.
This was preseason All-American Carlos Monroe's second game, with both resulting in conference losses. Hopefully he can take back his leadership role and transform the Owls into road warriors the more he gets into a rhythm with the team.
FAU is the midst of a three game road swing and end playing UAB, who have a knack for making the NCAA tournament and always put a strong team on the court, then against national powerhouse Kentucky.
FAU returns to the Burrow January 1.
It's time for the guys to step it up a notch on the road if they hope to make the NCAA tournament and add another bullet point to first year head coach Mike Jarvis' resume.
Graham, Nwoji, and Monroe scored 74 of FAU's 87 points. Troy (4-6,1-1) held off FAU (4-7, 0-2) with a 94-87 win.
Each of the Owl seniors scored in the 20's, with Graham reaching a career high 28 points.
The road whoa's continued for FAU, who is now 1-7 in away games on the season.
This was preseason All-American Carlos Monroe's second game, with both resulting in conference losses. Hopefully he can take back his leadership role and transform the Owls into road warriors the more he gets into a rhythm with the team.
FAU is the midst of a three game road swing and end playing UAB, who have a knack for making the NCAA tournament and always put a strong team on the court, then against national powerhouse Kentucky.
FAU returns to the Burrow January 1.
It's time for the guys to step it up a notch on the road if they hope to make the NCAA tournament and add another bullet point to first year head coach Mike Jarvis' resume.
Lady Owls Lose Lead to Mercer
FAU's women's basketball team (3-6) lost to the Mercer Bears (6-3) last night in the Lady Owls opener at the Sunshine Shootout in the Bahamas.
FAU led by as much as five in the second half, but the Bears came back to take the lead. The Owls battled hard in the end, but couldn't pull out the win.
The next and final game FAU will play in the Sunshine Shootout will be Saturday at 4pm against East Carolina.
FAU led by as much as five in the second half, but the Bears came back to take the lead. The Owls battled hard in the end, but couldn't pull out the win.
The next and final game FAU will play in the Sunshine Shootout will be Saturday at 4pm against East Carolina.
Frantz Joseph Named Honorable Mention All-American
Senior FAU linebacker Frantz Joseph is a 2008 All-American.
SI.com named him as one of fifteen linebackers on the list, which had three categories; first team, second team, and honorable mention. Joseph was an honorable mention.
He ranked second in the nation this year in total tackles, and led the Sun-Belt Conference for the second straight year. He holds the number one and two spots on FAU's all time total tackles list in a single season. He is also the total tackles leader in the Owls record books.
With a resume like that, he seems poised to be playing on Sundays by this time next year.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Men's Soccer Tryouts
The men's soccer team will hold walk-on tryouts on February 2 at 2:30pm at the FAU Glades Practice Fields.
For information for what is needed to participate click here.
For information for what is needed to participate click here.
Owls Snap Losing Streak, Then Lose Conference Opener
The Owls men's basketball team (4-6,0-1) have lost five of their last six games.
FAU snapped their four game losing streak Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana, but then lost to Denver to open conference play last night.
The Owls remain undefeated so far this season at home, but are 1-6 on the road.
"It's tough to win on the road in college basketball," says head coach Mike Jarvis.
Even with the return of team leader Carlos Monroe, who has been ineligible this season until last night, FAU still couldn't pull out the road win.
The Owls play their next three games on the road, so they better figure it out or they could easily be facing a 4-9 record before returning home to play South Alabama on New Year's Day, especially considering the quality of the teams they play in Troy, UAB, and Kentucky.
FAU snapped their four game losing streak Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana, but then lost to Denver to open conference play last night.
The Owls remain undefeated so far this season at home, but are 1-6 on the road.
"It's tough to win on the road in college basketball," says head coach Mike Jarvis.
Even with the return of team leader Carlos Monroe, who has been ineligible this season until last night, FAU still couldn't pull out the road win.
The Owls play their next three games on the road, so they better figure it out or they could easily be facing a 4-9 record before returning home to play South Alabama on New Year's Day, especially considering the quality of the teams they play in Troy, UAB, and Kentucky.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Lady Owls Lose Conference Opener
The Lady Owls (3-5, 0-1) lost at Denver University (4-4, 1-0) to opener up this season's Sun-Belt Conference play.
It was the first in-conference Sun-Belt game of the year.
FAU led throughout most of the game, but couldn't hold onto their lead.
They will try to snap a two game losing streak against Mercer on December 18th at 4pm in Nassau, Bahamas.
They also play another game in the Bahamas against East Carolina two days later at 4pm, and will get a break over the Christmas holiday before returning to Boca to play South Carolina State on Monday Dec. 29 at 9 pm.
I wonder if the ladies will be allowed to go sight seeing on their day off...
It was the first in-conference Sun-Belt game of the year.
FAU led throughout most of the game, but couldn't hold onto their lead.
They will try to snap a two game losing streak against Mercer on December 18th at 4pm in Nassau, Bahamas.
They also play another game in the Bahamas against East Carolina two days later at 4pm, and will get a break over the Christmas holiday before returning to Boca to play South Carolina State on Monday Dec. 29 at 9 pm.
I wonder if the ladies will be allowed to go sight seeing on their day off...
Friday, December 12, 2008
Owls Try to Snap Four Game Skid Against Southeast Louisiana Tomorrow Night in the Burrow
The Owls (3-5) play their first home game since November 22 tomorrow night against the SE Louisiana Lions (4-3) at 7pm.
FAU began the season 3-1, but are now on a four game losing streak, with all the losses coming on the road. The Owls are undefeated in both pre-season and regular season play at home on the year.
The Lions are ranked 10th in the NCAA in scoring (84.9 ppg). They have four players averaging double figures, including the team's leading scorer guard/forward Kevyn Green (21.4 ppg), who ranks in the top 20 nationally in numerous offensive categories.
The Lions offensive play may prove to be too much for the Owls defense that has looked sluggish at times, and has a tendency to give up easy baskets towards the end of games.
A key player that needs to play well in order for the Owls to pull out the victory is the team's leading scorer Paul Graham III (13.4 ppg), who will be honored before the game for becoming the 7th player in FAU history to score over 1,000 points.
One of the other six to score over 1,000 points for the Owls is pre-season All-American senior forward Carlos Monroe , who is expected to still be out due to being ineligible for play. I personally expect Monroe to be back once grades are released. Although the team won't release the reason for why he is ineligible and there has been no time table given as to when he will return, Jarvis did say that he expects Monroe to return before seasons end. That gives me a gut feeling that academics is the answer to why he can't play right now.
This will be the last chance to watch the Owls play at the Burrow until Thursday, Jan. 1 at 2pm when they play South Alabama.
Anyone who brings in an unwrapped toy to tomorrow night's game will receive $2 admission as part of FAU's Toys for Kids Holiday Drive. The first 50 fans will receive free popcorn and the first 200 fans will receive a free Amp Energy drink.
I hope to see you there at the game. I'll be the blond hair guy sitting at the east side scoring table in front of the Owl fans.
FAU began the season 3-1, but are now on a four game losing streak, with all the losses coming on the road. The Owls are undefeated in both pre-season and regular season play at home on the year.
The Lions are ranked 10th in the NCAA in scoring (84.9 ppg). They have four players averaging double figures, including the team's leading scorer guard/forward Kevyn Green (21.4 ppg), who ranks in the top 20 nationally in numerous offensive categories.
The Lions offensive play may prove to be too much for the Owls defense that has looked sluggish at times, and has a tendency to give up easy baskets towards the end of games.
A key player that needs to play well in order for the Owls to pull out the victory is the team's leading scorer Paul Graham III (13.4 ppg), who will be honored before the game for becoming the 7th player in FAU history to score over 1,000 points.
One of the other six to score over 1,000 points for the Owls is pre-season All-American senior forward Carlos Monroe , who is expected to still be out due to being ineligible for play. I personally expect Monroe to be back once grades are released. Although the team won't release the reason for why he is ineligible and there has been no time table given as to when he will return, Jarvis did say that he expects Monroe to return before seasons end. That gives me a gut feeling that academics is the answer to why he can't play right now.
This will be the last chance to watch the Owls play at the Burrow until Thursday, Jan. 1 at 2pm when they play South Alabama.
Anyone who brings in an unwrapped toy to tomorrow night's game will receive $2 admission as part of FAU's Toys for Kids Holiday Drive. The first 50 fans will receive free popcorn and the first 200 fans will receive a free Amp Energy drink.
I hope to see you there at the game. I'll be the blond hair guy sitting at the east side scoring table in front of the Owl fans.
Cross Country Runner Reeves in a Winning Holiday Spirit
Owls junior cross country runner Taylor Reeves won the Boca Raton Holiday Road Race Wednesday, Dec. 10.
It was a mile run which Reeves completed in 4:27.5, seven seconds better than his time last year, and at least three minutes better than I could ever hope to do in my shape.
He steadily showed improvement in his times this past season, and continues to do so in the off season. Remember his name for next year, because he seems poised for a great senior season, and maybe even a run at the Olympic Games in years to come.
It was a mile run which Reeves completed in 4:27.5, seven seconds better than his time last year, and at least three minutes better than I could ever hope to do in my shape.
He steadily showed improvement in his times this past season, and continues to do so in the off season. Remember his name for next year, because he seems poised for a great senior season, and maybe even a run at the Olympic Games in years to come.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Rusty Smith Not On All-Sun Belt Team
Seven Owls received All-Sun Belt team honors for their performances in the 2008 season.
The surprise was a name left off the list.
Quarterback Rusty Smith, who was the 2007 Sun-Belt player of the year and this year's pre-season Sun-Belt player of the year, did not have a good enough year to add the award to his resume.
It's not shocking to the fact that he earned his spot as a top notch player this year and was snubbed, it's more because of how he was expected to play and how his numbers dropped off from last season causing him to not be recognized.
It's a fitting ending to a roller coaster ride season that has ended luckily with a bowl game.
The surprise was a name left off the list.
Quarterback Rusty Smith, who was the 2007 Sun-Belt player of the year and this year's pre-season Sun-Belt player of the year, did not have a good enough year to add the award to his resume.
It's not shocking to the fact that he earned his spot as a top notch player this year and was snubbed, it's more because of how he was expected to play and how his numbers dropped off from last season causing him to not be recognized.
It's a fitting ending to a roller coaster ride season that has ended luckily with a bowl game.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Men's BBall Team To Have Honorary Coach at Next Home Game
Darius Weems, the subject of the award-winning 2007 film "Darius Goes West" will be helping coach the men's basketball team at their next home game against Southeast Louisiana University on Saturday Dec. 13.
The goal is to raise awareness about the disease Weems has, called muscular dystrophy.
On Thursday, Dec. 11 Weems will attend the Owls basketball practice from 11am-2pm in the Burrow before he and the basketball team screen "Darius Goes West" at Muvico Palace 20 in Boca Raton later in the night. So if you want to hang with the team, or meet the man behind the movie, here is your chance.
Visit www.charleysfund.org to purchase tickets.
The goal is to raise awareness about the disease Weems has, called muscular dystrophy.
On Thursday, Dec. 11 Weems will attend the Owls basketball practice from 11am-2pm in the Burrow before he and the basketball team screen "Darius Goes West" at Muvico Palace 20 in Boca Raton later in the night. So if you want to hang with the team, or meet the man behind the movie, here is your chance.
Visit www.charleysfund.org to purchase tickets.
Some Owls Went Swimming
FAU sent four freshman to Atlanta, Georgia to compete in the Short Course National Championships, over this past weekend.
Mikolaj Czarnecki, and Csaba Pek represented the men.
Jonna Nyback, and Ewa Jamborska represented the women.
All the Owls swimmers hit seasonal bests, with only one of the nine performances not meeting a seasonal best.
The Owls hit the water next at the FAU pool on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 10am to compete against Oregon State, Northwestern, and Denver.
Mikolaj Czarnecki, and Csaba Pek represented the men.
Jonna Nyback, and Ewa Jamborska represented the women.
All the Owls swimmers hit seasonal bests, with only one of the nine performances not meeting a seasonal best.
The Owls hit the water next at the FAU pool on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 10am to compete against Oregon State, Northwestern, and Denver.
Monday, December 8, 2008
FAU Accepts Invitation to the Motor City Bowl
I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the Owls would be going to a bowl game.
FAU (6-6) will play the Central Michigan Chippewas (8-4) in Detroit on Friday, Dec. 26.
Troy (8-4) was the only other Sun Belt team to get a bowl invitation. Arkansas State (6-6) and the University of Louisiana Lafayette (6-6) were both bowl eligible, with ASU defeating FAU just a few weeks back, but neither will be playing beyond the regular season.
It took some lobbying, but the Owls successfully got the nod over the other Sun-Belt teams.
The Owls started the season off going 1-5, before finishing the last six game with a record of 5-1. It was a great turn around for a team that struggled against some of the elite teams, i.e. Texas, Michigan State, and Minnesota. The Owls had huge expectations to start the year, but it looked like a grave mistake scheduling games against those teams and that they had no shot at post-season play.
In the end it turned out the Michigan State game, where the Owls lost 17-0 in a game that was closer then the score shows, helped FAU achieve their second strait bowl appearance because of the fight they put up, and the hype they brought with them.
Schnellenberger is 5-0 all time in bowl games, and looks smarter now for setting up those tough match ups earlier in the year. Congrats, and let's bring home another ring.
FAU (6-6) will play the Central Michigan Chippewas (8-4) in Detroit on Friday, Dec. 26.
Troy (8-4) was the only other Sun Belt team to get a bowl invitation. Arkansas State (6-6) and the University of Louisiana Lafayette (6-6) were both bowl eligible, with ASU defeating FAU just a few weeks back, but neither will be playing beyond the regular season.
It took some lobbying, but the Owls successfully got the nod over the other Sun-Belt teams.
The Owls started the season off going 1-5, before finishing the last six game with a record of 5-1. It was a great turn around for a team that struggled against some of the elite teams, i.e. Texas, Michigan State, and Minnesota. The Owls had huge expectations to start the year, but it looked like a grave mistake scheduling games against those teams and that they had no shot at post-season play.
In the end it turned out the Michigan State game, where the Owls lost 17-0 in a game that was closer then the score shows, helped FAU achieve their second strait bowl appearance because of the fight they put up, and the hype they brought with them.
Schnellenberger is 5-0 all time in bowl games, and looks smarter now for setting up those tough match ups earlier in the year. Congrats, and let's bring home another ring.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wes Welker Thinks Penalized Big Hit Was Clean
It brings me joy to hear a story like this.
Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker was layed out on a huge hit by Pittsburgh Steeler's safety Ryan Clark in last Sunday's game, which was a 33-10 Steelers statement making victory.
Welker feels the hit was a good play and doesn't expect an apology from Clark. You be the judge.
Looks to me like Clark led with his shoulder. How is he supposed to tackle if he can't use his head, and now he can't use his shoulder? Should he have just stopped the coverage and let Welker catch the ball? To me that looked like a standard crossing pattern with a safety reading it perfectly.
I think it's great to hear from a guy, who was just knocked unconscious, that believes that football is still football.
Even though the guy who was knocked senseless, and is even questionable this week if he will be playing, feels it was a clean play, Clark still received a fifteen yard penalty for the ferocious hit.
Maybe the referees and the league should start listening to their players a little more. I think all professional athletes know what the consequences could be for playing a contact sport, and hey, that's why they get paid the big bucks.
I'm sick of all these roughing the quarterback and unnecessary roughness penalties . I'm agreeing with the other starting safety of the Steelers, Troy Polamalu's, claim more and more with each passing week, that it's beginning to become "like a pansy game".
The reason so many people watch and the NFL has become a billion dollar business is because of the rough, concussion causing hits. All sports have drama, rivalries, and last minute wins. A few have the big hits, i.e. hockey, boxing, and extreme fighting. But none of that suspense filled, ball in the air, wait until the receiver goes for the catch and the safety smashes his head-in collisions.
The No Fun League has already taken away "excessive celebrations", don't take away our right to watch a good spine tingling crash between two extraordinary athletes, too.
Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker was layed out on a huge hit by Pittsburgh Steeler's safety Ryan Clark in last Sunday's game, which was a 33-10 Steelers statement making victory.
Welker feels the hit was a good play and doesn't expect an apology from Clark. You be the judge.
Looks to me like Clark led with his shoulder. How is he supposed to tackle if he can't use his head, and now he can't use his shoulder? Should he have just stopped the coverage and let Welker catch the ball? To me that looked like a standard crossing pattern with a safety reading it perfectly.
I think it's great to hear from a guy, who was just knocked unconscious, that believes that football is still football.
Even though the guy who was knocked senseless, and is even questionable this week if he will be playing, feels it was a clean play, Clark still received a fifteen yard penalty for the ferocious hit.
Maybe the referees and the league should start listening to their players a little more. I think all professional athletes know what the consequences could be for playing a contact sport, and hey, that's why they get paid the big bucks.
I'm sick of all these roughing the quarterback and unnecessary roughness penalties . I'm agreeing with the other starting safety of the Steelers, Troy Polamalu's, claim more and more with each passing week, that it's beginning to become "like a pansy game".
The reason so many people watch and the NFL has become a billion dollar business is because of the rough, concussion causing hits. All sports have drama, rivalries, and last minute wins. A few have the big hits, i.e. hockey, boxing, and extreme fighting. But none of that suspense filled, ball in the air, wait until the receiver goes for the catch and the safety smashes his head-in collisions.
The No Fun League has already taken away "excessive celebrations", don't take away our right to watch a good spine tingling crash between two extraordinary athletes, too.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lady Owls Basketball and Softball News
The women's basketball (3-4) team lost in an away game to the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames (4-0) last night.
The Lady Owls never led and shot poorly (26.7%)from the field. They are off until December 13th when they play at Denver University. The time off should be used to get the girls in better shape because even head coach Chancellor Dugan said, "We just got tired."
In other Lady Owl news, the softball team signed four recruits that will enter the school in the fall of 2009. Their off-season focus has been on left handed hitters and outfielders and head coach Joan Joyce feels they did a good job addressing the issue.
This years softball season starts February 6.
The Lady Owls never led and shot poorly (26.7%)from the field. They are off until December 13th when they play at Denver University. The time off should be used to get the girls in better shape because even head coach Chancellor Dugan said, "We just got tired."
In other Lady Owl news, the softball team signed four recruits that will enter the school in the fall of 2009. Their off-season focus has been on left handed hitters and outfielders and head coach Joan Joyce feels they did a good job addressing the issue.
This years softball season starts February 6.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Plaxico Burress Situation
I'm sure any sports fan has now heard about the Plaxico Burress situation.
Here's some comments I have heard recently.
Today on ESPN's Sportscenter...
James Hasty, an ex-professional football player and current ESPN analyst, says:
It isn't about an athlete carrying a weapon, it's about an individual being irresponsible enough to bring a gun to an establishment when they don't have a permit. You have to carry responsibility when you have a weapon. You have to know that you are bringing it into a place where a lot of people can be hurt and that accidents can happen. It needs to be secured in a safe place.
He then went onto say how he doesn't know of any football player who carryied a weapon when he was playing and that no one should stereotype football players as gun toting athletes. Then he says if you don't know how to operate a weapon correctly and something happens, well, then that's your fault.
As far as Plaxico playing for the Giants again he says definitely not.
This morning on 790 am the Ticket, a South Florida radio station, host Sid Rosenburg was speaking to Dan Lebatard about the situation.
They went on to perform a beautiful radio segment...
Rosenburg, who used to be a New York radio personality and has had past problems with cocaine addiction, was not sympathetic at all and feels Plaxico should pay the price and be booted from his beloved Giants. While he knows he has received second chances, he feels Burress needs to be made an example of so the problem with guns in public can be minimized.
Lebatard was more sympathetic, considering Burress' upbringing and how he has been rewarded his whole life for bad behavior. He feels the mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg (who has already made a comment about the situation), should be more concerned with his buddies on Wall Street because they have harmed others, but are being bailed out while someone like Plaxico harmed his self but is being made an example.
Rosenburg went on to say that it could have been a lot worse if the bullet hit someone else so he should be punished, which is true. Lebatard rebuttled saying that Rosenburg should be more sympathetic since he received a second chance and the law doesn't always take into consideration what could have happened, but always take factor in what did happen.
Both feel Plaxico will never play for the Giants again.
While all are good points, I would have to agree that Plaxico should pay the price so he can maybe wake up and learn from his careless behavior, which has been displayed throughout the course of this entire season. Imagine if the bullet killed someone, what would we be saying then?
All in all, this was a horrible mistake, but if he isn't punished he will continue thinking that he can get away with whatever he wants, like what seems to be the mentality of most professional athletes. I feel bad for the guys, but I'm happy to see these guys being punished because I know if that were a regular guy like me, there wouldn't be a question on if I should be punished.
These guys make millions, they'll live, and hopefully they'll learn.
To end, I would like to make one last comment. I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and I was upset when they didn't resign Burress, but because of his actions since he left, all I can say now is good riddance!
Here's some comments I have heard recently.
Today on ESPN's Sportscenter...
James Hasty, an ex-professional football player and current ESPN analyst, says:
It isn't about an athlete carrying a weapon, it's about an individual being irresponsible enough to bring a gun to an establishment when they don't have a permit. You have to carry responsibility when you have a weapon. You have to know that you are bringing it into a place where a lot of people can be hurt and that accidents can happen. It needs to be secured in a safe place.
He then went onto say how he doesn't know of any football player who carryied a weapon when he was playing and that no one should stereotype football players as gun toting athletes. Then he says if you don't know how to operate a weapon correctly and something happens, well, then that's your fault.
As far as Plaxico playing for the Giants again he says definitely not.
This morning on 790 am the Ticket, a South Florida radio station, host Sid Rosenburg was speaking to Dan Lebatard about the situation.
They went on to perform a beautiful radio segment...
Rosenburg, who used to be a New York radio personality and has had past problems with cocaine addiction, was not sympathetic at all and feels Plaxico should pay the price and be booted from his beloved Giants. While he knows he has received second chances, he feels Burress needs to be made an example of so the problem with guns in public can be minimized.
Lebatard was more sympathetic, considering Burress' upbringing and how he has been rewarded his whole life for bad behavior. He feels the mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg (who has already made a comment about the situation), should be more concerned with his buddies on Wall Street because they have harmed others, but are being bailed out while someone like Plaxico harmed his self but is being made an example.
Rosenburg went on to say that it could have been a lot worse if the bullet hit someone else so he should be punished, which is true. Lebatard rebuttled saying that Rosenburg should be more sympathetic since he received a second chance and the law doesn't always take into consideration what could have happened, but always take factor in what did happen.
Both feel Plaxico will never play for the Giants again.
While all are good points, I would have to agree that Plaxico should pay the price so he can maybe wake up and learn from his careless behavior, which has been displayed throughout the course of this entire season. Imagine if the bullet killed someone, what would we be saying then?
All in all, this was a horrible mistake, but if he isn't punished he will continue thinking that he can get away with whatever he wants, like what seems to be the mentality of most professional athletes. I feel bad for the guys, but I'm happy to see these guys being punished because I know if that were a regular guy like me, there wouldn't be a question on if I should be punished.
These guys make millions, they'll live, and hopefully they'll learn.
To end, I would like to make one last comment. I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and I was upset when they didn't resign Burress, but because of his actions since he left, all I can say now is good riddance!
Men's Basketball Heading In Wrong Direction
The men's basketball team (3-5) has lost four straight games after starting the season 3-1, which was their best start in its 15 year Division 1 history.
They lost twice over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. FAU lost to Mcneese State (2-2), then lost to Florida Gulf Coast (2-4).
Both games should have easily been wins. Although they were both on the road, that is no excuse for the losses.
Everyone has played well, but FAU has had a hard time closing out games this year. Even in their wins, they had been up by more throughout the game and let the other team back in it. Nearly every loss the Owls have been leading at one point but couldn't hold their lead. It is a point that needs to be taken care of if they want to have success this season.
The University of Miami lost to Ohio State last night because of the same reason. Their star player Jack McClinton was ejected during the game, and the Hurricanes couldn't close out the Buckeyes.
A big help in closing out games for the Owls could be All-American Carlos Monroe, who is still ineligible. That should be a big help when he comes back because as Jarvis says, "He is the heart and soul of our team."
FAU doesn't play again until Saturday Dec. 13 at 7pm in the Burrow against Southern Louisiana. The break is much needed for the team to get in some practice and to let Jarvis figure a way to regroup and re-energize the squad.
Lady Owls Finish 1-1 in FAU Thanksgiving Tournament
FAU defeated Tennesse Tech before losing to the nationally ranked Texas Longhorns over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
The Owls looked good in their first game with four players scoring in double figures. Their second game was a completely different story against the #11 Longhorns. FAU had been on a three game winning streak coming into the game.
The Lady Owls face the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames in Chicago tonight at 8pm.
Rusty Smith and Frantz Joseph Receive Honors
Rusty Smith (left)and Frantz Joseph (below) were named this week's Sun Belt Players of the Week.
This is Rusty Smith's second time in three weeks being named the SBC Offensive player of the week. He threw five touchdowns in FAU's overtime win over FIU.
Frantz Joseph had 15 tackles in the game and concludes his senior season with the award. He is the Sun Belt Conference's leading tackler for the season with 141 stops, and is FAU's all time leading tackler with 333 total stops in his career.
Football Finishes With A Frenzy
FAU (6-6, 4-3)became bowl eligible in their regular season finale win against cross town rival the FIU Golden Panthers (4-7, 3-4).
If there is any way the game could have been more exciting, I want to hear how because the game was tied at 22 going into the fourth quarter, then ended up being tied at 50 to end regulation.
Okay, maybe if the game had some sort of meaning behind it, then it could have been more interesting, but for two teams with very little more to play for then pride, it couldn't have been a better match up.
The Owls came back from two fourth quarter 14 point deficits to tie it up. It looked a lot like both team's defenses had called it a season after three quarters. If you're a defensive junkie, the game probably got under your skin, but it still had to be somewhat humorous to see both defenses get sliced into easier than a plastic surgery addict.
It's promising to see FAU come back to give them at least a Christmas miracle's hope of making a bowl game in back to back seasons.
FIU seems to have a star in freshman T.Y. Hilton, who returns punts and kicks and is a receiver with break away speed.
Even though FAU didn't quite meet the expectations given to them before the season began, they can be proud they didn't have a losing season in conference or overall play, and that they are now 6-1 all time in the Shula Bowl.
Lets keep our fingers crossed that a bowl invitation will some how be offered to FAU.
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