So you understand my pain then......
I'm a niners fan. Before last year we were pretty bad ourselves.
College Football & NFL thread 2007/8
- Thread starter Desert Eagle
- Start date
I'm a niners fan. Before last year we were pretty bad ourselves.
I'm a niners fan. Before last year we were pretty bad ourselves.
But the 49ers are historically one of the great franchises. The Bills went to 4 straight Super Bowls and came back empty handed. Since then they've basically been shit..... Yep, that's 13 seasons......
You got me. The Niners are still the greatest franchise ever.
Thanks dude.
I usually find out about everything in a Sky Sports preview of the season before it all kicks off.
Takeo Spikes is a bit of a dominator...should be intresting.
You mean like last season?
Southern California headlines AP preseason poll
August 18, 2007
NEW YORK (TICKER) -- Southern California is making a habit of topping the Associated Press' first poll.
By a commanding margin, the Trojans were named the top team in the AP preseason college football poll, which was released Saturday.
It was the third time in the last four years that USC has topped the preseason poll. It received 62 first-place votes and 1,622 points from a panel of 65 writers and broadcasters.
The Trojans are coming off an 11-2 campaign last season, topped by a win over Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
A distant second is Louisiana State with two first-place votes and 1,511 points. The Tigers finished last season ranked third with a 11-2 mark.
The final first-place vote went to No. 3 West Virginia, which also received 1,396 points.
Texas, the 2005 national champion, is fourth and Michigan rounds out the top five.
Reigning national champion Florida is sixth, followed by Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech and Louisville.
Ohio State begins the second 10 teams in 11th. The Buckeyes were routed in the national championship game and will need to replace Heisman Trophy candidate Troy Smith at quarterback.
California is 12th, ahead of Georgia, UCLA and Tennessee.
Rutgers, which will be looking to build on a surprising 11-2 campaign last year, is 16th, followed by Penn State, Auburn, Florida State and Nebraska.
Arkansas is 21st, followed by TCU, Hawaii and Boise State. Texas A&M rounds out the poll.
August 18, 2007
NEW YORK (TICKER) -- Southern California is making a habit of topping the Associated Press' first poll.
By a commanding margin, the Trojans were named the top team in the AP preseason college football poll, which was released Saturday.
It was the third time in the last four years that USC has topped the preseason poll. It received 62 first-place votes and 1,622 points from a panel of 65 writers and broadcasters.
The Trojans are coming off an 11-2 campaign last season, topped by a win over Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
A distant second is Louisiana State with two first-place votes and 1,511 points. The Tigers finished last season ranked third with a 11-2 mark.
The final first-place vote went to No. 3 West Virginia, which also received 1,396 points.
Texas, the 2005 national champion, is fourth and Michigan rounds out the top five.
Reigning national champion Florida is sixth, followed by Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech and Louisville.
Ohio State begins the second 10 teams in 11th. The Buckeyes were routed in the national championship game and will need to replace Heisman Trophy candidate Troy Smith at quarterback.
California is 12th, ahead of Georgia, UCLA and Tennessee.
Rutgers, which will be looking to build on a surprising 11-2 campaign last year, is 16th, followed by Penn State, Auburn, Florida State and Nebraska.
Arkansas is 21st, followed by TCU, Hawaii and Boise State. Texas A&M rounds out the poll.
I`m not sure about Maroney. He can make the big play but on the other hand can struggle to get any yardage at all in some games and can fumble at inopportune times. Maybe playing more downs will make him more consistent. Also his style seems a bit wreckless, looks like he can get injured on any play. I think Samuel will be a big loss. The rest of the DBs are rubbish. Not sure if Harrison will be back to his previous level(which was beginning to slide anyway). Hopefully Thomas can improve the linebacking dept. Bruschi and Johnson are aging, need Colvin to step up.
Considering A&M had beaten Texas once in the previous 8 meetings, it was a matter of time when A&M finally delivered against their rival.
A&M will forever be in the shadow of Texas. Much like City in regards to United.
Hornfans, what will we ever do with you?
How is this comment even relevant to the upcoming season? I guess since Notre Dame is arguably the most successful of the college programs, every other school should just forfeit the season. 
Anyway, I don't think that is a good comparison at all. City, to the best of my internet research skills, has never won the Premiership. A&M has the second most SWC titles. UT may have more national titles as well, but we have one recognized title and another title which we could contest on the USC/Alabama method of claiming titles.
Not to mention that we are in the Top 20 alltime in wins. Most UT fans I know and went to school with love pointing out how theirs are more recent(national titles), but I could turn that around and claim we were prominent nationally while "the university" was still piddling around in mediocrity.
Furthermore, while we have had a horrible run of late, it is noteworthy that even with such a lopsided string of recent results, the A&M - UT series in my lifetime is still even at 13-13. Has City played United even over the past quarter decade or so?
A&M has had bad historical swoons, but we have excuses (compulsory military service, no female co-eds). UT on the other hand, can be argued to have really underachieved considering all the advantages at their disposal. Mack Brown has done an incredible job, but UT fans seem to have forgotten their long stretches of sucktitude under coaches not named Royal or Mack Brown. :
: I'm not trying to denigrate UT, just pointing out that we also have our place in history regardless of other people's opinion. Besides, this guy in the picture concurs with me when I say A&M may not win the South this year, but we beat UT at home in front of the 12th Man.
Never underestimate Belichicks ability to get the most out of what other would consider to be average players.
I will always have a soft spot for Notre Dame because of Joe Montana. Still have a tape of the chicken soup game at home.
Is Jens an Aggie too?
Lawyer: Vick to plead guilty to dogfighting charges
By LARRY O'DELL, Associated Press Writer
August 20, 2007
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Michael Vick's lawyer said Monday the NFL star will plead guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges, putting the Atlanta Falcons quarterback's career in jeopardy and leaving him subject to a possible prison term.
The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although federal sentencing guidelines most likely would call for less.
"After consulting with his family over the weekend, Michael Vick asked that I announce today that he has reached an agreement with federal prosecutors regarding the charges pending against him," lead defense attorney Billy Martin said in a statement.
"Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made. Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter."
Vick's plea hearing will be Aug. 27, Martin said.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from the Falcons' training camp but has withheld further action while the league conducts its own investigation.
Vick is charged with conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.
Martin's announcement came as a grand jury that could add new charges met in private. Prosecutors had said that a superseding indictment was in the works, but Vick's plea most likely means he will not face additional charges.
Three of Vick's original co-defendants already have pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against him if the case went to trial. Quanis Phillips of Atlanta and Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach signed statements saying the 27-year-old quarterback participated in executing at least eight underperforming dogs by various means, including drowning and hanging.
Phillips, Peace and Tony Taylor, who pleaded guilty last month, also said Vick provided virtually all of the gambling and operating funds for his "Bad Newz Kennels" operation in Surry County, Va., not far from Vick's hometown of Newport News.
The gambling allegations alone could trigger a lifetime ban under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
By LARRY O'DELL, Associated Press Writer
August 20, 2007
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Michael Vick's lawyer said Monday the NFL star will plead guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges, putting the Atlanta Falcons quarterback's career in jeopardy and leaving him subject to a possible prison term.
The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although federal sentencing guidelines most likely would call for less.
"After consulting with his family over the weekend, Michael Vick asked that I announce today that he has reached an agreement with federal prosecutors regarding the charges pending against him," lead defense attorney Billy Martin said in a statement.
"Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made. Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter."
Vick's plea hearing will be Aug. 27, Martin said.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from the Falcons' training camp but has withheld further action while the league conducts its own investigation.
Vick is charged with conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.
Martin's announcement came as a grand jury that could add new charges met in private. Prosecutors had said that a superseding indictment was in the works, but Vick's plea most likely means he will not face additional charges.
Three of Vick's original co-defendants already have pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against him if the case went to trial. Quanis Phillips of Atlanta and Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach signed statements saying the 27-year-old quarterback participated in executing at least eight underperforming dogs by various means, including drowning and hanging.
Phillips, Peace and Tony Taylor, who pleaded guilty last month, also said Vick provided virtually all of the gambling and operating funds for his "Bad Newz Kennels" operation in Surry County, Va., not far from Vick's hometown of Newport News.
The gambling allegations alone could trigger a lifetime ban under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
ignoring all of the vick bullshit, I CAN'T feckING WAIT FOR THE SEASON TO START.
Well I guess Vick pleading guilty will solve the Falcons QB issues......
Oh wait... Joey Harrington will be the starter now.....
Oh wait... Joey Harrington will be the starter now.....
A couple of interesting stories making the rounds:
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Jeremiah Trotter, one of the fiery leaders of the Philadelphia Eagles defense for much of the last decade, was released Tuesday in a surprise move that may lead to his retirement.
Trotter, a four-time Pro Bowl selection at middle linebacker in two stints with the team, learned of the decision in a meeting with Eagles coach Andy Reid on Monday night that both men described as emotional.
"It's a tough pill to swallow, but everyone gets to this point in their career at some point or another, and now is my time," the 30-year-old Trotter said at a news conference. "I'm just thankful that I spent this many years in Philadelphia. I truly believe that if you were to cut me, I'd bleed green."
With his hard hits and emotional play, including the ax-swing he would pantomime after big plays, Trotter was a crowd favorite in Philadelphia.
"Jeremiah Trotter will go down as one of the all-time greats in Philadelphia Eagles history," Reid said. "He's a top-notch person."
His release before roster cuts will give Trotter a chance to catch on with another team -- if he doesn't choose to retire.
"This keeps his options open here where he's not officially retired," Reid said. "If he chooses to go to another team, he can. If he choose to retire, he can."
Trotter said he has not yet made a decision.
"I still believe that I have a couple good years left. But, everyone thinks that when it's time to go," he said with a laugh.
Trotter was franchised by the team following the 2001 season and complained about the move. When the Eagles withdrew the tag, he signed with the Redskins and spent two seasons in Washington before patching up his relationship with Reid over the phone and signing a one-year contract in 2004.
After starting that season as a special teams player, Trotter took over as the starting middle linebacker and earned a Pro Bowl spot while helping to lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the New England Patriots. He had been the starter in the middle ever since.
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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Tiki Barber wanted a more intense, fiery Eli Manning. The New York Giants quarterback gave Tiki what he wanted in a loud ripping voice on Tuesday.
Two days after being criticized on national television by Barber for a lack of strong leadership, Manning ripped his former teammate and current NBC football analyst for distracting the team last season with his early retirement announcement and his criticism of coach Tom Coughlin.
"I guess I'm just happy for Tiki that he's making a smooth transition into the TV world," Manning said. "You know, I'll be interested to see if he has anything to say (about a team) besides the Giants, and what his comments will be on that."
Normally reserved and never one to criticize a coach or teammate, Manning seemed to enjoy going after Barber, the Giants' all-time leading rusher who retired after last season at age 31 to pursue a television career.
Speaking during the halftime show of the Sunday Night Football game between the Giants and Baltimore Ravens, Barber had said that Manning's attempt to lead an offensive meeting in the 12th week of the last season was "comical" at times.
Manning didn't find the comment funny.
"It's just one of those deals. I'm not going to lose any sleep about what Tiki has to say," Manning said. "I guess I could have questioned his leadership skills last year with calling out the coach and having articles about him retiring in the middle of the season, and he's lost the heart (to play).
"As a quarterback you're reading that your running back has lost the heart to play the game and it's about the 10th week," Manning said. "I can see that a little bit at times. But I'm not going to get concerned. I'm going to go out there and play ball."
Barber was not immediately available for comment.
Giants teammates came to Manning's defense on Tuesday.
Wide receiver Amani Toomer, who played his entire career with Barber, was stunned.
"I thought Tiki and Eli were pretty good friends," Toomer said. "It's kind of strange to have him say something like that and to make a point of it like that. Maybe he had somebody else in his ear kind of coaxing him into saying stuff, because I don't believe he really believes that. I don't know why he'd say something like that."
Manning's father, Archie, said at a charity bowling event in Indianapolis for his other son, Super Bowl MVP Peyton, that he had not counseled the Giants quarterback on how to handle the situation.
"He talked to me a while ago and said Tiki got after him a little bit the other night, and he said it's not a big deal," Archie Manning said. "He told me a whole lot of people in the Giants organization were proud of what he said.
"Eli's not a controversial guy and he's not going to be. I feel like if Eli did something like that, it would come from his heart."
Center Shaun O'Hara said that Manning is progressing as a leader, especially for a fourth-year player.
"I don't have any problems with Eli's leadership and the way he does it," O'Hara said. "He's doing it his way. I think players appreciate that. It's a shame everybody wants Eli to be somebody they think he should be instead of just letting him be himself."
O'Hara noted that Manning might be under the microscope more than most young quarterbacks because he is the brother of Peyton Manning.
"For me, you can be Johnny Rah-Rah, but if you're not doing your job, if you're not pulling your weight, it doesn't matter what you say," O'Hara said. "Being loud, that doesn't make you a great leader."
Tackle David Diehl said Manning showed his leadership Sunday night, getting the offense lined up right when the Ravens threw a couple of new looks at them on defense.
Giants new quarterback coach Chris Palmer added that Manning does everything a coach wants.
"Everybody leads in a different way," Palmer said. "If you buy any business books, there are 101 ways to lead. He'll lead in his own particular fashion."
While Barber praised Manning at times for his play, he also questioned whether he could be a leader of men and make plays when the chips were down.
"His personality hasn't been so that he can step up, make a strong statement and have people believe that it's coming from his heart," Barber said on the show.
Barber then told the story about Manning being uncomfortable talking to the offense in Week 12.
"He didn't feel like his voice was going to be strong enough and it showed," Barber said. "Sometimes it was almost comical the way that he would say things."
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Jeremiah Trotter, one of the fiery leaders of the Philadelphia Eagles defense for much of the last decade, was released Tuesday in a surprise move that may lead to his retirement.
Trotter, a four-time Pro Bowl selection at middle linebacker in two stints with the team, learned of the decision in a meeting with Eagles coach Andy Reid on Monday night that both men described as emotional.
"It's a tough pill to swallow, but everyone gets to this point in their career at some point or another, and now is my time," the 30-year-old Trotter said at a news conference. "I'm just thankful that I spent this many years in Philadelphia. I truly believe that if you were to cut me, I'd bleed green."
With his hard hits and emotional play, including the ax-swing he would pantomime after big plays, Trotter was a crowd favorite in Philadelphia.
"Jeremiah Trotter will go down as one of the all-time greats in Philadelphia Eagles history," Reid said. "He's a top-notch person."
His release before roster cuts will give Trotter a chance to catch on with another team -- if he doesn't choose to retire.
"This keeps his options open here where he's not officially retired," Reid said. "If he chooses to go to another team, he can. If he choose to retire, he can."
Trotter said he has not yet made a decision.
"I still believe that I have a couple good years left. But, everyone thinks that when it's time to go," he said with a laugh.
Trotter was franchised by the team following the 2001 season and complained about the move. When the Eagles withdrew the tag, he signed with the Redskins and spent two seasons in Washington before patching up his relationship with Reid over the phone and signing a one-year contract in 2004.
After starting that season as a special teams player, Trotter took over as the starting middle linebacker and earned a Pro Bowl spot while helping to lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the New England Patriots. He had been the starter in the middle ever since.
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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Tiki Barber wanted a more intense, fiery Eli Manning. The New York Giants quarterback gave Tiki what he wanted in a loud ripping voice on Tuesday.
Two days after being criticized on national television by Barber for a lack of strong leadership, Manning ripped his former teammate and current NBC football analyst for distracting the team last season with his early retirement announcement and his criticism of coach Tom Coughlin.
"I guess I'm just happy for Tiki that he's making a smooth transition into the TV world," Manning said. "You know, I'll be interested to see if he has anything to say (about a team) besides the Giants, and what his comments will be on that."
Normally reserved and never one to criticize a coach or teammate, Manning seemed to enjoy going after Barber, the Giants' all-time leading rusher who retired after last season at age 31 to pursue a television career.
Speaking during the halftime show of the Sunday Night Football game between the Giants and Baltimore Ravens, Barber had said that Manning's attempt to lead an offensive meeting in the 12th week of the last season was "comical" at times.
Manning didn't find the comment funny.
"It's just one of those deals. I'm not going to lose any sleep about what Tiki has to say," Manning said. "I guess I could have questioned his leadership skills last year with calling out the coach and having articles about him retiring in the middle of the season, and he's lost the heart (to play).
"As a quarterback you're reading that your running back has lost the heart to play the game and it's about the 10th week," Manning said. "I can see that a little bit at times. But I'm not going to get concerned. I'm going to go out there and play ball."
Barber was not immediately available for comment.
Giants teammates came to Manning's defense on Tuesday.
Wide receiver Amani Toomer, who played his entire career with Barber, was stunned.
"I thought Tiki and Eli were pretty good friends," Toomer said. "It's kind of strange to have him say something like that and to make a point of it like that. Maybe he had somebody else in his ear kind of coaxing him into saying stuff, because I don't believe he really believes that. I don't know why he'd say something like that."
Manning's father, Archie, said at a charity bowling event in Indianapolis for his other son, Super Bowl MVP Peyton, that he had not counseled the Giants quarterback on how to handle the situation.
"He talked to me a while ago and said Tiki got after him a little bit the other night, and he said it's not a big deal," Archie Manning said. "He told me a whole lot of people in the Giants organization were proud of what he said.
"Eli's not a controversial guy and he's not going to be. I feel like if Eli did something like that, it would come from his heart."
Center Shaun O'Hara said that Manning is progressing as a leader, especially for a fourth-year player.
"I don't have any problems with Eli's leadership and the way he does it," O'Hara said. "He's doing it his way. I think players appreciate that. It's a shame everybody wants Eli to be somebody they think he should be instead of just letting him be himself."
O'Hara noted that Manning might be under the microscope more than most young quarterbacks because he is the brother of Peyton Manning.
"For me, you can be Johnny Rah-Rah, but if you're not doing your job, if you're not pulling your weight, it doesn't matter what you say," O'Hara said. "Being loud, that doesn't make you a great leader."
Tackle David Diehl said Manning showed his leadership Sunday night, getting the offense lined up right when the Ravens threw a couple of new looks at them on defense.
Giants new quarterback coach Chris Palmer added that Manning does everything a coach wants.
"Everybody leads in a different way," Palmer said. "If you buy any business books, there are 101 ways to lead. He'll lead in his own particular fashion."
While Barber praised Manning at times for his play, he also questioned whether he could be a leader of men and make plays when the chips were down.
"His personality hasn't been so that he can step up, make a strong statement and have people believe that it's coming from his heart," Barber said on the show.
Barber then told the story about Manning being uncomfortable talking to the offense in Week 12.
"He didn't feel like his voice was going to be strong enough and it showed," Barber said. "Sometimes it was almost comical the way that he would say things."
Most UT fans I know and went to school with love pointing out how theirs are more recent(national titles), but I could turn that around and claim we were prominent nationally while "the university" was still piddling around in mediocrity.
Are you referring to the late 80s/early 90s when A&M were paying players to come to their program? I believe the joke, coined by Kevin Smith or some other notable A&M player, went this - "I took a pay cut after leaving A&M. I joined the NFL."
Trotter is more than welcome to come sign for the Cowboys (if I owned them). I think he'd fare quite well in Phillips' system. He's also a Texan and attended school at Stephen F Austin. He'll have a list of suitors making calls and will have his choice of clubs to sign for. Here's hoping the Boys make an offer, as he's far better than Bradie James (why Jerry gave him that mega-contract baffles me).
He's past his peak anyways. Those knees will break down soon.
Whatever team Trotter signs for, he will only be a 1-year stop gap solution.
This is what I'm talking about.
Horn fans like to claim there was only a 15 year stretch of winning football for A&M. We must have racked up a lot of wins in that measly decade and a half to land almost in the Top 15 of wins alltime.
You are going to have to find documentation for that quote for me to believe it, because I have heard it before, except it was Craig James (of the SMU Pony Express era) making that claim (that he took a paycut in the NFL).
I was actually talking about the A&M competing for national titles while Darrell Royal was still bailing hay in Oklahoma (or whatever they did on Okie farms in the 20's and 30's).
PS - UT has run afoul of the NCAA as well.
And I guess I will take a page out of the old UT fanbook and dismiss this whole Mack Brown era by saying that we may not be winning as much as UT right now, but at least our players don't have to check in with their parole officers to leave the state. See how easy that was.
NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury defended Michael Vick, calling dogfighting a sport and comparing it to hunting.
Marbury spoke Monday about the federal dogfighting conspiracy charges against Vick while promoting his basketball shoe in Albany, N.Y.
"I think it's tough," Marbury said, according to Albany TV station Capital News 9. "I think, you know, we don't say anything about people who shoot deer or shoot other animals. You know, from what I hear, dogfighting is a sport. It's just behind closed doors."
On Monday, Vick said through a lawyer that he will plead guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. He also faces possible prosecution in Virginia.
"I think it's tough that we build Michael Vick up and then we break him down," Marbury said. "I think he's one of the superb athletes, and he's a good human being. I just think that he fell into a bad situation."
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How dumb is this guy?
Marbury spoke Monday about the federal dogfighting conspiracy charges against Vick while promoting his basketball shoe in Albany, N.Y.
"I think it's tough," Marbury said, according to Albany TV station Capital News 9. "I think, you know, we don't say anything about people who shoot deer or shoot other animals. You know, from what I hear, dogfighting is a sport. It's just behind closed doors."
On Monday, Vick said through a lawyer that he will plead guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. He also faces possible prosecution in Virginia.
"I think it's tough that we build Michael Vick up and then we break him down," Marbury said. "I think he's one of the superb athletes, and he's a good human being. I just think that he fell into a bad situation."
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How dumb is this guy?
It's Starbury.... it's to be expected....
This is what I'm talking about.
Horn fans like to claim there was only a 15 year stretch of winning football for A&M. We must have racked up a lot of wins in that measly decade and a half to land almost in the Top 15 of wins alltime.
You are going to have to find documentation for that quote for me to believe it, because I have heard it before, except it was Craig James (of the SMU Pony Express era) making that claim (that he took a paycut in the NFL).
I was actually talking about the A&M competing for national titles while Darrell Royal was still bailing hay in Oklahoma (or whatever they did on Okie farms in the 20's and 30's).
PS - UT has run afoul of the NCAA as well.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_n3_v217/ai_14957767 (lucky number 7 infraction - back in 1994)
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/07/26/dirtiest-football-programs-3-texas-aandm/
Ouch... Joe Pa slamming Sherrill and A&M.
The joke about A&M players was most likely taken from the SMU case. A&M has been very lucky to escape the death penalty. I figure much of this goes on at the big universities, but some get caught while others do not.
20s and 30s... when football was in its infancy.
I'm not discrediting A&M's history. I give praise where it's due. I have not once stated A&M have never competed for titles. But the school is still a ways off from Texas' class. Regardless of "paroles." And I haven't ever heard that claim about Texas fans talking up A&M only having a 15 year history. I'm sure a few fanatics out there talk stupid. A&M fans have this inferiority complex that compares to Boston Red Sox fans.
BTW, I don't like Mack Brown and I called for his firing after those consecutive losses to OU, including a few downright embarrassments.
Texas is 4th all-time in football wins... A&M is 19th.
http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/misc/div_ia_wins.php
http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/misc/div_ia_wins.php
Looks like Trotter is going to sign with the Bucs.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_n3_v217/ai_14957767 (lucky number 7 infraction - back in 1994)
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/07/26/dirtiest-football-programs-3-texas-aandm/
Ouch... Joe Pa slamming Sherrill and A&M.
The joke about A&M players was most likely taken from the SMU case. A&M has been very lucky to escape the death penalty. I figure much of this goes on at the big universities, but some get caught while others do not.
20s and 30s... when football was in its infancy.
A&M fans have this inferiority complex that compares to Boston Red Sox fans.
BTW, I don't like Mack Brown and I called for his firing after those consecutive losses to OU, including a few downright embarrassments.
You seem like a decent guy Marcello, and since this is all in jest, I am probably going to just end this back and forth with one last post.
Every Conversation between UT fan and Aggie
:UT fan: Dude, UT is so awesome. We have won the national championship just about every year. Even the years where we lost some games, the NCAA considered giving us the trophy anyway because we are BY GOD THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS. Did you know Darrell Royal invented football? It's true. Knute Rockne was dying to leave Notre Dame to coach here, but we couldn't figure out how to pronounce his name, so we just said no thanks. Going to a football game at DKR is the greatest experience anyone could ever have. You get to show up late, try to look cool, and then leave early whether we are winning or losing. Don't yell for the team or anything though, because then you don't look cool. I just don't know why anyone would ever want to go to any school other than UT. Especially A&M. Did you know that you not only don't have the internet there, YOU DON"T EVEN HAVE COMPUTERS. It's ok. Even if you did, you probably couldn't figure out how to turn them on right? Anyway, A&M supposedly considers themselves our rivals, but they have never even won a football game, so I don't know where you guys get off.
Aggie: None of that is true.
UT Fan: GAWWWWD, you guys are so insecure.
I leave with one last bone of contention. Football history, UT does have an advantage. But if you are talking about the quality of the actual schools (as in education), considering A&M only became an actual university some 40 odd years ago, I think you are wrong in saying A&M will always take a back seat.
I've spent time at both schools, and they are basically the same (big state schools with 45 thousand plus students). The only thing different is location. Living in Austin as a grad student was really cool and I really enjoyed my time there, but I have to say school at A&M (and College Station) was probably a more stereotypical college experience than it would be at UT. Assuming you are not in the Corps of Cadets. And not an Indian grad student named Mehro.
PS - I know Joe Pa is a patron saint of college football to many people, but seeing how his program has had a bad run of late on moral matters as well (including murder), but we all live in glass houses. As you alluded, things go on at every big football school. The only variable is who gets caught.
I'm not a hundred percent on Maroney either, but he needs to be given a full starting role before we all make a decision on him. There's talent there, to be sure. Samuel, according to a news break today, looks like he will be accepting the contract offer and joining training camp next week. Great news if true; I don't think he's integral but still a major help. Harrison will provide the leadership and can still deliver. Bringing back Samuel is huge though. Yes, our LBs are old, but I still think Adalius Thomas was the best possible pickup to make in the offseason. He'll be huge, and I have lots of faith in Colvin. I like the mixture of new and old blood in our defence. Most important of all (as Desert Eagle stated above), we've still got Belichick running the plays. Can't argue with that.
...you a Pats fan?
Belichick could probably plug me into the Pats secondary and still be ok. I've always said Kurt Warner sold his soul to you know who for NFL glory, and now I'm beginning to think Belichick has that contract somewhere in his office.
Formally charged
Police nab Bears' Briggs for leaving scene of accident
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- His new black Lamborghini careered into a light pole and a concrete bridge support in the middle of the night, and police say Lance Briggs left it there. Now he faces a misdemeanor charge, but the outcome could have been much worse.
The Pro Bowl linebacker was not injured, nor was anyone else, so the Chicago Bears let out a sigh of relief Monday.
"To me, that's a good day when you know what type of accident occurred and to see him on the practice field," coach Lovie Smith said.
Briggs was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, a misdemeanor, after crashing his Lamborghini Murcielago and abandoning it alongside Interstate Highway 94 around 3:15 a.m., Illinois State Police said Monday.
After meeting with police Monday afternoon, Briggs was also given traffic citations for failure to give immediate notice of an accident and improper lane usage, said Master Sgt. Luis Gutierrez.
Briggs was released after posting $100 bond and is scheduled to appear Oct. 4 in a Cook County court. Leaving the scene carries a maximum 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, Gutierrez said.
No one was in the car with Briggs and no other vehicles were involved, Gutierrez said.
"As a result of interviewing Mr. Briggs, it was determined that he was the driver of his 2007 Lamborghini," police said in a statement.
Gutierrez said it was "undetermined" if drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash, that Briggs was not tested and it was too late to determine if they were a factor.
Bears spokesman Scott Hagel declined to comment, except to say that the team was "aware" of the charge, and NFL spokesman Biran McCarthy said in an e-mail that the league "will look into it."
Smith said the team would not discipline Briggs, whose "spirits were good for being in a one-car accident."
Police nab Bears' Briggs for leaving scene of accident
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- His new black Lamborghini careered into a light pole and a concrete bridge support in the middle of the night, and police say Lance Briggs left it there. Now he faces a misdemeanor charge, but the outcome could have been much worse.
The Pro Bowl linebacker was not injured, nor was anyone else, so the Chicago Bears let out a sigh of relief Monday.
"To me, that's a good day when you know what type of accident occurred and to see him on the practice field," coach Lovie Smith said.
Briggs was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, a misdemeanor, after crashing his Lamborghini Murcielago and abandoning it alongside Interstate Highway 94 around 3:15 a.m., Illinois State Police said Monday.
After meeting with police Monday afternoon, Briggs was also given traffic citations for failure to give immediate notice of an accident and improper lane usage, said Master Sgt. Luis Gutierrez.
Briggs was released after posting $100 bond and is scheduled to appear Oct. 4 in a Cook County court. Leaving the scene carries a maximum 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, Gutierrez said.
No one was in the car with Briggs and no other vehicles were involved, Gutierrez said.
"As a result of interviewing Mr. Briggs, it was determined that he was the driver of his 2007 Lamborghini," police said in a statement.
Gutierrez said it was "undetermined" if drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash, that Briggs was not tested and it was too late to determine if they were a factor.
Bears spokesman Scott Hagel declined to comment, except to say that the team was "aware" of the charge, and NFL spokesman Biran McCarthy said in an e-mail that the league "will look into it."
Smith said the team would not discipline Briggs, whose "spirits were good for being in a one-car accident."
NCAA football starts today. LSU and Louseville are the big teams who are playing today.
Nice article on Virginia Tech:
Scars are forever, but a Hokie never gives up
By Matt Hayes, Sporting News
BLACKSBURG, Va. -- There's a little shack of a house at the entrance to the Virginia Tech sportsplex on Southgate Drive, a place where visitors get parking passes and directions. A place where, before the world found Blacksburg on a map, was a blip on the road to nothingness.
Now there are armed police sitting outside the place and directing traffic, staring cautiously at anything and everything. Now there's a line of folks waiting their turn to drive on campus and see for themselves what one lunatic has done to a town, a university and its people.
"Sometimes," says the gal behind the counter, "They just ask, 'Where were the shootings?' "
And life goes on in Blacksburg. Another day, another way the hurt just won't go away.
On the other side of campus is the Drillfield, the center of grieving since that fateful day last April when Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 students and teachers in a senseless rampage. There are 32 limestone markers in a semicircle honoring the dead; "Hokiestones," anyone here will tell you.
It's the same limestone that adorns much of the architecture of this campus, and most recently, the new addition to Lane Stadium. It's a surreal sense of symmetry.
In the months since the tragedy, the university has conducted counseling sessions and grieving seminars. It has dedicated a memorial and gone great lengths to sooth the pain of the past.
But the real healing begins tomorrow, when a team and its community finally can mourn together. As corny and contrived as it sounds, this team and this community share the same heartbeat.
The university toils in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson's University of Virginia; the football team isn't so far removed from the days of being the laughingstock of Division I football. The chip on the collective shoulder isn't so much attitude as it is motivation.
They can't give in, they say. Giving in to the grief, to the despair, means giving up.
"I've never met a Hokie who will give up," Tech coach Frank Beamer says.
The Hokie in Beamer admits it will be an emotional day; that wounds still haven't healed, that scars will show forever. The coach in him realizes his team is the tonic everyone in the community desperately needs.
So his team will stay in the locker room during the pre-game tribute, where videos will be shown and prayers will be said and tears will flow. They have to be focused, you know. They have a job to do.
Then they will run onto Lane Stadium the same way they always do: with team captains carrying the American flag and the flag of Virginia.
"We always feel like we have 70,000 people depending on us every time we run on that field," Tech quarterback Sean Glennon says.
Now more than ever.
Scars are forever, but a Hokie never gives up
By Matt Hayes, Sporting News
BLACKSBURG, Va. -- There's a little shack of a house at the entrance to the Virginia Tech sportsplex on Southgate Drive, a place where visitors get parking passes and directions. A place where, before the world found Blacksburg on a map, was a blip on the road to nothingness.
Now there are armed police sitting outside the place and directing traffic, staring cautiously at anything and everything. Now there's a line of folks waiting their turn to drive on campus and see for themselves what one lunatic has done to a town, a university and its people.
"Sometimes," says the gal behind the counter, "They just ask, 'Where were the shootings?' "
And life goes on in Blacksburg. Another day, another way the hurt just won't go away.
On the other side of campus is the Drillfield, the center of grieving since that fateful day last April when Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 students and teachers in a senseless rampage. There are 32 limestone markers in a semicircle honoring the dead; "Hokiestones," anyone here will tell you.
It's the same limestone that adorns much of the architecture of this campus, and most recently, the new addition to Lane Stadium. It's a surreal sense of symmetry.
In the months since the tragedy, the university has conducted counseling sessions and grieving seminars. It has dedicated a memorial and gone great lengths to sooth the pain of the past.
But the real healing begins tomorrow, when a team and its community finally can mourn together. As corny and contrived as it sounds, this team and this community share the same heartbeat.
The university toils in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson's University of Virginia; the football team isn't so far removed from the days of being the laughingstock of Division I football. The chip on the collective shoulder isn't so much attitude as it is motivation.
They can't give in, they say. Giving in to the grief, to the despair, means giving up.
"I've never met a Hokie who will give up," Tech coach Frank Beamer says.
The Hokie in Beamer admits it will be an emotional day; that wounds still haven't healed, that scars will show forever. The coach in him realizes his team is the tonic everyone in the community desperately needs.
So his team will stay in the locker room during the pre-game tribute, where videos will be shown and prayers will be said and tears will flow. They have to be focused, you know. They have a job to do.
Then they will run onto Lane Stadium the same way they always do: with team captains carrying the American flag and the flag of Virginia.
"We always feel like we have 70,000 people depending on us every time we run on that field," Tech quarterback Sean Glennon says.
Now more than ever.
Unbeleivable upset of Michigan.
I'm so happy college football is here again.
Mike Hart all but called out his defensive teammates in the post game interview. I can't believe such a great school like Michigan can have such a shit defense.
Poor Michigan
Switching to NFL, here are my predictions which will no doubt be off-course when all is said and done.
NFC East
Dallas: 10-6 - if Romo is good, Boys win division, if he's bad, Boys struggle; pass rush will be improved, CB depth is a concern
Philly: 10-6 - McNabb will surely get hurt again but this team is very balanced; another big year for Westbrook
Washington: 8-8 - overspent in free agency again, but perhaps they'll get it right this time; if Dallas slips up, Skins move up
NY Giants: 5-11 - in-fighting, no leadership, no Barber, Eli is no Peyton, Strahan whining, Coughlin still there - nuff said
NFC Central
Chicago: 12-4 - great D; easy division (Southlake Carroll would finish 2nd); can Benson shoulder the load?
Green Bay: 8-8 - great LB corps on improved D; Favre is in good condition; is OL good enough?
Detroit: 6-10 - could make a big jump if D plays well; Kitna should put up good fantasy numbers
Minnesota: 3-13 - I really want to go to the Mall of the Americas someday before I die; speaking of death, what is that stench in
the Metrodome? (Answer: the Vikings season)
NFC South
New Orleans: 11-5 - was '06 a fluke? I don't think so; this offense is explosive, but the D gives up too many big plays
Carolina: 8-8 - was '06 a fluke or has Carolina peaked? D should be better this term but how about some offense boys?
Tampa Bay: 7-9 - could make playoff push or be out by November; they overpaid for Garcia
Atlanta: 6-10 - trading Schaub turned out a masterstroke; Harrington might put up good numbers - they'll be behind ALOT
NFC West
Seattle: 10-6 - they still have a good nucleus of players; is Alexander on the downside now? how will the D play?
San Francisco: 9-7 - If Smith can take next step, this team could win the division; D looks solid
St Louis: 7-9 - coin flip here - this team could win 5 games or 10 games; D is terrible; O is good
Arizona: 6-10 - love the overhype they're receiving; the fact still remains they are the Cardinals; no OL; little running game
AFC East
New England: 12-4 - went the Yankees route and bought big; should work; can Moss hold up? Why Stallworth?
NY Jets: 8-8 - I tip them to be this season's surprise dropoff; will Pennington play a full year? won't surprise opponents this time
Miami: 7-9 - easiest schedule in the league; solid D, little O; could surprise if things go well early on
Buffalo: 4-12 - hey, at least they're not losing Super Bowls these days
AFC Central
Baltimore: 11-5 - the D will hold most opponents under 17, can the O make enough plays to win? big year for McGahee?
Cincinnati: 10-6 - if the D steps up the Bengals could steal the division; Palmer will have a HUGE year
Pittsburgh: 7-9 - Ben R is overrated, the D is not like days of old, the OL is aging, but the Steelers could surprise
Cleveland: 5-11 - thank you for a top 5 pick in 2008; Quinn by week 6? Sad franchise
AFC South
Indianapolis: 12-4 - despite a few defractions, this team is still the class of this division; very few flaws
Jacksonville: 10-6 - cutting Leftwich was a shock, can Gerrard carry this team? D is good, running game fantastic
Tennessee: 7-9 - Young will experience growing pains this season; Fisher is too good to remain here
Houston: 4-12 - what good is Schaub if the OL can't protect him? At least Carr won't be the scapegoat this season
AFC West
San Diego: 11-5 - they'll survive the coaching defections; no Marty = playoff win! Let's see how Merriman plays off the 'roids
Denver: 9-7 - I have a feeling they might struggle this season; can Cutler handle the pressure? the D is solid
Oakland: 7-9 - if the QB play is consistent, the O should score 20 regularly, add in a good D and the Raiders could surprise
Kansas City: 6-10 - who's the QB? History shows a RB struggles after a 400 carry season; OL has many holes
Wild Card Games:
Dallas defeats San Francisco
Philadelphia defeats Seattle
San Diego defeats Cincinnati
Baltimore defeats Jacksonville
Divisional Playoffs:
Chicago defeats Philadelphia
New Orleans defeats Dallas
New England defeats Baltimore
San Diego defeats Indianapolis
Conference Championships:
New Orleans defeats Chicago
San Diego defeats New England
Super Bowl XLII:
San Diego defeats New Orleans, 30-20
MVP: LaDanian Tomlinson
Superlatives:
NFL MVP: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis
Offensive Player: LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego
Defensive Player: Julius Peppers, Carolina
Offensive Rookie: Calvin Johnson, Detroit
Defensive Rookie: Reggie Nelson, Jacksonville
Coach of Year: Mike Nolan, San Francisco
NFC East
Dallas: 10-6 - if Romo is good, Boys win division, if he's bad, Boys struggle; pass rush will be improved, CB depth is a concern
Philly: 10-6 - McNabb will surely get hurt again but this team is very balanced; another big year for Westbrook
Washington: 8-8 - overspent in free agency again, but perhaps they'll get it right this time; if Dallas slips up, Skins move up
NY Giants: 5-11 - in-fighting, no leadership, no Barber, Eli is no Peyton, Strahan whining, Coughlin still there - nuff said
NFC Central
Chicago: 12-4 - great D; easy division (Southlake Carroll would finish 2nd); can Benson shoulder the load?
Green Bay: 8-8 - great LB corps on improved D; Favre is in good condition; is OL good enough?
Detroit: 6-10 - could make a big jump if D plays well; Kitna should put up good fantasy numbers
Minnesota: 3-13 - I really want to go to the Mall of the Americas someday before I die; speaking of death, what is that stench in
the Metrodome? (Answer: the Vikings season)
NFC South
New Orleans: 11-5 - was '06 a fluke? I don't think so; this offense is explosive, but the D gives up too many big plays
Carolina: 8-8 - was '06 a fluke or has Carolina peaked? D should be better this term but how about some offense boys?
Tampa Bay: 7-9 - could make playoff push or be out by November; they overpaid for Garcia
Atlanta: 6-10 - trading Schaub turned out a masterstroke; Harrington might put up good numbers - they'll be behind ALOT
NFC West
Seattle: 10-6 - they still have a good nucleus of players; is Alexander on the downside now? how will the D play?
San Francisco: 9-7 - If Smith can take next step, this team could win the division; D looks solid
St Louis: 7-9 - coin flip here - this team could win 5 games or 10 games; D is terrible; O is good
Arizona: 6-10 - love the overhype they're receiving; the fact still remains they are the Cardinals; no OL; little running game
AFC East
New England: 12-4 - went the Yankees route and bought big; should work; can Moss hold up? Why Stallworth?
NY Jets: 8-8 - I tip them to be this season's surprise dropoff; will Pennington play a full year? won't surprise opponents this time
Miami: 7-9 - easiest schedule in the league; solid D, little O; could surprise if things go well early on
Buffalo: 4-12 - hey, at least they're not losing Super Bowls these days
AFC Central
Baltimore: 11-5 - the D will hold most opponents under 17, can the O make enough plays to win? big year for McGahee?
Cincinnati: 10-6 - if the D steps up the Bengals could steal the division; Palmer will have a HUGE year
Pittsburgh: 7-9 - Ben R is overrated, the D is not like days of old, the OL is aging, but the Steelers could surprise
Cleveland: 5-11 - thank you for a top 5 pick in 2008; Quinn by week 6? Sad franchise
AFC South
Indianapolis: 12-4 - despite a few defractions, this team is still the class of this division; very few flaws
Jacksonville: 10-6 - cutting Leftwich was a shock, can Gerrard carry this team? D is good, running game fantastic
Tennessee: 7-9 - Young will experience growing pains this season; Fisher is too good to remain here
Houston: 4-12 - what good is Schaub if the OL can't protect him? At least Carr won't be the scapegoat this season
AFC West
San Diego: 11-5 - they'll survive the coaching defections; no Marty = playoff win! Let's see how Merriman plays off the 'roids
Denver: 9-7 - I have a feeling they might struggle this season; can Cutler handle the pressure? the D is solid
Oakland: 7-9 - if the QB play is consistent, the O should score 20 regularly, add in a good D and the Raiders could surprise
Kansas City: 6-10 - who's the QB? History shows a RB struggles after a 400 carry season; OL has many holes
Wild Card Games:
Dallas defeats San Francisco
Philadelphia defeats Seattle
San Diego defeats Cincinnati
Baltimore defeats Jacksonville
Divisional Playoffs:
Chicago defeats Philadelphia
New Orleans defeats Dallas
New England defeats Baltimore
San Diego defeats Indianapolis
Conference Championships:
New Orleans defeats Chicago
San Diego defeats New England
Super Bowl XLII:
San Diego defeats New Orleans, 30-20
MVP: LaDanian Tomlinson
Superlatives:
NFL MVP: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis
Offensive Player: LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego
Defensive Player: Julius Peppers, Carolina
Offensive Rookie: Calvin Johnson, Detroit
Defensive Rookie: Reggie Nelson, Jacksonville
Coach of Year: Mike Nolan, San Francisco