Florida State vs. NC State
Real Time Blogging
Let’s do something different…let’s blog in real time and see how this goes. I am going to blog for the next few minutes while watching the Florida State vs. NC State game on ESPN. Let’s pick it up with about 10:31 left in the first quarter:
Florida State has been moving the ball pretty well, since the Wolfpack is like LAST in every ACC category. The guys calling the game say FSU is close to a top 25 ranking but I can’t see that when they have two Southern Conference wins, hardly impressive.
FSU just got a penalty, and I hear they are amongst the WORST in the nation in penalties, and just got a 10 yard penalty and just tried a run on 2nd and 20. They picked up 7 yards, and you have to wonder how NC State is going to respond in a game that they must win to salvage any hopes for a post season.
You’re kidding…ANOTHER penalty??
Third and 18 passing play and ANOTHER penalty! Holding, so now it’s like third and 400 to go. The guys calling the game mentioned how young this team is, with a lot of freshman and sophomores, so they have to punt.
With 8 minutes and some change in the first quarter, NC State will get the ball as they go to a commercial break, and I find out that I am out of coffee…hey, I gotta drink something!
During the commercial break I am reminded that Chuck Amato (?) was the head coach for NC State, and is back with FSU. I wonder how much that plays into the game since he recruited some of those players for the Wolfpack. FSU started out great and just fizzled out. I say again, they gotta have this game.
NC State has a freshman quarterback, so we’ll see what he’s like. Nice first play of 13 yards on a good running play. A short completion gets a couple of yards so at least they are moving the ball. Another big run for about 14 yards against a FSU team that is said to be one of the best in the nation, but how much is this factored by the first two cupcakes they had this year (my Cats being one of them).
But how can a team averaging 80 yards rushing be pushing FSU like a rag doll right now, or are they starting out like FSU? Now the Wolfpack is in the “red zone” with a great mix of plays, and are almost guaranteed of some points this possession. With 4 minutes and counting in the first quarter the Wolfpack takes a shot in the end zone and misses. That pass should have been caught and on cue, Jesse Palmer says his catch phrase, “you gotta make that catch” I wish he’d stop saying that!
With that drop, the Wolfpack had to settle for a field goal, but it puts them up 3-0. Commercial break…
(By the way, I really hate it when former quarterbacks talk like every single pass is SUPPOSED to be caught. I mean, how biased can you be when it comes to quarterbacks and receivers? If he says “you gotta make that catch” one more time, I’m throwing the computer against the television!)
Just found out that the NC state fair is going on this weekend…never went to any of those events…probably never will, but the game is right across from the fair.
Back to the game, FSU returns the kickoff and gives FSU decent field position, and there is 3:43 left in the quarter. Late hit!!!
Looked like a broken play by FSU that ended up with a decent play and a late hit against NC State. Clearly a late hit by the replay. So now Florida State is in excellent position now, but can they play clean?
Interesting, they say FSU averages over 200 yards RUSHING a game. Wow, interesting, but I can’t tell with the play they just ran, losing a few yards. Again, how much are the stats enhanced by the cheap wins over WCU and UTC?
Nice pass play close to a first down, but guess what…HOLDING! Three freshman, two sophomores on the offensive line…there is going to be problems all night long. Third and 18, long pass and the cat throws into at least double coverage. Now they gotta punt again.
Terrible punt by a true freshman punter…are we seeing a trend here?
Commercial break…
Florida State has a very young team, but also possibly inexperienced. We’ll see how this goes. I am only gonna blog a few more minutes, just to get a feel for it and to chronicle how this game is going. Ok, let’s get back to the game.
One minute 11 seconds left, Wolfpack has another big run, and from what they said, the longest of the year thus far, about 15 yards. What’s going on here? Pass play clips another first down, so you gotta wonder, how good is FSU? Remember, I blogged that the ACC might put only 5 in the post season. First quarter ends and NC State up 3-0.
Commercial break…
I mentioned in another blog that if FSU loses this game, there is a real chance that they may not even qualify for a bowl this year. I think NC State is done because I cannot see them winning all their remaining games, just not gonna happen. The Pack is playing for pride…maybe the Seminoles are too. I’d like to see the team that beat my Catamounts to fall, but I have always been a fan of Bobby Bowden.
Back to the game, a running play by NC State is a first down, fumble and then ruled as a downed play. The replay shows that he was down, so the fumble does not count and NC State suddenly is in the red zone again. But a delay of game pushes the Wolfpack backwards and out of the red zone. Wait, they take away the penalty because they got the time out before the penalty.
WOW, a pump fake and pass to a tight end scores a touchdown, and so wide open he could have granted an interview and still have time to catch the pass. And suddenly the score is 10-0. Commercial break…
Are we seeing the TRUTH in FSU? I understand the game is early and this is an emotional game in that a lot of those players were recruited by Chuck Amato, the former head coach but back with FSU. They scored 115 points total in their first two games, but I also remember they lost to Wake Forest AT Wake Forest 12-3.
(mmm… that ThickBurger at Hardees looks pretty good….)
Back to the game, a 30 yard kickoff return. Oh boy, the BYU vs. TCU game is on, and not on tv, TCU up 7-0. Florida State needs a score before this starts getting ugly. Nice run by the quarterback, getting 12 yards on a rush. 13 minutes left in the second quarter, nice pass for about 18 yards, so we’re seeing FSU doing what they did in the first possession. Another great pass and another first down, and on the ticker, TCU has jumped on BYU 14-0.
Why can’t I SEE this game???
FSU is now in the red zone, second and 7 but the pass is dropped; he was better off dropping it otherwise it would have been a loss of a few yards. They need a touchdown but they better not lose a chance for a field goal. The quarterback thought about running but was caught in the middle of either running or throwing. So now they gotta try a field goal. 37 yard field goal is good, so score is 10-3. Commercial break…
Ok, back to the game, poor kick but a decent stop. First play is perhaps the first running play that didn’t get many yards, maybe FSU is getting settled. Second and 7, quarterback almost gets sacked but instead gets over 20 yards on the run. A freshman quarterback, doing pretty good on that play. FSU looks like a Division II defense right now.
8 minutes and change left in half, second and 7, not much going on. NC State would love to get some more points before the half, dropped pass and its now 4th and 8. We assume they will punt, they do, and what do you know… FSU fumbles! They keep the ball, but in very poor position. Commercial break…
(mmmm, Chick-Fil-A commercial….)
They mentioned how many of those players for the Wolfpack really liked Amato, and how much he loved coaching them, so you can imagine the emotions going through the players that played for him, and for him to coach against those kids.
Back to the game, as they chat with Sydney Lowe, head coach of the NC State basketball team. With 7 minutes and change left in the half, FSU would like to score but they certainly don’t want to give the Pack good field position. A poor play loses yards makes it 3rd and long, with under 6 minutes left. Nice run by the quarterback and he MIGHT have the first down.
You notice I don’t mention names, I would like to but I am typing as fast as I can, so I just keep it simple…
First down for Florida State, 5 and a half minutes left. They try the QB run again for a yard or so. Poor run loses yards third and 14 and NC State might try to use a time out to force FSU to give them the ball with good position. Excellent run which might be a first down for Florida State, and it looks like there is a key injury for the Wolfpack defense.
A run for no gain for FSU, 3 minutes left in the quarter.
Pass was deflected, but a flag…let me guess who it’s on…oh, wait, it’s pass interference. It’s a legit call, but it costs NC State. A nice pass for about 5 yards, but unless they go deep, they’re not gonna score before the half. On that note, they try a deep pass and miss, so now 1 minute, 50 seconds, what do you do? I expect NC State to call a time out if FSU can’t move the ball. Third and three, nice pass and complete, and we go into a two minute huddle.
Florida State is pinching yards and trying to get close to at least a field goal, but 50 yards is a long way to go. Flag on the play, HOLDING on FSU, this might kill the drive and the half. Second and 14, nice pass but will be just shy of the first down. Timeout, Florida State.
66 seconds left in the half, and Florida State needs yards, but a first down. They get it and the next play is a nice pass, first down, but HOLDING and they lose the yards. They’re heading for 100 yards for just holding alone. 40 seconds left, and sacked for the third time of the half. WOW.
So with 26 seconds left, what will FSU do? Second and 31, nice pass play but guess what…ANOTHER FLAG. Thankfully this is against the Wolfpack but now with 19 second left, the Seminoles have to go deep just for any hope. Third and 21, long pass and GREAT catch!!! Now they have a chance for a field goal, and spend the last time out. So what do you do, take a stab in the end zone, or pinch off a few more yards for a better shot at the field goal?
11 seconds left, and it seems they thought they had one more time out, and they don’t. Pass to the end zone, but dropped in the end zone. And the guy SHOULD have caught that…and yes, Jesse Palmer did say it, so I will be smashing my computer in a sec, but I might as well finish.
Field goal is made, and the score is 10-6 at halftime, and Bobby Bowden and is upset at the holding penalties. When asked what he is going to do about it, he said, “start praying”. Great stuff!
Ok, I’m done for now, it was fun writing this stuff. Gotta fly.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
College Football teams to be warned....
College teams to be warned!
As we come up on another exciting weekend of college football, the clarity of post season is really not much different than it was a few weeks ago. Theoretically speaking, all 119 teams of the Division I are still eligible for a bowl…yep, even North Texas and Washington, who currently have NO wins. So there is hope for everyone, but that will change starting this weekend.
As such, there are many teams that must heed my warning and gird thy loins, for this weekend can easily turn a team to a path of success…or failure, in one quick afternoon or evening of college football.
So let us begin with my warnings….
Tonight Florida State and NC State will play as both ACC teams struggle to make a post season game. I spoke on this on my blog on Florida State, so I will keep this one short by warning Florida State that if they do not win this game, they may not be seeing any bowl except the cereal bowl in the cafeteria the next morning.
But take heed BYU, your heroics have been called out!
Sure, you’re the #9 team in the nation, but I have heard stories of the soft schedule you have had thus far. Beating Washington seemed good then, but now looks highly suspect. Beating UCLA seemed like a great feather, but now looks like worthless plumage. Are you REALLY as good as you say? If so, prove it now against a worthy opponent in TCU. You remember them, a 1 loss team who was defeated only by Oklahoma. And you are going to THEIR home…I warn you, be careful…
Beware ye of the smurf turf, your perfect season can be in jeopardy.
Boise State hosts Hawaii on Friday, one of a couple of tests for the #15 team in the land. A perfect record won’t get you in the BCS Championship, but it will guarantee a BCS bowl. We know this isn’t the same Hawaii team from last year, but if you play with that same mentality, you’ll find yourselves with your first loss, and likely out of any big-time money bowls.
Take caution, both Wake Forest and Maryland!
The ACC doesn’t scare anybody this year, and there are 9 bowls slotted for ACC teams. Who in the world thought that 9 out of 12 teams were going to qualify for a bowl? At this point there could be only 5, and Maryland desperately needs to steal a couple of wins to make that happen. Wake Forest is almost assured to get a bowl but their eyes are on a greater prize…maybe the Sugar Bowl, but to do that they cannot lose more than 2 games, or else lose the division to maybe Boston College. This is a win Wake Forest needs to stay on pace to the ACC Championship, and a win Maryland needs just to stay alive.
Oh Big East, where is thou sting?
Last year the Big East was supposed to be the up and coming conference of the 6 “big dogs”. But they are average, and two teams fight to maintain that mediocrity. UCONN and Rutgers play just to see some post season games. Connecticut started out great, although many questioned the strength of schedule, but faded with key injuries. It will be a stretch to win 6 quality games and qualify, but it is possible. Rutgers however, must win EVERY game just to qualify…not very likely.
Looks like the same old Rutgers. It is possible they could beat UCONN, but winning 6 of 6 games, not likely.
Let the Huskers of Nebraska hear my words, and be warned!
Playing Texas Tech close showed some promise, but in the end, a loss is still a loss. In fact, THREE losses in a row does not bode well for you, after starting out 3-0. Don’t make me have to use that famous phrase from Dennis Green:
“They are who we THOUGHT they were!”
This game vs. Iowa State is critical because you need 3 wins just to qualify for a bowl. Right now, of your last 6 games, you have a good chance to win 4, which would indeed qualify you for a bowl. But a loss here against Iowa State means you have no more margin for error to get to a bowl, and your chances to play in the Big 12 Championship are toast. It’s time for Nebraska to handle their business, or else plan for next year.
Who will warn Ohio State of the Spartans?
A huge game this weekend between #12 Ohio State and #20 Michigan State. We know Penn State is in the driver’s seat at the moment, and the entire conference took a blow to the jaw when USC embarrassed the Buckeyes, but there is still hope. For Ohio State to hope for a shot at that National Title, they have to win out. If they can beat Michigan State this weekend, and Penn State the next, they’d be right back in the mix unless the other teams involved are still without a loss. If ever there was a time to lose, Ohio State picked the best time…early. But lose again, and the door to the BCS Championship slams on your nose.
Be ye warned, both UNC and Virginia!
Although one of my favorite teams, I still must caution UNC and their #18 ranking to be wary of Virginia. Yes that win vs. Notre Dame was delicious, but do not assume that you have “made it” to the elite teams of Division I. I personally think you are guaranteed a bowl because you can surely win 2 more games (one including Duke). Fear not UNC, you are going bowling this season, but your greater prize of a BCS bowl could be in jeopardy if you overlook Virginia.
But for you, Virginia, there is much to fear. Beating Maryland was impressive, and backing that up with a win over slumping ECU gives hope, but is it enough to get to the post season? You need 4 wins, and the only team that might give you the easiest chance to win is the Clemson Tigers. Every other game you have to fight and claw for, and your margin for error is paper thin.
And finally, beware Navy!
Two quality wins against Wake Forest and Air Force has you riding high and almost assured of that Eaglebank bowl (or Constitutional bowl, whatever they call that), but your schedule looks very interesting. If the Towson game does not count as a legit Division I win (since Towson is not a Division I team) then you need 3 more wins to qualify. I see no trouble with Temple and SMU, but if Pittsburgh is as good as advertised, you might be 6-3 before you see Notre Dame. Remember, if that Towson game does not count, you are actually 5-3.
If you lose to Notre Dame, then that Northern Illinois game is your best chance to qualify for a bowl, because all bets are off when you play Army. You DO realize the tight rope you are walking here, don’t you? But a win vs. Pittsburgh will virtually guarantee you a bowl…maybe even a better one than you are already slated for.
So many great games…so many to warn…
As we come up on another exciting weekend of college football, the clarity of post season is really not much different than it was a few weeks ago. Theoretically speaking, all 119 teams of the Division I are still eligible for a bowl…yep, even North Texas and Washington, who currently have NO wins. So there is hope for everyone, but that will change starting this weekend.
As such, there are many teams that must heed my warning and gird thy loins, for this weekend can easily turn a team to a path of success…or failure, in one quick afternoon or evening of college football.
So let us begin with my warnings….
Tonight Florida State and NC State will play as both ACC teams struggle to make a post season game. I spoke on this on my blog on Florida State, so I will keep this one short by warning Florida State that if they do not win this game, they may not be seeing any bowl except the cereal bowl in the cafeteria the next morning.
But take heed BYU, your heroics have been called out!
Sure, you’re the #9 team in the nation, but I have heard stories of the soft schedule you have had thus far. Beating Washington seemed good then, but now looks highly suspect. Beating UCLA seemed like a great feather, but now looks like worthless plumage. Are you REALLY as good as you say? If so, prove it now against a worthy opponent in TCU. You remember them, a 1 loss team who was defeated only by Oklahoma. And you are going to THEIR home…I warn you, be careful…
Beware ye of the smurf turf, your perfect season can be in jeopardy.
Boise State hosts Hawaii on Friday, one of a couple of tests for the #15 team in the land. A perfect record won’t get you in the BCS Championship, but it will guarantee a BCS bowl. We know this isn’t the same Hawaii team from last year, but if you play with that same mentality, you’ll find yourselves with your first loss, and likely out of any big-time money bowls.
Take caution, both Wake Forest and Maryland!
The ACC doesn’t scare anybody this year, and there are 9 bowls slotted for ACC teams. Who in the world thought that 9 out of 12 teams were going to qualify for a bowl? At this point there could be only 5, and Maryland desperately needs to steal a couple of wins to make that happen. Wake Forest is almost assured to get a bowl but their eyes are on a greater prize…maybe the Sugar Bowl, but to do that they cannot lose more than 2 games, or else lose the division to maybe Boston College. This is a win Wake Forest needs to stay on pace to the ACC Championship, and a win Maryland needs just to stay alive.
Oh Big East, where is thou sting?
Last year the Big East was supposed to be the up and coming conference of the 6 “big dogs”. But they are average, and two teams fight to maintain that mediocrity. UCONN and Rutgers play just to see some post season games. Connecticut started out great, although many questioned the strength of schedule, but faded with key injuries. It will be a stretch to win 6 quality games and qualify, but it is possible. Rutgers however, must win EVERY game just to qualify…not very likely.
Looks like the same old Rutgers. It is possible they could beat UCONN, but winning 6 of 6 games, not likely.
Let the Huskers of Nebraska hear my words, and be warned!
Playing Texas Tech close showed some promise, but in the end, a loss is still a loss. In fact, THREE losses in a row does not bode well for you, after starting out 3-0. Don’t make me have to use that famous phrase from Dennis Green:
“They are who we THOUGHT they were!”
This game vs. Iowa State is critical because you need 3 wins just to qualify for a bowl. Right now, of your last 6 games, you have a good chance to win 4, which would indeed qualify you for a bowl. But a loss here against Iowa State means you have no more margin for error to get to a bowl, and your chances to play in the Big 12 Championship are toast. It’s time for Nebraska to handle their business, or else plan for next year.
Who will warn Ohio State of the Spartans?
A huge game this weekend between #12 Ohio State and #20 Michigan State. We know Penn State is in the driver’s seat at the moment, and the entire conference took a blow to the jaw when USC embarrassed the Buckeyes, but there is still hope. For Ohio State to hope for a shot at that National Title, they have to win out. If they can beat Michigan State this weekend, and Penn State the next, they’d be right back in the mix unless the other teams involved are still without a loss. If ever there was a time to lose, Ohio State picked the best time…early. But lose again, and the door to the BCS Championship slams on your nose.
Be ye warned, both UNC and Virginia!
Although one of my favorite teams, I still must caution UNC and their #18 ranking to be wary of Virginia. Yes that win vs. Notre Dame was delicious, but do not assume that you have “made it” to the elite teams of Division I. I personally think you are guaranteed a bowl because you can surely win 2 more games (one including Duke). Fear not UNC, you are going bowling this season, but your greater prize of a BCS bowl could be in jeopardy if you overlook Virginia.
But for you, Virginia, there is much to fear. Beating Maryland was impressive, and backing that up with a win over slumping ECU gives hope, but is it enough to get to the post season? You need 4 wins, and the only team that might give you the easiest chance to win is the Clemson Tigers. Every other game you have to fight and claw for, and your margin for error is paper thin.
And finally, beware Navy!
Two quality wins against Wake Forest and Air Force has you riding high and almost assured of that Eaglebank bowl (or Constitutional bowl, whatever they call that), but your schedule looks very interesting. If the Towson game does not count as a legit Division I win (since Towson is not a Division I team) then you need 3 more wins to qualify. I see no trouble with Temple and SMU, but if Pittsburgh is as good as advertised, you might be 6-3 before you see Notre Dame. Remember, if that Towson game does not count, you are actually 5-3.
If you lose to Notre Dame, then that Northern Illinois game is your best chance to qualify for a bowl, because all bets are off when you play Army. You DO realize the tight rope you are walking here, don’t you? But a win vs. Pittsburgh will virtually guarantee you a bowl…maybe even a better one than you are already slated for.
So many great games…so many to warn…
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