Florida State 30 UNC 27
Speedblog
I’ll admit, this was a tough game for me to watch, in fact, I spent more time flipping channels between Southern vs. Prarie View, the UFL game on VS, and even the preseason basketball game of the Lakers vs. the Nuggets.
I was concerned because I had a lot of mixed feelings for this game.
I am a UNC fan through and through, but we all know that the football edge of UNC isn’t why most people support the Tarheels. And I also like Florida State, not because of the Seminoles, but because I believe Bobby Bowden is one of those guys that should be respected for what he has done for the program.
What ticks me off is when some idiot starts to use age discrimination against the man who built the program from the ground up. And sadly, a lot of the guys on ESPN are on the fence about Bobby Bowden.
What this shows is that we as a people are ignorant to history, and we can see something 2 days ago, but still refuse to acknowledge it. Wasn’t it just a few years ago when the media was using age against Joe Paterno? How did that turn out so far?
And people like to talk about the “what have you done for me lately”. Well, wasn’t Florida State 9-4 LAST YEAR? It’s like these idiots developed amnesia about this coaching legend! So now Florida State comes in Chapel Hill 2-4, and Bowden’s coaching life on the line.
I blogged about this and felt that FSU should win because 5 out of the 6 games they have had thus far were against winning teams, and most have been ranked throughout the season. Folks, that is one hell of a schedule so far. But it gets easier, and it is possible that FSU can win at least 6, maybe as much as 7 games. I also felt that a lot of their losses come in their home state, that the road games might be the best thing for these Seminoles.
On the flip side, as much as I love UNC, their 4-2 record seemed bogus to me, although last year it was pretty good. They had only played one ranked team so far this year, and lost to them. I just felt that Florida State was good enough to beat UNC, and I figured it would be by 6 points. Turns out they won by 3.
So FSU is now 3-4, with a home game vs. NC State. Normally I think they can win, but again, there is some uncanny problem about FSU playing in their home state. They NEED this win, but so far they have one 1 game in the last SIX at home…not a good stat.
But if they can get by the Wolfpack, the road games vs. Clemson and Wake Forest could get them on the right track. It is possible for them to be 6-4 after that, or maybe 5-5. They will need to beat Maryland at home to likely qualify for a bowl, because that last game is on the road vs. Florida.
For the Tarheels, life gets harder. They go TO Virginia Tech, which could end up being a 4-4 result. They are home vs. Duke and Miami, and most think they will split that, before going on the road to play Boston College and NC State. It is quite possible that the hated rivals of UNC/NC State could decide whether UNC qualifies for a bowl.
In truth, I am pulling for both teams, but they still have to perform on the field…my best to them both.
Showing posts with label Florida State Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida State Football. Show all posts
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Florida State vs UNC
Florida State vs. UNC
This is one of those games that few outside the ACC are paying attention to, but those in North Carolina and Florida are looking at very seriously.
Two teams that were thought to be in the mix for the ACC crown, but to this point have been very disappointing. UNC was 8-5 last year, and Florida State was 9-4, so you assume that these two teams would have much to say about playing in that ACC Championship.
Not exactly.
Both teams are at the bottom of their division; neither team has a conference win yet, collectively 0-5 and yet their records are reversed. While UNC is at least 4-2, Florida State is the inverse, at 2-4.
Florida State needs this win for every reason known to man. A coach being forced to quit, the team struggling to win games, and the need to restore some pride to the Seminole nation. But get this, of the last 8 losses, extending to last year, SIX of them come from their own home. Imagine that, not winning in your own house!
Last year they lost home games to Wake Forest by 9, Boston College by 10 and to Florida by 30. That’s three of their 4 losses last year. This year they lose at home to Miami by 4, South Florida by 10, and Georgia Tech by 5. Outside of the Florida loss last year, Florida State has not lost by much, by usually one possession.
So this could just as well be a team that is winning more than they are losing, but why do I think that maybe familiarity is the Seminole’s problem? Sometimes you spend too much time playing in front of Florida fans that you forget that you are a target to everybody else. Maybe Florida State is too comfortable at home, and NEEDS to get out of the state and play. Hey, it worked against BYU didn’t it?
And correct me if I am wrong…aren’t they playing AT UNC tonight?
On the other end, UNC has a decent record, but it still isn’t proving a thing. Last year their 8-5 record seemed nice, with wins over Connecticut, Notre Dame and Rutgers. But they were not consistent in their conference, losing games to Maryland, NC State and even Duke…back to back to back!
This year that 4-2 record looks cute, but beating Citadel, ECU and Georgia Southern is hardly impressive at all. They do have a decent win over Connecticut, but the Huskies have been a mid-card team in the Big East (prayers to their lost player).
The schedule gets much tougher for UNC, and they have only beaten Florida State once in their history. With upcoming games vs. Virginia Tech, Miami, Boston College and rival NC State, UNC really, REALLY needs this win to hope for a bowl. If they lose this game to Florida State, they could struggle to get those 6 wins needed to go to a bowl.
This is going to be a hard game to call, because I personally think Florida State is much better than they have shown. Mind you, FSU has played 5 teams that have been, or currently ranked…that is a tough schedule. UNC played only one…and lost. I think Florida State plays better outside of the state, because they don’t have the distractions of the expectations of playing in a historically great program. Perhaps they need this game to get out and, oddly enough, relax.
But UNC has some quality wins with them from last year. At home they did beat Connecticut, Notre Dame, Boston College and Georgia Tech. Something has to give.
I am a UNC fan at heart, but I still think FSU has what it takes to win, and with their backs against the wall, I think they will perform. This may not be the team that crushed BYU, but it won’t be the team that barely beat Jacksonville State…which by the way was another Florida game.
Perhaps FSU ought to consider playing all their games outside the state of Florida… if they win tonight, expect some radical changes in their schedules (smile). I think Florida State wins by 6 points.
This is one of those games that few outside the ACC are paying attention to, but those in North Carolina and Florida are looking at very seriously.
Two teams that were thought to be in the mix for the ACC crown, but to this point have been very disappointing. UNC was 8-5 last year, and Florida State was 9-4, so you assume that these two teams would have much to say about playing in that ACC Championship.
Not exactly.
Both teams are at the bottom of their division; neither team has a conference win yet, collectively 0-5 and yet their records are reversed. While UNC is at least 4-2, Florida State is the inverse, at 2-4.
Florida State needs this win for every reason known to man. A coach being forced to quit, the team struggling to win games, and the need to restore some pride to the Seminole nation. But get this, of the last 8 losses, extending to last year, SIX of them come from their own home. Imagine that, not winning in your own house!
Last year they lost home games to Wake Forest by 9, Boston College by 10 and to Florida by 30. That’s three of their 4 losses last year. This year they lose at home to Miami by 4, South Florida by 10, and Georgia Tech by 5. Outside of the Florida loss last year, Florida State has not lost by much, by usually one possession.
So this could just as well be a team that is winning more than they are losing, but why do I think that maybe familiarity is the Seminole’s problem? Sometimes you spend too much time playing in front of Florida fans that you forget that you are a target to everybody else. Maybe Florida State is too comfortable at home, and NEEDS to get out of the state and play. Hey, it worked against BYU didn’t it?
And correct me if I am wrong…aren’t they playing AT UNC tonight?
On the other end, UNC has a decent record, but it still isn’t proving a thing. Last year their 8-5 record seemed nice, with wins over Connecticut, Notre Dame and Rutgers. But they were not consistent in their conference, losing games to Maryland, NC State and even Duke…back to back to back!
This year that 4-2 record looks cute, but beating Citadel, ECU and Georgia Southern is hardly impressive at all. They do have a decent win over Connecticut, but the Huskies have been a mid-card team in the Big East (prayers to their lost player).
The schedule gets much tougher for UNC, and they have only beaten Florida State once in their history. With upcoming games vs. Virginia Tech, Miami, Boston College and rival NC State, UNC really, REALLY needs this win to hope for a bowl. If they lose this game to Florida State, they could struggle to get those 6 wins needed to go to a bowl.
This is going to be a hard game to call, because I personally think Florida State is much better than they have shown. Mind you, FSU has played 5 teams that have been, or currently ranked…that is a tough schedule. UNC played only one…and lost. I think Florida State plays better outside of the state, because they don’t have the distractions of the expectations of playing in a historically great program. Perhaps they need this game to get out and, oddly enough, relax.
But UNC has some quality wins with them from last year. At home they did beat Connecticut, Notre Dame, Boston College and Georgia Tech. Something has to give.
I am a UNC fan at heart, but I still think FSU has what it takes to win, and with their backs against the wall, I think they will perform. This may not be the team that crushed BYU, but it won’t be the team that barely beat Jacksonville State…which by the way was another Florida game.
Perhaps FSU ought to consider playing all their games outside the state of Florida… if they win tonight, expect some radical changes in their schedules (smile). I think Florida State wins by 6 points.
Friday, September 25, 2009
South Florida vs Florida State 2009
South Florida vs. Florida State
Florida State is currently ranked #18 in the polls, after a thrashing they put on BYU (which surprised me as well as many others). It is possible that the ACC made a statement that they are as competitive as the other conferences by beating a top 25 team handily in their own house?
Now they have to do it again, under much more local confines. The ACC’s Florida State will host South Florida in a big time game for both sides. This is a game that Florida State simply cannot lose, if they are to retain credibility for their top 25 ranking. With teams slipping and sliding every week, the opportunistic team can easily find themselves in the top 10 in a few weeks…case in point, Mississippi.
But to stay there, they must win and not lose to an unranked opponent…case in point, Mississippi.
But the Big East has a point to prove too, and they need South Florida to make that for them. About 27 undefeated teams remain in the FBS, three of them come from this very conference. South Florida has shown signs of brilliance the last few years, only to buckle under the pressure once they were ranked high in the standings.
There is a LOT of credibility on the line here, for the ACC and the Big East…who wins this matchup in the Sunshine State? Let’s look at it:
South Florida is currently 3-0, and not ranked at the moment. Sure, the Bulls have scored about 134 points in three games, which averages to over 40 a game, but who have they beaten? Wofford? Western Kentucky? Charleston Southern?
Again, only 27 teams remain undefeated, and you’re not on the top 25? Very soft schedule folks.
Mind you, this team started out 5-0 last year and was the apple of many eyes, beating teams like Kansas and NC State. But it preceded a 1-4 record once they hit the Big East schedule before beating UCONN, losing to West Virginia and winning the bowl game against Memphis.
I think with a returning good quarterback and an excellent defensive power, this is still a good team, they can win decent games so these are not your mother’s cupcakes, but the last couple of years just seem to show that they are mid-card teams, destined to hover around greatness, but never obtaining it.
But if there is a chance for an upset, it can happen against Florida State.
The Seminoles were 9-4 last year, losing to Wake Forest by 9, Georgia Tech by 3, Boston College by 10 and to Florida by…well that doesn’t matter. Granted they destroyed my beloved Catamounts 69-0, but what did it gain them?
Losing to rival Miami hurt them, but not as bad as the near loss to Jacksonville State. That embarrassing win must have prompted Florida State to re focus, which is what they did against BYU, in a big time win that vaulted them back in the top 25 spotlight.
The Seminoles try to make a living with the passing, which has also burnt them more than once. Last year quarterback Ponder threw for 14 touchdowns…great….but also threw for 13 interceptions…ugh.
The question here is going to be which mindset is Florida State on: the swagger that produced players like Charlie Ward and Deon Sanders, or the team that was so high on itself that it almost lost to Jacksonville State… as they say, half of football is mental.
With Grothe for the Bulls being injured, there may be a feast of blitzes for Florida State, and I think that kinda pressure could get to South Florida. But sometimes playing home makes a team kinda…cocky. I don’t think South Florida can beat Florida State, but I also don’t think they are as intimidated. This could be interesting…
If I had to pick, I might think Florida State will win, but not as big a margin as the BYU game. I give it to the Seminoles by 8 points.
Florida State is currently ranked #18 in the polls, after a thrashing they put on BYU (which surprised me as well as many others). It is possible that the ACC made a statement that they are as competitive as the other conferences by beating a top 25 team handily in their own house?
Now they have to do it again, under much more local confines. The ACC’s Florida State will host South Florida in a big time game for both sides. This is a game that Florida State simply cannot lose, if they are to retain credibility for their top 25 ranking. With teams slipping and sliding every week, the opportunistic team can easily find themselves in the top 10 in a few weeks…case in point, Mississippi.
But to stay there, they must win and not lose to an unranked opponent…case in point, Mississippi.
But the Big East has a point to prove too, and they need South Florida to make that for them. About 27 undefeated teams remain in the FBS, three of them come from this very conference. South Florida has shown signs of brilliance the last few years, only to buckle under the pressure once they were ranked high in the standings.
There is a LOT of credibility on the line here, for the ACC and the Big East…who wins this matchup in the Sunshine State? Let’s look at it:
South Florida is currently 3-0, and not ranked at the moment. Sure, the Bulls have scored about 134 points in three games, which averages to over 40 a game, but who have they beaten? Wofford? Western Kentucky? Charleston Southern?
Again, only 27 teams remain undefeated, and you’re not on the top 25? Very soft schedule folks.
Mind you, this team started out 5-0 last year and was the apple of many eyes, beating teams like Kansas and NC State. But it preceded a 1-4 record once they hit the Big East schedule before beating UCONN, losing to West Virginia and winning the bowl game against Memphis.
I think with a returning good quarterback and an excellent defensive power, this is still a good team, they can win decent games so these are not your mother’s cupcakes, but the last couple of years just seem to show that they are mid-card teams, destined to hover around greatness, but never obtaining it.
But if there is a chance for an upset, it can happen against Florida State.
The Seminoles were 9-4 last year, losing to Wake Forest by 9, Georgia Tech by 3, Boston College by 10 and to Florida by…well that doesn’t matter. Granted they destroyed my beloved Catamounts 69-0, but what did it gain them?
Losing to rival Miami hurt them, but not as bad as the near loss to Jacksonville State. That embarrassing win must have prompted Florida State to re focus, which is what they did against BYU, in a big time win that vaulted them back in the top 25 spotlight.
The Seminoles try to make a living with the passing, which has also burnt them more than once. Last year quarterback Ponder threw for 14 touchdowns…great….but also threw for 13 interceptions…ugh.
The question here is going to be which mindset is Florida State on: the swagger that produced players like Charlie Ward and Deon Sanders, or the team that was so high on itself that it almost lost to Jacksonville State… as they say, half of football is mental.
With Grothe for the Bulls being injured, there may be a feast of blitzes for Florida State, and I think that kinda pressure could get to South Florida. But sometimes playing home makes a team kinda…cocky. I don’t think South Florida can beat Florida State, but I also don’t think they are as intimidated. This could be interesting…
If I had to pick, I might think Florida State will win, but not as big a margin as the BYU game. I give it to the Seminoles by 8 points.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Miami vs Florida State
Miami vs. #18 Florida State
You know, several years ago this would have been THE game to watch… now, it’s THE only game on tv tonight, after the afternoon game of Cincinnati and Rutgers.
Two once very storied programs, giving us great NFL stars such as Deon Sanders and Michael Irving, Charlie Ward and Vinny Testaverde, now we have two schools struggling to not only reclaim some past glory, but a conference as well.
But to me, the ACC has done fairly well for itself. Last year 10 out of 12 teams in the ACC finished with 6 wins or more. Only Duke and Virginia failed to do so. This means that the conference is competitive, regardless of what others say. Of all the power conferences, I believe the ACC is above the Big East, but under the other 4. But tonight’s matchup is going to pre-determine who will have a legit shot at the ACC crown. Already Virginia Tech has fallen (not really sure how they got such a high ranking anyway) so it is already up for grabs. Which Florida team will step forward?
For Miami, tonight’s matchup is incredibly important. You just can’t keep losing to your state rival, and last year winning seven games is not worth celebrating if you are the Hurricanes. Losing early to Florida last year can be overlooked, but dropping games to conference foes UNC AND Florida State did not look good. It also didn’t look good the way Miami lost the last three games of the season to Georgia Tech, NC State and California. Most will credit only one good win, that over Virginia Tech…but that was last year.
This year brings many challenges, including a new quarterback and a schedule that leaves no mercy. It is not out of the realms of possibility that Miami could be 0-4 before they see Florida A&M. Playing away against FSU, home against a good Georgia Tech team, away at VA Tech and home vs. Oklahoma could be more than the Hurricanes can take. The schedule still seems favorable enough to put Miami in post season, but a win vs. Florida State can really go a long way. A loss could set the table for a disappointing season.
For Florida State, a 9-4 season is decent, but still below expectations. Long have the Seminoles been the rulers of the ACC, now they are feared by no one in the conference. But this is still a team to consider for the ACC crown. Last year the Seminoles dismantled my beloved Catamounts by a score unmentionable, and then crushed another foe 46-7.
But it could be argued that money can’t buy you wins…although that isn’t true. Western Carolina and UTC made decent money getting their butts kicked by Florida State. But it didn’t really prepare FSU for the schedule, as they lost their first REAL game vs. Wake Forest 12-3. All those points scored in the first two games, and only 3 points when it really mattered.
Still, Florida State recovered and won 4 games in a row, until they ran into Georgia Tech in Atlanta, losing their second conference game. They would lose again to Boston College and once more to state rival Florida before finishing the season with a win over Wisconsin in a bowl game.
The only real blowout was against Florida, losing 45-15. The loss to Wake Forest was only by 9 points, the loss to Boston College by 10 and the loss to Georgia Tech, only 3 points. All four losses were to decent teams, it seemed that Florida State beat the teams they were supposed to beat. Still, it isn’t the standard of FSU.
With a returning QB and a host of other starters, some say Florida State can indeed be the team to beat, especially since they also beat Virginia Tech last year. The problem is that they have a key game vs. BYU next, and state rival South Florida this year. Not a lot of traveling for the Seminoles, outside of going to Boston College and BYU, all the other games are in the deep south, which could bring familiarity to the team. This could play in their favor, but you still have to win games.
With a quarterback that threw almost as many interceptions as touchdowns, this is still kinda hairy. Florida State at home always has a great crowd, yet three of their 4 losses came in Tallahassee. Miami’s wins on the road last year were against Texas A&M, Duke and Virginia…all three combined were 13-22...all losing records.
These clearly are not the glory days for either team, but as long as the ACC Title is on the line, you might as well go get it. A win for either team is obviously important, but I think Florida State might have a slight edge here…not by too much, but considering Miami has a new QB it could possibly get ugly. I think Florida State can win this by a touchdown, maybe even 10 points, but I wonder since FSU has dropped several home games last year…not a sign of a force in the ACC. Still, with Virginia Tech slipping, everything is up for grabs now.
You know, several years ago this would have been THE game to watch… now, it’s THE only game on tv tonight, after the afternoon game of Cincinnati and Rutgers.
Two once very storied programs, giving us great NFL stars such as Deon Sanders and Michael Irving, Charlie Ward and Vinny Testaverde, now we have two schools struggling to not only reclaim some past glory, but a conference as well.
But to me, the ACC has done fairly well for itself. Last year 10 out of 12 teams in the ACC finished with 6 wins or more. Only Duke and Virginia failed to do so. This means that the conference is competitive, regardless of what others say. Of all the power conferences, I believe the ACC is above the Big East, but under the other 4. But tonight’s matchup is going to pre-determine who will have a legit shot at the ACC crown. Already Virginia Tech has fallen (not really sure how they got such a high ranking anyway) so it is already up for grabs. Which Florida team will step forward?
For Miami, tonight’s matchup is incredibly important. You just can’t keep losing to your state rival, and last year winning seven games is not worth celebrating if you are the Hurricanes. Losing early to Florida last year can be overlooked, but dropping games to conference foes UNC AND Florida State did not look good. It also didn’t look good the way Miami lost the last three games of the season to Georgia Tech, NC State and California. Most will credit only one good win, that over Virginia Tech…but that was last year.
This year brings many challenges, including a new quarterback and a schedule that leaves no mercy. It is not out of the realms of possibility that Miami could be 0-4 before they see Florida A&M. Playing away against FSU, home against a good Georgia Tech team, away at VA Tech and home vs. Oklahoma could be more than the Hurricanes can take. The schedule still seems favorable enough to put Miami in post season, but a win vs. Florida State can really go a long way. A loss could set the table for a disappointing season.
For Florida State, a 9-4 season is decent, but still below expectations. Long have the Seminoles been the rulers of the ACC, now they are feared by no one in the conference. But this is still a team to consider for the ACC crown. Last year the Seminoles dismantled my beloved Catamounts by a score unmentionable, and then crushed another foe 46-7.
But it could be argued that money can’t buy you wins…although that isn’t true. Western Carolina and UTC made decent money getting their butts kicked by Florida State. But it didn’t really prepare FSU for the schedule, as they lost their first REAL game vs. Wake Forest 12-3. All those points scored in the first two games, and only 3 points when it really mattered.
Still, Florida State recovered and won 4 games in a row, until they ran into Georgia Tech in Atlanta, losing their second conference game. They would lose again to Boston College and once more to state rival Florida before finishing the season with a win over Wisconsin in a bowl game.
The only real blowout was against Florida, losing 45-15. The loss to Wake Forest was only by 9 points, the loss to Boston College by 10 and the loss to Georgia Tech, only 3 points. All four losses were to decent teams, it seemed that Florida State beat the teams they were supposed to beat. Still, it isn’t the standard of FSU.
With a returning QB and a host of other starters, some say Florida State can indeed be the team to beat, especially since they also beat Virginia Tech last year. The problem is that they have a key game vs. BYU next, and state rival South Florida this year. Not a lot of traveling for the Seminoles, outside of going to Boston College and BYU, all the other games are in the deep south, which could bring familiarity to the team. This could play in their favor, but you still have to win games.
With a quarterback that threw almost as many interceptions as touchdowns, this is still kinda hairy. Florida State at home always has a great crowd, yet three of their 4 losses came in Tallahassee. Miami’s wins on the road last year were against Texas A&M, Duke and Virginia…all three combined were 13-22...all losing records.
These clearly are not the glory days for either team, but as long as the ACC Title is on the line, you might as well go get it. A win for either team is obviously important, but I think Florida State might have a slight edge here…not by too much, but considering Miami has a new QB it could possibly get ugly. I think Florida State can win this by a touchdown, maybe even 10 points, but I wonder since FSU has dropped several home games last year…not a sign of a force in the ACC. Still, with Virginia Tech slipping, everything is up for grabs now.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wisconsin vs Florida State in Champs Bowl
Champs Sports Bowl
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
This is one of seven bowl games played in the state of Florida, and it seems obvious that a Florida team would be in it. I mean, a lot of these bowls were created with certain regional teams in mind, but at the same time, many bowls are held out of the “cold zones” to entice fans of northern states to come on down and “warm up” a bit.
No sin in that, especially when you have an entire conference like the Big 10 up there. Those guys deserve some of that warm sunshine or warmer temps too, right? Thus the game we have, Wisconsin vs. Florida State.
This is a good matchup, between BCS bowl teams, and is actually a very interesting story within itself if you look at the resumes of both teams. Let’s start with Wisconsin out of the Big 10.
There was a lot of talk that the Big 10 would have a team in the National Championship, and there was much talk that Wisconsin would be a top 10 team for sure. There were high expectations as the team started out 1-0 by beating Akron 38-17, then capturing their second win against Marshall 51-14. Everything was working smoothly for this team, and it seemed this might be the second best team out of the Big 10.
A trip to Fresno State, then ranked in the top 25, and a win there, gave a lot of weight to the Badgers team as they were now 3-0, looking for more wins as they entered the conference schedule. With lowly Michigan on the ropes, it should have been an easy win to start the conference season right.
Nope.
In a stunning game, Wisconsin lost to Michigan 27-25 and may have lost more in their spirits. An embarrassing loss lead the Badgers into two more top 25 matchups back to back, neither of which they could overcome. A loss to then #14 Ohio State 20-17 and then a loss to then #6 Penn State 48-7 broke their spirits. In three conference games back to back to back, they lost them all, dropping to 3-3. No BCS hopes, perhaps no BCS bowl either.
And it got worse as they lost to Iowa 38-16 as it seemed that Wisconsin hit rock bottom. Whatever goals this team had, they were gone. All that was left was to TRY to get to a bowl, to salvage a disappointing season.
This turnaround started with a win over Illinois, but was stopped again with a loss to top 25 foe Michigan State 25-24. At 4-5, Wisconsin needed at least two more wins to become bowl eligible, with only 3 games left. It seemed they started to get it together, with a win over Indiana 55-20 and then Minnesota 35-32 to finally qualify for a bowl. Their final game against Cal-Poly seemed to show the problems the Badgers still had, barely beating this team in OT 36-35.
Five teams were ranked throughout the course of the year, but Wisconsin beat only one, that being Minnesota. But there were several close games, proving that this team can compete. We shall see.
Florida State used to be the king of the ACC, dominating it every year and sweeping their conference foes away like dust. It was always the “big” game against Florida that was larger than the conference itself, even though Florida was from the SEC. But things have changed for this team, not many being good.
There was no great expectation for Florida State to win it all, but maybe to challenge for the ACC title. But the way the Seminoles went about it seemed… odd.
The first game of the young season pitted them against Western Carolina University…MY old stomping grounds, and they were pulverized 69-0...ouch. But here is something odd… most teams play ONE Division 1AA team… but Florida State scheduled two in a row. Playing UTC and beating them 46-7 made it look like FSU was scoring without measure. Some were even talking of their greatness.
But this came down to earth quickly on the first REAL game, against Wake Forest, where they lost 12-3. Amazing, they scored over 100 against lesser foes but could only manage 3 against a real Division I foe.
But it seemed to wake up the Seminoles as they began a four game winning streak. Rebounding against Colorado at home 39-21, then winning two away games against Miami 41-39 and against NC State 26-17 had them in the right direction. A big win over Virginia Tech brought the Seminoles to 6-1, and 3-1 in conference play. They were now being mentioned as one of the elite ACC teams to beat.
Florida State then fell into a checkered finish, wining one, losing the next to finish the season. A tough loss to Georgia Tech away 31-28 led to a win over troubled Clemson 41-27 before repeating the trend, losing to Boston College 27-17 in their home, and then winning against ranked Maryland 27-3. The final game of the season, against Florida, wasn’t much of a battle, losing 45-14, but the Seminoles did manage to qualify for a bowl, and have a pretty good season.
At least eight teams on FSU’s schedule will be in a bowl, and at least 6 were ranked this year, this was a very tough schedule, excluding the two Southern Conference teams at the beginning of the year. The Seminoles had a very tough season, playing through the very competitive ACC and playing a potential National Champion.. They are quite battle tested.
Of the two teams, one could argue that Wisconsin has underachieved, even though they did play a tough schedule, but Florida State’s schedule was, in my opinion, a bit harder. Coming out of the ACC with just a few losses is not bad, but one wonders if this team is as good as the record. We have not seen the Florida State of old, but then again, where has Wisconsin gone?
In a game in Florida State’s…well… state, I think the Seminoles are favored, but not by any large stretch of the imagination. We will see if Wisconsin can start to regain the respect they had at the beginning of the year. I think this will be a very nice game to watch, with Florida State slightly favored. We shall see.
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
This is one of seven bowl games played in the state of Florida, and it seems obvious that a Florida team would be in it. I mean, a lot of these bowls were created with certain regional teams in mind, but at the same time, many bowls are held out of the “cold zones” to entice fans of northern states to come on down and “warm up” a bit.
No sin in that, especially when you have an entire conference like the Big 10 up there. Those guys deserve some of that warm sunshine or warmer temps too, right? Thus the game we have, Wisconsin vs. Florida State.
This is a good matchup, between BCS bowl teams, and is actually a very interesting story within itself if you look at the resumes of both teams. Let’s start with Wisconsin out of the Big 10.
There was a lot of talk that the Big 10 would have a team in the National Championship, and there was much talk that Wisconsin would be a top 10 team for sure. There were high expectations as the team started out 1-0 by beating Akron 38-17, then capturing their second win against Marshall 51-14. Everything was working smoothly for this team, and it seemed this might be the second best team out of the Big 10.
A trip to Fresno State, then ranked in the top 25, and a win there, gave a lot of weight to the Badgers team as they were now 3-0, looking for more wins as they entered the conference schedule. With lowly Michigan on the ropes, it should have been an easy win to start the conference season right.
Nope.
In a stunning game, Wisconsin lost to Michigan 27-25 and may have lost more in their spirits. An embarrassing loss lead the Badgers into two more top 25 matchups back to back, neither of which they could overcome. A loss to then #14 Ohio State 20-17 and then a loss to then #6 Penn State 48-7 broke their spirits. In three conference games back to back to back, they lost them all, dropping to 3-3. No BCS hopes, perhaps no BCS bowl either.
And it got worse as they lost to Iowa 38-16 as it seemed that Wisconsin hit rock bottom. Whatever goals this team had, they were gone. All that was left was to TRY to get to a bowl, to salvage a disappointing season.
This turnaround started with a win over Illinois, but was stopped again with a loss to top 25 foe Michigan State 25-24. At 4-5, Wisconsin needed at least two more wins to become bowl eligible, with only 3 games left. It seemed they started to get it together, with a win over Indiana 55-20 and then Minnesota 35-32 to finally qualify for a bowl. Their final game against Cal-Poly seemed to show the problems the Badgers still had, barely beating this team in OT 36-35.
Five teams were ranked throughout the course of the year, but Wisconsin beat only one, that being Minnesota. But there were several close games, proving that this team can compete. We shall see.
Florida State used to be the king of the ACC, dominating it every year and sweeping their conference foes away like dust. It was always the “big” game against Florida that was larger than the conference itself, even though Florida was from the SEC. But things have changed for this team, not many being good.
There was no great expectation for Florida State to win it all, but maybe to challenge for the ACC title. But the way the Seminoles went about it seemed… odd.
The first game of the young season pitted them against Western Carolina University…MY old stomping grounds, and they were pulverized 69-0...ouch. But here is something odd… most teams play ONE Division 1AA team… but Florida State scheduled two in a row. Playing UTC and beating them 46-7 made it look like FSU was scoring without measure. Some were even talking of their greatness.
But this came down to earth quickly on the first REAL game, against Wake Forest, where they lost 12-3. Amazing, they scored over 100 against lesser foes but could only manage 3 against a real Division I foe.
But it seemed to wake up the Seminoles as they began a four game winning streak. Rebounding against Colorado at home 39-21, then winning two away games against Miami 41-39 and against NC State 26-17 had them in the right direction. A big win over Virginia Tech brought the Seminoles to 6-1, and 3-1 in conference play. They were now being mentioned as one of the elite ACC teams to beat.
Florida State then fell into a checkered finish, wining one, losing the next to finish the season. A tough loss to Georgia Tech away 31-28 led to a win over troubled Clemson 41-27 before repeating the trend, losing to Boston College 27-17 in their home, and then winning against ranked Maryland 27-3. The final game of the season, against Florida, wasn’t much of a battle, losing 45-14, but the Seminoles did manage to qualify for a bowl, and have a pretty good season.
At least eight teams on FSU’s schedule will be in a bowl, and at least 6 were ranked this year, this was a very tough schedule, excluding the two Southern Conference teams at the beginning of the year. The Seminoles had a very tough season, playing through the very competitive ACC and playing a potential National Champion.. They are quite battle tested.
Of the two teams, one could argue that Wisconsin has underachieved, even though they did play a tough schedule, but Florida State’s schedule was, in my opinion, a bit harder. Coming out of the ACC with just a few losses is not bad, but one wonders if this team is as good as the record. We have not seen the Florida State of old, but then again, where has Wisconsin gone?
In a game in Florida State’s…well… state, I think the Seminoles are favored, but not by any large stretch of the imagination. We will see if Wisconsin can start to regain the respect they had at the beginning of the year. I think this will be a very nice game to watch, with Florida State slightly favored. We shall see.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Florida State and TCU Football
Florida State and TCU Football
You know, that blog I did during the Florida State/NC State game was kinda fun, I don’t know if I will make a habit of it, but it was fun to do.
But the two games last night had some implications on how the post season will be determined. In our area, we had the Florida State vs. NC State on ESPN, but the bigger game, that being BYU vs. TCU was not on television.
That was the game to watch. But let’s talk about the results of those two games, and how it shapes the destiny of all four schools.
Last night, in Raleigh NC (about an hour from where I am currently typing) the Florida State Seminoles made a close game with the NC State Wolfpack, but ended up winning 26-17. If you read my last blog, you know it started out very slow, but picked up in the second half.
The win makes FSU 5-1 and a step closer to the post season. There are a lot of people who think the ACC can’t put 9 teams in post season, and I am inclined to agree. I think 5 is a better number, but Florida State has a say in that. I am still not sure if the NCAA has allowed the two Southern Conference wins for FSU or not. If they did, then the Seminoles need only one more win to qualify for a bowl. The only game I MIGHT give them is Clemson, considering everything that is going on, but I gotta tell you, this win was not that impressive enough to assume that they can win 3 more games let alone enough to qualify for a bowl.
If those two SC games don’t count, then FSU might be in some serious trouble to reach the 6 wins needed. This won’t be easy for them, but not totally impossible.
Now, with the loss, NC State STILL has a chance at a bowl. Yeah, even at 2-5 there is still a very slight chance. IF we assume that their win vs. William & Mary counts, then they still need 4 more wins. Two away games vs. Maryland and Duke could be a split, then home against ranked Wake Forest, and away against ranked UNC. I won’t rule out an upset, and I’ll give them the Duke game (please).
But even with that, you’re looking at 4-7 with the Miami game left. That means the Wolfpack cannot go bowling, win or lose on that final game. This means that they need not one, but TWO upsets just to qualify.
But if that William & Mary game does NOT count, NC State must win EVERY game…not gonna happen.
Now, we also know that last night, BYU played TCU and lost…big. I had questions about the ranking of BYU considering the teams they have played. I just wasn’t fully convinced of their high ranking until they beat real good teams. We knew TCU had a tough scrap with Oklahoma and are at the bottom of the top 25. But last night, they made a strong case by defeating BYU 32-9.
What this means for TCU is now they are 7-1 and already bowl eligible. Where they go is anybody’s guess but they are in the post season now. The question is, can they climb high enough, fast enough to grab one of those BCS bowls? I personally believe if the MWC can get a team either undefeated or with one loss at the end of the season, they ought to play in a BCS bowl…not the BCS Championship, but a strong bowl.
TCU still has to play Utah and Air Force, so they have chances to move up the rankings. If there is a lot of shifting this weekend, TCU could jump into the top 15 very quickly.
But what of BYU?
The loss leaves BYU 6-1 and likely out for any chance of that elusive BCS Championship. A tie in the conference goes to TCU since they lost to them, but BYU is eligible for a bowl now with 6 wins. They still have to play Utah as well, so there is a chance to redeem themselves.
The Mountain West has some pretty good teams in it this year, with TCU, BYU and Utah, and I’ll throw in Air Force as well. It then is possible that they could beat each other up and knock out any BCS bowl hopes. But I believe if TCU or BYU finishes with only one loss, they ought to be considered in a major bowl UNLESS Utah runs the tables. With Air Force losing two games already, they won’t be invited to a major bowl, but they still play a part in this. We’ll see how things turn out.
You know, that blog I did during the Florida State/NC State game was kinda fun, I don’t know if I will make a habit of it, but it was fun to do.
But the two games last night had some implications on how the post season will be determined. In our area, we had the Florida State vs. NC State on ESPN, but the bigger game, that being BYU vs. TCU was not on television.
That was the game to watch. But let’s talk about the results of those two games, and how it shapes the destiny of all four schools.
Last night, in Raleigh NC (about an hour from where I am currently typing) the Florida State Seminoles made a close game with the NC State Wolfpack, but ended up winning 26-17. If you read my last blog, you know it started out very slow, but picked up in the second half.
The win makes FSU 5-1 and a step closer to the post season. There are a lot of people who think the ACC can’t put 9 teams in post season, and I am inclined to agree. I think 5 is a better number, but Florida State has a say in that. I am still not sure if the NCAA has allowed the two Southern Conference wins for FSU or not. If they did, then the Seminoles need only one more win to qualify for a bowl. The only game I MIGHT give them is Clemson, considering everything that is going on, but I gotta tell you, this win was not that impressive enough to assume that they can win 3 more games let alone enough to qualify for a bowl.
If those two SC games don’t count, then FSU might be in some serious trouble to reach the 6 wins needed. This won’t be easy for them, but not totally impossible.
Now, with the loss, NC State STILL has a chance at a bowl. Yeah, even at 2-5 there is still a very slight chance. IF we assume that their win vs. William & Mary counts, then they still need 4 more wins. Two away games vs. Maryland and Duke could be a split, then home against ranked Wake Forest, and away against ranked UNC. I won’t rule out an upset, and I’ll give them the Duke game (please).
But even with that, you’re looking at 4-7 with the Miami game left. That means the Wolfpack cannot go bowling, win or lose on that final game. This means that they need not one, but TWO upsets just to qualify.
But if that William & Mary game does NOT count, NC State must win EVERY game…not gonna happen.
Now, we also know that last night, BYU played TCU and lost…big. I had questions about the ranking of BYU considering the teams they have played. I just wasn’t fully convinced of their high ranking until they beat real good teams. We knew TCU had a tough scrap with Oklahoma and are at the bottom of the top 25. But last night, they made a strong case by defeating BYU 32-9.
What this means for TCU is now they are 7-1 and already bowl eligible. Where they go is anybody’s guess but they are in the post season now. The question is, can they climb high enough, fast enough to grab one of those BCS bowls? I personally believe if the MWC can get a team either undefeated or with one loss at the end of the season, they ought to play in a BCS bowl…not the BCS Championship, but a strong bowl.
TCU still has to play Utah and Air Force, so they have chances to move up the rankings. If there is a lot of shifting this weekend, TCU could jump into the top 15 very quickly.
But what of BYU?
The loss leaves BYU 6-1 and likely out for any chance of that elusive BCS Championship. A tie in the conference goes to TCU since they lost to them, but BYU is eligible for a bowl now with 6 wins. They still have to play Utah as well, so there is a chance to redeem themselves.
The Mountain West has some pretty good teams in it this year, with TCU, BYU and Utah, and I’ll throw in Air Force as well. It then is possible that they could beat each other up and knock out any BCS bowl hopes. But I believe if TCU or BYU finishes with only one loss, they ought to be considered in a major bowl UNLESS Utah runs the tables. With Air Force losing two games already, they won’t be invited to a major bowl, but they still play a part in this. We’ll see how things turn out.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Florida State vs NC State blogging
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Florida State Football:Bowl or Bust?
Florida State Football: Bowl or Bust?
Things have not been to great for Florida State Football lately. It seems like it was 42 years ago when the Seminoles went to the National Championship against Virginia Tech…oh, the good times back then.
But now, in 2008 this same team (with different players of course) are now in the crossroads of the season. You would not know it simply by looking at the numbers, but if you dig a bit deeper, you might see the true situation.
From first look, we see that in the ACC (which is playing pretty sub-par this year), every team has at LEAST a even record, or better…except NC State…
Oh, did I mention FSU plays NC State this Thursday?
6 of those ACC teams has only 1 loss, Florida State being one of those. And right now they are in a 3-way tie for second place in the Atlantic Division, with their loss coming to Wake Forest. So they look like they are in decent position to still challenge for the ACC title, and get to a bowl, right?
Maybe.
We were tricked the first couple of weeks when FSU demolished a couple of Southern Conference schools (one being MINE) and figured this was a team to reckon with in the ACC…until Wake Forest showed them the door, winning 12-3. How can you score 115 points and allow 7 in the first two games, but fail to get one touchdown against a conference rival?
This brought a lot of questions about FSU, but a quality win vs. Colorado and an escape vs. Miami seemed to put them back on track. As it stands now, Florida State is 4-1.
Now I’ll be honest, I don’t know if those first two games count because they were not Division I (or FBS) wins. I do know some of those games can count, but let’s just assume they don’t. this means Florida State needs 4 more wins to qualify for a bowl. With 7 games left, this seems to be a pretty good shot…but let’s take a look anyway.
We mentioned the game this Thursday against NC State, the current cellar-team. I think NC State is in as desperate a situation as a team can get, and with a home game this is a critical game…and isn’t the former head coach of the Wolfpack back with the Seminoles….hmmm, makes for an emotional game….
I’d like to say FSU should be favored, but emotional games go either way. Let’s just play devil’s advocate and say FSU loses, whether by 1 point or 20 it does not matter. Can this team rebound and win enough games to make it to a bowl?
This game is critical because it is also a division game. We know any tie breakers with FSU and Wake Forest will lean to the Demon Deacons because in head to head, they beat FSU, so it is vital that Florida State get this win and stay in reach of Wake Forest. They MUST have this game.
But if they don’t, then their next game is against #17 Virginia Tech. Yes this team lost to ECU earlier, but that was then. I think VA Tech is the best team in the ACC this year, and whether home or away, FSU might have their hands full. I’d like to see FSU win, but somehow I am just not convinced.
If you’re scoring, it is possible that FSU could be 4-3 before they see Georgia Tech AT their house. The good thing about this game and the Virginia Tech game is that even though they are ACC opponents, they are not division foes. Theoretically FSU could lose both these games and still contend for the ACC crown if they win the division.
Oh, by the way, what’s up with that 10-7 win over Gardner-Webb?
This might be a pretty good game to watch, and it is not a “gimme game” for FSU. I really see this going either way, and you have to wonder if home field will be the deciding factor. I just can’t call this one yet.
The next two games are home games, against Clemson and Boston College. We know Clemson is going through some very tough times, and you wonder if this team is in a mental state to play quality ball away from home. I think this should be one of the better games for FSU unless they get cocky and think that this game is already over. But the Boston College game will be harder. I personally think Boston College will win the division, but the game they will have vs. Wake Forest may decide that. But if I am picking Boston College to win the division, I then imply that they will beat FSU.
Their final ACC game is at Maryland, which has really been a question the entire season. But by this time, we might have a very important game here. It is quite possible that Maryland may have only 5 wins, needing one more to qualify for a bowl. This game becomes absolutely important to the Terapins, a game the MUST have. Can FSU beat a starving team or will they fall to Maryland’s bowl dreams?
By the time Florida State faces Florida, we could be looking at possibly a Florida team just steps away from a possible National Title game, and will not be interested in FSU being a thorn in their side. But it is also possible that FSU could be sitting at 6-5 and needing to win a signature game and hope for a bowl. I know when it comes to state rivals you throw out the records, but Florida is not likely to lose this game.
Florida State could end up 6-6, meaning I am only giving them 2 wins of the remaining 7 games: Clemson and NC State. I am not saying they can’t beat the other teams, but they will certainly have to earn them. But here’s the question, if those first two games don’t count, then FSU can’t go bowling with a 6-6 record. They MUST win 7 or 8 games, again depending on whether the Western Carolina and UTC games count. I can’t give them Florida, I can’t give them Virginia Tech and I believe Boston College is better than people think. So for FSU to go bowling this year, they’ve likely got to beat Georgia Tech and Maryland. Can they do that?
We’ll see depending on this Thursday’s game. If they lose to NC State, we may have our answers for the rest of they year.
Things have not been to great for Florida State Football lately. It seems like it was 42 years ago when the Seminoles went to the National Championship against Virginia Tech…oh, the good times back then.
But now, in 2008 this same team (with different players of course) are now in the crossroads of the season. You would not know it simply by looking at the numbers, but if you dig a bit deeper, you might see the true situation.
From first look, we see that in the ACC (which is playing pretty sub-par this year), every team has at LEAST a even record, or better…except NC State…
Oh, did I mention FSU plays NC State this Thursday?
6 of those ACC teams has only 1 loss, Florida State being one of those. And right now they are in a 3-way tie for second place in the Atlantic Division, with their loss coming to Wake Forest. So they look like they are in decent position to still challenge for the ACC title, and get to a bowl, right?
Maybe.
We were tricked the first couple of weeks when FSU demolished a couple of Southern Conference schools (one being MINE) and figured this was a team to reckon with in the ACC…until Wake Forest showed them the door, winning 12-3. How can you score 115 points and allow 7 in the first two games, but fail to get one touchdown against a conference rival?
This brought a lot of questions about FSU, but a quality win vs. Colorado and an escape vs. Miami seemed to put them back on track. As it stands now, Florida State is 4-1.
Now I’ll be honest, I don’t know if those first two games count because they were not Division I (or FBS) wins. I do know some of those games can count, but let’s just assume they don’t. this means Florida State needs 4 more wins to qualify for a bowl. With 7 games left, this seems to be a pretty good shot…but let’s take a look anyway.
We mentioned the game this Thursday against NC State, the current cellar-team. I think NC State is in as desperate a situation as a team can get, and with a home game this is a critical game…and isn’t the former head coach of the Wolfpack back with the Seminoles….hmmm, makes for an emotional game….
I’d like to say FSU should be favored, but emotional games go either way. Let’s just play devil’s advocate and say FSU loses, whether by 1 point or 20 it does not matter. Can this team rebound and win enough games to make it to a bowl?
This game is critical because it is also a division game. We know any tie breakers with FSU and Wake Forest will lean to the Demon Deacons because in head to head, they beat FSU, so it is vital that Florida State get this win and stay in reach of Wake Forest. They MUST have this game.
But if they don’t, then their next game is against #17 Virginia Tech. Yes this team lost to ECU earlier, but that was then. I think VA Tech is the best team in the ACC this year, and whether home or away, FSU might have their hands full. I’d like to see FSU win, but somehow I am just not convinced.
If you’re scoring, it is possible that FSU could be 4-3 before they see Georgia Tech AT their house. The good thing about this game and the Virginia Tech game is that even though they are ACC opponents, they are not division foes. Theoretically FSU could lose both these games and still contend for the ACC crown if they win the division.
Oh, by the way, what’s up with that 10-7 win over Gardner-Webb?
This might be a pretty good game to watch, and it is not a “gimme game” for FSU. I really see this going either way, and you have to wonder if home field will be the deciding factor. I just can’t call this one yet.
The next two games are home games, against Clemson and Boston College. We know Clemson is going through some very tough times, and you wonder if this team is in a mental state to play quality ball away from home. I think this should be one of the better games for FSU unless they get cocky and think that this game is already over. But the Boston College game will be harder. I personally think Boston College will win the division, but the game they will have vs. Wake Forest may decide that. But if I am picking Boston College to win the division, I then imply that they will beat FSU.
Their final ACC game is at Maryland, which has really been a question the entire season. But by this time, we might have a very important game here. It is quite possible that Maryland may have only 5 wins, needing one more to qualify for a bowl. This game becomes absolutely important to the Terapins, a game the MUST have. Can FSU beat a starving team or will they fall to Maryland’s bowl dreams?
By the time Florida State faces Florida, we could be looking at possibly a Florida team just steps away from a possible National Title game, and will not be interested in FSU being a thorn in their side. But it is also possible that FSU could be sitting at 6-5 and needing to win a signature game and hope for a bowl. I know when it comes to state rivals you throw out the records, but Florida is not likely to lose this game.
Florida State could end up 6-6, meaning I am only giving them 2 wins of the remaining 7 games: Clemson and NC State. I am not saying they can’t beat the other teams, but they will certainly have to earn them. But here’s the question, if those first two games don’t count, then FSU can’t go bowling with a 6-6 record. They MUST win 7 or 8 games, again depending on whether the Western Carolina and UTC games count. I can’t give them Florida, I can’t give them Virginia Tech and I believe Boston College is better than people think. So for FSU to go bowling this year, they’ve likely got to beat Georgia Tech and Maryland. Can they do that?
We’ll see depending on this Thursday’s game. If they lose to NC State, we may have our answers for the rest of they year.
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