TCU beat Wisconsin 21-19 to win the Rose Bowl. It's not an upset on paper since TCU was actually ranked 3rd to Wisconsin's 5th. But in reality most people expected TCU to run them over.
I love seeing games like this with a contrast in style, where there can be plenty of assumption of who is going to do what, but you still have to play the game.
TCU star linebacker Tank Cardner knocked down a 2 point conversion pass attempt that would have tied the game with 2 minutes to play. Had he not there was a guy wide open behind him, where the pass was going.
TCU recovered an onside kick, and with Wisconsin down to only 1 timeout they got the one first down they needed to run out the clock.
As a result the Big Ten falls to 0-5 in today's bowl games. "Black Saturday" for Big Ten football. When Ohio State plays Arkansas in a few days they're going to have their hands full there too, so it might not get any better.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
TCU is for real (if there was any doubt before)
So much for that TCU trouble. They've been able to use speed and penetration to disrupt Wisconsin's running game, and have gotten pressure to the quarterback. They came into the game with the nation's #1 ranked defense, and actually held that title last year too. Obviously that ranking is not a total mirage.
TCU is up 21-13 with the ball as he head to the 4th quarter. One quarter away from a Rose Bowl win, which would be made all the more impressive by how well Wisconsin had been playing leading up to the game. That's the problem with a month layoff though. Wisconsin got their momentum derailed by a layoff.
TCU is up 21-13 with the ball as he head to the 4th quarter. One quarter away from a Rose Bowl win, which would be made all the more impressive by how well Wisconsin had been playing leading up to the game. That's the problem with a month layoff though. Wisconsin got their momentum derailed by a layoff.
TCU trouble?
Wisconsin gashed TCU with a 40 yard run on the first play from scrimmage in the Rose Bowl. Is this a sign that their big offensive line is going to push around TCU's undersized defense all game?
sad as it is, Michigan wasn't quite at THE rock bottom today
Hell, Michigan only lost by 38 in getting beat down by Mississippi State, 52-14. Michigan State managed to lose by 42 to Alabama, in a 49-7 Capital One Bowl slaughter.
I didn't see that one coming.
Add to that Florida beating Penn State 37-24 in the Outback Bowl in Urban Meyers' Florida coaching finale, and the SEC absolutely owned the Big Ten today. That game was a 6 point game and a Pick 6 accounted for the final score as Penn State tried a final drive comeback, so it was closer than the score indicated. But still, the SEC is 3-0 against the Big Ten, with two routs, today.
EDIT: Adding insult to the injury of the SEC embarrassing them today, Northwestern lost to Texas Tech in the TicketCity Bowl. So the Big Ten is 0-4 on New Year's Day so far.
I didn't see that one coming.
Add to that Florida beating Penn State 37-24 in the Outback Bowl in Urban Meyers' Florida coaching finale, and the SEC absolutely owned the Big Ten today. That game was a 6 point game and a Pick 6 accounted for the final score as Penn State tried a final drive comeback, so it was closer than the score indicated. But still, the SEC is 3-0 against the Big Ten, with two routs, today.
EDIT: Adding insult to the injury of the SEC embarrassing them today, Northwestern lost to Texas Tech in the TicketCity Bowl. So the Big Ten is 0-4 on New Year's Day so far.
the all-time bowl lowlight for Michigan football
Michigan was up 14-10 and the offense was looking good. Then Mississippi State made adjustments and it was all Mississippi State after that. AAAAAAAALL Mississippi State. To the tune of 52-14. Denard Robinson Robinson was 27-41 for 256 yards with 2 TDs and a pick. He rushed 11 times for 56 yards. As Mississippi State's lead grew though Robinson's running was limited and he tried to do more with his arm. Mississippi State allowed nothing. Michigan had 85 rushing yards, including Robinson's total. They became one-dimensional. They couldn't move the ball. Michigan's defense was totally pounded to dust, giving up 491 yards of offense.
I'm not convinced that Rich Rodriguez would lose his job automatically if Michigan lost the game. However they got pounded. The team seemed like it quit pretty much. There were a couple pass drops that would have been touchdowns.
Knowing that their coach's job may be on the line, the team didn't come out inspired or fired up. The coaching staff couldn't come up with a way to slow down a Mississippi State offense that isn't exactly overwhelming, even with a month to watch film. Given what could be at stake both facts are troubling. At this point I do believe Rodriguez is going to lose his job. Like the game announcers said, if that was the last statement or last thing for the Michigan AD to look at and consider as he makes his decision, it was not a positive last taste.
There are some NFL teams that are interested in Jim Harbaugh, and Stanford extended his contract with a raise, but I think Michigan will throw a big money offer to Harbaugh to see if he'll accept. Brady Hoke, head coach at San Diego State and former Michigan assistant, is also a hot commodity now.
I'm not convinced that Rich Rodriguez would lose his job automatically if Michigan lost the game. However they got pounded. The team seemed like it quit pretty much. There were a couple pass drops that would have been touchdowns.
Knowing that their coach's job may be on the line, the team didn't come out inspired or fired up. The coaching staff couldn't come up with a way to slow down a Mississippi State offense that isn't exactly overwhelming, even with a month to watch film. Given what could be at stake both facts are troubling. At this point I do believe Rodriguez is going to lose his job. Like the game announcers said, if that was the last statement or last thing for the Michigan AD to look at and consider as he makes his decision, it was not a positive last taste.
There are some NFL teams that are interested in Jim Harbaugh, and Stanford extended his contract with a raise, but I think Michigan will throw a big money offer to Harbaugh to see if he'll accept. Brady Hoke, head coach at San Diego State and former Michigan assistant, is also a hot commodity now.
NC State crushed San Diego
It wasn't even San Diego State as I'd been thinking, but no matter.
Tracy Smith led the Pack with 16 points off the bench in his return after missing the previous 10 games. Lorenzo Brown had 14 points. Richard Howell had a double-double with 13 points and a career high 13 rebounds. He also added 5 assists, a couple steals, and hit his first 3-pointer of the season. Howell operated very well in tandem with Smith, and with Smith occupying a lot of attention from the defense.
Ryan Harrow added 13 points. Deshawn Painter added 8 points and 6 rebounds. CJ Leslie had 8 rebounds, even though he added only 2 points. He was active on the glass, but needs to learn how to play with Tracy Smith and utilize the attention that he will draw.
CJ Williams added 7 points. State was finally able to play their expected 9 man rotation, with some contribution at times from Jordan Vandenberg. They went with the 9 man rotation today. The final was 76-54.
State has one more game against Elon at the Greensboro Coliseum before the ACC schedule begins with Wake Forest. State is now 9-4 and you would expect will be 10-4 heading into ACC play.
They have all their pieces now. I think with this record it will require at least a 9-7 ACC record and probably a win or two in the ACC Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament. The ACC isn't strong in the rankings right now other than Duke but State is going to need some wins over ranked team to pad a resume that has nothing impressive yet after losses to Syracuse, Georgetown, Arizona, and the destruction at Wisconsin.
Tracy Smith led the Pack with 16 points off the bench in his return after missing the previous 10 games. Lorenzo Brown had 14 points. Richard Howell had a double-double with 13 points and a career high 13 rebounds. He also added 5 assists, a couple steals, and hit his first 3-pointer of the season. Howell operated very well in tandem with Smith, and with Smith occupying a lot of attention from the defense.
Ryan Harrow added 13 points. Deshawn Painter added 8 points and 6 rebounds. CJ Leslie had 8 rebounds, even though he added only 2 points. He was active on the glass, but needs to learn how to play with Tracy Smith and utilize the attention that he will draw.
CJ Williams added 7 points. State was finally able to play their expected 9 man rotation, with some contribution at times from Jordan Vandenberg. They went with the 9 man rotation today. The final was 76-54.
State has one more game against Elon at the Greensboro Coliseum before the ACC schedule begins with Wake Forest. State is now 9-4 and you would expect will be 10-4 heading into ACC play.
They have all their pieces now. I think with this record it will require at least a 9-7 ACC record and probably a win or two in the ACC Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament. The ACC isn't strong in the rankings right now other than Duke but State is going to need some wins over ranked team to pad a resume that has nothing impressive yet after losses to Syracuse, Georgetown, Arizona, and the destruction at Wisconsin.
a nice New Year's Day present for NC State
Tracy Smith has entered the game off the bench against San Diego State. He's already got 6 points, as he's getting fed big time down low. He's also passing out of double teams to open spot up shooters or cutters. Just like that State has an offensive identity and go to guy. They certainly have the athletes to freelance and run in transition. Now Smith's return gives them a definitive target and means to execute a half court set. He also gives them energy, leadership, a defensive presence down low, and a technically sound rebounder. CJ Leslie has proven he can rebound but he lacks some bulk and also forgets to box out at times.
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