New Orleans Bowl Preview

Friday, Nov. 21
8:00 PM
ESPN 2
Line: FAU -3 1/2

Tonight's New Orleans Bowl marks the second of this bowl season. FAU is making their first bowl appearance in school history. The Owls started their program in 2001.

Both Memphis (7-5) and FAU (7-5) bring pass heavy offenses into the game, each averaging around 30 points per game. Expect a high scoring game, with both teams in the mid 30's. This game will come down to which defense can make the big plays. The Owls defense is more athletic and also features a big playmaker, Tavious Polo (3rd in Nation with 7 Int's). Polo had a quiet second half of the season, and I look for him to make a big play tonight to turn the tide in the Owl's favor.

Prediction: FAU 37, Memphis 31

Alonzo Mourning Sidelined

It was sad to see Alonzo limping off the court, for possibly the last time. Mourning has given the Heat franchise so much over the years. Zo has played a little over 10 seasons in Miami and is the franchise's all time leading shot blocker with 2,356. Over the past three seasons Zo has brought energy and toughness to Miami's roster. Mourning was a key part to the Heat's championship run in 2006. And, while it's disappointing to see his career (likely) end in such fashion, Mourning has his ring to cement his legacy.

J-Will's Time is Up

It appears that Jason Williams' stint with the Heat may be ending shortly. The trade rumors are swirling in Miami, and Chris Sheridan of ESPN lists Williams as the player most likely to be dealt. The artist formerly known as "White Chocolate" has been having a mediocre offensive year (averaging 9 points and 5.5 assists in 32 minutes). The real problem with Williams lies on the defensive end. He has never been a great defender. Age and chronic knee problems certainly haven't helped matters.

The Heat are 6-16. They need energy. Chris Quinn seems to bring some energy to the lineup and has performed adequately in the starting PG role.

So, in what I believe is a final farewell, I say goodbye to the "White Boy". Enjoy some classic J-Will highlights and dream of better days . . .

Petrino's a Pig, "Sooie"

How does a Razorback fan feel about this hire? Well I have mixed emotions. Bobby Petrino brings an exciting brand of offensive football to Arkansas. However, the nature of this hiring brings up question about his character. I always despised what Nick Saban did here in Miami, lying to his players and ownership about the Alabama job. This situation with Petrino reminds me of it in different ways. I don't think an NFL coach should leave in the middle during the season. Not only is Petrino bailing out on his players, but this brings up questions about his dedication during the previous weeks of the season. How long has he been looking for a way out of Atlanta? Only Bobby knows the answer.

I'm glad the Razorbacks landed a big name coach. I think Petrino can do a great job at Arkansas. But I must admit, I don't trust him. If a fan doesn't trust him, will his players?

Interim coach, Reggie Herring will still coach the Hogs in the Cotton Bowl vs. Missouri. The Cotton Bowl is Jan. 1 @ 11:30 AM.

Sunday . . . It's Peyton's Day

2:17 PM
Colts lead 14-7 and have a decent drive going just before halftime. The Jags 11 minute drive was a little bit worrisome (even though the big hits from the Indy D were entertaining).

2:37 PM
Colts are up and Dolphins are down (call me crazy but I love the Jets throwback jerseys). So far, it's shaping up to be a great Sunday. The Jaguars gave up a 14 yard touchdown pass on 3rd and goal just before halftime. I don't see Jacksonville's defense being able to slow down Peyton and rest of the Colts today.

3:01 PM
It's a game again . . . 21-14 Indy. The offense really needs to answer back this drive with atleast a FG. Jax's ball control offense has me concerned. They're keeping Manning off the field and wearing down the Colts D.

3:09 PM
A great drive ruined by an impatient, horrible throw. Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai were shredding the Jags defense, then Peyton blows it with a throw into double coverage. I will however, give him credit for making a tackle after throwing the INT. If he didn't stick his head in there and trip up Reggie Nelson, it might have been taken to the house for 6.

3:15 PM
The defense is wearing down and Jacksonville is gaining more and more confidence with each snap of the ball. The Colts are in serious trouble and need a big play to turn the tide in this game. This would be a devastating loss if things aren't turned around quickly.

3:26 PM
Del Rio's squad shot themselves in the foot, big time on that drive. A personal foul and a false start penalty forced Jax into a FG. The Colts are just barely hanging on to a 21-17 lead

3:40 PM
What a huge drive by Indy. I don't see the Jags coming back from 11 with only 8 minutes left.
What a career stat line for Luke Lawton: 1 reception, 1 yard, 1 touchdown, 1.0 avg.

3:46 PM
Bethea comes up with a big interception (the first thrown by Garrard all season). However, the Colts go 3 and out after the pick. Thank God for the penalty on the punt return or else Jacksonville would have been right back in this game, with great field position and 6 minutes to work.

3:54 PM
The lead is down to 3 with 2:47 left to play. The Jaguars have 2 timeouts left, plus the 2 minute warning to stop the clock. Will they kick an onside kick? I would if I were in there shoes, but knowing Jack Del Rio, I think they'll kick deep and count on their defense.

3:56 PM
The offense needs a first down to ice this game, and what does Indy do? They throw on first down to Reggie Wayne and pick up 16 yards. the high risk, high reward strategy pays off for Indy.

4:02 PM
Excellent play calling and clock management on this final drive, and the Colts pull it out. Indianapolis now has what amounts to a three game lead in the division. Huge win for the blue and white.

4:12 PM
I can't believe what I've just seen. Joe Gibbs takes back to back timeouts against Buffalo in an attempt to ice their kicker. Well . . . one problem, back to back timeouts in that situation leads to a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. So, a 51 yard attempt becomes a 36 yard try and Buffalo wins 17-16. It really is a sad end for the Redskins, considering the death of Sean Taylor and all the emotion they must have felt heading into today's game.

BCS Breakdown

After another wild night of action, the questions surrounding the BCS are swirling. Here are the standings heading into Saturday's action.





With losses to West Virginia and Missouri, Ohio State is all but guaranteed a spot in the BCS title game. Oklahoma, LSU, Kansas, Georgia, USC, and Virginia Tech can all make a case to be the other team in the championship game. Georgia was ranked #4 heading into today's action, and under normal circumstances would move up to the #2 spot to play Ohio State. However, Georgia did not even play in their conference championship game, and voters may move LSU ahead of them, based on LSU's SEC championship.

Rankings are meant to reflect a voters opinion of which is the better team. Georgia may be the hottest team in the country right now, winning their last 6 games (3 against ranked opponents). The 2007 season has made a great case for the institution of a playoff. But, under the current BCS system, the national championship should feature the Buckeyes and the Bulldogs. If the voters move LSU ahead of Georgia they should be ashamed of themselves. LSU winning the SEC championship means nothing. It does not prove that they are a better team than the Bulldogs and therefore should not move them ahead in the rankings.