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- JMarine25
Most of the All-Star action is taking place now. In case you want to look back at some of the events of 2006 and the postseason, here are a marathon of threads devoted to the year in college football:
(Week 1) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=85663
(Week 2) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=85941
(Week 3) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86200
(Week 4) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86448
(Week 5) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86711
(Week 6) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87002
(Week 7) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87230
(Week 8) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87451
(Week 9) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87696
(Week 10) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87933
(Week 11) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=88161
(Week 12) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=88378
(Week 13) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=88616
(Week 14) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=88904
(Postseason) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=88392
Now it's time for my review. You are free to offer your opinions. But here is my overall review of 2006 and the 2006-2007 postseason.
JOHN'S HEADLINES OF 2006-2007
* Randy Walker Dies
Randy Walker's death meant that the game between Northwestern University and Miami University would be an emotional game. Walker was a coach for both teams in his great career. I think neither team made the Bowl Season. These are usually two competitve schools. None of that truly materialized in my view.
* Orange Brawl
Miami beat Florida International 35-0. But that wasn't the story. The story was that a frustrated Florida International literally started the fight that would ensue as a major brawl. As a result, team members were suspended, fines were issued, and even an announcer for Comcast Sports(?) was fired. The two teams are rumored to have agreed to play next year. This will no doubt be a rivalry since both schools are in the Miami area. FIU is right in Miami while "The U" is in Coral Gables.
* Unusual Suspects in SEC Show Promise
The team I kept a close eye on for this year was the University of Kentucky. Reason being was because a high school recruit simply wanted to go to Kentucky. So I wanted to see how somewhat underappreciated team would do this semester. Part of me says that I'd like to see Kentucky do well even with this great recruit they picked up. But another part of me said that this is Kentucky, and that Louisville is the premiere power in the Bluegrass State. Yeah, Kentucky lost to Louisville in their first game. But what they did surprised me. I was pretty much right in telling FoolKiller about the teams Kentucky were going to beat. I said that they would win about six games and barely make a Bowl Game. One name I didn't mention as a winner was against Georgia. The Wildcats would go on to beat Clemson in the Music City Bowl in Nashville. I don't care what anyone says, Clemson is a GREAT team. Kentucky even blew them out before they got themselves a late touchdown. I may find a different team to closely monitor, but Kentucky surely surprised this young Texan.
The real story of SEC teams under the radar was Arkansas. Arkansas is a good team, but not great. The Razorbacks really shocked some people to see Arkansas do so well. Arkansas may have had their best season in a few years. They really stood tall taking on all opposition in the tough-as-nails SEC.
* SEC Sweeps BCS Bowl Games
~ Louisiana State and Florida beat down Notre Dame and Ohio State respectively. The LSU/Notre Dame match is basically the most uncompetitive of all the games no matter what people thought about Boise State against Oklahoma. We all know what happened in Glendale with this game. It must feel great to be LSU and win in your home state after New Orleans was in tumult. The Louisiana Superdome was rocking when LSU was pounding Notre Dame like hammering a stake into Dracula's heart. Notre Dame shown to be overrated. Most NFL types would hate on Peyton Manning and the Colts for the "can't win the big one." Well, Notre Dame can't seem to win certain big Bowl Games. ~ Speaking of big bowl games, Florida pounded Ohio State. Unlike Notre Dame, Ohio State isn't overrated. I love Ohio State. That is one of the purest football teams in America today. The Buckeyes had black eyes after their go-round in Arizona. I slightly favored Florida for a few reasons. Do you remember when Auburn went undefeated... but didn't play for a National Championship? It sure frustrated SEC nation. Auburn even wanted a playoff in 2006... then lost their game that coming weekend in 2006. I usually don't consider Florida as the toughest team in the state of Florida. But Florida State and Miami had a terrible season. Florida did not. And was it any wonder that the Pontiac Game Changing Peformance was when Auburn blocked a Florida punt and returned it for a touchdown to guarantee Florida loses? I say that it's about time the SEC gets some respect. It couldn't have been any better for the Southeastern Conference. Florida just needs to watch their backs in SEC play because every team ranging from Mississippi State to LSU want you beat you and beat you bad.
* A Great Year for Houston Football
The Houston Cougars, Rice Owls, and Texas Southern Tigers had some great seasons. I'll rate them from least impressive to most impressive. ~ First of all, I hate Texas Southern. I used to go to school there for a Magnet program, but I hate Texas Southern. The Tigers did the unthinkable in game 1- beat Prairie View A&M. The game was at Reliant Stadium when college football was ready to see the first games of 2006. Texas Southern had a great season after being winless(?) a season before. They had a close game against Texas State of the Southland Conference. I think they lost 14-13 to them. That's pretty good for a team that isn't normally the supreme power of Texas 1-AA/FCS football. They really shown me something. They shown me something much like when Michael Strahan was lighting up TexSoU. ~ Rice is next. Shame that Rice's coach was signed on for the Tulsa job later. Mr. Applewhite (Offensive coordinator) was key in getting Rice's offense in check. The Owls started 2006 with a quality loss to their hated Houston Cougars. They really had a great game in a 31-30 loss. It was a wicked game. Rice pulled themselves together and kept the fire going. The New Orleans Bowl was maybe their most disappointing moment when they got BLASTED by Troy. ~ And now, my brother's alma mater and my favorite Houston team- the Houston Cougars. The University of Houston has Kevin Kolb, Vincent Marshall, Jackie Battle, just a number of players that stepped their game up. They won their first C-USA title since 1996. The University of Houston has been in so many Bowl Games and fought against some tough teams. Imagine Houston getting 10 wins and almost beating Miami on the road. I said the stupid clock rules saw Houston lose the game after a False Start with two seconds left in the game. Houston has really come back to life on the heels of Kevin Kolb. I think he would gladly take back the losses against Miami, (I believe) East Carolina, and especially Louisiana-Lafayette. Houston will need more great talent to ensure that Houston puts up this kind of effort for years to come and not be so overlooked all the time. Art Briles has taken his Cougars to three Bowl Games in four years. Now all he needs to do is win a damned Bowl game.
Overall, I think Texas Southern may likely get some more wins for next season. They just need to do more winning than losing. I have my concerns about Rice. I don't like Rice (only Rice thing I like is the beautiful Rice Village area down the street from Rice University. Lots of great shops in a wonderful and rich setting. For Houston, I think Houston needs to get some solid recruits to try to keep the ball going in the right direction. And I'd say that this would be a time for Houston to take some chances in scheduling. I think Houston will get Nebraska next season. But in addition to tweaking up the schedule, they will need to schedule and perform at their best to win those games. Houston has a variety of options if they want to face some tough teams. They can try out Florida State, Purdue, maybe even their old C-USA rivals- Louisville. Take some chances. Perform at your best. Now go kick some ass, boys!
* Rutgers and Wake Forest are Absolute Winners
Rutgers and Wake Forest have never been better in their history. If I could adjust the Bowl season, I could set up a match between Rutgers and Wake Forest in the battle of Most Improved teams. The Scarlet Knights are home to the birthplace of college football. Rutgers NEVER been to consecutive Bowl Games. They are no doubt the finest and most improved team of all time. Wake Forest needs some love too. The Demon Deacons are going to get PLENTY of love from me. They really shown what they were made of when though the lost to Louisville in the Orange Bowl. I hope both teams can remain solid. Rutger's biggest win this season was NO DOUBT their victory over (then) #3 Louisville. I think if they didn't get blown out by Cincinatti, they could have played for a National Championship or something.
* Final Year of Atlantic 10 Football a Nail-Biter
The Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) saw Appalachian State and Massachusetts go for a National Championship. Massachusetts was the A-10 team that could have given UMass a National Title. However, the Minutemen fell short as Appalachian State won their second-straight National Championship. It was announced this season that the Altantic 10 will no longer sponsor football after this season. This was a conference with some tough football teams ranging from Delaware, Villanova, The College of William and Mary, and even James Madison. The Colonial Athletic Association will sponsor football in place of the Atlantic 10. Most of the A-10 football schools have basketball in the CAA, so it's only fitting. It will be interesting to watch the CAA sponsor football even with one of its own football powers looking to return to the football ranks. In the 2009 season, Old Dominion University will return to football after gracious support from Monarch fans. A non-football CAA team looking to maybe join CAA football is Atlanta's Georgia State University. I'm unsure as to if this deal will be a final and when football can start up for this school. The Panthers are an okay team in basketball. But imagine that schools like Georgia Tech and Clark Atlanta don't become two of the few football schools in Atlanta. When more details become available on how the new CAA football sponsorship goes, I'll update my findings in my Spring Training and College Football 2007 Preview thread later this year.
JOHN'S 2006-2007 WINNERS AND LOSERS
I'll make my selections and comments for all the different teams.
--- BIG WINNERS ---
* Florida (Division 1-A/FBS Champions)
* Appalachian State (Division 1-AA/FCS Champions)
* Grand Valley State (Division 2 Champions)
* Mount Union (Division 3 Champions)
* Arkansas - great season
* Kentucky - not many people cared about Kentucky. They shown their stuff this season.
* all three Houston NCAA football teams
* the University of San Diego
* Hampton University
* New Hampshire and their quarterback-wide receiver tandem for breaking Jerry Rice's reception record
* Ted Ginn Jr. - 2006 Heisman winner
* Louisville - for doing so well even with Brian Brohm and Michael Bush banged up early
* the SEC
* Boise State
* Wake Forest University
* Temple and Savannah State - they didn't go winless!
* Texas Tech's Insight Bowl Comeback against Minnesota
* Rich Rodriguez and his job at West Virginia
* West Virginia
* California, Southern California, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon
* Hawaii with Colt Brennan Under Center
* Wisconsin
* Youngstown State
* Western Kentucky
* Furman
* West Texas A&M
* Slippery Rock University - in upsetting Indiana University of Pennsylvania and SRU's historic win for their coach.
* North Dakota State
Quietly, North Dakota State has been getting the job done in football and men's basketball. No one expected the Bison to rule football and that stunning upset in mens' hoops when they knocked off Wisconsin last season. I believe they are currently members of the Great West Conference. They are more than Great West... they're great.
* Massachusetts and Montana - two solid 1-AA/FCS teams year after year.
* Middle Tennessee State - great year being a sleeper. My big memory of MTSU was when Louisville OWNED them.
* football returning to New Orleans After Devastating Hurricanes
* (a) the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and Boise State's Win, and (b) The Sweet Proposal After the Win
* Texas Without Vince Young
--- MOST DISAPPOINTING LOSERS ---
I'll offer my comments. Sorry if I offend such teams and fans. But your team was a loser in some way. And what I'm here to do is show why.
* (tie) Michigan State and Colorado
Michigan State has really disappointed me this season. They lose to Notre Dame after beating them down earlier. They lose to dougiemeats' boys at Illinois. Michigan State is absolutely terrible. It's inexcusable to put someone on the ropes and put them on the shelf. Michigan State is a good school. Their football players, however, couldn't cut the mustard. And it's sad. ~ Colorado is an even bigger disappointment. Come on now. They were the defending Big XII North champions. They lose to Montana State in their first game. Both of Montana's 1-AA/FCS schools are great teams in the Big Sky Conference. They lost a handful of games. And for a team like this, they beat the s:censored: out of Texas Tech, but can't beat Baylor in Triple Overtime. That is sorry, pathetic, inexcusable, and downright deplorable. What the hell were the Colorado people smoking? Folsom Field is a beautiful place to play football, yet they have had an ugly team with an ugly season. Terrible. I hope Colorado gets it together because the Big XII can be just as competitive as the other BCS conferences.
* Duke
Okay, so it's Duke. But come on now. They lose to Richmond in their first game. They proudly LET the teams beat them down. I bet they would lose to Savannah State if Duke played that pathetic team. And even Savannah State could win games unlike this pathetic school's football team. Maybe when Coach K. is done coaching Duke's men's basketball team, maybe he should coach the Blue Devil football team so that they can actually win a God-forsaken game. How hard is it? Go out, play for ass off, don't give up until 60 minutes are done. If Temple and Savannah State can win a game, so can Duke. But Duke can't win games. Maybe they need to suspend football until they can get a team willing to actually win games and actually be the next Wake Forest. I can't
* Notre Dame
I'm not sold on Notre Dame. They are a good team, but they are overhyped and overrated. If the Fighting Irish are so good, then explain losing at Michigan and against LSU. They still need work if they want to actually be worth a damn. I'm probably easiest to impress, but they haven't shown me too much to actually care about them. I'm sorry. Brady Quinn is going to be a hell of an NFL player, but Notre Dame still sucks. Bad.
* Miami and Florida International
Of the schools, Miami advanced to a Bowl Game. The better Florida Sun Belt school is Florida Atlantic. Showing a terrible effort was Florida International. They started the fight and paid dearly. Miami had a close game against Nevada in the MPC Computers Bowl and almost lost to Duke. They had a close win against my hometown Houston Cougars. Suffice to say, these two teams' seasons had a downward spiral with this brawl.
* Minnesota
Is this some strange time rift? Minnesota is usually more competitive than what they've shown this season. They won by one against a Division 1-AA/FCS opponent in a 10-9 victory. They completely fell apart in the Insight Bowl to lose in Overtime. This team is more competitive than what they've shown. Usually, it's Minnesota's men's basketball team that stumbles... not Minnesota football!
* Georgia Southern
Georgia Southern didn't have a depressing season, but not a great season. The Eagles are normally a powerhouse team in the SOCON Conference. If not Furman, than CERTAINLY Georgia Southern.
* Mississippi State's First Two Games
Let's face facts. Mississippi State football sucks. For the first two games, Mississippi State was blanked TWICE. Maybe they are the Duke of the SEC. Hell, Kentucky had a much better year than Mississippi State. They need help if they want to make it to the next level.
* Memphis
Memphis is usually as talented as any other C-USA team. But without DeAngelo Williams and company, the Tigers are nothing. And it showed. Nothing hurts like being beaten up all year long. Their final game was against Houston, where they basically had to play for pride. They didn't get much love.
* The Mid-American Conference
The MAC is a great conference, but wasn't really as exciting this season.
* Michigan's Rose Bowl Defeat to Southern California
* Stanford University
There's a reason why I didn't include Stanford when I named the Pac-10's California schools as winners. Stanford University is damned deplorable. Stanford had some great teams in their past. Now, they're crap. They lose to teams like California-Davis. They are the Duke of the West Coast. They were unbelivably bad. Stanford's basketball team may have had some tough losses (like when they lost to Santa Clara earlier this men's basketball season), but their men are completely ridiculous. It's not even funny seeing a team like this lose. I'm ashamed in Stanford football. Somebody needs to be fired so they can get WINNING coaches to help LOSING teams. Then too, they need to pick up some high school recruits that will go out and perform like champions. Otherwise, the power of northern California will remain the University of California.
* North Carolina A&T's First-Ever Winless Season in School History
The Aggies of North Carolina A&T usually find a way to win. Only thing I like about North Carolina A&T is their combination of blue and gold. Beautiful colors. Just not a great team. The Aggies are even stinking in men's and women's hoops. This was a bad season. Good news is that the season is over, and you can look to next season to rebound.
* Iowa
The Hawkeyes didn't have as great of a season this season. I look for them to rebound as well. Iowa is no cupcake. They are basically a middle-of-the-road team that's extremely capable. I wished they probably could have had a better season. But these things happen. Not every season is a great one. That's life. That's sports. I'm not mad at Iowa.
* Georgetown
I'm not talking about the NAIA school called Georgetown College in Kentucky. I'm talking about Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. They are better known for their men's basketball, but the Hoyas were depressing in Patriot League play. Teams like Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, and eventual champions Lafayette College were pounding Georgetown. This place needs some help if they are going to be that team you want to look in your rear view mirror for in 1-AA/FCS.
* The Deaths of Bo Schembeckler, Randy Walker, Brian Pata (Miami player), former Michigan Great and Former President Gerald Ford, and (That Rice Player Whose Name Fails Me)
Here are some disappointing losses of a different kind. It's always sad to see names completely leave us. I'm deeply saddened to see these people not be with us anymore. Surely, their spirits will live on in all of us. Gerald Ford was one of the greats at Michigan before becoming an American President. To all the lives we've lost even 0.01% associated with college football, these are always the saddest losses of all. A team can lose a game 105-0. A team goes winless and cries after every loss. A prominent coach gets fired from a once-proud school. But nothing is more impactful than losing lives. No matter what disappointments are out there, the biggest losses of all are those that mean someone's life comes to an end. Take it from a guy who lost his father at age 7. I was 7 years old in around 1990. I never got to say goodbye to my father. He was a great man whose spirit I carry on with me. He was special to me even though I could never really get to know him. And with this, the old expression is true: "you never know what you have until it's gone."
--- UPSETS OF THE YEAR ---
Nothing shows the unpredictability of games like an upset. You're an outmatched team that wins under pressure. Think Chaminade over Virginia in basketball. Think Temple over Virginia Tech. Think Boston College over Miami. Who takes it? Read along.
*Boise State Shows Plenty of Character and Heart in Beating Oklahoma (Fiesta Bowl 2007) - No doubt this was huge. Boise State shown that they could be the biggest spitfires in Division 1-A. If there was a playoff could they upstage Florida for the title? Boise State is good no matter what any big conference faithful dare say. This is an exciting team to watch. Unbelievable.
* #15 Rutgers Stuns #3 Louisville
Rutgers came of age last year. It continued this year. They just blew up like dynamite this season. Their loud blast was enough to burn all teams in their path. Louisville is a great team, but Rutgers hung in there and blasted Louisville late. The Scarlet Knights were great this year. They will continue to make Bowl Games if they keep up the great work.
* #2 Florida Loses to #? Auburn, Then Gets OWNED Late
The Auburn Tigers not only upset Florida, but had a punt blocked where Auburn ran it in for an extra touchdown. It was OWNAGE for Auburn in a hell of a game.
* Arizona Stuns #?? California in Tuscon
That's right. We're not talking basketball, folks. I'm talking about Arizona's terrible football team beating California's very good football team. Sounds like a firestorm, doesn't it? Well, it happened. I couldn't believe when I came home from the Texas Championship Pow Wow that Saturday and saw this score. Hell froze over (no pun intended with the Arctic Blast forthcoming) when this happened. Much worse, California's National Championship (and maybe BCS hopes) burned up in smoke. They did hammer Texas A&M in the Holiday Bowl in consolation.
* South Florida Rips West Virgina a New Ass
As if losing to Louisville was bad enough, losing to a potent South Florida team was worse. Can you say "insult to injury?" Good doggie! *woof!*
* #1 New Hampshire Loses to ???
The University of New Hampshire has one of the greatest football clubs in 1-AA/FCS. Too bad this team stumbled a couple of times since rewriting the 1-AA/FCS record books for touchdown receptions. This loss to _ was a bad one to take. It was a loss like this that really pierced these winning zombies with a silver bullet.
* Texas A&M Commerce Stuns Highly-Ranked West Texas A&M
*
--- OWNAGES OF THE YEAR ---
It's simple. Play against a team, beat that team by a huge margin, you get OWNAGE honors. My OWNAGE adventures have me looking through Divisions 1-A/FBS all the way to Division 3. I'm there looking for some of the biggest margins of victory in awarding ownage honors. I'll report some notable ownages in this thread. Get ready to get OWN3D!
Well... I have no real ownages to report as OWNAGE OF THE YEAR. Stay tuned in future reports for maybe a different opinion.
In my next post, I'll offer some kind words to all of you who have been reading my college football reports. I'll even share some Behind the Scenes stuff for you as well. Don't miss it!
(Week 1) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=85663
(Week 2) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=85941
(Week 3) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86200
(Week 4) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86448
(Week 5) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86711
(Week 6) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87002
(Week 7) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87230
(Week 8) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87451
(Week 9) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87696
(Week 10) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87933
(Week 11) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=88161
(Week 12) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=88378
(Week 13) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=88616
(Week 14) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=88904
(Postseason) https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=88392
Now it's time for my review. You are free to offer your opinions. But here is my overall review of 2006 and the 2006-2007 postseason.
JOHN'S HEADLINES OF 2006-2007
* Randy Walker Dies
Randy Walker's death meant that the game between Northwestern University and Miami University would be an emotional game. Walker was a coach for both teams in his great career. I think neither team made the Bowl Season. These are usually two competitve schools. None of that truly materialized in my view.
* Orange Brawl
Miami beat Florida International 35-0. But that wasn't the story. The story was that a frustrated Florida International literally started the fight that would ensue as a major brawl. As a result, team members were suspended, fines were issued, and even an announcer for Comcast Sports(?) was fired. The two teams are rumored to have agreed to play next year. This will no doubt be a rivalry since both schools are in the Miami area. FIU is right in Miami while "The U" is in Coral Gables.
* Unusual Suspects in SEC Show Promise
The team I kept a close eye on for this year was the University of Kentucky. Reason being was because a high school recruit simply wanted to go to Kentucky. So I wanted to see how somewhat underappreciated team would do this semester. Part of me says that I'd like to see Kentucky do well even with this great recruit they picked up. But another part of me said that this is Kentucky, and that Louisville is the premiere power in the Bluegrass State. Yeah, Kentucky lost to Louisville in their first game. But what they did surprised me. I was pretty much right in telling FoolKiller about the teams Kentucky were going to beat. I said that they would win about six games and barely make a Bowl Game. One name I didn't mention as a winner was against Georgia. The Wildcats would go on to beat Clemson in the Music City Bowl in Nashville. I don't care what anyone says, Clemson is a GREAT team. Kentucky even blew them out before they got themselves a late touchdown. I may find a different team to closely monitor, but Kentucky surely surprised this young Texan.
The real story of SEC teams under the radar was Arkansas. Arkansas is a good team, but not great. The Razorbacks really shocked some people to see Arkansas do so well. Arkansas may have had their best season in a few years. They really stood tall taking on all opposition in the tough-as-nails SEC.
* SEC Sweeps BCS Bowl Games
~ Louisiana State and Florida beat down Notre Dame and Ohio State respectively. The LSU/Notre Dame match is basically the most uncompetitive of all the games no matter what people thought about Boise State against Oklahoma. We all know what happened in Glendale with this game. It must feel great to be LSU and win in your home state after New Orleans was in tumult. The Louisiana Superdome was rocking when LSU was pounding Notre Dame like hammering a stake into Dracula's heart. Notre Dame shown to be overrated. Most NFL types would hate on Peyton Manning and the Colts for the "can't win the big one." Well, Notre Dame can't seem to win certain big Bowl Games. ~ Speaking of big bowl games, Florida pounded Ohio State. Unlike Notre Dame, Ohio State isn't overrated. I love Ohio State. That is one of the purest football teams in America today. The Buckeyes had black eyes after their go-round in Arizona. I slightly favored Florida for a few reasons. Do you remember when Auburn went undefeated... but didn't play for a National Championship? It sure frustrated SEC nation. Auburn even wanted a playoff in 2006... then lost their game that coming weekend in 2006. I usually don't consider Florida as the toughest team in the state of Florida. But Florida State and Miami had a terrible season. Florida did not. And was it any wonder that the Pontiac Game Changing Peformance was when Auburn blocked a Florida punt and returned it for a touchdown to guarantee Florida loses? I say that it's about time the SEC gets some respect. It couldn't have been any better for the Southeastern Conference. Florida just needs to watch their backs in SEC play because every team ranging from Mississippi State to LSU want you beat you and beat you bad.
* A Great Year for Houston Football
The Houston Cougars, Rice Owls, and Texas Southern Tigers had some great seasons. I'll rate them from least impressive to most impressive. ~ First of all, I hate Texas Southern. I used to go to school there for a Magnet program, but I hate Texas Southern. The Tigers did the unthinkable in game 1- beat Prairie View A&M. The game was at Reliant Stadium when college football was ready to see the first games of 2006. Texas Southern had a great season after being winless(?) a season before. They had a close game against Texas State of the Southland Conference. I think they lost 14-13 to them. That's pretty good for a team that isn't normally the supreme power of Texas 1-AA/FCS football. They really shown me something. They shown me something much like when Michael Strahan was lighting up TexSoU. ~ Rice is next. Shame that Rice's coach was signed on for the Tulsa job later. Mr. Applewhite (Offensive coordinator) was key in getting Rice's offense in check. The Owls started 2006 with a quality loss to their hated Houston Cougars. They really had a great game in a 31-30 loss. It was a wicked game. Rice pulled themselves together and kept the fire going. The New Orleans Bowl was maybe their most disappointing moment when they got BLASTED by Troy. ~ And now, my brother's alma mater and my favorite Houston team- the Houston Cougars. The University of Houston has Kevin Kolb, Vincent Marshall, Jackie Battle, just a number of players that stepped their game up. They won their first C-USA title since 1996. The University of Houston has been in so many Bowl Games and fought against some tough teams. Imagine Houston getting 10 wins and almost beating Miami on the road. I said the stupid clock rules saw Houston lose the game after a False Start with two seconds left in the game. Houston has really come back to life on the heels of Kevin Kolb. I think he would gladly take back the losses against Miami, (I believe) East Carolina, and especially Louisiana-Lafayette. Houston will need more great talent to ensure that Houston puts up this kind of effort for years to come and not be so overlooked all the time. Art Briles has taken his Cougars to three Bowl Games in four years. Now all he needs to do is win a damned Bowl game.
Overall, I think Texas Southern may likely get some more wins for next season. They just need to do more winning than losing. I have my concerns about Rice. I don't like Rice (only Rice thing I like is the beautiful Rice Village area down the street from Rice University. Lots of great shops in a wonderful and rich setting. For Houston, I think Houston needs to get some solid recruits to try to keep the ball going in the right direction. And I'd say that this would be a time for Houston to take some chances in scheduling. I think Houston will get Nebraska next season. But in addition to tweaking up the schedule, they will need to schedule and perform at their best to win those games. Houston has a variety of options if they want to face some tough teams. They can try out Florida State, Purdue, maybe even their old C-USA rivals- Louisville. Take some chances. Perform at your best. Now go kick some ass, boys!
* Rutgers and Wake Forest are Absolute Winners
Rutgers and Wake Forest have never been better in their history. If I could adjust the Bowl season, I could set up a match between Rutgers and Wake Forest in the battle of Most Improved teams. The Scarlet Knights are home to the birthplace of college football. Rutgers NEVER been to consecutive Bowl Games. They are no doubt the finest and most improved team of all time. Wake Forest needs some love too. The Demon Deacons are going to get PLENTY of love from me. They really shown what they were made of when though the lost to Louisville in the Orange Bowl. I hope both teams can remain solid. Rutger's biggest win this season was NO DOUBT their victory over (then) #3 Louisville. I think if they didn't get blown out by Cincinatti, they could have played for a National Championship or something.
* Final Year of Atlantic 10 Football a Nail-Biter
The Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) saw Appalachian State and Massachusetts go for a National Championship. Massachusetts was the A-10 team that could have given UMass a National Title. However, the Minutemen fell short as Appalachian State won their second-straight National Championship. It was announced this season that the Altantic 10 will no longer sponsor football after this season. This was a conference with some tough football teams ranging from Delaware, Villanova, The College of William and Mary, and even James Madison. The Colonial Athletic Association will sponsor football in place of the Atlantic 10. Most of the A-10 football schools have basketball in the CAA, so it's only fitting. It will be interesting to watch the CAA sponsor football even with one of its own football powers looking to return to the football ranks. In the 2009 season, Old Dominion University will return to football after gracious support from Monarch fans. A non-football CAA team looking to maybe join CAA football is Atlanta's Georgia State University. I'm unsure as to if this deal will be a final and when football can start up for this school. The Panthers are an okay team in basketball. But imagine that schools like Georgia Tech and Clark Atlanta don't become two of the few football schools in Atlanta. When more details become available on how the new CAA football sponsorship goes, I'll update my findings in my Spring Training and College Football 2007 Preview thread later this year.
JOHN'S 2006-2007 WINNERS AND LOSERS
I'll make my selections and comments for all the different teams.
--- BIG WINNERS ---
* Florida (Division 1-A/FBS Champions)
* Appalachian State (Division 1-AA/FCS Champions)
* Grand Valley State (Division 2 Champions)
* Mount Union (Division 3 Champions)
* Arkansas - great season
* Kentucky - not many people cared about Kentucky. They shown their stuff this season.
* all three Houston NCAA football teams
* the University of San Diego
* Hampton University
* New Hampshire and their quarterback-wide receiver tandem for breaking Jerry Rice's reception record
* Ted Ginn Jr. - 2006 Heisman winner
* Louisville - for doing so well even with Brian Brohm and Michael Bush banged up early
* the SEC
* Boise State
* Wake Forest University
* Temple and Savannah State - they didn't go winless!
* Texas Tech's Insight Bowl Comeback against Minnesota
* Rich Rodriguez and his job at West Virginia
* West Virginia
* California, Southern California, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon
* Hawaii with Colt Brennan Under Center
* Wisconsin
* Youngstown State
* Western Kentucky
* Furman
* West Texas A&M
* Slippery Rock University - in upsetting Indiana University of Pennsylvania and SRU's historic win for their coach.
* North Dakota State
Quietly, North Dakota State has been getting the job done in football and men's basketball. No one expected the Bison to rule football and that stunning upset in mens' hoops when they knocked off Wisconsin last season. I believe they are currently members of the Great West Conference. They are more than Great West... they're great.
* Massachusetts and Montana - two solid 1-AA/FCS teams year after year.
* Middle Tennessee State - great year being a sleeper. My big memory of MTSU was when Louisville OWNED them.
* football returning to New Orleans After Devastating Hurricanes
* (a) the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and Boise State's Win, and (b) The Sweet Proposal After the Win
* Texas Without Vince Young
--- MOST DISAPPOINTING LOSERS ---
I'll offer my comments. Sorry if I offend such teams and fans. But your team was a loser in some way. And what I'm here to do is show why.
* (tie) Michigan State and Colorado
Michigan State has really disappointed me this season. They lose to Notre Dame after beating them down earlier. They lose to dougiemeats' boys at Illinois. Michigan State is absolutely terrible. It's inexcusable to put someone on the ropes and put them on the shelf. Michigan State is a good school. Their football players, however, couldn't cut the mustard. And it's sad. ~ Colorado is an even bigger disappointment. Come on now. They were the defending Big XII North champions. They lose to Montana State in their first game. Both of Montana's 1-AA/FCS schools are great teams in the Big Sky Conference. They lost a handful of games. And for a team like this, they beat the s:censored: out of Texas Tech, but can't beat Baylor in Triple Overtime. That is sorry, pathetic, inexcusable, and downright deplorable. What the hell were the Colorado people smoking? Folsom Field is a beautiful place to play football, yet they have had an ugly team with an ugly season. Terrible. I hope Colorado gets it together because the Big XII can be just as competitive as the other BCS conferences.
* Duke
Okay, so it's Duke. But come on now. They lose to Richmond in their first game. They proudly LET the teams beat them down. I bet they would lose to Savannah State if Duke played that pathetic team. And even Savannah State could win games unlike this pathetic school's football team. Maybe when Coach K. is done coaching Duke's men's basketball team, maybe he should coach the Blue Devil football team so that they can actually win a God-forsaken game. How hard is it? Go out, play for ass off, don't give up until 60 minutes are done. If Temple and Savannah State can win a game, so can Duke. But Duke can't win games. Maybe they need to suspend football until they can get a team willing to actually win games and actually be the next Wake Forest. I can't
* Notre Dame
I'm not sold on Notre Dame. They are a good team, but they are overhyped and overrated. If the Fighting Irish are so good, then explain losing at Michigan and against LSU. They still need work if they want to actually be worth a damn. I'm probably easiest to impress, but they haven't shown me too much to actually care about them. I'm sorry. Brady Quinn is going to be a hell of an NFL player, but Notre Dame still sucks. Bad.
* Miami and Florida International
Of the schools, Miami advanced to a Bowl Game. The better Florida Sun Belt school is Florida Atlantic. Showing a terrible effort was Florida International. They started the fight and paid dearly. Miami had a close game against Nevada in the MPC Computers Bowl and almost lost to Duke. They had a close win against my hometown Houston Cougars. Suffice to say, these two teams' seasons had a downward spiral with this brawl.
* Minnesota
Is this some strange time rift? Minnesota is usually more competitive than what they've shown this season. They won by one against a Division 1-AA/FCS opponent in a 10-9 victory. They completely fell apart in the Insight Bowl to lose in Overtime. This team is more competitive than what they've shown. Usually, it's Minnesota's men's basketball team that stumbles... not Minnesota football!
* Georgia Southern
Georgia Southern didn't have a depressing season, but not a great season. The Eagles are normally a powerhouse team in the SOCON Conference. If not Furman, than CERTAINLY Georgia Southern.
* Mississippi State's First Two Games
Let's face facts. Mississippi State football sucks. For the first two games, Mississippi State was blanked TWICE. Maybe they are the Duke of the SEC. Hell, Kentucky had a much better year than Mississippi State. They need help if they want to make it to the next level.
* Memphis
Memphis is usually as talented as any other C-USA team. But without DeAngelo Williams and company, the Tigers are nothing. And it showed. Nothing hurts like being beaten up all year long. Their final game was against Houston, where they basically had to play for pride. They didn't get much love.
* The Mid-American Conference
The MAC is a great conference, but wasn't really as exciting this season.
* Michigan's Rose Bowl Defeat to Southern California
* Stanford University
There's a reason why I didn't include Stanford when I named the Pac-10's California schools as winners. Stanford University is damned deplorable. Stanford had some great teams in their past. Now, they're crap. They lose to teams like California-Davis. They are the Duke of the West Coast. They were unbelivably bad. Stanford's basketball team may have had some tough losses (like when they lost to Santa Clara earlier this men's basketball season), but their men are completely ridiculous. It's not even funny seeing a team like this lose. I'm ashamed in Stanford football. Somebody needs to be fired so they can get WINNING coaches to help LOSING teams. Then too, they need to pick up some high school recruits that will go out and perform like champions. Otherwise, the power of northern California will remain the University of California.
* North Carolina A&T's First-Ever Winless Season in School History
The Aggies of North Carolina A&T usually find a way to win. Only thing I like about North Carolina A&T is their combination of blue and gold. Beautiful colors. Just not a great team. The Aggies are even stinking in men's and women's hoops. This was a bad season. Good news is that the season is over, and you can look to next season to rebound.
* Iowa
The Hawkeyes didn't have as great of a season this season. I look for them to rebound as well. Iowa is no cupcake. They are basically a middle-of-the-road team that's extremely capable. I wished they probably could have had a better season. But these things happen. Not every season is a great one. That's life. That's sports. I'm not mad at Iowa.
* Georgetown
I'm not talking about the NAIA school called Georgetown College in Kentucky. I'm talking about Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. They are better known for their men's basketball, but the Hoyas were depressing in Patriot League play. Teams like Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, and eventual champions Lafayette College were pounding Georgetown. This place needs some help if they are going to be that team you want to look in your rear view mirror for in 1-AA/FCS.
* The Deaths of Bo Schembeckler, Randy Walker, Brian Pata (Miami player), former Michigan Great and Former President Gerald Ford, and (That Rice Player Whose Name Fails Me)
Here are some disappointing losses of a different kind. It's always sad to see names completely leave us. I'm deeply saddened to see these people not be with us anymore. Surely, their spirits will live on in all of us. Gerald Ford was one of the greats at Michigan before becoming an American President. To all the lives we've lost even 0.01% associated with college football, these are always the saddest losses of all. A team can lose a game 105-0. A team goes winless and cries after every loss. A prominent coach gets fired from a once-proud school. But nothing is more impactful than losing lives. No matter what disappointments are out there, the biggest losses of all are those that mean someone's life comes to an end. Take it from a guy who lost his father at age 7. I was 7 years old in around 1990. I never got to say goodbye to my father. He was a great man whose spirit I carry on with me. He was special to me even though I could never really get to know him. And with this, the old expression is true: "you never know what you have until it's gone."
--- UPSETS OF THE YEAR ---
Nothing shows the unpredictability of games like an upset. You're an outmatched team that wins under pressure. Think Chaminade over Virginia in basketball. Think Temple over Virginia Tech. Think Boston College over Miami. Who takes it? Read along.
*Boise State Shows Plenty of Character and Heart in Beating Oklahoma (Fiesta Bowl 2007) - No doubt this was huge. Boise State shown that they could be the biggest spitfires in Division 1-A. If there was a playoff could they upstage Florida for the title? Boise State is good no matter what any big conference faithful dare say. This is an exciting team to watch. Unbelievable.
* #15 Rutgers Stuns #3 Louisville
Rutgers came of age last year. It continued this year. They just blew up like dynamite this season. Their loud blast was enough to burn all teams in their path. Louisville is a great team, but Rutgers hung in there and blasted Louisville late. The Scarlet Knights were great this year. They will continue to make Bowl Games if they keep up the great work.
* #2 Florida Loses to #? Auburn, Then Gets OWNED Late
The Auburn Tigers not only upset Florida, but had a punt blocked where Auburn ran it in for an extra touchdown. It was OWNAGE for Auburn in a hell of a game.
* Arizona Stuns #?? California in Tuscon
That's right. We're not talking basketball, folks. I'm talking about Arizona's terrible football team beating California's very good football team. Sounds like a firestorm, doesn't it? Well, it happened. I couldn't believe when I came home from the Texas Championship Pow Wow that Saturday and saw this score. Hell froze over (no pun intended with the Arctic Blast forthcoming) when this happened. Much worse, California's National Championship (and maybe BCS hopes) burned up in smoke. They did hammer Texas A&M in the Holiday Bowl in consolation.
* South Florida Rips West Virgina a New Ass
As if losing to Louisville was bad enough, losing to a potent South Florida team was worse. Can you say "insult to injury?" Good doggie! *woof!*
* #1 New Hampshire Loses to ???
The University of New Hampshire has one of the greatest football clubs in 1-AA/FCS. Too bad this team stumbled a couple of times since rewriting the 1-AA/FCS record books for touchdown receptions. This loss to _ was a bad one to take. It was a loss like this that really pierced these winning zombies with a silver bullet.
* Texas A&M Commerce Stuns Highly-Ranked West Texas A&M
*
--- OWNAGES OF THE YEAR ---
It's simple. Play against a team, beat that team by a huge margin, you get OWNAGE honors. My OWNAGE adventures have me looking through Divisions 1-A/FBS all the way to Division 3. I'm there looking for some of the biggest margins of victory in awarding ownage honors. I'll report some notable ownages in this thread. Get ready to get OWN3D!
Well... I have no real ownages to report as OWNAGE OF THE YEAR. Stay tuned in future reports for maybe a different opinion.
In my next post, I'll offer some kind words to all of you who have been reading my college football reports. I'll even share some Behind the Scenes stuff for you as well. Don't miss it!
