NFL/NCAA 2007 thread

[RogerMilla]

favre going off was a pity ,
aynone think the saints can make the playoffs with a win this weekend ( and obviously more wins after) or is it too late...

[SaucyJack]

Undrafted star quarter backs? Romo, Kurt Warner and who else?


the all-undrafted team(Atari Bigby, love that)
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7442652

[Aberdonian Stu]

WVU are in. Even in this unpredictable season, you can take that one to the bank


Pittsburgh 13 WVU 9

[OneRedArmy]

If voters follow last seasons example they will send LSU in with Ohio State based on strength of schedule.

NASN are showing the BCS selection show at 7pm on Monday if you can avoid websites until then.

[OneRedArmy]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/12/04/jones.tebow.ap/index.html

Maybe if Colt Brennan hadn't racked up most of his wins against Podunk State-type schools in the WAC he might have gotten more of the limelight.

Sugar Bowl will be a good opportunity to see how he plays against a major school.

Not sure of what relevance the fact he plays a more NFL type offense is though?:confused:

[Dodge]

Not sure of what relevance the fact he plays a more NFL type offense is though?:confused:

I watched that show (as the Sunday night game wasn't great) and Jones never mentioned the NFL. He said Tebow couldn't run the hawaii offense but Brennan could run any "system". He siad Tebow was a great player but that this year Brennan was the best player in college football. The two people on the ESPN show that had coached both said they understood where he was coming from as coaches get attached to their star players.

Some of the quotes in the article definitely weren't from the show either

[Soko]

Pittsburgh 13 WVU 9



Everyone involved with the West Virginia program should be castrated. I can't believe the pass they are getting because of the BCS uproar. Pitt are so bad it's hard to fathom, Pat White or no Pat White


And the score should have been bigger. WVU need to disband



McFadden is the best player coming out this. Miles ahead of Brennan

[OneRedArmy]

McFadden is the best player coming out this. Miles ahead of BrennanMcFadden comprehensively beats Brennan on strength of schedule over the year. Its a shame Brennan didn't go to a bigger school in a better conference but this is going to cost him in the voting.

Of course Tebow is still going to win so its a non-discussion ;)

[Dodge]

McFadden comprehensively beats Brennan on strength of schedule over the year. Its a shame Brennan didn't go to a bigger school in a better conference but this is going to cost him in the voting.



Brennan did got to a bigger school, but there were issues

[OneRedArmy]

Brennan did got to a bigger school, but there were issuesColorado Dodge ffs :D

[Dodge]

I didn't say much bigger...

[strangeirish]

Tebow wins the Heisman. No brainer really. First sophomore to do so.

[OneRedArmy]

Finally Heisman voters pick the best player, rather than the one that conforms to the unwritten rules of the trophy.

Its tough on McFadden, coming second twice, but not a good enough reason to give it to him.

Interesting (in a random fact kind of way) that both Tebow and Danny Wuerrfel, the previous Florida winner, are preachers and even by US sports standards, are seriously religious.

Interesting factoid number 2 is that Florida become only the second school (after Notre Shame) to have 3 Heisman winning QBs.

[strangeirish]

Delighted he won it, but his acceptance sounded like he was on a crusade for Jesus. Toe curling to say the least. McFadden looked bitterly disappointed.

[Dodge]

Delighted he won it, but his acceptance sounded like he was on a crusade for Jesus.
He IS on a crusade for Jesus. Read a bit about him at the weekend.

Anyway see Troy Smith played his first NFL game last night? He got 3 minutes or so of garbage time against the Colts reserves but managed to look 100 times better than McNair/Boller only missing one pass (not his fault IMO) and running in from about 7 yards for the TD. John Madden was very complimentary

[strangeirish]

He IS on a crusade for Jesus. Read a bit about him at the weekend.

Anyway see Troy Smith played his first NFL game last night? He got 3 minutes or so of garbage time against the Colts reserves but managed to look 100 times better than McNair/Boller only missing one pass (not his fault IMO) and running in from about 7 yards for the TD. John Madden was very complimentary
Well, duh!:D

Couldn't believe how the Ravens folded in the first half last night, especially after their performance last week against the Pats. Of course, they were missing their starting corners though. Boller just doesn't cut it and it's time for them to let Smith at it and see how he does.

[OneRedArmy]

Did anyone see Steelers safety Anthony Smith jawing and trash talking right in Tom Brady's face last night?

Next possession Smith lost coverage on his man, Brady nails the pass and Smith got burned for a long TD.

Next possession, Brady really rubs his nose in it by running a trick reverse play and finding the open man in the endzone (Smith nowhere to be seen).

Not a wise thing to do at all.

[strangeirish]

Yeah, the same Anthony Smith that guaranteed a Steelers win during the week. What an idiot.

[OneRedArmy]

Also, well done to Fred (fragile no longer) Taylor on moving up to 18th on the alltime rushing yards list and doing it on a day he had the longest run of his career and the Jags franchise!

I'm starting to feel old, as I watched Fred from the student section in the Swamp and remember the excitement on draft day when he was drafted by the local team.

[Dodge]

Yeah, the same Anthony Smith that guaranteed a Steelers win during the week. What an idiot.

In fairness he didn't say that. He was asked if he guarenteed a win byt the radio interviewer and he hesitated, then the interviewer asked if the Steelers would win and he said "Sure why not?"

Still, his play alone made him look an ass...

[strangeirish]

Also, well done to Fred (fragile no longer) Taylor on moving up to 18th on the alltime rushing yards list and doing it on a day he had the longest run of his career and the Jags franchise!

I'm starting to feel old, as I watched Fred from the student section in the Swamp and remember the excitement on draft day when he was drafted by the local team.
Was at the game Sunday and when it was announced that he had passed Eddie George(Titans, which we hate with a passion), the place went ballistic. Actually, I don't think that was the longest run of his career. I believe that was against Miami in the playoffs in 1999, where he had a ninety yarder. Never will forget that. The run on Sunday was probably a record for the regular season.

[osarusan]

Quick question -

I know that when catching a pass the receiver must ground both feet on the field of play for the catch to be legal.....so, if he jumped, caught the ball while in but not touching the field of play, and was pushed off before he touched the ground, would the play be regarded as completed?

To take it a step further, if the receiver was carried over the line (lets say 2-3 yards) with the ball in his possession, but not having touched the field of play, what would the ruling be?

[Dodge]

Its called a force out and its a completed catch. It can't be challenged by the opposition coach either. Regular enough event

[OneRedArmy]

Quick question -

I know that when catching a pass the receiver must ground both feet on the field of play for the catch to be legal.....so, if he jumped, caught the ball while in but not touching the field of play, and was pushed off before he touched the ground, would the play be regarded as completed?

To take it a step further, if the receiver was carried over the line (lets say 2-3 yards) with the ball in his possession, but not having touched the field of play, what would the ruling be?NCAA rules are actually one foot in bounds. NFL two feet.

However, in the pros, if you are pushed out of bounds, whilst in the air (a "force out") then the catch is ruled in bounds.

Its a contentious rule as it isn't subject to challenge, and suggestions are that the NFL may implement the college "one foot" rule.

[Danny]

NFL Force out Rule
from www.nfl.com/rulebook

NFL rulebook:

"A pass is completed or intercepted, or a loose ball recovered, if the player inbounds would have landed inbounds with both feet but is carried or pushed out-of-bounds while in possession of the ball in the air or before the second foot touches the ball inbounds by an opponent. The player must maintain possession of the ball when he lands out-of-bounds."

[Aberdonian Stu]

I like the forceout rule, it rewards the players that are more willing to fight for the ball on both sides as they'll keep trying even though it's likely they'll not land in bounds.

[OneRedArmy]

I like the forceout rule, it rewards the players that are more willing to fight for the ball on both sides as they'll keep trying even though it's likely they'll not land in bounds.
Conceptually its a good rule but as it isn't able to be challenged there have been a lot of missed/erronious calls.

Prefer "one foot in-bounds" myself.

[Aberdonian Stu]

I can't see why you can't have both. Force out only applies, and please pardon me stating the obvious, if the person is forced out. One foot in bounds covers more types of catches than this and I'd have no trouble with this being added.

[Burny89]

Whats the point of tackling if thats the rule? I hate it

Interesting this came up cause we were 'debating' it at the weekend

[Aberdonian Stu]

Go to nfl.com and check out the highlights of the Cleveland-Buffalo game, which the Browns won 8-0 thanks to 2 FGs and a safety, for a real ice bowl. Snow was something else, especially in the first half if the highlights are anything to go by.

[Dodge]

Go to nfl.com and check out the highlights of the Cleveland-Buffalo game, which the Browns won 8-0 thanks to 2 FGs and a safety, for a real ice bowl. Snow was something else, especially in the first half if the highlights are anything to go by.

Watched the game on Sky. Fairly rivetting stuff. The2nd field goial was as good as you'll ever see

[strangeirish]

One of the best games on Sunday was the Jags v the Steelers. Jags were cruising 22-7 only for the Steelers to come roaring back to tie it with about 5 mins left. Then Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew took over, with Taylor rushing in from Twelve yards for the winning TD. Weather was brutal, but there was some bone crushing stuff going on all day in this one.

[strangeirish]

Couple of things for OneRedArmy. Fred Taylor doesn't make the pro-bowl once again, which proves how laughable the voting thing is when it comes to making selections.

And, as a Gator fan, this is really enjoyable to see. The Florida State Criminoles are at it again! (http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1144&CID=752830)

Sweet:D

[OneRedArmy]

Couple of things for OneRedArmy. Fred Taylor doesn't make the pro-bowl once again, which proves how laughable the voting thing is when it comes to making selections.

And, as a Gator fan, this is really enjoyable to see. The Florida State Criminoles are at it again! (http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1144&CID=752830)

Sweet:DRead about the Fred Taylor snub today. Fred's never made the Pro Bowl, yet every tailback ahead of him (all 16) in the all time rushing yards category, are in the Hall of Fame.

Some real lazy selections in there (Willie Parker FFS?!). Its not unlike the GAA all stars in that a mediocre player from a top team is a much easier call than a great player from a less high profile side.

As for the Criminoles, I'd forgotten they were in Division 1....good luck to them in the Music City Bowl. A few more suspensions and they can play basketball against Kentucky. I'd prefer to watch that. :D

[Aberdonian Stu]

I'm biased as a Steelers fan but I wouldn't begrudge it to Parker, though I'd have probably had him in fourth of the AFC backs after LT, Taylor and the also omitted Jamal Lewis who like Taylor has been of massive importance to his team this year. It's hard for me to say that a Raven turned Brown should get in ahead of fast Willie but I'd have given him the edge.

The criminal choice to me was Addai, he's been good but just doesn't compare to the other four in terms of importance of contribution. He should have gone with Taylor in ahead of him.

I reckon Taylor will get in, he's first reserve and it's almost invariable that one of the three originially selected running backs doesn't make the trip.

[strangeirish]

Wild week in the NFL with a lot of choking going on. Packers lose home field advantage by getting crushed, Browns give the Titans a chance to squeak past them next week if they beat the Colts, who'll be resting players. And the Redskins control their own destiny by surprising the Vikings last night.

Oh and Fred Taylor is the man! Had a nice 62 yard TD yesterday, albeit against the woeful Raiders. Jags are playing very well heading to the playoffs.

[RogerMilla]

saints need both skins and vikes to lose , can't see it happening , could have been a great story after going 0-4

[Unreal Madrid]

saints need both skins and vikes to lose , can't see it happening , could have been a great story after going 0-4

Skins won it fairly easy, Vikings and Saints both lost anyway.

[Aberdonian Stu]

The Capital One bowl was a classic. Michigan turned the ball over 4 times, compared to none by Florida, but still pulled through to win 41-35 in a game that had over 900 yards of total offense.

[OneRedArmy]

The Capital One bowl was a classic. Michigan turned the ball over 4 times, compared to none by Florida, but still pulled through to win 41-35 in a game that had over 900 yards of total offense.Florida's rookie defense fails again. :(

Guaranteed top 5 pre-season ranking though.


More interesting though was Georgia Bull-dozing (see what I did there....!!) Hawaii.

Colt Brennan had 3 INTs and was sacked 8 times on his way to 169 yards. Unfortunately for him this was his only shot at proving the critics wrong and he failed miserably.

In the cold light of day Hawaii's easy schedule combined with high number of screen passes mean his high numbers are now worthless.

I can't see him being drafted earlier than the 4th or maybe 5th round.

Makes June Jones' comments looks comical at this stage.

[Dodge]

I can't see him being drafted earlier than the 4th or maybe 5th round.

He'll almost certainly go top 2 rounds. There are very few QBs coming out, and even more poor ones already in the NFl

[Aberdonian Stu]

It's going to be a weird draft for QBs methinks. Brohm is considered a star by scouts, I reckon he's the best of the bunch but a long way from so-called "can't miss" status.

As for the rest, well then it gets interesting. You know it's a strange year when Delaware has the number 3 rated signal caller (by some) in the draft.

Woodson looks solid, as does Ryan, then there are flawed players such as Booty and Brennan, wildcards such as Dixon (great talent but might opt for baseball instead), and others such as Henne and Ainge who look like they can manage an offense but have huge question marks over them.

Oh and of course there's Joe Flacco, the Delaware QB who is being looked at as possibly the the third QB to go in the draft. I don't disrespect a player from a 1-AA school, I think it's great that he's getting recognition, but it strikes me as odd that NFL teams are so high on him. He didn't play regularly against high calibre defences in college and I thought this would be a big black mark against him with the pros but seemingly not.

I say good for the kid that he's apparently overcome this hurdle and will be given a fair shot but I am genuinely surprised by this likely outcome.

On the whole I think there will be QB bargains to be had as most teams will likely steer clear of them in the early rounds, despite the dearth of good signal callers in the NFL.

[OneRedArmy]

He'll almost certainly go top 2 rounds. There are very few QBs coming out, and even more poor ones already in the NFlThe few draft boards I saw before yesterdays performance only had him lower round 3/round 4 and he certainly hasn't improved his chances.

Really can't see him going in the top 2, regardless of the quality of QBs in the draft. Teams won't burn a high pick on someone they know is unlikely to make it in the pro's and thats true whether its a position they need to fill or one they already have depth on.

[Aberdonian Stu]

The QBs are going to be the story of this draft. A lot of teams are looking at the razzle dazzle positions of WR, RB and especially QB and seeing a lack of real first round quality talent coming out this year. I wouldn't be surprised to truckload of supposedly safe or rather less high risk picks in the opening round with D-linemen and linebackers earning handsome paydays.

[OneRedArmy]

The QBs are going to be the story of this draft. A lot of teams are looking at the razzle dazzle positions of WR, RB and especially QB and seeing a lack of real first round quality talent coming out this year. I wouldn't be surprised to truckload of supposedly safe or rather less high risk picks in the opening round with D-linemen and linebackers earning handsome paydays.First 2 rounds will be overwhelmingly defensive picks, in particular a large number of cornerbacks as well as DL.

Linemen on both sides of the ball appear to have an increasingly limited shelf life due to attrition, added to the fact pass rushing is such a big part of the game means that good outside people at tackle and end are worth their weight in gold.

When Orlando Pace signed his first huge deal it was almost unheard of for a lineman to be paid so well, now the blindside tackle on each team is a marquee position and frequently amongst the top 3 or 4 earners on the team.

[Aberdonian Stu]

Heck even right tackles are being valued highly now, with the Steelers tipped to spend a first rounder on one.

[eamo1]

My Steelers to overcome all their injuries woes and beat an overrated Jags.And Skins to continue their fairytale beating Tampa.

[Aberdonian Stu]

Very annoyed that the Steelers are in the late game. I've training in the morning so staying up for it isn't an option.

[Burny89]

My Steelers to overcome all their injuries woes and beat an overrated Jags.And Skins to continue their fairytale beating Tampa.


Skins are playing Seattle, Tampa are playing the giants on Sunday

[strangeirish]

My Steelers to overcome all their injuries woes and beat an overrated Jags.And Skins to continue their fairytale beating Tampa.
Totally disagree with you eamo1. We're underrated if anything. The Jags didn't play well at all and still won. What a game though. My stomach was in knots watching it. Not that it means anything but, the Jags created a bit of history also, as they are the first team to beat the Squealers, er..., Steelers at their home twice in the same season.

Anyway, time to sober up and prepare for tomorrows hangover!