Days after Saturday's festivities ended, heads began to spin on the sidelines at many Universities.
Texas A & M head coach Dennis Franchione resigned and Houston Texans assistant Mike Sherman took over the reigns in College Station.
Veteran head coach Lloyd Carr resigned as head coach at the University of Michigan after 13 successful years.
University of Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt resigned days after the team's monumental win against top ranked LSU and will be named the new head coach at Ole Miss.
Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan and all of his assistants were fired after four disappointing seasons.
Duke fired head coach Ted Roof after compiling a 6-45 record.
Georgia Tech fired Chan Gailey after sustaining six consecutive losses to in state rival Georgia.
Southern Mississippi head coach Jeff Bower will resign December 22nd after 17 seasons.
Northern Illinois head coach Joe Novak retired after guiding the Huskies to a 2-10 record. Novak spent 16 years at the school.
Washington State head coach Bill Doba has announced that he's stepping down.
Colorado State head coach Sonny Lubick will not return next season with the Rams.
University of Mississippi head coach Ed Orgeron was fired Saturday and Houston Nutt will be named the new sideline master at a news conference tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Ole Miss hires former Arkansas coach Houston Nutt
Why leave a stable job at the University of Arkansas to accept a volatile and difficult position at Ole Miss? Are there certain qualities that Nutt possesses that will enable his team to resurrect their woeful play over the last several seasons.
By CHRIS TALBOTT, Associated Press Writer
November 27, 2007
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- One day, Houston Nutt was leaving Arkansas. The next, he was heading to Mississippi.
Ole Miss will introduce Nutt as its new coach Wednesday, ending a whirlwind hiring that began when he resigned at Arkansas on Monday and agreed to become the Rebels' coach about four hours later.
Mississippi was without a coach for less than three days. Ed Orgeron was fired on Saturday after three losing seasons.
Rebels athletic director Pete Boone said Tuesday he contacted Nutt on Sunday after hearing a rumor the coach would be resigning. Nutt didn't really want to talk then "because he had a job," Boone said. That soon changed.
"This all happened overnight with me," Boone said.
Nutt agreed to a contract Monday night, a four-year deal that will pay him $1.7 million to start and increase by $100,000 each year. He has an option for three more seasons as well, with the opportunity to earn more money with incentives.
"I think we were thorough in our discussions and covered all the things we needed to cover, but I felt like let's get this thing done," Boone said.
Nutt will be introduced at a news conference on campus in Oxford, ending a frenetic 48 hours for the school and its new coach.
"It's human nature not to like change, but I think in this case, change is going to be a good thing," fullback Jason Cook said. "Especially as a player, you get excited when a guy gets hired like coach Nutt. He's more than proven in the SEC and proven as a coach that he can take talent and work with it. We're very excited."
Nutt led Arkansas to an 8-4 record and a likely Cotton Bowl berth while the Rebels stumbled to a 3-9 finish under Orgeron and were winless in the SEC for the first time since 1982.
Ole Miss was searching for a proven winner after years of mediocrity. Nutt neatly fits the description.
He is 111-70 in 15 years as a head coach at Arkansas, Boise State and Murray State, and he's been a winner in the SEC. The Little Rock, Ark., native revived the Arkansas program, going 75-48 since he replaced Danny Ford in 1997. Nutt was 42-38 in conference with one of his biggest wins coming last week when the Razorbacks beat then-No. 1 LSU 50-48 in triple overtime.
While the Razorbacks head into the postseason, Nutt will be going to the homes of recruits attempting to hold together the promising class Orgeron was assembling.
The 50-year-old Nutt said Monday he left Arkansas to help mend a split among fans after off-the-field problems were compounded by a difficult season. The Razorbacks started the year ranked and were expected to contend for the SEC West title.
Arkansas lost its first three SEC games and dropped out of the poll in September, fueling fan discontent over last year's transfer of quarterback Mitch Mustain and the loss of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who left for Tulsa.
Calls to Nutt's agent, Jimmy Sexton, were not immediately returned.
Arkansas officials said they would not comment until after Wednesday's formal announcement.
Nutt takes over a program that's won four or fewer games a season since 2003's 10-win effort under David Cutcliffe. The Rebels won a share of the SEC West that season with Eli Manning at quarterback.
Since the Rebels are 14-32. Boone fired Cutcliffe in 2004 for not recruiting well enough. He had hoped Orgeron, who helped build two national title teams at Southern California as Pete Carroll's recruiting coordinator, would bring the kind of energy needed to compete in the tough SEC.
Orgeron finished 10-25 and was routinely the target of fan discontent.
Boone and Chancellor Robert Khayat endorsed Orgeron midway through the season, but decided to go in a new direction after the Rebels lost five of six to end the year.
The Rebels have been looking for a coach who can produce championships since Johnny Vaught retired in 1970. Vaught won three national titles and six SEC championships between 1947-63.
The school has fired six of the eight coaches who have come since and a seventh, Steve Sloan, likely would have been fired after five losing seasons had he not left for Duke.
The last three coaches have been assistants in their first job as leading man. Orgeron, Cutcliffe and Tommy Tuberville went 73-69 over the last 13 years.
Only Tuberville left on his own, taking the job at Auburn in 1998.
By CHRIS TALBOTT, Associated Press Writer
November 27, 2007
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- One day, Houston Nutt was leaving Arkansas. The next, he was heading to Mississippi.
Ole Miss will introduce Nutt as its new coach Wednesday, ending a whirlwind hiring that began when he resigned at Arkansas on Monday and agreed to become the Rebels' coach about four hours later.
Mississippi was without a coach for less than three days. Ed Orgeron was fired on Saturday after three losing seasons.
Rebels athletic director Pete Boone said Tuesday he contacted Nutt on Sunday after hearing a rumor the coach would be resigning. Nutt didn't really want to talk then "because he had a job," Boone said. That soon changed.
"This all happened overnight with me," Boone said.
Nutt agreed to a contract Monday night, a four-year deal that will pay him $1.7 million to start and increase by $100,000 each year. He has an option for three more seasons as well, with the opportunity to earn more money with incentives.
"I think we were thorough in our discussions and covered all the things we needed to cover, but I felt like let's get this thing done," Boone said.
Nutt will be introduced at a news conference on campus in Oxford, ending a frenetic 48 hours for the school and its new coach.
"It's human nature not to like change, but I think in this case, change is going to be a good thing," fullback Jason Cook said. "Especially as a player, you get excited when a guy gets hired like coach Nutt. He's more than proven in the SEC and proven as a coach that he can take talent and work with it. We're very excited."
Nutt led Arkansas to an 8-4 record and a likely Cotton Bowl berth while the Rebels stumbled to a 3-9 finish under Orgeron and were winless in the SEC for the first time since 1982.
Ole Miss was searching for a proven winner after years of mediocrity. Nutt neatly fits the description.
He is 111-70 in 15 years as a head coach at Arkansas, Boise State and Murray State, and he's been a winner in the SEC. The Little Rock, Ark., native revived the Arkansas program, going 75-48 since he replaced Danny Ford in 1997. Nutt was 42-38 in conference with one of his biggest wins coming last week when the Razorbacks beat then-No. 1 LSU 50-48 in triple overtime.
While the Razorbacks head into the postseason, Nutt will be going to the homes of recruits attempting to hold together the promising class Orgeron was assembling.
The 50-year-old Nutt said Monday he left Arkansas to help mend a split among fans after off-the-field problems were compounded by a difficult season. The Razorbacks started the year ranked and were expected to contend for the SEC West title.
Arkansas lost its first three SEC games and dropped out of the poll in September, fueling fan discontent over last year's transfer of quarterback Mitch Mustain and the loss of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who left for Tulsa.
Calls to Nutt's agent, Jimmy Sexton, were not immediately returned.
Arkansas officials said they would not comment until after Wednesday's formal announcement.
Nutt takes over a program that's won four or fewer games a season since 2003's 10-win effort under David Cutcliffe. The Rebels won a share of the SEC West that season with Eli Manning at quarterback.
Since the Rebels are 14-32. Boone fired Cutcliffe in 2004 for not recruiting well enough. He had hoped Orgeron, who helped build two national title teams at Southern California as Pete Carroll's recruiting coordinator, would bring the kind of energy needed to compete in the tough SEC.
Orgeron finished 10-25 and was routinely the target of fan discontent.
Boone and Chancellor Robert Khayat endorsed Orgeron midway through the season, but decided to go in a new direction after the Rebels lost five of six to end the year.
The Rebels have been looking for a coach who can produce championships since Johnny Vaught retired in 1970. Vaught won three national titles and six SEC championships between 1947-63.
The school has fired six of the eight coaches who have come since and a seventh, Steve Sloan, likely would have been fired after five losing seasons had he not left for Duke.
The last three coaches have been assistants in their first job as leading man. Orgeron, Cutcliffe and Tommy Tuberville went 73-69 over the last 13 years.
Only Tuberville left on his own, taking the job at Auburn in 1998.
Embattled Nutt out as Arkansas coach, leaves team to Herring
By NOAH TRISTER, AP Sports Writer
November 26, 2007
The sudden departure of Nutt appears unjustified and several more qualms have been left unanswered.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Embattled Arkansas coach Houston Nutt resigned Monday, giving up his job three days after directing the Razorbacks to a victory over top-ranked LSU. Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring will coach the team in its bowl game.
Nutt, 50, said he was hopeful his departure would unify the state, which had been torn with turmoil surrounding the football program.
"Deep, deep down in my heart as an Arkansan, as a person that loves the Razorbacks so much, (I wanted) for the state to come together as one," Nutt said. "At this time, I didn't think we could have one heartbeat."
Rumors of Nutt's departure surrounded the program after the loss last winter of key recruits and a popular assistant coach. Trouble mounted for the coach after the Razorbacks lost their first three Southeastern Conference games after a turmoil-filled offseason.
Arkansas did rebound to finish the regular season 8-4 and knocked LSU out of the nation's No. 1 spot with a 50-48, triple-overtime victory over the Tigers on Friday.
Two weeks ago, the university strongly denied reports that this would be Nutt's last season as Arkansas' coach. On Sunday, Nutt said Chancellor John White and outgoing athletic director Frank Broyles wanted him to return, but he said more talks with the university were forthcoming.
"Houston's decision to resign was neither forced, or encouraged, or requested," White said.
White said Nutt's contract gave the coach a set of "golden handcuffs" under which Nutt would have to pay the university if he takes another coaching job while also forfeiting a significant amount of money. White said he told Nutt he would ask the Razorback Foundation to free Nutt of the obligations.
"Whether or not he remained coach of the Razorbacks was up to him," White said.
Arkansas began this season in the Top 25 but fell out in September. The Razorbacks ended up 4-4 in league play.
Nutt went 75-48 at Arkansas since being hired in December 1997 to replace Danny Ford. Only Broyles (144) has won more games with the Razorbacks. Nutt took the Hogs to two Southeastern Conference title games, losing each time. He went 42-38 in SEC regular-season games and went to bowls during Nutt's first six seasons.
"I'm going to remember the good times," Broyles said.
A year ago at this time, Arkansas was preparing to play for the SEC title, which the school has never won. In fact, the Razorbacks started 10-1 in 2006 before losing to LSU, to Florida for the conference championship and to Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl.
Nutt's status was never the same afterward. In January, offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn left to join the staff at Tulsa, lending credence to speculation not everyone was on the same page. A short while later quarterback Mitch Mustain transferred.
As the team struggled this year, planes were spotted at games towing anti-Nutt banners.
"It's sad that it had to end like this," star running back and Heisman Trophy hopeful Darren McFadden said. "Coach Nutt, I love playing for him. He's a great coach."
Herring, in his third season as Arkansas' defensive coordinator, will take over for the time being.
"Although it is extremely difficult to see coach Nutt leave, I am honored and welcome the challenge of leading the Razorback football team and working with the other coaches on our staff as we prepare our team for a bowl game and as we continue to recruit," Herring said in a statement.
Athletic director-designate Jeff Long, who replaces Broyles on Jan. 1, will direct the search for Nutt's replacement.
Despite the announcement, the mood Monday was upbeat. Arkansas is still basking in the glow of last week's win. Nutt's name also figures to be mentioned in connection with other openings. His overall record as a college coach is 111-70, including four years at Murray State and one at Boise State for one before taking over at Arkansas.
Nutt went to Central High School in Little Rock. He played quarterback at Arkansas before transferring to Oklahoma State following the 1977 season.
"My dream job. I thought I'd be here for a long, long time," Nutt said of coaching Arkansas. "Sometimes things change and you have to make a hard decision."
November 26, 2007
The sudden departure of Nutt appears unjustified and several more qualms have been left unanswered.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Embattled Arkansas coach Houston Nutt resigned Monday, giving up his job three days after directing the Razorbacks to a victory over top-ranked LSU. Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring will coach the team in its bowl game.
Nutt, 50, said he was hopeful his departure would unify the state, which had been torn with turmoil surrounding the football program.
"Deep, deep down in my heart as an Arkansan, as a person that loves the Razorbacks so much, (I wanted) for the state to come together as one," Nutt said. "At this time, I didn't think we could have one heartbeat."
Rumors of Nutt's departure surrounded the program after the loss last winter of key recruits and a popular assistant coach. Trouble mounted for the coach after the Razorbacks lost their first three Southeastern Conference games after a turmoil-filled offseason.
Arkansas did rebound to finish the regular season 8-4 and knocked LSU out of the nation's No. 1 spot with a 50-48, triple-overtime victory over the Tigers on Friday.
Two weeks ago, the university strongly denied reports that this would be Nutt's last season as Arkansas' coach. On Sunday, Nutt said Chancellor John White and outgoing athletic director Frank Broyles wanted him to return, but he said more talks with the university were forthcoming.
"Houston's decision to resign was neither forced, or encouraged, or requested," White said.
White said Nutt's contract gave the coach a set of "golden handcuffs" under which Nutt would have to pay the university if he takes another coaching job while also forfeiting a significant amount of money. White said he told Nutt he would ask the Razorback Foundation to free Nutt of the obligations.
"Whether or not he remained coach of the Razorbacks was up to him," White said.
Arkansas began this season in the Top 25 but fell out in September. The Razorbacks ended up 4-4 in league play.
Nutt went 75-48 at Arkansas since being hired in December 1997 to replace Danny Ford. Only Broyles (144) has won more games with the Razorbacks. Nutt took the Hogs to two Southeastern Conference title games, losing each time. He went 42-38 in SEC regular-season games and went to bowls during Nutt's first six seasons.
"I'm going to remember the good times," Broyles said.
A year ago at this time, Arkansas was preparing to play for the SEC title, which the school has never won. In fact, the Razorbacks started 10-1 in 2006 before losing to LSU, to Florida for the conference championship and to Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl.
Nutt's status was never the same afterward. In January, offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn left to join the staff at Tulsa, lending credence to speculation not everyone was on the same page. A short while later quarterback Mitch Mustain transferred.
As the team struggled this year, planes were spotted at games towing anti-Nutt banners.
"It's sad that it had to end like this," star running back and Heisman Trophy hopeful Darren McFadden said. "Coach Nutt, I love playing for him. He's a great coach."
Herring, in his third season as Arkansas' defensive coordinator, will take over for the time being.
"Although it is extremely difficult to see coach Nutt leave, I am honored and welcome the challenge of leading the Razorback football team and working with the other coaches on our staff as we prepare our team for a bowl game and as we continue to recruit," Herring said in a statement.
Athletic director-designate Jeff Long, who replaces Broyles on Jan. 1, will direct the search for Nutt's replacement.
Despite the announcement, the mood Monday was upbeat. Arkansas is still basking in the glow of last week's win. Nutt's name also figures to be mentioned in connection with other openings. His overall record as a college coach is 111-70, including four years at Murray State and one at Boise State for one before taking over at Arkansas.
Nutt went to Central High School in Little Rock. He played quarterback at Arkansas before transferring to Oklahoma State following the 1977 season.
"My dream job. I thought I'd be here for a long, long time," Nutt said of coaching Arkansas. "Sometimes things change and you have to make a hard decision."
Beating Duke and Stanford Save Notre Dame and Weis Already Bad Year
People are still calling for Weis to be fired after the worst year in Notre Dame history.
Irish just said 'no' to losing
Last two games allowed Notre Dame to kick the losing habit.
BOB WIENEKE
South Bend Tribune Staff Writer
As Terrail Lambert sat in the Guglielmino Athletics Complex early last week, the possibility of a letdown against Stanford was posed, considering the Irish were coming off a victory over Duke.
The cornerback metabolized his ideas before offering a thoughtful response.
"As humans, it's said that we're the only creatures that are never satisfied in terms of hunger and desire," Lambert said. "It's almost like a drug. You get that win and you want to get it again."
The problem with the 2007 Notre Dame football team, as Irish fans and the college football world know, was that it made a habit of losing.
It lost in blowout fashion. It lost close games. It lost to teams to which it was expected to lose. It lost to teams it was supposed to beat.
It lost nine times, the most of any Notre Dame team in the history of the program. Further perspective? Jesse Harper lost a total of five times in five seasons, Knute Rockne 12 times in 13 years, Elmer Layden 13 times in seven years, Frank Leahy 11 times in 11 seasons and Ara Parseghian 17 times in his 11-year run.
Losses to Michigan and USC, the lofty measuring sticks on the schedule, were 38-point identical twins. Boston College beat the Irish by 13 points. Michigan State whacked the Irish. Same for Penn State. Purdue, a team easily handled during the first two years of the Weis Era, was two touchdowns better than the Irish. At the beginning, Georgia Tech had set the table for the losing ways.
And when November rolled in, the month Notre Dame was supposed to salvage a lost season and make the final record look un-horrible, the seeds of losing had been sown.
Certainly this wouldn't be the team to lose to Navy, would it? It was, and once that happened, a loss to Air Force seemed inevitable. And admit it, you weren't completely convinced about a win over Duke in the days leading up to the game, were you?
Why? Because by then this team looked like it had learned how to lose. Coaching decisions -- in-game and philosophical -- were partly to blame. An unsteady line crippled what the offense could do, and its failures seeped over to the defense in terms of time of possession and turnovers. By mid-November, this was a bad football team -- one that looked nothing like the 2005 and '06 teams that stomped the patsies on the schedule; and one that, when things were going good, it rolled.
Lambert was a member of both of those Irish teams, and he knows how the wins fed off themselves.
"You want it in larger doses after time because it's something you get accustomed to," Lambert said. "We're all creatures of habit."
Two springs ago, the motivational slogan was that the 2005 record of 9-3 was not good enough, implying that one loss a month would not cut it.
That habit looks a lot better than one win a month.
Irish just said 'no' to losing
Last two games allowed Notre Dame to kick the losing habit.
BOB WIENEKE
South Bend Tribune Staff Writer
As Terrail Lambert sat in the Guglielmino Athletics Complex early last week, the possibility of a letdown against Stanford was posed, considering the Irish were coming off a victory over Duke.
The cornerback metabolized his ideas before offering a thoughtful response.
"As humans, it's said that we're the only creatures that are never satisfied in terms of hunger and desire," Lambert said. "It's almost like a drug. You get that win and you want to get it again."
The problem with the 2007 Notre Dame football team, as Irish fans and the college football world know, was that it made a habit of losing.
It lost in blowout fashion. It lost close games. It lost to teams to which it was expected to lose. It lost to teams it was supposed to beat.
It lost nine times, the most of any Notre Dame team in the history of the program. Further perspective? Jesse Harper lost a total of five times in five seasons, Knute Rockne 12 times in 13 years, Elmer Layden 13 times in seven years, Frank Leahy 11 times in 11 seasons and Ara Parseghian 17 times in his 11-year run.
Losses to Michigan and USC, the lofty measuring sticks on the schedule, were 38-point identical twins. Boston College beat the Irish by 13 points. Michigan State whacked the Irish. Same for Penn State. Purdue, a team easily handled during the first two years of the Weis Era, was two touchdowns better than the Irish. At the beginning, Georgia Tech had set the table for the losing ways.
And when November rolled in, the month Notre Dame was supposed to salvage a lost season and make the final record look un-horrible, the seeds of losing had been sown.
Certainly this wouldn't be the team to lose to Navy, would it? It was, and once that happened, a loss to Air Force seemed inevitable. And admit it, you weren't completely convinced about a win over Duke in the days leading up to the game, were you?
Why? Because by then this team looked like it had learned how to lose. Coaching decisions -- in-game and philosophical -- were partly to blame. An unsteady line crippled what the offense could do, and its failures seeped over to the defense in terms of time of possession and turnovers. By mid-November, this was a bad football team -- one that looked nothing like the 2005 and '06 teams that stomped the patsies on the schedule; and one that, when things were going good, it rolled.
Lambert was a member of both of those Irish teams, and he knows how the wins fed off themselves.
"You want it in larger doses after time because it's something you get accustomed to," Lambert said. "We're all creatures of habit."
Two springs ago, the motivational slogan was that the 2005 record of 9-3 was not good enough, implying that one loss a month would not cut it.
That habit looks a lot better than one win a month.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Nebraska fires Callahan after 5-7 season-The Tumultous Road Comes To A Rocky End
By ERIC OLSON, AP Sports Writer
November 24, 2007
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Bill Callahan was fired as Nebraska's coach Saturday, his four-year stay marked by the most embarrassing losses at a football program once among the mightiest in the nation.
Interim athletic director and Nebraska great Tom Osborne announced the dismissal one day after the Cornhuskers ended the season at 5-7 following a 65-51 loss at Colorado. They squandered an 11-point halftime lead by allowing 34 consecutive points.
"As a former coach this is a role I really don't like," Osborne said at a news conference. "I hate to sit in judgment of other people. I never envisioned being in a situation where I would have to make a decision on somebody's employment opportunity, but that's the nature of this business."
Osborne met with Callahan for five minutes Saturday, and Callahan left the football complex without speaking to reporters. After Friday's game, he said he enjoyed his time at Nebraska. "I have no regrets," he said.
Osborne said he told Callahan at the end of October there would be a coaching change if Nebraska finished with a losing record. LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini and Buffalo coach Turner Gill are the names mentioned most often to fill one of college football's glamour jobs.
Nebraska's dismal season followed one in which it reached the Big 12 championship game. This year also featured a 76-39 defeat at Kansas, the most points allowed by a Nebraska team.
Osborne's decision came one month and a day after Callahan said, "I have done an excellent job in every area." Osborne apparently thought otherwise after only the second losing season at Nebraska since 1962, both coming on Callahan's watch.
It will cost the university more than $3.1 million to buy out Callahan's contract, which was to run through the 2011 season. The contract was signed in September before a series of the most lopsided losses in decades and the firing of athletic director Steve Pederson, who hired Callahan.
Osborne said he had not yet spoken with any coaching candidates.
"The next few days I'll try to talk to four or five people," he said. "I would like to move it along as fast as I can because recruiting is really critical at this time."
Pelini was Nebraska's defensive coordinator in 2003 and was popular among fans, who chanted "We want Bo" after he led the Huskers to an Alamo Bowl win over Michigan State as interim head coach following the firing of Frank Solich.
Gill, a longtime assistant under Osborne and Solich, was the Huskers' quarterback in the early 1980s and a Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1983.
Callahan came nowhere near meeting the high standards for Nebraska football established by Osborne, who won 255 games and three national championships in 25 seasons before retiring after the 1997 season.
When the Huskers were 4-4, Osborne said, he told Callahan that if the team finished 8-4, there would be no coaching change and that if he won three of the last four games "we can maybe make it work."
"If it's two out of four, it's going to be pretty tough because now you're break even, and we haven't had many break-even seasons around here," Osborne said he told Callahan. "And if we have a losing season, there isn't any way this will work. The parameters were pretty clearly spelled out."
The Huskers struggled as their defense posted some of the nation's worst statistics and their offense fell flat in the biggest games, leading to a five-game losing streak.
Callahan's four-year record was 27-22, with three of those wins coming against opponents in the division formerly known as I-AA. He was 15-18 against the Big 12, 0-7 against top 10 opponents and 3-10 against the Top 25. He was 0-17 in games in which the Huskers trailed at halftime.
Callahan was widely acclaimed for his recruiting, and each of his classes was ranked high by analysts. But many of those players never delivered, and Callahan's ability to develop talent was questioned.
The Huskers won their first two games this season, but a 49-31 home loss to Southern California proved ominous, as did an embarrassingly close 41-40 home win over Ball State in which the Huskers were clearly outplayed.
"The USC game took a lot out of people," safety Ben Eisenhart said. "People put a lot into that game, everybody was excited to play and it didn't come out like we thought it would. Then we come out against Ball State the following week and it's 41-40. It's like we got knocked off track, and it was really hard for us to get back on track."
A win over Iowa State in the Big 12 opener was followed by losses of 41-6 to Missouri, 45-14 to Oklahoma State, 36-14 to Texas A&M, 28-25 to Texas and, worst of all, a 76-39 defeat at Kansas.
Also on Callahan's tab was the 70-10 loss at Texas Tech in 2004, the most one-sided defeat in the program's 118-year history.
Callahan came in with much bluster, saying he would "flip the culture." That meant dumping the triple-option offense employed by Osborne and Solich and installing the West Coast offense.
His 2004 team went 5-6, ending an NCAA-record 35-year bowl streak. The streak was a point of pride to Husker fans, and many were infuriated when Callahan downplayed the significance.
"It's one game today, it's one season," he said then. "I never look back."
That comment came two weeks after Callahan insulted Oklahoma fans after a 30-3 Nebraska loss by using an expletive while calling them hillbillies. In 2005, the Big 12 reprimanded Callahan for making a throat-slashing gesture at an official during a game against Oklahoma. Callahan denied wrongdoing.
The '05 team won three straight to finish 8-4 after losing four out of five, beating Michigan in the Alamo Bowl. That set the stage for last year, when the Huskers went 9-5 and swept all six games against the Big 12 North.
Then came this season's horrible downturn. The Huskers lost three home games for the first time since 1968 and allowed 40 points or more in six games for the first time.
"There were five (losses) at least that were three touchdowns or more," Osborne said. "So it's not just how many you win and how many you lose, but kind of how you do it."
November 24, 2007
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Bill Callahan was fired as Nebraska's coach Saturday, his four-year stay marked by the most embarrassing losses at a football program once among the mightiest in the nation.
Interim athletic director and Nebraska great Tom Osborne announced the dismissal one day after the Cornhuskers ended the season at 5-7 following a 65-51 loss at Colorado. They squandered an 11-point halftime lead by allowing 34 consecutive points.
"As a former coach this is a role I really don't like," Osborne said at a news conference. "I hate to sit in judgment of other people. I never envisioned being in a situation where I would have to make a decision on somebody's employment opportunity, but that's the nature of this business."
Osborne met with Callahan for five minutes Saturday, and Callahan left the football complex without speaking to reporters. After Friday's game, he said he enjoyed his time at Nebraska. "I have no regrets," he said.
Osborne said he told Callahan at the end of October there would be a coaching change if Nebraska finished with a losing record. LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini and Buffalo coach Turner Gill are the names mentioned most often to fill one of college football's glamour jobs.
Nebraska's dismal season followed one in which it reached the Big 12 championship game. This year also featured a 76-39 defeat at Kansas, the most points allowed by a Nebraska team.
Osborne's decision came one month and a day after Callahan said, "I have done an excellent job in every area." Osborne apparently thought otherwise after only the second losing season at Nebraska since 1962, both coming on Callahan's watch.
It will cost the university more than $3.1 million to buy out Callahan's contract, which was to run through the 2011 season. The contract was signed in September before a series of the most lopsided losses in decades and the firing of athletic director Steve Pederson, who hired Callahan.
Osborne said he had not yet spoken with any coaching candidates.
"The next few days I'll try to talk to four or five people," he said. "I would like to move it along as fast as I can because recruiting is really critical at this time."
Pelini was Nebraska's defensive coordinator in 2003 and was popular among fans, who chanted "We want Bo" after he led the Huskers to an Alamo Bowl win over Michigan State as interim head coach following the firing of Frank Solich.
Gill, a longtime assistant under Osborne and Solich, was the Huskers' quarterback in the early 1980s and a Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1983.
Callahan came nowhere near meeting the high standards for Nebraska football established by Osborne, who won 255 games and three national championships in 25 seasons before retiring after the 1997 season.
When the Huskers were 4-4, Osborne said, he told Callahan that if the team finished 8-4, there would be no coaching change and that if he won three of the last four games "we can maybe make it work."
"If it's two out of four, it's going to be pretty tough because now you're break even, and we haven't had many break-even seasons around here," Osborne said he told Callahan. "And if we have a losing season, there isn't any way this will work. The parameters were pretty clearly spelled out."
The Huskers struggled as their defense posted some of the nation's worst statistics and their offense fell flat in the biggest games, leading to a five-game losing streak.
Callahan's four-year record was 27-22, with three of those wins coming against opponents in the division formerly known as I-AA. He was 15-18 against the Big 12, 0-7 against top 10 opponents and 3-10 against the Top 25. He was 0-17 in games in which the Huskers trailed at halftime.
Callahan was widely acclaimed for his recruiting, and each of his classes was ranked high by analysts. But many of those players never delivered, and Callahan's ability to develop talent was questioned.
The Huskers won their first two games this season, but a 49-31 home loss to Southern California proved ominous, as did an embarrassingly close 41-40 home win over Ball State in which the Huskers were clearly outplayed.
"The USC game took a lot out of people," safety Ben Eisenhart said. "People put a lot into that game, everybody was excited to play and it didn't come out like we thought it would. Then we come out against Ball State the following week and it's 41-40. It's like we got knocked off track, and it was really hard for us to get back on track."
A win over Iowa State in the Big 12 opener was followed by losses of 41-6 to Missouri, 45-14 to Oklahoma State, 36-14 to Texas A&M, 28-25 to Texas and, worst of all, a 76-39 defeat at Kansas.
Also on Callahan's tab was the 70-10 loss at Texas Tech in 2004, the most one-sided defeat in the program's 118-year history.
Callahan came in with much bluster, saying he would "flip the culture." That meant dumping the triple-option offense employed by Osborne and Solich and installing the West Coast offense.
His 2004 team went 5-6, ending an NCAA-record 35-year bowl streak. The streak was a point of pride to Husker fans, and many were infuriated when Callahan downplayed the significance.
"It's one game today, it's one season," he said then. "I never look back."
That comment came two weeks after Callahan insulted Oklahoma fans after a 30-3 Nebraska loss by using an expletive while calling them hillbillies. In 2005, the Big 12 reprimanded Callahan for making a throat-slashing gesture at an official during a game against Oklahoma. Callahan denied wrongdoing.
The '05 team won three straight to finish 8-4 after losing four out of five, beating Michigan in the Alamo Bowl. That set the stage for last year, when the Huskers went 9-5 and swept all six games against the Big 12 North.
Then came this season's horrible downturn. The Huskers lost three home games for the first time since 1968 and allowed 40 points or more in six games for the first time.
"There were five (losses) at least that were three touchdowns or more," Osborne said. "So it's not just how many you win and how many you lose, but kind of how you do it."
Friday, November 23, 2007
Arkansas 50, (1) LSU 48, 3OT- Tigers Title Hopes Over
By BRETT MARTEL, AP Sports Writer
November 23, 2007
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) -- LSU let its second chance slip away.
Twice the Tigers were No. 1 and in control of their national championship hopes.
Twice the team with a flair for the dramatic couldn't pull out a triple-overtime victory against a Heisman Trophy contender.
Darren McFadden rushed for 206 yards and three touchdowns, and even threw for another score to lift Arkansas to a 50-48 victory Friday, likely eliminating another team from the national title chase.
"Certainly, he had a Heisman performance today," LSU coach Les Miles lamented. "Right now, there's a goal of our football team taken off the board and it's sad. ... Tonight, we'll be sick."
LSU may very well play a bowl game in New Orleans, but the one they were hoping to play -- the BCS championship game on Jan. 7 -- now looks out of reach.
That had to devastate most of the 92,606 fans who filled Tiger Stadium with earsplitting roars throughout this classic, then quietly filed out while the Razorbacks stormed the field in triumph after snapping the nation's longest home-winning streak at 19 games.
The Tigers (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference) had already clinched the SEC West Division and will move on to the conference title game in Atlanta on Dec. 1, but will do so feeling a little hollow.
Winning the SEC title will put LSU in the Sugar Bowl. No team with two losses has ever played in the national title game. A few more upsets could put LSU back in the debate, but it could've been so easy for the Tigers. All they had to do was win two.
"It's a sick feeling, losing another tough game that we played our hearts out," tight end Richard Dickson said. "We can think about it for a while but we have to come out next week and win an SEC title."
McFadden's rushing touchdowns went for 16 yards in the second quarter, 73 yards in the third period and 9 yards in the second OT. His TD pass was a flawlessly executed 24-yarder over the middle to Peyton Hillis after McFadden froze the defense with a play-action fake.
Heisman voters will have to think twice about leaving McFadden off of the top of their ballot.
"However you want to put it," McFadden said, "numbers speak for themselves."
Hillis scored four TDs, the last in the third overtime. Felix Jones ran for the critical 2-point conversion to make it 50-42 for the Razorbacks (8-4, 4-4).
LSU responded when Matt Flynn found Brandon LaFell for a 9-yard TD, but Matterral Richardson intercepted the 2-point conversion attempt, and Arkansas' bench emptied onto the field in triumph, having ended the nation's longest home winning streak at 19 games.
"Hey, we were the best team in the country today," boasted Houston Nutt, who is rumored to be on his way out as the Razorbacks' coach. "To come down here in Baton Rouge and win is huge."
McFadden, last year's Heisman Trophy runner-up, has 1,725 yards rushing this season, breaking the school's single-season record he set last year.
No doubt there are West Virginia and Ohio State fans who'd vote McFadden for Heisman if they could.
By knocking off LSU, which was in first place in the BCS standings, Arkansas boosted the national championship hopes of the Mountaineers and Buckeyes.
McFadden often took direct snaps in the "Wild Hog" formation, in which he was a triple threat to run, hand off or throw.
While he looked quite comfortable in the quarterback role, he was most dangerous running the ball, as usual. All of his rushing TDs came on direct snaps.
"We had been watching film of LSU and saw they had weaknesses against running quarterbacks," McFadden explained. "So it was something we planned on doing all week."
Miles said he thought he had a good plan for the "Wild Hog," with two defenders shadowing McFadden. LSU linebacker Ali Highsmith did his best, making 15 tackles.
"There's a point where I thought we were going to defend that thing pretty well," Miles said. "There were two pretty good LSU tacklers ready to tackle that guy and he didn't go down. It definitely affected us."
Maybe McFadden was running a little angrier than usual after hearing Miles purposely mispronounce Arkansas as ar-KANSAS this week.
"They weren't saying it right so we wanted to let them know how to say it," McFadden said.
Hillis ran for 89 yards and Jones had 85 as Arkansas finished with a 385 yards on the ground against one of the best run defenses in the country.
Now that the Tigers have fallen as No. 1 a second time, the winner of Saturday night's game between No. 2 Kansas and No. 3 Missouri will likely take over the top spot in the rankings and the BCS standings. No. 4 West Virginia, which was third in the BCS standings, has a chance to sneak up to at least No. 2 in each with a win over Connecticut.
As for Ohio State, the Buckeyes are done and waiting it out. They were fifth in the last BCS standings.
Whichever team reaches No. 1, it'll be the fourth top-ranked team in this season of instability. The last season with four No. 1s was 1997.
Flynn finished with 209 yards passing and three touchdowns, two of them to Demetrius Byrd, who also was the intended receiver on the failed 2-point try that ended the game. Flynn ran for a 12-yard score in the first overtime, when LSU could have emerged victorious with a stop on fourth-and-10.
But Casey Dick found Hillis open for a 12-yard gain to keep the Razorbacks alive, then later found Hillis again for a 9-yard tying TD.
Jacob Hester rushed for 126 yards and two TDs for LSU, which had to rally from a one-touchdown deficits three times in the second half, and convert two fourth-down plays on its last drive in regulation, just to force overtime.
LSU had made a habit of pulling off dramatic second-half comebacks in victories over Florida, Auburn and at Alabama. Their only other loss also came in triple OT at Kentucky, with quarterback Andre Woodson putting on a Heisman-worthy performance.
This time, Arkansas and the embattled Nutt walked away holding the "Golden Boot," a trophy shaped like the states of Arkansas and Louisiana.
"This league's the toughest league in America and that's why it's hard for a lot of people to understand that every Saturday, anybody can beat anybody in this league," Nutt said.
Or on Fridays.
Nutt, who will have his team in a bowl game, may not be back with the Hogs next season after growing unrest in Fayetteville, Ark. Arkansas officials have yet to confirm that, however, and firing Nutt may be a less popular move now.
Miles job is not in jeopardy, but there's been talk he could be moving after this season, too. Miles, who played at Michigan and was an assistant coach there, is widely considered a top candidate to replace Lloyd Carr as the Wolverines' head man.
Before Miles decides that, LSU still has a couple games to play -- just probably not the one the Tigers were hoping to play.
November 23, 2007
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) -- LSU let its second chance slip away.
Twice the Tigers were No. 1 and in control of their national championship hopes.
Twice the team with a flair for the dramatic couldn't pull out a triple-overtime victory against a Heisman Trophy contender.
Darren McFadden rushed for 206 yards and three touchdowns, and even threw for another score to lift Arkansas to a 50-48 victory Friday, likely eliminating another team from the national title chase.
"Certainly, he had a Heisman performance today," LSU coach Les Miles lamented. "Right now, there's a goal of our football team taken off the board and it's sad. ... Tonight, we'll be sick."
LSU may very well play a bowl game in New Orleans, but the one they were hoping to play -- the BCS championship game on Jan. 7 -- now looks out of reach.
That had to devastate most of the 92,606 fans who filled Tiger Stadium with earsplitting roars throughout this classic, then quietly filed out while the Razorbacks stormed the field in triumph after snapping the nation's longest home-winning streak at 19 games.
The Tigers (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference) had already clinched the SEC West Division and will move on to the conference title game in Atlanta on Dec. 1, but will do so feeling a little hollow.
Winning the SEC title will put LSU in the Sugar Bowl. No team with two losses has ever played in the national title game. A few more upsets could put LSU back in the debate, but it could've been so easy for the Tigers. All they had to do was win two.
"It's a sick feeling, losing another tough game that we played our hearts out," tight end Richard Dickson said. "We can think about it for a while but we have to come out next week and win an SEC title."
McFadden's rushing touchdowns went for 16 yards in the second quarter, 73 yards in the third period and 9 yards in the second OT. His TD pass was a flawlessly executed 24-yarder over the middle to Peyton Hillis after McFadden froze the defense with a play-action fake.
Heisman voters will have to think twice about leaving McFadden off of the top of their ballot.
"However you want to put it," McFadden said, "numbers speak for themselves."
Hillis scored four TDs, the last in the third overtime. Felix Jones ran for the critical 2-point conversion to make it 50-42 for the Razorbacks (8-4, 4-4).
LSU responded when Matt Flynn found Brandon LaFell for a 9-yard TD, but Matterral Richardson intercepted the 2-point conversion attempt, and Arkansas' bench emptied onto the field in triumph, having ended the nation's longest home winning streak at 19 games.
"Hey, we were the best team in the country today," boasted Houston Nutt, who is rumored to be on his way out as the Razorbacks' coach. "To come down here in Baton Rouge and win is huge."
McFadden, last year's Heisman Trophy runner-up, has 1,725 yards rushing this season, breaking the school's single-season record he set last year.
No doubt there are West Virginia and Ohio State fans who'd vote McFadden for Heisman if they could.
By knocking off LSU, which was in first place in the BCS standings, Arkansas boosted the national championship hopes of the Mountaineers and Buckeyes.
McFadden often took direct snaps in the "Wild Hog" formation, in which he was a triple threat to run, hand off or throw.
While he looked quite comfortable in the quarterback role, he was most dangerous running the ball, as usual. All of his rushing TDs came on direct snaps.
"We had been watching film of LSU and saw they had weaknesses against running quarterbacks," McFadden explained. "So it was something we planned on doing all week."
Miles said he thought he had a good plan for the "Wild Hog," with two defenders shadowing McFadden. LSU linebacker Ali Highsmith did his best, making 15 tackles.
"There's a point where I thought we were going to defend that thing pretty well," Miles said. "There were two pretty good LSU tacklers ready to tackle that guy and he didn't go down. It definitely affected us."
Maybe McFadden was running a little angrier than usual after hearing Miles purposely mispronounce Arkansas as ar-KANSAS this week.
"They weren't saying it right so we wanted to let them know how to say it," McFadden said.
Hillis ran for 89 yards and Jones had 85 as Arkansas finished with a 385 yards on the ground against one of the best run defenses in the country.
Now that the Tigers have fallen as No. 1 a second time, the winner of Saturday night's game between No. 2 Kansas and No. 3 Missouri will likely take over the top spot in the rankings and the BCS standings. No. 4 West Virginia, which was third in the BCS standings, has a chance to sneak up to at least No. 2 in each with a win over Connecticut.
As for Ohio State, the Buckeyes are done and waiting it out. They were fifth in the last BCS standings.
Whichever team reaches No. 1, it'll be the fourth top-ranked team in this season of instability. The last season with four No. 1s was 1997.
Flynn finished with 209 yards passing and three touchdowns, two of them to Demetrius Byrd, who also was the intended receiver on the failed 2-point try that ended the game. Flynn ran for a 12-yard score in the first overtime, when LSU could have emerged victorious with a stop on fourth-and-10.
But Casey Dick found Hillis open for a 12-yard gain to keep the Razorbacks alive, then later found Hillis again for a 9-yard tying TD.
Jacob Hester rushed for 126 yards and two TDs for LSU, which had to rally from a one-touchdown deficits three times in the second half, and convert two fourth-down plays on its last drive in regulation, just to force overtime.
LSU had made a habit of pulling off dramatic second-half comebacks in victories over Florida, Auburn and at Alabama. Their only other loss also came in triple OT at Kentucky, with quarterback Andre Woodson putting on a Heisman-worthy performance.
This time, Arkansas and the embattled Nutt walked away holding the "Golden Boot," a trophy shaped like the states of Arkansas and Louisiana.
"This league's the toughest league in America and that's why it's hard for a lot of people to understand that every Saturday, anybody can beat anybody in this league," Nutt said.
Or on Fridays.
Nutt, who will have his team in a bowl game, may not be back with the Hogs next season after growing unrest in Fayetteville, Ark. Arkansas officials have yet to confirm that, however, and firing Nutt may be a less popular move now.
Miles job is not in jeopardy, but there's been talk he could be moving after this season, too. Miles, who played at Michigan and was an assistant coach there, is widely considered a top candidate to replace Lloyd Carr as the Wolverines' head man.
Before Miles decides that, LSU still has a couple games to play -- just probably not the one the Tigers were hoping to play.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
USC Beats Arizona 44-24; Tied For First In Pac-10
Wow. Arizona State was poised for the Rose Bowl, but USC presented a massive doorstop. USC won 44-24 , marching back from being almost left for dead before the Cal game.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
MOVERS & SHAKERS
A Look Around The Conferences At Some Of The Stars Of Tomorrow
ACC WATCH
Georgia Tech running back Tashard Choice picked up 142 yards on 33 carries in helping the Yellow Jackets edge North Carolina 27-25. It was his seventh 100-yard rushing game of the season, as the senior is averaging 117.6 rushing yards per game. Teammate Greg Smith flashed his big-play talent hauling in two touchdowns and 155 yards. The 6’3” sophomore is certainly one to watch in the future as premature talk has him labeled as the next Calvin Johnson.
BIG 10 WATCH
Ann Arbor native Devin Thomas continues his outstanding season for Michigan State, helping rally the Spartans from a 24-7 deficit against Penn State. Thomas scored two of his three touchdowns in the second half and added 139 receiving yards as Michigan State prevailed 35-31. On the season, the junior transfer from Coffeyville Community College has 1,226 receiving yards.
BIG 12 WATCH: “CFI Player Of The Week”
Freshman phenom Jeremy Maclin gets mentioned for the second time in as many weeks with an overall performance for the ages. The Missouri playmaker set the tone early with his 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Maclin then put the game all but out of reach midway through the third quarter with a 44-yard touchdown catch that put Missouri up 35-18. That gave him 2,201 all-purpose yards for the season, 175 more than Terrell Willis of Rutgers had in 1993. "It feels good -- that's what all that preparation goes toward," said Maclin, who finished with nine catches for 143 yards. "When you do all that stuff, you can go out there and win a game, set you up for big-time games like next week against Kansas."
BIG EAST WATCH
Pittsburgh middle linebacker Scott McKillop registered 16 tackles, two fumble recoveries, an interception and 1 ½ sacks in a losing effort verses Rutgers. His combination of size, speed and smarts has enabled the redshirt junior to lead the Big East in tackles, as he has done a tremendous job replacing All-American linebacker H.B. Blades (Redskins). "It's been said that I was his shadow for the past couple years," McKillop explains. "When [Pitt coach Dave] Wannstedt came in [Blades] moved from outside linebacker to the middle linebacker, and I did the same exact thing. I kind of knew that Coach Wannstedt wanted me to be behind him, and hopefully whenever he was gone, to pick up where he left off."
PAC 10 WATCH
For the second time in three weeks, Washington running back Louis Rankin rallied the Huskies to a victory with another 200-plus rushing performance. On Saturday, Rankin ran wild for 224 yards on 21 carries guiding Washington to a 37-23 win over California. Two weeks ago, the senior rushed 36 times for 255 yards against Stanford. Rankin sat out the final 1 ½ quarters because of a hip pointer that he called minor. His backup, freshman Brandon Johnson, ran for 121 yards on 23 carries.
SEC WATCH
The Big upset this week came in Tuscaloosa, as Louisiana-Monroe running back Calvin Dawson introduced himself to the Crimson Tide defense, carrying the Warhawks to a 21-14 victory. While it wasn’t his greatest statistical performance, Dawson wore down the Alabama defense, gaining 91 yards on 33 carries, eating precious time off the clock. It was the WarHawks first victory over an SEC team since beating Mississippi State in 1995 and their third in 33 tries. The Sun Belt had been 0-11 against the SEC this season.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Carr calls it a career at Michigan
Congratulations to one of the premier college football coaches of the last decade. A tremendous coaching career.
Ann Arbor, MI (Sports Network) - University of Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr announced his retirement Monday.
Carr apparently informed the team of his decision on Sunday night and made it official at a news conference on Monday morning. He will stay on through Michigan's bowl game.
"On this week of Thanksgiving, no one has more to be thankful for than me," stated Carr, who will remain with the Michigan athletic department as an associate athletic director.
The Wolverines closed out the regular season with a 14-3 loss to arch-rival Ohio State on Saturday at Michigan Stadium. It marked Michigan's fourth straight loss to the Buckeyes, who claimed the Big Ten title with the victory.
Michigan could have captured the conference crown with a win Saturday, but mustered just 91 yards of total offense in its second straight loss to wrap up an 8-4 season.
There had been speculation that Saturday's game would be the last for Carr, who said he really didn't know when he finally made the decision to retire but added that he felt this would be his last year.
"I read I'm tired and all that," Carr joked. "I'm not tired. I may look tired. I still have a great passion for the game, for the players and the competition. I also know there are some things that I don't have anymore. It's time. That's all I can say."
The Wolverines had a roller-coaster final year under Carr, who came under fire after home losses to Appalachian State and Oregon to start the campaign. They followed with eight straight wins before losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State to close the season.
Carr has guided Michigan to a record of 121-40 with five Big Ten titles and the 1997 national championship in his 13 seasons. He did, however, drop to 6-7 all-time against Ohio State, including 1-6 against Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel. Carr has guided the school to a bowl game in each of his seasons as head coach at Michigan.
Carr is the Big Ten's active leader in conference wins, compiling an 81-23 conference mark. He has led the Wolverines to six 10-win seasons and trails only Fielding Yost (165) and Bo Schembechler (194) in career victories at the school.
"We're all going to be measured by Bo," Carr remarked. "Things have changed [in college football]. It's changed dramatically. Yet the expectations here are never going to change. That's what makes this a great job and a difficult job."
Incredibly, Carr has been a member of the Wolverine football staff for 28 years. Prior to being elevated to head coach, Carr was an assistant for 15 years under Schembechler (1980-89) and Gary Moeller (1990-94). Carr joined Schembechler's staff in 1980 as the defensive secondary coach, was the defensive coordinator for eight seasons, and then moved into the position of assistant head coach for the final five years before becoming head coach in 1995.
"For the last 28 years, I've spent my life at the greatest of places -- the University of Michigan," Carr remarked.
The university will begin a search for Carr's replacement, but many believe LSU's Les Miles will be among the top choices. Miles played at Michigan under Schembechler and served two stints as an assistant coach for the Wolverines -- in 1980-81 and again from 1987-94.
Ann Arbor, MI (Sports Network) - University of Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr announced his retirement Monday.
Carr apparently informed the team of his decision on Sunday night and made it official at a news conference on Monday morning. He will stay on through Michigan's bowl game.
"On this week of Thanksgiving, no one has more to be thankful for than me," stated Carr, who will remain with the Michigan athletic department as an associate athletic director.
The Wolverines closed out the regular season with a 14-3 loss to arch-rival Ohio State on Saturday at Michigan Stadium. It marked Michigan's fourth straight loss to the Buckeyes, who claimed the Big Ten title with the victory.
Michigan could have captured the conference crown with a win Saturday, but mustered just 91 yards of total offense in its second straight loss to wrap up an 8-4 season.
There had been speculation that Saturday's game would be the last for Carr, who said he really didn't know when he finally made the decision to retire but added that he felt this would be his last year.
"I read I'm tired and all that," Carr joked. "I'm not tired. I may look tired. I still have a great passion for the game, for the players and the competition. I also know there are some things that I don't have anymore. It's time. That's all I can say."
The Wolverines had a roller-coaster final year under Carr, who came under fire after home losses to Appalachian State and Oregon to start the campaign. They followed with eight straight wins before losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State to close the season.
Carr has guided Michigan to a record of 121-40 with five Big Ten titles and the 1997 national championship in his 13 seasons. He did, however, drop to 6-7 all-time against Ohio State, including 1-6 against Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel. Carr has guided the school to a bowl game in each of his seasons as head coach at Michigan.
Carr is the Big Ten's active leader in conference wins, compiling an 81-23 conference mark. He has led the Wolverines to six 10-win seasons and trails only Fielding Yost (165) and Bo Schembechler (194) in career victories at the school.
"We're all going to be measured by Bo," Carr remarked. "Things have changed [in college football]. It's changed dramatically. Yet the expectations here are never going to change. That's what makes this a great job and a difficult job."
Incredibly, Carr has been a member of the Wolverine football staff for 28 years. Prior to being elevated to head coach, Carr was an assistant for 15 years under Schembechler (1980-89) and Gary Moeller (1990-94). Carr joined Schembechler's staff in 1980 as the defensive secondary coach, was the defensive coordinator for eight seasons, and then moved into the position of assistant head coach for the final five years before becoming head coach in 1995.
"For the last 28 years, I've spent my life at the greatest of places -- the University of Michigan," Carr remarked.
The university will begin a search for Carr's replacement, but many believe LSU's Les Miles will be among the top choices. Miles played at Michigan under Schembechler and served two stints as an assistant coach for the Wolverines -- in 1980-81 and again from 1987-94.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
2008 NFL MOCK DRAFT
Rick Serritella
*Underclassmen Not Eligible
1. Miami – Jake Long (OT), Michigan
2. St. Louis – Glenn Dorsey (DT), LSU
3. New York Jets – Chris Long (DE), Virginia
4. New England (from San Francisco) – Mike Jenkins (CB), South Florida
5. Oakland – Sedrick Ellis, (DT), USC
6. Cincinnati – Quentin Groves (DE), Auburn
7. Atlanta – Brian Brohm (QB), Louisville
8. Minnesota – Gosder Cherilus (OT), Boston College
9. Arizona – Dan Conner (LB), Penn State
10. New Orleans – Keith Rivers (LB), USC
11. Baltimore – Antoine Cason (CB), Arizona
12. Kansas City – Sam Baker (OT), USC
13. Houston – DeJuan Tribble (CB), Boston College
14. Carolina – Frank Okam (DT), Texas
15. Denver – Shawn Crable (LB), Michigan
16. Chicago – Barry Richardson (OT), Clemson
17. Philadelphia – Early Doucet (WR), LSU
18. Seattle – Terrell Thomas (CB), USC
19. Dallas (from Cleveland) – Adarius Bowman (WR), Oklahoma State
20. Tampa Bay – Lawrence Jackson (DE), LSU
21. Buffalo – Philip Wheeler (LB), Georgia Tech
22. San Diego – Mike Hart (RB), Michigan
23. Washington – Xavier Adibi (LB), Virginia Tech
24. Tennessee – Simeon Castille (S), Alabama
25. New York Giants – Steve Justice (C), Wake Forest
26. Jacksonville – Ali Highsmith (LB), LSU
27. Detroit – Fred Davis (TE), USC
28. Pittsburgh – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis) – D.J. Hall (WR), Alabama
30. Green Bay – Matt Ryan (QB), Boston College
31. Dallas – Chris Ellis (DE), Virginia Tech
32. New England – Pick Forfeited
*Underclassmen Not Eligible
1. Miami – Jake Long (OT), Michigan
2. St. Louis – Glenn Dorsey (DT), LSU
3. New York Jets – Chris Long (DE), Virginia
4. New England (from San Francisco) – Mike Jenkins (CB), South Florida
5. Oakland – Sedrick Ellis, (DT), USC
6. Cincinnati – Quentin Groves (DE), Auburn
7. Atlanta – Brian Brohm (QB), Louisville
8. Minnesota – Gosder Cherilus (OT), Boston College
9. Arizona – Dan Conner (LB), Penn State
10. New Orleans – Keith Rivers (LB), USC
11. Baltimore – Antoine Cason (CB), Arizona
12. Kansas City – Sam Baker (OT), USC
13. Houston – DeJuan Tribble (CB), Boston College
14. Carolina – Frank Okam (DT), Texas
15. Denver – Shawn Crable (LB), Michigan
16. Chicago – Barry Richardson (OT), Clemson
17. Philadelphia – Early Doucet (WR), LSU
18. Seattle – Terrell Thomas (CB), USC
19. Dallas (from Cleveland) – Adarius Bowman (WR), Oklahoma State
20. Tampa Bay – Lawrence Jackson (DE), LSU
21. Buffalo – Philip Wheeler (LB), Georgia Tech
22. San Diego – Mike Hart (RB), Michigan
23. Washington – Xavier Adibi (LB), Virginia Tech
24. Tennessee – Simeon Castille (S), Alabama
25. New York Giants – Steve Justice (C), Wake Forest
26. Jacksonville – Ali Highsmith (LB), LSU
27. Detroit – Fred Davis (TE), USC
28. Pittsburgh – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis) – D.J. Hall (WR), Alabama
30. Green Bay – Matt Ryan (QB), Boston College
31. Dallas – Chris Ellis (DE), Virginia Tech
32. New England – Pick Forfeited
Saturday, November 17, 2007
FROM THE PRESS BOX
COLT BRENNAN LEAVES GAME
Brennan was knocked out of Saturday's victory against Fresno State with a concussion and his status for next week's game against Nevada is uncertain.
CORRECTION: 321
ESPN is reporting after further review, McFadden only tied the SEC single game rushing record. McFadden actually rushed for 321 yards and not 323 - as a three yard carry was incorrectly credited to McFadden and he was shortchanged a yard on one of his carries.
KEENAN BURTON SET TO RETURN
Brennan was knocked out of Saturday's victory against Fresno State with a concussion and his status for next week's game against Nevada is uncertain.
SAM KELLER OUT FOR YEAR
Keller will miss the rest of the 2007 season with a shoulder injury.
Brennan was knocked out of Saturday's victory against Fresno State with a concussion and his status for next week's game against Nevada is uncertain.
CORRECTION: 321
ESPN is reporting after further review, McFadden only tied the SEC single game rushing record. McFadden actually rushed for 321 yards and not 323 - as a three yard carry was incorrectly credited to McFadden and he was shortchanged a yard on one of his carries.
KEENAN BURTON SET TO RETURN
Brennan was knocked out of Saturday's victory against Fresno State with a concussion and his status for next week's game against Nevada is uncertain.
SAM KELLER OUT FOR YEAR
Keller will miss the rest of the 2007 season with a shoulder injury.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Arizona 34, (2) Oregon 24- National title hopes terminated for Ducks
By ANDREW BAGNATO, AP College Football Writer
November 16, 2007
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Oregon's national title dream has ended.
Quarterback Dennis Dixon's Heisman Trophy campaign also took a heavy blow.
The curse of No. 2 claimed another victim when the second-ranked Ducks lost Dixon to a knee injury and never recovered in a 34-24 upset by Arizona on Thursday night.
"The national championship thing was fine while it lasted," Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. "The reality is we're still always trying to get the conference championship and the very best bowl game (the Rose Bowl)."
Oregon (8-2, 5-2 Pac-10) became the fifth No. 2 team to lose since Oct. 6, following USC, California, South Florida and Boston College. The Ducks' defeat could open the door for third-ranked Oklahoma in The Associated Press Top 25 poll, and for No. 3 Kansas in the Bowl Championship Series standings.
Dixon, Oregon's gifted starting quarterback, hurt his left knee on an option play in the first quarter. Dixon crumpled to the turf without being touched and took Oregon's national championship hopes with him.
Dixon sprained the same knee on Nov. 3 against Arizona State. Dixon wore a brace but said he felt good in warm-ups, and he flashed his usual explosiveness in a 39-yard touchdown run on the game's opening series.
"Coming into this game, I felt totally confident," he said. "My foot got caught in the ground. That's just the way football is."
Bellotti said he didn't know if Dixon, a senior, might be lost for the season. He didn't seem confident Dixon would return for Oregon's next game at UCLA on Nov. 24.
"It's obviously not a happy deal," Bellotti said.
Dixon said he would undergo tests on Friday, and he hadn't considered that his college career might be over.
"If that's the case, it's going to be hard to swallow that," said Dixon, who was consoled on the bench by his father, Dennis Dixon Sr. "You've got to play your heart out, because you never know when you're going to get that last play."
Antoine Cason returned a punt 56 yards for a touchdown and an interception 42 yards for another score as the Wildcats shook up the national title race on a cool night in the desert. Red-clad students poured out of the grandstand as the Wildcats (5-6, 4-4) ambushed a ranked team in Arizona Stadium for the fourth straight season under coach Mike Stoops -- all in November.
"November has been good to us," Stoops said. "It is nice to show what kind of team we have at Arizona."
Stoops' future appeared to be in jeopardy only a month go. It isn't now.
"I am so proud of all of the coaches and players," he said. "Everyone played great tonight, but we definitely had to earn it."
Brady Leaf, who replaced Dixon, completed 22 of 46 passes for 163 yards and threw two interceptions.
"I'm a little disappointed in the way I played," said Leaf, who stayed in the game despite spraining his ankle early in the second half.
Dixon finished 5-for-8 for 62 yards, and threw an interception. He carried twice for 34 yards.
Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama completed 21 of 39 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns, and was intercepted once. Mike Thomas caught two touchdown passes for the Wildcats.
Oregon's Jonathan Stewart carried 28 times for 131 yards.
Early on, Oregon appeared to be on cruise control with Dixon running its potent offense, which came in averaging 42.8 points, fifth in the nation.
On fourth-and-3 at the Arizona 39, Dixon froze the defense with a fake to Stewart, burst through a hole in the right side and ran untouched to the end zone. Ed Dickson ran for the 2-point conversion to put the Ducks ahead 8-0.
Arizona cut the lead to 8-7 on a 34-yard pass from Tuitama to Thomas.
Then came the play that altered the national title race.
"When your Heisman candidate goes down, and a guy that's a captain and a leader, that was hard," Bellotti said.
With older brother Ryan Leaf watching, Leaf replaced Dixon and completed his first pass. But Cason intercepted Leaf's third throw and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown to put the Wildcats ahead 17-11 early in the second quarter.
That started an Arizona avalanche.
Tuitama hit Thomas for a 46-yard score and Cason's 56-yard punt return put the Wildcats ahead 31-11 with 5:30 to play in the first half. The Ducks appeared to be in a daze.
"I can't say we were out of sorts but it would certainly seem that way," Bellotti said.
Trailing 31-14 early in the third quarter, Oregon had a 13-yard touchdown run by Stewart nullified on a holding penalty against receiver Garren Strong. The Ducks settled for a 34-yard field goal by Matt Evensen.
Oregon pulled within seven on Andre Crenshaw's 2-yard touchdown run with 7:53 to go in the game. But Arizona answered with an 11-play drive that ended in Jason Bondzio's 46-yard field goal with 3:20 to go.
"I thought we did a good job in the second half of coming back after Dennis got hurt, but Arizona just played better than we did," Stewart said.
Oregon is the highest-ranked visitor to lose at Arizona since the Wildcats knocked off No. 1 Washington on Nov. 7, 1992.
November 16, 2007
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Oregon's national title dream has ended.
Quarterback Dennis Dixon's Heisman Trophy campaign also took a heavy blow.
The curse of No. 2 claimed another victim when the second-ranked Ducks lost Dixon to a knee injury and never recovered in a 34-24 upset by Arizona on Thursday night.
"The national championship thing was fine while it lasted," Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. "The reality is we're still always trying to get the conference championship and the very best bowl game (the Rose Bowl)."
Oregon (8-2, 5-2 Pac-10) became the fifth No. 2 team to lose since Oct. 6, following USC, California, South Florida and Boston College. The Ducks' defeat could open the door for third-ranked Oklahoma in The Associated Press Top 25 poll, and for No. 3 Kansas in the Bowl Championship Series standings.
Dixon, Oregon's gifted starting quarterback, hurt his left knee on an option play in the first quarter. Dixon crumpled to the turf without being touched and took Oregon's national championship hopes with him.
Dixon sprained the same knee on Nov. 3 against Arizona State. Dixon wore a brace but said he felt good in warm-ups, and he flashed his usual explosiveness in a 39-yard touchdown run on the game's opening series.
"Coming into this game, I felt totally confident," he said. "My foot got caught in the ground. That's just the way football is."
Bellotti said he didn't know if Dixon, a senior, might be lost for the season. He didn't seem confident Dixon would return for Oregon's next game at UCLA on Nov. 24.
"It's obviously not a happy deal," Bellotti said.
Dixon said he would undergo tests on Friday, and he hadn't considered that his college career might be over.
"If that's the case, it's going to be hard to swallow that," said Dixon, who was consoled on the bench by his father, Dennis Dixon Sr. "You've got to play your heart out, because you never know when you're going to get that last play."
Antoine Cason returned a punt 56 yards for a touchdown and an interception 42 yards for another score as the Wildcats shook up the national title race on a cool night in the desert. Red-clad students poured out of the grandstand as the Wildcats (5-6, 4-4) ambushed a ranked team in Arizona Stadium for the fourth straight season under coach Mike Stoops -- all in November.
"November has been good to us," Stoops said. "It is nice to show what kind of team we have at Arizona."
Stoops' future appeared to be in jeopardy only a month go. It isn't now.
"I am so proud of all of the coaches and players," he said. "Everyone played great tonight, but we definitely had to earn it."
Brady Leaf, who replaced Dixon, completed 22 of 46 passes for 163 yards and threw two interceptions.
"I'm a little disappointed in the way I played," said Leaf, who stayed in the game despite spraining his ankle early in the second half.
Dixon finished 5-for-8 for 62 yards, and threw an interception. He carried twice for 34 yards.
Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama completed 21 of 39 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns, and was intercepted once. Mike Thomas caught two touchdown passes for the Wildcats.
Oregon's Jonathan Stewart carried 28 times for 131 yards.
Early on, Oregon appeared to be on cruise control with Dixon running its potent offense, which came in averaging 42.8 points, fifth in the nation.
On fourth-and-3 at the Arizona 39, Dixon froze the defense with a fake to Stewart, burst through a hole in the right side and ran untouched to the end zone. Ed Dickson ran for the 2-point conversion to put the Ducks ahead 8-0.
Arizona cut the lead to 8-7 on a 34-yard pass from Tuitama to Thomas.
Then came the play that altered the national title race.
"When your Heisman candidate goes down, and a guy that's a captain and a leader, that was hard," Bellotti said.
With older brother Ryan Leaf watching, Leaf replaced Dixon and completed his first pass. But Cason intercepted Leaf's third throw and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown to put the Wildcats ahead 17-11 early in the second quarter.
That started an Arizona avalanche.
Tuitama hit Thomas for a 46-yard score and Cason's 56-yard punt return put the Wildcats ahead 31-11 with 5:30 to play in the first half. The Ducks appeared to be in a daze.
"I can't say we were out of sorts but it would certainly seem that way," Bellotti said.
Trailing 31-14 early in the third quarter, Oregon had a 13-yard touchdown run by Stewart nullified on a holding penalty against receiver Garren Strong. The Ducks settled for a 34-yard field goal by Matt Evensen.
Oregon pulled within seven on Andre Crenshaw's 2-yard touchdown run with 7:53 to go in the game. But Arizona answered with an 11-play drive that ended in Jason Bondzio's 46-yard field goal with 3:20 to go.
"I thought we did a good job in the second half of coming back after Dennis got hurt, but Arizona just played better than we did," Stewart said.
Oregon is the highest-ranked visitor to lose at Arizona since the Wildcats knocked off No. 1 Washington on Nov. 7, 1992.
Monday, November 12, 2007
No. 1 Ohio State Loses To The Fighting Illini - National Title Hopes Gone
Illinois 28, (1) Ohio State 21
The Fighting Illini Upset No. 1 Ohio State
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- In this season of upsets, top-ranked Ohio State was the latest to fall.
Juice Williams provided the big plays on the ground and through the air, spurring Illinois to a stunning 28-21 victory on Saturday night and throwing open the national title race for a bunch of teams that needed the Buckeyes to lose.
Firsts And Lasts
Illinois' 28-21 victory over No. 1 Ohio State was big for the following reasons:
• Ends Ohio State's Big Ten-record 20-game winning streak.
• Ends Ohio State's school-record 28-game regular season win streak.
• Illinois' first win vs. a No. 1 team since 1956.
• Illinois' first-ever win vs. a
No. 1 team on road.
• Illinois is first team to rush for over 200 yards vs. Ohio State since 2001.
"I know 'shock the world' is overused," Illini linebacker J Leman said. "It is pretty shocking to most people, but not to the guys in the locker room."
It was the first time Illinois (8-3, 5-2 Big Ten) had beaten a No. 1 since 1956, and the first time it had done it away from home. The defeat also ended a record streak of 20 Big Ten wins in a row by Ohio State (10-1, 6-1).
"This is a game I'll remember for the rest of my life," Ohio State offensive tackle Kirk Barton said. "This is disappointing."
Williams, criticized at times because of his errant passing, tossed four touchdown passes. On the Illini's last drive, Williams used his legs to keep the ball away from the Buckeyes, running for three first downs and burning up the final 8:09.
Williams finished 12-of-22 passing for 140 yards and carried 16 times for 70 yards.
The Buckeyes, who were in first-place in the BCS standings and two victories away from a second consecutive trip to the national title game, became the second No. 1 to lose this season. Only Kansas and Hawaii remained unbeaten in major college football, but both played later Saturday night.
All those who doubted the Buckeyes because of what they called a weak schedule must feel vindicated.
Who will be No. 1 now? Maybe, LSU -- again. The Tigers lost as the top-ranked team to Kentucky earlier in the season. Count Oregon, Oklahoma, Missouri and even West Virginia among the others happy to see the Buckeyes get beat. All now have a better chance at reaching the national title game, thanks to coach Ron Zook's Illini.
The Illini rushed for 260 yards against an Ohio State defense that came in allowing just 65 yards on the ground per game. Rashard Mendenhall set an Illinois season record while rushing for 88 yards on 26 carries.
The defeat crippled Ohio State's dreams of a national championship and knocked the Buckeyes into a tie for the top spot in the Big Ten because of Michigan's earlier loss to Wisconsin.
Not since Nov. 14, 1959, had Michigan and Ohio State both lost the week before their annual year-end grudge match, which once again this season will decide the champion.
"We don't have time to put our heads down," Buckeyes linebacker James Laurinaitis said.
Marcus Thomas' interception gave Illinois the ball with 8:09 left at its own 24. And Ohio State would never get it back.
The Illini lined up to punt on a fourth-and-inches at their own 34 with 6:53 left, but Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel called timeout and Zook reconsidered after being prodded by his quarterback.
How The Mighty Fall
An unranked team has beaten a top-5 team nine times this season. Since the AP poll began in 1936, there had never been more than eight wins by unranked teams over top-5 teams in a year when at least 20 teams were ranked. The only time there were more than eight such upsets was 1967 -- one of seven seasons in which only 10 teams were ranked in the AP poll.
Date Top-5 team Lost to
Nov. 10 No. 1
Ohio St. Illinois
Nov. 3 No. 2 BC FSU
Oct. 18 No. 2 USF Rutgers
Oct. 13 No. 2 Cal Oregon St.
Oct. 6 No. 2 USC Stanford
Oct. 6 No. 5 Wisconsin Illinois
Sept. 29 No. 3 Oklahoma Colorado
Sept. 29 No. 4 Florida Auburn
Sept. 1 No. 5 Michigan Appalachian St.
"I will get it," Zook said the sophomore quarterback told him. "You better get it," the coach said he told Williams.
Williams sneaked for the first down and twice more he converted third-and-long on quarterback draws.
Tressel said of the timeout, "I'd like to have that one back."
After the game, while Illinois players flooded the field to celebrate at midfield. The two teams got into a small skirmish with some shoving and a couple of punches thrown before order was restored.
Ohio State's Todd Boeckman had his worst game in his first year as a starter. He completed 13 of 23 passes for 156 yards with three interceptions. Thomas had one pick and forced another in the Illinois end zone in the third quarter by tipping it to teammate Antonio Steele.
The Illini built the lead to 28-14 with a drive that was manufactured around the running of Mendenhall and Williams. Mendenhall ran for 17 yards in the march, with Williams going for 16 and also hitting Brian Gamble on a 15-yard gainer.
Williams, who has been replaced late in games, finished it off with a 31-yard scoring pass to wide-open Marcus Wilkins at the goal line.
The Buckeyes came right back to cut the lead to 28-21 with a 76-yard drive of their own, with Boeckman -- never known as a runner -- picking up 35 yards on the first snap. The Buckeyes scored on Chris Wells' 18-yard run to the right corner of the end zone.
After forcing an Illini punt, the Buckeyes were moving the ball again when Boeckman's deep pass into double coverage was intercepted by Thomas, who leaped high to reach the ball ahead of Brian Robiskie.
Two of the best linebackers in the country were on display and both had good games. Leman had 12 stops, including two for negative yardage and Laurinaitis had 12 tackles.
Wells ran for 76 yards on 20 carries and scored on runs of 11 and 17 yards to lead the Buckeyes. Boeckman was harassed all day and was sacked twice.
The Buckeyes had won their last 28 regular-season games and hadn't lost at all since getting routed 41-14 by Florida in the BCS title game. Zook played a big part in building those Gators, before he was fired by Florida in 2004.
The Zooker got the Buckeyes again.
A year ago the Illini were 2-10, but they showed signs of improvement for the first time in years in a 17-10 loss to No. 1 Ohio State. The year before the Buckeyes beat Illinois 40-2.
Now the Buckeyes must travel to Michigan for a game they knew would decide the Big Ten title and hoped would be for a spot in the national title game.
Those hopes are pretty much gone.
The Fighting Illini Upset No. 1 Ohio State
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- In this season of upsets, top-ranked Ohio State was the latest to fall.
Juice Williams provided the big plays on the ground and through the air, spurring Illinois to a stunning 28-21 victory on Saturday night and throwing open the national title race for a bunch of teams that needed the Buckeyes to lose.
Firsts And Lasts
Illinois' 28-21 victory over No. 1 Ohio State was big for the following reasons:
• Ends Ohio State's Big Ten-record 20-game winning streak.
• Ends Ohio State's school-record 28-game regular season win streak.
• Illinois' first win vs. a No. 1 team since 1956.
• Illinois' first-ever win vs. a
No. 1 team on road.
• Illinois is first team to rush for over 200 yards vs. Ohio State since 2001.
"I know 'shock the world' is overused," Illini linebacker J Leman said. "It is pretty shocking to most people, but not to the guys in the locker room."
It was the first time Illinois (8-3, 5-2 Big Ten) had beaten a No. 1 since 1956, and the first time it had done it away from home. The defeat also ended a record streak of 20 Big Ten wins in a row by Ohio State (10-1, 6-1).
"This is a game I'll remember for the rest of my life," Ohio State offensive tackle Kirk Barton said. "This is disappointing."
Williams, criticized at times because of his errant passing, tossed four touchdown passes. On the Illini's last drive, Williams used his legs to keep the ball away from the Buckeyes, running for three first downs and burning up the final 8:09.
Williams finished 12-of-22 passing for 140 yards and carried 16 times for 70 yards.
The Buckeyes, who were in first-place in the BCS standings and two victories away from a second consecutive trip to the national title game, became the second No. 1 to lose this season. Only Kansas and Hawaii remained unbeaten in major college football, but both played later Saturday night.
All those who doubted the Buckeyes because of what they called a weak schedule must feel vindicated.
Who will be No. 1 now? Maybe, LSU -- again. The Tigers lost as the top-ranked team to Kentucky earlier in the season. Count Oregon, Oklahoma, Missouri and even West Virginia among the others happy to see the Buckeyes get beat. All now have a better chance at reaching the national title game, thanks to coach Ron Zook's Illini.
The Illini rushed for 260 yards against an Ohio State defense that came in allowing just 65 yards on the ground per game. Rashard Mendenhall set an Illinois season record while rushing for 88 yards on 26 carries.
The defeat crippled Ohio State's dreams of a national championship and knocked the Buckeyes into a tie for the top spot in the Big Ten because of Michigan's earlier loss to Wisconsin.
Not since Nov. 14, 1959, had Michigan and Ohio State both lost the week before their annual year-end grudge match, which once again this season will decide the champion.
"We don't have time to put our heads down," Buckeyes linebacker James Laurinaitis said.
Marcus Thomas' interception gave Illinois the ball with 8:09 left at its own 24. And Ohio State would never get it back.
The Illini lined up to punt on a fourth-and-inches at their own 34 with 6:53 left, but Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel called timeout and Zook reconsidered after being prodded by his quarterback.
How The Mighty Fall
An unranked team has beaten a top-5 team nine times this season. Since the AP poll began in 1936, there had never been more than eight wins by unranked teams over top-5 teams in a year when at least 20 teams were ranked. The only time there were more than eight such upsets was 1967 -- one of seven seasons in which only 10 teams were ranked in the AP poll.
Date Top-5 team Lost to
Nov. 10 No. 1
Ohio St. Illinois
Nov. 3 No. 2 BC FSU
Oct. 18 No. 2 USF Rutgers
Oct. 13 No. 2 Cal Oregon St.
Oct. 6 No. 2 USC Stanford
Oct. 6 No. 5 Wisconsin Illinois
Sept. 29 No. 3 Oklahoma Colorado
Sept. 29 No. 4 Florida Auburn
Sept. 1 No. 5 Michigan Appalachian St.
"I will get it," Zook said the sophomore quarterback told him. "You better get it," the coach said he told Williams.
Williams sneaked for the first down and twice more he converted third-and-long on quarterback draws.
Tressel said of the timeout, "I'd like to have that one back."
After the game, while Illinois players flooded the field to celebrate at midfield. The two teams got into a small skirmish with some shoving and a couple of punches thrown before order was restored.
Ohio State's Todd Boeckman had his worst game in his first year as a starter. He completed 13 of 23 passes for 156 yards with three interceptions. Thomas had one pick and forced another in the Illinois end zone in the third quarter by tipping it to teammate Antonio Steele.
The Illini built the lead to 28-14 with a drive that was manufactured around the running of Mendenhall and Williams. Mendenhall ran for 17 yards in the march, with Williams going for 16 and also hitting Brian Gamble on a 15-yard gainer.
Williams, who has been replaced late in games, finished it off with a 31-yard scoring pass to wide-open Marcus Wilkins at the goal line.
The Buckeyes came right back to cut the lead to 28-21 with a 76-yard drive of their own, with Boeckman -- never known as a runner -- picking up 35 yards on the first snap. The Buckeyes scored on Chris Wells' 18-yard run to the right corner of the end zone.
After forcing an Illini punt, the Buckeyes were moving the ball again when Boeckman's deep pass into double coverage was intercepted by Thomas, who leaped high to reach the ball ahead of Brian Robiskie.
Two of the best linebackers in the country were on display and both had good games. Leman had 12 stops, including two for negative yardage and Laurinaitis had 12 tackles.
Wells ran for 76 yards on 20 carries and scored on runs of 11 and 17 yards to lead the Buckeyes. Boeckman was harassed all day and was sacked twice.
The Buckeyes had won their last 28 regular-season games and hadn't lost at all since getting routed 41-14 by Florida in the BCS title game. Zook played a big part in building those Gators, before he was fired by Florida in 2004.
The Zooker got the Buckeyes again.
A year ago the Illini were 2-10, but they showed signs of improvement for the first time in years in a 17-10 loss to No. 1 Ohio State. The year before the Buckeyes beat Illinois 40-2.
Now the Buckeyes must travel to Michigan for a game they knew would decide the Big Ten title and hoped would be for a spot in the national title game.
Those hopes are pretty much gone.
LSU jumps up to No. 1; Ohio State drops to 7th after loss to Illinois - ESPN
And Cal drops out of the rankings after losing to USC
LSU jumps up to No. 1; Ohio State drops to 7th after loss to Illinois
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- LSU is getting a second chance at No. 1.
The Tigers took advantage of Ohio State's loss and regained the top ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday. Oregon is not far behind at No. 2.
As for unbeaten Kansas, the Jayhawks are No. 4, behind Big 12 rival Oklahoma. Ohio State fell to No. 7 after its first loss of the season, a 28-21 setback against Illinois on Saturday. The Illini moved back in the rankings at No. 20.
LSU started the season ranked No. 2 behind Southern California and rose to No. 1 on Sept. 30. It was the first time since 1959 the Tigers held the top spot in the AP media poll, but they weren't there very long.
Two weeks later, LSU lost in triple overtime at Kentucky and dropped to No. 5. A month later, the Tigers are back on top, having received 40 of a possible 65 first-place votes and 1,590 points. After a string of close games and thrilling finishes, LSU had an easy time Saturday night, beating Louisiana Tech 58-10 at Tiger Stadium.
LSU is the first team to lose the No. 1 ranking and regain it in the same season since Miami in 2002. Those Hurricanes were preseason No. 1, lost the top-ranking for a week to Oklahoma, and got it right back. Miami ended up losing the national championship at the Fiesta Bowl to Ohio State.
Oregon received 22 first-place votes and 1,574 points this week. The Ducks were last No. 2 at the end of the 2001 season.
Oklahoma, Kansas and No. 5 West Virginia also received first-place votes.
The Jayhawks moved to 10-0 with a 43-28 victory at Oklahoma State on Saturday night.
No. 6 Missouri gives the Big 12 three teams in the top six. Ohio State was followed by Georgia at No. 8, Arizona State and Virginia Tech.
No. 11 Southern California started the second 10, followed by Texas and unbeaten Hawaii. The Warriors and Jayhawks are the only unbeaten teams left in major college football.
Florida is No. 14, with Clemson, Virginia, Boise State, Boston College, Tennessee and Illinois rounding out the top 20.
Cincinnati and Wisconsin also returned to the rankings this week. The Bearcats were No. 21 after beating Connecticut 27-3. The Badgers, coming off a 37-21 victory against Michigan, were No. 24.
No. 22 is Kentucky, Michigan is No. 23 and UConn is ranked 25th.
Michigan and Ohio State will still play for the Big Ten title and a likely spot in the Rose Bowl on Saturday, but the Buckeyes' hopes for playing in a second consecutive national title games were dashed with the loss at home to Illinois. It's the first time since 1959 the Wolverines and Buckeyes lost the week before they played.
Falling out of the rankings this week were Alabama, which lost its second straight game, and Auburn and California, which both lost for the fourth time this season.
LSU jumps up to No. 1; Ohio State drops to 7th after loss to Illinois
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- LSU is getting a second chance at No. 1.
The Tigers took advantage of Ohio State's loss and regained the top ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday. Oregon is not far behind at No. 2.
As for unbeaten Kansas, the Jayhawks are No. 4, behind Big 12 rival Oklahoma. Ohio State fell to No. 7 after its first loss of the season, a 28-21 setback against Illinois on Saturday. The Illini moved back in the rankings at No. 20.
LSU started the season ranked No. 2 behind Southern California and rose to No. 1 on Sept. 30. It was the first time since 1959 the Tigers held the top spot in the AP media poll, but they weren't there very long.
Two weeks later, LSU lost in triple overtime at Kentucky and dropped to No. 5. A month later, the Tigers are back on top, having received 40 of a possible 65 first-place votes and 1,590 points. After a string of close games and thrilling finishes, LSU had an easy time Saturday night, beating Louisiana Tech 58-10 at Tiger Stadium.
LSU is the first team to lose the No. 1 ranking and regain it in the same season since Miami in 2002. Those Hurricanes were preseason No. 1, lost the top-ranking for a week to Oklahoma, and got it right back. Miami ended up losing the national championship at the Fiesta Bowl to Ohio State.
Oregon received 22 first-place votes and 1,574 points this week. The Ducks were last No. 2 at the end of the 2001 season.
Oklahoma, Kansas and No. 5 West Virginia also received first-place votes.
The Jayhawks moved to 10-0 with a 43-28 victory at Oklahoma State on Saturday night.
No. 6 Missouri gives the Big 12 three teams in the top six. Ohio State was followed by Georgia at No. 8, Arizona State and Virginia Tech.
No. 11 Southern California started the second 10, followed by Texas and unbeaten Hawaii. The Warriors and Jayhawks are the only unbeaten teams left in major college football.
Florida is No. 14, with Clemson, Virginia, Boise State, Boston College, Tennessee and Illinois rounding out the top 20.
Cincinnati and Wisconsin also returned to the rankings this week. The Bearcats were No. 21 after beating Connecticut 27-3. The Badgers, coming off a 37-21 victory against Michigan, were No. 24.
No. 22 is Kentucky, Michigan is No. 23 and UConn is ranked 25th.
Michigan and Ohio State will still play for the Big Ten title and a likely spot in the Rose Bowl on Saturday, but the Buckeyes' hopes for playing in a second consecutive national title games were dashed with the loss at home to Illinois. It's the first time since 1959 the Wolverines and Buckeyes lost the week before they played.
Falling out of the rankings this week were Alabama, which lost its second straight game, and Auburn and California, which both lost for the fourth time this season.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
LSU is No. 1 again in AP Top 25, edging Oregon; Kansas No. 4
It's imperative that the Kansas Jayhawks are rewarded for their stellar play and not discounted for their porous schedule
By RALPH D. RUSSO, AP College Football Writer
November 11, 2007
NEW YORK (AP) -- LSU is getting a second chance at No. 1.
The Tigers took advantage of Ohio State's loss and regained the top ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday. Oregon is not far behind at No. 2.
As for unbeaten Kansas, the Jayhawks are No. 4, behind Big 12 rival Oklahoma. Ohio State fell to No. 7 after its first loss of the season, a 28-21 setback against Illinois on Saturday. The Illini moved back in the rankings at No. 20.
LSU started the season ranked No. 2 behind Southern California and rose to No. 1 on Sept. 30. It was the first time since 1959 the Tigers held the top spot in the AP media poll, but they weren't there very long.
Two weeks later, LSU lost in triple overtime at Kentucky and dropped to No. 5. A month later, the Tigers are back on top, having received 40 of a possible 65 first-place votes and 1,590 points. After a string of close games and thrilling finishes, LSU had an easy time Saturday night, beating Louisiana Tech 58-10 at Tiger Stadium.
LSU is the first team to lose the No. 1 ranking and regain it in the same season since Miami in 2002. Those Hurricanes were preseason No. 1, lost the top-ranking for a week to Oklahoma, and got it right back. Miami ended up losing the national championship at the Fiesta Bowl to Ohio State.
Oregon received 22 first-place votes and 1,574 points this week. The Ducks were last No. 2 at the end of the 2001 season.
Oklahoma, Kansas and No. 5 West Virginia also received first-place votes.
The Jayhawks moved to 10-0 with a 43-28 victory at Oklahoma State on Saturday night.
No. 6 Missouri gives the Big 12 three teams in the top six. Ohio State was followed by Georgia at No. 8, Arizona State and Virginia Tech.
No. 11 Southern California started the second 10, followed by Texas and unbeaten Hawaii. The Warriors and Jayhawks are the only unbeaten teams left in major college football.
Florida is No. 14, with Clemson, Virginia, Boise State, Boston College, Tennessee and Illinois rounding out the top 20.
Cincinnati and Wisconsin also returned to the rankings this week. The Bearcats were No. 21 after beating Connecticut 27-3. The Badgers, coming off a 37-21 victory against Michigan, were No. 24.
No. 22 is Kentucky, Michigan is No. 23 and UConn is ranked 25th.
Michigan and Ohio State will still play for the Big Ten title and a likely spot in the Rose Bowl on Saturday, but the Buckeyes' hopes for playing in a second consecutive national title games were dashed with the loss at home to Illinois. It's the first time since 1959 the Wolverines and Buckeyes lost the week before they played.
Falling out of the rankings this week were Alabama, which lost its second straight game, and Auburn and California, which both lost for the fourth time this season.
By RALPH D. RUSSO, AP College Football Writer
November 11, 2007
NEW YORK (AP) -- LSU is getting a second chance at No. 1.
The Tigers took advantage of Ohio State's loss and regained the top ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday. Oregon is not far behind at No. 2.
As for unbeaten Kansas, the Jayhawks are No. 4, behind Big 12 rival Oklahoma. Ohio State fell to No. 7 after its first loss of the season, a 28-21 setback against Illinois on Saturday. The Illini moved back in the rankings at No. 20.
LSU started the season ranked No. 2 behind Southern California and rose to No. 1 on Sept. 30. It was the first time since 1959 the Tigers held the top spot in the AP media poll, but they weren't there very long.
Two weeks later, LSU lost in triple overtime at Kentucky and dropped to No. 5. A month later, the Tigers are back on top, having received 40 of a possible 65 first-place votes and 1,590 points. After a string of close games and thrilling finishes, LSU had an easy time Saturday night, beating Louisiana Tech 58-10 at Tiger Stadium.
LSU is the first team to lose the No. 1 ranking and regain it in the same season since Miami in 2002. Those Hurricanes were preseason No. 1, lost the top-ranking for a week to Oklahoma, and got it right back. Miami ended up losing the national championship at the Fiesta Bowl to Ohio State.
Oregon received 22 first-place votes and 1,574 points this week. The Ducks were last No. 2 at the end of the 2001 season.
Oklahoma, Kansas and No. 5 West Virginia also received first-place votes.
The Jayhawks moved to 10-0 with a 43-28 victory at Oklahoma State on Saturday night.
No. 6 Missouri gives the Big 12 three teams in the top six. Ohio State was followed by Georgia at No. 8, Arizona State and Virginia Tech.
No. 11 Southern California started the second 10, followed by Texas and unbeaten Hawaii. The Warriors and Jayhawks are the only unbeaten teams left in major college football.
Florida is No. 14, with Clemson, Virginia, Boise State, Boston College, Tennessee and Illinois rounding out the top 20.
Cincinnati and Wisconsin also returned to the rankings this week. The Bearcats were No. 21 after beating Connecticut 27-3. The Badgers, coming off a 37-21 victory against Michigan, were No. 24.
No. 22 is Kentucky, Michigan is No. 23 and UConn is ranked 25th.
Michigan and Ohio State will still play for the Big Ten title and a likely spot in the Rose Bowl on Saturday, but the Buckeyes' hopes for playing in a second consecutive national title games were dashed with the loss at home to Illinois. It's the first time since 1959 the Wolverines and Buckeyes lost the week before they played.
Falling out of the rankings this week were Alabama, which lost its second straight game, and Auburn and California, which both lost for the fourth time this season.
Illinois 28, (1) Ohio St. 21
By RUSTY MILLER, AP Sports Writer
November 11, 2007
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Top-ranked Ohio State's national title hopes teetered on a timeout, the ball inches from a first down for Illinois.
Illini coach Ron Zook changed his mind, decided to go for it on fourth down and that was the beginning of the end for the Buckeyes' hopes of redeeming themselves in this season's national championship game.
Juice Williams provided the big plays on the ground and through the air, spurring the Illini to a stunning 28-21 victory on Saturday night and throwing open the national title race for a bunch of teams that needed the Buckeyes to lose.
"I know 'shock the world' is overused," Illini linebacker J Leman said. "It is pretty shocking to most people, but not to the guys in the locker room."
Marcus Thomas' interception gave Illinois the ball with 8:09 left at its own 24. And Ohio State would never get it back.
The Illini lined up to punt on a fourth-and-inches at their own 34 with 6:53 left while grasping a 28-21 lead, but Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel called timeout and Zook reconsidered after being prodded by his quarterback.
"I said, 'Coach, you don't think we can get a half an inch?"' Williams said amid the uproar of the postgame celebration. "He looked at me and got on the headset to (offensive coordinator Mike) Locksley. He (Zook) said, 'If you don't get it, I'll hurt you."
Zook remembered it differently.
"Juice said, 'I'll get you an inch,"' Zook said. "I said, 'You'd better."'
Williams sneaked for the first down and twice more he converted third-and-long on quarterback draws to burn the clock.
Tressel said of the timeout, "I'd like to have that one back."
It was the first time Illinois (8-3, 5-2 Big Ten) had beaten a No. 1 since 1956, and the first time it had done it away from home. The defeat also ended a conference and school streak of 20 Big Ten wins in a row by Ohio State (10-1, 6-1).
"It's (my) last time in the Horseshoe and it's the last game I'll remember for the rest of my life," Ohio State offensive tackle Kirk Barton said.
Williams, criticized at times because of his errant passing, tossed four touchdown passes. He finished 12-of-22 passing for 140 yards and carried 16 times for 70 yards.
The Buckeyes, who were in first-place in the BCS standings and two victories away from a second consecutive trip to the national title game, became the second No. 1 to lose this season. All those who doubted the Buckeyes because of what they called a weak schedule must feel vindicated. Now only Kansas is unbeaten among teams in the six conferences with automatic BCS bids.
Who will be No. 1 now? Maybe, LSU -- again. The Tigers lost as the top-ranked team to Kentucky earlier in the season. Count Oregon, Oklahoma, Missouri and even West Virginia among the others happy to see the Buckeyes get beat. All now have a better chance at reaching the national title game, thanks to the Illini.
The Illini rushed for 260 yards against an Ohio State defense that came in allowing just 65 yards on the ground per game. Rashard Mendenhall set an Illinois season record (1,402 yards) while rushing for 88 yards on 26 carries.
The defeat not only crippled Ohio State's dreams of a national championship, it knocked the Buckeyes into a tie for the top spot in the Big Ten because of Michigan's earlier loss to Wisconsin.
Not since Nov. 14, 1959, had Michigan and Ohio State both lost the week before their annual year-end grudge match, which once again will decide the Big Ten.
"We don't have time to put our heads down," Buckeyes linebacker James Laurinaitis said.
After the game, Illinois players flooded the field to celebrate at midfield. The two teams got into a small skirmish with some shoving and a couple of punches thrown before order was restored.
Ohio State's Todd Boeckman had his worst game in his first year as a starter. He completed 13 of 23 passes for 156 yards with three interceptions. Thomas had one pick and forced another in the Illinois end zone in the third quarter by tipping it to teammate Antonio Steele.
The Illini opened a 28-14 lead with a drive built on the running of Mendenhall and Williams. Mendenhall had 17 yards in the march, with Williams going for 16 and also hitting Brian Gamble on a 15-yard gainer. Williams, who has been replaced late in games, finished it off with a 31-yard scoring pass to a wide-open Marcus Wilkins at the goal line.
The Buckeyes came right back to cut the lead to 28-21 with a 76-yard drive of their own, with Boeckman -- never known as a runner -- picking up 35 yards on the first snap. The Buckeyes scored on Chris Wells' 18-yard run to the right corner of the end zone.
After forcing an Illini punt, the Buckeyes were moving the ball again when Boeckman's deep pass into double coverage was intercepted by Thomas, who leaped high to reach the ball ahead of Brian Robiskie.
"I knew right away I underthrew the ball," said Boeckman, harassed all day and sacked twice.
Wells ran for 76 yards on 20 carries and scored on runs of 11 and 17 yards.
The Buckeyes had won their last 28 regular-season games and hadn't lost at all since getting routed 41-14 by Florida in the BCS title game. Zook played a big part in building those Gators, before he was fired by Florida in 2004.
The Zooker got the Buckeyes again.
A year ago the Illini were 2-10, but they showed signs of improvement for the first time in years in a 17-10 loss to No. 1 Ohio State. The year before the Buckeyes beat Illinois 40-2.
"We said two years ago when we were here," Zook said, "it would be a different story when we came back."
Was it ever.
November 11, 2007
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Top-ranked Ohio State's national title hopes teetered on a timeout, the ball inches from a first down for Illinois.
Illini coach Ron Zook changed his mind, decided to go for it on fourth down and that was the beginning of the end for the Buckeyes' hopes of redeeming themselves in this season's national championship game.
Juice Williams provided the big plays on the ground and through the air, spurring the Illini to a stunning 28-21 victory on Saturday night and throwing open the national title race for a bunch of teams that needed the Buckeyes to lose.
"I know 'shock the world' is overused," Illini linebacker J Leman said. "It is pretty shocking to most people, but not to the guys in the locker room."
Marcus Thomas' interception gave Illinois the ball with 8:09 left at its own 24. And Ohio State would never get it back.
The Illini lined up to punt on a fourth-and-inches at their own 34 with 6:53 left while grasping a 28-21 lead, but Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel called timeout and Zook reconsidered after being prodded by his quarterback.
"I said, 'Coach, you don't think we can get a half an inch?"' Williams said amid the uproar of the postgame celebration. "He looked at me and got on the headset to (offensive coordinator Mike) Locksley. He (Zook) said, 'If you don't get it, I'll hurt you."
Zook remembered it differently.
"Juice said, 'I'll get you an inch,"' Zook said. "I said, 'You'd better."'
Williams sneaked for the first down and twice more he converted third-and-long on quarterback draws to burn the clock.
Tressel said of the timeout, "I'd like to have that one back."
It was the first time Illinois (8-3, 5-2 Big Ten) had beaten a No. 1 since 1956, and the first time it had done it away from home. The defeat also ended a conference and school streak of 20 Big Ten wins in a row by Ohio State (10-1, 6-1).
"It's (my) last time in the Horseshoe and it's the last game I'll remember for the rest of my life," Ohio State offensive tackle Kirk Barton said.
Williams, criticized at times because of his errant passing, tossed four touchdown passes. He finished 12-of-22 passing for 140 yards and carried 16 times for 70 yards.
The Buckeyes, who were in first-place in the BCS standings and two victories away from a second consecutive trip to the national title game, became the second No. 1 to lose this season. All those who doubted the Buckeyes because of what they called a weak schedule must feel vindicated. Now only Kansas is unbeaten among teams in the six conferences with automatic BCS bids.
Who will be No. 1 now? Maybe, LSU -- again. The Tigers lost as the top-ranked team to Kentucky earlier in the season. Count Oregon, Oklahoma, Missouri and even West Virginia among the others happy to see the Buckeyes get beat. All now have a better chance at reaching the national title game, thanks to the Illini.
The Illini rushed for 260 yards against an Ohio State defense that came in allowing just 65 yards on the ground per game. Rashard Mendenhall set an Illinois season record (1,402 yards) while rushing for 88 yards on 26 carries.
The defeat not only crippled Ohio State's dreams of a national championship, it knocked the Buckeyes into a tie for the top spot in the Big Ten because of Michigan's earlier loss to Wisconsin.
Not since Nov. 14, 1959, had Michigan and Ohio State both lost the week before their annual year-end grudge match, which once again will decide the Big Ten.
"We don't have time to put our heads down," Buckeyes linebacker James Laurinaitis said.
After the game, Illinois players flooded the field to celebrate at midfield. The two teams got into a small skirmish with some shoving and a couple of punches thrown before order was restored.
Ohio State's Todd Boeckman had his worst game in his first year as a starter. He completed 13 of 23 passes for 156 yards with three interceptions. Thomas had one pick and forced another in the Illinois end zone in the third quarter by tipping it to teammate Antonio Steele.
The Illini opened a 28-14 lead with a drive built on the running of Mendenhall and Williams. Mendenhall had 17 yards in the march, with Williams going for 16 and also hitting Brian Gamble on a 15-yard gainer. Williams, who has been replaced late in games, finished it off with a 31-yard scoring pass to a wide-open Marcus Wilkins at the goal line.
The Buckeyes came right back to cut the lead to 28-21 with a 76-yard drive of their own, with Boeckman -- never known as a runner -- picking up 35 yards on the first snap. The Buckeyes scored on Chris Wells' 18-yard run to the right corner of the end zone.
After forcing an Illini punt, the Buckeyes were moving the ball again when Boeckman's deep pass into double coverage was intercepted by Thomas, who leaped high to reach the ball ahead of Brian Robiskie.
"I knew right away I underthrew the ball," said Boeckman, harassed all day and sacked twice.
Wells ran for 76 yards on 20 carries and scored on runs of 11 and 17 yards.
The Buckeyes had won their last 28 regular-season games and hadn't lost at all since getting routed 41-14 by Florida in the BCS title game. Zook played a big part in building those Gators, before he was fired by Florida in 2004.
The Zooker got the Buckeyes again.
A year ago the Illini were 2-10, but they showed signs of improvement for the first time in years in a 17-10 loss to No. 1 Ohio State. The year before the Buckeyes beat Illinois 40-2.
"We said two years ago when we were here," Zook said, "it would be a different story when we came back."
Was it ever.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Army Clobbering Notre Dame 31 to 17 - Fans Pissed With Charlie Weis
First Navy then Air Force beats Notre Dame. As I write this, it's 31 to 17, Air Force going into the 4th quarter, Notre Dame's lost two starting offensive linemen and shows no sign of coming back to win this game, even with the 4th down touchdown pass to make it 31 - 17. Air Force is dominating The Irish, and it's not at all funny.
It's a development that's got ND fans beyond pissed off with Head Coach Charlie Weis and some feeling that ND's being spritually punished for the way it treated Tyrone Willingham four years ago. On top of that, the video above communicates the disdain that others have for Notre Dame as all the chickens come home to roost on a terrible football program, at least on the field, and that's where it counts.
Take a look at the ESPN Conversation:
PreviewBox ScorePlay-by-PlayDrive ChartGamecastPhotosConversation
1 2 3 4 T
AFA (7-3) 10 7 7 24
ND (1-8) 0 10 0 10
3rd Qtr 12:49
4th and 2 at AFA 33
NBC
2:43 PM ET, November 10, 2007
Notre Dame Stadium,
South Bend, IN
Air Force Falcons at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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Comments (11-60)
3nOutJesus (Just now)
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There's is plenty of Pride. Maybe thats the problem. We needed to have stuck with Ty for 5 years and done what is right morally. Now we're just a joke.
furiousfalcon (Less than a minute ago)
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Where you at Austin10andFan?
Hartshwk (Less than a minute ago)
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how do you get the first down when your out of bounds foot comes down inside the marker?
101galaxy (2 minutes ago)
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Not an ounce of pride at Notre Dame...how the hell can a school which lands some of the top classes in the nation lose to a school like Navy or Air Force....unbelievabl e
3nOutJesus (8 minutes ago)
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This is getting out of control.
Losing to 2 service academies? Pathetic!
I feel bad for the current players and don't feel any anger towards those who left (D Jones) after Weis hosed them.
3nOutJesus (9 minutes ago)
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Navy is getting their butts kicked by NORTH TEXAS!!!
NORTH TEXAS weis, you fat freaking moron. And they lost to Delaware. My flag football team could beat Delaware! Unless of course weis was coaching us...
robalex (15 minutes ago)
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Actually, ND still has a chance against the Merchant Marines.
101galaxy (18 minutes ago)
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Geez is there another service academy to beat up on Nortre Dame? Does the Coast Guard have a team yet?
furiousfalcon (21 minutes ago)
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These refs are doing their best to screw Air Force over
3nOutJesus (27 minutes ago)
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The ND players are good, that tub of lard sucks!
Although I have to concede the coach is part of the team so maybe this is the worst team ever...
VINCEGRANDE3331 (27 minutes ago)
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We have to start to ask the question. Is this the worst Notre Dame team ever.
3nOutJesus (28 minutes ago)
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Even with the crappy officiating that usually goes in favor of Notre Dame, they still suck. I hate Weis and the morons that hired him.
This is getting pathetic. The chickens are coming home to roost. Should have given Willingham his 5 years or now fire Weis that fat weasel. This can't be blamed on recruiting anymore. Ty's worst class was ranked 30th and he also had a top 5 class. If Navy got that, they would cream their pants. Besides Michigan, USC and Penn State none of the teams on our schedule can consistently get a top 30 recruiting class.
This Fat Fool has gotten to work with 2 top 10 classes of his own plus a relatively decent (not great but not 1-8) crew that Ty left him and he is 1-8 on the verge of 1-9? And this is the guy they gave a 10 year contract? Are you serious?
Just plain disgusting...
Jesus has left our building folks!
LOBO449 (36 minutes ago)
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Air Force is not that good. ND is that bad!
OhioStateBrooklyn (39 minutes ago)
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I HOPE FOR THE SAKE OF UPHOLDING A HISTORIC MIDWESTERN FOOTBALL TRADITION THAT THE IRISH CAN BOUNCE BACK AND WE FOOTBALL RICH SCHOOLS LIKE OHIO STATE, MICHIGAN, NOTRE DAME AND PENN STATE CAN RECLAIM THE TOP STANDING AS THE POWERHOUSES AGAIN! I AM SICK OF THESE SEC, PAC 10 TEAMS LITTERED WITH RECRUITING VIOLATIONS AND THUGS MAJORING IN "FUTURE PRO FOOTBALL PLAYER" THINKING THEY ARE THE GREATEST IN THE GAME.
hoguear01591 (42 minutes ago)
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Air Force is finally good. Looks were going bowling!!!!!!!!!
kismetproductions (45 minutes ago)
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http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=p0Y7yjxJ Vlc
kismetproductions (50 minutes ago)
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Chalk up another LOSS for Notre SHAME!!!!!!!!!
middie79 (53 minutes ago)
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This Game really sucks but I love watching the collapse of the great golden weis
Nuch001 (1 hour ago)
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I have a lot of respcet for ND, but they have not been playing good at all this year.
Air Force will win.
greggfitz (1 hour ago)
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I am a big ND fan....this is killing me! I don't know if ND is going to beat Duke. Are the players this bad or is the coaching staff overwhelmed?
Werbals (2 hours ago)
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Gee, thanks NBC! An epic showdown between the Irish and Air Force on national TV! The first thing I said when I woke up this morning was "I sure hope I get to watch some lousy football between unranked teams today!"
Honestly, the sweetest thing about the Irish's massive collapse is having their TV deal blow up in NBC's face. This is karma for the network for forcing this worthless program on us for so many years.
number1nolefan123 (2 hours ago)
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This so sad to watch.
Hartshwk (2 hours ago)
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Uh-Oh
EAGLEBUZZ5150 (3 hours ago)
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I think Air Force will cover the 3.5 Air Force -3.5 = $$$$ Cha-ching! Sorry Dame fans.
docthn11 (6 hours ago)
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The military is attacking the fight irish. Will Army get their chance.
swedepuck (6 hours ago)
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Notre Dame always overrated and soon to attacked by the Air Force like the Taliban
austin10ndfan (6 hours ago)
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All you guys that think ND is going to lose this won are a joke. Clausen finally shows us why he's a high school all american and ND wins easily 45-10. Not even close!
NFaleris (6 hours ago)
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"Know what amazes me... ESPN commentator Mark Mays predited, BEFORE THE SEASON STARTED, that Notre Dame would be 0 & 8... He thought their first win of the season would be against Navy... I heard him repeat it like 3 times... dude, how did he know that!? "
And the previous two years he predicted ND would be .500 at best through the first half of their schedule...he's a clown.
CJLOPEZ44 (15 hours ago)
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ND is going to win the NC as soon as Charlie gets down to below 150...hahaha
msr_iaidoka (19 hours ago)
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Air Force has only improved since their loss to Navy and, despite me being a Navy fan, I believe that Air Force is currently the better of the academies. I will call this one in favor of Air Force.
TeamDoc1216 (19 hours ago)
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ND 31 AF 24
wierdomagnet (23 hours ago)
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Yeah, I agree with Racingwasel.... Its a strange move to change quarterbacks now... Wies is very indecisive. Last weeks press conference he basically said he wasnt going to start swapping QBs based on who practiced better. then he does it? You can't take this guys word for anything.
Hes probably approaching these games like.... I already lost... so I'm going to give my future QB game time... at this point hes not playing for anything.
Clausen deserves the beating he going to take saturday..... Hey Jimmy... watch your blind side!!! ; )
RacingWeasels (24 hours ago)
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Jimmy Clausen stinks. This kid is the next Ron Powlus. Sharpley may not be as sharp as you would want your starting qb, but Clausen has all of one td pass this season. I don't care how good Weis says he's looking in practice, Clausen will still stink. He will stink next year. He will stink the following year. He will stink the the year after that. I must find my nose plugs.
BKKBucks (1 day ago)
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Rangerfan04 ,
I think that Ty Willingham is not as low as Wies who sued his doctor and claimed that a MSU player slaped him in the 2005 game.
hskrfan2004 (2 days ago)
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AIR FORCE 31, NOTRE DAME 21
levismuck (2 days ago)
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bcs coming up for nortre dame jkjkjk yet they still are talked about
wierdomagnet (2 days ago)
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yeah I'm hoping Air Force smokes Notre Dame....
Irishhorn135 (2 days ago)
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notre dame is having a tough season but im gonna be their fan next year too and i like texas so of course them too
85BestAlive (2 days ago)
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I wish that I could be in South Bend for this one. I was fortunate to be there, to celebrate AF wins, twice in the mid-80's. I can still picture the mighty paw of Chris Funk, reaching up swat that last-second field goal attempt... And in my humble opinion, that beautiful mosaic of our Savior isn't signaling a touchdown... he is saying "Fly, Fight, Win!" Go Air Force! Beat the Irish!
paulygrabo (3 days ago)
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AF ... way to strong in talent and mind to be defeated .... looks like no more gimmies for the Irish... makes me happy to see the almighty get humbled. A bitter pill to swallow for all those arrogant ND fans ..... AF32 ND16
wierdomagnet (3 days ago)
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Know what amazes me... ESPN commentator Mark Mays predited, BEFORE THE SEASON STARTED, that Notre Dame would be 0 & 8... He thought their first win of the season would be against Navy... I heard him repeat it like 3 times... dude, how did he know that!?
C92400 (3 days ago)
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AF 35
ND 10
Colaa55 (3 days ago)
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go ND
crimsonandbluejayhawk (3 days ago)
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Air Force wins! lol
hannaclan (3 days ago)
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OK, congrats to Navy. BUT, as an AF alum, I can say the situation at South Bend reminds me of a time called the "Faust Years". I can, will full pride, say that in ALL FOUR YEARS I was at Air Force, WE BEAT NOTRE DAME!
Notre Dame football looks remarkably similar to those days in '82-'85! Chris Funk, if you are out there, your FG block in '82 at South Bend is still a GREAT memory!!!
wierdomagnet (3 days ago)
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The line is Air Force (big surprise) but only by 3..... Hmmm.
I listened to the Wies's post game interview after the Navy loss. He really doesnt seem too wigged out by going 1-8 and loosing to Navy. He was kind of laughing at the end of it. I'm sure he knows, they cant afford to fire him. His buyout clause is too expensive. Interesting. I'm curious to see what his record is like over the next 3 years. This is really his first wave of recruits, this year.
jerseyf15 (4 days ago)
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I remember the day in 96 when AF beat a good Notre Dame team by a field goal, I was a freshman at the AF academy... the place went crazy. I was also in falcon stadium for the AF(6-0) vs ND(6-0) monster game in 2002. That was during Notre Dame's "return to glory" year, Ty's First. Great game, really thought AF was going to win it. Carlysle holiday stole it from us by breaking a huge run. I don't think this game will live up to the hype of those matchups, but hopefully the falcons can pull it out.
stevenpeed (4 days ago)
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whats the early line on this one?
Rangerfan04 (4 days ago)
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if Weis is not fired when going 1-11 or 2-10, then Ty Willingham should call the NAACP and sue ND for about 100 million dollars.
oh and I"m white, so don't think i'm saying it for any other reason other than fact...
bringbacklt (4 days ago)
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If ever there was a year to beat Notre Dame, it would have to be this year. Air Force can help Notre Dame continue their losing ways. Hey ND administrators, you guys missing Ty Willingham yet?
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Charlie Weis | Charlie Weis Starts Jimmy Clausen vs. Air Force - MISTAKE
Well, the Notre Dame QB ride continues. Rather than give Evan Sharpley a chance to win versus Air Force, Weis elects to switch again, starting Jimmy Clausen.
I guess Weis is writing off this season. The question is, will Notre Dame win another game? The answer is -- I don't think so given this constant indecision. Give the job to Sharpley and leave him there.
I guess Weis is writing off this season. The question is, will Notre Dame win another game? The answer is -- I don't think so given this constant indecision. Give the job to Sharpley and leave him there.
Charlie Weis | ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski Blames Ty For Weis Problems - My Letter of Protest
I read ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski column today on Charlie Weis and hit the ceiling because it blames Weis problems on Tyrone Willngham, which is really off base. So I wrote this to him, below.
Greetings,
Your column on Charlie Weis today was totally terrible. It is a stellar example of how many sports journalists covering football don't know how to evaluate a game even as it unfolds in front of them.
Futhermore, your assertion that Weis problems are due to Tyrone Willingham's recruits is not only baseless, it's wrong, and again shows no -- no understanding or knoweldge of the politics of football. If I were your editor, I'd fire you -- but for the fact that such writings as yours gain a response.
You don't know what you're writing about, frankly. Many of Ty's recruits were either demoted in favor of Weis' favorites -- like Jimmy Clausen -- or left the school. Also, you failed to mention that Weis won with a team entirely of Ty's recruits, like Brady Quinn.
But the more terrible problem I see is your desire to avoid the discussion of race. You know damn well that if Charlie were black, they'd have ran him out of town, yet you don't have the courage to write that. Look, think "out of your skin" -- just because you're not Black doens't mean you can't see, feel, or understand or recognize racism. If you can feel for an animal being mistreated, why can't you do that for another human being?
What's your problem?
And even beyond that, you fail 100 percent to see the real problem. The real deal is that Charlie does not know how to get more from less. He does not understand "scheme" enough to think out of a box of plays he's used to. For example, against USC I told a friend that if Charlie came out in a standard two-back set and used runs and play action, they were toast.
Well, that's what he did. Why is that wrong? Is this why.
Football is a study in time and motion: how much time it takes to get a movement done. If your guys are faster than my guys, the best approach is to make your guys have to go father to get my guys. A standard two-back set does not spread the defense and shortens the blitz lanes to the quarterback -- better to use five wide or four wide and throw short passes without a huddle. A great equalizer.
While Charlie could have done that, he didn't. Why? Ego. He can't deal with the idea that another team is faster or stronger than his own. He can't see that, so he stays in his box and when it doens't work, the box of approaches he's used to, he gets frustrated and gives up -- and looses.
That's not good for Notre Dame.
In closing, you should go to classes on football strategy and make your own playbook and use Playmaker to test plays. Understand football strategy. Learn the lingo. Study film and tape. Because right now, you're doing your readers a total disservice by your ignorance of the game.
Sincerely,
Zennie Abraham
Greetings,
Your column on Charlie Weis today was totally terrible. It is a stellar example of how many sports journalists covering football don't know how to evaluate a game even as it unfolds in front of them.
Futhermore, your assertion that Weis problems are due to Tyrone Willingham's recruits is not only baseless, it's wrong, and again shows no -- no understanding or knoweldge of the politics of football. If I were your editor, I'd fire you -- but for the fact that such writings as yours gain a response.
You don't know what you're writing about, frankly. Many of Ty's recruits were either demoted in favor of Weis' favorites -- like Jimmy Clausen -- or left the school. Also, you failed to mention that Weis won with a team entirely of Ty's recruits, like Brady Quinn.
But the more terrible problem I see is your desire to avoid the discussion of race. You know damn well that if Charlie were black, they'd have ran him out of town, yet you don't have the courage to write that. Look, think "out of your skin" -- just because you're not Black doens't mean you can't see, feel, or understand or recognize racism. If you can feel for an animal being mistreated, why can't you do that for another human being?
What's your problem?
And even beyond that, you fail 100 percent to see the real problem. The real deal is that Charlie does not know how to get more from less. He does not understand "scheme" enough to think out of a box of plays he's used to. For example, against USC I told a friend that if Charlie came out in a standard two-back set and used runs and play action, they were toast.
Well, that's what he did. Why is that wrong? Is this why.
Football is a study in time and motion: how much time it takes to get a movement done. If your guys are faster than my guys, the best approach is to make your guys have to go father to get my guys. A standard two-back set does not spread the defense and shortens the blitz lanes to the quarterback -- better to use five wide or four wide and throw short passes without a huddle. A great equalizer.
While Charlie could have done that, he didn't. Why? Ego. He can't deal with the idea that another team is faster or stronger than his own. He can't see that, so he stays in his box and when it doens't work, the box of approaches he's used to, he gets frustrated and gives up -- and looses.
That's not good for Notre Dame.
In closing, you should go to classes on football strategy and make your own playbook and use Playmaker to test plays. Understand football strategy. Learn the lingo. Study film and tape. Because right now, you're doing your readers a total disservice by your ignorance of the game.
Sincerely,
Zennie Abraham
Cal Hosts USC | Cal v. USC Saturday - Stil A Big Game
Cal plays host to USC on Saturday, and don't think for a moment that this isn't a big game. It still is, at least to Cal people. Some Cal people are asking what it takes to beat USC. Here's some answers posted on Scout.com.
What do we have to do to beat USC?
Here's one guy's answers - an audio file recorded today at the Tedford press conference - a short (6 minute) conversation with broadcaster Todd McKim.
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I Bear
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Posted: 11/07/2007 10:04 AM
Re: What do we have to do to beat USC?
Score at least one more point than they do!
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ursainoregon
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Posted: 11/07/2007 1:31 PM
Re: What do we have to do to beat USC?
I disagree with almost everything Todd says. It's classic conservative coachspeak. Win the turnover battle (duh), and then play not to lose. That is, grind it out, don't take risks, avoid third and long (presumably by running up the middle on first and second down).
This year, and with this team, that kind of "strategy" plays right in to USC's hands.
They have a great defense, and would love to see us try to beat them in the trenches. If we play SC not to lose, we will lose.
The way for this year's team to beat SC is to take some risks and score on big plays, on both offense and defense. When SC has lost, it's because they were forced in to a lot of turnovers on Offense. BBDB, and giving Booty comfort and time in the pocket is not going to cause them to make mistakes.
On O, we have to take risks and take shots with our playmakers. Running for no gain up the middle on first and second down and consistently facing 3rd and 5, is a good way to get killed by this SC defense. We have to stretch the field. If they know we're only going to pass short, they'll jam receivers, jump routes, blitz like crazy, and it won't be pretty.
In the NFL, they always play not to lose. One of the things that's great about college football is playing to win. Going for it on 4th down, faking the punt, running the statue of liberty.
If we play conservative, we have every chance of being beaten in the same boring ugly way that Oregon State lost 24-3 to the Trojans. We have much better playmakers on offense than the Beavers. Our D will give up at least 24 to SC, so we had better play offense like we know we need to get 35 to win. I'd rather see us lose a game taking some chances lose running the ball 32 times in to the middle of the line for 2ypc.
The way to beat SC is to believe you can do it, and go for it!
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easdog1
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Posted: 11/07/2007 2:53 PM
Re: What do we have to do to beat USC?
I didn't bother listening to the article, and based on your critique, I'm glad I didn't. Win the TO battle? Who cares if we're settling for FGs.
To win, we need to pressure Booty into mistakes and flood the LOS on defense with 9 guys. The only person in the passing game that we can't let beat us (as I fear he consistently will) is Fred Davis. Make their WRs win their one on one battles with Thompson/Hampton/Conte. Rush six at least 50 percent of the time!
Offensively we need to do more play action on early downs and get the ball down field. If our tendency is a 5yd hook, run out and ups. Hawkins has been good at getting down the middle on crossing routes. Use him and TEs. Basically, do everything counter-tendency that you can within reason. I'd even contemplate putting in a new package that we've stolen from someone else this season. Say 4 or 5 plays that makes the D think twice. And can we put Best in the pattern on a wheel route?
But the biggest keys this game is this: after halftime when SC makes adjustments, have your second gameplan ready to go. If we've been blitzing a certain way, have another plan for the second half. If offensively we've been running patterns to certain depths, change it up.
What do we have to do to beat USC?
Here's one guy's answers - an audio file recorded today at the Tedford press conference - a short (6 minute) conversation with broadcaster Todd McKim.
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I Bear
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Posted: 11/07/2007 10:04 AM
Re: What do we have to do to beat USC?
Score at least one more point than they do!
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ursainoregon
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Posted: 11/07/2007 1:31 PM
Re: What do we have to do to beat USC?
I disagree with almost everything Todd says. It's classic conservative coachspeak. Win the turnover battle (duh), and then play not to lose. That is, grind it out, don't take risks, avoid third and long (presumably by running up the middle on first and second down).
This year, and with this team, that kind of "strategy" plays right in to USC's hands.
They have a great defense, and would love to see us try to beat them in the trenches. If we play SC not to lose, we will lose.
The way for this year's team to beat SC is to take some risks and score on big plays, on both offense and defense. When SC has lost, it's because they were forced in to a lot of turnovers on Offense. BBDB, and giving Booty comfort and time in the pocket is not going to cause them to make mistakes.
On O, we have to take risks and take shots with our playmakers. Running for no gain up the middle on first and second down and consistently facing 3rd and 5, is a good way to get killed by this SC defense. We have to stretch the field. If they know we're only going to pass short, they'll jam receivers, jump routes, blitz like crazy, and it won't be pretty.
In the NFL, they always play not to lose. One of the things that's great about college football is playing to win. Going for it on 4th down, faking the punt, running the statue of liberty.
If we play conservative, we have every chance of being beaten in the same boring ugly way that Oregon State lost 24-3 to the Trojans. We have much better playmakers on offense than the Beavers. Our D will give up at least 24 to SC, so we had better play offense like we know we need to get 35 to win. I'd rather see us lose a game taking some chances lose running the ball 32 times in to the middle of the line for 2ypc.
The way to beat SC is to believe you can do it, and go for it!
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easdog1
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Posted: 11/07/2007 2:53 PM
Re: What do we have to do to beat USC?
I didn't bother listening to the article, and based on your critique, I'm glad I didn't. Win the TO battle? Who cares if we're settling for FGs.
To win, we need to pressure Booty into mistakes and flood the LOS on defense with 9 guys. The only person in the passing game that we can't let beat us (as I fear he consistently will) is Fred Davis. Make their WRs win their one on one battles with Thompson/Hampton/Conte. Rush six at least 50 percent of the time!
Offensively we need to do more play action on early downs and get the ball down field. If our tendency is a 5yd hook, run out and ups. Hawkins has been good at getting down the middle on crossing routes. Use him and TEs. Basically, do everything counter-tendency that you can within reason. I'd even contemplate putting in a new package that we've stolen from someone else this season. Say 4 or 5 plays that makes the D think twice. And can we put Best in the pattern on a wheel route?
But the biggest keys this game is this: after halftime when SC makes adjustments, have your second gameplan ready to go. If we've been blitzing a certain way, have another plan for the second half. If offensively we've been running patterns to certain depths, change it up.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
University of California Band Tour After Oregon State Game
This video is for all of you who wished they had their camcorder at the ready for some memorable moment at Cal (Berkeley).
You've got to admit, the Cal Band stopped at all the right places and caused friends to break out in song, as was the case with Cal Fans singing "Rocky Top"
Yeah. That song. Why? Because we beat Tennessee!
Saturday, November 03, 2007
"FIRE CHARLIE WEIS" BANDWAGON Heats Up After Upset To Navy
"FIRE CHARLIE WEIS" BANDWAGON Heats Up After Upset Loss To Navy
UPDATE: Weis to start Clausen v. Air Force
UPDATE: Air Force Clobbering Notre Dame
Fresh after a historic 46-44 loss to Notre Dame, Charlie Weis -- for two years considered Notre Football's savior -- is now the focus of "Fire Charlie Weis" talk. Check out the conversation on ESPN:
Navy 46, Notre Dame 44
PreviewRecapBox ScorePlay-by-PlayDrive ChartPhotosConversation
1 2 3 4 OT T
NAVY (5-4) 0 14 6 8 18 46
ND (1-8) 7 14 0 7 16 44
Final
2:30 PM ET, November 3, 2007
Notre Dame Stadium,
South Bend, IN
Navy Midshipmen at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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Comments (171-220)
ronbetzer (Just now)
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df1650: He lost 15 games in three years moron. You can shut up and go away with DonDada118, cuz you're both idiots
Noodles Cold (Just now)
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This one is for the sailors and troops out there. Congrats Navy, downtown Annapolis is going to be partying tonight!!!
62cowboyfan (Just now)
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Way to go NAVY!
L.A.FANATIK (Less than a minute ago)
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yea ill take that Air Force by 10 next week
RealTalk8 (Less than a minute ago)
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That's right DF, Aim High!!!
CJLOPEZ44 (Less than a minute ago)
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dowlong148...I guess when Ty was there things got so bad that even NAVY had better recruiting classes....ND is a joke and not a very funny one at that.
dowlong148 (Less than a minute ago)
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no willingham probably shouldnt have been fired......the problem with firing coaches like that and bringing in someone new is that the players that are in place may not fit the new coaches sytem......and the new coach pretty much loses their first recruiting class (like what happned to weiss) because recruits are unsure what is going to happen and commit elsewhere
ronbetzer (Less than a minute ago)
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DonDada118: you're an idiot, what part of GO AWAY dont you understand. Post something remotely intelligent, or dont post anything.
RealTalk8 (Less than a minute ago)
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Michigan (Appy State), you're now off the hot seat...
df1650 (2 minutes ago)
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AIR FORCE wins next week by 2 touchdowns....
RealTalk8 (2 minutes ago)
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A decided schematic advantage, ha, ha, ha,..... GOT TY?
df1650 (3 minutes ago)
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ronbetzer...Ty sucked, what was has record in each year he coached? You must forget how bad ND was before he go there?
DonDada118 (4 minutes ago)
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Very limited history
yates_009 (4 minutes ago)
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I'm sure this was already covered but why didn't Mr Potato Head kick the field goal at the end of the 4th?
RealTalk8 (4 minutes ago)
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Jack, nuh said...
sumowy (4 minutes ago)
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Charlie is thinking that he can tank the season away to get a better draft choice next year. DOH wait a minute this is college he's thinking and realizes there are no Draft Choices. Oh Well the ND fans will love me anyways with my play calling. If I keep this up I will be the Dumb Coach of the year =)
df1650 (4 minutes ago)
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dowlong148...so you would agree that TY WIllingham shouldn't have been fired?
Avsbroncs1981 (4 minutes ago)
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What was that call on the two point conversion attempt. A run up the middle? Horrible call. And then Weis is a jerk to the sideline reporter. An obvious graduate of the Belichick school of jerkery, without the coaching skills. Fire the idiot!
df1650 (5 minutes ago)
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jmb9919 if you give any decent coach time, he will turn around most programs. However, ND made it clear that TY Willingham was not good enough...But he didn't get the time turn the team, didn't even see his class graduate. Now how long does ND gives Weis....if he wins a National Championship in 10 years was he justified to have the Job. I don't think so....BILL FITCH loss 1000 basketball games, however he got a chance to coach the Boston Celtics with Bird, Mchale, and Parish, and he won a NBA Title. Does that make him a great coach. No, he has merely been given enough opportunities to win unlike a BLACK coach would be given. ANother example, Byron Scott being fired by the New Jersey nets after 2 trips to the NBA Championship Series. Now the coach of NJ NEts have never came close with Lawrence Franks.
jack810051 (5 minutes ago)
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ND should have never fired coach Willingham. That sums it up.
jmb9919 (5 minutes ago)
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To:TheHermet17
Everyone with a brain knows that this season has been over for weeks now. Congrats to Navy for winning today, but they had nothing to do with ruining Notre Dame's season.
ronbetzer (5 minutes ago)
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"DonDada118: What history does Notre Dame have? jmb9919 step away from the Kool- Aid"
Ok ND sucks, but to say they dont have history is quite possibly the most idiotic, iggnorant, pile of blabber ever spewed from any morons mouth. Please shut up and go away.
dowlong148 (5 minutes ago)
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you idiots who think weiss should be fired are....idiots....... .....a coach is only as good as his talent (which ND has none of)......you have to be patient, firing a coach after 2 or 3 years will only continue to hurt your program........weiss has had some good recruiting classes (and a top one coming in) and they need to let some of those players develop and then see wherer the program is at
L.A.FANATIK (6 minutes ago)
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congratulations to all my fellow sailors on and off the field that fought hard for that win!
IrishChris209 (6 minutes ago)
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Fire the Rodney Daingerfiled Look alike !!!! Let him go back to New England . He has ruined this great program. They have become the laughing stock of the leauge. Bring back #### DAVIE !!!!
CJLOPEZ44 (7 minutes ago)
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I guess this shows that Belichick must be even a greater coach (although a #### bag) considering he had this boozo on his staff for so long...
johnnylingo24 (7 minutes ago)
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The only reason I HATE Notre Dame is becuase of their ridiculously stupid NBC contract. ND is NOT America's team, I actually love watching them this season. I cheer for them to get blown out on national television and hope all that High School talent is out their watching and choosing not to go to ND. I feel bad for the kids who work as hard as the players at ND only to have it tranlsate into losses that are solely attributable to the coaches.
I bleed purple and gold, GO HUSKIES OF WASHINGTON, BOW DOWN!!
RealTalk8 (7 minutes ago)
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Every game we will have a decided schematic advantage... Ha, ha, ha, ha.... GOT TY?
ronbetzer (8 minutes ago)
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Enough about Willingham already. He deserved to be fired, so they canned him. They didnt fire Ty so they could hire Weis. They fired Ty because he sucked. With that said, Weis sucks more, and it's time for his firing too. But i still dont think any coach wants this job anymore...why would he?
jcallan911 (8 minutes ago)
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As an ND fan that has defended Charlie, I am officially on the fire him bandwagon. How the hell do you not attempt the game winning field goal? Did he bet on this game? His ego is bigger than ND football and he needs to go. Ty or Bob Davey would have kicked the ball. This is one of the lowest moments in ND history, thanks Charlie you fat ####.
RealTalk8 (9 minutes ago)
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10 year extention?
CJLOPEZ44 (9 minutes ago)
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Weiss should be arrested for grand larceny...wow
DonDada118 (9 minutes ago)
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What history does Notre Dame have? jmb9919 step away from the Kool- Aid
RealTalk8 (9 minutes ago)
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decided schematic advantage?
RealTalk8 (10 minutes ago)
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GOT TY?
CJLOPEZ44 (10 minutes ago)
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Weiss said it was no big deal losing to Navy because of the streak...today ND was actually competitive so that there is a bright side to all of this for ND
jmb9919 (10 minutes ago)
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Could you imagine the kind of popularity a coach would get from turning a falling Notre Dame program around, though. What kind of coach wouldn't want that opportunity. They may be worthless now, but there is no denying their history.
Example:Lou Pinella to the Cubs. They haven't won a World Series in 100 years, but he knows what he'll gain if he does lead them to a title.
TheOriginalBravesGirl (11 minutes ago)
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Congrats Navy!!!
Danonwis (11 minutes ago)
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ND= HArvard and Yale, once great powers that have faded from relvance. One more season like that and NBC will be calling the PAC 10 or ACC so they can show games that matter on Saturdays.
RealTalk8 (11 minutes ago)
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decided schematic advantage, ha, ha, ha,..... GOT TY?
RealTalk8 (12 minutes ago)
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decide schematic advantage, ha, ha, ha,..... GOT TY?
rgallivan02 (12 minutes ago)
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CJLOPEZ44 - I'm impressed that you're such a clone. Have your fun, but geez stop stealing Jim Romes' tagline to do it. Your comments are fine because their yours, right or wrong. But try to be more creative and not use Romeys "hilarious". CLONE CLONE CLONE!!!!!!!
Hartshwk (12 minutes ago)
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maybe recruiting class ratings have more to do with prep school players and their handlers working the media eh?
Good post NDFanatic
df1650 (13 minutes ago)
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Yes FIRE WEIS....he should have kicked the field goal and you run a stretch play to tie the game. Offensive Genius...If WEIS was a minority coach, he would be fired either tomorrow or end of season....No one can defend the firing of WIllingham after this fiasco. WIllingham never had a season this bad, even with bob davies players. Yet not one sports network will question ND to fire Weis....incredible
rgallivan02 (13 minutes ago)
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CJLOPEZ44 - I'm impressed that you're such a clone. Have your fun, but geez stop stealing Jim Romes' tagline to do it. Your comments are fine because their yours, right or wrong. But try to be more creative wand not use Romeys "hilarious". CLONE CLONE CLONE!!!!!!!
InsaneBigPappa (14 minutes ago)
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So any excuses from Weis as to why they didn't kick the field goal?
DonDada118 (14 minutes ago)
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Navy did what they had to do and beat a bad team. Congrats Navy
L.A.FANATIK (14 minutes ago)
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congratulations to my fellow sailors on and off the field that fought hard for that win!
TheHermit17 (14 minutes ago)
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Well put the last nail in this team is more than done.
There is nothing left for this season Time to blood the next crop since those in the job now are rubbish.
CJLOPEZ44 (14 minutes ago)
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wolfpack2013...it may not be 43 yrs for the next Navy win over ND...but it's probably going to be a lot longer before ND wins another national championship (or is even relevant)...hilariou s
