Super Bowl XLIV Most Watched TV Event EVER With 106.5 Milli
Surpasses "Goodbye & Amen" Episode
For 27 years M*A*S*H finale was the most watched TV event until last nights Super Bowl XLVI dethroned it. The previous record was of 106.0 million for the finale in 1983.
The Saints 31-17 win over the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV drew a 45.0 national rating and 106.5 million viewers on CBS Sunday night, up 7% in ratings and 8% in viewership from Pittsburgh Steelers/Arizona Cardinals on NBC last year (42.0, 98.7 mil), and up 4% and 9%, respectively, from New York Giants/New England Patriots on FOX in ‘08 (43.1, 97.4 mil).
Additionally, the 45.0 rating is the highest for any television program since Dallas Cowboys/Pittsburgh Steelers drew a 46.0 in 1996.
To put the numbers in perspective, the Super Bowl drew over 70 million more viewers than the top non-NFL sporting event of the past 12 months — the Texas/Alabama BCS National Championship Game (30.8 mil).
This is the third-straight year the Super Bowl has drawn record viewership, and the fifth-straight year that viewership for the game has increased. Just five years ago, Super Bowl XXXIX drew only 86.1 million viewers on FOX. From 1999-05, the Super Bowl drew less than 90 million viewers each year.
The record for the Super Bowl is the capper to a highly successful season for the NFL. The regular season was the most-viewed since 1990 (16.6 mil), the Wild Card round was the most-viewed since ‘95 (29.9 mil), the Divisional Round was the most-viewed since ‘94 (33.0 mil), and the Conference Championship games were the most-viewed since ‘82 (52.9 mil).
You Need To Sign A College Football Player Tomorrow, Come To TEXAS
Texas Leads The Way
That’s right with national signing day being tomorrow, the state that colleges across the country to come invade the most for its talents is Texas. The number of players the Lone Star State produces is staggering.
Of the 12,853 players on Division 1A rosters last season, 1,714 came from Texas. Dallas and Houston produced one-fourth of all the Big 12 players. Texas bred players make up 42 percent of the roster of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The least productive states in the country North Dakota and Maine, each had a single native player on 2009 rosters.
So when your scanning your favorite college team tomorrow and seeing how they rank in the recruiting, make sure you see some Texas players on the roster. Hell, even a Texas reject like former Southlake Carroll quarterback Greg McElroy can make a difference, just ask Alabama.
Texas Longhorn Colt McCoy Proposes On Godzillatron
Eyes Of Texas Are Upon Her
University of Texas Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy proposed to girlfriend Rachel Glandorf last night at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, on the giant video board screen dubbed Godzillatron.
When they got to the field, Godzillatron read, “Will You Marry Me?” and when Glandorf turned around McCoy was on his knee proposing.
She said yes.
I wonder if this violates any NCAA rules allowing players to use university facilities for non sanctioned NCAA activities.
McCoy injured his right throwing shoulder in the Longhorns 37-21 loss to Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game last week. The NCAA career leader in victories (45) as a starting quarterback is expected to be taken in May’s NFL draft.
BCS National Championship Game Draws 30 Milli Viewers
Like Rudy J Said *Asterisk*
For the second straight year, overnight ratings increased for college football’s national championship game.
Alabama’s win over Texas in the BCS National Championship Game drew an 17.2 overnight rating and 30.8 million viewerson ABC Thursday night, up 7% from a 17.0 for Florida/Oklahoma last year, and up 17% from a 15.6 for LSU/Ohio St. in ‘08 both of which aired on FOX.
The 17.2 overnight is the highest for the BCS National Championship Game since the Florida/Ohio St. BCS title game drew a 19.1 in ‘07. The 30.8 million viewers is the most for a college football game since the 2006 title game between Texas and USC (35.6 mil), and the second-most ever for the a national championship game in the BCS era.
Additionally, the 17.2 is the highest overnight rating for any sporting event on ABC since Super Bowl XL in 2006. As well the 30.8 million viewers tops every single regular season NFL game during the 2009-10 season including Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau Field 29.8 million.
To put the numbers in perspective, the 17.2 overnight tops every Major League Baseball game since 2006, every NBA game since 1996 and every college basketball game since at least ‘94.
The game gave ABC its highest rated Thursday night since 1995.
Locally, the game drew a 67.4 rating in Birmingham, AL, and a 47.8 in Austin, TX. Elsewhere, the game drew a 37.2 in San Antonio, a 33.4 in Nashville, a 31.3 in Dallas, and a 29.9 in Atlanta.
Colt McCoy = Class Act
It’s a shame for a player like Colt McCoy, the NCAA’s all-time victory leader, to work hard every year to get that chance to play in the BCS National Championship Game only to get knocked out on the Longhorns first offensive series of his senior year.
How does Colt handle it….like a class act and then comes the reports that he tired to lie to the team doctors in the locker room so he could return to the field and help his teammates.
The report goes Colt gripped the ball, stared at his dad and thought, “It’s just a simple throw.” He threw. The ball went soft and wide. Everyone grimaced. “Give it to me again,” Colt demanded. Brad got the ball and gave it back to his son. The next throw was the same, bouncing harmlessly away. “Give it to me again,” Colt said, again. Brad did.It was the same. It was over. Colt couldn’t throw it 7 yards to his own father. “My arm was dead,” he said. The dad hugged his son. The son broke down and cried.
Dick Saban Takes Jug To Face
“Gatorade Baths” are so played out, even if a Gatorade jug slams into Dick Saban’s face, it’s time we throwing trophies at coaches faces to show how much you really appreciate their love and hard work they put you through.
A bloody face or a concussion is so much better than the played out “Gatorade Baths”.
Primetime College Football: BCS National Championship Game
TALENT
The best two teams in the land collide in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for the 4th actual BCS National Championship game, the game was first played at the conclusion of the 1998 college football season to form the Bowl Championship Series however beginning with the 2006 season, the BCS National Championship Game became a separate event. The top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide of the SEC and the second-ranked Texas Longhorns from the BIG 12 each come into the game undefeated at 13-0 with hopes to be crowned National Champion.
Alabama is no stranger to the big stage, as the Crimson Tide will be playing for their 13th national title this week. The team’s last national title came back in 1992. Likewise, Nick Saban is very familiar with the pressures of the big game, leading LSU to the national championship in 2003 and now back in just his third season at the helm in Tuscaloosa. Alabama has earned an NCAA-best 57th bowl berth and are 31-22-3 in postseason play overall.
Mack Brown is also seeking a second national title, winning his first just four years ago with the Longhorns. Texas sporting a perfect 13-0 mark to this point, including winning the Big 12 title with a 13-12 dramatic decision against Nebraska in the conference championship game. Texas ranks second in NCAA Bowl appearances, playing in its 49th bowl game and is 25-21-3 in prior postseason affairs.
There wasn’t much that Texas couldn’t do with the football this season and the result was ranking third in the nation in scoring at 40 ppg. The team was able to rush for 152.7 yards per game on 4.1 yards per carry, but the real strength was in a passing attack that netted 279.7 yards per game.
It certainly helps to have one of college football’s greatest leaders under center in senior All-American Colt McCoy. The all-time leader in career wins, McCoy had yet another stellar campaign this season, completing a ridiculous 70.5 percent of his passes, for 3,512 yards, with 27 TDs. The Heisman finalist was certainly aided by fellow ALL-SGE-NCAA Football Team member wideout Jordan Shipley, who has hauled in 106 passes, for 1,363 yards and 11 TDs. The ground game plays second-fiddle in Austin, but rushers like Tre Newton 5.0 ypc, 6 TDs and Cody Johnson 4.0 ypc, 12 TDs know how to make the most of their opportunities.
As good as McCoy and company have been this year, the Texas defense may have actually played a more critical role in landing the Longhorns in the title game. Among the national leaders in just about every facet of defensive play, Texas finished up ranked 1st in rush defense 62.2 ypg, 3rd in total defense 251.1 ypg and 8th in scoring defense 15 ppg. In addition, this big play unit racked up 41 sacks, 24 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries.
There are playmakers at every position on the defense. Up front, Texas relies heavily on the push upfield by ends Sam Acho 57 tackles, 13 TFLs, 9 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries and Sergio Kindle 62 tackles, 18 TFLs, 3 sacks and tackle Lamarr Houston 58 tackles, 20 TFLs, 7 sacks. Rodderick Muckelroy has a team-high 96 tackles, 11 TFLs, 2 sacks, one INT highlights the play in the LB corps, while ALL-SGE-NCAA Football Team member safety Earl Thomas has 71 tackles, 5 TFLs, 8 INTs while Blake Gideon has 56 tackles, 5 INTs are ball hawks in the secondary.
The Longhorns use the pass to soften things up for the run, while Alabama uses the run to set up the pass. Sophomore Mark Ingram is the main reason for success on offense for Alabama as he rushed for 1,542 yards and 15 TDs making things easier for quarterback Greg McElroy to manage the passing game and throw for 2,450 yards, with 17 TDs against 4 interceptions. Wideouts Julio Jones had 42 receptions, for 573 yards, 4 TDs and Marquis Maze 30 receptions, for 519 yards, two TDs are the main options on the outside.
The Alabama defens is lead by ALL-SGE-NCAA Football Team member Rolando McClain who led the team in tackles this season 101, with 12.5 TFLs, 4 sacks and 2 INTs. Fellow LB Eryk Anders had 59 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 5 sacks, one INT. Up front, the team looks to Marcell Dareus 32 tackles, 9 TFLs, 6.5 sacks and Terrence Cody 25 tackles, 6 TFLs. The secondary was lead by ALL-SGE-NCAA Football Team member Javier Arenas 66 tackles 12.TFL 5 sacks and 3 INTs he also gets the help of Mark Barron 70 tackles, seven INTs.
Texas has never lost to Alabama in the all-time series, sporting a 7-0-1 record in eight previous meetings. However, this is the first time these two teams have met on the gridiron since the 1982 Cotton Bowl, a 14-12 win for Texas.
PICK: University of Texas Longhorns
ESPN Hires USC’s Pete Carroll
Jerk Move
ESPN has hired USC head coach Pete Carroll to serve as an analyst for the BCS Championship Game. Carroll will also appear on College Gameday, a few SportsCenters and of course all of ESPN coverage of the Texas-Alabama game at the Rose Bowl.
This is the first season since Carroll intial year with the Trojans he has not coached in a BCS Bowl game and it will allow him to explore such adventures. Carroll and the Trojans are coming off 24-13 victory of Boston College in the Emerald Bowl. He will offer his insight on the pressure of playing in a National Championship Game and at the Rose Bowl, as well as coaching against Texas coach Mack Brown.
Carroll will appear on the ESPN set at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on the evening editions of SportsCenter Wednesday, Jan. 6; a special one-hour College GameDay Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m.; National Championship pre-game and halftime shows on ABC beginning at 8 p.m.; and for ESPN’s SportsCenter post-game coverage following the game.
University Of Alabama Lowers Admissions So Athletes Can Play
Big Al Wants To Win
The Associated Press did a review nearly all of the 120 schools in college football on their admissions data submitted to the NCAA found that blue chip athletes attending some of the countries major schools allowed admission requirement waived or altered so they could play football.
That doesn’t come as a surprise but what is that it’s found in every major conference and the review identified at least 27 schools where athletes were at least 10 times more likely to benefit from special admission programs than students in the general population.
That group includes Alabama where 19 football players got in as part of a special admissions program from 2004 to 2006, the most recent years available in the NCAA report. While
Texas was one of 7 schools that reported no use of special admissions but the Longhorns did acknowledged that athletic recruits overall are less prepared where the average SAT score for a freshman football player from 2003 to 2005 was 945 – or 320 points lower than the typical first-year student’s score on the entrance exam.
In all, 77 of the 92 universities that provided information reported using special admissions waivers to land athletes and other students with particular talents.
Alabama Lawyer Wants Trial Postponed So He Can Attend National Championship Game
Click To Re-size To Read
An Alabama lawyer has filed a motion for a trial set for January 4th 2010 to be postponed so he can attend the BCS National Championship Game against Texas in Pasadena California.
What makes this awesome is in the motion it clearly states that some of the witness are trying to acquire tickets and the Honorable Jim Lloyd has children in the area and plans on visiting them in California to “celebrate the game and the Tide’s success”.
Oh but the story gets better as the plaintiffs have opposed the motion of the trial being moved because they are fans of “the other great team (Auburn) in this state who did not make the playoffs”. A sidebar is that one of the other attorneys on the case is a former SGA President at Auburn.
To top it all off it even ends with a ROLL TIDE!! and a claim from his secretary, who attended Auburn, feels that he should attend the championship game to see the Longhorns be defeated.
Thank you Jon B. Berry for the laugh.
Primetime College Football: Army Black Knights vs Navy Midshipmen
TALENT
Technically the Primetime College Football segment here on the Sports Grind Entertainment website is slated for any national televised football game that starts at or after the 6 p.m. CST spot. However there are two exceptions, the first being the Texas-Oklahoma Red River Rivalry Game because nothing quite compares to Texas pride like that game. The second game being today’s between Army-Navy because nothing quite compares to national pride like this game in terms of football. It’s the last regular season game of the college football season and this game represents the love for the game, the love for our great country, the love for the armed services.
These men are not going to be found on an NFL Draft board next year but a majority will find themselves in Afghanistan or Iraq in yet they still they still play. That’s what will happen at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia as one of the greatest rivalries in sports enjoys its 110th addition, when Army takes on Navy.
Head coach Rich Ellerson is in his first season at the helm in West Point and has his Black Knights on the verge of their first postseason berth since the 1996 Independence Bowl. If Army, which has won two straight games entering this season-finale, wins, the Black Knights will move on to the EagleBank Bowl to take on the Temple Owls. A loss would leave Army at 5-7 overall and obviously out of this year’s bowl picture.
Earning that sixth victory won’t come easy as Navy is sporting an impressive 8-4 record in Ken Niumatalolo’s second season in Annapolis. The Midshipmen are coming off a 24-17 loss at Hawaii last time out however, and would like to get back on track before a New Year’s Eve showdown with Missouri in the Texas Bowl.
The Midshipmen have won the last six Commander-In-Chief’s Trophies and will look to add to their streak of 13 straight victories over both Army and Air Force combined. Navy holds a 53-49-7 advantage in the all-time series with Army, thanks to seven straight wins over the Black Knights. Navy blanked Army last year, 34-0.
Freshman quarterback Trent Steelman is poised to be only the second plebe to start an Army/Navy game. Its hard to argue with the decision, as the youngster is the team’s top rusher with 690 yards and five TDs. Steelman has not had that much success throwing the football, but then again, Ellerson doesn’t require that very often of his quarterbacks. Joining Steelman in the backfield are slotback Patrick Mealy 625 yards, three TDs and fullback Kingsley Ehie 445 yards, two TDs. In all, the Black Knights are a dangerous rushing team, averaging 212.1 yards per game.
Still, senior Ali Villanueva does have the ability to make plays downfield. At 6-10, 283 pounds, he poses serious matchup problems, and that has led to him leading the team in receptions 29, receiving yards 460 and 5 TDs.
The Army defense has done a nice job for the most part this season, limiting the opposition to a mere 22 ppg. The rush defense has been lax at times 149.3 ypg, but the pass defense has been tremendous 161.2 ypg. In addition, the Black Knights have recorded 23 sacks and 22 takeaways in the first 11 games.
Sophomore linebacker Andrew Rodriguez 70 tackles, two INTs and junior safety Donovan Travis, from Judson High School, 68 tackles, team-high four INTs will need to continue to excel in the back seven, while junior end Josh McNary 59 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks continues to blow things up in the backfield.
If Army is good running the football, than Navy is great at it. The Midshipmen rank among the nation’s top rushing teams, averaging a hefty 279.7 yards per game, which is third nationally, on 4.8 yards per carry. It is a pick-your-poison with this lethal option attack, as both quarterback Ricky Dobbs and running back Vince Murray are closing in on 1,000-yard campaigns. Dobbs has rushed for a team-high 924 yards on the year, with an eye-popping 23 touchdowns. Murray has amassed 884 yards on the season, with six scores. In all, Navy has rushed for 39 touchdowns, compared to just four through the air.
Much like the Army defensive unit, Navy’s defense has flown a little under the radar, considering the big numbers the offense is capable of generating. The Midshipmen are yielding just 21 ppg on the year, holding foes to a respectable 345.8 yards of total offense.
The play of linebacker is what fuels the Navy attack. Senior linebacker Ross Pospisil leads the way with his 91 total tackles. Fellow senior linebacker Tony Haberer is a distant second with 69 tackles, followed closely by junior linebacker Tyler Simmons 63 stops. Junior safety Wyatt Middleton 61 tackles, three INTs, two fumble recoveries highlights the play in the secondary, while sophomore Jabaree Tuani 45 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks can get the job done up front.
San Antonio is represented with a total of eight men in this game with Navy leading the way with five.
Navy’s senior linebacker Ram Vela from Taft has 53 tackles and 2 INTs, one was to help secure the victory over Notre Dame. Senior fullback Jordan Eddington from Taft has played in 11 games this season. Junior wide receiver Greg Jones from Reagan has six catches for 149 yards, including a 52 yard TD reception in the win against Notre Dame. Sophomore wide receiver Gary Myers from Taft has also played in 11 games. Freshamn offensive guard Josh Corby represents Madison and San Antonio.
Army’s has Donovan Travis the junior safety from Judson and junior wide out Alfred McDaniel from Judson and sophomore offensive tackle David Ford from Antonian.
Keep our soldiers states side and abroad in your hearts and minds and best of luck to all that represent in the 110th meeting between the two academies.
PICK: Navy Midshipmen
Colt McCoy’s Case For The Heisman Trophy
It’s a run for the Heisman Trophy and the winner will be declared on Saturday so for every day this week a finalist has gotten their chance to state their case via video highlight. Today is Friday and the last installment before a winner is announced and the final honor goes to University of Texas Longhorn Colt McCoy. Wasn’t after the Texas A&M game people where saying he sealed up the Heisman? I don’t know maybe I need a reminder.
Monday – Tim Tebow
Tuesday- Ndamukong Suh
Wednesday – Mark Ingram
Thursday – Toby Gerhart
Friday – Colt McCoy
Ndamukong Suh Wins The Lombardi Award
it gross but im in love with a dt
I’m not really in the game to make posts about every college football award, I’m not trying to diminish them it’s just I don’t have the time. I instead choose to devote my time to the granddaddy award the Heisman Trophy but I have a love affair with Ndamukong Suh of the University of Nebraska. I sound like a broken record in running off my praise for the guy but when you haven’t seen a player on his level of beasting since John Henderson, a good eight to nine years, there’s good reason to be excited.
Suh picked up another honor, outside of my afair, by taking home the Rotary Lombardi Award as the nation’s top lineman. But in picking up the trophy, he took some time away from the celebration to apologize to fellow Lombardi Award finalist Jerry Hughes of TCU for not knocking off Texas in the Big 12 Championship game on Saturday.
Terrance Cody of University of Alabama, he a good player but we that kind of talent almost yearly er Glenn Dorsey of LSU but compares nowhere near to Suh, for stealing his shine all year.
I think I had to send you a reminder.
Mack Brown Gets $2 Milli Raise
$5 Milli Man
University of Texas football coach Mack Brown will become the first $5 million man in college sports. The UT System Board of Regents approved the new salary and an amended buyout clause that amended a 10-year contract Brown signed in August 2007. The deal is still set to extend through 2016, and it retains a clause that states if Brown voluntarily resigns, he will be re-assigned to a “significant” position with the university. The regents also approved an official contract for Longhorns defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.
Brown’s minimum pay for this year had been $3 million. The original contract called for him to earn a $2 million retention bonus if he still was coaching the Longhorns as of Jan. 1, 2010. The regents opted to make the $2 million payment a permanent portion of Brown’s salary. The 58-year-old Brown also will receive annual raises of $100,000, and he’s eligible for incentives tied to such successes as bowl victories, national rankings and graduation rates having already earned $250,000 in incentives this season.
No state money or tuition revenue is used to pay Brown’s salary. He is compensated entirely from money earned by the football program, which is the top revenue producer in the country. The Longhorn football program generated $87.6 million in 2008. That was a record for college football and $20 million more than second-place Ohio State took in last year.
Most Viewed College Football Season On ESPN Since 1994
All For This
ESPN averaged a 1.9 U.S. rating and 2.9 million viewers for college football coverage during the 2009 season, up 12% in ratings and viewership from last year 1.7, 2.6 mil, and the most-viewed college football season on ESPN since 1994 which turned out 3.1 million.
The top game of the season on ESPN was USC/Ohio State on September 12, which drew a 6.3 U.S. rating and 10.6 million viewers. USC/Ohio State ranks as the most-viewed college football game ever on ESPN, regular season or postseason.
Meanwhile, ESPN2 averaged a 1.0 U.S. rating and 1.5 million viewers for its college football coverage, up 11% in ratings and viewership from last year 0.9, 1.4 mil, and the most-viewed college football season ever on the network.
ESPN2’s top game was Pittsburgh/West Virginia on the day after Thanksgiving, which drew a 2.5 U.S. rating and 4.1 million viewers. The game stands as the most-viewed college football game ever on ESPN2.
In addition to the records set by USC/Ohio St. and Pittsburgh/West Virginia, ESPN and ESPN2 set other milestones during the 2009 season including the third-most viewed game ever on ESPN Miami/Florida St., 8.4 mil, the most-viewed Thursday night game ever on ESPN Texas/Texas A&M, 6.7 mil and the most-viewed Saturday game ever on ESPN2 Florida/Kentucky, 3.6 mil.
Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley Pillow Talk
Pillow Talk
I did not create this but found it to be hilarious. All the credit goes to TexasTravesty.com, fabulous work.
Colt McCoy: Today was exhausting…I am so tired from football practice.
Jordan Shipley: Practice was good today. You threw a lot of footballs.
CM: And you caught a lot of footballs. Hey! No cleats in bed.
JS: Sorry, I forgot. Don’t tell coach.
CM: I won’t.
JS: Oh, and don’t forget to take off your helmet.
CM: Dang it, I always forget. Haha, look, Helmet-hair!
JS: Nice…G’night, Colt.
CM: G’night, Shipster…
JS: …
CM: …
JS: Pssssssssst, Colt?
CM: …
JS: You still awake?
CM: Yeah, buddy. What’s up?
JS: Whatcha thinkin’ about?
CM: …touchdowns.
JS: Me too!
CM: …
JS: …
CM: …
JS: I can’t sleep.
CM: Why?
JS: It’s just…you know, there’s a lot of things on my mind.
CM: What’s on your mind, Shipper?
JS: Football things. Like, things that…oh never mind, you wouldn’t understand.
CM: Try me.
JS: Do you remember the time you threw me that touchdown pass?
CM: Yeah.
JS: And do you remember that other time when you could have thrown the ball to anyone, but you threw it to me?
CM: Of course I do. Why?
JS: Well…can you keep a secret?
CM: Of course I can, Big Ship!
JS: Sometimes, when you throw the ball to me, I worry that I won’t catch it.
CM: Really?
JS: Yeah, but don’t tell anyone.
CM: Are you kidding? You always catch the ball.
JS: Hey, you’re right, I do!
CM: It’s like your hands are made of big nets. Ha, you’re Mr. Net-Hands!
JS: Haha!
CM: (jumps up and down on bed) NET-HANDS!!! NET-HANDS!!!
Coach Mack Brown: You boys keep it down in there! We have football in the morning!
CM: (rolling eyes) We ALWAYS have football in the morning.
Coach Mack Brown: What was that?
CM: Nothing!
JS: Sorry coach…
Coach Mac Brown: Alright now, you boys get some sleep.
CM: …
JS: …
CM: …Hey Jordan?
JS: What?
CM: I meant what I said, you know, about touchdowns.
JS: Really?
CM: Shhh…you heard coach. I really do, Jordan.
JS: You think anyone knows we’re roommates?
CM: Naw. Let’s keep it our little secret.
Ndamukong Suh Case For The Heisman Trophy
It’s a run for the Heisman Trophy and the winner will be declared on Saturday so for every day this week a finalist will get to make there case via video highlight. Today is Tuesday and the honor goes to University of Nebraska Cornhusker Ndamukong Suh. I’ve been praising Suh as the best defensive tackle seen in the last nine years for the past three months then he displays this kinda of beasting in a Big 12 Championship game. Pure Man
Monday – Tim Tebow
Tuesday- Ndamukong Suh
A Leg Of Faith
Texas Two Step
Congratulations to Mack Brown and the University of Texas Longhorns players as well as fans for the Longhorns winning the Big 12 championship against the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-12 in Jerry’s World on the leg of Boerne’s Hunter Lawrence. That leg will go down in Texas infamy.
Colt McCoy and the Longhorns will now play the University of Alabama Crimson Tide for the BCS National Championship on Thursday, January 7th on ABC at 7 pm CST, it will be called by Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit.
Way to put the state of Texas on your leg Hunter Lawrence.
Primetime College Football: Huskers vs Longhorns
TALENT
Mack Brown’s Longhorns look to claim their first conference title in four years when they face Nebraska on in the Big 12 Championship game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The last time Texas (12-0, 8-0) played for a Big 12 title, it pounded Colorado 70-3 in 2005. Behind the play of quarterback Vince Young, the Longhorns then upset top-ranked Southern California 41-38 in the BCS title game.
Four years later, the Big 12 South champs again have a chance to head to Pasadena for a shot at the BCS title, but first must record a fifth straight victory over North champion Nebraska (9-3, 6-2).
Colt McCoy’s Heisman Trophy resume got a little more impressive after he passed for 304 yards and ran for a career-high 175 on 18 carries against the Aggies in a 49-39 on the road game on Thanksgiving night. McCoy has passed for 1,791 yards and 18 touchdowns with two interceptions in his last five contests. His 3,328 total passing yards this season ranks fourth in Texas history.
While McCoy has thrown for 401 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in a pair of wins over Nebraska will face a stiff challenge versus a Cornhuskers’ defense that’s allowing a league low 11.1 points per contest.
Opponents are scoring a mere 15 ppg against Texas while gaining just 263.2 total ypg. Roddrick Muckelroy continues to pace the Horns with 87 total tackles, and he has made 10 tackles for loss. As for Earl Thomas has recorded eight interceptions while placing second on the roster in stops.
Though Nebraska ranks 11th in total offense 334.7 yards per game, the Cornhuskers are averaging 25.6 points per game and have won five in a row heading into this contest. Junior Roy Helu has paced the Cornhuskers, rushing for 1,111 yards and 10 touchdowns. Talented freshman Rex Burkhead ran for a career-high 100 yards and a TD on 18 carries in a 28-20 win at Colorado last Friday. As for quarterback Zac Lee, he has completed 60.8 percent of his passes for 1,931 yards and 13 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Nebraska lacks a standout wide receiver, a major reason that the offense is so average.
Pelini is a defensive-minded coach, and he has made a huge impact on the Huskers who lead the Big 12 in scoring defense, allowing a mere 11.1 ppg. They are allowing only 101.9 rushing yards per game at a clip of 3.0 yards per carry, and just six rushing scores have been surrendered in 12 outings. As for the pass defense, Nebraska has recorded 16 interceptions versus only seven touchdowns allowed.
Ndamukong Suh is a standout defensive lineman for Nebraska who has recorded 7.5 sacks this season, despite the fact that he is constantly forced to fight through multiple blockers. Suh gets plenty of help from Jared Crick, who has nine sacks to his credit.
Two years after finishing 5-7 in Bill Callahan’s final season as coach, Pelini has guided Nebraska to consecutive nine-win seasons and an upset away from earning its first league title since last beating Texas 22-6 in the 1999 Big 12 championship game.
This is the first meeting between the teams since the Longhorns won 28-25 at home Oct. 27, 2007.
PICK: University of Texas Longhorns
Texas-Texas A&M Score In Thanksgiving Ratings
49-39
The Thursday night (Thanksgiving) game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the Texas A & M University Aggies drew a 27.5 in Austin, a 13.3 in Houston, a 12.8 in San Antonio and and 11.5 in Dallas — making the game the highest rated college football telecast ever on ESPN in each of those markets.
On a national scale it drew a 3.8 rating which is not bad but considering the NFL Network saw it’s second highest rated game ever and that came in at a 3.6 between the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos on same night.
The state of Texas is football and football is Texas.
My 2009 Heisman Trophy Finalist
And The Winner Is?
The decision for my Heisman Trophy finalist’s is already set. I understand that there is another week of college football left before but since not every conference sets out to play a conference championship game I won’t need an extra week.
Quarterback Colt McCoy of the University of Texas Longhorns and running back Toby Gerhart of Stanford University Cardinal.
McCoy could have walked away with the award in 2008 but was bested by a record setting season from Oklahoma University Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford. McCoy’s numbers do not match is 2008 numbers but are not that far behind.
He has completed again over 71% of his passes and threw for 3,328 yards down 531 yards from last years performance. McCoy’s touchdowns are also down from 34 to 27. Aside from the stats being very similar McCoy has had to rely heavy on senior leadership due to a lack of a running game for most of the season. The numbers tell me one thing but my eyes have also shown me a player with will and drive to not see his chances of playing in the BCS National Championship game be stopped. That’s what excellence is about.
Gerhart may have burst onto the scene to the casual observer but he has been putting up numbers that date back to high school, as Gerhart is third in high school footballs all-time rushing leaders.
He has rushed for 1,736 yards and produced 26 touchdowns and even in his lone passing attempt threw for a touchdown pass. His remarkable 5.6 yards per carry average is more surprising when you consider they all have come behind freshman quarterback Andrew Luck. If McCoy is about will and determination then I’m not sure I have the words to describe Gerhart’s running style.
Even though Gerhart has stunning numbers, it’s his fight for every yard that impresses the eyes and make him a must see. One hit really does nothing, two hits might slow him down but a third and fourth hit is what is really needed to take him down.
You can make arguments for Boise State University Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore, University of Alabama Crimson Tide’s running back Mark Ingram or even University of Florida Gator’s quarterback Tim Tebow but I’ve made the argument for the two I believe deserve the trophy.
So who do I think will win between McCoy and Gerhart? I’ll tell you December 11th the night before the ceremony.
Vince Young Defeats Matt Leinart Again
One day the name Vince Young will bring respect to those outside of Texas and Sports Grind Entertainment. Vince, just keep doing Vince and oh one day it will happen.
Primetime College Football: Horns vs Aggies
In Spirit Of Thanksgiving Wanted To Give Back To Aggie Fans
Texas star Colt McCoy finally ended his hex against Texas A&M last season. Getting his first victory at Kyle Field would have a great deal more meaning than just beating a heated rival again.
Texas (11-0, 7-0) clinched the division with a 51-20 win over Kansas. The Longhorns will face North Division champion Nebraska in the conference title game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington on Dec. 5. With victories over Texas A&M (6-5, 3-4) and Nebraska, the Longhorns will gain a spot in the BCS championship game.
The Aggies have the 11th-worst pass defense in the nation, allowing 259.0 yards, and that looks like a favorable matchup for McCoy. McCoy is the nation’s most accurate passer with a 73.0 completion percentage. The quarterback, though, completed 56.7 percent of his passes and had one touchdown and four interceptions in losses to Texas A&M in 2006 and ‘07. McCoy was much sharper in last season’s 49-9 win in Austin, going 23 of 28 for 311 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
McCoy became the winningest quarterback in NCAA history Saturday with his 43rd victory as a starter, completing 32 of 41 passes for 396 yards with four touchdowns to earn Big 12 offensive player of the week honors. Jordan Shipley and Malcolm Williams each had over 100 yards receiving and James Kirkendoll added 86 on eight catches two for touchdowns. Shipley has a school-record 1,204 receiving yards, but just 146 yards and one touchdown in three career games against Texas A&M. Earl Thomas is second on the team in tackles, and he has recorded a stellar total of seven interceptions. As for Roddrick Muckelroy, he leads Texas with 69 total tackles.
The Longhorns should be tested by an Aggies offense that ranks seventh nationally at 459.3 yards per game. The unit is spearheaded by record-setting quarterback Jerrod Johnson.
A Houston native who grew up rooting for the Aggies, Johnson will be making his first start against the Longhorns. The 6-foot-5 junior has set single-season school records for completions 241, passing yards 2,875, touchdown passes 24 and 4 300-yard games. He has thrown five interceptions.
Johnson helped the Aggies become bowl eligible and avoid a third straight loss in a 38-3 win over Baylor on Saturday. He went 19 of 25 for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Christine Michael ran for 116 yards and two scores while Cyrus Gray added 107 yards rushing for Texas A&M, which went 4-8 in 2008 in its first season under coach Mike Sherman. Gray has posted 741 rushing yards and five touchdowns to lead the ground attack and Ryan Tannehill paces a balanced group of receivers with 40 catches.
Mack Browns Longhorn’s rank third in the country in total defense, giving up an average of 238.7 yards.
Texas owns a 74-36-5 advantage in the all-time series with Texas A&M, including a 49-9 triumph over the Aggies last season.
PICK: University of Texas Longhorns
Colt McCoy Sets NCAA Record With 43rd Victory
Texas Jesus
“I always love winning,” Colt McCoy said.
A lot of winning he has done in fact more than any other quarterback in the history of Division 1-A football. In his final home game he improved to 43-7 in his career, breaking the record he shared with former Georgia quarterback David Greene (2001-2004).
On his final senior night the Texas size crowd of 101,357 started to chant “Colt! Colt!” McCoy hugged Brown, saluted the fans and pointed at the sky before jogging into the huddle. Texas then called a timeout and he and Jordan Shipley walked off the field together to a thunderous ovation.
After the game, McCoy fired the cannon used to punctuate Longhorns touchdowns and then McCoy pounded three times on the “Big Bertha” bass drum before leaving the field. McCoy has just about done it all coming in his journey from 2A Jim Ned High School in Tuscola. With one thing to cross to cross off the checklist a BCS National Championship but this night belonged to NCAA’s all time winningest quarterback.
In McCoy’s 49 career games he has passed for 12,360 yard and thrown 104 touchdown passes while rushing for another 18.
