Rites of Autumn

Merry Christmas to all

Football has taken a back seat the past few weeks here.  That can be rarely said in this house.  Christmas is a joyous but yet sometimes painful time of the year.  Remembering loved ones gone always brings pause and reflection.  So it is yet another year here without #1 son, we remember him and his smile; all across America families are too feeling losses.  Our military heroes families mark either the first or whatever year it is without their loved ones.  God bless those folks and all our military personnel far from home this mid Christmas day.

Who do you think is having a great Christmas day in the football world?  My money has to be on Rich Rodriguez. Michigan has to be in the top 5 as far as jobs in college football.  Despite what some people say, that it is a break from the past, I don't buy it.  Rich played for Don Nehlen, a direct link to Michigan and Bo.  Nehlen spent several years as a Michigan assistant, I met him on my visit there in 1977.  Here is the other thing that I think is very similar.  Bo loved the triple option and Rich Rodriguez runs the triple option.   Just from a varied formation.  Michigan fans realize that; they remember Dennis Franklin, Denny Brown, Rick Leach etc.  Michigan loved to pound at you with it.   With the athletes that he will be able to recruit at Michigan, Big 10 opponents will get a steady diet of Rodriguez style triple option that gashes defenses for big chunks of yardage.  Maybe get a shot at a National Title someday?

I think it was a great hire.  Expectations versus results may be a problem next year unless they can find an athlete to put at the QB position (will Michigan get the QB ranked #1 out of Pennsylvania, Terrelle Pryor).  My guess is that Mallett ends up at Arkansas in any scenario; he has NO shot playing the new style.  His boyhood team was Arkansas and with Petrino and a pass offense, it just makes sense.  He can go on scholarship right away in the SEC and still have 3 years eligibility.  Wish the NCAA would allow the kids to transfer with no penalty if the coach leaves.  Makes no sense to me to penalize the kids; it might make schools think twice before making a coaching change if they thought they would also lose some key players.  But I also think the kids should get paid a stipend but that is another argument for another time.

We here at Rights of Autumn and RIVALSflag hope everyone had a chance to give a special loved one a hug today.  Family is what it is all about.  Merry Christmas to everyone.

RoA

Heisman Talk

Tim Tebow won the Heisman.  Not my pick but you cannot argue with his stats.  Or LEADERSHIP.  Mature beyond his years, he put the Florida Gators on his back and carried them the entire season.  CSTV had a program on last weekend about former Heisman winners.  It is a very select club, very select.  Every kid who grew up playing the game in the backyard scored that touchdown that won him the Heisman.  Tim Tebow will have a program one day and it is well deserved.

Earl Campbell won the Heisman trophy.  The year was 1977, I was a freshman at the University of Illinois.  Every running back in college in America was an Earl Campbell fan.  Thirty inch thighs with powerful, limber hips, those God given blessings allowed him to run over, around and through defenders.  Earl was graceful at times but, at others, hit linebackers and DB's like a Mack truck.  He once hit a DB, headon or straightup at the 5 yard line with a forearm; he basically one arm pressed him off the ground and carried him all the way into the endzone.  And now he struggles to walk...

Stenosis of the spine is the ailment that has taken Earl Campbell's mobility.  The pounding he took in both college and the NFL are no doubt contributing factors.  Any of the younger generation who read this need to do themselves a favor and look on the web and find some Earl Campbell video.  What you will see is a guy that was blessed with a great body and skill set and used them to the utmost.  He played the game as it was supposed to be played is an old cliche that should have Earl Campbell attached to it forever.

While it brought tears to my eyes to see him in a wheelchair, it is good to know that he is still the same soft spoken man of 30 years ago, "The Tyler Rose."  You get those kind of nicknames when you are legend.  And a bronze statue outside the stadium.  There have been many great Heisman trophy winning running backs;  Billy Sims, Archie Griffin, OJ, Bo, Bush, etc.  And I don't know if you can ever say which one was the best but I do know this.  Earl Campbell will always be part of the discussion.

RoA

Les Miles soap opera

LSU was in jeopardy of losing both their current head coach and prospective new head coach after the SEC title game.  The sting of losing Nick Saban to the NFL/Bama still is an open sore on the bayou.  Forget Katrina, the loss of the HC that took them to the promised land hurt more than the 140+ mile an hour winds of the most devastating hurricane in US history.  And they were not going to let it happen again.  I have a source inside the walls at LSU; Bo Pelini spent an awful lot of time with the AD the past week.  Especially since Nebraska came a calling last weekend to make their pitch to him.  My guess is that LSU insiders were the ones that leaked the info that Miles was headed to Ann Arbor.  Then he (Les Miles) either had to say yes, he is leaving, or take the money and stay at LSU.  Either way, they were not going to lose both guys to other programs and have to start another coaching search.  So, they ponied up some big dollars to keep the current guy/make him make a decision.  My guess is that Bo Pelini was pretty sad to see that press conference before the SEC title game.  He had Nebraska and LSU bidding for his services and was in a no lose situation.  That was before Les Miles said he was staying.

Michigan is still searching for a coach and in all likelihood it will not be a "Michigan Man" with ties to Schembechler.  They are looking in Iowa City, Boise, and maybe even still in Baton Rouge (Bo Pelini).  My guess is that even though they are not known for "paying large" to their coaches, the money the new guy will get will dwarf what they paid Lloyd Carr.  Because the sport is now generating huge revenues, that is just part of the territory.  "like sands through the hourglass, these are the Days of our Lives..."

RoA

The Play, 25 years later by a Cal man and fan

While Cal was not saved today by another version of "the Play," here is a Cal Bears fan recollection of it as sent to me today.

"Damn rights I was - my season tickets go back to 1978, which gets you a better idea of why the last few years in Berkeley have been so special.  Anyways, it was a weird sight...I followed the progression of laterals but in all the bedlam and the flags it was going to obviously require a referee huddle.  And when the refs signaled touchdown, the place went really nuts - including Starkey, the announcer, as you heard on the Versus spot.  It seemed like a long time between the end of the play and the referees signalling.  I enjoyed the Versus thing because Elway finally talked.  For twenty five years the Cal folks have called him John "they ruined my last college game" Elway.  He handled it well on the show, and Moen's comment, "I quit worrying about John when he won his first super bowl", was a fun line.  That Stanfurd crowd is an arrogant crowd, you know;  Cal types will take a win over them versus other Pac10 school any time.

One other thing about the game that we still talk about is that even without the ending, it was one of the best games I've ever seen.  Both of Cal's touchdowns came on two of the best catches you can imagine - diving one handed extensions into the end zone.  And while Stanfurd was lackluster in the first half, they put on an offensive show in the second half.  Elway's threaded bullet on 4th and 17 from around his ten yard line with about a minute to go was unbelievable.

Here's a little trivia 25 years later.  Both Elway and Gilbert, the Cal QB went on to the pros, with Elway obviously the far more succesful one, and both had kids whom are high school QBs this year and being recruited.  Elway's kid has verballed to Arizona State, and Gilbert's kid, out of some school in Texas, is one of the more highly recruited QBs in the nation.  Don't know where he is going, but I bet Berkeley, after growing up in Texas, is the last place he would want to hang out.  Even if his dad were to tell him Bezerkeley stories.  The place is just very different.  We're awaiting the judges decision so we can evict the (expletive deleted) tree sitters."

Finally, sadly, that was probably the high point of Joe Kapp's time as coach.  I say sadly because overall, he wasn't successful. That 82 team had some talent - Gilbert, Ron Rivera, Harvey Salem, Gary Plummer, David Lewis, and if I recall correctly, Hardy Nickerson,  who all went on to pretty good pro careers,  so Kapp had some material to start with.  But he couldn't build on it.  There is no more zealot supporter of the University of California than Joe Kapp.  Geez what a character.  But college coaching just wasn't where his talents were.

Glad you enjoyed it."

While I am saddened the regular season has come to an end, the rivalry games at the end of the year are what RIVALSflag is all about;  Pride, Passion and Loyalty!

RoA

Musings of a Middle Aged man...

Been sitting back and taking it all in these past few weeks.  Wow, a lot is being said on many fronts of the college football world.  But here are musings of a middle age man as we wind down to BCS Selection weekend...

Big 10 gets a bad rap because they will not extend the conference season.  Weather patterns in the Midwest in late November and early December are not favorable for playing football.  Indoor games make me sick; that is not how the game was meant to be played.  Never been to a dome game and never will.  The Mizzou/Illinois game needs to be played home and home instead of in the dome in St. Louis.  Money talks but I think a lot of fans on both sides feel that way.

Speaking of Mizzou, they have it all on the line tonight but again it is played in a dome.  In a lust for money, some conferences play these games.  You can bet Mizzou sure wishes it didn't have to play the game sitting at #1 with everything to lose.  They might not even make the BCS with a loss; from the penthouse to the basment in one day.  Illinois had them in the opener but gave it to them with 10 gift points on turnovers; one was a 14 point swing as Eddie McGee fumbled into the endzone and Mizzou returned it 100 yards for a TD.  Oklahoma gets it done with better defense today.

The uproar of this BCS season will lead to many calling for the playoff system, some playoff system to wrong the ills of the poll system to determine the national champion.  Sure wish someone would talk about the players and how extending the season for a playoff might not be in their best interest?  These kids start in late July hard and go to December.  Young growing bodies need a break from the 7 day a week grind of a 12 game season and training camp.  And they are there at their respective schools to get an education, somehow that is never brought up in any playoff system discussions.  Finals are in December and if it is not so important why do college basketball programs shut down for basically 2 weeks in December?  Say no to playoffs, be careful what you wish for.

The road is getting more hostile for some fans as they travel to see their teams.  We experienced a few incidents this year that were, to say the least, very disappointing.  Some fans with plenty of rocket fuel in them treating fans of their opponent with no respect.  Some led to physical confrontation and verbal communication that was less than demanded at such public events.  Maybe I am out of touch but the old adage, "repect all fear none" comes to mind as I write this.  Players shake hands after a game and move on.  So should fans.

McFadden should win the Heisman.  That would be my vote.  Does it all in a tough conference and I think Tebow has more athletes arond him than DMac.

Miles to Michigan.  Not sure but would not be surprised.  Then what does Pellini do?  Nebraska?  LSU offers him?  The coaching changes coming soon are what has my most interest.  Tubberville, does he stay at Auburn?  Is Petrino coming back to the college game?  Arkansas has some deep pockets and wants a proven guy.  Many moves to be made in the next few weeks.

I got Ohio State and WVU in the title game with lots of controversy surrounding the BCS matchup.  Huge outcry for revamping the system.  Just say no to playoffs.

RoA

We have much to be thankful for...

Rites of Autumn wishes to extend a Happy Thanksgiving to all.  As a country, we have much to be thankful for.  Thanks to all our men and women stationed all over the planet who fight the fight to keep us safe from all the evil that wishes to harm innocent Americans here at home.  You know, the media doesn't do the job on reporting the many "super heroes" we have in our armed forces.  One thing I do know, we as a country do not do enough for our returning heroes and their families.  They lay it on the line everyday and for that they should be compensated much greater than they currently are.

Big weekend for football.  KU/Mizzou is a big one in the Big 12.  Alabama limps into the Iron Bowl after the defeat by ULM.  USC/Arizona State tonight in Arizona is the one that I am waiting for.  Skippy is too (see previous post "Opie likes the Buckeyes" for an explanation).  Everyone here at Rites of Autumn hope all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

RoA

Lloyd Carr will be missed

I wish I could put into words how I feel today.  Kind of like how I felt about a year ago after Bo's passing.  Empty, knowing an era is over.  Lloyd Carr is a great man and a fine football coach; those of us who respect him and his record will miss him.  I wish my daughter could find a guy with the character and class of Coach Carr.  As a dad I think that says it all.  I just finished reading an article that I wish all the fans who were saying those derogatory comments at the Oregon game would read.  His team didn't quit; reeled off 8 straight with 2 big comebacks on the road.  Maybe if those folks took a look at this article, well it may put into perspective what Coach Carr accomplished in his 28 years at Michigan.  He raised the greatest QB in NFL history when all is said and done with Tom Brady's career.  One of the finest corners and one of the few defensive Heisman trophy winners cut his teeth under Lloyd Carr (Charles Woodson). And his team didn't quit after a disastrous start to the 2007 season.  I was there at the Oregon game and it could have been real easy for Michigan to mail it in.  But they didn't, a testament to great leadership.   Last week all we heard was how Michigan was 1-5 that last 6 games against that team from Columbus.  Rarely did the media point out that he was 5-1 his first 6 tries against the team down south in the same breath.  Take a look at this article.  Give it a good read.  Says it all about what a fine coach but a better man just retired as the head coach of the University of Michigan.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/7466526

You will be missed Coach...

RoA

Loudonville, Ohio

The hire felt different from the moment it was announced.  Ron Guenther, the Illinois AD, knows football.  He played the game and has been around it his entire life.  That's why Coach Zook calls him Coach Guenther.  I have immense respect for Ron Guenther; lobbied several local Illinois board of trustee members to hire him when he was attempting to become the AD.  When Ron Zook was announced as head coach, something felt so right and genuine about it.  I was at his first fall practice and watched his every move.  He interacted with the players but make no mistake about it, you knew who was running the show.  Illinois won the opener against Rutgers but took some poundings that first year.  None so bad as the Penn State thrashing.  I sent Coach Zook an email after that game and told him to forget about it, coach hard and good things were going to happen to his Illini.  He emailed back, he always does.  Said they were going back to work and that things would change.  Is that an understatement or what?

Last fall when I went to pick up Opie (See previous post), I went through Loudonville, Ohio (Population 2,906); hometown of Ron Zook.  They are very proud of him which is so cool to see.  The signs posted on the edge of town are the visible signs, but once you stop and engage someone and ask about him, is when the pride is so evident.  While most of the town was pulling for Ohio State yesterday (that is just the way it is in Ohio) I am sure they are so proud of one of their own as they awake this Sunday morning.

Loudonville is a small, quaint, All American rural town.  They raised a genuine person in favorite son, Ron Zook.  Oh yea, wasn't a bad player in his day and he can coach football too.  Ask anybody in Loudonville...

Coach Ron Zook and his first Illini team, 2005.

RoA

Opie likes the Buckeyes...

Opie was born a Buckeye, will always be a Buckeye according to Mark and Laurie, his previous owners.  They live not far from Youngstown, Ohio and love their Buckeyes.  Opie informed me of his Buckeye passion on the long ride home from Ohio.  We talked about a lot of things.  I told him that his new older sister, Holly (Golden Retriever), well she was an Illinois fan.  We indoctrinated her when she was a puppy in the ways of the Orange and Blue.  Told him his older brother, Skippy (Miniature Eskimo Spitz) was an Arizona State fan.  Opie asked why not Arizona with that deadpan look.  Guess that is part of the Australian Sheperd breed, that Opie is a funny guy sometimes.  The trip home was pretty uneventful but once we got home things "heated up" amongst our partisan dogs.

Skippy ran his mouth a few times about the Buckeyes and Opie had to kick his rear end.  Skippy didn't learn his lesson, a few weeks after the national title game against Florida, he made a wise crack about the Big 10 and wham, another butt kicking from Buckeye boy.  I had a little talk with Skippy and told him to maybe not be so vocal with the new guy, for his health's sake.  Skippy said he had made his point and that he didn't know why Opie had to kick his butt every time.  Since then, Opie and Skippy have not had an altercation but it is not for a lack of smack talking, especially from Skippy.  That is until last week.  He was telling Opie that it was going to be Arizona State and Ohio State for the national title and that the desert rats were going to whoop up on them Buckeyes.  Skippy has been pretty quiet since last weekend, he didn't take the loss to Oregon very well.  Too many sacks and turnovers to win on the road was all he said to me last Sunday.  Holly has been pretty tolerant of Opie's Buckeye pride except for one time.  Opie was on Skippy pretty bad and then he started on Holly about the Illini and what's up with that when, WHAM!  Holly was on top of Opie and told him a few things about how it was going to be, etc.  Once she let Opie up, he was rather melancholy for quite awhile.  They came to an understanding of sorts that day, we suppose.

As I was raking leaves today, Opie was telling me Illinois has no chance tomorrow against the Buckeyes.  He says they haven't played well on the road and Columbus and the Shoe are no picnic.  Opie says the Illini will not be able to run consistently and well, they can't pass against anyone.  He likes the Buckeyes 49-20.  After Opie left, Skippy and Holly came by to talk as I was loading another bag of leaves.  Skippy said he thinks Illinois will be able to run the ball and will keep it close.  I said I wasn't so sure of that.  Then Holly reminded me that Illinois has won 10 of the last 22 with the Buckeyes with several of those wins coming in Buckeyeland.  Holly said she thinks the Illini will give the big effort and keep it close with a shot to win late.  That Holly truly is an Illini dog.

Well, you've heard what the dogs think.  What do you think, can Ohio State run Illinois out of the Shoe or will the Illini keep it close with a shot to win it late?

Oh yea, Opie got his picture in the article since the Buckeyes are the current #1 ranked team.  The other 2 are not happy at all...

RoA

Michigan QB's; The Comeback Kids this Weekend

Wow, the parallels between the Michigan/Michigan State game and Patriots/Colts is crazy.  Both Michigan and New England were down 10 points with approximately half the 4th quarter to go and both ended up winning.  Both teams threw the ball vertically to talented, BIG, wideouts and staged quick comebacks to put themselves in a position to win.  Then both teams defenses stiffened and faster than an undercover Patriot cameraman, they score the go ahead TD to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.   Both were led by big, strong armed QB's who both happen to have Michigan in their pedigree.  Great games.  Great QB play.

You can't say enough about the job Lloyd Carr and his staff has done.  I was at at the Oregon game; it wasn't pretty in the stands or on the sideline which had a direct correlation to what was happening on the field.  Yet, they have persevered.  Coached em up and have won 8 in a row heading to Madison before coming home for the big one.  Some of those folks who were saying some of the stuff where I was sitting during the Oregon game have to admit that Coach Carr has led a great turnaround with a lot of help from some senior leadership.  Another staff in the Big 10 you have to take your hat off to is Iowa.  With all the suspensions and injuries, they still have a chance to go 7-5 with a bowl game.  Amazing.  Been an amazing season so far and the next month will put all the pieces of the puzzle together.

Image courtesy of Michigan Zone blog.  Great graphic, great 2nd half.  Thanks Yost.

RoA