ECU beats UTEP and Tim Floyd's Head Explodes

Tim Floyd/Courtesy: Reflector.com

Really. It did. In the metaphorical sense anyway.

Last night, East Carolina and UTEP squared off in a Conference USA game in Greenville, North Carolina.
ECU got the win, but they weren't the story.

The story was the world class rant that UTEP coach Tim Floyd went on just after the start of the second half. Both Floyd and assistant Phil Johnson got a pair of technicals less than two minutes into the half and were ejected.

However, Floyd didn't go quietly. Or willingly. A police officer had to escort him to the locker room. It didn't help his team either. UTEP is fighting for a potential NCAA tournament bid and has won 20 games thus far, but they lost to a 14-13 ECU team, 83-76.

Floyd didn't apologize for the rant and in fact admitted he, probably deserved the second technical.

But, through the magic of the internets, as a service to our readers, we found the video of Floyd's "Go Crazy" moment and are bringing it to you...



Here's the short version from our friends at WNCT-TV in Greenvile...

Terps Win One For "The Fridge"

It doesn't matter what side of the fence your on concerning the firing of Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen but if your a Terrapin supporter it must have been great to see the Terps put a whoppin' on East Carolina in the Military Bowl.

Maryland crushed the Pirates 51-20.

CSN Washington's Chick Hernandez filed this report from RFK Stadium.



After the game outgoing coach Ralph Friedgen gives some insight on what the new coach can expect. (Thanks Baltimore Sun.com)

 

Finally Friedgen talks about the support he received from the Terrapin fans. (Thanks Baltimore Sun.com)

 

After the game Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith told CSN Washington's Chick Hernandez that he's going pro.



I've known Ralph Friedgen for six years and he is gruff but always gave you what you were seeking and gave you his time. There's no doubt he loves his players and the feeling is mutual. If Friedgen wants to coach again he will, he still has young lives to touch.

TWTW: Navy Runs All Over East Carolina

((HT: WITN-TV Greenville, NC))

You know, this game was 28-21 at the half...???

And the final was 76-35...???

Ricky Dobbs ran for a TD and threw 2 more as Navy set a school single-game scoring record. This was the worst loss in the first-year McNeill Administration.

Alexander Teich ran for 157 yards and a score for the Midshipmen, now 6-3, became bowl eligible for the eighth straight season.

Dominique Davis threw five TD passes for the Pirates, now 5-4, who pick up their first home loss this year. The 76 points set Navy's single-game record and it's the most points by an East Carolina opponent in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

Navy also finished with 521 yards rushing- the most ever by any opponent in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and the second-most ever allowed by the Pirates behind West Virginia's 536 yards in 2002.

It was also the second-most points allowed by East Carolina in any game, trailing Guilford's 79 they scored in November 1932.

Yikes...

Bill DiNicola sits at the adult table...

East Carolina Gives The ACC Another Bad Loss

A couple of weeks ago NC State looked like they were for real and a team capable of winning the ACC. The Wolfpack may win the conference championship but they didn't help the reputation of the ACC losing on the road to East Carolina.

In fact, the Wolfpack gave the ACC it's first win over a BCS conference when NC State defeated Cincinnati last month.

Here's the highlights from Greenville, NC. (Thanks WRAL-TV)



Post game sound with NC State head coach Tom O'Brien. (Thanks WRAL-TV)



Post game comments from East Carolina head coach Ruffin McNeill. (Thanks WRAL-TV)

East Carolina Pulls Off A Hail Mary

A hell of a way to start the Ruffin McNeill era at East Carolina. The Pirates pulled off what their calling in Greenville the "McNeill Miracle" defeating Tulsa 51-49.

ECU quarterback Dominique Davis threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Justin Jones who caught it around a crowd of Golden Hurricane defenders to win it for the Pirates.

Why describe it when we can show you the video. (Thanks ESPN/Youtube.com)



"We knew the situation and the clock [on the last drive of the game]." East Carolina head coach Ruffin McNeill said. "The thought process was to just drive it 70 yards and score. We felt like we had enough time with one timeout left. I was happy with the offense because that's the way we practice those situations."

Here's the local angle, thanks to our friends at WNCT/CBS9 in Greenville...
Brian Bailey was outside Dowdy-Ficklen with his live shot...

Ruffin McNeill lands at East Carolina

***BREAKING NEWS***

It appears that former Texas Tech assistant coach and former interim coach, Ruffin McNeill will be named the head coach at East Carolina University.

According to a report on Reflector.com RIGHT HERE

McNeill found himself out of a job after taking over Texas Tech for their bowl game this season after the Head Coach Mike Leach was fired. He had been a popular candidate among the Red Raider players to remain and take over the program, but that wasn't to be. Tech hired Tommy Tuberville to take over the program.

McNeill is an actual ECU alm and is expected to be confirmed at a 5pm Board of Trustees Meeting at the Greenville, North Carolina school

Skip Holtz Heading, Not Skipping, To USF

***BREAKING NEWS****

According to multiple published reports, it appears that Skip Holtz has found a new home in the Big East as Head Coach of the University of South Florida Bulls.

Brett McMurphy of Fanhouse.com was first with the story RIGHT HERE

According to the report, the school plans on announcing the hire of the now second coach in school history. He will replace the coach who started the program, Jim Leavitt who was fired just a few days ago for allegedly choking a player and then not being forthcoming in the ensuing investigation.

Holtz, son of the legendary coach and crazy broadcaster Lou, leaves East Carolina after having several years of success and a 38-27 record. He lead the to two Conference USA titles and fourn bowl games in his four seasons there.

Dave Wirth from WTSP-TV and 10Connects is live on campus...
((HT: 10Connects))


Holtz's introduction is set for noon Friday in Tampa...
Skip will find out that they put their pants on the same way they do in the Big East as they do in Conference USA...

TWTW: Tejada Least-Bad Kicker In Arkansas Liberty Win

((HT: WNCT-TV, Greenville NC))

You really have to feel beyond bad for East Carolina senior kicker Ben Hartman.

He went 1-for-5 in field goal attempts in this year's Liberty Bowl.

Unfortunately, one of those was with 69 seconds left and another was as time expired in regulation.

The game went to overtime tied at 17 and Hartman had another chance to put points on the board for ECU- but he missed again. One off the upright from the right hash, one off to the right as he tried to compensate for the hook, and the third one in OT was off to the left from the left hash. He was short from 45 earlier in the game.

Arkansas' Alex Tejada had his growing pains as well. He missed in the Florida game and in the LSU game. Robert Petrino was seen cursing after a miss in the Liberty Bowl- and, no, we can't reprint what he said.

But Tejada got his chance in the bottom of the first overtime, and he made it giving the Razorbacks their 20-17 win...

Here's your wrap from our friends at WNCT-TV

TWTW: East Carolina Gets C-USA Crown Over Houston

"You didn't have to go for it right there..."

Yup, Ron Franklin had it right...

What Case Keenum was doing throwing with that much time on the clock for the, possible, game-winner is beyond a lot of us...

Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin is, really, the only one who knows the answer on that one... Travis Simmons tips the football to Van Eskridge for the rally-stopper and the Pirates win 38-32 over the Cougars in Greenville, North Carolina...

East Carolina heads to the Liberty Bowl where they play, probably, Arkansas. It's anyone's guess where Houston is going...

Here's the ending, thanks to our friends at ABC/ESPN/Conference USA

Conference USA Preview the 2009 Version

East Carolina Pirates
2008 Record: 9-5, 6-2 in conference
Lost to Kentucky in the Liberty Bowl 23-19

Things to Like About East Carolina:

What is it that wins championships…? Oh, yeah… defense. Last year, the Pirates were in the Top 30 in the country in eight defensive categories for Division 1. Eight guys come back to start another year.

Most of the offensive line that kept QB Patrick Pinckney upright returns and top target Dwayne Harris may get to improve on the 58 catches he had in 2008.

Things Not To Like About East Carolina:

The early part of the schedule that could have them starting the season 0-3. They take on Appalachian State. They travel to Morgantown. They travel to Chapel Hill.

The losses to graduation: #2 rusher/#3 receiver Brandon Simmons and #2 receiver TE Davon Drew on offense, and #2 tackler LB Pierre Bell on defense. ECU also has to find three D-Lineman that received their papers for the real world also.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: ECU’s opens the season with 4 of 6 on the road and with the first 2 road games at West Virginia and at North Carolina, a 1-2 start might be in the cards. But ECU should finish strong and with Virginia Tech coming to Greenville November 5th the Pirates could back up their upset last year of the Hokies. ECU is a very talented team but with a tough non-conference schedule 8 wins looks to be the number for the Pirates.

Phil: They have accomplished some good things. They are a solid D-1 program who can scare some people. Yes, they open with a tough road schedule but they will do OK in this conference. Don’t expect them to light it up and threaten for a BCS bowl, but they will do alright at the mid level. They will contend for the conference title, but come up a bit short.

Nelson: Even with 8 starters returning on each side of the ball, it will be tough to improve on the win total for the fourth year in a row. It may be only a 7-win season at ECU. Completely unacceptable if you’re Head Coach Skip Holtz…

Houston Cougars
2008 Record: 8-5, 6-2 in conference
Beat Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl 34-28

Things to Like About Houston:

Two Words: Case Keenum. Much like his UH predecessors, Andre Ware and David Klingler, Keenum isn’t shy about throwing the football around. He threw for over 5,000 yards last season, completed two-thirds of his passes, and had a 4-to-1 TD-to-INT ratio ((44 to 11)). Almost 90-percent of the offensive numbers return for this season. The Cougs were second in the nation for total offense in 2008.

RB Bryce Beall was Freshman of the Year in 2008 and will get to be the balance in the offense. He ran for over 1,200 yards last season. He should get that much, if not more, this year.

WR Tyron Carrier led all freshmen with 80 catches last year. Pencil the number in again.

Things Not To Like About Houston:

Defense (or a lack of it)… Head Coach Kevin Sumlin is going to have to stop somebody- anybody… Against D1 opponents last year, all but Tulane scored at least 20 points against them. 7 scored 30 or more and 3 scored 45 or more. Get the point…?

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: If Houston can at least stop someone then the Cougars have no problem running the table in the C-USA West. One potential hiccup, or maybe a two, is that Houston must play Tulsa and UTEP on the road, that pair will challenge the Coogs in the division. With the best QB and receivers in the league and a Bryce Beall in the backfield, it looks like double digit wins and a conference title.

Phil: Today’s letter is the letter “D”. This summary is brought to you by the letter “D”. Thankfully there is no “D” in Houston, unfortunately there is very little “D” at the University either. They will be a pain in the ass to play, but in this conference, they are probably the best or at least one of the best teams. Top 3 in the Conference and mid-level bowl like every other team that exists with a winning record.

Nelson: It’ll be another bowl for them, and possibly, a chance at the title game. But like last year, they’re going to just outscore everyone to do it. The keys to the car (and the season) are in Keenum’s hands the whole time.

Marshall Thundering Herd
2008 Season: 4-8, 3-5 in conference

Things to Like About Marshall:

The defense: Practically everyone returns for 2009- 8 starters and 7 of the top 10 tacklers from last season. Focus on DE Albert McClellan, LB Mario Harvey, and Sophomore stud CB DeQuan Bembry.

Darius Marshall ran for over 1,000 yards last year. He’ll need to do it again this year.
Try to bring down All-America candidate TE Cody Slate. We dare you…

Things Not To Like About Marshall:

The current vibe: A lot of the Herd wanted to punt Head Coach Mark Snyder after last season, and if things keep going the way they have been. They may get the chance after this year. Snyder is in the crosshairs now more than ever after the arrest of Marshall and Bembry in the offseason and how the situation is being handled.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: A good core of talent but not enough to get above .500 and not enough to save Mark Snyder’s job.

Phil: How the mighty have fallen. This was an “Elite” level mid-major not too long ago. Now they are lucky to be a .500 team and in fact, this year they won’t. Eventually they natives will get restless and Mr. Snyder will be looking for other employ soon. Middle of the pack here.

Nelson: It’ll be another 3 or 4-win season, another long fall, and another search for a head coach come the off-season.

Memphis Tigers
2008 Season: 6-7, 4-4 in conference
Lost To South Florida in the St. Petersburg Bowl 41-14

Things to Like About Memphis:

The running game: Newcomer of the Year Curtis Steele isn’t a newcomer anymore. The Ju-Co transfer cleared 1,200 yards on the ground last year. He’ll have to do that again.

The receivers: Duke Calhoun and Carlos Singleton. Calhoun brings a 37-game catch streak into the 2009 season. He should have a few school records beside his name before it’s said and done. Singleton is a big target for anyone at 6-8.

Things Not To Like About Memphis:

That whole “defense” thing again: The Tigers lose three down linemen to graduation on a team that “improved” to the middle of the pack in Division 1 stats.

What’s left of the offense: Only four starters come back for 2009. The offensive line took it in the chops thanks to graduation.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: The schedule is a killer hosting a potentially great Ole Miss team at the Liberty Bowl. Later the Tigers go across the state to Knoxville to battle the Vols and then Memphis closes the season at Houston and at Tulsa. Memphis might get 6 wins and go bowling again but it’s going to be a chore.

Phil: Meh! Quite honestly, this team isn’t very interesting. They are young and rebuilding so maybe they will grow up and be something…but not right now. They will get roughed up early and won’t quite be able to recover from it.

Nelson: Another middle-of-the-road year for a middle-of-the-road team. They could be 6-4 heading into the last two games of the year, and the two road games that end the regular season will decide how much they’ve improved.

Rice Owls
2008 Season: 10-3, 7-1 in conference
Beat Western Michigan 38-14 in the Texas Bowl

What to Like About Rice:

It goes well with just about everything, but the brown version doesn’t stick to your… What…??? Oh… the football team…

By default, it’s the defense. The team’s top nine tacklers come back for another go-round.

What Not To Like About Rice:

They lost everyone that made an impact from the bowl-winners from last year: QB, top 2 receivers, top running back. Finding a replacement for Chase Clement will be huge.

The schedule: The Owls start with three road games- UAB, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State. They’ll be happy to get into conference play.

OSG’s Take:
Wilkie: Rice is going to take a beating this year and especially from the get-go. The Owls are rebuilding and if they can survive the early part of the schedule 3-3 they may have a chance at a bowl. I’m afraid it’s a long year for Rice.

Phil: Because of the non-conference schedule…they will struggle. But they won’t fall too far in the conference. They are still one of the stronger teams in C-USA. I think they will be a 7-5 team that squeaks into a bowl game because as I have said repeatedly, anyone with a .500 or better record gets into a bowl game.

Nelson: To be honest, in a conference that loves offensive numbers this team has to try to find too much of what they lost. If you start 1-2 on the road, you may lose to Vandy to go 1-3. The season gets longer and longer from there… a .500 team.

SMU Mustangs
2008 Season: 1-11, 0-8 in conference

What to Like About SMU:

Can we get back to you on this one…?

Actually, the Ponies were the youngest team on the planet last year. They were put into college football on the fly, and they have a year’s worth of experience to play with.

All the skill players return- which is nice…

What Not To Like About SMU:

Bo Levi Mitchell is going to have to be a smarter QB this season in the run and shoot. He was almost even in his QB-to-INT numbers. They were 24-to-23 last season.

The young guys are still young across the board… the team may be a good team next year and the year after that.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: SMU is a crap shoot. They should be better with one year of June Jones’ system under their belt. Then again it could all implode again. The ‘Stangs will win 3 maybe 4 and that’s about it.

Phil: Does anyone remember the Pony Express? Nah…didn’t think so. Shmoo will be improved…they have to be. Yeah, they are young and yeah, June Jones is too good of a coach for them not to improve. They will, but they still have a “Long, Long Way to go” (Foreigner circa 1978).

Nelson: There will be improvement at SMU in Year Two of the June Jones era. How much remains to be seen. There will be a conference win here or there, and they do play Washington State. Three wins- tops…but that’s more than one…

Southern Miss Golden Eagles
2008 Season: 7-6, 4-4 in conference
Beat Troy 30-27 in OT in the New Orleans Bowl

What to Like About Southern Miss:

Everybody that means something to Larry Fedora’s team last year is back for another run. Offensively, 80-percent of the line returns to make more holes for Damian Fletcher. He had almost 1,350 yards last year and is USM’s career rushing leader.

QB Austin Davis comes back and he’ll be looking for another 23-and-8 year throwing to guys like WR DeAndre Brown (67 Rec-1,117 YDS-12TD) who averaged over 16-and-a-half yards per catch in 2008.

What Not To Like About Southern Miss:

Fedora has to find replacements for LB’s Gerald McRath and Tokumbo Abanikanda- the top two tacklers on the team last season. Eight more starters return on defense from ’08, but that’s a big responsibility that has to be delegated.

The out-of-conference schedule will get them ready, as always, for C-USA play. It includes road trips to Kansas and Louisville in the first-half of the year.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: The C-USA eastern division may come down to an end of season showdown at East Carolina. I really like the Golden Eagles; they have a ton of talent and expect USM to represent the East in the C-USA title game.

Phil: These guys are almost always solid and that isn’t going to change. Coach Hat (Fedora) has a veteran team with some talent coming back. In this conference, that means you have a chance to win the whole enchilada. Look for them to compete for the title and get a bowl bid somewhere.

Nelson: Sure, the team will have a win-loss record close to .500 at the end of the year, but the road trips early will get them ready for conference play late. It should be another bowl-bound bunch from Hattiesburg. They’ll be the standard pain-in-the-ass they’ve always been to everyone outside Conference USA.

Tulane Green Wave
2008 Season: 2-10, 1-7 in conference

What to Like About the Green Wave:

You’ve got to give Head Coach Bob Toledo credit. He never quits. But when the liner notes you see talk about your punter, you’re in trouble.

What Not To Like About the Green Wave:

Seeing the situation at Tulane never improve

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: When your winnable games are all on the road that doesn’t bode well. It’s going to be a real long year at Tulane.

Phil: On the good side, New Orleans is a nice place to visit for a day or 2.

Nelson: Admittedly, I have a soft spot for any New Orleans-based athletic program since Hurricane Katrina. We’ve even endorsed contributing to the Tulane Athletic Fund and helping out UNO as well. This will be another 2-win season unless SMU improves and passes Tulane in conference play. Toledo doesn’t have the toys everyone else has ands has to do more with less. Unfortunately, it’s just never enough.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane
2008 Season: 11-3, 7-1 in conference
Won Against Ball State in the GMAC Bowl 45-13

What to Like About Tulsa:

The video-game like prowess they have in putting up numbers. While we don’t necessarily endorse Todd Graham as a Mad Scientist, they only scored less than 30 points twice in 2008. They scored 50 or more 6 times, 60 or more 3 times, and maxed out at 77 against UTEP. They return the number one offense in the country.

Try to catch them if you can…the game against Boise in October should be a blast…

What Not To Like About Tulsa:

If you don’t like teams that only play an Arena Football-like defense, this is not a squad for you.

Graham also has to find a replacement for starting QB David Johnson (4,059 yards and 46 TDs) and some guys to protect whoever the new QB will be. That will be the earliest and stiffest challenge of the season. They get past that, everything else is downhill.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Love the TU offense, scoring points isn’t a problem. 4 of TU’s first 5 games are on the road but all but one are winnable (I don’t see the Golden Hurricane defeating Oklahoma in Norman). They won’t win the C-USA West this year but they will win 9 games and get a decent bowl.

Phil: The system alone will win them 6. Talent will win another one or 2. They may not light it up like last year, but they won’t be far behind. I agree they may not get a title this year, but a bowl game is pretty much a lock.

Nelson: Like we said, if they can find Johnson’s replacement- and that’s a big IF- everything else will be okay for the Golden Grahams. I don’t see them setting a new school record for wins again, but I do see a bowl game in their post-season.

University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers
2008 Season: 4-8, 3-5 in conference

What to Like About UAB:

Webb Feet: QB Joe Webb set the Conference USA record for single-season rushing yards by a quarterback at 1,021.

Less Is More: The last two games of the season the Blazers gave up a total of 13 points.

More is more: The number of scholarship athletes will, finally, be in the 80 range for Head Coach Neil Callaway. He’s been trying to fight with kids numbering in the high-60’s since he showed up. Every offensive starter returns.

What Not To Like About UAB:

The Blazers lose their top two tacklers form last season- LB Joe Henderson and Safety Will Dunbar. They also lose their dual threat in special teams K/P Swayze Waters. If there’s a close game in 2009, it may be on the foot of an inexperienced kicker to get the job done- something UAB can ill afford.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: 7 road games! Does anyone want to play at Legion Field anymore (wait… I know the answer to that question.) 4 wins is about it, and fire the schedule maker.

Phil: OK, so they are less horrible. Thanks Coach Calloway. There are some bright spots here, but they suffer in anonymity in the state of Alabama. We get the whole play lots of big teams and get good paychecks theory, but you have to do something to get noticed at home too. Middle of the pack…if everything goes right 6 wins and a minor bowl, more than likely 4 and another long winter.

Nelson: Another long year. Webb threw for only 10 scores while getting intercepted 16 times in 2008, That really can’t happen in 2009 even though Webb will make up for it with the yards he gets carrying the football. 4 wins sounds about right.

University of Central Florida Knights
2008 Season: 4-8, 3-5 in conference

What to Like About UCF:

Defense, defense, and defense: Six of the front seven return from last year’s team that led the C-USA in rushing defense and was second in total defense. LB’s Cory Hogue and Jordan Richards should be back from injury.

Offense: Ten starters come back for Head Coach George O’Leary. WR’s Rocky Ross and AJ Guyton should be back from injuries as well. QB Rob Calabrese started as a true freshman. That experience carries over for 2009.

What Not To Like About UCF:

Having to replace all-conference lineman Patrick Brown and all the losses in the secondary… Our guess is that, to score points, teams in the C-USA are going to have to pass the football.

Wait… what…??? Teams do that here…???

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Here’s a quirky stat on UCF during the George O’Leary era. In even numbered years the Knights are 6-18 in O’Leary’s 6 seasons. In odd number years UCF goes to a bowl. I think that trend ends in 2009.

Phil: The fighting O’Leary’s are not as good as they were a couple of years ago. They may never be again. But, there are the makings of a good team here…they just are missing a couple of pieces. Don’t expect them to play pinball with some of the C-USA big boys, but they will jump up and surprise somebody this year. 5 wins would be a solid season for them.

Nelson: If it’s true that defenses come around first, then UCF should get a jumpstart on their conference brethren. But the early part of the schedule may cancel that out with Buffalo and Miami there. They’ll come on strong late and may get another win or two over the 2008 season.

University of Texas-El Paso Miners
2008 Season: 5-7, 4-4 in conference

What to Like About UTEP:

QB Trevor Vittatoe: A top 20 QB in passing efficiency and total offense in Division 1. He threw for almost 3,300 yards and 33 TD’s last year. That kind of year should happen again when he still gets to throw to guys like Jeff Moturi and Kris Adams.

Moturi and Adams combined for 23 of the 33 scores.

LB Braxton Arny returns after being out for the entire 2008 season with a torn ACL. He should help fill the gaps from graduation.

What Not To Like About UTEP:

The schedule: Buffalo, Kansas, and Texas are three of your first four.
Head Coach Mike Price also has to find a replacement for leading rusher Terrell Jackson

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: It’s a make or break year for Mike Price at UTEP. A 4th straight losing season might make the natives restless. That’s not going to happen. UTEP has a favorable schedule and should just outscore opponents. The Miners win 7-8 games and go bowling.

Phil: They will be decent because they can score. I don’t agree that Price goes on the hotseat, UTEP needs to realize who they are. They are a decent team in an OK conference that if the stars align can compete for the title. They will be above .500…maybe… but will get into a bowl game.

Nelson: UTEP will score points. That’s the easy part. Biggest question is: Can they keep the other guy from doing it…? The games they won last year, they pinned the other team down. In the games they lost, they got destroyed. To me that translates into “average.”

Conference Champion:

Wilkie: Houston
Phil: Rice Krispies
Nelson: Houston

Offensive MVP:
Wilkie: Case Keenum - Houston
Phil: Case Keenum - Houston
Nelson: Case Keenum- Houston

Defensive MVP:
Wilkie: C.J. Wilson – East Carolina
Phil: Albert McClellan - Marshall
Nelson: Albert McClellan- Marshall

East Carolina Gets C-USA Title

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane have, under Head Coach Todd Graham, been one of those teams that will do one of two things on the field for you on any given Saturday.

They will light up the scoreboard without a conscience...
Or they will, in their attempt to light up the scoreboard, flame out like one of those old-1950's nuclear warning films that told you to duck and cover- lest ye feel the warmth of the mushroom cloud to follow.

It was the latter Saturday in a home game that decided the Conference-USA Title against East Carolina. Seven turnovers- five of them interceptions- in a 27-24 heartbreaker of a loss to the Pirates.

Here's your wrap from WhatsupGreenville and the youtube...

East Carolina, You Have A Problem...

Yeah, yeah.. we know...
It was too easy to let that one go...

Here's how it happened...



((HT: CBS/CSTV and the youtube))

And here's your postgame reaction from ECU Head Coach Skip Holtz



((HT: WRAL-TV/WRAL.com))

College Football: Some Of The Mighty Fall

Could you keep up with all the stunning upsets and unexpected outcomes in college football Saturday? The SEC alone had some games that no one saw coming.

First Ole Miss going into the Swamp and defeating Florida 31-30 with Kentrell Lockett blocking the extra point late in the 4th quarter to preserve the Rebel win. If you a student of Ole Miss football history then you know the Swamp is not as intimadating to the Rebels. This is the 2nd straight win for Ole Miss in Gainesville and all-time, Ole Miss is 6-3-1 at the Swamp.

This is a signature win for 1st year head coach Houston Nutt

"I asked the guys to believe in ourselves and to believe that we have a good team. We’ve always played hard, but we finished this game today. We can build on this. . ” Nutt said.

Watch out for the Rebels from here on out.

Dog Roll Over For Tide

OK, Maybe Jolly Ole St. Nick is worth millions. The Alabama Crimson Tide went into Athens, Georgia and beat the heck out of the Georgia Bulldogs between the hedges. Nick Saban has put together a Crimson Tide team that doesn't do anything spectuacular than just line up and try to beat the hell out of you. Next thing you know, your down 31 points. The Tide did that to Clemson to open the season and followed that script against Georgia. Alabama is a lot better than we thought.

"I’m very proud of how we played. Georgia is a fine team." Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban said. "We made a lot of plays in the first half. It’s a great team win. If you lose your intensity in a game like this at halftime and you let Georgia get back in it, there are lessons to learn. I’m looking at what we need to do to become better. If you don’t come every week to play with intensity, the other team will beat you. We got beat in the second half 30-10. I hope we learn from this: what did I learn from when we played well and from when we didn’t. This is a big and great win for us. Georgia has a lot of good players and they are coached very well."

Even in the glow of a great win, Jolly Ole St. Nick is still keepin' it real.

Paws And Reflect, What's Up At Clemson

The Clemson Tigers were the overwhelming favorite to capture the ACC Championship. After a humilating loss to Alabama to open the season some eyebrows were raised as to maybe Clemson was over rated. Now the 20-17 loss to Maryland at Death Valley has you scratching you head. What has happened to Clemson.

"We self-imploded today." Head Coach Tommy Bowden said. "We had critical points in the game where we made mistakes, especially with penalties and fumbles. We didn't play sharp today and that was the reason we lost."

Bowden added "They made plays when they needed to in the second half, and we didn't. They came out of the locker room with defensive adjustments and they capitalized on that."

Clemson must regroup because Wake Forest is next and the Demon Deacons were also a victum of an upset. The Deacs were dumped by Navy 24-17. Wake committed 6 turnovers while quarterback Riley Skinner threw a career high 4 interceptions.

"I missed some throws, over throwing people and I tried to force some throws." Skinner said. "I just really hurt our team tonight which I feel bad about because our defense played well in the second half. They gave us chances to score and we didn't come away with the points we needed."

East Carolina Falls Back To Earth

After shocking the college football world twice to open the season, the Pirates have walked the plank twice as reality has set in. East Carolina fell to Conference USA rival Houston 41-24 as the Cougars racked up 621 yards of total offense. It's the second loss of the year for ECU and their BCS dreams are over.

The Pirate offense was so ineffective that head coach Skip Holtz pulled starting quarterback Patrick Pinckney at halftime for backup Rob Kass.

It was Houston's first road win over a ranked opponant since 1984.

Hail To The Victors

Don't think I forgot you Big 10 fans. Michigan got its first signiture win in the Rich Rodriquez era with a come from behinder over Wisconsin 27-25. The Wolverines came back from 19 points down scoring 27 straight points in the 500th game played at the Big House.

"I'd like to tell you things looked okay at halftime but they didn't. Wow -- there was no panic." Michigan Head Coach Rich Rodriquez said. "We were just trying to make some corrections, but if there was a hole to crawl into, I'm sure a bunch of us, including myself, would have liked to crawl into it. But we didn't. We hung in there with the guys and they did a tremendous job on defense to keep us in it."

So as we absorb this past Saturday of college football the conclusion drawn is that Southern California is not invinceable, Georgia's got some issues, Clemson has much bigger issues, Alabama is pretty damn good, Florida has to rely on Tim Tebow and Michigan still has its mystic.

Ole Miss/Florida Photos Courtesy: AP Photo-The Gainesville Sun, Brandon K
Tommy Bowden Photo Courtesy: Bart Boatwright/The Greenville News

Here's your recap of the Michigan game from WXYZ-TV in Detroit...

The Bois Are Back In Town

Vandy may be dandy, but the Broncos have done it again ((pictured, thanks KTVB))...
Their 37-32 win over Oregon at Autzen Stadium has put them back in the Top 25...
Nick Krupke's take from KVAL-TV in Eugene is in blue...
KTVB-TV's beyond in-depth coverage is in blue...

And then, naturally, the NC State Wolfpack decided that East Carolina's BCS dreams had lasted long enough beating them in overtime, 30-24...
WRAL-TV's Tom Suiter and Dane Huffman break the game down for us below...

The Dirty Dozen & Bottom 5

DIRTY DOZEN

1A Southern California – 2 weeks to prep against Ohio State. Do you think up in heaven Woody Hayes and John McKay have a wager on this one?

1B Georgia – The Bulldogs have USC this Saturday, South Carolina. The head ball coach wants this one bad.

2 Ohio State – So there you go ESPN, you have the 1-2 match up just go by our poll.

3 Oklahoma – The Sooners look damn good and should crush Washington in Seattle.

4 East Carolina – Best non-BCS team in the land. The Pirates go to the Big Easy and win easy over Tulane.

5 Missouri – Host the Nevada Wolfpack in Columbia.

6 LSU – After an unexpected week off the Tigers will take the Mean out of the North Texas Mean Green

7 Texas – They smell bacon this weekend

8 Florida – Not that impressed with the Gators except for Tim Tebow who is carrying that team

9 BYU – Got by one Pac-10 test, next is UCLA at Provo

10 Utah – Utes take on weak in-state rival Utah State

11 Georgia Tech – Big road win at Boston College and another road challenge this Saturday at Virginia Tech. This team is much better than expected.

12 Alabama – Jolly Ole St. Nick is loving life, The Tide will roll on Western Kentucky

((Nelson Notes: USC, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Missouri, LSU, Florida, BYU, Utah, East Carolina, East Carolina, and Middle Tennessee State))
((Phil's List: USC, Georgia, Oklahoma, Florida, Ohio St., LSU, Mizzou, Texas, Auburn, E.Carolina, Alabamie, Texas Tech))

BOTTOM 5

5 Michigan – Come on, you barely beat Miami (OH)

4 The East – We are taking the Big out because that conference stinks. ACC you have company.

3 Arkansas – The worst 2-0 team in the history of college football

2 Army – I got nothing

1 Florida International – Pay us for an “W”

((Nelson Notes: Michigan, Maryland, Arkansas, Army, and Florida International))
((Phil's List: Maryland, Michigan, Arkansas, Sary-cuse, Honorary Champ FIU))

A Pirate's Life In College Football

It’s official, East Carolina is the new sexy team to crash the BCS party. The Pirates looked damn good in crushing West Virginia 24-3. Add this win and the one last week over Virginia Tech and ECU has beaten 2 elite BCS schools.

West Virginia came into the game ranked 8th and with East Carolina’s win over the Mountaineers, it’s the highest ranked team ECU has beaten.

East Carolina head coach Skip Holtz was at a loss for words, well sort of.

“I don’t think you can put it into words. I am so proud of these players the way they have come out and competed the last few weeks. We played two elite programs and I am just proud of the way our team has grown. They are playing with desire, passion and togetherness. It is so fun right now to stand on that sideline and watch our defense play as good as it is. Every facet of our team from the offense to special teams was fantastic tonight. The players really believe in themselves right now.”

Next week East Carolina opens Conference USA play against Tulane. The Pirates have one more BCS team on its schedule, October 11th against Virginia at Charlottesville. Right now you have to like East Carolina’s chances of running the table and going to the BCS.

Fear Not Buckeye Fans

So Ohio State Struggled against Ohio U. So what, The Buckeyes had an off day but were able to win, just not by a 5 touchdown margin. Just get over that game. Ohio State will be up for USC next week and put on a good show. The Buckeyes will be motivated for that one you can bet.

Not So High On Hogs

OK Arkansas Razorback fans, and yes I bleed Razorback red, I’m not so encouraged that Arkansas is off to a 2-0 start. 1st down by 10 to WESTERN ILLINOIS with 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter and rallying to win then just getting by Louisiana-Monroe 28-27. Both times Arkansas QB Casey Dick led the 4th quarter comeback. I don’t think Dick is the second coming of John Elway or Joe Montana with that skill but he did save Arkansas’ bacon.

The Hogs go to Austin, Texas next week to take on the Texas Longhorns and then they host Alabama. Both have the potential to be good ole fashioned whoopin’s. I might have to lay low after those games.

East Carolina/West Virginia Photos Courtesy: AP

Arkansas/UL-Monroe Photo Courtesy: Wesley Hitt/Arkansas

College Football: Week 2

While Week 1 of the college football season had some great match-ups to kick things off, week 2 has very little compelling games. Many schools are playing FCS (1-AA) teams or non-BCS schools that are not very good. If you feel sorry for any team focus on The Citidel. They go to Clemson’s Death Valley to battle a Tiger team that’s pride is wounded. Bet the over on Clemson.

Best Game This Weekend: West Virginia at East Carolina

Skip Holtz is acting like his father Lou before a big game by sounding as if his team has not shot in winning and West Virginia counts as a big one.

"I've got great respect for their program and what they do. I think they have difference making speed on the field. It's going to be a heck of a challenge for our football team to go out there on Saturday." Holtz said.

This is another chance for East Carolina to make some noise nationally and become the sexy non-BCS pick to bust through. The big plus for ECU is that the Mountaineers are coming to the Pirates turf. West Virginia may have the better players to win by more than a touchdown but ECU is full of confidence and just might be up for another challenge.

2nd Best Game This Weekend: Miami at Florida

One thing you have to understand is that these 2 programs do not like each other. Especially since Florida feels it doesn’t need to play the Hurricanes. Not much respect there. On paper the Gators look to be the most talented team while Miami has talent but it’s young. If Miami is not intimidated by playing at the Swamp, this has the possibility to be an eye opener across the nation. I really think this will be a test for the Gators because Miami is fast. This game will be competitive but I don’t think Miami will win but it wouldn’t shock me if they did.

3rd Best Game This Weekend: Georgia Tech at Boston College

Yea I know, how could 2 middle of the road ACC teams be the 3rd best game of the weekend? 1st it’s one of the few compelling match – ups of the weekend but after what the league went through last week, the Yellow Jackets and the Eagles actually had impressive wins. Well, at least the scores looked impressive.

If Georgia Tech wins and impressively, the Jackets might be the team to beat in the ACC Coastal Division because it is wide open. If B.C. wins then the Eagles become a threat in the ACC Atlantic Division. I look forward to this one.

The Ole Miss/Wake Forest game interests me to. Houston Nutt’s 1st Rebel team reminds me so much of his 1st Arkansas team. That Razorback team in 1998 was coming off a 4 win season and uninspired. Nutt come in and inspired the Hogs to 8 straight wins to open the season. Wake Forest might be the best team in the ACC and is rolling but the Rebels are better than people think. I love the match-up and it should be a fun, entertaining game.

Bet The Farm On The USC Trojans To Win The National Championship:

For those who look for any kind of angle when betting who will win the national title then check out this little ditty. Southern California has won the national championship 4 times in years in which the Summer Olympics have been held. 1928, 1932, 1972, 1994.

Seminoles Name A Starter:

Christian Ponder won the Florida State quarterback lottery. FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher named Ponder the Seminole starting quarterback Wednesday night. The Seminoles open the season Saturday against Western Carolina.

The Red Wolves Are Howling:

It has turned out to be a great move by Arkansas State to change their nickname to the Red Wolves. Last Saturday ASU got its first win over a BCS school defeating Texas A&M 18-14 in front of over 78,000 fans at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. By the way Aggie fans, Paul “Bear” Bryant, Gene Stallings & Jackie Sherrill all lost their 1st games as head coach at Texas A&M.

A Grand Game For Wyoming:

When Wyoming hosts Air Force on Saturday, it will be the 1,000th game in Cowboy history. Now if only Wyoming would do something about that brown and yellow color scheme.

That’s it, I’m spent.

Over A Cracker Barrel

East Carolina University ((pictured, thanks replay photos)) is one of those schools that, when it comes to playing football against them, they're like the little dog that gets annoyed when you come anywhere close to his front stoop.

Sometimes he wins and you cross the street and all he does is bark...
Sometimes you win but your pants leg is a little frayed and you mumble under your breath...

Let's say the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Greenville, North Carolina is now, officially the latter.

Some Pirate fans went in to the store looking to pick up some ECU gear. There was plenty from UNC and NC State, but the Pirate supply seemed lacking. An e-mail was sent to Cracker Barrel HQ, and this was the apparent response...

"since this is a small school that plays in a small conference there are few manufacturers that will make ECU merchandise..."

That made its way to the Boneyard Banter fan forum, the haven for all things ECU... and that was a bad thing...

Cracker Barrel PR's machine went in to the hurry-up offense and came out with the following response...

"I also am very sorry for the response sent by one of our Guest Relations Representatives. The response was not an informed nor researched response. I apologize the response seemed insensitive to your concerns for the lack of ECU merchandise offered by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Please be assured this error has been addressed and corrections have been made within our department...

...We do have a limited number of items available in East Carolina University in our Greenville, NC location only. We have sweaters, t-shirts, hats, children's cheerleader and football outfits, coasters, garden flags, a hand-painted Christmas ornament, quilt, hand-painted lamp, and a coffee mug. If while you are visiting our Greenville store you don't find this merchandise, please ask one of our retail sales associates to assist you in locating these items."

Corrections have been made...

Translation- the Tarheel fan, allegedly, who wrote you that e-mail back has been "fah-erred."
What did I tell you about ECU...?

And, by the way, Cracker Barrel has a killer steak caesar salad...

((HT: AOL Fanhouse))