November 20, 2008 Volume 2, Issue 13

Archie Manning Highlights NFF Table of Contents NFF Chalk Talk Gridiron Club of Chapter Event * NFF Chalk Talk NFF chairman * Between the Hashes n-Campus Salute for LSU's * Top 25 attracted more than 100 guests to Dallas' Set for This Renaissance Hotel last week for the * Player Anatomy Saturday * CFI Q&A O second event sponsored by the NFF's * Heisman Watch Gridiron Club of Dallas Chapter. 2008 Hall of Fame The event, emceed by Dallas * BCS Busters inductee Billy Cannon will be honored * Small School Top 10 broadcasting personality Scott Murray this weekend at LSU with an On- * Generation Next and sponsored by The Big Game, was * Game of the Week Campus Salute, as the Tigers take on attended by the likes of College Football * Senior Spotlights Ole Miss this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET Hall of Fame inductees Lee Roy Jordan * Weekend Guide on CBS. (Alabama), (Texas ) * NFF Student of and Jim Ray Smith (Baylor). NFL.com's the Month The only player in LSU's storied football Gil Brandt, Football Writers Association * AS Game News history to have his number retired, of America (FWAA) Executive Director * Nagurski Finalists Cannon clinched the 1959 Heisman Steve Richardson, Davey O'Brien * Davey O’Brien Trophy with a return against Ole National Award Executive Match-ups Miss on Halloween night that has Director Danielle Moorman, and the * Mackey Finalist simply become known as "The Run". Dallas Morning News' Bobbi The leader of the Tigers' 1958 National Roquemore were also in attendance as Photo Credit Championship team, Cannon rushed for well as representatives from the Big 12, 1,867 yards and 19 and Conference USA, the Southland * Collegiate Images amassed 965 yards in punt/kick returns Conference, the AT&T , * SEC Sports Media during his career. He received TCU, and an array of area high school * College Press Box unanimous First Team All-America coaches and administrators. * OU Athletics honors and placed third in Heisman Department voting in 1958 en route to earning * Texas Tech Mark Ball, athletics director for the consensus First Team All-America Wylie Independent School District, was Athletics laurels and winning both the Heisman * Brian Westerholt, named the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas' and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Sports on Film president and announced plans to hold Award the following season. He resides * OSU Athletics the chapter's first-ever scholar-athlete * Jaren Wilkey/BYU in Baton Rouge, La. banquet in April 2009. * University of Utah * * University of College Football Insiders: Houston Publisher & Co-Founder: Daniel Mogollon [email protected] * Harvard Athletic Co-Founder: Rick Serritella Executive Editor: Ross Mandel Communications EVP/Head of Scouting: John Murphy Scouting Director: Matt Miller * Rogers Adams, Delaware St. Senior Writers: Ralph Mancini, Josh Buchanan; Staff Writers: John Sears, John Garrett, Christopher Mogollon, Matt Pike, Brian Vornberg, J.J. Pesavanto

Between the Hashes: The Road to Miami

A CLEAR PATH A LOT OF HELP Ironically, the National Weather THREE PROGRAMS CONTROL Center makes its home on the IF THIS LOGIC holds true, expect their destiny – Alabama, Texas campus of the University of a long lasting cold front out in Tech and Florida. A trip to . Nevertheless, don’t Austin when it comes to the Norman awaits the Red Raiders expect the Storm Prediction BCS. The Longhorns need this Saturday and a December 6 Center to inform us if Sam Oklahoma to win in Lubbock to playdate is on Bradford is even have a chance. They also the docket for prepared to play need the to win in the Crimson the role of jet Stillwater, because if they are Tide and the stream this left tied with Texas Tech alone, Gators. It’s far Saturday. This the Red Raiders advance via from a day at much we do know their head-to-head win the beach for – is 60-2 (assuming Tech handles these three at home since Baylor). BCS teams, but taking over the they are in the Sooners. Could it be that the 10-1 ‘Horns driver’s seat. are already frozen out? The At this point in A LITTLE HELP only chance UT has is if the the season voters step back and decide what else can IF that the Longhorns have had a you ask for? is able to defeat the better season than either tidal wave coming Oklahoma or Texas Tech. After Win and out of Lubbock, all, their lone loss (assuming you’re in – the four prettiest conventional wisdom says they defeat Texas A & M) came words in all of sports. In the they’ll take the lead in the Big in the final seconds in Lubbock. past, the BCS has brought 12 South race. Technically they election controversy befitting would create a three-way tie Even then, who can say if that the Sunshine State. There was atop the standings between would be enough? undefeated Auburn left out in themselves, the Red Raiders 2004 and both Oklahoma and and the Longhorns heading The only other team with a Nebraska advancing despite into the final week of the fighting chance is the USC not winning their conference. season. How does the Big 12 Trojans. They need the most Kind of like winning a plan to settle that tempest? The help of all, but it’s rather presidential election without team with the highest BCS simple. If Missouri wins the winning your party’s primary – ranking is declared the South , it something we as a nation representative. Seriously. would in all likelihood knock thankfully have not seen yet. the Big 12 out of the BCS Currently, Texas leads Championship game – no If the Red Raiders win out and Oklahoma in the BCS Texas Tech, no Oklahoma, no play the winner of the SEC standings, but what will Texas. It would also behoove Championship game, the BCS happen if the Sooners knock off the Men of Troy to win the Pac- will be flak and fuss free – no the No. 2 team in the country 10 Title, which is also out of “hanging chad” if you will. Of and a very good Oklahoma St. their hands. Not only do they course, the current could shift team (No. 12 in the BCS)? The need to win out, but Oregon St. at any time and, as the natives expectation is that those two must drop one of their final of Miami can tell you, chaos wins would be enough to sway two games (at Arizona, home can strike at moment’s notice voters and impress the for Oregon). and disrupt the college football computers’ radar, vaulting the atmosphere. Sooners into the top two. See you in Miami… Top 25: Week Twelve 5. (4) Record: 9-1 (5-1) 1. Texas Tech (1) Coaches Poll: 5 Record: 10-0 (6-0) : 5 Coaches Poll: 2 Last Week: BYE Associated Press: 2 Junior tailback Chris Brown is Last Week: BYE coming on strong for the Sooners, averaging 110 It’s time for the to step out of the yards per game and eight yards per carry over shadows — Brian Duncan has 74 Oklahoma’s last four contests (six scores). tackles, safety Darcel McBath six Up Next: 11/22: vs. Texas Tech; 11/29: @ OSU and defensive Brandon Williams 10 sacks. Up Next: 11/22: @ Oklahoma; 11/29: vs. Baylor

2. (2) Record: 11-0 (7-0) Coaches Poll: 1 Associated Press: 1 Last Week: Won Mississippi St. 32-7 It was all about the special teams – a blocked punt for a safety started the scoring before Javier Arenas took over, returning one punt to the two- yard line and another all the way to paydirt. Up Next: 11/22: BYE; 11/29: vs. Auburn 6. Southern Cal Trojans (6) Record: 9-1 (7-1) 3. (3) Coaches Poll: 6 Record: 10-1 (6-1) Associated Press: 6 Coaches Poll: 4 Last Week: Won @ Stanford 45-17 Associated Press: 4 You want vintage USC ? On Last Week: Won @ Kansas 35-7 third and 13 from their own seven-yard line, The ‘Horns defense held a Kansas offense — one broke off a 43-yard run. On the that had reached 30 points in nine of their first 10 following play, connected with games and had scored no fewer than 21 points in Stanley Havili for 50-yard scoring strike. any game this season — to a single . Up Next: 11/22: BYE; 11/29: vs. Notre Dame Up Next: 11/22: BYE; 11/27: vs. Texas A & M 7. Penn St. Nittany Lions (7) 4. (5) Record: 10-1 (6-1) Record: 9-1 (7-1) Coaches Poll: 8 Coaches Poll: 3 Associated Press: 7 Associated Press: 3 Last Week: Won vs. Indiana 34-7 Last Week: Won vs. South Carolina 56-6 Can you say Iowa hangover? Penn St. took a 10-7 Can’t say for sure if the Florida Gators are the lead into the locker room before opening it up in best team in the country, but they can’t be doing the second half. Wide out Derrick Williams wonders for CBS’ ratings. More often than not, scored through the air and on the ground. Urban Meyer’s club pulls away early. Up Next: 11/22: vs. Michigan St. (Final Game) Up Next: 11/22: vs. Citadel; 11/29: @ Florida St. 8. Utah Utes (8) Record: 11-0 (7-0) IF YOU CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEWSLETTER Coaches Poll: 7 LISTEN TO COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS RADIO Associated Press: 8 HOSTS: RODNEY TOWE & Last Week: Won vs. @ St. 63-14 CFI CO-FOUNDER DANIEL MOGOLLON Senior signal caller Brian Johnson (27-of-38) let JOINED BY SPECIAL GUESTS EVERY MONDAY 6:00-8:00 PM EST loose in his tune-up for the “Holy War” by VISIT: WWW.COLLEGEFOOTBALLINSIDERS.COM throwing for 280 yards and five scoring strikes. Up Next: 11/22: vs. BYU (Final Game) 9. Oklahoma St. Cowboys (9) 13. Boise St. Broncos (13) Record: 9-2 (5-2) Record: 10-0 (6-0) Coaches Poll: 12 Coaches Poll: 9 Associated Press: 11 Associated Press: 9 Last Week: Won @ Colorado 30-17 Last Week: Won @ Idaho 45-10 Sophomore tailback Kendall Hunter turned in his While senior Ian Johnson (eight carries, 13 yards) ninth 100-yard game of 2008 and he did it on a was contained, sophomore Jeremy Avery broke season-low 11 carries, averaging 9.3 yards a pop. loose for his first 100-yard game of the season Up Next: 11/22: BYE; 11/29: vs. Oklahoma with a career-high 156 yards (two touchdowns). Next: 11/22: @ Nevada; 11/28: Fresno St. 10. Georgia Bulldogs (10) Record: 9-2 (6-2) 14. Michigan St. Spartans (14) Coaches Poll: 13 Record: 9-2 (6-1) Associated Press: 13 Coaches Poll: 15 Last Week: Won @ Auburn 17-13 Associated Press: 17 After surviving a shootout in Lexington, the Last Week: BYE Dawgs persevered through a slugfest in Auburn Senior quarterback told thanks to (189 total yards) CFI Radio that while he did not relish the week and A.J. Green (game-winning touchdown). 12 bye before the season, it came at perfect time Up Next: 11/22: BYE; 11/29: vs. Georgia Tech for the Spartans as they get ready for Penn St. Up Next: 11/22: @ Penn St. (Final Game)

15. TCU Horned Frogs (16) Record: 9-2 (6-1) Coaches Poll: 17 Associated Press: 15 Last Week: BYE Extra preparation is needed when getting ready for Air Force’s triple-option attack according to TCU’s Head Coach Gary Patterson, who appeared on CFI Radio’s BCS Buster Show. Next: 11/22: vs. Air Force (Final Game)

11. Ohio St. Buckeyes (11) 16. Brigham Young Cougars (17) Record: 9-2 (6-1) Record: 10-1 (6-1) Coaches Poll: 10 Coaches Poll: 14 Associated Press: 10 Associated Press: 16 Last Week: Won @ Illinois 30-20 Last Week: Won @ Air Force 38-24 The one-two punch of The Cougars took over in the third quarter – (24 carries, 143 yards, touchdown) and Terrelle following their go-ahead score, BYU recovered an Pryor (13 carries 110 yards, touchdown) on the Air Force on the ensuing kickoff and ground was too much fight for the Illini. found the end zone again three plays later. Up Next: 11/22: vs. Michigan (Final Game) Up Next: 11/22: @ Utah (Final Game)

12. (12) 17. Ball St. Cardinals (18) Record: 9-2 (5-2) Record: 10-0 (6-0) Coaches Poll: 11 Coaches Poll: 16 Associated Press: 12 Associated Press: 14 Last Week: Won @ Iowa St. 52-20 Last Week: Won @ UM (OH) 31-16 While the get all the publicity in the MiQuale Lewis fell just one-yard Big 12, Derrick Washington (11 carries, 128 shy of his season-high with 165 yards (two touch- yards) is another sophomore back proving the downs). The junior has not averaged less than conference is more balanced than you think. five yards per carry in any game this season. Up Next: 11/22: BYE; 11/29: vs. Kansas Up Next: 11/19: @ Central Mich.; 11/25: UWM 18. LSU Tigers (19) Record: 7-3 (3-3) Coaches Poll: 18 Associated Press: 18 Last Week: Won vs. Troy 40-31 With Troy leading 31-3 in the third quarter, it appeared Les Miles was going to see his Tigers lose back-to-back games for the first time since he arrived in Baton Rouge. They proceeded to score 37 unanswered points in the final 17 minutes. Up Next: 11/22: vs. Ole Miss; 11/28: @ Arkansas

19. Oregon St. Beavers (25) Record: 7-3 (6-1) Coaches Poll: 21 Associated Press: 21 Last Week: Won vs. 34-21 Coming off an injury, Lyle Moevao had concerns 23. (15) about rediscovering his rhythm and they were Record: 7-3 (3-3) warranted (14-of-28 passing). No fear, the Rogers Coaches Poll: NR brothers are here – Jacquizz rushed for 144 yards Associated Press: 25 and James scored on a run and a kick return. Last Week: Lost @ Maryland 17-15 Up Next: 11/22: @ Arizona; 11/29: vs. Oregon The baby Heels blew their chance to control their own destiny on Saturday. Junior quarterback 20. Cincinnati Bearcats (23) Cameron Sexton (10-of-24 passing) struggled Record: 8-2 (4-1) with his accuracy throughout the loss. Coaches Poll: 20 Up Next: 11/22: NC State; 11/29: @ Duke Associated Press: 19 Last Week: Won @ Louisville 28-20 24. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (NR) Tony Pike led the Bearcats to their Record: 7-3 (4-3) third straight Big East win and Coaches Poll: NR second in a row on the road. The signal caller Associated Press: NR threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, Last Week: BYE connecting nine times with Dominick Goodman. With a 1-3 record in Coastal Division play, the Up Next: 11/22: vs. Pittsburgh; 11/29: vs. Syracuse Jackets are a long shot to win the division, but could open things up for North Carolina, 21. Pittsburgh Panthers (22) Virginia Tech and Virginia with a win. Record: 7-2 (3-1) Up Next: 11/20: vs. Miami; 11/29: @ Coaches Poll: 19 Associated Press: 20 25. Maryland Terrapins (NR) Last Week: BYE Record: 7-3 (4-2) Star players LeSean McCoy and Scott McKillop Coaches Poll: 23 receive national recognition – sophomore tailback Associated Press: 22 McCoy as a semifinalist and senior Last Week: Won vs. UNC 17-15 linebacker McKillop as a semifinalist. If the Terps hold on to win the Atlantic Division, Up Next: 11/22: @ Cincinnati; 11/28: vs. WVU they will look back to Chris Turner’s nine yard run on fourth and five to keep their game- 22. Oregon Ducks (NR) winning drive alive late in the fourth quarter. Record: 8-3 (6-2) Up Next: 11/22: vs. Florida St.; 11/29: @ BC Coaches Poll: 22 Associated Press: 24 Dropped Out: South Carolina (20), Florida St. (21), Last Week: Won vs. Arizona 55-45 Tulsa (24) Jeremiah Masoli threw for 298 yards and rushed for 89 yards with five total touchdowns. Five to Watch: Boston College, Central Michigan, Up Next: 11/22: BYE; 11/29: @ Oregon St. Miami, Northwestern, West Virginia Player Anatomy Speed: The senior is fast for a linebacker. He can fill a hole quickly and has good pursuit down the line of scrimmage. LINEBACKER, OHIO ST. Instincts / Recognition: This middle linebacker Character / Leadership Ability: Laurinaitis is a has a nose for the ball and is rarely out of natural leader who was named captain as a junior position due to his ability to react well and not – the first time that’s happened since get fooled by misdirection. He puts in the time in has been the coach at Ohio State. the film room, which translates to him being in the right position Competitive Nature/ on most plays. Work Ethic: He is well-prepared for Pass : This every game and is a Buckeye is a tireless worker with a productive blitzer very high motor. No who has good one puts more time in pursuit speed to the film room than get to the this Buckeye. quarterback. He doesn’t have a Football Intelligence: variety of moves His outstanding and usually relies instincts and on his athleticism knowledge of the to slip blocks. game are unmatched. Laurinaitis makes Pursuit: Laurinaitis good reads and is has good sideline- always around the to-sideline speed. ball. As the middle He never gives up linebacker, he makes on a play, covers a all the calls for the lot ground and defense. closes quickly.

Size: While he has the Tackling: In the prototypical size for open-field, he is a his position, it appears sure tackler – he he could actually fills the hole and increase his upper brings down the body strength while ball carrier. maintaining his quickness. Coverage: Not just a run stopper, he drops into coverage well. He is Athletic Ability: Laurinaitis is a very athletic quick and has the ability to cover running backs player, one who has both good straight-line and and tight ends. lateral speed. His athleticism lets him drop into coverage as well as pursue down the line of Shedding Blocks: He uses his hands well to get scrimmage and make plays – he’s a very good off blocks at the point of attack and, displays an athlete. understanding of the game and a sound technique that make him a handful for Toughness / Durability: Has not missed a game opponents. Laurinaitis is strong, but he due to injury while at Ohio State. He is very sometimes allows linemen get into his body and durable and rarely misses a play. he can struggle to disengage, which is typical of a college linebacker. Q & A of the Week: Quarterback, Brigham Young

CFI: Is it fair that a one loss Mountain West team is considered out of the BCS picture, even if you win the conference?

HALL: Yeah it is a tough road for us and if you look at us right now I think we have three teams in the top 20 from the Mountain West and we have beaten a bunch of Pac-10 teams and teams from other conferences. It’s tough for us because with one loss it kind of limits your chances at a BCS game. Hopefully there’s a day the Mountain West teams can be considered more highly for a BCS game.

CFI: What does it mean to be a BYU quarterback?

HALL: It really is unbelievable. The tradition and the players that have been here before and the support you have from them and where the program is today is unbelievable, so it's a blessing for me to even be in this position right now and to be playing football for BYU, especially playing quarterback. I try to work hard and live up to it the best I can but it’s been an CFI: What’s it like having two weapons like unbelievable ride and getting to talk to some of Austin Collie and ? those guys, the winners of the Davey O’Brien and has been a tremendous blessing HALL: It's awesome because you have to pick for me. your poison with us and who you are going to guard. We also have two great running backs and CFI: Do you get to talk to any of those guys? another great receiver in Mike Reed. There’s a lot of weapons for me on offense, but to have those HALL: Every once and a while one will show up two guys especially is a big deal for me. to practice, I remember being out there in practice and all of a sudden Marc Wilson is out there. CFI: How do you keep them happy? Then another time I walk into the quarterback room for our meeting and is sitting in HALL: I try to feed them dinner every once and a there. Just having the chance to talk to them and while. I try to take care of them. I think if I just hear them give you support. It really is a nice to stay in the system and just run the game like I'm have them around. supposed to, the ball just ends up in those guys’ hands and being the big play makers and the key CFI: No Jim McMahon walking in with the guys on our team, they’re going to make plays shades? and they’re going to have the ball in their hands.

HALL: I haven't met Jim yet. I haven't seen Jim CFI: Who is your favorite “Office” character? McMahon with the shades walking in yet. Hopefully someday I'll get to meet him. HALL: It's close between Michael and Dwight but I got to say Michael. He is the main character and he is the one that makes me laugh the most. have a record of 1-1. Who goes to the Big 12 Heisman Watch Championship game?

How do you put a Heisman Trophy race on hold AHEAD: vs. Texas Tech (Nov. 22). This one has in the middle of the season? You schedule Texas more than the Heisman Trophy at stake. The Tech and Oklahoma to have byes on the same winner likely controls its own destiny in the BCS. week. How do you absolutely redeem yourself Dumb & Dumber style? Give us Texas Tech at Colt McCoy and the Texas Longhorns might Oklahoma with the Heisman Trophy, an benefit from an Oklahoma victory this weekend. undefeated season, and a trip to the Big 12 We would have the aforementioned round robin Championship on the line. Be careful what you results and the nod could ultimately go to Texas. wish for because you just might get it – enjoy Oklahoma hosted one game, Texas Tech hosted points. one game, but Texas did not host a game. The fact that McCoy led has Texas to victory over Oklahoma everything right in on a neutral field should speak front of him. He is volumes not only about which still the frontrunner team is better, but about which for the Heisman and quarterback is better. McCoy has the only contender thrown for 3,134 and 30 besides his touchdowns. His 77.2 percent teammate, Michael completion rate goes about and Crabtree that is on beyond impressive an undefeated team. The hardest AHEAD: Texas A&M (Nov. 28). challenge may not This game could get ugly. His be beating competition, Harrell and Bradford, Oklahoma, but combined for 770 yards and seven proving to Heisman touchdowns through the air voters that he is not against the Aggies. a . Of continues to be course you have to the lone non-quarterback near the marvel at the 4,077 top. Not only are the Heisman and passing yards and BCS at stake against Oklahoma, 36 touchdowns, but but Crabtree has a streak to you need to look at protect. His eight-catch, three- what those numbers touchdown performance against translate to. In Oklahoma State last week was his Harrell’s case – all 13th-straight game with at least five wins. catches and one score, tying . He needs to do it AHEAD: at Oklahoma (Nov. 22). The winner of again against Oklahoma to tie ’s this game will most likely represent the Big 12 in record of 14. the BCS Championship game. AHEAD: at Oklahoma (Nov. 22). If you don’t moves into second place on the list know by now, you haven’t been paying attention. simply because he has the best chance to overtake Harrell. It is amazing that Bradford has put up Heisman Watch Prediction 3,406 yards and 38 touchdowns and is often the 1. Graham Harrell third quarterback talked about in the Big 12. 2. Sam Bradford Should Bradford lead the Sooners to victory on 3. Colt McCoy Saturday, it will complete a round robin between 4. Michael Crabtree Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech. Each team will 5. 6. CFI Players of the Week BCS Buster Watch OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK 1. Utah Utes (1) Record: 11-0 (7-0) QB , Houston Coaches Poll: 7 Earlier in the season it was Associated Press: 8 Tulsa putting up 70 points Last Week: Won @ San Diego St. 63-14 in a game, but last Saturday Las Vegas native Deshawn Richard not only it was Houston that turned intercepted two Aztec passes, the senior took the trick as their sopho- both picks to the house. Now comes the real test, more quarterback led them as the Cougars pay a visit. to a 70-30 win over the Up Next: 11/22: vs. BYU (Final Game) Golden Hurricane. Keenum, who has thrown 2. Boise St. Broncos (2) for over 300 yards in every Record: 10-0 (6-0) game, aired it out for 402 Coaches Poll: 9 yards and six touchdowns Associated Press: 9 and added 43 yards on the Last Week: Won @ Idaho 45-10 ground (touchdown). Boise St.’s WAC leading defense (10.3 points per game) will face its stiffest challenge when the Honorable Mention: Max Hall, QB, BYU: Broncos face the conference’s top scoring offense 28-of-37, 354 yards, two touchdowns – Nevada averages 38.5 points per game. Next: 11/22: @ Nevada; 11/29: vs. Fresno St. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

3. TCU Horned Frogs (3) CB Loyce Means, Houston Record: 9-2 (6-1) While the Cougars’ offense was putting on a Coaches Poll: 17 show, the Means-led defense did an excellent job Associated Press: 15 of slowing Tulsa down. Means intercepted three Last Week: BYE passes on the day, returning one for a score. Air Force averages 279 yards per game rushing while TCU allows only 39 rushing yards per Honorable Mention: Deshawn Richard, DB, game. What’s the saying? Something has to give. Utah: two interceptions, two touchdowns Next: 11/22: vs. Air Force (Final Game) SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK 4. BYU Cougars (4) Record: 10-1 (6-1) K A.J. Principle, Buffalo Coaches Poll: 14 The sophomore kicker tied the game in the Associated Press: 16 second versus Akron and won it in the Last Week: Won @ Air Force 38-24 fourth overtime. In all, Principle drilled three For the second time in the last three games both field goals in the Bulls’ 43-40 victory. wide out Austin Collie and Dennis Pitta went over 100 yards receiving. Honorable Mention: Tyron Carrier, KR, Up Next: 11/22: @ Utah (Final Game) Houston: 142 return yards, touchdown

5. Ball St. Cardinals (5) CFI BCS BUSTER SHOW HOSTED BY Record: 10-0 (6-0) CFI CO-FOUNDER DANIEL MOGOLLON Coaches Poll: 16 SPECIAL GUESTS: GARY PATTERSON, Associated Press: 14 BRADY HOKE, BUTCH JONES, Last Week: Won @ Miami 31-16 AUSTIN COLLIE & JEREMY AVERY Flying under the radar is a Cardinals’ defense EVERY WEDNESDAY 5:00 PM EASTERN (90 MIN) that has stepped up. Over the last five games, LISTEN TO REPLAY OR DOWNLOAD they have allowed just 10.6 points per game. VISIT: WWW.COLLEGEFOOTBALLINSIDERS.COM Next: 11/19: @ Central Michigan; 11/25: WMU CFI Players of the Week

Small School Top 10 OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

1. James Madison 9-1 (2) RB Edwin Gowins, Stony Brook After another impressive week as the Dukes take Gowins churned out 250 yards and three scores over the top spot. They appear headed for the on just 20 carries to lead Stony Brook over VMI in No. 1 seed after clinching the Colonial Athletic a 40-26 victory. This after Gowins put up a 278- Association automatic bid. yard and three score effort the week before. His 250 yards against VMI was the second best 2. Appalachian St. 9-2 (1) rushing day in Big South history. He averaged Somewhat of a disappointing effort against Elon 12.5 yards per carry. but they secured the Southern Conference automatic bid. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

3. Weber State 9-2 (4) S Ryan Barnes, Harvard The Big Sky champs and possessors of an Barnes had a spectacular effort with three automatic bid to the playoffs come off a BYE interceptions in the Crimson’s 24-21 win over week with much needed rest to close out the Penn. This was his first game since suffering a regular season. shoulder stinger on Oct. 25th and it was the best of his career. He also had three pass breakups to 4. Villanova 8-2 (3) finish with six passes defended and added five Villanova won a close one against Towson but tackles, four of them solo stops. The first pick still appears headed for a top-four seed. came in the end zone to kill an eight-minute drive by Penn and the second set up a 20-yard field 5. Montana 10-1 (5) goal in the third quarter. Hard to believe Montana is not the automatic bid this year for the Big Sky with just one loss.

6. Cal-Poly 8-1 (6) Cal Poly faces Wisconsin in what could vault them to a top four seed.

7. Richmond 8-3 (7) The Spiders face a possible playoff elimination game this weekend.

8. Wofford 8-2 (8) Wofford has pretty much clinched an at-large berth in the playoffs but needs to finish strong.

9. Northern Iowa 9-2 (9) UNI is rated much lower in the computer SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK rankings than in the polls and after kicking two star players off the team last week it is hard to K Matt Partain, Holy Cross argue they should be much higher than this. Partain nailed field goals from 23 and 32 yards out in the second half to key a win 10. Southern Illinois 8-2 (NR) from 13 down. He hit the game winning PAT The win over SDSU last week was a huge with six seconds left to give the Crusaders the 27- momentum builder. 26 victory. Partain finished with nine points and hit all three of his extra points. He now leads the Out: William & Mary (10) team in scoring with 75 points. Generation Next ADRIAN BROWN Offensive , Delaware St.

CFI: What are your measurables?

BROWN: 6’6’, 327 pounds, and I run in the 40- yard dash in 5.1 seconds. My bench is 360 pounds and my squat is 405 ounds.

CFI: What is the biggest adversity you have had to overcome in your college career or life?

BROWN: I messed up in one of my classes and I wasn’t eligible. I had to write letters to the dean to reinstate me to play. I was basically going crazy and stressed out. Everything worked out. He saw it was a mistake so he let me play.

CFI: Talk about your family background.

BROWN: When I was growing up we moved to New York. My father was working at a gym and my mom wasn’t working. I got hit by a car and I was in the hospital for close to a year. Then we moved to and we got kicked out of our house. I lived with my cousin while my parents got back on their feet. Now they own their own business. My mom has her own restaurant. My life was pretty good. They gave me what I wanted and spoiled me and still do. They look CFI: Who is the best player on your team? out for me. Hopefully I can make it to so they don’t have to work anymore. BROWN: I would say Akeil Russell, our . CFI: What are your strengths and weaknesses? CFI: Is there anyone else on your team who has BROWN: My biggest strengths are that I can pass NFL potential? block and I'm a good run blocker. My biggest weakness is staying low because I tend to have a BROWN: I think Russell, James Romain our high pad level. I need to work on that. corner, Ron Spinner, and our linebacker Kevin Conner. CFI: What is the highlight of your career? CFI: What are your future goals? BROWN: I was at a JUCO and I messed my shoulder up and Delaware State took a chance on BROWN: My goal is to make it to the NFL and me. My first year here I made first team All- help my mother with her restaurant. I want to MEAC which was a surprise because I didn’t raise my son and be the best father I can be for think I did that good. Then when they told me I him. I really want to expand my mom’s business was a preseason All-American and scouts were into a franchise. I do want to get married to my coming to look at me I realized this could be an fiancée and have another kid. opportunity. make people miss, and the strength to simply Game of break free from want-to-be tacklers. Crabtree runs crisp routes and no one in the game does a the Week better job of coming back to the football. If teams #1 TEXAS TECH @ #5 OKLAHOMA pay too much attention, Harrell does not hesitate to look to one of his other targets – Detron Lewis, Eric Morris, Edward Britton or Tramain For the third straight game, the Texas Tech Red Swindall. Britton has two 100-yard games in his Raiders could be playing the biggest game in the last three contests and Morris is particularly program’s history. This time an invitation to the adept on third down situations coming out of his Big 12 Championship game is on the line, which slot position. Not to be overlooked is Tech’s would also serve as a de facto BCS semifinal final ability to run the football. game for Tech. The same could Sophomore Baron Batch has a be said if the Sooners advance. good burst, while senior Oklahoma has been laying in Shannon Woods has used his the weeds since dropping the shiftiness to find the end zone Red River Rivalry game to 11 times thus far. Texas, not so quietly rolling off four straight wins to stay in WHILE THE SOONERS pass both the Big 12 and BCS title defense is holding opponents to pictures. a conference low 52.7 completion percentage and is When Tech Has the Ball one of only two Big 12 schools GRAHAM HARRELL CONTINUES to have more interceptions than to put up record setting passing touchdowns allowed, numbers as he leads the Big they are susceptible to the big 12’s top rated passing offense, play. The top three averaging 407.2 yards per game. Harrell has now quarterbacks they have faced, Colt McCoy, Todd topped 4,000 passing yards and 35 touchdowns Reesing and , have combined to for the third straight year. He is also battle average 366 yards against them. However, their tested, throwing for 930 yards and eight combined touchdown-to- ratio is a touchdowns (no interceptions) against Texas and very average six-five. Brian Jackson Oklahoma St., the Red Raiders’ toughest foes. and Dominique Franks must be on their game. Maybe the most impressive accomplishment by King-sized strong safety Nic Harris needs to the senior signal caller has been the silencing of remain disciplined and not over-pursue. the “system quarterback” nay-sayers. Although Oklahoma’s top ball-hawk is free safety Lendy he might not match last season’s numbers (5,705 Holmes. Helping the secondary is a speedy yards, 48 touchdowns), Harrell is the Heisman linebacking corps led by Travis Lewis and Trophy frontrunner. He makes quick decisions Keenan Clayton. Lewis leads the team in tackles and is an accurate passer. Recently, we’ve seen as a freshman, while Clayton (six forced ) Harrell use his legs more than ever. Playing a has made the move from safety rather seamlessly. major role in Harrell’s success is Tech’s They have struggled to replace Ryan Reynolds in impenetrable offensive line, which has allowed a the middle since he went down against the mere five sacks in 499 pass attempts. Leading Longhorns, with freshman Austin Box learning the way have been left tackle Rylan Reed and on the job. With junior Austin English out with right guard Brandon Carter, neither of which has an injury, a pair of sophomores in defensive end given up a sack all season. Reed, a former minor Jeremy Beal and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy league pitcher, knows a little something about now lead the line. Beal is a versatile pass rusher, pitching a perfect game, having shut out eventual while McCoy is emerging as a disruptive force. No. 2 overall pick in last season’s He is very effective tying up blockers to free up bowl victory. Leading one of the deepest stables teammates, not to mention making plays himself. of wide outs is sophomore Michael Crabtree. It should come as no surprise that the former Despite being in just his second season, the five-star recruit is beginning to draw Biletnikoff Award winner is a man among boys. comparisons to former Sooner star and current He possesses impeccable hands, the quickness to Bear, . When Boomer Sooner Has the Ball considered by many to be the best lineman in the THE SOONERS’ high-octane attack has been Big 12 – a classic road grater. Left tackle Phil nothing short of a nightmare for defenses, in fact Loadholt is another massive individual at 6’8” the big red machine leads the conference in with the long arms and powerful hands to make scoring at 51.4 points per game. Sophomore him a force in both the run and pass games. signal caller Sam Bradford tops the Big 12 with his 38 touchdown passes. With a powerful arm, ARGUABLY THE MOST overlooked unit in all of excellent touch, ability to read college football is the Texas Tech defense. defenses and superior decision The Red Raiders rank second in the Big 12 making skills, it should come as in scoring defense (22.2 points per game), no surprise he is also its highest which is why they control their BCS rated passer. While the Sooners destiny and come into this contest leading lack a leading man comparable the Big 12 South Division. Manning the to Crabtree, Bradford has no middle is sophomore linebacker Brian shortage when it comes to his Duncan, who at 238 pounds provides supporting cast. The most solid bulk. He is flanked by fellow consistent performer of OU’s sophomore Brant Bird and junior Marlon fantastic four is senior Juaquin Williams, who has made his presence felt Iglesias. He is as sure-handed in big games. The same could be said of as they come and very quick off senior strong safety Daniel Charbonnet the line of scrimmage. Most (five interceptions, three fumble known for his ability after the recoveries), who is one of those players catch thanks to his quickness with the knack for being at the right place and breakaway speed, Iglesias at the right time. Joining him in the doesn’t shy away from making the tough catches defensive backfield is free safety Darcel McBath, in traffic. Red-shirt freshman Ryan Broyles has who is the playmaker of the Red Raiders’ tremendous running skills after the catch – his secondary. He leads the Big 12 with his six middle name should be ‘shifty’. Working his interceptions and 13 passes defensed. Their top way back from injury is senior Manuel Johnson, coverman is junior Jamar Wall, who typically who was having a breakout season. He is not as lines up on the left side. His nine pass break ups productive as the others, but at 6’4”, Quentin lead the team. Another league leader on this Chaney gives Bradford a big target and the ability Tech defense is explosive defensive end Brandon to stretch the field. The toughest cover on the Williams, who has racked up 10 sacks in 10 Sooners might not even be a receiver – tight end games this season. He can wreak havoc coming is arguably the best player at off the edge and looks to do even more damage his position. The pass-catching phenom possesses — he’s caused three fumbles – once he gets to the excellent size and superior athleticism and is quarterback. Defensive tackle Colby Whitlock, equally adept at running over defenders as he is Tech’s lone starter from Oklahoma, is a bit leaving them in his dust. The scary thing is, OU’s undersized, but he is active and plays smart. running game is coming on strong. DeMarco Murray, their speedy tailback, is starting to Final Analysis display his breakaway speed after having off- THE LAST TIME Mike Leach led the Red Raiders season knee surgery. He has the ability to cut on back to his old stomping grounds with the Big 12 a dime and is a threat to score every time he Title on the line (2002), Tech was rudely rebuffed, touches the ball. Like Murray, Chris Brown is 60-15, by Bob Stoops’ boys. But this is a coming off his second 100-yard performance in different Red Raiders team, one that will be his last three contests. Brown is one of the looking to win for the third time in its last four nation’s top short-yardage backs with the tries against the Sooners. Of all the numbers, the requisite toughness and vision. Both Murray and most difficult to overlook is Stoops’ 60-2 home Brown have scored double digit touchdowns this record as OU’s headman. Expect the Sooners to season. When they are playing at their best as a edge out the Red Raiders and create a three-way cohesive unit, the Sooner offensive line is a tie atop the Big 12 South. physical group. The potentially dominating unit features four seniors that average 6’5”, 311 Prediction: Oklahoma 41, Texas Tech 37 pounds, led by guard , who is Senior Spotlight: MICHIGAN WOLVERINES @ OHIO ST. BUCKEYES – NOVEMBER 21 - 12:00 ON ABC

LB Marcus Freeman, Ohio St. DT Terrance Taylor, Michigan

Overshadowed by Terrance Taylor, a 6-foot, 310 James Laurinaitis pound senior, has made 26 over most of his consecutive starts and played in career, Marcus 47 career games going into his Freeman is a pretty final contest as a Wolverine, darn good providing experience and linebacker in his durability. In total, he has own right. As a run started 35 games at nose tackle, stopper, Freeman’s one of the toughest positions to speed allows him to play at any level of football. As close the gap a junior, he became the first between himself and defensive tackle since Josh the ball carrier Williams (53 tackles in 1997) to before significant post 50 stops in a season, yardage is gained. His explosiveness allows him earning him Second Team All-Big Ten honors. to get into the backfield against the run, yet he’s Taylor is an excellent athlete, particularly for a also strong enough to take on tight ends at the man of his size. The former high school state point of attack. He is a fluid athlete who moves champion in power lifting (610 pound squat, 620 well from side-to-side, which allows him to play pound dead lift, 385 pound bench press) is as in pass coverage. In addition to his skills as a strong as they come. As an undefeated wrestler, linebacker, he is a solid special teamer, playing he possesses the type of fight one would expect on three separate units at OSU. He is not the in a noseman. He won the state title as a junior, most instinctive player and relies on his and threw the shot (52_6 feet) and discus athleticism a little too much, but Freeman has (163_02 feet) for his track team in Muskegon. improved his recognition skills. The senior has He’s a bit squatty at just over six-feet tall and also also improved his blitzing this year. Freeman is lacks closing speed, whether it’s getting after the more of a piece of the puzzle than the quarterback or chasing down the ball carrier. centerpiece, which works out well at Ohio St. Taylor is not much of a pass rusher, but very few Like many of his teammates, after a slow start to nose tackles are. His value comes in occupying the 2008 season, Freeman comes into this game multiple blockers, which frees things up for playing his best football of the season. others to make plays.

2008: 69 Tackles, 6.5 Tackles For a Loss, 3.5 Sacks 2008: 30 Tackles, Four Tackles For a Loss, 1.5 Sacks

QB BRIAN HOYER, MICHIGAN ST. Hoyer is in his second year as full-time starter in East Lansing after backing up for two seasons. He lacks ideal size and bulk, but is a very good athlete although he does not look to run very often. The Ohio product isn’t the strongest quarterback in the Big Ten and has struggled with his accuracy this season (49.1 percent). Hoyer doesn’t have overly impressive skills, but deserves his due for putting the Spartans in position to win a share of the Big Ten title. A solid , the senior has done a good job of protecting the football this season.

MICHIGAN ST. VISITS PENN ST. THIS SATURDAY – 3:30 PM ON ABC Don’t Call it an Upset When… Fan’s Weekend Guide Michigan St. Visits Penn St. (November 22, 3:30, ABC): The Nittany Lions have been out in The Conference Title is on front of the Big Ten pack. However, heading into the Line When… the final week of the season, Penn St. is in a three- way tie with pre-season favorite Ohio St. and BYU @ Utah (November 22, surprise contender Michigan St. The Spartans are 6:00, The MTN): The Utes led by Javon Ringer (1,548 yards, 20 touchdowns) enter the “Holy War” on the offensive side of the ball, with a solid undefeated and 60 minutes bend-but-don’t-break defense, which is the Big away from a likely BCS bowl. Standing in their Ten’s best in the red zone. way is in-state rival BYU. How apropos! Utah, coached by BYU alum Kyle Whittingham, has their defense playing well – they have allowed The Team That Can’t Afford to Look Ahead is… just 11.4 points per game over the second half of Oregon St. Visiting Arizona (November 22, 7:00, the season. Since suffering their lone loss of the FSN): The Beavers are two wins away from campaign, the Cougars are averaging 41.5 points smelling the roses, with their hated rival Oregon per game. If state pride, a conference title and a waiting in the wings. However, before they think BCS bid are not enough drama for you, tune in about the future, they should take a look at the because of the quarterbacks. BYU’s Max Hall, a past. Last season, it was Oregon who strolled Davey O’Brien Semifinalist has thrown three into Tucson as the Pac-10 leaders, only to lose game-winning touchdown passes in the final four their quarterback and control of minutes of games this season, while their own destiny in a 34-24 loss in the desert. Finalist Brian Johnson of Utah has led three That marked the fourth straight year the ‘Cats game-winning drives in the final minute. knocked off a ranked opponent in November. Hopefully you have the Mountain Network. Can they do it again? With the number two scoring offense and number four scoring defense in the Pac-10, this wouldn’t even be an upset.

The Team on the Cusp is… Cincinnati Hosting Pittsburgh (November 22, 7:00, ESPN2): With a 4-1 conference mark and three straight wins heading into this contest, the Bearcats are in position to claim their first ever Big East Title and BCS birth. A win over the Panthers and the lone obstacle would be the Syracuse Orange – in other words…people of Cincinnati get out your BCS bowling shoes. What is most remarkable is that Brian Kelly has put his team in this position despite having to play four different quarterbacks. Cincinnati’s stellar run defense – they’ve allowed a Big East low eight rushing touchdowns – will be tested by the conference’s most talented back in LeSean McCoy (1,043 yards, 16 touchdowns).

CFI TAILGATE SHOW HOSTED BY CFI CO-FOUNDER DANIEL MOGOLLON THIS WEEK: TEXAS TECH @ OKLAHOMA MICHIGAN @ OHIO ST. & BYU @ UTAH KNOWSHON MORENO, DAVID TERRELL SCOTT MCKILLOP, MONTEL HARRIS DAVEY O’BRIEN SEMIFINALIST: DAVID JOHNSON EVERY FRIDAY AT 5:00 PM EASTERN – 2HRS VISIT: WWW.COLLEGEFOOTBALLINSIDERS.COM A Football Fan’s Four-Pack…

Michigan @ Ohio St. (November 22, 12:00, ABC): Often referred to as the greatest rivalry in sports, this will mark the 105th meeting between the two schools. With the Wolverines (3-8, 2-5 in Big Ten play) having a rough year under first- year head coach Rich Rodriguez, the No. 10 Buckeyes (9-2, 6-1 in Big Ten play) will have little sympathy for their hated rivals. But as with any good rivalry, you can throw the season record out the window and expect a battle. Ohio State can win a share of the Big Ten championship with a victory – their fourth straight – and Michigan would love nothing more than to rain on the Buckeyes’ parade after missing out on a bowl appearance for the first time in 33 years. Look for defensive standouts James Laurinaitis (in the running for six national honors), and (semifinalist for the Thorpe award) to be thorns in the side of the Wolverines Mississippi @ LSU (November 22, 3:30, CBS): In all afternoon. the first game of the newly created Magnolia Bowl series, the No. 18 Tigers (7-3, 3-3 in SEC Super Senior: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State play) will host the Rebels (6-4, 3-3 in SEC play) in the 97th all-time meeting between the two squads, Star of Tomorrow: Obi Ezeh, LB, Michigan dating back to 1894. While LSU has won the last six-straight meetings and three in a row at Tiger Boston College @ Wake Forest (November 22, stadium, the last three have been decided by 3:30, ABC): The Demon Deacons (6-4, 4-3 in ACC three points or less. With Ole’ Miss being bowl play) will be trying to keep their hopes alive for a eligible for the first time since 2003 and having berth in the ACC Championship Game, while something to play for, look for another exciting also trying to go three straight seasons with seven finish. wins or more for the first time in school history. Wake Forest needs a Super Senior: , DE, LSU win over Boston College (7-3, 3-3 in Star of Tomorrow: Shay Hodge, WR, Mississippi ACC play) as well as a pair of losses by Florida St. @ Maryland (November 22, 7:45, Maryland in order to ESPN): The Terrapins (7-3, 4-2 in ACC play) are reach Tampa Bay on the only team in the nation this season with four Dec. 6. The Eagles wins over ranked opponents, but after last week’s find themselves in a loss to Boston College, the Seminoles (7-3, 4-3 in solid position ACC play) have more to worry about than just heading into statistics. Florida State would love nothing more Winston-Salem after than to leave College Park with a win and the last week’s 27-17 possibility of spoiling Maryland’s chances at the victory over Florida ACC Championship Game. However, that State, and control chance at winning the ACC championship for the their own destiny in first time since 2001, should have Maryland the ACC Atlantic. looking to defend its home turf at all costs.

Super Senior: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest Super Senior: , DE, Florida State

Star of Tomorrow: Mark Herzlich, LB, BC Star of Tomorrow: Alex Wujciak, LB, Maryland In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Ballou Senior HS Wide Pickard has maintained a 3.5 GPA or better for the last two years, and he has stepped forward to Receiver Grabs motivate his teammates to improve academically as well. National Honor "He's not one to look down on others because he has a better GPA, instead he leads by example Ballou Senior High School's Larry and remains humble in the midst of all the Pickard named National Football recognition for his achievements," said Vigil. Foundation's Play It Smart National Pickard has been an active leader in numerous Student-Athlete of the Month for community service events, including 4th and October. Life, an interactive event with current Washington Redskins players who address DALLAS, Nov.18, 2008 - The National Football different life skills topics, the Boy's and Girl's Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) Club reading program, Thanksgiving Harvest announced today that Larry Pickard, a wide and Christmas Helping. receiver and from Ballou Senior High School in Washington, D.C., has been "Play It Smart has shown me how to be a leader named the October National Student-Athlete of and that I am capable of doing much more with the Month for Play It Smart, the NFF's highly my life," said Pickard. "I've learned to work with successful mentoring program targeted at others, communicate better, and feed off my student-athletes in underserved communities. teammates positive energy and they feed off mine as well." An honor roll student since the ninth grade and a member of the national honor society at Ballou, During a recent visit to the University of North Pickard was selected from more than 10,000 Carolina, Pickard and several of his teammates program participants nationally. Albert Munson saw firsthand the benefits of the Play It Smart and Sandra Vigil, the academic coaches at Ballou program at Ballou. Watching the North Carolina Senior High School, nominated him for the vs. Virginia football game, inspiration was the award based on his performance in the buzzword with their former Ballou teammates classroom, on the field and in the community. Lamar Milstead, an offensive tackle for the Cavaliers, and defensive starting Tarheel players "He's maintained excellent grades since his Marvin Austin and LaCount Fountry, taking the freshman year and has always been more field. Although high school graduation for confident about his academic ability than his Pickard is still more than a year away, he hopes athletic ability," said Academic Coach Albert to follow in their footsteps and attend either the Munson. University of Florida or the University of Maryland. This season Pickard's confidence on the field has shown dramatic improvement. The junior is "Each month the selection process for this award currently ranked among the league leaders in becomes more difficult, this month was no Washington D.C. in both receptions and exception," said Len Stachitas, NFF vice receiving yards. Pickard also leads the Ballou president and Play It Smart executive director. Knights in receptions and has caught touchdown "We congratulate Larry on the honor and will passes in each of his last three games. watch his continued progress over the next several years with great pride." "Larry's growth on the field, combined with his academic abilities and dedication to his Each month the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame honors one student-athlete as the Play It Smart Student- community will translate into many successes for Athlete of the Month. Winners are selected from nominations him in life," said NFF Chairman Archie received by academic coaches from the more than 160 schools in 33 Manning. "We look forward to following his states. At the end of the school year the "Student- Athlete of the career on and off the field." Year" will be selected from the monthly winners to be honored at the annual Play It Smart National Conference. East Coast Bowl VIII HOUSTON IS TOSTITOS NATIONAL North vs. South TEAM OF THE WEEK TICKETS •$8 IN ADVANCE • $10 AT GATE

About the East Coast Bowl The East Coast Bowl is an annual college football All-Star game that features the most elite DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 70-30 win over Division I-FCS, II, III and NAIA college football Tulsa, the Houston Cougars (6-4) are the Tostitos players from across the Mid-Atlantic region. The Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for game is held every year on the Saturday games of the weekend of Nov. 15. following Thanksgiving at Cameron Field in Petersburg, Virginia and is sponsored by the City Case Keenum threw six touchdown passes - five of Petersburg and the National Football in the first half - and ran for another score as the Foundation. As mention in the mission Cougars raced to a 42-17 halftime lead. statement, all proceeds derived from the game are used to award scholarships to high school Houston's Loyce Means intercepted three passes, students from the Tri-Cities area that intend on including one he returned 69 yards for a playing football at a Division II or III institution. touchdown.

* FREE TO ALL MILITARY The win moves Houston into a three-way tie for * FREE TO ALL HIGH SCHOOL first place in Conference USA's West division FOOTBALL PLAYERS with Rice and Tulsa. * FREE TO ALL YOUTH REC FOOTBALL PLAYERS AND CHEERLEADERS Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Nov. 15 All youth Recreation Football Teams and included: Cheerleaders are invited to walk around the track before the game and represent your team and · Florida (9-1): ran for a career-high recreation department along with interacting 167 yards to pace the Gators in their 56-6 rout of with the Players. Please call the front office to South Carolina. participate in this event. · Northwestern (8-3): C.J. Bacher threw a pair of OUR MISSION second-half touchdown passes as the Wildcats The central mission behind the creation of the beat Michigan for just the fifth time since 1905, East Coast Bowl is to increase the visibility and 21-14. showcase the talent of athletes from the Division I-FCS, II, III and NAIA level. Accolades for · Vanderbilt (6-4): D.J. Moore caught two football players from these levels are scarce and touchdown passes and had a pair of interceptions limited and this proves to be another avenue for as Vanderbilt became bowl eligible for the first Division I-FCS, II, III and NAIA college football time since 1982 with a 31-24 win at Kentucky. players to reach their goals. Other elements that define the mission of the East The FWAA has named a national team of the Coast Bowl include: the redevelopment and week since the 2002 season. This is the fifth renovation of Historic Cameron Field, and the season that the award has been sponsored by the establishment of the East Coast Scholarship Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. For more information go to Program. footballwriters.com. bruising fullback and tackle from 1927-29. He FIVE FINALISTS NAMED could have been an All-America at any position, playing 60 minutes and was the best player FOR 2008 BRONKO wherever he lined up.

NAGURSKI TROPHY Sketches on the five 2008 finalists as selected by the FWAA All- America Committee:

Jerry Hughes, End, TCU, 6-2, 248, Junior (Sugar Land, Texas): He leads the nation with 14 sacks, is seventh in the nation with 17.5 tackles for loss, while tying for fifth with five forced fumbles. He also has three fumble recoveries. Hughes has two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He was the Walter Camp Football Foundation and FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week after his four sacks and two forced fumbles in a 32-7 win over previously unbeaten BYU. He is a three-time Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week this season. Hughes anchors a TCU defense that leads the nation in rushing defense (39.5 yards per game), sacks (40) and total defense (220.0 yards per game) and is third in scoring defense (11.0 points per game).

DALLAS (FWAA) - Five finalists for the 2008 , Linebacker, USC, 6-2, 260, Bronko Nagurski Trophy were announced on Senior (Eureka, Calif): He leads USC with 66 Wednesday by the Football Writers Association tackles and has also intercepted two passes of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club. (including a 48-yarder for a touchdown in a victory over Ohio State). He has 2.5 tackles for 11 Vying for the honor of the best defensive football yards in losses. He has broken up a pass and has player in college football are TCU end Jerry registered a quarterback hurry. He spearheads a Hughes, USC linebacker Rey Maualuga, Texas USC defense that is ranked second nationally in end , Wake Forest total defense, first in scoring defense, sixth in and Florida linebacker Brandon rushing defense, and first in pass defense and Spikes. pass efficiency defense. The Trojans have allowed just 10 touchdowns in 2008 and 83 total points The winner will be announced on Dec. 7 and (only 19 points in second halves of games), and presented the Bronko Nagurski Trophy at a gala have posted three shutouts. Eight of USC's 10 banquet at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C., opponents in 2008 have been limited to 100 or where East Carolina coach Skip Holtz will give less rushing yards and under 250 total yards. the keynote address. Brian Orakpo, End, Texas, 6-4, 260, Senior In addition, the FWAA and Charlotte (Houston, Texas): He is the defensive leader for Touchdown Club will present the second Bronko the Longhorns, who rank fourth nationally in Nagurski Legends Award presented by CSX rushing defense. He has 35 tackles (26 Intermodal to Ted Hendricks, a standout end at unassisted), a team-high nine sacks (which is tied the (Fla.), who was a for ninth nationally), 13.5 tackles for loss, 23 member of the 1967 FWAA All-America Team. pressures and three forced fumbles this season. Facing Oklahoma pre-season All-America tackle The FWAA award is named after Nagurski, who , Orakpo posted seven tackles, two dominated college football at Minnesota as a sacks, four tackles for loss, two quarterback pressures and a forced fumble in leading then No. 5 Texas to a 45-35 win over No. 1 Oklahoma. Orakpo's pressure and near sack in the end zone of forced an interception that gave Texas the ball at the Missouri 15-yard line and set up a touchdown in No. 1 Texas' 56-31 win over No. 12 Missouri. Matching up with top NFL draft prospect , Orakpo registered six tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and two pressures in No. 1 Texas' 28-24 win over No. 7 Oklahoma State. Orakpo turned in two tackles, a tackle for loss and two pressures before going down with a knee injury early in the second half at No. 6 Texas Tech. He has missed the better part of 2 1/2 games with a knee injury.

Alphonso Smith, Cornerback, Wake Forest, 5-9, 190, Senior (Pahokee, Fla.): He leads the nation with 18 passes defended. He has five interceptions in 2008 with 28 yards in returns, tied for third in the ACC. He is one shy of tying for the ACC record for career interceptions (20) with former North Carolina star Dré Bly, who also was an FWAA All-American. Smith had an interception against Baylor and another against Florida State and returned it 18 yards. His interception against Clemson was returned nine yards. He had two interceptions vs. Duke, first game due to a foot injury. Spikes has 37 including one in the end zone that sealed a 33-30 unassisted tackles and 33 assisted tackles. victory over the Blue Devils. He has broken up 13 passes this season. The Charlotte Touchdown Club is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of , Linebacker, Florida, 6-3, 245, promoting high school, collegiate, and Junior (Shelby, N.C.): One of only three professional football in the Charlotte, N.C. in the nation with two interception region. The club's activities and services focus returns for touchdowns this season. He leads the community attention on the outstanding team with 70 tackles on the season, including 8.0 citizenship, scholarship, sportsmanship, and for a losses of 27 yards. He intercepted a pass in leadership of area athletes and coaches. For more the first quarter against South Carolina and information, contact John Rocco (704-347-2918 or returned it 12 yards for his second touchdown of [email protected]). The official website the year. Spikes led the Gators with seven tackles of the Charlotte Touchdown Club is against Vanderbilt, including two for a loss of www.touchdownclub.com. eight yards and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against The Football Writers Association of America, a LSU, where he had his first career interception in non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists the first quarter. On the first play of the fourth of nearly 1,000 men and women across North quarter, he added his second interception, which America who cover college football for a living. he returned 52 yards for his first career The membership includes journalists, touchdown. He had a streak of 11 consecutive broadcasters and publicists, as well as key games with a tackle for loss end against LSU. executives in all the areas that involve the game. Against Ole Miss, he had eight tackles in the first The FWAA works to govern areas that include half for the second game in a row on his way to a gameday operations, major awards, a national season-high 13 tackles. He made his season debut poll and its annual All-America team. against Miami and recorded a game-high 11 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss of three yards. He is a starter at middle linebacker who missed the sophomore, Bradford has proven himself a top O'BRIEN QUARTERBACK contender in the midst of the Big 12 quarterback rivalry. The signal caller for the Sooners tops the AWARD MARQUEE MATCH- national rankings with 38 touchdown passes and ranks second in quarterback rating (188.94). UP FOR WEEK THIRTEEN Bradford set a school record with 32 career completions for 40 or more yards, breaking the previous record of 29 set by 2003 and 2004 O'Brien Winner, Jason White. In Oklahoma's most recent game against Texas A&M, Bradford led the No. 5 Sooners to a 66-28 victory over the Aggies. He completed 22-of-33 passes for 320 yards with no interceptions and accounted for five touchdowns (four passing, one rushing).

Additional Semifinalist Games

Daryll Clark: Michigan State at Penn State Saturday, November 22 at 2:30 p.m. (CST) on ABC Last weekend Clark led the Nittany Lions to a FORT WORTH, Texas (November 19, 2008) - definitive 34-7 win over Indiana, proving their The 2008 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback top ten ranking in the polls after a loss the ® Award (The O'Brien) Semifinalist Match-up for previous week to Iowa. The junior quarterback week 13 highlights the highly anticipated duel now turns his focus toward Michigan State as No. between O'Brien Semifinalists Graham Harrell of 8 Penn State looks to finish the season at the top Texas Tech and Sam Bradford of Oklahoma. Fans of the Big Ten. can show their support for these two candidates, as well as any of the other 13 Semifinalists, by Max Hall: BYU at Utah visiting www.VoteOBrien.org and casting their Saturday, November 22 at 5 p.m. (CST) on The Mountain vote as often as once daily. The Fan Vote will The Cougars will wrap-up their conference play count as 5% in determining the Finalists. as they take on the No. 7 Utah Utes and fight to claim a piece of the Mountain West Conference Semifinalist Marquee Match-up title. Hall enters Saturday's game after going 28- of-37 for 354 yards and two touchdowns, Texas Tech (Graham Harrell) at Oklahoma (Sam Bradford) directing BYU to a 38-24 victory over Air Force. Saturday, November 22 at 7 p.m. (CST) on ABC The quest for control of the Big 12 South comes David Johnson: Tulane at Tulsa down to Saturday's battle between the Red Saturday, November 22 at 2 p.m. (CST) Raiders, led by Harrell, and the Sooners, Johnson and the Golden Hurricanes return to quarterbacked by Bradford. Both teams enter this their home field after a heartbreaking loss on-the- match-up coming off bye weeks and are ready to road to the Houston Cougars. The senior go head-to-head. Harrell and the No. 2 (BCS) Red quarterback threw for four touchdowns, Raiders travel to Norman, Okla. with their completing 62.1 percent of his passes and now highest ranking in school history. The senior looks to help rebound his team as they take on quarterback has completed at least 30 passes in the Tulane Green Wave on Saturday. four-straight games and has passed for more than 400 yards in three of the four. Harrell continues Tim Tebow: Citadel at Florida to lead the nation in passing (4,077 yards) and Saturday, November 22 at 12:30 p.m. (CST) on completed 80 percent of his passes for six ESPN360.com and ESPN GamePlan touchdowns and no interceptions in Tech's last Tebow accounted for three touchdowns (two game against Oklahoma State. A victory over the passing, one rushing) last weekend as the No. 4 Sooners would add to the Raiders' perfect 10-0 Gators routed the South Carolina Gamecocks 56- record and solidify their spot in Kansas City, Mo. 6 at home. With a 9-1 record, Florida prepares to for the Big 12 Championship game. As a host The Citadel at The Swamp on Saturday. Eight Semi-Finalists of Announced For 2008 Arizona John Mackey Tight End of the Week

Manhasset, N.Y. (November 19, 2008) - Rob Gronkowski of Arizona was named John Mackey Tight End of the Week by the Nassau County Sports Commission. The Pac-10 Conference sophomore had his best game of the season recording 12 receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns as Arizona lost to Oregon 55- 45. Mark Hafner of Houston was also in consideration for the weekly honor.

The John Mackey Tight End of the Week is an honor distinct and different from the annual John Manhasset, N.Y. (November 17, 2008) - The Mackey Award. This weekly honor was started in Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) has 2004 to draw attention to individual play by announced eight semi-finalists for the 2008 John Tight Ends during the active season. The Tight Mackey Award. Listed alphabetically, they are End of the Week acknowledgment does not have (JR, Missouri), (JR, a direct bearing on the final John Mackey Award South Carolina), Jermaine Gresham (JR, selection process. Oklahoma), Mark Hafner (SR, Houston), Branden Ledbetter (SR, Western Michigan), The Nassau County Sports Commission, a non- Brandon Pettigrew (SR, Oklahoma State), profit, 501(c)(3) organization created to enhance Dennis Pitta (JR, BYU) and D.J. Williams (SO, quality of life of Nassau County residents Arkansas). through sports, is responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and The eight semi-finalists were determined by the John Mackey Award Selection Committee. confidential balloting of the John Mackey The 2008 recipient of "The Mackey" will be Selection Committee. The 2008 recipient of "The announced at the Home Depot ESPNU College Mackey" will be announced on December 11, Football Awards Show live December 11, 2008 on 2008 at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football ESPN and presented at the Nassau County Sports Awards Show live on ESPN and presented at the Commission Annual Awards Dinner on April 27, Nassau County Sports Commission Annual 2009. Awards Dinner on April 27, 2009.

Past John Mackey Award Recipients The John Mackey Award is given to the collegiate tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community Year Player School values of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End John 2007 USC Mackey. The Nassau County Sports Commission 2006 Minnesota is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that 2005 UCLA promotes sports and healthy lifestyle for Nassau 2004 Virginia County residents and is responsible for the 2003 II Miami administration of the John Mackey Award and 2002 Iowa the John Mackey Award Selection Committee. 2001 Colorado For additional information, please visit 2000 Purdue www.johnmackeyaward.org or www.nassausports.org.