Houston Cougar Game Day 8 vs. Rice Owls

#17 Houston vs. rice

October 27, 2011

7:00 p.m.
Robertson Stadium - UH Campus
Houston, TX
TV: Fox Sports Net
Radio: 790 AM (Houston, Tx)
Houston leads series 36-22

rice (intentionally left in lower case to signify the insignificance of that school) won the last meeting between the cross town rivals.  With Case Keenum lost for the year, the quarterbacking duties fell on true freshman David Piland.  Piland kept the Coogs in the game by throwing three touchdowns.  His owl counterpart, Nick Fanuzzi, equaled his touchdown total.

The game boiled down to who made the least mistakes.  Unfortunately that mistake was made by the Cougars.  Piland fumbled the snap on a 4th and 1 and the owls recovered.  Houston lost the game 34-31.

2008 signified the most significant meeting standing and championship wise for the two schools.  The winner mostly likely would end up in the C-USA championship.  rice prevailed in a shoot out 56-42 at rice stadium.  

The game set up a 2009 revenge match for the Cougars.  This time the Cougars did not mess around.  Houston posted the largest margin of victory in the series.  The Coogs pounded the owls 73-14.

Once again, 2011 sets up to be another revenge game for the Cougars.  This time Case Keenum returns to the helm of the Cougar offense.  Add in the new found brilliance of the defense and this game looks to be another massive beat down in the series.  

Here's hoping the Cougars hang 80 or more on rice.

Link Dump

Memorable Moments from Bayou Bucket

A Look Back at Last Five Bayou Bucket Games

SB Houston Game Preview

Houston 63 Marshall 28 - Thundering Herd, Blundering Turd

Marshall defensive football players talked the talk.  Until Saturday's game, they walked the walk.  They looked to knock Houston's record setting quarterback Case Keenum out of the game.  Marshall already knocked out a few quarterbacks.  To wit:  Southern Miss Austin Davis, VA Tech Logan Thomas, Louisville Teddy Bridgewater and Central Florida Mark Godfrey.  Next?  Case Keenum.

Instead, Keenum and the Cougar offensive line thwarted the plan.  Keenum left his footprints all over the Marshall defense.  Keenum's game line:  24 of 28 passes completed for 376 yards and 6 TDs.  No sacks.  No interceptions.  Keenum also broke former Hawaii quarterback Tommy Chang's all time total offense record.  Chang held the record with 16,910 yards.  When back up UH quarterback Cotton Turner took his first snap in the 4th quarter, Keenum sat on the sidelines with a career total of 17,173 total yards.

Again the Cougar defense came up big when it mattered.  Trailing 35-14 in the last seconds of the 2nd quarter, Marshall held a 4th and 1.  The decided to go for the touchdown instead of the field goal.  It was a momentum building play either way it went.  A TD and Marshall is back in it.  A stop and the Cougars maintain a commanding lead.  With an anxious sell out crowd yelling, the Cougar defense stood tall and swung the game clearing in the Cougar's favor.

The defense held firm and chipped in on the scoring.  In the 3rd quarter, true freshman Derrick Matthews returned an interception 20 yards for a TD.  In the 4th, defensive end Kelvin King almost returned an interception for a TD but fell short in his 69 yard return.

UH vs. Marshall Game Book

UH vs Marshall Box Score

Houston vs. Marshall Motivational Video

Houston vs. Marshall Highlights

Houston Cougar Game Day Idle - Coogs To Big East?

With the exception of ESPN, other media outlets report that the Big East will expand by six teams.  The teams include Boise St., Air Force and Navy as football playing members only.  Central Florida, SMU and our dear old Houston Cougars would play as full members in other sports.

So what is the real scoop?  At this point it is really hard to tell.  Initially, a week ago, the Big East was on its death bed.  Pitt and Syracuse bolted for the ACC and TCU jilted the Big East for the Big 12.  UConn desperately tried to join Pitt and Syracuse in the ACC.  Louisville, West Virginia, Cincinnati and Rutgers eyed other conferences as well.  Pending a move by Missouri to the SEC or Big Ten, and a desire of the Big 12 for 12 members, Louisville and/or West Virgina might head to the B12.  Rutgers may or may not be headed to the Big 10. 

Regardless, at stake for the Big East was their automatic qualification to a Bowl Championship Series bowl status (BCS AQ).  The SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Big East and Pac 12 champs all receive automatic bids to the lucrative bowls and paths to a BCS title game.  All other conferences and independents must meet minimum criteria to get a slot in the country club.  Boise St. and TCU are the two non-AQ schools that consistently earn a seat at the exclusive table but neither has been given a national title shot.

With the loss of Pitt, Syracuse and TCU, the Big East faced the loss of revenues from football and the next TV contract.  With the expected entry of TCU, the Big East hoped to tap the Texas market in TV and recruiting.  The addition of TCU also expected to boost the ranking of the conference to maintain the league's lock to access to a lucrative BCS bowl.  With three schools gone, what next?

Attractive schools abound despite the defections.  BYU went independent after breaking away from the Mountain West Conference (MWC).  Boise St. left the WAC for the MWC in hopes of strengthening its schedule and BCS appeal.  Notre Dame plays in all Big East sports except for football.  The service academies (Navy, Air Force, Army) maintain national followings from their respective branches and the University status of their academies. 

At one point a few years ago, there was speculation that the MWC would either take the Big East's AQ status or force a seventh AQ slot for a conference.  Utah and TCU earned victories to strengthen the conference standing.  Many speculated that adding some stronger non-AQ schools like Houston, Nevada, Hawaii and Boise St. would only enhance a conference could already compete with the AQ conferences.  Then Utah left for the Pac-10/12, TCU went to the Big East/Big 12 and BYU went indie.  A promising conference was left in shambles.  If the Big East raids come to fruition, then the MWC will be further weakened with the losses of Boise St. and Air Force.

Since the break up of the old Southwest Conference, Houston, TCU, SMU and Rice have been on the outside looking in.  TCU earned its place in the new BCS.  Houston, SMU and Rice went through the motions in their respective conferences. 

Houston Cougar fans through the ages always feel slighted.  Playing for years in the 50s, 60s and 70s in smaller conferences or independent, the Cougars enviously eyed the Southwest and Southeast Conferences.  It wasn't until the 70s that the Cougars gained membership into the SWC and the validation they sought.  Three SWC championships in the first four years of membership only proved the Cougars belonged and three Final Four teams in the 80s showed the Coogs weren't just a football school.  So the break up of the SWC and the exclusion in the formation of the Big 12 only opened old wounds for the Coog faithful.

From the depths of the dissolution of the SWC to the exclusion from the Big 12, do the Cougars finally have a home at the BCS Club?  From all indications, yes. 

There is no reason for any school invited to the Big East to turn the invite down.  ESPN tried to play up the MWC/C-USA merger/association as a reason for Boise St. and Air Force turn down the Big East.  Houston, SMU and Central Florida also appeared enticed but a 22 football league.  ESPN reports appear speculation based on old reports and information.  Boise and AF were initially hesitant only due to the fact that they needed reassurance that the league would survive.  Once the football schools said they will raise the exit fees then Boise and AF agreed.  ESPN also floated that AF soured on the idea after Army backed out a deal.  Curiously, only ESPN reports that Army was offered.  Multiple news sources never mention Army.  Navy appears a fence sitter but reportedly the Big East is also working out a custom offer for the Midshipman.

Other early reports stated that three schools were up for two remaining spots.  Houston, SMU and Temple were in play for two spots.  Apparently, Villanova, a basketball school, blocked Temple and that opened up the door for the Texas schools. 

So how does it all break down?  If media reports are accurate, which is a big if, then Big East expansion is set and the moves are all formalities.  Six schools that played decent to great football found a home at the Big Boy Money Club.  Despite ESPN's reports, the schools won't turn down the invites because to much money left on the table. 

So much speculation but so much hope for Cougar fans, let's pray/hope for the best.

Houston Cougar Game Day 6 - Houston vs East Carolina

vs

October 8, 2011 

6:00 p.m.

Houston, TX

University of Houston Campus

Robertson Stadium

Overall Series - East Carolina leads 6-4

Last Meeting - East Carolina 38 Houston 32 in 2009 C-USA Championship Game

With conference realignments still the major story of the college football season, there is still some action on the field.

The Cougars continue to hover just outside the Top 25 in both AP and Coaches polls.  Sporting a 5-0 record and a struggling defense, the Coogs appear to impress enough voters to get them into the polls.

East Carolina rolls in with a 1-3 record but 1-0 in conference.  The Pirates played three AQ BCS opponents in four games.  They played Virginia Tech to a 17-10 loss.  In C-USA play, the Pirates defeated UAB 28-23.  I planned on going over the offensive stats of the Pirates but the Cougar defense makes all that irrelevant as they make the anyone seem like world beaters.

Houston Game Day Notes

Weekly Houston Press Conference

Houston Cougar Game Day Central

Houston Chronicle Stories:

For Sims, No Place Like UH

UH Looks Good at 5-0 But How Good?

What Does TCU Going to Big 12 Mean for UH

Houston 49 UTEP 42 - Miner Defenses Rule

Well if you are a fan of high scoring offenses and no defense, this was the game for you.  Houston outscored UTEP 49-42.  Neither defense had an answer for the opposite offense.  Houston's defense made a brief appearance when linebacker Marcus McGraw returned a fumble 34 yards to give the Coogs the first lead of the game at 21-14. 

A common theme has emerged through three road games.  For some reason the offense doesn't start well.  Couple that fact with a porous defense and again the Coogs fell behind early.  The Miners were able to build a 14-0 1st quarter lead on the strength of the Cougars drives that ended: punt, missed FG, downs, punt.

The defense did make a few stops to allow the offense back in the game and knot the game at 14.  McGraw's TD capped what was actually an outstanding defensive effort in the 2nd quarter.  The defense also forced a couple of UTEP punts and an interception.  The effort allowed things to start out even at the second half tied at 21.

Without a doubt Houston's player of the game was Charles Sims.  Sims gained 111 yards on the ground and scored 2 TDs.  He also had back breaking 84 yard TD reception on a screen pass.  That TD and the ensuing 2 point conversion gave the Cougars a 49-35 lead.

The defense though could not stop UTEP.  The Miners clawed back and scored a TD with 6:20 left in the game.  The Cougar offense managed to run 2:44 off the clock before give the ball back on a punt.  Again the Miner offense sliced up the Cougar defense and marched down to the UH 19.  A draw play thrown for a loss moved them back to the 23 but it was two incomplete passes on 3rd and 4th downs that sealed the game for Houston.

All the details and more can be found in the UH vs UTEP game book.

Suck for Luck Campaign

Before the football season, the Suck for Luck campaign theme was coined.  Of course, it meant the race for the first overall pick to select Stanford's quarterback Andrew Luck.  Among the preseason front runners counted Buffalo, San Francisco, Miami, Seattle and Denver.

At the quarter mark of the season, the race appears to change.  The 49ers and Bills currently are in the thick of division races.  Indianapolis and Kansas City, defending division champs, are suddenly bottom feeders in the hung for Luck.

Other bottom feeders, like St. Louis, Carolina, Minnesota and Jacksonville already have the quarterback of the future on the roster.  Sam Bradford appears to regressed in St. Louis but he is the future arm of the franchise.  Cam Newton, so far, is erasing doubts about his ability to play in the pocket and breathed life into a listless franchise.  The Donovan McNabb experiment will soon end and Christian Ponder will no doubt take his spot.  Jacksonville already started the Blaine Gabbert Era with the sudden release of David Garrad and the flop of  Luke McCown.

Miami, from top to bottom, is a mess.  Most teams enjoy the friendly confines of home.  The Dolphins have only won one home game last season and none this year.  Off the field, owner Stephen Ross has turned the list of owners into a celebrity list:  Venus and Serena Williams, JLo, Marc Anthony, Fergie, Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan.  Coach Tony Sparano appears clueless and will probably be fired sometime soon.  Quarterback Chad Henne is out for the season and doesn't appear to be the long term solution at the position.  Chances are high that the once proud franchise will win the Luck Sweepstakes.  The question is will Luck really want to play there and is it the best place for him?

My how have the mighty fallen.  With Peyton Manning out, the Colts franchise is teetering on the brink.  Manning covered the flaws of the franchise.  I always thought Jim Caldwell is clueless on the sideline and that Manning's on field prowess covered up for Caldwell.  So far that theory is playing out.  Even the speedy defense was built for Manning.  The philosophy was for Manning to get big lead and let speedsters Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis tee of on offenses trying to catch up.  Again that theory is bearing out.  If they win the Luck sweepstakes, can the right the direction of the franchise?  Will Manning come back and play a year or two and show Luck the ropes?  Luck is probably the best bet to take up the mantle of Manning.

Weekly Awards
Line of the Week
Baltimore Ravens Defense - 1 fumble returned for TD, 1 INT returned for TD, 2 sacks, 9 pass deflections, 3 fumbles recovered
Honorable Mention: Detriot Lions Defense - 2 INTs returned for TDs, 3 INTs,
Honorable Mention: Beanie Wells - 27 carries, 138 yards rushing, 3 TDs

JaMarcus Russell Line of the Week
Mark Sanchez - 11 of 35 for 119 yards, 1 INT for TD, 4 fumbles, 3 fumbles lost

Goat of the Week
Tony Romo, Jason Garrett and Felix Jones
Romo threw three key picks and two were returned for TDs to help blow a 27-3 lead.  Garrett allowed Romo to keep throwing the ball instead of trying to control the clock and ball.  Jones ran out of bounds late in the game to stop the clock.  Only problem is that it was 4th down.

NFL Week 2 - Blowout KC, Romo Media Frenzy

A little late but better late than never.  Just a few quick observations for the week.

KC Goes South
I'll start with Kansas City.  Some NFL pundits predicted that the Chiefs would take a step back after winning ten games and the AFC West.  I don't think anyone saw the 0-2 start by blow outs.  The aggregate score in the losses is 89-10. 

It's only two games but it appears the wheels already fell of the season for the Chiefs.  I can understand getting routed in one game.  Bad days happen.  Total melt downs occur.  Everything goes right for the other team while you day goes to garbage. 

Two games though are inexcusable.  These are professional players and coaching staffs.  There is no excuse to lose games like this.  Two or more losses like this and I don't see how Todd Haley survives. 

Romo Media Flip Flop
Last week after the NY Jet debacle, the national media was all over Tony Romo.  This week after the 49ers OT win, the media were singing his praises.  He was skewered over an open flame for his fumble and interception that lead to the loss.  In week two, he went out with an injury and came back to lead the Cowboys to victory.  After having no heart all of a sudden the media sang about how tough and how much he respect he had for playing hurt. 

Listen, I know you are paid for your opinions but stick to your guns and don't flip flop like a politician.  The Romo praising was stomach turning coming from the same media personality who flamed him the previous week.  Add to the fact that this is only one game.  What if Romo blows another game or two?  They are probably going back to bashing...then praising when he does well again.

I'll stick to my guns.  Tony Romo isn't a big game quarterback.  He wins occasionally but does enough boneheaded moves in key games to not elevate to the level of Mannings, Brady and Brees.  He's a second tier level of quarterbacks.

Message Sent and Ignored
Baltimore, what was that?  Nothing is worse than dropping a game to a struggling team right after administering a beat down of your heated rival.  The Ravens clobbered the Steelers in opening week.  Pundits claimed that the Ravens sent a message to the Steelers and the rest of the league.  Evidently the Steelers heard and laughed.  They recovered nicely in shutting out the Seahawks. 

After week one, the Ravens were riding high and the Steelers written off.  Now after week two, we are back to square one and even at 1-1.  That goes to show how ridiculous trying to take one game and expand it toward the season.  One game doesn't send a message.  At least it mutes the message when the Ravens failed to back it up on the second week.

Line of the Week
28 of 46 passing for 432 and 1 TD - Cam Newton.  I awarded it to Newton not because he did it this week.  I did it because it's the second week in a row he threw for over 400 yards.  Some scouts and media doubted Newton's ability to stay in the pocket and play out of the pro set.  So far so good as he proves his doubters wrong so far.  Let's see how he does the rest of the season.  I just might be enjoyable.

JaMarcus Russell Player of the Week
Luke McCown.  He was handed the starting job up the release of David Garrard.  McCown, in his second start of the season, lost the starting job.  He was yanked from the game against the Jets in the 4th quarter.  He managed four interceptions and gave way to rookie Blaine Gabbert.

Goat of the Week
The Chicago Bears offensive line.  Jay Cutler is on track to get sacked 88 times or something like that.

Houston Cougar Game Day 4 vs. Georgia St.

VS

 Sept. 24, 2011

7:00 p.m.

Robertson Stadium
University of Houston Campus
First meeting between teams 
TV: CSS
Radio: 790 AM (Houston)

Coming of the largest come from behind win in Houston Cougar history, the Coogs host Georgia St. Panthers for the second home game of the year.  GSU plays in the NCAA Football Championship division.  They began play in 2010.  


This is the type of the game most schools schedule for the first game of the season.  A sort of real time scrimmage/tune up before the season starts.  UH opened up with UCLA, North Texas and LA Tech.  

Georgia St. started off the season with a win against Clark Atlanta 41-7.  The Panthers have lost their next two games against Old Dominion (40-17) and Jacksonville St. (37-21).  Georgia St. is lead by head coach Bill Curry.


The game should be a stat padding outing for Case Keenum and Company.  I seriously doubt Georgia St. gives the Coogs much of a game but then again I thought the same about North Texas.  


Link dump:

UH Official Home Game Day Central

UH Official Game Notes

Weekly Press Conference Quotes

Sam Kahn's UH Blog - A Glance at Georgia St.

Case Keenum Win's C-USA Player of the Week

Houston 35 LA Tech 34 - Cougar Heartache Turns to Bulldog Heartbreak

The Cougars started off like I feared they would.  Actually they started off much slower than I feared.  For two quarters and the majority of a third, Houston looked like they would rather be anywhere but Ruston, LA playing LA Tech.  The Bulldogs did everything right and the Coogs arrived with five minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

As I stated in the Game Day 3 entry, the Coogs could ill afford to fall behind and hope to turn on the switch.  Despite my thinking, they did both falling behind 34-7 and turning on a switch to win 35-34.

The two slow starts against North Texas and LA Tech are baffling.  The defense was pushed around early in both contests and the offense misfired on almost every possession.

Houston's first eleven possessions went: punt, fumble, punt, punt, interception, punt, TD, punt, end of half, punt, interception.  The results showed on the scoreboard 34-7.

The defense was just as pathetic.  The Bulldogs scored on 6 of 11 possessions: 2 FGs and 4 TDs.  The fortunate thing is the defense did make a few stops or else the game would probably been out of reach.

While the Coogs made as many mistakes and misfires, they did atone for it all in the last 20 minutes of the game.  Dubbed the Cardiac Coogs by the UH faithful, they stunned the home crowd.  The offense scored the necessary 28 points for a one point lead.  The defense forced ended the Bulldog dominance while getting key stops and turnovers.  The Mad Dogs intercepted one pass, recovered a fumble, made the 'dogs punt twice and got the ball back on downs.

The Cougars overcame disaster and staged the biggest come from behind victory in school history.

The question becomes why did they set such a hole for themselves.  The came out fired up against UCLA and a rowdy home crowd.  They never trailed in that game.  Against North Texas and LA Tech, they trailed early.  Is it a lack of motivation on the players part?  Is it coaching?  Do the coaches fail to motivate and game plan?  Whatever the problem, the Cougars need to clean it up.  With conference play and tougher opponents coming up, such play will lead to a loss or two.  While not saying it publicly, the Coogs goal is to run the table and up in best bowl game possible.

For more stats than you can imagine: UH vs LA Tech Game Book

Houston Cougar Game Day 3 vs. Louisana Tech

@

 Sept. 17, 2011

6:00 p.m. Central

Joe Aillet Stadium

Ruston, LA

TV: ESPN3.com

Radio: 790 AM (Houston)

Houston lead series 3-2

Last meeting: LA Tech 19 @ Houston 7 in 1995

Houston Game 3 Notes

Louisiana Tech Game 3 Notes

Houston Cougar Weekly Press Conference

Houston Chronicle: Familiar Faces On Sidelines This Weekend

The Houston Cougars play their third game of the year and second in a row on the road at Louisiana Tech.  Houston held off UCLA 38-34 in the first game and over came a slow start to destroy North Texas 48-24 in the next game.

Houston probably looks to improve on a few things against the Bulldogs.  UH struggled defensively against UCLA's big tight end and also played a sluggish first half against UNT.  LA Tech is a better team than UNT and if the Coogs come out sluggish, they could easily find themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard when the final whistle blows.  

The Cougars need to put together a solid four quarters of football for  a couple of reasons.  First, they can ill fall behind and hope to turn on a switch.  Sometimes that switch isn't so easy to flip against a stronger opponent.  Case Keenum needs to hit his WRs early and often.  Establishing the run will only help the vertical game.  Defensively, the Coogs need to show they can consistently stop any team.  UCLA passed the ball down field at will.  UNT put together two quality drives to end the first half. 

Georgia St. will be the final tune up before conference play opens.  However the Coogs need a strong effort all around against LA Tech before dismantling Georgia St. in a sacrificial lamb game.

Houston 48 North Texas 23 - Coogs Are Unwelcomed Guest

The game started off slowly for the Houston Cougars. North Texas, electrified by the home crowd in the inaugural game of Apogee Stadium, put up a challenge to the Cougars.  Whether it was the crowd, a fired up Mean Green team, a lackadaisical Coog team or a combination, North Texas ran tough for a half.

North Texas took the opening kick off 55 yards and lined up for what looked like an inspires start.  The euphoria didn't last long as Houston's D.J. Hayden intercepted a pass from quarterback Derek  Thompson.  The Coogs returned the favor a few plays later.  The Mean Green defense sacked and stripped the ball from UH star quarterback Case Keenum.  UNT wasted no time in converting the turnover into a 7-0 lead and keeping the crowd pumped.

The Cougars looked like the were going to blow the game wide open after scoring on three successive drives and taking a 17-7 lead into the 2nd quarter.  North Texas opened the 2nd quarter with the ball.  They drove the ball efficiently and moved to 17-14.  The Cougar defense struggled to solve the Mean Green defense.  The drive took 13 plays, 79 yards and 6:59 off the clock.

Keenum and the offense did the defense no favors by only holding onto the ball for five plays and under two minutes.  The Coogs failed on a 4th and 4 conversion and continued to let UNT hang around.  UNT took advantage of the stalled drive.  The Coog defense though held and UNT settled for a FG and a 17 all tie.

Houston squeezed out a field goal for a 20-17 halftime lead.

Then the Cougars decided to play some football.  The Coogs scored touchdowns on their first three possessions of the second half.  The score went from 20-17 to 41-17 in a flash.  It was the knock out blow to the Mean Green and the enthusiastic crowd.  The few thousand Cougar fans in the stands and the thousands others at home could breath a sign of relief.

In the end, it was Cougar speed, size and talent that just overpowered and struggling team.  Emotions only sustained the Mean Green for a half.  Sometimes emotion and heart enough.  But on this night, once the Coogs went to work, it was all over for UNT.



For the night, the Cougar offense rumbled for 127 yards rushing and 563 yards passing.  Keenum finished 26 of 41 for a whopping 458 yards and five TDs.  WR Patrick Edwards scorched the UNT secondary for 187 yards on 8 catches and a TD.  Edward earned C-USA Player of the Week for his efforts.  WR Justin Johnson contributed 87 yards and two TDs.

For the nitty gritty details of the game see Houston vs. North Texas Game Book.

NFL Week 1 - 9/11 Remembered

To say that the opening remembrance ceremony of 9/11 in the NFL was emotional is a vast understatement.  When the Texans, my home team, introduced the NYFD as honorary captains on the field I thought that was about it.  The firefighters received a nice standing ovation.

Then came Robert De Niro on screen and his introduction.  Taps was played and followed by a moment of silence.  As soon as taps started, I felt the eyes water.  The screen showed all the stadium crowds for the noon opener.  The moment of silence was stunning.  It was quieter that what I ever imagined a 70,000+ crowd could be.  People cried.  People looked stunned.  Immediately after the moment, Clay Walker sang the national anthem.  Right after chants of USA broke out.  The whole affair was moving.  The NFL did a class act and didn't go over the top.  Everything was extremely appropriate on this day of remembrance.

Arena League Game
On the field the action officially kicked off on Thursday night with defending champ Green Bay hosting New Orleans.  After the 3rd quarter it turned into an arena league game.  I'm not a fan of high scoring light up the scoreboard games.  I like a good well played game on both sides of the ball.  Defensively this game was an eyesore.  I turned it off midway through the 3rd.

Hurricane Cam
A hurricane has swirled around Cam Newton since around the SEC championship game.  Critics doubt his pro potential.  Many thought Carolina reached making Newton the overall number one pick.  For one week at least, Newton silenced critics and played an outstanding debut game.  He line only read 22 completions for 422 yards and two TDs. Better yet, Newton staying home and didn't run away at the first sign of trouble.  Its only one game but I hope he continues to silence critics.

 Ravens Maul Steelers
Seriously Pittsburgh, what was that?  Much is made about the Super Bowl loser hangover.  For the Fat Ben Roethlisberger lead Steelers, it's been two titles followed up by two playoff misses the following season.  Fat Ben and Company started early this season.  Seven turnovers and a 35-7 beat down by their fiercest division rivals the Ravens.  I haven't seen the game but I may watch for the entertainment value later this week.

Falcons Grounded
Going in to the season, I think the Atlanta Falcons entered with to many questions on defense.  They really didn't do much to address the concerns after the Packers ran them off the field in the playoffs.  Instead they traded a big chunk of their draft picks to select Julio Jones in the first round.  For week one, the results were unexpected.  Matt Ryan threw for 319 yards and a pick.  The Falcon offense put up some impressive numbers.  Michael Turner rambled for ten yards a carry ten times for 100 yards.  The receiving trio of Jones, Roddy White and Anthony Gonzalez combined for 204 yards.  One glaring state is missing from those numbers.  No one bothered to put the ball in the endzone.

The defense performed as expected.  Jay Cutler threw for 312 yards and two TDs.  Matt Forte was a one man wrecking crew.  He ran for 68 yards on 16 carries and caught 90 yards on 5 receptions that included a 56 yard TD.  

The Falcons management built the team with a fundamental flaw.  They build an offense capable of scoring on the ground with Michael Turner and move the ball through the air with Matt Ryan and his receivers.  The problem occurs when a opponent is able to score a high number of points while the defense holds the Falcons in check.  In this case, the Bears offense slowly built up to a 23-6 lead in the 3rd.  The mighty Falcon offense racked up the yards but the mighter Bear defense only allowed field goals and even scored  TD to make matters worse.  The Falcons were again exposed by a team with balanced with talent on both sides of the ball. 

Ironically, it was the Falcons defense that actually scored the team's sole touchdown.

Chiefs In A World of Hurt
Most fans and pigskin pundits know the preseason means nothing in translating into regular season play.  The majority though thought the Chiefs problems would carry over.  They were exactly right.  What wasn't expected was the week one embarrassment.  The Chiefs lead the league in rushing last season.  The Buffalo Bills were one of the worst five teams in the league.  The Bills ripped the Chiefs 41-7.  Many expected a step back for the Chiefs playing a harder schedule as a division winner.  A step back is fine but not against weaker teams.


Weekly Awards
Line of the Week
32 completions on 48 attempts for 517 yards and 4 TDs - Tom Brady in a Pats 38-24 win over the 'phins.

JaMarcus Russell Player of the Week (formerly the Vince Young Player of the Week)
Donovan McNabb for his outstanding JaMarcus like numbers.  7 for 15 for 39 yards and a touchdown.  Very below average.

Joe Pisarcik Goat of the Week
Tony Romo - when the game is on the line you don't want the ball in Romo's bubbling hands.  First he fumbled in trying to drive into the endzone.  Trying to score isn't a sin in of itself.  Losing the ball in a close game is a mortal sin though.  Romo did better for an encore.  In crunch time he lofted a ball straight into the waiting hands of Darrell Revis.  Finally, in the closing seconds he walks away from the center and is not ready for the ball when it is hiked.  Each sin isn't much alone but when they occur in closing moments they add up to disaster.  Dallas loses the game due to special team blunder and Romo blunders.

NFL 2011 Week One Picks

Again I'm trying for a full season of picks against the spread.  As usual the rules are the same.  First rule, these picks are made only for fun.  In fact I make picks to show why you shouldn't bet.  Second rule is more a disclaimer: make your bets based on my selections at your own risk.  I'm not liable for you following my stupidity.

Now the rules for my game.  In past seasons, I've made my picks based on the link of Fox Sports Odds.  In the past, spreads from four books were given.  This year it's three books.  If all three odds are the same then those are the odds I go with.  If not then majority wins and I pick for or against the majority spread.  In the event that all three odds makers are different, I will post a link to the fourth randomly selected Google search to break any tie.  I also reserve the right not to make a selection on a game.  Finally, if no odds are given I can't make a pick.

Obviously the Thursday opener is in the books so I can't make that pick.  Here we go!

Pittsburgh (+1) at Baltimore  - Always a tough game to call.  There is no love lost between these two teams and the Black and Blue Division second place team might not make the play offs.  In their last two Super Bowl appearances the Steelers have faltered.  Ravens defense is aging.  To me this is a pick em...I'm going with the home team...Ravens

Atlanta at Chicago - all three books have a different spread.  Tie break time.  Google search yielded NFL Odds and broke the tie with the Falcons (-2)  a road favorite. I see a Bears win out right.

Cincinnati (+7) at Cleveland - Both teams are a mess.  Cleveland's a more organized mess but game should be tighter than 7 either way.  Bengals cover.

Indianapolis (+9) at Houston - NFL Odds broke a tie.  Houston whipped Indy at home but lost on the road.  Peyton Manning out for the season, probably, and Arian Foster sits.  To much emotion involved but I think the Texans win handily.

Tennessee (+1) at Jacksonville - I really want to pass on this game.  Both teams are a mess but I think the Titans are going in the opposite direction of the Jags.  Titans

Buffalo (+5) at Kansas City - Chief

Philadelphia (-3.5) at St. Louis - Tons of hype around the Eagles and they might overlook the Rams in week one.  Rams

Carolina (+7) at Arizona - This a dangerous pick.  I want to take a pass but I'm going to take the Cards only because the Panthers are a really lost team at quarterback.

Minnesota (+8.5) at San Diego - my first pass of the season.  Chargers just start to slow out of the gate to warrant a selection.

Seattle (+5) at San Francisco - If the Seahawks would start a warm body at quarterback I'd favor them.  I want to a pass on this too but I'll take 49ers

NY Giants (-3) at Washington - Giants

Dallas (+6) at NY Jets - I think Jets win but Dallas covers.

New England (-7) at Miami - Tony Sparono and crew are already auditioning for next week.  Home crowd gives enough energy to Dolphins at least cover.

Oakland (+3) at Denver - pass

Houston Cougar Game Day 2 vs. North Texas Mean Green

@

 Date: September 10, 2011

Time: 6:00 p.m. CDT

Location: Apogee Stadium on UNT Campus

Denton, TX

Radio: 790 AM (Houston, TX)

TV: ESPN3.com

Last Meeting: 1998 Houston 31 UNT 9

All Time Series : UNT leads 7-5

Welcome

The Houston Cougars travel to Denton, TX to help the University of North Texas open their brand spanking new Apogee Stadium.  How or why the Coogs were invited to open up is unknown to me.  Hopefully though it is a glimpse into the future of the Cougars.  With $60 million of $80 million needed to break ground pledges, the Cougars hope to soon open a new stadium too.

There's really not much to say about the game except the Cougars can't afford a let down.  The betting line is 21.5 in favor of the Coogs.  Under former coach Todd Dodge, the Mean Green were a complete mess.  Dodge was fired midseason after a 1-6 start.  The Green finished 3-9 under interim head coach Darryl Dickey.

A new stadium, a new coach, same old results.  UNT dropped the opener to FIU 41-6.

After a big game against UCLA, the Coogs should breeze to an easy victory.  The main thing is to avoid a let down, get a big lead and get the starters out of there to rest and avoid injury.

Not much more to add but Go Coogs!

Avenged - Houston 38 UCLA 34

It wasn't the beat down that the 2009 Rice game was. Nor the resounding thrashing of the 2010 UTEP game but the Houston Cougars extracted a measure of revenge on the UCLA Bruins for an upsetting game in the Rose Bowl last year.

Case Keenum returned to form.  So did the Houston defense.


Sam Khan, Jr. described the crowd best with the term raucous in his article about the Cougars win.   Fans of all ages were fired up for the game.  The student section sold out and was loud and proud.  The announce crowd tallied at 31,144.  Not sure if it's an official sell out but good to see the home town fans show up.  In the past a game like this might get 28,000 or might not.

Cougar of the Game
Case Keenum - He returned as if never injured.  With the Coog WR/RBs scorching the UCLA Bruins, Keenum amassed 310 yards passing and added another 30 running.  He also tossed one TD.  He continues his assault on the NCAA record book.

Troubling Stat of the Game
554 total yard by the Bruins offense. Head coach Kevin Sumlin did say the Bruins offense contained "some of the biggest humans we'll see."  I don't know if he was talking about the big uglies upfront but the Bruin TE and WR corp gave the Cougars fits all game long.  When not hitting his receivers down field for big gains, UCLA quarterback Richard Brehaut gashed them on the ground.

Not all was lost defensively.  Like I started on the Game Day 1 entry, if the defense can make some key stops and give the ball back to the offense, things might turn out different.

First off, despite the yardage, the Coog Mad Dogs recovered one fumble early in the game.  That turnover lead to a touchdown.

In the closing minutes of the first half is where the defense made its key stop and pretty much turned the game in the Cougars favor.  Brehaut completed a 5 yard TD and the Bruins closed the gap to 17-14 with 2:49 left in the half.  In the matter of 3 plays and under a minute the Coogs widen the lead to 24-14.  With 1:56 left, the Bruins had time to work.  The Cougars give up a first down but then hold on the next three plays forcing UCLA to punt.  Keenum and Company take possession with 35 ticks left on the half clock.  They needed only three plays, including a UCLA pass interference call, to put the ball in the endzone to Tyron Carrier.  Houston closes out the half up 31-14 thanks to one defensive stop.

Kicking Is Key
There was a total of one Bruin fans sitting in my section.  His recurring theme during the game was Bruin kicking game is an adventure.  Line drive extra point after line drive extra point, I expected a missed PAT.  It never happened.  Then came the 4th quarter.  Despite the yardage total, the defense made a stop and UCLA decided to kick the FG.  The kicker, Kip Smith, finally put some height on the kick but he still missed.  I knew it was no good as soon as the student section behind the goal posts went wild before the ref's signal.  A blocked extra point finally came after the Bruins cut the Cougar lead to four.  Despite all else, the game came down to two botched kicks by UCLA...a missed FG plus blocked extra point equals the difference in a 38-34 contest.

The Highlights and Other Videos
Game Highlights

Coach Sumlin's Post Game Press Conference


Keenum's Post Game Comments


Coach Sumlin's Motivational Video


UCLA Head Coach Rick Neuhisel's Post Game Comments

Houston Cougar Game Day 1 vs UCLA - Links Dump

Just dumping a few links in anticipation of the Houston vs. UCLA match up  on Saturday.

University of Houston vs. UCLA Game notes

Conference USA Week One Notes

From The Houston Chronicle:

Case Stories:  Keenum Once Kicked A 47 Yard FG

Faith, Family, Friends Help UH's Keenum Bounce Back From Injury

UH, Central Florida Set To Make More Headlines in C-USA

Houston Cougars Game Day 1 - vs. UCLA Bruins

VS 

Date: September 3, 2011
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: John O'Quinn Field at Roberston Stadium
University of Houston
TV: Fox Sports
Radio: 790 AM (Houston)
Last Meeting: 2010 @ UCLA 31 Houston 13

Revenge Match

The Houston Cougars entered the 2010 season with high expectations.  The Cougars had a highly successful 2009 season that saw victories over #5 Oklahoma St., Texas Tech and Mississippi St.  The Cougars took a late season tumble that ended with losses in the Conference USA title game and the Armed Forces Bowl.  The loss to Air Force in the bowl game was especially bitter to fans and star UH QB Case Keenum.  Keenum threw 6 interceptions in the game.

UH opened the 2010 season with resounding wins over Texas St. (68-28) and UTEP (54-24).  The wins also returned the Cougars to the national rankings entering the game with the Bruins.  

However the UTEP game only foreshadowed a more ominous injury against UCLA.  In the 3rd quarter against the Miners, Keenum threw a pick and attempted to make a tackle.  Keenum missed and was injured on the play.  It was later revealed he sustained a concussion.

Fast forward to the next game versus UCLA.  Things were already going bad for the Coogs.  Down 21-3, Keenum threw an interception to Akeem Ayers and again attempted a tackle.  The results of that one player devastated the Houston season.  Keenum and the hopes of Cougar fans everywhere lay crumpled on the turf of the Rose Bowl.

Case Keenum tore his ACL and the hearts of Cougar fans.  The injury ended Keenum's college career, his assault on the UH and NCAA record book, the Cougars hopes of crashing the BCS and dreams of a wonderful season.

To add insult to injury, Keenum's primary back up Cotton Turner sustained a season injury also.  The injuries thrust true freshman Terrance Broadway into the fire and the starting line up a week later.

In the last two seasons, Houston prevailed on revenge games.  In 2008, crosstown arch-rival Rice knocked the Cougars out of the C-USA title game and the 2009 Cougars responded with a 73-14 thrashing of the Owls.  In 2009, UTEP burst the bubble of the Coogs.  The Cougars were coming off back to back wins over #5 Oklahoma St. and Texas Tech then lost to UTEP.  The 2010 Cougars retaliated with a 54-24 beat down.

Coming off a bitter 5-7 season, the Coogs hope to get a second shot at the 2010 season.  Well not really.  The schedule plays much easier than 2010.  However, Case Keenum attained a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA.  The offense returns a high powered attack lead by WRs Patrick Edwards and Tyron Carrier.  The Coogs also return stud running backs Bryce Beall and Michael Hayes.  RB Charles Sims returns after sitting out his sophomore season.  The NCAA ruled Sims ineligible academically for the 2010 season.  Sims (2009) and Beall (2008) are former C-USA Freshman of the Year.

Finally a word about the defense.  If the Coogs defense leaps to the middle tier of NCAA defenses then the season becomes a much more promising one.  The defense doesn't even have to make a giant leap statistically.  If they can make just a few more stops a game and get Keenum and Company the ball back, the Coogs will soar in 2011.

Houston Cougars Basketball - Fall 2010/Spring 2011 Signees - Jherrod Stiggers

Continuing to meet the new Houston Cougar basketball signees, welcome Jherrod Stiggers from Terrell, TX.  Reports list Stiggers as a 200 lb. shooting guard.  According the release from the University, Stiggers averaged 18.4 points per game and named the 15-4A move valuable player.

Stiggers joined the Cougars in the early signing period last fall.

Rivals rates Stiggers a 3-star recruit while Scout ranks him a 2-star recruit.  ESPN also rates Stiggers with 3-stars and gives him a 91 grade.  The 91 score reflects him as a Mid-Major Prospect on the ESPN Grading Scale.  Follow the links for more information on Stiggers.

Jherrod Stiggers Summer Mixtape; University of Houston Commit

 

Find more videos like this on BALLISLIFE - It's More Than A Game, It's A Lifestyle

Find more videos like this on BALLISLIFE - It's More Than A Game, It's A Lifestyle

NFL Lock Out Update

I've written post about the lock out from the perspective of sitting at the negotiating table myself.  I'm a union steward for my shop and represented the employees in contract talks with the company I work for.  Fortunately we were not in a lock out situation like the players. 

The other thing to consider is that the NFL labor situation is unique and different than the private sector.  Basically it is a group of workers negotiating a collective bargaining agreement.  In the private sector that CBA pretty much sets working conditions and pay.  Pay is the key difference between the two types of CBAs.  My CBA sets wages, a wage scale and raises.  In the professional sports world, pay is individually negotiated by agents as well as pay raises and other perks.  There are some guidelines on what can and cannot be included in an individual contract.  There is a player standard contract that meets minimum requirements and spells out certain expectations like player conduct.  Finally, the league office and the players union must also sign off on it. 

According to the latest reports, both sides have reached tentative agreements on most the major issues.  The two outstanding issues are the rookie wage scale and an issue with free agency. 

As for the rookie wage scale, some basic parameters have been set but how many rookies will it affect and the length of contracts they can sign appear to be the issues.  The owners want to include several first round picks in the draft subject to the scale.  Since there is a gentlemen's agreement on slotting rookie contracts, they only need to agree where the scale starts and how many players it covers.  After that, by the slotting system, the scale trickles down to the lower drafted players.

There is a good side bar in an ESPN.com story on the rookie wage scale.  I highly recommend reading it.  I can't do it justice trying to explain it here.

I think the rookie wage scale is workable.  I can't see how it would scuttle the rest of the agreement.  The biggest issue, the revenue split, is agreed upon.  That was the issue that potentially could have shortened or canceled the season.  With that out of the way, unless some boneheaded owners dig in, the CBA should be done soon.  Keep in mind it only takes a few owners to sink the agreement.  To ratify the deal, 24 out of 32 owners need to approve the deal.  It will take 9 owners to sink an agreement.

The Dead Days of Summer

I have nothing new to add thus no entries lately.

The Astros are atrocious.  The best I can do is start to scan the minor league system for looking for something to clasp onto in desperate hope for the future.

The Texans still concern me.  I still want to know who is going to play linebacker.  I'm not sold on Connor Barwin as a LB.  They are going into the new season with the same defensive backs.  If there is a new season.

I pretty much could careless if the NBA locks out, folds and goes away for ever.

So right now I'm keeping myself entertained with soccer.  I watched the Gold Cup, some of the women's World Cup and the Dynamo. 

At the very least I'm looking forward to college football and the Return of Case Keenum to my Houston Cougars.

No blog entry for a while because really not much to blog about.

Houston Cougars Basketball - Fall 2010/Spring 2011 Signees

Recruiting - the life blood of college sports.  Cougars head coach James Dickey continues to build his squad with nine total scholarships to give in the fall and spring signing periods.  The 2010-11 class features five freshman, two junior college transfers and one NCAA Division 1 transfer.  The Cougars have one more scholarship to give by May 18.

Fall 2010
Jonathan Simmons (Smiley H.S./Midland J.C.)
Jherrod Stiggers (Terrell H.S.)
TaShawn Thomas (Killeen H.S.)
J.J. Thompson (Irving H.S.)
Joseph Young (Yates H.S.)

Spring 2011
LaRon Barnes (Desoto H.S., Stonewall, LA)
Leon Gibson (Navaro J.C.)
J.J. Richardson (Pitt/Smiley H.S.)

This page entry is a work in progress.  I'll be adding highlights, stats, news and other news on the recruits as time permits.

Joseph Young - Guard, Freshman

Yates High School, Houston, TX

Young originally signed a national letter of intent with Providence but later asked for a release.  Providence refused the release when Young decided to transfer to Houston.  He sat out the 2010-11 season but was able to practice with the team.  He will still have four years of eligibility when he starts play in 2011-12.

Links

University of Houston Player Bio

ESPN U 100 Player - Bio

Browns Get One Over On Falcons

In the boldest move of the 2011 draft, the Atlanta Falcons traded a boat load of picks to the Cleveland Browns for WR Julio Jones.

Why do I think the overpaid?  The Falcons need more defensive help than offensive help.  To wit, last year's playoff loss to eventual champs Green Bay Packers.  The offense already features RB Michael Turner, QB Matt Ryan, WR Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzales.

Further proof the trade is all wrong?  SI.com's resident hack Peter King defends the pick.

Unless the Falcons win the Super Bowl in the next three years this trade can wreck the franchise for a few years.  A team can't give up that many draft picks and not feel the pinch down the road.  If they do win a title, the all is vindicated.

That's my opening salvo on the draft. 

Houston Cougars - 2012 Recruit Terrence Taylor

Terrence Taylor of Diboll High School
RB - Junior
Class of 2012
Verbally committed to Houston

Career Stats

	Rushing				Receiving
Year	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	No	Yds	Avg	TD
2010 (Jr.)	170	1,224	7.2	22	4	162	40.5	2
2009 (So.)	232	1,276	5.5	14	8	93	11.6	0
2008 (Fr.)	29	279	9.6	3	-	-	-	-

Highlights from Hudl.com: Terrence Taylor Highlights

More Highlights:


Diboll High School vs. Athens High School Terrence Taylor Highlights

Houston Cougars - Spring Football Edition

2010 - A Lost Year

The Houston Cougars return to the practice field after a disappointing 2010 season that saw BCS dreams shattered along with Heisman trophy candidate Case Keenum's season against UCLA Bruins. The play ended the season and seemingly the collegiate career of Keenum. Keenum's back up Cotton Turner also sustained a season ending injury in the same game and Terrance Broadway was thrust into his first action.

Broadway started the first post Keenum game against Tulane and struggled but the Cougars prevailed. Broadway would never start again and only see mop up duty thereafter. Fellow true freshman David Piland started the remainder of the season. Broadway transferred at season's end.

The Coogs never really got back on track and failed to qualify for a bowl game.

2011 - A Do Over?

Keenum declared during the season that he would apply for a medical redshirt and a sixth year of eligibility. The NCAA rarely grants medical redshirts. In order to gain one, a player must prove that a second season was lost due to injury. An initial reshirt year for any reason counts against a player's five years to use four years of eligibility. Keenum sat out his freshman year and Kevin Kolb was the starter.

The Cougars were able to prove that Keenum sustained an injury his freshman year. The NCAA took that injury and the current one as evidence that entitled Keenum to one more year.

The Cougars followed up Keenum's good news with 2011 recruiting class that looked to fill holes on defense and build depth on the offensive line. On defense the Coogs signed 12 players including six from the JUCO ranks. Coach Kevin Sumlin also added bulk up front on defense and offense. For the complete list of players and bios, they are listed at the official Houston Cougars athletic website 2011 Recruiting Class.

Today was the first day of spring practice. So in honor of the day, I present the first link dump of Houston Cougar football.

Houston Cougar Spring Football Official Website

2011 UH Cougars Spring Roster

2011 UH Cougars Spring Depth Chart
Players on team but not listed on two deep due to injury:QB Case Keenum, LB John McIntyre, DB Zach McMillian, DL Zeke Riser, DB Nick Saenz and DL Radermon Scypion

Day #1 Photos

Day #1 Notes from UHCougars.com

From the Houston Chronicle:
Five Things to Watch

New UH beat writer Sam Kahn's Blog
Spring Football Set To Begin for Cougars

NFL and Players In Mediation

Previously I gave my perspective on the bargaining process. To reiterate, deal making usually happens in the last days of negotiations and sometimes take a few days past the deadline by extending the existing CBA for 24-48 hours. That usually happens when sides are very close to a deal and just have a few things to iron out.

Entering mediation for the final two weeks of the current deal looks like a positive step. It signals that both sides are serious about working a deal out. Things didn't look so good when two days were scheduled and the second day was canceled.

George Cohen is tasked with bringing the two sided to an agreement. Cohen isn't unfamiliar with sports CBA negotiations. He handled the MLS and MLS players union and they ultimately got a deal done.

Of course, the NFL is a much bigger fish. Billions of dollars are at stake and neither side wants to give in.

Cohen's job will be to make recommendations and try and find a middle ground.

Psychologically it helps the sided more agreeable to new ideas. If it comes from an outside neutral party then the two sides can view that the other side didn't make the proposal. Maybe both parties will be more at ease accepting ideas from a third party versus one side basically making demands and the other side rejecting it.

An article on George Cohen linked by Stephanie Stradley.

I haven't read the blog yet but John McClain states the positives of mediation in his blog.

They met two days already but are under a gag order so news is coming out of the conferences. The talks are planned for two weeks. Each day they negotiate the odds get better a deal will get done. If talks are called off then a work stoppage is extremely likely.

All us fans can do is hope for the best and prepare for a draft watching party.

Marc Savard Shuts It Down

Boston Bruin veteran Marc Savard shut down the remainder of his 2010-11 season due to lingering effects from a concussion.

This is the right decision on so many levels. In the middle of a strong Bruins season, Savard put his health above all else. The Bruins are a Stanley Cup contender and Savard has never won a Cup.

Props go out to the Bruins too for not putting pressure on Savard to continue. Savard discussed his situation with his agent, general manager and team doctor. They all agreed that ending the season early was in the best interest of Savard. The best interests of Savard...that sound refreshing.

Savard feels he came back to soon from a previous concussion. He suffered dizziness, headaches and depression. He admits he is scared. What scares him the most is the memory loss. He also admits that frustration sets but knows he needs time and patience to get through this.

While he is finished for the season, Savard won't call it a career yet. He said it is tough to finish a season but "I'm hoping to be able to continue at some point."

After making this decision, I have no doubt he will make the right one regarding his life, health and hockey career when the time comes.

My Insights Into NFL Labor Negotiations

I'm not going to rehash all the points reported and discussed in the media. Instead I'm going to offer my basic insight on labor negotiations. Last year I sat on the union side of the table as a negotiator for a new labor contract with the company I work for. It was very stressful, tiring and educational.

The first point to realize is that March 3rd is not a hard deadline. It is common practice in my industry to renew the current contract on a rolling basis during negotiations. If negotiations are progressing and the deadline looms, both parties usually mutually agree to renew the existing contract every 24 hours. This allows negotiations to continue beyond the deadline and avoid a work stoppage.

Another point to consider is that most deal making gets done in the last two weeks. My sessions met constantly for six weeks but the meat and potatoes wasn't really nailed down until the final three weeks. Right now some wonder why there is no sense of urgency between the two sides. There is but right now they are involved in waging the war of public relations. Saturday before the Super Bowl they had a formal full session between both negotiating committees. Expect more frequent meetings after the Super Bowl. Most of the deal making gets done off the record as evidence by informal meetings between NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith.

Both sides know the parameters of what they will accept and won't accept. It's a giant game. Both sides overshoot what they are seeking and eventually look to meet in that middle common ground. As an example, in my negotiations we knew already what we going to get as raises for the length of the new contract. We have an industry standard and the union and company know the standard is the outcome. Yet we over shot the standard and of course the company lowballed their offer. In the course of two days, offers and counter offers were passed over the negotiating table and we eventually met at the industry standard. Why this game is played I really don't know. I just know from first hand experience that it is.

The bottom line is that the NFL is a cash cow for both sides. The owners want a little more of the revenue back and I can't say I blame them. The players want to keep what they won in previous negotiations. I can't blame them either. I think the players will end up giving back some of the revenue but not as much as the owners want. In return, they will get a rookie scale to free up more money for vets instead of unproven high picks. Also I think the owners will give more benefits or money for retired players.

If there is a work stoppage, it will be over free agency, salary caps and maybe a cadre of hardline owners who will refuse to bend any toward the players demands.

I read in a Sporting News Daily article that the owners can start imposing work rules on players once the deadline passes. The players can stop it by appealing to the National Labor Board. From what I understand this is not true. The owners can only impose new rules on the players if negotiations reach an impasse. For impasse to occur, the NFLPA must show an unwillingness to make any movement or progress in negotiations. As long as they continue to negotiate in good faith, owners cannot declare an impasse. A lock out is not impasse. An lock out is the owners refusing to allow the players to return to work without a new contract or renewal of the old one. During the lock out, negotiations could continue and make progress.

In the end, both sides will not shoot the golden goose. They will get a deal done before the draft and camps will open on time. Of course, that's just my opinion. There could be a complete meltdown across the table. Hot heads might prevail and gum up the process.

Central Florida, Houston and the Big East

I'm so far behind on my magazine subscriptions and other reading that I've finally decided to drop many of them and read a select few. Still just getting caught up on the ones I have.

One of my favorite publications in the Sporting News Daily. It gives a ton of sports info for only $2.99 a month and is digitally delivered. My only beef with them is other than an iPad, no other portable device supports the Zinio reader.

Enough of that little rant.

I mentioned Zino, delayed reading and Sporting News Daily because I came across an interesting little blurb.

Much speculation has been making the rounds on the Houston Cougar message boards, fans and internet about Big East expansion. Of course we all know that if it's on the internet it must be true.

So I take the blurb on the January 28th Sporting News Daily with a grain of salt.

One of the unconfirmed theories floated by Cougar fans and speculators is that Villanova, Central Florida and Houston are the next choices for Big East expansion. The current thinking is Villanova has a foot up on the other schools should they decided to commit to a BCS level football team. If they don't then its Houston or Central Florida.

Again, unfounded as far as I know, Big East member South Florida is rumored to lobby against Central Florida's membership.

Sporting News Daily reports that USF doesn't wield the power to keep UCF out. The article states instead "there is no school in the Big East with less power, less of commissioner John Marinatto's ear, than USF." According to the article and internet rumor, it's not USF that is UCF's biggest stumbling block. What hurts UCF instead is the close location of USF. The location doesn't add significant recruiting or television markets.

The article mentions in the last paragraph that Houston brings the No. 4 market and a recruiting hotbed. Again, no mention that Houston is actually in the expansion picture but it adds fuel to the fire of internet speculation.

The Return of Keenum

I seriously doubted that the NCAA would grant Houston Cougar quarterback Case Keenum a sixth year of eligibility. Under NCAA rules, an athlete has five years to complete four years of competition. Most players use the freshman year to use the so called red shirt year. During a red shirt year, an athlete may practice and attend meetings but cannot enter competition. Once a player enters a contest, even if for one player, that red shirt year is over and it counts against eligibility rules.

Normally to get a medical red shirt, basically a sixth year to complete four years of competition, a player must demonstrate that two years were lost to circumstances beyond his control...mainly injury.

Case Keenum took a red shirt his freshman year as a back up to Kevin Kolb and maybe Blake Joseph (I really don't remember). The injury he suffered against UCLA happened during his fourth year as an active player and fifth year of eligibility. Basically most Cougar fans knew that Keenum's career at UH was over and the season was lost. Houston limped to a 5-7 finish.

The University's announcement that Keenum applied for a sixth year met some hope but mostly skepticism.

On Friday, the University of Houston announced that the NCAA granted Keenum one more year of eligibility.

The UH athletic department reportedly gave evidence to the NCAA that Keenum was hurt before his freshman year and later hurt again during an all star high school game. The injuries prevented Keenum from competing his freshman year. Combined with his 2010 injury, Keenum lost two years and thereby met the NCAA's requirement.

Without further delay, here is the media reaction/documentation of Keenum's return.

1560 AM's Travis Rodger's Interview of Keenum
Case Scores Six - Houston Chronicle
Little Dicky Justice Writes a Niiiiice Column for Case
Official University of Houston Announcement
SB Houston- He's Baaaack
Houston Sports Fan In General Scott Robinson Celebrates Some Houston Good News

And Keenum's Press Conference:

Updated 1/17/2011
Evil Longwhorn Steve Campbell's Chron Blog on Case's Return

Keenum's Interview on Sports Radio 610