johnnyontheblogspot

Had to put this up...

2008-11-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

In honor of Tech's loss to Oklahoma, I wanted to put this up. While I don't necessarily think that Billy Clyde looks like Vince Vaughan, I do enjoy some of the comparisons.

Thinking that Miner fans will love the beginning of the song... Enjoy!!!

More funny videos from the "ryanparkersongs's channel" channel at Heavy.com

Defense wins Championships...

2008-11-22T23:06:00.000-08:00

Glad I could kick this blog off with a cliche for you (see blog title)... We begin with UTEP-Houston.

After UTEP's last minute loss to Houston Saturday night, there have been plenty of people upset with the play calling of UTEP's last 2 offensive drives. While I understand their grievances, I don't think that the play-calling should be the issue.

It's like complaining about the ant-pile in your back yard while your house is on fire.

The problem with UTEP was the 4th quarter performance of the defense. At 1 point in the 2nd half, UTEP led 28-9. In Houston. Usually, only BCS teams could pull off a feat like that. Just ask Tulsa.

The UTEP defense allowed just over 300 offensive yards in the 4th quarter. Once the defense allowed that momentum to the Houston offense, it didn't matter what the UTEP offense called. Houston's offense got the raucious crowd (on only 18,134, by the way) back into the game, and that allowed the defense to get fired up.

It's never a good thing when your top 3 tacklers are defensive backs. That means that offensive penetration is getting to your secondary. Linebackers should always be your leaders in tackles.

1 quick note for you. Not sure you saw the actual game on channelsurfing.net, but if you did, you saw Houston DE Phillip Hunt (future 1st day draft pick) decleat Trevor Vittatoe after the whistle had blown after a false start. That's not the 1st time he's done that.

Looks to me like Hunt could use a Beltone...

LOVE the BCS mess

Of course, the big national game of the week was the Tech/OU game. It's no secret that I'm an OU Homer, seeing as I went to school there, and worked for the football team for a year.

Now that I've stated my affiliation, I'd also like to state that OU's dismantling of Tech SHOULD put them above Texas in the BCS rankings, as well as Florida.

I know that's no shock to read that coming from me, but extend me a little latitude for a second. 1st off, the BCS doesn't take into account home field advantage. Scores only. Tech beat Texas by 6. Texas beat OU by 10. OU beats Tech by 44, and it wasn't even THAT close. Most important is that OU's win over Tech happened last, and on national TV. Tech's only hope is that OU goes to Stillwater next weekend, and loses. It's the Bedlam Series, and OU losing to OSU is a VERY real possibility...

For you Florida Honks, thinking that they should be ranked above OU, think again. OU lost to then 5th Ranked Texas, while Florida lost to then UNRANKED Ole Miss. I'll grant you that Florida scored 70 this week, but it was against the Citadel. Yes, the flipping Citadel. OU scored 5 less points against the #2 Ranked team in the country. Argument over.

Heisman Hype

The Tech-OU game did several things in shaking up the Heisman race. 1st, it knocked Tech's Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree out of the race. It also propelled Sam Bradford back into the race. But if the vote was held today, Colt McCoy would/should be your winner. I know he was idle this weekend, but he does so much more than the other QB's.

McCoy has improved as a passer the past 2 years more than any player in College football. Additionally, he's proving to be just as dangerous (or almost) with his feet as his predecessor, Vince Young. Bradford doesn't scramble. Harrell doesn't scramble. Florida's Tim Tebow does, but is nowhere near the passer that McCoy and the others are. The only way that McCoy loses his grasp on this one is if he implodes next week, and Bradford throws for over 400 yards in his final 2-3 games.

Blog Stew

I'll be subbing in for the Monster Saturday on Crunchtime on KROD, Saturday, 10am-1. Stop by, call in, put me on your Christmas card list. We'll talk recipies, or somesuch.

I think I dated this girl back in the day (not so much):

Into the Eye of the Golden Hurricane

2008-10-17T00:12:00.000-07:00

This Tulsa game is going to be the toughest game of the year... for Tulsa. Now, I'm more than aware of all the accolades afforded the Golden Hurricane. Top offense in the nation. Top rated passer in the game, etc...

Today, my buddy Bret Bloomquist interviewed TU Coach Todd Graham in today's Times, and Graham thinks his quarterback Dave Johnson is the best quarterback in the state of Oklahoma. Of course, he doesn't take into consideration that the other 2 quarterbacks in the state are playing Big 12 competition, with tougher schedules. But there's nothing wrong with him sticking up for his guy...

By the way, It doesn't get easier for Tulsa opponents in the future. Yes, Johnson is a senior, but Texas transfer G. J. Kinne is next in line for the keys to Graham's offense.

But back to the point. UTEP has played tougher opponents this year. It's THAT simple. Buffalo, Texas, NMSU, UCF, S. Miss, Tulane...

Tulsa played UAB, UNT, Central Arkansas, Rice, and SMU.

Though they dominated everyone but SMU, they should have. Why are they not in the AP Top 25??? Scheduling. Plain and simple. We'll see it when the 1st BCS rankings come out on Sunday. Don't put that on Graham. That's still a Steve Kragthorpe schedule.

Give Tulsa this though. They've done what they're supposed to, and too many teams don't.

So, how do you defend the top QB in the Nation (statistically), who's most familiar with the 3-3-5 defense than any other defense (Since that's what Tulsa runs, and what they tortured against UNM)????

It's such a hybrid defense to begin with. You might be most successful taking a page from Joe Lee Dunn, the father of this defense. Make your base the 3-5-3. Sneak the safeties up, and limit the "yac" (yards after the catch). At the same time, you support the run. I'm betting that the Miners worked overtime on jamming the receivers on the line of scrimmage. If Tulsa's going to beat UTEP, Osai Lewis is going to make them do it deep, and play the percentages. It all depends on UTEP stopping the run, though.

On a seperate note. You think UTEP has cheap season tickets at $99 apiece??? I know Tulsa has 1 less home game, but...

BLOG STEW:

Looks like Tony Romo will be playing with a broken pinky. Good for him. Would have been better PR for him if he'd have decided that from the start, instead of allowing the Cowboys to say tht he'd be out for 4 weeks. Now he looks like a guy who was going to be out, until his hero, Brett Favre called him, telling him to suck it up. Speaking of Romo sucking it up...

Sorry... Um, anyways, ESPN talked to a Doctor who has nothing to do with Romo, doesn't know him, and is about 2000 miles away from Dallas. He says that Romo should play...

Finally, what Cowboys fans Super Bowl hopes and dreams hinge on, thanks to Louis DeLuca of the Dallas Morning News...

Going Home... and.... Homecoming!

2008-10-08T00:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the abbreviated blog delay...

Went back to Dallas over the weekend to be in the wedding of a childhood friend. It was a blast to see everyone. Met some great folks, and saw some that I hadn't seen in eeons... What a great time.

Let's talk UTEP Homecoming. They're hosting Tulane. Tulane had their Homecoming Saturday against Army, and lost sizeably, 44 to 13. To make matters worse, they played the game at a high school stadium in New Orleans, that is also a track facility. THIS, is Tad Gormley Stadium:

In his weekly media conference, Tulane Coach Bob Toledo didn't earn a spot on the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.

He said that his players told him that the game felt like a road game. This is what Tulane considers a road-game:

Nothing like playing on the road. Toledo also said that the grass was too high, press box was too hot and cramped, and there were divots all over the field. Toledo failed to mention that Army also played, and played well, on the same field.

In talking about his team's loss, he explained the "here we go again feeling" that we're all familiar with from the Miners end of season collapses in '05, '06, and '07. Here's the quote:

"We have a tendency, when bad things happen to us, there's a look in our eye and a feeling of `here we go again.' I see it in our fans. I see it in people who report here. It's that look of `here we go again,' instead of `hey, let's step it up, lets go.' We've got to teach the mentality and we haven't done that yet. We've got to change the mentality and learn how to compete. Just because bad things happen doesn't mean you stop competing."

Here's how UTEP wins the game, and it's twofold:

1. They do what Army did. No, they don't have a fullback to rush for 187 yards at 9.8 yards per carry. But, after 2 Tulane possessions, Army was already up 14-0, and both scores came on special teams. Army blocked a punt after the 1st possession, and then returned a fumble 81 yards for another touchdown. Get on the scoreboard quick and first. Give Tulane that "here we go again" feeling.

2. The Miner defense needs to get to quarterback Kevin Moore. The Humanities major was having a good game against Army until he took a inhumane hit. Toledo said in his press conference that Moore was never the same after that.

Toledo is familiar with the Miners 3-3-5 defense. Of course, Rocky Long taught it to Osia Lewis, and Long used to coach for Toledo at Oregon St. Lewis was also a player at Oregon when Toledo coached there. He's more than familiar with it. Can he teach it to an offense that has 4 days to learn it???

Jeremy Williams also is out. He's the offensive playmaker for Tulane. He had an operation Monday for 2 broken bones in his hand. Also, according to his player page, he's Majoring in "Media Arts". Back in the day, we called that major "Journalism."

I looked up the syllabus for the intro class, and, man. Is it just good timing or what? Now that Williams is out, he can concentrate on Friday's "Film, and Home Video" topic.... *WHEW*... Just in the nick of time...

And this is a private school??? Kids pay private school-like tuition to walk around and make home movies??? Well, before last weekend's home/road Homecoming, I hope that Williams absorbed the topic of "Recorded Music/Radio."... I'm in the wrong business. Time to start a private college, and offer classes in "Paper Airplane-Constructing Arts."

Enjoy the Win, Miners...

Re-Tread Musici.... err... Quarterback

2008-09-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

This is for all of you that followed WAC football in the early 2000's...

Remember SMU QB Kelan Luker? One in the Art Briles Stephenville lineage of All-Star QB's??? (See Kevin Kolb, Jevan Snead, etc.)... You remember, of course, that he left SMU to play bass in a Creed wanna-be band called Submersed.

Allow your ears to bleed here:

That recently ended. At 27 years old, he's back in college football.

He's the backup quarterback now at Tarleton St. The person he's backing up???

That's former Franklin great, and 2004 El Paso City Offensive MVP Scotty Grantham. Remember, Grantham transferred there from NMSU.

It's a good read, and you can see the whole story on SI.com, where I ripped off some of the pics.

But not this one. This one's for the Cowboys fans who suffered Sunday like me:

That's All-Pro Chris Cooley. I think my gall-bladder just exploded...

Hello There My Old Friend...

2008-09-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

3 Months??? That's all it's been? Looks like 4 times a year doth not a blog make, especially during football season!

Now that I'm getting back on the blog-scene, I'll reward the readers. No, not only with keen knowledge, not only with razor-sharp intellect, not merely with slapstick wit. I'm going to give away prizes.

That's right. You could win millions of dollars. A fleet of cars. Your own island. However, on this blog? Movie tickets, maybe a DVD every now and again. I give. That's what I do...

Onto the football season...

Of course, UTEP throttled defending CUSA Champion UCF on Saturday. I predicted that the Miners would win this game, but not 58 to 13. Nobody predicted that. Here's why it happened:

1. UCF had to start a true freshman QB in Rob Calabrese. Starting QB Michael Greco, who had been responsible for 125 yards a game (not great, but still) was out with a knee injury. He played horribly against Boston College the week before in his 1st career game, and is easy to defend.

2. Trevor Vittatoe played for the 1st time on a bum ankle.

How did that benefit UTEP? He's a VERY cerebral QB, and at times, looks like he overthinks his decisions on the field. He spent a majority of Saturday thinking of how to protect his ankle-achilles injury. How did that benefit UTEP? Vittatoe's instincts took over.

Instinctually, he might underrate himself. He won 4 of his first 6 starts as a Miner. That's early in a career, meaning it's all instinct at that point. Vittatoe has them, and on a seperate note, Calabrese doesn't. As Vittatoe's grown as a QB, as many do, he might be 2nd guessing himself in an effort to improve his game. That can sometimes backfire. It didn't have a chance to against UCF. 263 yards passing, 3 touchdowns with only 1 interception. Analyze that.

3. Defensive growth. This is the 1st game, possibly in the Mike Price Era, didn't give up a "Big Play". The "Big Play" is a thief. It steals momentum, and all of the big plays were made by UTEP. Even the Miner defense outscored UCF, 14-13. Cornelius Brown blocked a punt, and had 2 interceptions, giving him 3 for the season. That's tops in conference. He'll have a bigger test on the road next week at Southern Miss with QB Austin Davis. Though S. Miss lost to Marshall Saturday, he did throw for 308 yards.

BLOG STEW

- UTEP Kicker Jose Martinez kicks the 2nd longest FG off the ground in College Football history at 64 yards. Hard to see in that video, but he talks about it here, aud/vid taken by the GREAT Duke Keith of KLAQ fame.

- Hey fellas! Having trouble with the ladies??? Texas Tech Coach Mike Leach is here to offer assistance, so that your date doesn't end like this.

You're welcome.

BAH, BAH, BAH, IT WAS S'POSED TO BE A CURVEBALL!!!!

2008-06-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Mos of you know now that Rick Reilly is on ESPN, and ESPN.com. Once his contract ran out with SI, ESPN made him a flattering offer that he humbly accepted, and that brings us to date...

Currently, his article on espn.com talks about the high school pitcher/catcher combo that blatently let a fastball go by the catcher, and hit the ump in the mask. Seems they didn't like the way that he was calling the game. The kids coach thinks that they just got their signals crossed, and that the catcher was expecting a curveball instead of the fastball that the ump got.

Judge for yourself...

Pretty obvious that the catcher took a nosedive so that the ump would get hit. Reilly stated that the high school catcher involved was going to walk-on to a small college in the area... After learning of this episode, the college coach told him not to bother coming out.

Here's the kicker though...

Now the Ump involved has lawyered up. He went and got checked out at the hospital, and took an MRI. What's going to happen next? The catcher's Dad is going to have to settle with the Ump and his lawyer. The video, as you can plainly see, is too damning. The irony? The father could have to dip into the kids college fund to pay the settlement.

Maybe he can get the shortstop of the tema to cut a check for him, as he was the 15th overall pick in this year's baseball draft.

By the way, if you read the story, you see that it was the Georgia AAA State Championship game... Talk about one to remember...

I'm glad Reilly is finally at the network. It's a natural marriage, and we'll be seeing more than just a 1 page article in the back of SI.

Socorro Baseball, Spring Football, No Way Jose Canseco...

2008-04-01T22:11:00.001-07:00

If you have yet to go see a Socorro Baseball game in action this season, do yourself the favor of catching a couple of innings...

What will you see? Offense. What else? Defense. This team is the best one that they've had that I've personally seen in the past 3 years. The difference in this team? They KNOW they're going to win. Coach Forbes has raised this program to a level unseen in El Paso, maybe ever. Of course, last week, the Bulldogs made history being ranked the top baseball team in the state of Texas in 5A. That's some heavy stuff. They host Montwood this Friday. Get to Forbes Field, and enjoy some baseball on what's supposed to be an El Paso Chamber of Commerce Postcard Day....

What a mess they have at Oklahoma St. Firing Scott Sutton after just 2 years???? HUNH??? Wasn't he supposed to be the heir apparent? HUGE mistake by Mike Holder and the folks in Stillwater. Holder was a heck of a golf coach, and is a good fundraiser. He's a VERY below average basketball coaching evaluater. Here's hoping a majority of the OSU basketball team ask for their release. Who the heck is going to want to coach for a guy that only gives you 2 years?!?!?!?! AND DON'T TELL ME BILL SELF, I DON'T CARE HOW MUCH $$$ T-BOONE PICKENS HAS!

Not a big fan of spring football. Of course, all schools have to do it. It's just yet another season for the football players. The big payoff? The Spring Game. If you're a big BCS School, they may even televise the game on THE NETWORK. What purpose does it serve?

There's nothing better than going out to these practices with a camera on your shoulder, to watch players go 1/2 speed. *yawn*. Not hating on these coaches, hating on the game...

Anyone tired of Jose Canseco yet? Hope you were able to catch him on Letterman Monday night.

I've never seen Dave grill someone like that. (Unfortunately you don't see it in the clip above). It was the kind of uncomfortable that you feel when you spill Hawaiian Punch on your rented tux...

Nothing but 2 segments of insinuaton. He's no Amazon.com....

"Vindicated?" Each one of you that buys his book is supplying him with about... what... 1/6th of a cycle of steroids??? Good times...

NMSU kicks off Spring ball Wednesday. Going to be curious to see how they look jogging, too....

And finally, Kennth Pope is a HUGE pickup for Clemson's next footall class... Any chance he's some sort of entrepreneur?????

ONLY IN AMERICA!!!

Trying to Keep Keitha... and Basically Basic Cable...

2008-02-27T11:52:00.000-08:00

Now that the Miner Women have ended their unlikely season, it's time for a new campaign. The "bruise" has healed, and just a nasty memory now. There's no doubt that UTEP Women's Coach Keitha Adams will be a topic of discussion for openings at other schools, such as UCLA, and Arizona.

The UTEP Athletic Department needs to find a way to, "Keep Keitha." It starts with a mindset. She needs to know that she hasn't accomplished everything possible at UTEP. This program is her baby. They need to convince her not to abandon her "teen-ager". Financially, it's time top bump her up. Again. She's done the job. Pay her for it. Find a way to be competitive. I know she can't make what Gail Goestenkors makes at Texas ($900,000K-ish), but who can??? We've seen the type of player that Keitha has brought to this program over the past 2 years. That needs to continue. Keep Keitha.

Now onto the slap and tickle...

When I was sick (see below), I had 2 weeks to just sit in my apartment, and do nothing but vacuum, and watch TV. Unfortunately, when I moved to El Paso, I opted for only the basic cable that came with the apartment. I knew I'd be waaaaay too busy to spend too many a day in front of the boob tube, so I upped my Netflix account to a 3-movie rotation instead of juicing up my cable package.

Fast forward to my 2 weeks at home. I became an expert on what is played on basic cable from about 10am to midnight, and you won't believe what my top surprise was...

1. "Gone Country"- what an unexpected gem this was. This show brings in people from 7 different walks of life (or entertainment), and these "has beens" are all living together in a mansion-like log cabin, vying for a country music contract. The participants are the kicker. They consist of Bobby Brown, Sisqo, Carnie Wilson (of Wilson-Phillips), Julio Iglesias Jr., Dee Snider (of Twisted Sister), Maureen McCormick (Marsha from "The Brady Bunch"), and Diana DeGarmo
(American Idol, 2004). They're living in John Rich's house-cabin (of country music band Big & Rich), and he has them doing all sorts of chores (nothing like seeing Bobby Brown and Dee Snider clean out a horse stall). It's hard to tell when this show airs, as it airs about 4 times a day on CMT. Enjoy!

Back in the Saddle...

2008-02-18T19:19:00.001-08:00

I've been sick the past 3 weeks with what seems to me to be a variation of the Chicken Pox. It's called Stevens- Johnson Syndrome, and it put me out for some time.

I can't begin to thank everyone that sent prayers my way and visited me in the hospital. It just re-inforces what we all know. The people of El Paso truly are special and unique.

Today (2/18) is my first day back at work, and it's nice to get back in a working routine. I know I've promised in the past to be on here more often, and now I'll be able to since I'm back at work, and am close to fixing my home computer.

Since I've been in front of the TV on the couch exclusively for the past 2 weeks, I'll post a TV schedule of the "must-see's" for people that just have basic cable like me. Nothing short of fabulous entertainment (or not).

I hate The Almighty Virus!!!

2008-01-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

OOF! Sorry that I haven't been here in a while, but my home computer picked up a virus, and I've been unable to post on here since. I know, likely story, right?

I incurred the Win32.TrojanDownloader, and that SOB not only ate up all of my memory, but it made my computer slower than dial-up when it worked at all. Any time I'd try to get rid of the virus, the computer would shut down.

It's hard to blog at work. Phone rings. Meetings, press conferences, etc. I can barely complete a thought as-is, much less, write rants. Just look at my sportscasts!!! (just kidding, boss)

On that note, I'd like to issue a statement. This is to people that not only pioneer computer viruses, but others that fund their efforts.

How on earth can you think that I'll support, or even be interested in your product if you pay to be a pop-up window on a virus? Not that I need to meet "single women in my area" or "get a degree online".

If you click through one of those pop-up pages that pay the virus people for that purpose, you might be stupid enough to get that degree at that non-exhistant university, or meet some stranger at the mall that you've been getting model-esque pictures of. Wait until you meet that person "in-person". Better yet, wait for that employer to ask you where Ardville Tech is actually located. Such a proud tradition...

I wonder if there are virus advertising sales people. "Hello Mr. Smith, I'm Joe Schmo at Moron Technologies, and we've developed what we think to be the greatest, most harmful virus to date. How would you like your product or service to be forcefully placed on millions of computers for a nominal fee?"... I'll bet that's a resume builder....

Super Bowl will be a Super Bore. I can tell you right off the bat that the highlight of the whole game will be the Super Bowl Ads, and Tom Petty at the Half. This season just needs to end. Once the Patriots got to 12-0, I lost interest as the season got anti-climactic... Pats all the way in this one, and we knew that would happen in October...

This one's for the Miners fans. Lay off Tony Barbee. Give him time. No need to be impatient. He's playing with kids. Mad at Randy Culpepper taking rediculous shots? Live with it for now. He's figuring out how to play on the next level, and we all know how special that kid is going to be.

I know they look sloppy at times, but they're called growing pains. Wait until they get that 1st conference win on the road. With that will come confidence, and improvement will follow...

However, big ups to Keitha Adams and the Miner Women. 30th in the nation in the AP. That's huge. Remember when these seniors were freshman? Remember how bad those teams were? Think about the Miner men the same way. The same will happen (if Barbee is still around by then.)

Should have the home computer back soon, and once I get it back, I'll be back in the saddle again for good (or at least until the next virus)...

Coaching... The Business

2007-12-12T00:16:00.000-08:00

So, we all know that Bobby Petrino became the Head Coach today(or night) at Arkansas.

Check out the timeline here:

He woke up Tuesday (assuming he slept) as the Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons, after a big loss to the Saints, 34-14, on Monday Night Football. Then, Tuesday afternoon, CALLED, yes, CALLED the Falcons to resign. Tuesday night, he was official at Arkansas.

I've always had a REAL issue with coaches that take other jobs, and not sit with their team to let them know he was leaving, say goodbye, etc. I don't care if these are grown men in the NFL, or not. If you think his players weren't put off by this, just listen to Falcon's DB DeAngelo Hall:

Let me just say this. If I had a kid in Arkansas, and Petrino wanted to recruit him to play for Arkansas, I'd present him with this:

Coaching career (HC unless noted):
1983 Carroll (GA)
1984 Weber State (GA)
1985-1986 Carroll (OC)
1987-1988 Weber State (WR/TE)
1989 Idaho (QB)
1990-1991 Idaho (OC)
1992-1993 Arizona State (QB)
1994 Nevada (OC/QB)
1995-1997 Utah State (OC)
1998 Louisville (OC)
1999-2000 Jacksonville Jaguars (QB)
2001 Jacksonville Jaguars (OC)
2002 Auburn (OC)
2003-2006 Louisville
2007 Atlanta Falcons
2008-present Arkansas

I'd then ask him, since he's only stayed at 1 place for 4 years since 1983, how on earth am I supposed to hand over my child to him when I know its' a more/less guarentee that he won't be around for his full college career???
ARKANSAS PARENTS BEWARE! A SNAKE-OIL SALESMAN IS HEADED TO YOUR DOORSTEP!

He must not have paid too much attention back in 1984 when he was a grad. assistant with Weber St. He would have benefitted by taking a class on "class" from his then boss, Mike Price...

Speaking of Price, nobody truly though he'd be leaving, did they???

And now for your "Cum Ba Yah" Christmas ad of the week:

"Having trouble picking out that perfect gift for your special someone this Holiday Season??? Why not go original, and get them a never-been-thought-of-before band with handles? You won't be sorry..."

And finally tonight... Odds on Petrino's next job...

10-1: High Risk Mortgage Broker
15-1: Contract Lawyer
20-1: Guidance Counselor
150-1: Nemesis Role as Opposing Coach in "Waterboy 2"

Talk amongst yourselves...

Didn't Get a Kick out of This...

2007-12-07T01:02:00.000-08:00

A gross injustice occured last night. Yes. Indeed. Has Tim Donaghy traded in his NBA Stripes for 2 fist-fulls (held together by handcuffs, no doubt) of Lou Groza Award votes??? For those that sat through Chris Fowler's Comic Strip tryout to get to the voting, here's what you saw...

Yes, a Freshman from Arizona State won the award, beating out the best kicker in college football, UTEP's Jose Martinez. YES, he was almost 96% on field goal conversions. YES, he came back after getting a metal rod put through his leg. YES, he's from a BCS school.

But answer me this! Has he going 5 for 5 on field goals in a game? NO. Martinez has. Did he kick the 2nd longest field goal of the year at 57 yards, that could have cleared 65? NO. Martinez has. Weber only hit from 53.

Something Martinez has done that NOBODY in the country has done??? He went 4 for 4 on onside kicks this year. As my buddy Brett Bloomquist from the El Paso Times once said, "Martinez is an onside kicking savant." Indeed...

Quick Hits...

2007-12-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

Several quick notes for you today. First, more news on the Mike Price front. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer said here that Coach Price has been contacted by Washington St., and "If they want to talk with me, that's fine," Price said by phone from Houston while recruiting for Texas-El Paso. "It's my school, and I'm a Cougar, so I would almost have to sit down and visit with them."

A former UTEP football coach is up for a Head Coaching position in Conference USA.

David Lee, currently the outgoing Offensive Coordinator at Arkansas, and the assumed future Offensive Coordinator at Ole Miss is up for the Southern Miss vacancy. Feel free to read about it here...

Sun Bowl coaches are in town. You can tell that South Florida coach Jim Leavitt is cut from the same cloth os OU's Bob Stoops, as they coached together at Kansas St. under legendary workaholic Bill Snyder. This guy is flat out, A FOOTBALL COACH. I'm betting that when he goes home at night, he's at the dinner table asking someone to "pitch the peas, please."

Mike Belotti might seem to have more polish on 1st glance, but that's because it's his 3rd time at the Sun Bowl, and he's been there, done that. Both team at one point or another were ranked #2 in the nation at 1 point. The Oregon QB's are the wildcard in this one. The 2 healthy quarterbacks have a combined game and a half experience between them. Should be interesting to see....

Buckshots...

2007-11-29T00:32:00.000-08:00

How about good ole Bobby Knight? The Texas Tech basketball coach gets into it with a homeowner in the Greater Lubbock area for ALLEGEDLY spraying buckshot in his pool during a dove-hunting expedition.

You mean to tell me that the guys that said all of that above in the ESPN Top 10 isn't an upstanding citizen?!?!?! How dare anyone accuse the ageless Bobby Knight of such a crime!?!?!?!?

On a serious note, I did ask Knight last year, when Tech came to play UTEP in El Paso, to spin a yarn a bit about Don Haskins, and you'd have thought that the 2 had been seperated at birth. After all, when Haskins and Dan Wetzel put "Glory Road" together, Bobby Knight wrote the forward.

Only during post-game football and basketball game press conference do I wish sometimes that I worked in Lubbock. Sometimes Knight, and Mike Leach

throw in such pearls of wisdom. It'd be fun to write a book of them one day, but I might end up with buckshot in my pool if I did...

UTEP topped NMSU in Hoops the other night, 84-76. I'm told that new NMSU basketball coach Marvin Menzies honeymoon period in Las Cruces officially ended after the loss. Remember, these recruits, while highly rated, aren't his guys. Also remember, that 1 of his assitants was interviewed for his job, and was kept on the staff. Comfortable situation?!?!?!?

Keeping it with NMSU, went to Accuweather.com after watching their bloopers on Youtube. Enjoy how clueless the weatherman gives the weather for Friday's NMSU- Fresno St. game, and calls it "Loboland." Nice work, Gump.

By the way, check out the weather for the Oregon- Oregon St. game. 1 of the 2 in this game, depending what USC and Arizona St. do, will be headed to El Paso for the Sun Bowl. Oregon has the top rushing offense in the PAC 10 by a mile statistically, but that's changed since QB, and Heisman Hopeful Dennis Dixon went out of the season with a knee. With cold rain scheduled, this is anyone's game. I'd bet that the Sun Bowl Committee would like to see the Ducks win this one, considering how poorly Oregon St. traveled to El Paso last year.

Keeping it on the Sun Bowl, how refreshing is it to see South Florida coming to the Sun Bowl???? They're PUMPED about coming, and according to Sun Bowl Exec, and fellow Jos. A. Bank shopper Bernie Olivas, tickets sale have been unbelieveable from the folks out in Tampa.

Lastly, I wonder if Oregon St. Coach Mike Riley, and Oregon Coach Mike Belotti invade the others TV show before they play with a Sun Bowl berth on the line??? Whaaaa? That doesn't happen??? It did back in the day... Enjoy!

Finally, an update on the possibility of Mike Price leaving UTEP to return to his old stomping grounds at Washington St.

KLAQ Morning Sports stud Duke Keith had a sit-down with Price earlier in the week, and asked him about that. Enjoy the non-denial denial (stolen from Seattle PI writer Bud Withers).

From Hawaii/Ft. Worth/ Houston to ??????

2007-11-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

This time last week, we were all trying to decide whether or not the Miner football team would be bowling in Hawaii, Houston or Ft. Worth. After their heartbreaker in Houston against Rice Saturday, bowling seems like a mirage...

Rice turned the ball over 7 times, lost 2 onside kickoffs to UTEP, and were down in the 4th quarter to the Miners by 20 points. This game was OVER. As the "Voice of the Miners," John Teicher eloquently put it, the Miners "collapsed" in the 4th quarter. Rice scored 28 unanswered points in the 4th quarter, to not only take the lead, but win the game, 56-48.

The obvious problem? The UTEP defense. They've been giving up BIG yards, and BIG points all year. According to the box score on Yahoo Sports (unofficial), Rice gained 570 yards. Brace yourselves, and consider the problem officially diagnosed in this game.

Here was the REAL problem to the ending of this one. The UTEP offense went 4 and out twice, not including a missed field goal, and going 0-2 on 4th downs in the 4th quarter.

What does that translate into? A Miner defense being on the field for far too long. They were on the field for 80-90% of the 4th quarter, and were exhausted, forcing them to give up the big plays late. ALL defenses need a break in the 4th quarter.

The Miners statistically will be eligible for a bowl if they can win 2 of their last 3 regular season games, but realistically, they need to win all 3 to secure a berth. Does this team have enough character to turn it around after losing 3 straight? History says no, but this season's final chapters aren't written.... just.... yet.

Romo a Go!

2007-10-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

Tony Romo will be a Dallas Cowboy for a while longer. Though he won't admit it, he'll bve signing for 6 years, and 67 million... A quick breakdown on QB's in the NFL, and how Carrie Underwood's Ex rates, care of the good folks at the Dallas Morning News...

Peyton Manning, IND: 7 years, $99.2 Million (AAV: $14.17 Million; Signed in 2004)
Carson Palmer, CIN: 9 years, $118.75 Million (AAV: $13.19 Million; Signed in 2005)
Tony Romo, DAL: 6 years, $67.5 Million (AAV: $11.25 Million; Signed in 2007)
Marc Bulger, STL: 6 years, $65 Million (AAV: $10.83 Million; Signed in 2007)
JaMarcus Russell, OAK: 6 years, $61 Million (AAV: $10.17 Million; Signed in 2007)
Tom Brady, NE: 6 years, $60 Million (AAV: $10 Million;Signed in 2005)
Drew Brees, NO: 6 years, $60 Million (AAV: $10 Million; Signed in 2006)
Brett Favre, GB: 10 years, $100 Million (AAV: $10 Million; Signed in 2001)
Vince Young, TEN: 6 years, $58 Million (AAV: $9.67 Million; Signed in 2006)
Donovan McNabb, PHI: 12 years, $115 Million (AAV: $9.58 Million; Signed in 2002)
Chad Pennington, NYJ: 7 years, $64.2 Million (AAV: $9.17 Million; Signed in 2004)
Eli Manning, NYG: 6 years, $54 Million; (AAV: $9 Million; Signed in 2004)
Matt Leinart, ARI: 6 years, $50.8 Million (AAV: $8.47 Million; Signed in 2006)
Philip Rivers, SD: 6 years, $50.5 Million (AAV: $8.42 Million; Signed in 2004)
Alex Smith, SF: 6 years, $49.5 Million (AAV: $8.25 Million; Signed in 2005)
Matt Hasselbeck, SEA: 6 years, $49.4 Million (AAV: $8.23 Million; Signed in 2005)
Matt Schaub, HOU: 6 years, $48 Million (AAV: $8 Million; Signed in 2007)

Romo was asked about it on his Radio Show. Enjoy his fake denial...

Several people have commented to me about the 15 laterals that happened in a Division 3 football game over the weekend... Allow me to pull a curtain back a bit, as I have Division 3 football game coverage experience.

3-5 years ago, I actually covered the 2 teams that were playing in that game.... Seriously. I was the Sports Reporter/Weekend anchor at the CBS Affiliate in Sherman, TX. Austin College, the D3 college in Sherman would play both Trinity, and Millsaps, the 2 teams in that game.

Think of it as watching 13th grade football. That's the best description I can give. The cool thing is that these guys are playing for the love of the game, period. No scholarships, no NFL (except for the lucky 1 or 2 players that were kicked out of D1 schools, and were playing at these places as a last resort). The ending to this one is fun to watch, though the announcers might be closer to D4 announcers:

I should take it easier on these guys, as they college kids.... The part that makes me laugh the most, is at the end of the video. The camera pans to the stands, and there's literally 15 people cheering... I don't miss D3 football...

The season is hardly over for UTEP. In fact, in this "rebuilding year" they're still alive for a piece of the CUSA title, and are very much alive for a bowl game. Though they lost their last 2 by a combined 6 points, if Tulsa beats Houston, and UTEP can win out, they take a piece of the trophy. Mike Price talks about it here. Thanks to the EP Times, and the GREAT Duke Keith.

Gutless...

2007-10-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

I'm calling out David Stern. More than half his NBA refs broke the rules, by gambling in casinos. This was all brought about thanks to the Tim Donagy debacle. These refs make anywhere from $200-$400K a year for 2/3 a years worth of work. They knew the rules, yet Stern calls the rules broken outdated:

I call it gutless. Rules is Rules. You make a rule, you break it and get caught, serve the consequences. You mean to tell me that someone that's been busting his/her backside in college or the CBA or NBADL to get to the NBA as a ref, WHILE FOLLOWING THE RULES. Why weren't the rules outdated before all of this scandal? The miner league refs will now have to pay for what Stern calls, "Outdated Rules?" Oust Stern. He's gutless. Some people think the Constitution of the United States is outdated, but we still hold it to be the law. Gutless.

We all know that Tim Donagy fixed games as a ref. Now? Stern's allowing refs in the door at the Sportsbook. Is he going to get kickbacks of fixed games? Call me crazy, but the craps table isn't far from the sportsbook in these Vegas casinos.

Who's to keep refs from playing craps at the MGM, and not hopping over to the Sportsbook to place a bet? Who would know? I know there are cameras in casinos, but who the heck can identify a ref??? Hey NBA players Union. Your turn. Do this. Call out David Stern for not calling out his refs. They broke the rules, and ultimately, the players will pay. MARK MY WORDS. David Stern is gutless.

The PR Machine keeps on rolling....

2007-10-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

I love Mack Brown. He could be playing murderers, and would do nothing but float compliments their way. This week, Texas takes on the worst team in the Big 12, Nebraska. They've been in a free-fall for the last month or so. They got pounded by a down A&M team last weekend, and now, ole Mack is talking them up like they're Ohio State.

Game week is here for the UTEP Miners. UTEP-Houston is turning into the most entertaining yearly game in Conference USA. Last year in Houston, The Miners led at the half, until Houston scored blew the Miners doors off with 24 unanswered to win 34 to 17. And who could forget how the game ended the last time the Cougars were in the Sun Bowl in 2005?!?!?!...

Take a week off, and get rewarded...

UTEP RB Marcus Thomas now leads the nation in points scored per game at 13. Not bad for a bye-week.

Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree was leading the category, but Missouri held him scoreless. They've been doing that to a host of people this year. Tech only scored 1 touchdown in the Missouri game. QB Graham Harrell threw a 67 yard bomb to former Montwood Ram Ed Britton. But, since you watch the Sunday Night Xtra Point, you already knew that....

Is Kansas for real? Because, according to their coach, they're not allowed to win. And he can't wrestle microphones well either...

*snore*

Bug-smashing Fun...

2007-10-15T22:51:00.001-07:00

Bug-smashing hs never been sooooo much fun... More on that in a minute...

If the New England Patriots are the class of the NFL, what are the Cowboys? Overblown America's Team? A team that's just good in a league that's 5 and 1? Remember, the Boys were 5 and 0, beating teams that cumulated only 6 wins in the NFL. Sure, the Cowboys are a playoff team, but at this point, they're just a game better than their 1st round playoff exit last year. If all else fails, at least we know that Tony Romo can be a Director of 1st Impressions...

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has made it to the next round of "Dancing With the Stars"... Nothing better than Cuban actually taking, and accepting criticism. Whoa. I used to work in Sports Radio in Dallas, and anytime criticism was aimed at Cuban, he'd explode. Maybe he's growing.... Enjoy Cuban dancing the "Jive (that's sooo "Airplane")"

Why am I talking about the Mavs owner? The Mavs are playing against Reggie Theus's Sacramento Kings tonight at the Pan Am Center in Las Cruces. We'll have highlights of Reggie's return to the Pan Am Center tonight at 10. Something else you'll see? Dirk Nowitzki. Hopefully, we'll see him bug-smashing in his post-game presser...

I scored at 485 on that game....

Miners on a bye-week this week, Aggies trying to get Chase Holbrook in the fold, although, true freshman J.J. McDermott performed admirably in his absense. He threw for 319 yards and 2 touchdowns (0 INT's)... I talked to Hal Mumme today, and he said that he wished he hadn't dumbed down the offense for JJ Mac. He didn't think he'd do so well, I guess... Hal said that he ran out of plays at the end of the game. Hunh?

I HAVE to pimp something here. If you want to buy a raffle ticket to benefit the Childrens Miracle Network of El Paso, email me. I don't remember the prizes, but they're $2 apiece, and well worth it. Please do it. It's of the most worthy causes around. It's well run here, and the people that put this thing together here define Saint-hood on earth... Here's my email: jengleman@kdbc.com

I'll send you all the info I have on this. Thanks for your consideration for this cause....

Big Ups...

2007-10-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

To Jordan Palmer for subbing in for me. Jess Moran did a wrap-up of his night at the KDBC Sports Desk, you can see it here.

The Miners started as 2 point favorites over East Carolina, and are now 3 point favorites. The East Carolina defense is more injured than UTEP's and will be the X-factor in the game. Vittatoe and Sam have the potential to have a HUGE game. How will the Miner defense look????

Finally, want to be a wine snob in time for next weekend's La Vina Wine Fest???? Enjoy:

Happy Friday...

Kill Me...

2007-10-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

Are you kidding me???

How stupid. You think Oklahoma St. fans want to buy a car there? What morons...

Let's talk some Fred Rouse, here. I talked with Coach Price yesterday, who said that Rouse missed a workout and a meeting Sunday, both unexcused. 2 quickies on this one:

1. Coach Price did the right thing. Superior athlete or not, that's Rouse testing the limits of the program. Coach Price is letting him know he's not above anyone, and suspended him for the week.

2. Rouse hasn't been 100% healthy yet this year. He missed offseason workouts, while working on legal issues in Tallahassee in the offseason. If Rouse wants to make the NFL, like he was heavily predicted to coming out of high school, UTEP is his last chance. He knows that.

Onto the Aggies. Hal Mumme isn't even going to hide it. Chase Holbrook is out this week. His ribs (be they bruised, cracked, smoked or marinated) are in a bad way. He couldn't even throw after a few hits against Boise St. Bruised ribs stick around for a while, and this is something that Holbrook will be battling for the rest of the year, especially when opposing defenses know you have them.

Patriots vs. Cowboys. Thoughts?????

Boom goes the dynamite...

Weekend in Football...

2007-10-09T00:32:00.000-07:00

We'll go in reverse...

Cowboys win over Buffalo on Monday Night Football... Whoa... Tony Romo throws 5 interceptions, and is only the 2nd QB in NFL history to do that and still win. Here's my question. Before Nick Folk kicked the game-winner, how was Patrick Crayton SOOOOO wide open near the sideline for the 4 yard gain to get Folk to attempt a 53 ayrd field goal??? The defensive Coordinator for Buffalo lost that game, not the Bills.

Anyhoo, it's a good thing that the Bills stripped T.O. of the ball for the 2 point conversion, or Buffalo would have won this game. As fugly as it was, it was an emotional win, and now the Cowboys have to regroup for the Patriots on Sunday. Good thing it's a Texas Stadium.

1 note on Nick Folk. When the Cowboys drafted him in the 6th round, Colorado kicker Mason Crosby was still on the board. Good thing the Cowboys picked folk. When the Bills tried to ice him, they found out that he has icewater running through his veins....

Where do the NMSU Aggies go from here? They get crushed in front of a national audience Sunday night against Boise St. on ESPN, which, arguably, does as much bad as their win over UTEP did good. Chase Holbrooks still has the rib injury (or re-injury). Now that NMSU Football looks to have taken a U-Turn for the worse, Hal mumme has closed practice again this week, and I'll bet it's that way for the rest of the year. Makes it hard to cover a team. Although, if I was subject to this creativity for 3+ hours, I would close more than practice:

After 2 thrillers, UTEP looks to be on the road to a bowl game for the 3rd time in 5 years. After beating Tulsa and SMU late, East Carolina will be their toughest test of the year. ECU and UTEP are now the top 2 teams in CUSA, and the Miners will ahve to continue to run. Eric Price will have to continue to wave the alternating QB magic wand again. The ECU linebacking corps isn't healthy, and they may have 3 that play regularly out, with 2 of them being starters. If you want to see ECU Coach Skip Holtz talk about the Miners go here.

Last but not least, Mike Sellers is one tough &*%^@#*...

Goodnight now!

Group Wants Ricky Williams at Mile High, Pardon the Pun...

2007-10-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

By now, you've not doubt heard that former Texas Longhorn Heisman winner Ricky Williams has re-applied for admission to the NFL. Of course, he's flunked 4 drug tests that earned him his banishment in the league.

Now there's a group that wants the former Heisman bust to play in Denver.

Unfortunately for them, this group's been fighting the law too long to realize that the Miami Dolphins own his rights, and the Bronco's won't (or shouldn't) want him. Funny how Mason Tvert, spokesman for the group, Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation in Denver, fancies himself an NFL GM. Who would he trade to Miami for Buffalo Soldier's rights? How would that affect the salary cap? Put down the pipe for a few minutes, Tvert. Your efforts can't be helping his chances for re-entry to the NFL...

Finally, how great would work be if you could take a break to play "cops and robbers?" BANG!

Cops & Robbers!

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Cio!

For A&M Fans...

2007-10-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

We all the remember psychotic Britney Spears fan Chris Crocker, and what he did when the media piled on his "girl"

An A&M fan did a spinoff of that mess, and it's hilarious, yet disturbing... Enjoy, kindof...

Conference Catching On...

2007-10-01T13:37:00.001-07:00

I love this... ESPN has been producing genious spots for years. For example, this is one of their all-time greats from back in the day. Padre's reliever Trevor Hoffman comes in for Kenny Mayne, to relieve him on the anchor desk.

Conference USA decided to jump on the sense of humor bandwagon, and make a promo of the "Student-Athletes" all living in a house together (which looks like one of the houses on SMU's fraternity row), doing chores in full game uniforms...

Good promo, and you know all of the CUSA homers are looking and counting how many times their teams were represented in the ad. For the record, UTEP= once.

This weekends lightening and rain-outs killed what should have been a good weekend of high school football. Mother Nature killed me and Friday Night's Xtra Point. Typical woman... (just kidding). We asked the senior member of the El Paso coaching fraternity, Alan Sepkowitz of Andress, if he could ever remember games having to be made up the next morning because of lightening. He said that he couldn't in his 31 years... By the way, Saturday night's makeup game highlights= here.

For such a young team, UTEP showed what kind of team that they are by coming back twice to beat SMU in overtime, 48-45. Marcus Thomas ran for 207 yards, and was named Conference USA's Offensive Player of the Week.

Can it be true? Can Mike Price actually be the Head Football Coach of a running team??? If he wants to win, he is, and proved it over the weekend. With Thomas, and Lorne Sam coming in as a running quarterback, this team will for the 1st time in a long time be one that opens up the pass with the run. Who'd-a-thunk-it?

The Miners believe that they can beat Tulsa this weekend. Tulsa is 1 of 2 teams that were picked in the pre-season to win the CUSA West. If the Miners win this weekend, and go 1 and 1 in the following 2 games, they will be a bowl team, period.

The NMSU Aggies should get about 4 starters back for their game against Boise St. (Sunday, 6pm mst, ESPN) which is great for them. It won't matter though if Chase Holbrook can't play. He took several bonecrushing hits from blitzing defenders from Arkansas- Pine Bluff who lost to NMSU by a field goal, 20-17. His injury isn't disclosed, but according to Las Cruces Sun News sportswriter Teddy "Ballgame" Feinberg's article today, he might have bruised ribs. Stay tuned.

Hit of the Week:

Miss me...

Humpday Have's and Have-nots...

2007-09-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

Have #1- You have to be 2nd guessing your wave of support for OSU Coach Mike Gundy, since his Monday press conference, seen here:

Obviously, after attacking Jenni Carlson's credibility (which he did, but rightfully so), he wouldn't tell her at the press conference what part of her story was "inaccurate." His reason? "Don't have to."

Personally, I thought her story was too mean spirited. Especially the cheap shots she took at the player, describing how his mom fed him chicken, etc. But don't attack someone's livelihood, and then not specify why, which is what Gundy did. In other professions, on both sides to varying degrees, that could be construed as slander. As you can see at the end of that press conference, Gundy said that maybe he and Carlson should sit down and clarify things, because he didn't think of it from a livelihood perspective. Hopefully, that will happen, or already has.

Have #2- UTEP will have to make SMU beat them through the air. TCU held SMU to 149 yards rushing on 47 carries last week, and beat them 21-7. That's what the Miners need to do.

Upon 1st look, that may be too much to ask. 3 of the 4 starting defensive linemen for the Miners might still be out with injuries (Olalaken, Moore, Riddick), leaving the run-stopping duties to the hobbled linebacker corps (Jones/Vincent= sore ankles). As per usual, we'll not know who'll be active for the game until the game.

On this weeks depth chart, safety Braxton Amy is listed as a linebacker. Amy leads the team in tackles, but if he's going to have to take on 300 pound linemen with his 195 pound frame, his production will go down. Also, remember, he got injured last year while playing linebacker.

1 more note, the top 3 tacklers on the defense are defensive backs (Amy, Quintin Demps, and Damon Cromartie-Smith). The defensive line needs to get healthy in a hurry...

Have Not #1- If you have not seen this hit, take a gander:

It's the best that I've seen in hockey since last year, when Brian Campbell laid out R.J. Umberger:

And they say that football is the most violent sport... But the most dangerous sport???

Anything related to any kind of car racing gets my vote.

Have Not #2- I have not hosted a radio show on KROD for a while, but that changes Saturday. I'm back filling in for Robert Garcia on "Crunchtime" Saturday morning, from 10-1 (mst) on KROD. If you live out of the area, and want to listen, they stream live now and you'll be able to check it out. I'm currently trying to line up guests for the show. I'll keep from revealing who that would be, as I'm not one to try and jinx myself, mmmmmmK?

Happy Humpday!

Meanwhile, in the Next Lockerroom...

2007-09-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought that Mike Gundy (see blog below) was the only coach to blow his lid Saturday, we find out today that there was another. Not only was there another in the U.S., there was one in the other locker room. You think that this Mike Leach Tirade led to his defensive coordinator quitting Sunday??? What's Next?!?!?!?

Unusual Tirade...

2007-09-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma St. beat Texas Tech yesterday in a barnburner, 49 to 45. Tech Quarterback Graham Harrell threw for 646 yards and 5 touchdowns in the loss, and that's not even what was most unbelieveable about the game.

After the Cowboy win, OSU Coach Mike Gundy did what most coaches do after a game, addressing the media. The fact that he spent the whole time launching into a writer for the Daily Oklahoman was unusual... Enjoy the tirade...

If you want to see the article that he's talking about, go here. Poor Jenny Carlson. She's not the best writer, but good luck getting any cooperation from the folks at OSU in the future. Think she's still patting herself on the back for that article????

Good for Gundy, though. He stuck up for one of his kids in a big way. Was what Carlson wrote irresponsible??? Depends on her sources. If she's printing these rumors, she better make sure that those rumors are 100% fact, which according to Gundy, weren't. At this point, it's "he said," "she said." But she took some pretty vicious shots at Reid that weren't warranted.

True Test???

2007-09-19T23:41:00.000-07:00

Interesting. The Dallas Morning News calls Texas A&M's game against Miami tonight, "a true test."

We all know that "The U" isn't quite what they were in the day. I reference you to their loss to Oklahoma, 53-14.

Give props to Miami Coach Randy Shannon, though. He'll remind you of a Ralph Friedgen (not physically) or a Forrest Gregg (who re-started SMU after the "Death Penalty").

He's heeding the call of his program, where he played, was an assistant coach, and now is charged with re-building "The Monster". He's in the early stages, where he'll get battered and beat. But recruiting from Miami will save him in the longrun. I don't care what anyone says. They'll still compete for the cream of the crop in the state of Florida, whether UF is the defending national champs or not. Here's why...

MiamiU football is known more than any other program in the nation for 1 thing. Their attitude... That's the sell. Bad Boys. "Punch you in the mouth tough." That's the 1 thing that hasn't left the program, and when Randy Shannon played for the "U", it was what fueled their heyday. He brings attitude. Tell me this... If you're a Miami blue-chip athlete, and you have Urban Meyer in your house 1 day, and then Shannon the next, who reaches you? The coach from Ashtabula, Ohio, or the Coach from 2 blocks over? Miami has a wealth of blue-chip talent every year, and Shannon wins that battle 80% of the time, conservatively.

Case-in-point... When Oklahoma won the National Championship in 2000, 2 prominent starters were from Miami. Starting MLB Torrence Marshall, and playmaker safety Ontei Jones. OU also had 5 players overall on that team from Florida. Top 10 BCS schools still cherry-pick from the Miami area. As far as I can tell, Shannon is the best coach born/raised/educated/succeeded from that area. As much grief as Donna Shalala has caught in her athletic dealings in the past, she'll boost alumni support considerably with this hire. Just in time for Miami to start getting facility upgrades....

Now, back to tonight's game. The Aggies have the obvious working against them. The game is being played in Miami. Outside of that, Miami won't be able to stop the 1-2-3 punch of J-Train-Lane (Jess Moran's favorite player in the Big 12), Mike Goodson, and QB Stephen McGee... For the 3 of you that don't know, Lane is a 270 pound tailback, that's right, tailback... Not familiar with his fine work??? Enjoy...

Granted, A&M's toughest game thus far was Fresno St., who took them into triple-OT

The Aggies have one of the most potent ground games in the Big 12, outdated though it may be... The 'Canes held the Sooners to 116 yards rushing, and when the 'Canes stack the box against A&M, it will force the Aggies to pass... All bets are off then. Miami allowed OU 411 yards passing, but Stephen McGee isn't the passer Sam Bradford is, nor does he have Bradford's arsenal of receivers... Highlights tonight on KDBC 4 News at 10!!!!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered in 5-6 Weeks...

2007-09-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

Welp, Tank Johnson is now a Cowboy (or will be once he gets out of detention), and it may not be such a bad move afterall. What do the Cowboys have to lose? His salary will be a pro-rated $510,000 this year, with a bump to $605,000 next year. When he hits the field in mid-November, he'll add depth to the depleted nose guard position of the Cowboys, and have fresh-legs.

While all of those factors work in his favor, keep in mind that Pacman Jones will be available for a playoff run if needed...

In other news, talked with Mike Price at Miner practice Tuesday. He's going to hold off on publicly saying who will play this weekend against Texas Southern and who will still be injured. Fred Rouse, Lorne Sam, James Olalekan, Josh Ferguson, Terrell Jackson, and Robby Felix were all injured in the last 2 games against NMSU and Texas Tech. Felix and Jackson would be the biggest consequences to this team if their injuries were long term.

Of course, Jackson established himself as a running threat in the 1st game of the year against UNM, while Felix was a Freshman All-American 2 years ago, and the anchor of the offensive line. If Felix remains hurt, that might be the biggest loss of all. The Miners had to put James Riley at center for finish the NMSU game, and while he did well, that's not his position, and we all know that Riley's injury prone...

Interesting note about the Texas Longhorns, and former Andress Great Andre Jones. He's one of the 6 Horns to get arrested and suspended since June. All along, he's said that he's been a case of "mistaken identity." They arrested the 3rd player in that case, James Henry. Witnesses to the robbery that Jones was allegedly involved in said that the person involved was about 6'2, 200 lbs. Jones is 6'5, 300 lbs. Henry, and reserve RB for Texas before the suspension is 6'2. Could Jones be off the hook? Sources in Austin say that he's allegedly switched lawyers, and building alibi's. Stay tuned...

Big bye-week this week for high school football in the El Paso area. Less games, more cheerleaders and mascots this Friday night on the Xtra Point...

A special gift for those of you still reading... I call it, "A Tasered Gator". GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY!

What the????

2007-09-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

Get ready radio hosts. According to the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys are bringing in suspended defensive tackle Tank Johnson for a physical and interview tomorrow (Tues.).

As you'll recall (or not), Johnson was waived by the Bears after being suspended for the first eight games of this season for violating probation on a gun charge. He spent two months in jail and was released in May.

After playing for the Bears for 3 years, they tired of his act when he was pulled over by police in Arizona for driving 40 mph in a 25 mph zone at 3:30 a.m. A police officer thought Johnson was impaired, but a blood test proved otherwise. He was released because he was out driving at 3:30am. The NFL isn't North Dallas Forty anymore....

They released him.

That's just the tip of the iceberg with Johnson. Enjoy this little radio diatribe by ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd:

It's time for Cowboy's Director of Babysitting Calvin Hill to earn his 7-figures again if Johnson is signed. And he thought he had it bad when Former Cowboy Alonzo Spellman went on his bi-polar rages....

Tigers Missing Stripes???

2007-09-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

What a game in Las Cruces Saturday. NMSU's win over UTEP not only did wonders for the Aggie program overall, it couldn't have come at a better time. NMSU will now go play a "Money Game" against usual SEC force Auburn. Here's the kicker. Auburn is undergoing, what 1 writer called a "talent appendectomy." The Tigers are 1 and 2, with losses against South Florida, and periennial SEC punching-bag Mississippi St. What's wrong with Auburn? Several things:

1. Brandon Cox

The embattled Auburn 5th year senior has a true freshman breathing down his neck at the quarterback position in Kodi Burns. According to the Columbus (GA) Ledger-Enquirer, Burns replaced Cox in the 2nd quarter against Mississippi St., and got the lead back for the Tigers, that Cox later squandered. Now Auburn Skipper Tommy Tuberville says that they will work both quarterbacks in practice this week. The Aggies prepared for 2 quarterbacks last week with UTEP, proving that not to be a big problem.

2. The issues don't end there for Auburn. They've been ravaged by the injury bug in the offensive line, and linebacker corps. This game is far from a foregone conclusion. The Auburn seniors, recognizing that fact, held a closed-door meeting with the team, a sure sign that they're not ready to lick a stamp on the season.

If the Aggies (17 point underdogs) can pull off the upset, NMSU AD McKinley Boston might want to make sure that Auburn signs the gamecheck before boarding the plane!

Xtra Point- Friday

2007-09-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

The Montwood Ram Cheer Squad TOOK OWNERSHIP of the Friday Night Xtra Point.

Great Show, great highlights, and it just gets better Sunday night at 10:30, as we wrap up the full week of highlights on the Sunday Night Xtra Point.

Friday Night Xtra Point

2007-09-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we're bucking the trend. For our "Game of the Week" will be Chapin at Del Valle. The Conquistadores will no doubt be lookling for payback. Both Dave Campbell's, and the El Paso Times guys (as seen below) have the Huskies winning this one.

It'll be close, that's for sure. Coach Perales is better than anyone in the city in inspiring emotion into his kids, and that'll be the difference tonight.

A Pat on the Back...

2007-09-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

That's what the Patriots got, a Pat on the back. Bill Belichick was fined half a million dollars, and the team, $250,000. Here's what's noteworthy. Belichick makes $4 million a year. He's in the middle of a divorce, and his wife will get half. All of a sudden, he makes $2 million. Add the $500,000 fine, and he's at $1.5 million. I'm no math genious, but that tells me that it will hit him pretty hard. Don't get me wrong, I'm not feeling sorry for Belichick, we should all be so lucky to make $1.5 million a year. But it will hit him harder than most think.

Additionally, if the Pats make the playoffs, congrats to them! They lose a 1st round pick!. If they don't, they'll lose a 2nd or 3rd rounder. Neat-o...

By the way, one of my dearest friends of all-time sent me the new Patriots logo... You gotta like this one...

Texas Southern

2007-09-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick drive-by here. Texas Southern just got smoked by Jackson St. tonight, 28 to 7. Translation? UTEP might have an easier time with them in the Sun Bowl a week from Saturday. Here's a quote from the AP about the game"

Texas Southern (0-3, 0-3) managed just 30 total yards and turned the ball over five times during a steady downpour as the remains of Hurricane Humberto pushed through central Mississippi.

Prepare to see plenty more where this came from!!!

Glenn Gone for Good?

2007-09-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

OOF! Looks like Cowboy's Receiver Terry Glenn might be out longer than we all thought. He had arthroscopic knee surgery for the 2nd time in 2 months this morning, but hopes to be back this season.
That means more time for Sam Hurd, who as you can see below, likes to get hurt on his offdays...

Maybe Terry Glenn could take some lessons from Sam Hurd "so good."

On a seperate not, I got his in my email box just minutes ago... Decipher it for yourself...

"Good afternoon folks! Its half-time in the world’s loudest pep rally sweepstakes and schools across the nation are in a full blitz trying to win a concert featuring the Dave Matthews Band. It looks like the University of Texas at El Paso Miners still have some points to make up, but they are not out of the game yet. As long as the students of these well-respected schools don’t receive a delay of game penalty, they could score a touchdown and win the contest!

More than 100 college campuses across the country are vying for the opportunity to have the world’s largest pep rally on their home turf. With thousands of fans submitting creative invitations to the Dave Matthews Band through AT&T wireless text and video messaging and AT&T’s blue room, the competition is as tough as running through the Miners defensive line.

From AT&T: “Miner fans have a great chance to win the World’s Loudest Pep Rally contest this fall, and we’re thrilled to bring this program to the community,” said Linda Nolet, general manager, AT&T west Texas Market Area. “The pep rally provides a great way for students, alumni and fans to show their school spirit, and brings the city of El Paso a world renowned band with the simple push of a button.”

With the game clock ticking down until October 15, 2007, the invitations are pouring in. This competition is guaranteed to be a nail-biter!"

Alrighty, 2 things on this:

1. Dave Matthews opened for the Rolling Stones at the Sun Bowl a year or so ago. Nice catch by the AT&T interns.

2. Why send this to Sports Directors? Send the email to the spirit departments and the fraternities/sororities... Don't waste my time with that hoo-wee...

The Official Re-Launch!!!

2007-09-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the official Re-Launch of my blog, JohnnyOnTheBlogSpot! Why the re-launch, and what will be different?? Tremendous question. Not only will this allow me to punctuate correctly, it will also afford me to add HTML elements to the blog (youtube, links, etc.). I'll also be able to update the blog more than once a day with anything new or breaking. I'll be able to be more interactice, so be sure to check back often. If you'd rather be notified when this site updates, here's how you can do it:

We'll be covering all things sports, with the obvious emphasis of our teams here in the Borderland. How appropriate that this starts on I-10 Rivalry Week!!! One nugget for you, before I go. How is NMSU a 6 1/2 point favorite (according to a Yahoo)on the spread if UTEP beat UNM 10 to 6 2 weeks ago, with NMSU losing to UNM last week by 10? Here's something the oddsmakers don't know. 2 years ago, when UTEP played at NMSU, the crowd was 3/4 Miner fans. It will be like a home game for UTEP again this year, as NMSU fans still don't come out for games. That will change in time though...