Crazy Fiesta! Boise State Upsets Oklahoma January 1, 2007
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Blogroll, Boise State, College Football, Fiesta Bowl, Football, Jared Zabransky, Oklahoma, Sports, Uncategorized.1 comment so far
This was the game of the year (sure it’s early, but hey)! Oklahoma played poorly in the first half and started putting things together in the second but Boise State was destined to win this game. Jared Zabransky (QB-BSU) had a gutsy performance throwing for 263 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Broncos to a 43-42 victory over Oklahoma. Oklahoma played hard but couldn’t overcome four turnovers. Adrian Peterson’s (RB-OU) anticipated return had mixed reviews. Peterson only rushed for 77 yards but had two touchdowns. Boise State’s defense played conservative but tough, limiting the big plays but it would be BSU’s offensive creativity that would win them the game.
With 2:30 left in the fourth and no timeouts, Oklahoma drove for the game-tying touchdown and after an exchange of penalties, converted on the two-point try, making it 28-28. On the next possession, Jared Zabransky made a poor read and threw to Oklahoma cornerback Marcus Walker, who returned the pick for six, making it 28-35. BSU still had some fight left in them. At the 50 yardline on fourth and 18, Zabransky completed a 17 yard pass that was pitched back to Jerard Rabb (WR-BSU) who ran it in for the score. The game was destined for overtime. The first play in overtime was a 25 yard TD run by Adrian Peterson. On the next possession, Boise State got it to their six yard line and on a fourth and two used a little trickery as Zabransky went into motion and Vinny Perretta (WR-BSU) took the snap and tossed it to Derek Schouman (TE-BSU) for a touchdown. Boise State would go for two and Ian Johnson (RB-BSU) wouldn’t disappoint, giving BSU the win. After converting the 2-point try and winning the game, Ian Johnson would then propose to his girlfriend during a post-game interview. She said yes. This was a night when everything fell into place for Johnson and BSU.
Ian Johnson had an effective game, rushing for 100 yards and one touchdown. Jerard Rabb finished with 96 yards receiving and one touchdown. Paul Thompson (QB-OU) had a rough game, throwing for 232 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Allen Patrick (RB-OU) rushed for 63 yards. Juaquin Iglesias (WR-OU) finished with 120 yards.
Boise State finishes the season 13-0 and leave some people wondering if it shouldn’t have been them going up against Ohio State for the national championship. It has been another great season for the Giants of the WAC. Boise State’s success adds fuel to the continuing debate over the Bowl Championship Series versus a playoff system. Until their chance comes, Boise State will just have to be happy with their first cinderella fairytale come true.
Aaron Kampman for Defensive Player of the Year? Why not? January 1, 2007
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Aaron Kampman, Blogroll, Football, NFL, Packers, Sports, Uncategorized.add a comment
I know. You probably think I’m crazy but Aaron Kampman has had a great year. He’s done it with defensive talent around him akin to a Pop Warner team. Plus, he’s steroid-free. Sure his team fell short of making it to the post season but if we’re talking about Jason Taylor, then we better talk about Kampman too. Of course we can’t forget steroid poster boy, Shawne Merriman, either. So how does Kampman match up against these other candidates? Kampman was a bigger impact on his team than any other candidate.
Kampman led the NFC in sacks with 15.5. Kampman accounted for 37% of his teams sack. This was a higher percentage than either Merriman (28%) or Taylor (34%). With 89 tackles, he was the Packers third leading tackler and led all defensive linemen in tackles. Merriman totaled 63 tackles while Taylor finished the season with 62.
Taking each players top three games in regards to total sacks, I then calculated the average offensive line ranking for each candidate. Kampman faced far tougher competition as his top three opponents had an average offensive line ranking of 12th in the NFL. Taylor was next with an average offensive line ranking of 16th in the NFL. Merriman faced, by far, the easiest competition with an average offensive line ranking of 28th in the NFL.
Where Kampman does fall short is big plays. Taylor forced nine fumbles, had two interceptions and blocked a kick. Merriman force four fumbles and had an interception. Kampman had three forced fumbles. These stats are more of a testament to the schemes the defenses employ rather than raw ability. Merriman is a linebacker so he better get an interception or two. Taylor drops back into coverage quite often so he gets his hands on a few balls. As for Kampman, he’s on the frontlines almost exclusively. This has helped him rack up a high amount of tackles but doesn’t allow him to touch the ball too often.
The Packers defense ranks 25th in the NFL in points allowed per game. Both the Chargers and Dolphins are in the top ten. When shown these stats, people automatically assume Kampman is a far worse player than either Merriman or Taylor. This simply isn’t fair. Being surrounded by talent helps you succeed but it shouldn’t constitute the be all and end all for a player. If this were the Defensive Unit of the Year award, I’d be okay with all the excitment that surrounds defensive rankings. It’s not though, it is the Defensive Player of the Year award and Aaron Kampman has done more with less than any other player. This is evident by the turnover differential where the Chargers have a +20, the Dolphins a +2 and the Packers a -5. This is also evident by time of possession because a tired defense is a bad defense. Here the Chargers rank fourth, the Dolphins rank 20th and the Packers rank ninth.
Shawne Merriman is who we thought he was. So if you want to crown him then crown his ass. Just give Aaron Kampman a looksee. He didn’t have too bad a year either.
Stats by Football Outsiders
Broncos CB, Darrent Williams, Shot and Killed January 1, 2007
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Blogroll, Broncos, Darrent Williams, Football, NFL, Sports, Uncategorized.add a comment
Darrent Williams was a bright young star that will be greatly missed. Darrent William’s life was tragically ended early this morning in a drive-by shooting. After celebrating the New Year, Williams was gunned down while he was riding in his limousine. Two other people in the Hummer limo were also shot but were recovering at a nearby hospital. The police have a few leads but no motive. Admists the games we often lose sight of life. Unfortunately, it often takes a tragedy for us to realize how precious our lives really are.
This is a major shock, as a loss of life usually is, but also because downtown Denver is regarded as a pretty safe place. I myself have been to many clubs and concerts in the area and never felt in any sort of danger. Unfortunately, Darrent Williams was the target of a heinous crime, a senseless crime. One can only hope the perpetrators are caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Darrent family and to those close to Mr. Williams.
Jim Mora Jr. Officially Fired January 1, 2007
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Blogroll, Falcons, Football, Jim Mora, NFL, Sports, Uncategorized.add a comment
In what comes as no shock to those following the situation, Jim Mora Jr. will no longer be the Atlanta Falcons head coach. This comes after a disappointing season in which the Falcons missed the playoffs. This also comes after the much publicized incident in which Jim Mora declared that he would love to coach his alma mater, the University of Washington, on a Seattle sports radio talk show. It would appear as if Arthur Blank, owner of the Falcons, had little choice after Mora’s display of unprofessionalism.
Mora had mixed success with the Falcons, finishing his coaching tenure with a 26-22 record. Perhaps Mora will get his wish now and go on to coach the Huskies. Where ever he lands, Mora will be an asset. Despite his recent collapse, he is still a very skilled coach who can motivate his players.
