So of course we all know that the win against Penn State was one of the greatest moments we've witnessed in our times as being Iowa Hawkeye fans. It may even be one of greatest things we'll ever see in our lifetimes too. But ya never know.
Now how is it that Kirk decided to put Murray in for the kick and not our regular kicker, Trent Mossbrucker? The freshman has proven to play well all season, and the reigns have been handed over to the sophomore Daniel Murray, who has only made one field goal all season and it was in September.
We've had four close games this season that we ended up losing. This could've been No. 5 and leaving us worrying about whether or not we'll become bowl eligible. Once again, Kirk's gut says to put Murray in. The same gut that said to let Jake Christensen stay in the game and led to a loss. Uh-oh. We're in real trouble now.
Has anyone seen the clip of how close the ball was from being blocked? Wow. That was unbelievable. And yes, as great as it was that the veteran made the kick, it was heartbreaking for the go-to-guy to sit back and wish it was him with all the glory and fame for the short time.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Childhood memory
I decided to call up a couple of my friends that I went to grade school with the other day. I told them about my blog for class, and they wished they could do something like this for class. We got to talking about the good ol days in grade school - where everything was so much easier.
The one thing we remembered the most about those days was our time spent playing for our school's basketball team. During our 7th and 8th grade year, we never lost a game. Our total record from both seasons was 32-0.
Now I realize it was only grade school - big whoop, right - but at the time it was so much fun. During 7th grade, we pretty much never had any close calls until the semifinals of the 7th grade championship series. We went into double overtime, but the other school fell apart with a few minutes to go, and gave us the advantage.
In 8th grade, we definitely had more close games. The school that had come close to beating us in 7th grade were definitely out for revenge. Once again they were our biggest rivals, and they still worked their butts off when they played us - and other opponents of course. We still managed to come out on top though.
Ah if only every team I ever played for could be undefeated in its two seasons again.
The one thing we remembered the most about those days was our time spent playing for our school's basketball team. During our 7th and 8th grade year, we never lost a game. Our total record from both seasons was 32-0.
Now I realize it was only grade school - big whoop, right - but at the time it was so much fun. During 7th grade, we pretty much never had any close calls until the semifinals of the 7th grade championship series. We went into double overtime, but the other school fell apart with a few minutes to go, and gave us the advantage.
In 8th grade, we definitely had more close games. The school that had come close to beating us in 7th grade were definitely out for revenge. Once again they were our biggest rivals, and they still worked their butts off when they played us - and other opponents of course. We still managed to come out on top though.
Ah if only every team I ever played for could be undefeated in its two seasons again.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
MNF glog
Based on the statistics, I'm assuming this match up between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers is not going to be close. With Arizona sitting comfortably at the top spot in the NFC West, having home field advantage and with the 49ers having 5 straight losses, most people would agree with me.
Game starts and SF has won the coin toss. They choose to receive the ball. Allen Rossum gets a hold of the ball in SF's own end zone. Wow. So far I'm wrong in saying SF will get beat. Rossum runs for 104 yards for a touchdown, and the kick by Joe Nedney was good. 7-0, 49ers. It sounds like I may have been wrong. There's still almost 60 minutes left of football though, so we'll have to see.
Cardinals get the ball back on their own 25. Now let's watch some magic unfold. Quarterback Kurt Warner's first pass to Steve Breaston is good for 22 yards. Now this is a game. I can feel a touchdown on its way.
A few plays later, the Cardinals make their way to SF's 10 yard line. They definitely have a good chance of scoring. 2nd and 3 at the 11 yard line. 3rd and 2 and the 10, and now it's 4th and 2, no gain. Will they go for it or kick the field goal? Safest bet for now would be the field goal, just so they can at least get on the board. The clock is at 9:50, so of course still a lot of football to play. They're going for the field goal. Good choice. Kicker Neil Rackers will come out for the attempt -- 28 yards and it's good. 7-3 49ers. Oh look and there's a penalty. Unnecessary roughness on 49ers linebacker Jeff Ulbrich.
So now a lot of time has gone by - almost 5 minutes actually - and SF has failed to reach the Cardinals side of the field. Here comes the punt. The Cardinals have their next chance for redemption and to take the lead. Looks like a failed attempt also. They couldn't get the ball further than their own 37 yard line.
The rest of the 1st quarter would look like that, closing with a boring score of 7-3.
Now begins the 2nd quarter and the 49ers have the ball in Arizona territory. Quarterback Shaun Hill passes deep to Josh Morgan for a 31 yard touchdown -- then the kick is good. That puts them up 14-3 in the first minute of the quarter -- once again.
In an attempt to keep the score of the game within single digits, Warner is going to do what he can to keep the score that way. He goes long to Steve Breaston for 46 yards and places the ball at SF's 14 yard line. Can they score on this drive? Nope, we're going to 2nd and 9. Short pass to Anquan Boldin. Touchdown. The Cardinals are inching their way closer. 14-10 with 11:56 until halftime.
49ers get the ball back. Nothing interesting happens and now the Cardinals have the ball back. Here's another opportunity.
They get the ball back with 10:13 to go. Several plays later they make their way to the goal line. A timeout is called by Arizona just after getting the first down with about 6 minutes to go. The timeout must've been good for them because they managed to make their way past the 20 yard line and giving them field goal range. They don't want to risk losing the ball so they're going to settle for the field goal again. It's good and now they're within 1 point of the 49ers, 14-13.
A little over 4 minutes to go in the 2nd and it looks like the 49ers might have one more chance to extend the lead before halftime. Can they do it though is what any skeptical football fan would be thinking at this point. Strangely enough with 36 seconds to go, Hill's pass to Vernon Davis is good. That's about all for the 2nd quarter. They enter halftime with a score of 21-13.
It's halftime and now the Cardinals need to figure out a way to outplay the 49ers in the second half. From what I've been able to notice from the game, the 49ers O-line has done a great job defending the quarterback. He's been able to scout the field for an open player with plenty of time that the line has given him. Although there were a couple plays where nothing came out, the big plays, especially the opening drive touchdown, have given the 49ers a bigger edge in this game. Can they continue to surprise me? I kind of hope so. I love seeing the underdog come out and shock football fans watching the game.
And the second half begins, and Arizona has the ball. Wow. Nedney's kick goes to the Arizona 1 yard line. Can they pull off a great run? Here comes Breaston pushing through to their 39 yard line. They make their way to the 49ers 14 for the 1st and 10. Here comes a big chance to score. They get down to 3rd and 1 at the 5 yard line. No added yards. 4th and 1. Will they go for it or take the field goal? They've settled for field goals earlier, but it's getting later in the game now. Looks like they're going for it. Warner passes to Larry Fitzgerald and he makes his way into the end zone for a touchdown. The score goes within one point again at 21-20, but there's still over 11 minutes left in the quarter. Anything could happen.
49ers have the ball back at their 43 yard line. Great place to start. They make their way into Arizona territory, but when it gets to be 4th and 1 at the 24 yard line, they decide to settle for a field goal. Score goes up 24-20.
Ball goes back to Arizona. Under 7 minutes left in the quarter. They have a chance to take the lead with a touchdown, but we'll have to wait and see. Slowly, but surely, the Cardinals have made their way to the 49ers 36 yard line, but failed to put any points on the board. Ball goes back to the 49ers.
A minute and a half to go, Hill attempts a pass and it's intercepted and taken in for a 30 yard touchdown. But wait, there's a flag. Offsides on the defense and the touchdown is nullified. Adrian Wilson can be blamed for that.
That's all for the 3rd. The 49ers have a 4 point lead, but anything can chance in the last 15 minutes.
Arizona has the ball and they have made their way within 7 yards of the goal line. Penalties are flying. First on SF, then next on Arizona for a false start. It gets to be 4th and 5 and the 5 yard line. The field goal will have to settle for now. The score now sits at 24-23.
Both sides have gained control of the ball through the next two plays, but nothing happens. There are 6:11 minutes left on the clock when the next big play happens. Once again, Hill's pass is intercepted by Wilson - again - and he runs in for a 21 yard touchdown. Interestingly enough, a penalty on the defense being offsides is thrown out again. Touchdown nullified. This is becoming all too familiar.
The 49ers fail to score, and now the Cardinals may have one last shot to take over the game. And they do. With 4:21 left on the clock, Warner passes to Boldin for a touchdown. They now have a 5 point lead so they're going to go for the 2 point conversion for a 7 point lead. It's a failed attempt so there is still time for the 49ers to come back.
Nothing happens and Arizona gets the ball back with 2:24 to go. Nothing happens then either.
A little more than one minute to go. Last chance for the 49ers. They make their way down the field. 3 seconds left and it's 2nd and 1 at the one yard line. Absolutely the last chance for the 49ers to take a one point lead and win the game. The pass is no good.
Final score, 24-29 with the Arizona Cardinals extending their lead in the NFC West. The San Francisco 49ers have now been slapped with a sixth consecutive loss. What a disappointment.
Game starts and SF has won the coin toss. They choose to receive the ball. Allen Rossum gets a hold of the ball in SF's own end zone. Wow. So far I'm wrong in saying SF will get beat. Rossum runs for 104 yards for a touchdown, and the kick by Joe Nedney was good. 7-0, 49ers. It sounds like I may have been wrong. There's still almost 60 minutes left of football though, so we'll have to see.
Cardinals get the ball back on their own 25. Now let's watch some magic unfold. Quarterback Kurt Warner's first pass to Steve Breaston is good for 22 yards. Now this is a game. I can feel a touchdown on its way.
A few plays later, the Cardinals make their way to SF's 10 yard line. They definitely have a good chance of scoring. 2nd and 3 at the 11 yard line. 3rd and 2 and the 10, and now it's 4th and 2, no gain. Will they go for it or kick the field goal? Safest bet for now would be the field goal, just so they can at least get on the board. The clock is at 9:50, so of course still a lot of football to play. They're going for the field goal. Good choice. Kicker Neil Rackers will come out for the attempt -- 28 yards and it's good. 7-3 49ers. Oh look and there's a penalty. Unnecessary roughness on 49ers linebacker Jeff Ulbrich.
So now a lot of time has gone by - almost 5 minutes actually - and SF has failed to reach the Cardinals side of the field. Here comes the punt. The Cardinals have their next chance for redemption and to take the lead. Looks like a failed attempt also. They couldn't get the ball further than their own 37 yard line.
The rest of the 1st quarter would look like that, closing with a boring score of 7-3.
Now begins the 2nd quarter and the 49ers have the ball in Arizona territory. Quarterback Shaun Hill passes deep to Josh Morgan for a 31 yard touchdown -- then the kick is good. That puts them up 14-3 in the first minute of the quarter -- once again.
In an attempt to keep the score of the game within single digits, Warner is going to do what he can to keep the score that way. He goes long to Steve Breaston for 46 yards and places the ball at SF's 14 yard line. Can they score on this drive? Nope, we're going to 2nd and 9. Short pass to Anquan Boldin. Touchdown. The Cardinals are inching their way closer. 14-10 with 11:56 until halftime.
49ers get the ball back. Nothing interesting happens and now the Cardinals have the ball back. Here's another opportunity.
They get the ball back with 10:13 to go. Several plays later they make their way to the goal line. A timeout is called by Arizona just after getting the first down with about 6 minutes to go. The timeout must've been good for them because they managed to make their way past the 20 yard line and giving them field goal range. They don't want to risk losing the ball so they're going to settle for the field goal again. It's good and now they're within 1 point of the 49ers, 14-13.
A little over 4 minutes to go in the 2nd and it looks like the 49ers might have one more chance to extend the lead before halftime. Can they do it though is what any skeptical football fan would be thinking at this point. Strangely enough with 36 seconds to go, Hill's pass to Vernon Davis is good. That's about all for the 2nd quarter. They enter halftime with a score of 21-13.
It's halftime and now the Cardinals need to figure out a way to outplay the 49ers in the second half. From what I've been able to notice from the game, the 49ers O-line has done a great job defending the quarterback. He's been able to scout the field for an open player with plenty of time that the line has given him. Although there were a couple plays where nothing came out, the big plays, especially the opening drive touchdown, have given the 49ers a bigger edge in this game. Can they continue to surprise me? I kind of hope so. I love seeing the underdog come out and shock football fans watching the game.
And the second half begins, and Arizona has the ball. Wow. Nedney's kick goes to the Arizona 1 yard line. Can they pull off a great run? Here comes Breaston pushing through to their 39 yard line. They make their way to the 49ers 14 for the 1st and 10. Here comes a big chance to score. They get down to 3rd and 1 at the 5 yard line. No added yards. 4th and 1. Will they go for it or take the field goal? They've settled for field goals earlier, but it's getting later in the game now. Looks like they're going for it. Warner passes to Larry Fitzgerald and he makes his way into the end zone for a touchdown. The score goes within one point again at 21-20, but there's still over 11 minutes left in the quarter. Anything could happen.
49ers have the ball back at their 43 yard line. Great place to start. They make their way into Arizona territory, but when it gets to be 4th and 1 at the 24 yard line, they decide to settle for a field goal. Score goes up 24-20.
Ball goes back to Arizona. Under 7 minutes left in the quarter. They have a chance to take the lead with a touchdown, but we'll have to wait and see. Slowly, but surely, the Cardinals have made their way to the 49ers 36 yard line, but failed to put any points on the board. Ball goes back to the 49ers.
A minute and a half to go, Hill attempts a pass and it's intercepted and taken in for a 30 yard touchdown. But wait, there's a flag. Offsides on the defense and the touchdown is nullified. Adrian Wilson can be blamed for that.
That's all for the 3rd. The 49ers have a 4 point lead, but anything can chance in the last 15 minutes.
Arizona has the ball and they have made their way within 7 yards of the goal line. Penalties are flying. First on SF, then next on Arizona for a false start. It gets to be 4th and 5 and the 5 yard line. The field goal will have to settle for now. The score now sits at 24-23.
Both sides have gained control of the ball through the next two plays, but nothing happens. There are 6:11 minutes left on the clock when the next big play happens. Once again, Hill's pass is intercepted by Wilson - again - and he runs in for a 21 yard touchdown. Interestingly enough, a penalty on the defense being offsides is thrown out again. Touchdown nullified. This is becoming all too familiar.
The 49ers fail to score, and now the Cardinals may have one last shot to take over the game. And they do. With 4:21 left on the clock, Warner passes to Boldin for a touchdown. They now have a 5 point lead so they're going to go for the 2 point conversion for a 7 point lead. It's a failed attempt so there is still time for the 49ers to come back.
Nothing happens and Arizona gets the ball back with 2:24 to go. Nothing happens then either.
A little more than one minute to go. Last chance for the 49ers. They make their way down the field. 3 seconds left and it's 2nd and 1 at the one yard line. Absolutely the last chance for the 49ers to take a one point lead and win the game. The pass is no good.
Final score, 24-29 with the Arizona Cardinals extending their lead in the NFC West. The San Francisco 49ers have now been slapped with a sixth consecutive loss. What a disappointment.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Chad Ocho Cinco
Chad Johnson was not allowed to have the back of his jersey changed to "Ocho Cinco" on Sunday's game. Financial obligations of Reebok prevented the change because they do not want to be stuck with an inventory of thousands of Johnson jerseys since the NFL has approved the legalizing of Ocho Cinco on his jersey.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell commented that the name change on his jersey would probably change soon, but first it's a legal matter.
Although it's amazing how many stories I have heard about the name change - which I've very easily become annoyed with - how did the Cincinnati Bengals actually play on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens? Of yeah, they lost 17-10.
Reporters gathered around Ocho Cinco to ask him about the name change, not even the game. For once I'm going to admit I'm kind of on Ocho Cinco's side this time. How could the sports reporters honestly forget where their priorities were? Yes, I believe the public wants to know more about his jersey, but after a loss that should be the least of their concerns. Why not try something more along the lines of "what went wrong today?" or "what will be on the Bengals agenda to win next week against the Tennessee Titans?"
Of course Ocho Cinco was not up to the idea of commenting minus replying to reporters that he could care less about the name change for the moment since the Bengals just lost. Good for him. It's nice to know he is not completely concerned about only himself.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell commented that the name change on his jersey would probably change soon, but first it's a legal matter.
Although it's amazing how many stories I have heard about the name change - which I've very easily become annoyed with - how did the Cincinnati Bengals actually play on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens? Of yeah, they lost 17-10.
Reporters gathered around Ocho Cinco to ask him about the name change, not even the game. For once I'm going to admit I'm kind of on Ocho Cinco's side this time. How could the sports reporters honestly forget where their priorities were? Yes, I believe the public wants to know more about his jersey, but after a loss that should be the least of their concerns. Why not try something more along the lines of "what went wrong today?" or "what will be on the Bengals agenda to win next week against the Tennessee Titans?"
Of course Ocho Cinco was not up to the idea of commenting minus replying to reporters that he could care less about the name change for the moment since the Bengals just lost. Good for him. It's nice to know he is not completely concerned about only himself.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Ocho Cinco
Maybe you're a huge Cincinnati Bengals fan who is crossing their fingers that Chad Ocho Cinco's shoulder injury is not serious. Otherwise you're praying that it is more serious than sources are saying so he'll have to sit out this season and we won't have to hear as much about his ridiculous antics in the sports world. I could sit here and share exactly which side I'm on, but I'm assuming most people can figure it out for themselves.
Ocho Cinco did undergo surgery before the preseason to remove bone spurs from his right ankle, due to an injury he received last season. Because of the surgery he was fairly limited in training camp during the summer, so it was hard to tell if he was entirely recovered and ready to step onto the field.
He has yet to have any issues with the ankle, but now he has a completely different injury. The team sources say it's nothing that's going to stop him from playing in the regular season, especially since the X-Rays and MRI showed negative results.
Ocho Cinco also revealed that several other pro football players have continued to play while suffering from the same injury, which include Donte Stallworth and Brian Westbrook who both catch the ball.
The stubborn man we know will continue to play until he is on his death bed, but it's hard to say whether his injury will be threatening to this season. Sorry Bengals bashers, it might not be a season where we do not have to deal with the arrogant comments or gestures presented on the field. There's only one thing we can all do now going into the season - wishful thinking.
Ocho Cinco
Good news to Chad Johnson - ahem, pardon me - Chad Ocho Cinco Johnson. He has finally revealed his name change, and the National Football League has chosen to acknowledge it during Bengals games.
The back of his jersey will now read Ocho Cinco, and I must say on a scale of 1-10 (10 being I think this change is super cool) I'm giving him a -85. If he were willing to comment to the public, it could actually be more beneficial to people appreciating it more.
What many people may not know is that in 2006, the NFL celebrated Hispanic Heritage month, which gave him the idea to wear the number on the back of his jersey during pregame warmups. He was told it must be removed during the game based on the NFL's rules saying it was not his official last name.
Although people of the younger generation may believe he is the first to do the name change, he is not. One notable former football player Rod Smart created the moniker "He Hate Me" to put on the back of his XFL jersey, but when he made the NFL he had to have "Smart" on the back because it did not follow NFL rules, and he had not had a permanent name change. He did this because his coach placed him as 3rd string on his XFL team.
The crazy, sporadic things Chad Ocho Cinco does truly do surprise me, whether it be the obvious name change, the out-of-whack touchdown celebration dances, or his boastful attitude toward the public and the media. I cannot even imagine what he may do next, but I'm sure it will be out of this world, unless it's the injury he swears he can play with comfortably. Then I may be more interested in his professional football career.
The back of his jersey will now read Ocho Cinco, and I must say on a scale of 1-10 (10 being I think this change is super cool) I'm giving him a -85. If he were willing to comment to the public, it could actually be more beneficial to people appreciating it more.
What many people may not know is that in 2006, the NFL celebrated Hispanic Heritage month, which gave him the idea to wear the number on the back of his jersey during pregame warmups. He was told it must be removed during the game based on the NFL's rules saying it was not his official last name.
Although people of the younger generation may believe he is the first to do the name change, he is not. One notable former football player Rod Smart created the moniker "He Hate Me" to put on the back of his XFL jersey, but when he made the NFL he had to have "Smart" on the back because it did not follow NFL rules, and he had not had a permanent name change. He did this because his coach placed him as 3rd string on his XFL team.
The crazy, sporadic things Chad Ocho Cinco does truly do surprise me, whether it be the obvious name change, the out-of-whack touchdown celebration dances, or his boastful attitude toward the public and the media. I cannot even imagine what he may do next, but I'm sure it will be out of this world, unless it's the injury he swears he can play with comfortably. Then I may be more interested in his professional football career.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Name Change to "Ocho Cinco"
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson is in the news. Again. What could he possibly have to say now? This tends to be a common question because he is frequently out to shock the media. The topic this time involves a name change to "Chad Ocho Cinco" based on the No. 85 jersey he slips on week after week.
Why he feels the need to do this? Who knows. He has declined to admit the change, but the state of Florida reported the change occurred last week.
"If it ain't about the Ravens, I don't want to talk," Johnson stated, as he is currently preparing for the Bengals season opener this Sunday.
It will be interesting to see if the back of Johnson's jersey reads "Ocho Cinco" on Sunday, especially after injuring his left shoulder during the second pre-season game versus Detroit. Good luck, Chad Johnson, Ocho Cinco, Future H.O.F, or whatever your names ends up being. But if you end up injuring yourself even worse in the first couple games of the season, don't start complaining that it was your teammates' faults.
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