THE TEXAS BOWL

MISSOURI VS. NAVY

    It's almost crunch time for the Missouri Tigers. Kickoff in the Texas Bowl against Navy is set for 2:30 p.m. Thursday on ESPN.

    The Midshipmen present a unique challenge for Mizzou. Coach Ken Niumatalolo's forces run a triple option, relying on quarterback Ricky Dobbs' ability to read the defense and to make good decisions with the ball. His first option is to the fullback and either of the Middies' there are explosive up the middle. Dobbs' second read is to pick up how the defense contains at the edge. If the defense overplays the halfback, the athletic QB can cut into the tackle hole. A strong runner, Dobbs often cuts back against the defensive flow to pick up good yardage. His third option comes if the linebackers crash down, allowing him to lateral to the outside.     Missouri has had almost a month to scheme against Navy's offense; and I think one key to the game will be for MU defenders to play sound assignment football. I look for the Tigers to play a basic 7-man front and a zone in the secondary. Although Navy doesn't pass much, Dobbs can throw the ball and will take advantage of a secondary that starts to overplay the run. He fakes the fullback dive, takes a quick drop and goes up top. That ploy worked against Ohio State in a game Navy almost rallied to win and again against Army in the second half to break open a close game.

    Another key to a Tiger victory will be the ability of the offense to control the clock. Look for Mizzou to try to establish its running game early. While the MU ground game has been inconsistent for most of the year, the offensive line has had some success opening holes for running backs Derrick Washington and De'Vion Moore in the 4-game winning streak that ended the season. Two years ago in the Cotton Bowl, Chase Daniel took a pass-oriented team against Arkansas; but Tony Temple ran the Razorbacks silly, racking up 275 yards on the ground to set a Cotton Bowl record. Don't expect that on Thursday; but a solid running attack could give MU's big eaters, all of who tip the scales around 300 pounds, an advantage against the relatively small Navy defensive front, that averages 262 pounds. Any success running the ball will also open things up for Blaine Gabbert and his receivers, led by All-American Danario Alexander, for my money the best receiver in the country. Jared Perry, second on the team in receptions, has been cleared to play after suffering a fractured tibia in the 10^th game at Kansas State.

    In his eight years at Missouri, Coach Gary Pinkel has led the Tigers to six bowl games. He stands at 4-2 in post season play while at the helm in Columbia. After winning the Big 12 North the previous two seasons, Mizzou slipped to 8-4 this year, finishing second in the division to Nebraska.

    Missouri last met the USNA in the 1961 Orange Bowl, winning 21-14. Deprived of a shot at the national title after losing to Kansas in the 1960 season finale, Dan Devine's crew put on a defensive clinic on New Year's Day in Miami, holding Joe Bellino, Navy's Heisman Trophy winner, to four yards rushing for the game. President-elect John F. Kennedy was in the crowd that day.

    If the game is close, MU's Grant Ressel could prove to be the difference. Ressel, selected by coaches to 1^st Team All Big 12, hit 24 of 25 field goals this year, including the last-second game winner against Kansas. The sophomore's only miss came from 40+ yards at the end of the first half in a driving rainstorm against Nebraska. A Groza Award finalist, he was a perfect 38 for 38 on extra point tries. Jake Harry IV has been one of the country's best punters, averaging 42.7 yards per kick, and he often pins opponents deep with his kicks. Mizzou's kick coverage team has been a weak spot, and Pinkel's charges need to improve that facet of the special teams play.

    Navy, too, has a solid kicking game; and the Middies are the least penalized team in the country. Don't expect them to beat themselves.

    Due to time constraints, further in-depth analysis is not possible.

    Missouri goes into the game as 6-1/2 point favorites. If the Tigers can play fundamentally sound defense and control the ball on offense, they should win (and cover) what I see as one of the most interesting bowl matchups this year.

 

The Real Don Steele

12/30/09

 

 

    

Today’s Bowl Games

BOWL UPDATE

    To date my bowl picks against the line aren't fairing too well. As of today, I stand at 5-8.

    Today's matchups pit Nebraska against Arizona in the Holiday Bowl and Idaho against Bowling Green in the Humanitarian Bowl.

    Idaho goes to Boise as a 1-point favorite. The Vandals finished the season at 7-5 but lost their last three and have lost 17 straight in November. This is their first bowl game in 11 years. On the other hand, Bowling Green features one of the premier receivers in the country in Freddie Barnes, the Biletnikoff finalist with the best stats: (138 catches, 1551 yards, 16 TDs). Despite starting the season 1-4, the Falcons finished the regular season at 7-5 (6-2 in the MAC) against a stronger schedule than the Vandals. BGSU lost by only seven on the road at Missouri. If I were a betting man, I'd have to take Bowling Green and the point.

    Nebraska (9-4 and 6-2 in conference) with All-American defensive tackle Ndomukong Suh leading a fearsome defense goes to San Diego as 1-1/2 point underdogs. Suh, whom I consider the best player in college this year, almost wrecked Texas' BCS title hopes with a superlative performance in the Big 12 title game. Zach Lee, at quarterback, leads a marginal offense, with Roy Herlu, Jr., getting most of the carries. Coach Bo Pellini hasn't cracked a smile since game officials (correctly) put a second back on the clock, giving Texas just enough time to kick the game-winning field goal.

    Arizona, with Mike Stoops at the helm, takes an 8-4 record into the game. Their 3-point loss to Oregon in Tucson ultimately cost them a Pac-10 title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. They finished 6-3 in conference, capping the regular season with a 21-17 win over USC. Nick Foles, QB, and Travis Cobb, WR, are players to watch.

    For my money, I'll take the Cornhuskers in this one.

 

The Real Don Steele

12/30/09

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL PREVIEW

20. CHICK-FIL-A BOWL (Atlanta)
Dec. 31/7:30 p.m. ESPN

Virginia Tech Hokies(Blacksburg) (9-3) (ACC Record: 6-2)

Head Coach: Frank Beamer

Key Players: Tyrod (Daddy was an auto mechanic) Taylor, QB; Ryan Williams, RB

Comments: 5-3 v. bowl teams; finished somewhat disappointing season with 4 wins against lesser competition;

Tennessee Volunteers (Knoxville) (7-5) (SEC Record: 4-4)

Head Coach: Lane Kiffin

Key Players: Eric Berry, DB

Comments: 4-5 v bowl teams; Kiffin is a wild man and program is under NCAA investigation for sending hostesses to high school games to entice recruits. Excellent! Berry won Jim Thorpe Award for best DB in the country. 'Bama blocked a chip shot field goal as time expired to hang on for a win; Losing two key assistants and top recruiters;

Line: VA Tech -4

My Pick: In a matchup that both teams have avoided for years, VIRGINIA TECH wins and just covers.

INSIGHT BOWL PREVIEW

19. INSIGHT BOWL (Tempe)

Dec. 31/6 p.m. NFL Network

Minnesota Golden Gophers (Minneapolis/St. Paul) (6-6) (Big 10 Record: 3-5)

Head Coach: Tim Brewster

Key Players: None

Comments: 3-5 v bowl teams; 22-2-1 all-time v. Iowa State; 3rd straight Insight Bowel [stet] trip, losing to Texas Tech and KU last year. Rely on good defense and came from behind in 4^th quarter of four out of six wins.

Iowa State Cyclones (Ames) (6-6) (Big 12 Record: 3-5)

Head Coach: Paul Rhodes

Key Players: Austen Arnaud, QB; Alexander Robinson, RB

Comments: 1-5 v. bowl teams; Arnaud is dual threat and Robinson was 3^rd best rusher in Big XII; picked for Insight Bowel [stet] ahead of Mizzou.

Line: Minnesota -2½

My Pick: MINNESOTA wins and covers in a game few will watch New Years Eve on the NFL Network. Even fewer care about this one, eh.

SUN BOWL PREVIEW

17. SUN BOWL (El Paso)
Dec. 31/2 p.m. CBS

Oklahoma Sooners(Norman) (7-5) (Big 12 Record: 5-3)

Head Coach: Bob Stoops

Key Players: Landry Jones, QB; Gerald McCoy, DT; Travis Lewis, LB; Dominique Franks, DB
Comments: 2-5 v. bowl teams; four losses by a total of 12 points; loss at Tech was shocker; Jones couldn't replace Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, lost in first game. McCoy, Lewis, Franks were all-conference 1^st team and anchor a stout defense. OU is out of the Top 25 for the first time in years.

(19) Stanford Cardinal (Palo Alto) (8-4) (Pac 10 Record: 6-3)

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh

Key Players: Toby Gerhart, RB; Andrew Luck, QB

Comments: 4-3 v bowl teams; Cal's loss to Washington in their last game gave The Cardinal the Sun Bowl berth; last bowl game was 2001; last bowl win 1996 Sun Bowl. Gerhart, Heisman finalist and winner of the Doak Walker Award, ran for 1736 yards and 26 touchdowns. Luck, who started all year, is probably out with a broken index finger on his throwing hand.

Line: OU -9

My Pick: In a classic matchup between a great running back and an outstanding defense, Little Game Bob and the Sooners snap their bowl drought (even though a minor one) but fail to cover the spread in a low-scoring game against a Luckless STANFORD.

ARMED FORCES BOWL PREVIEW

16. ARMED FORCES BOWL (Fort Worth)
Dec. 31/noon ESPN

Houston Cougars (Houston)(10-3) (CUSA Record: 6-2)

Head Coach: Kevin Sumlin

Key Players: Case Keenum, QB; James Cleveland, WR;

Comments: 4-2 v. bowl teams, including OSU and Texas Tech from Big 12; sixth straight bowl invite; beat Air Force last year in same bowl; Keenum threw for 5,449 yards, 43 TDs, 6 INTs;

Cleveland's his favorite target and has 1182 yards and 14 TDs. Tyron Carrier took it to the house on three kickoff returns. Cougars have the #1 passing offense in the country.

Air Force Falcons (Colorado Springs) (7-5) (WAC Record 5-3)

Head Coach: Troy Calhoun

Key Players: Tim Jefferson, QB;

Comments: 1-5 v. bowl teams; 3-point losses to Navy & TCU back-to-back; Jefferson missed part of finale with back injury; Falcons are 0-6 on the TCU field where the game is played; defense is 10^th in nation and 1^st in pass defense.

Line: Houston -4½

My Pick: HOUSTON has too much firepower for the Falcons, who went 10 quarters without an offensive touchdown early in the year.

CAPITAL ONE BOWL PREVIEW

22. CAPITAL ONE BOWL (Orlando)

Jan. 1/1 p.m. ABC

(11) Penn State Nittany Lions (University Park) (10-2) (Big 10 Record: 6-2)
Head Coach: Joe Paterno
Key Players: Daryll Clark, QB; Jared Odrick, DT
Comments: 4-2 v. bowl teams; no signature wins in weak Big 10; Joe Paterno, who will be 85 at game time, is the grandfather of college football and is groping for his 24th career bowl win (23-11-1 since 1966). Clark has nearly 2800 yards throwing with 23 TD's; team has had some slow starts against good defenses. Odrick was top defender in Big 10 and led D-line that had 35 sacks this year.

(13) LSU Tigers (Baton Rouge) (9-3) (SEC Record: 5-3)
Head Coach: Les Miles
Key Players: Trindon Holliday, RB; Jordan Jefferson, QB
Comments: 4-3 v bowl teams; no signature wins; suspect offense; solid defense; LSU's 10th consecutive bowl appearance; Holliday is a burner replacing three RBs out with injuries. Jefferson has improved but is still a raw talent.
Line: Penn State: -3
My Pick: PENN STATE's defense will be too much for Jefferson & Co. Joe Pa gets bowl win #24, and the Nittany Lions cover. Joe Pa spends bonus on Lasik eye surgery.

SUGAR BOWL PREVIEW

25. SUGAR BOWL (New Orleans)

Jan. 1/8:30 p.m. Fox

(5) Florida Gators (Gainesville) (12-1) (SEC Record: 8-0)

Head Coach: Urban Meyer

Key Players: Tim Tebow, QB;

Comments: 8-1 v bowl teams; loss in SEC title game cost Gators a shot at 2^nd straight national title and may have hangover effect; some evidence of turmoil with loss of assistants and NFL aspirations among underclassmen; Meyer's retirement (unretirement?) could be a distraction; can Tebow pump up his team for his collegiate swan song?

(4) Cincinnati Bearcats (Cincinnati) (12-0) Big East Record: 7-0)

Head Coach: Jeff Quinn (Interim); Butch Jones named to replace Kelly.

Key Players: Mardy Gilyard, WR; Tony Pike, QB

Comments: 7-0 v bowl teams; came from behind to beat Pitt and win trip to Sugar Bowl; 2^nd straight BCS bowl game; Some vitriolic barbs tossed by players when Brian Kelly left to become Notre Dame head coach; Gilyard is a Jeremy Maclin-type with great numbers; Pike, on the early season Heisman watch until missing 3 games to injury, still racked up 2350 yards and 26 TDs; offense is 6^th in total offense, passing offense and scoring offense.

Line: Florida: -10

My Pick: A pissed-off CINCINNATI team almost upsets a superior Gator team but covers.

ROSE BOWL PREVIEW

24. ROSE BOWL (Pasadena)
Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m. ABC

(8) Ohio State Buckeyes (Columbus) (10-2) (Big 10 Record: 7-1)

Head Coach: Jim Tressel

Key Players: Terrelle Pryor, QB

Comments: 6-1 v. bowl teams; won Big 10; solid wins over Penn State and Iowa; Navy scared them with late rally. Rank 5^th nationally in total defense;

(7) Oregon Ducks (Eugene) (10-2) (Pac 10 Record: 8-1)

Head Coach: Chip Kelly

Key Players: Jeremiah Masoli, QB; LeGarrette Blount, RB; LaMichael James, RB

Comments: 8-2 v bowl teams; Kelly named conference coach of the year in 1^st season; Masoli is fantastic and already being hyped for 2010 Heisman; Blount was reinstated after suspension for cold-cocking Boise taunter in Game 1; James came on strong with 1476 total yards

Line: Oregon: -3½

My Pick: In what shapes up as a good game between two conference champs, OREGON's offensive firepower and speed is too much for the Buckeyes defense.

GATOR BOWL PREVIEW

23. GATOR BOWL (Jacksonville)

Jan. 1/1 p.m. CBS

 

Florida State Seminoles (Tallahassee) (6-6) (ACC Record: 4-4)

Head Coach: Bobby Bowden

Key Players: EJ Manuel, QB

Comments: 2-6 v bowl teams; back-to-back-to-back losses mid-season ignored with bowl invite, homage to Bowden in his swan song; Manuel has been less than effective after replacing injured starter Christian Ponder; and the offense hasn't scored 30 points in his starts. Bowden, who was head coach at WVU for five years prior to going to FSU 34 years ago, is 20-9-1 in bowl games and put the 'Noles in the AP Top 5 for 14 consecutive years.

 

(18)
West Virginia Mountaineers (Morgantown) (9-3) (Big East Record: 5-2)

Head Coach: Bill Stewart

Key Players: Noel Devine, RB; Jarrett Brown, QB;

Comments: 5-3 v bowl teams; offense is methodical and struggling of late; will be villain in Bowden's finale in friendly Florida; WVa has won four straight bowl games, the last loss against FSU in the Gator Bowl in 2003. Looked good in beating Pitt and only lost to Cincinnati by 3 points.

Line: WVU: -3

My Pick: WEST VIRGINIA sends Bowden off into the sunset with a loss. The Mountaineers are too tough for an emotional Seminole team that looked disinterested down the stretch.

OUTBACK BOWL PREVIEW

21. OUTBACK BOWL (Tampa)
Jan. 1/11 a.m. ESPN

Northwestern Wildcats (Evanston, IL) (8-4) (Big 10 Record: 5-3)

Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald

Key Players: Mike Kafka, QB

Comments: 3-3 v. bowl teams. Just the second time in school history going to back-to-back bowl games. They lost to MU last year in the Alamo Bowl. They knocked Iowa from the ranks of the undefeated and jumped to a New Year's Day bowl with the Wisconsin stunner. 'Cats would rather pass than run.

Auburn Tigers (Auburn, AL) (7-5) (SEC Record: 3-5)

Head Coach: Gene Chizik

Key Players: Ben Tate, TB

Comments: 4-5 v bowl teams; had 'Bama on the ropes but lost late to fall below .500 SEC mark; Chizik is in his first year after leaving Iowa State and likes to run out of the spread. Tate has run for more than 3,000 yards in his career.

Line: Auburn: -7 ½

My Pick: Auburn has more athletes; but I give an edge to Coach Fitzgerald. NORTHWESTERN

gets its 1^st bowl win in 61 years!

MU SNAPS ILLINI STREAK

The Missouri Tigers' annual dental appointment was almost painless. After nine straight losses to Illinois in the Busch Braggin' Rights game in St. Louis, MU hounded the Illini into 23 turnovers, forced an up-tempo game and came away with an 81-68 victory.

Unlike seasons past, MU took an early lead and never trailed. Missouri's guards did most of the damage, often on timely bombs that blunted any run Illinois mounted. Kim English had his stroke, canning 5 of 10 3-pointers on his way to a game-high 24 points. Zaire Taylor saw limited action with flu-like symptoms, but Michael Dixon, Jr., picked up the slack and gave Tiger fans a preview of his potential, scoring 16 points and playing a heady floor game.

With just over 12 minutes left, Mizzou held a 13-point lead; but Bruce Weber's youngsters closed to within six at the 9:00 minute mark. Mike Tisdale, held in check in the first half, led the charge, asserting himself in the paint and canning a three from the baseline. With the momentum changing to the orange-clad cagers from Bloomington, Mizzou looked susceptible to another late-game choke job; but Illinois couldn't capitalize on some ill-advised Tiger misses and turnovers. The pace of the game had the Illini looking tired at times.

Despite losing the rebounding battle 43-63 and turning the ball over 14 times themselves, MU seemed to impose its will on Illinois for most of the game. The Tigers looked more like the team that surprised us last year on its improbable run to end the season.

Mizzou shot just 41.2% from the field but went 10-25 from beyond the arc and held Illinois to 39.7% from the field. Mizzou showed marked improvement from the charity stripe, canning 15 of 17 free throws.

Perhaps this victory will help the team gel as it prepares for Big 12 play. Hopefully Illinois will rebound from a tough loss at Georgia and a ragged performance against Mizzou to pick up some conference wins in the Big 10. The prospect for Missouri reaching 20 victories before the Big 12 Tournament is "iffy", at best. It would enhance MU's post-season chances if Illinois, Vanderbilt and Oral Roberts put strong seasons together to boost the Tigers RPI.

Looking ahead to the Big 12 schedule, I see the Black and Gold losing at home to K-State in the conference opener and again in Manhattan. Oklahoma State and Texas A&M at home are toss-ups. A victory against either South Division foe would be a real plus. Texas brings a potential Final Four team to Columbia on February 17. The Longhorns won't be caught napping after the Tigers' shocked them last year in Austin. Despite a history of upsetting Kansas in recent Border War hoops battles, the Jayhawks probably have too much firepower, and I think MU drops both games to the Beakers.

Mizzou really needs to sweep Colorado, Iowa State and Nebraska and then pick up wins against Oklahoma in Norman and Baylor in Waco to make a case for an invitation to the Big Dance. MU's recent history away from Mizzou Arena is suspect, and any loss to the weaker conference rivals will put tremendous pressure on the team to pull off a surprise against one of the ranked teams.

Here's how I see remainder of the season playing out:

Current Record: 8-3 Projected Record (prior to Big 12 Tourney): 20-11

Probable Wins: Probable Losses: (Home Games in Bold Type)

Austin Peay K-State

UMKC Texas Tech

Georgia Kansas

Savannah State Oklahoma State

Oklahoma Texas A&M

Nebraska Texas

Colorado K-State

Iowa State Kansas

Baylor

Nebraska

Colorado

Iowa State

This scenario presupposes wins against the four non-conference teams visiting Columbia before the Big 12 race begins. And, as with all my expert analyses, expect this to be bass-ackwards by mid-January.

Coach Mike Anderson seems to get the most out his players, and this year's team still has plenty of time to come together as the season progresses. One thing that struck me about last year's squad was the fact they played basketball. After all, it is a game, and the 2008-09 Tigers seemed able to play without individual egos spoiling great team chemistry.

If this group of youngsters can recapture some of last year's magic, they could surprise MU fans again.

MU v Illinois

MIZZOU LOOKS FOR FIRST WIN OF CENTURY AGAINST ILLINOIS

The Missouri Tigers will make their annual trip to the dentist tonight.

Coach Mike Anderson's hoopsters hope this visit will not be as painful as the previous nine, all losses to the Illinois Fighting Illini in the yearly Braggin' Rights game in St. Louis.

For Mizzou, this matchup is worse than an impacted wisdom tooth. Illinois (8-3) holds a 20-8 series advantage. Even good Tiger teams have struggled in the series, and this year's MU team (7-3) isn't necessarily that good.

Bruce Weber's squad is young, but all five starters score in double figures. They are led by Demetri McCamey, a 6-3 junior guard with 14.2 points in 27-1/2 minutes. McCamey lit up the Tigers early last year, canning three 3-pointers and scoring 13 of his 20 points before the second TV timeout. D. J. Richardson (6'3") and Brandon Paul (6'4"), two freshmen, make up the 3-guard backcourt. Mike Tisdale, a 7'1" junior center, and Mike Davis, a 6'9" junior forward, round out the starting quintet. Jeff Jordan, Michael's son, comes off the bench.

For a complete rundown of this century's woes against Illinois, go to yesterday's Columbia Tribune sports page.

J. T. Tiller will return to the MU lineup after serving a 1-game suspension for failure to pay a speeding ticket. He will try to lead a helter-skelter Tiger defense in an effort to rattle Illinois' young guards. The Tiger backcourt should match up size-wise with Illinois; but the question mark will be how well an inconsistent front court plays. The Tigers have been pounded on the offensive glass throughout the season. Anderson may have to sacrifice some "run and gun" to send the guards to the defensive boards to help Laurence Bowers, Keith Ramsey and Justin Safford.

Mizzou has yet to find a real "go-to" guy, although Kim English, with 16.1 points per game, usually isn't bashful about taking a shot. Tiller has a tendency to try to force the dribble drive, and Taylor, for the most part, has been MIA. Basically, the offense needs to find a way to score in the half court.

As if history weren't enough to overcome, Missouri, at 1-3 away from home this year, has problems on the road.

Last year's Tigers had a start similar to this year's squad. They were looking for an identity going into the conference season. But last year, two seasoned seniors could be counted on for leadership and clutch play. DeMarre Carroll, now a Memphis Grizzly, was healthy and a beast on defense and on the boards. Leo Lyons started slowly but finally came around to Anderson's style of play and made strong contributions in Mizzou's late-season run.

While this game may not make or break MU's season, a win would go far to boost the Tigers' collective egos and to put a plus mark on a NCAA resume. The Big 12 is going to be rough, and wins will be hard to come by. I don't see the Tigers pulling off upsets of Kansas and Texas (at MU) this year; and last year's conference tournament title isn't going to be gift wrapped again. MU will have to steal several road games against some of the weaker league foes and make a decent showing in the conference tournament to be considered for an NCAA bid in March.

For a complete rundown of this century's woes against Illinois, go to yesterday's Columbia Tribune sports page.

The Real Don Steele

December 23, 2009

NCAA Football

NCAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT: MY PLAN

Sometimes my best ideas come in the middle of the night when I get up to take a leak.

I've been ruminating on the idea of a college football playoff system, a subject which has been bandied about by talking heads and fans for some time. Even President Obama has expressed his interest in having Congress come up with a plan, although the government would probably muck that up, if it had time to deal with such matters. (More on that in the future.)

This morning, while contemplating the Coreolis Effect in my toilet, a workable bowl scenario crystallized and became perfectly clear. Here's how an 8-team playoff system could be constructed:

1. The conference champions from the six major Bowl Championship Conferences would receive automatic berths, as would two at-large teams. This year's lineup would include Alabama (SEC), Texas (Big 12), Ohio State (Big 10), Oregon (Pac 10), Cincinnati (Big East), Georgia Tech (ACC), Tulsa (at-large), and Boise State (at-large). I can already hear Florida fans howling.

2. The pairings would be based on the final BCS rankings. In the first round the highest ranked team, in this case Alabama, would face the 8^th ranked team among those eligible. This year that would be Georgia Tech, ranked #9 in the final poll. Texas, at #2, would meet the 7^th seed, Ohio State, which finished 8^th in the BCS poll. Cincinnati, which finished 3^rd, would be matched against #7 Oregon, the 6^th seed. TCU's #4 final ranking would pit the Horned Frogs against #6 Boise State, seeded 5^th.

3. It takes seven games to play an 8-team tournament. The first four games would be played on or around New Year's Day with the semi-finals played a week later. The championship game would be played the Saturday before the Super Bowl. Now the question would be: where?

4. The Rose, Orange, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls would automatically host the quarterfinal games on the New Year. Because "the granddaddy of them all" will insist on hosting the Pac 10 champion, the Rose Bowl would get Oregon and Cincinnati. Alabama would meet Georgia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. Texas and Ohio State would go to Miami's Orange Bowl; and TCU and Boise State would be in the Fiesta Bowl. (Oh, that's right. They already are.) Florida could go to the Toilet Bowl to play Iowa in a matchup of two teams in the Top 10 left out of the playoffs.

5. That leaves us with a problem. Where should the semi-finals and finals be held? I suggest those sites be determined by bid, just like the NCAA basketball tournament, in which venues are selected on an annual basis. Originally, I felt that two existing bowl sites could be added to the Big Four, based on bids that would be good for six years, with the six "major" bowls hosting quarterfinal and semifinal games on a rotational basis. Unfortunately, that plan would never satisfy the Rose Bowl committee.

The scenario I envision does have some inherent problems:

1. The season would be extended 1-2 extra games, depending on how far a team advances. Solution: Reduce the number of pre-conference games by one to eliminate a patsy from the schedule.

2. Some teams deserving a shot at the tournament would be left out. In this particular scenario, that would be Florida, which held the #1 BCS ranking until the SEC Championship game loss dropped them to #5. There would have to be some provisos for "at-large" teams to qualify. This year Georgia Tech, by virtue of its ACC title, slipped in ahead of Florida. By some standards, Florida could be considered worthy of an at-large bid. (Under the existing BCS formula, Florida, TCU and Boise all qualify.) If Florida were to be invited at large, undefeated Boise State or TCU would be knocked out of the picture. To eliminate the problem, only the top eight teams in the final BCS standings would qualify for the tournament; but I doubt the Super Conferences would go along with that.

3. Some provision for Notre Dame would have to be included in any such plan. As an independent, the Irish have no conference championship for which to contend. Too bad. Let them join the Big 10. Otherwise they can take their NBC-TV dollars and pout in the corner.

4. This proposal would have some negatives for participating schools. It would be costly on the front side for the athletic departments. Championship series revenue would have to be divided to cover those expenses. It would create something of a hardship for fans, with the possibility of traveling to two more games after the traditional bowl season. But would it be that much different than following the basketball teams during March Madness?

5. A formula for dividing the revenue from a BCS football tournament would have to be put in place. University administrators, in protecting their turf, might have trouble coming to a consensus on the issue of money.

And money is what NCAA athletics is really all about. The NCAA Basketball Tournament is one of the most popular sporting events in the universe. It is a cash cow for the NCAA. Why wouldn't a football tournament be the same?

While my plan has a number of sticking points, it could provide a working outline to determine a real college football champion on the field.

If the high mucky-mucks at the NCAA offices can't figure out the details, they can hire me for a reasonable consulting fee.

The Real Don Steele

December 22, 2009

MISCELLANY

NEWS & NOTES

Bowl Games:

The bowl season started with a bang yesterday; and, of course, I quickly fell behind in my picks when Wyoming upset Fresno State, 35-28, in two overtimes in the New Mexico Bowl. Rutgers, as expected, dominated the University of Central Florida (45-24) in the St. Petersburg Bowl in the Knight game.

Dave Christensen's Cowboys, operating a watered-down version of the spread the 1^st-year coach brought to Missouri before taking over at Wyoming, ran the hell out of the ball and put up a stout defense against the #1 rushing team in the country. Most impressive was the Cowboys' goal line stand on the first possession of overtime. They stopped the Bulldogs after they moved to 1^st and goal at the 2-yard line. Despite missing a field goal to win in the first extra period, the Cowboys scored a touchdown with the 1^st possession of OT #2, and then held on for the victory.

Rutgers' talented freshman duo of Tom Savage (QB) and Mohamed Sanu (WR-AP) and a rugged defense teamed to dominate UCF. Despite muffing a punt which led to UCF's first score, Sanu ran for two TD's out of the wildcat formation and caught another pass for a score.

Savage threw for a career-high 294 yards, completing 14 of 27 in miserable conditions. Look for Rutgers to make some noise next year.

College Basketball:

Missouri, in a tune-up for Wednesday's Braggin' Rights game against Illinois, rolled over another patsy, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 88-70. Zaire Taylor celebrated graduation day with a highlight dunk, cherry picking off a Marcus Denmon steal, the senior transfer bounced his last dribble high off the floor in front of the rim and slammed it through. The win was Mizzou's 25^th straight at home.

Kansas, ranked #1 in the polls,
jumped to a 21-point lead in the first 16 minutes against Michigan, ranked #15 to start the season. Then Wolverine coach John Beilein switched to a 1-3-1 zone, after which the Jayhawks started to struggle, and Michigan closed to within 11 at the half.

Despite maintaining that advantage and winning 75-64, Bill Self and his 'Hawks were less than pleased with the performance. Cole Aldrich struggled on offense with only five points, all from the charity stripe. KU's next game is Tuesday in Lawrence against Cal.

Texas (#2) used a 23-7 flurry at the end of the first half to outdistance #10 North Carolina, 103-90. Four Longhorns, led by Damion James with 25, scored more than 20 points to boost their record to 10-0, mostly against inferior competition. This was the first basketball game played in the Jerry Jones Dome. Rick Barnes' cagers will be tested again Tuesday in Austin when #12 Michigan State visits.

The Big 12 is shaping up as the best conference in the nation with a 96-21 record against non-conference foes. Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Baylor each have only one loss, while Texas A&M and Nebraska have only two. Oklahoma, despite losing Player of the Year Blake Griffin, will be strong again under Jeff Capel; and Mark Turgeon has the Aggies playing good ball. Frank Martin's KSU roundballers have played the toughest schedule among conference teams. Their only loss came on the road at Mississippi, and they have beaten strong teams from Dayton, Xavier and Alabama.

Unless Missouri rebounds better and gets more offensive production from its big men, they will have trouble matching last year's successful run to the Elite Eight.

The Real Don Steele

December 20, 2009

December 18, 2009

PUJOLS OVERLOOKED IN "ATHLETE OF THE DECADE" POLL

Yes, it's hard to believe humankind has survived almost 10 years into the 21^st Century.

It would take days to list everything that has happened since we moved into the world of 2K. The attack on the World Trade Center probably tops the list. The United States has been at war (undeclared though it may be) most of the decade. We have elected an African-American President. Tiger Woods has been named Athlete of the Decade.

OK, so Tiger's inclusion on important events in the past ten years may seem trivial when seen in the big picture; but I don't really want to get into politics and world affairs when sports are involved. No, I want to question that choice by the Associated Press.

First, the announcement came after the disclosure of his extra-marital dalliances. There is some speculation that drugs may be involved in the plot. Second, I think the sports editors who vote the award are smoking something in a glass pipe. Tiger was named "Athlete of the Year" twice during the decade (2000 & 2006). Lance Armstrong was AOY from 2002-2005.

Some jealous Europeans have intimated that Armstrong, too, used performance-enhancing drugs in his comeback from testicular cancer to rise again to the pinnacle of the cycling world. Third, many would argue that golf is not a "sport", although I disagree with that point of view.

Fourth, Albert Pujols deserves to be "Athlete of the Decade".

Tiger, or "Cheetah" as he will now be known, racked up some impressive numbers on (and off) the golf course the past 10 years. He won 71 golf tournaments around the world, including 11 majors. He married a hot Swedish chick, fathered at least two children, made a pile of money, partied like a fraternity boy, got caught with his pickle in the mayo jar, lost his wife and credibility, and has taken an "indefinite" leave of absence from the game that defines him.

His accomplishments on the course are remarkable. His activities off the course are even more remarkable. Like so many other high-profile athletes, Cheetah, it seems, thought himself above the constraints of everyday morality. Actually, his escapades away from home make him almost human.

Pujols, on the other hand, has been superhuman on the baseball diamond. The St. Louis slugger became just the fourth player in Major League history to win a Decade Triple Crown. And he did it in nine years. Since coming to the big leagues in 2001, Pujols has hit 366 home runs, driven in 1,128 runs and averaged .334 at the plate. Besides his usual stellar defense at first base he has played right and left field, shortstop, 2^nd and 3^rd base, with a lifetime fielding percentage of 99.2. He's been the National Leagues Most Valuable Player three times and he's been named an All-Star eight of his nine seasons in the majors. He has one World Series ring and a Gold Glove. He is the most feared hitter in baseball.

Pujols has Hall-of-Fame credentials now; and some believe he has a chance to be the greatest player of all time. His numbers compare to Ted Williams, Lou Gehrig, Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth. The numbers he put up in his nine years in pro ball are Herculean, in the realm of the gods. From 2001 to 2005, Pujols hit 201 home runs, second all-time for most in a player's first five seasons. By 2009, when he turned 29, he had 350 homers, making him the 3rd-youngest to do and surpassing Ralph Kiner's record for most home runs in his first nine seasons. He's the first player to hit 30 or more home runs in his first nine seasons and the second to drive in 100 or more RBIs in the same time span

Cheetah's numbers are impressive. So are those of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Albert's stats since 2001 outshine those of any athlete since the Splendid Splinter.

The Real Don Steele

December 18, 2009

Big 10 Contemplates Expansion

SHOULD MISSOURI MOVE TO THE BIG TEN?

Every day presents an opportunity to editorialize on breaking sports stories and other ideas that have been fermenting in my sullied brain.

While I was busy working in St. Louis, Big Ten Pooh-Bahs announced they are contemplating expansion to twelve teams. Speculation has Missouri as one of the universities that might be considered. In fact, there is an on-line petition asking for fan signatures to that end. A long-time friend, former roommate at Mizzou and a die-hard Tiger fan sent the petition to me, indicating he had signed it. My initial reaction was "no way"; but there may be some sentiment and several reasons to consider such a move.

The Big Ten, of course, is really the Big Eleven: Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Purdue, Ohio State and Penn State.

They need another school to balance the schedule and create an opportunity for a big payday with a conference football championship game. Personally, I do not favor conference championship games in football because it sets another hurdle in the path of a D-I football playoff.

Penn State, which played as an independent for most of its athletic history, joined the Big Ten in 1990. In 1999, the Big Ten courted Notre Dame to become the 12^th school; but the Golden Domers, with their NBC television contract and BCS bowl ties, declined. The Irish, still an independent in football, play most of their other varsity sports as members of the Big East. The Big Ten covets the Notre Dame fan base and revenue potential; but Notre Dame, which is in the heart of Big Ten country, doesn't really need the conference alliance.

Syracuse, Pittsburgh and Rutgers are names other than Missouri being bandied about. Joe Paterno, the grandfather of college football, favors those teams which would expand the New York, Philadelphia and Boston television markets. Missouri would open up the TV market in St. Louis and Kansas City.

The University of Missouri's athletic affiliations are tied strongly to the Big 12 by virtue of its long-standing membership in the Big Eight. The Big 12 was born in 1994 when Texas, Baylor, Texas Tech and Texas A&M merged with the Big 8. The conference then split into the North and South divisions, with MU in the North. The Texas schools joined Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to create the southern component of the league.

Since the merger, the state of Texas has imposed ever-increasing influence to exert control over Big 12 championship events. The Big 8's Basketball Tournament in Kansas City is now part of a rotational circuit that has included Dallas in 2003, 2004 and 2006 and Oklahoma City in 2007 and 2009. There is speculation the football championship will find a permanent home in Dallas, the home base for conference offices. "Everything is bigger (and better) in Texas" seems to be the conference's motto these days.

That seems to be the crux of the matter. Missouri perceives itself as a second-class citizen of the Big 12 Conference. That sentiment seems to be a recurring theme of the North Division universities.

What would a move to the Big Ten mean for Mizzou, in the long run? Let's look at some pros and cons.

PROS:

1. Get out from under the thumb of the Texas-favoring conference office.

2. Avoid Texas and Oklahoma teams in conference play.

3. Gain more national exposure for the athletic programs via better TV contracts.

4. Improve athletic department revenue from TV and bowl contracts.

5. Possible inclusion in a Big 10 West division with Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Northwestern or Indiana, a group that compares to the Big 12 North.

6. Expand recruiting for major sports to Chicago and upper Midwest.

CONS;

1. Lose the MU v KU rivalry except perhaps as marquee non-conference games.

2. Lose another traditional rivalry football game with Nebraska (although some would say it's not exactly a rivalry).

3. Lose something of a home court advantage in the Big 12 Tournament when it does come to KC.

4. Create longer (and more costly) travel for MU teams, support groups and fans.

5. Affiliate with a new set of Chicago-based conference officials.

6. Play Michigan and Ohio State every other year, not dissimilar to the Texas/OU scenario MU is in now.

7. Lose the foothold in Texas for football recruiting purposes.

Of course, at this time, everything is pure conjecture; but I feel any invitation to join the Big Ten would come only after several other teams reject the chance to do so. That kind of makes Mizzou the homely wallflower asked as a last resort for a date to the prom. What kind of weight would Missouri have as the baby brother in a different power conference? I doubt it would have more (or less) influence on conference policy than it does now.

. I think the petition drive is a backlash reaction to the third consecutive year the Big 12 bowl selection process shafted Tiger football. The answer isn't to jump ship to the Big 10. The challenge is to work with and within the Big 12 to negotiate a better bowl and television contracts. It's building on recent success to field better teams to compete for conference titles.

If and when Missouri receives an invitation to join the Big Ten, it will have to weigh more factors than are listed here; but, when it comes down to a final decision, the bottom line will be M-O-N-E-Y. It's all about the money. Show me the money. That would certainly be appropriate for the "Show-Me State's" major institution of higher learning.

For now, I think Tiger fans should cool off and give the idea of switching conferences time for long and thoughtful reflection. Losing the Border War games with Kansas tips the scale toward keeping the status quo.

The Real Don Steele

December 16, 2009

MU BOWL TICKETS

HOW NOT TO SELL TEXAS BOWL TICKETS

Saturday morning I met with Ken Pike to discuss a road trip to Houston for the Missouri's Texas Bowl football game against Navy. Before coffee with the Pikester, I went online to get the phone number for the ticket office. When I called I received a recording that went something like this: "Thank you for calling the Mizzou Athletic Ticket Office. Our hours are from 8 to 5, Monday through Friday. To order tickets for events you may go to our website."

Since I had called about 8:30, I waited until after 9 a.m. and tried 1-800-CAT PAWS again and received the same message. Then I went to the site for online ticketing. This is what I found a simple order form that contained the following information:

Number of tickets; three ticket prices available in three areas of Reliant Stadium (no diagram of the stadium); prices ranging from $65 to $25; and a disclaimer that seats would be assigned by Tiger Scholarship Fund and other department parameters. (Basically, you were going to get what they sent you.)

After following the link for a while, I wrote the following e-mail to the ticket office:

"I find it difficult to believe no one is in the ticket office on a Saturday morning before a home basketball game and while the Tigers are allegedly trying to sell tickets to the Texas Bowl. Maybe it's just too early for you folks.

Has it occurred to you that some people work 9-5 during the week and find it difficult to contact you during "regular" business hours? Or that some people do not have computers to order online? Or that some people do not have credit cards to order online?

C'mon, Man! Time for the Athletic Department to start making things a little more fan friendly. Maybe you would get a few more souls into the seats and then you could stop whining about lack of fan support.

My boss and I work out of town during the week and are meeting for coffee this morning to discuss our plans for a trip to Houston. We were then going to head over to Mizzou Arena (or is it the Hearnes?) to pick up tix for the bowl and for the Fairleigh-Dickinson game. Guess not.

Right now I am pretty disgusted and am thinking of forwarding this e-mail to the local news outlets unless you have a pretty damn good explanation of why I can't just walk up to a window and buy a ticket for the Texas Bowl."

At coffee with Pike, we went online, selected 3 tickets for $25 and continued ordering, following the links and found the price for three tickets was $99 that included a $3/ticket fee and a $15 delivery fee. We followed the link to the payment form which asked for credit card information. Pike was somewhat dismayed to learn of the additional charges and said he would buy the tickets at the 7 p.m. basketball game against Fairleigh-Dickinson. At that point I sent the above e-mail. Later yesterday I received the following reply from the ticket office:

"Thank you for your e-mail. Our office is open Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. We will open 2 hours prior to tonight's men's basketball game. I'm sorry that our hours are not convenient for you. Thank you for your support of Missouri Tiger Athletics."

That sure made me feel a lot better.

Today I went back to the ticket site to refresh my memory of the procedure to order tickets. First, the link was broken. A few minutes later it was back up and I was on the site again; however a trip through the process now includes a step that requires new online customers to "register" prior to ordering tickets. Obviously, my e-mail had an immediate effect on the ticket-ordering process.

Now it is even more difficult to get a ticket to the Texas Bowl!

Don Steele

December 13, 2009

BEARCATS WIN D-II TITLE

NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE – 30

GRAND VALLEY STATE - 23

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats and Coach Mel Tjeerdsma finally got the 400-pound gorilla off their backs, beating Grand Valley (MI) State 30-23 to win the NCAA Division II Championship.

After losing the previous four title tilts, the Bearcats' won their third national championship since 1998, all under Tjeerdsma.

The 'Cats came out with their hair on fire. On their first possession they went 76 yards in 1:53 for a touchdown on a 14-yard LaRon Council run at 7:59 in the first quarter. After forcing GVSU to punt again, NWMSU drove 97 yards in 16 plays as Bolles' TD run made it 14-0 at 12:51 in the second stanza. They scored 40 seconds later after a long punt return and Council's 17-yard sweep to the end zone. Somebody blew up a cover man to set up the long return. The hit might make the highlight shows.

After trading punts, NW held GV and took over on downs at its own 42-yard line. With the ball on the 1 and threatening to blow the game open, the Bearcat fullback had the ball stripped at the goal line; and the Lakers took over on their own 7. The officials were late on the whistle; but the play wasn't reviewed, even though replays showed the ball very near the goal line.

Northwest blunted a late Grand Valley drive with an interception to end the half with a 21-0 lead.

Momentum shifted to GVSU in the second half, mostly off missed Bearcat opportunities and costly penalties. The Lakers finally got on the board with a touchdown at 11:32 in the 3^rd quarter. During the sequence, the Bearcats had a Pick Six called back on pass interference.

The PAT was blocked, and the Bearcats took it back for two points, keeping the lead at 17.

On NW's next possession, a dropped pass behind the defenders cost the Bearcats another score; and GV scored on their next opportunity to cut the lead to 10 points. The Lakers then forced a fumble and, helped by a pass interference call in the end zone, scored again to make it 20-23 with 12:31 to play.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Bearcats got another great return and benefitted from a late hit to start at the GVSU 32. Facing fourth down and 4 from the Laker 36, Bolles hit Soy on a deep fade at the 6-yard line; and the lanky wideout carried a defender into the end zone with 10 minutes to play and a 10-point lead.

GV used 5-1/2 minutes and kicked a field goal to cut the lead to seven. Illegal touching on the ensuing onside kick gave the ball to the Bearcats at midfield. They were forced to punt and GV took over at their own 20 with a chance and 2:59 on the clock. After the Lakers moved the ball near midfield, the Bearcat defense stiffened and held, forcing an incompletion on fourth and four. With possession and just under a minute to play, NW clinched the title by running out the clock.

The victory gave Northwest some measure of revenge against Grand Valley which handed the Bearcats title game losses in 2005 and 2006 under then coach Brian Kelly, named this week the head coach at Notre Dame after taking Cincinnati to this year's Sugar Bowl.

Maryville, (the Spoofhounds won the state championship in Class 2A, as well), will be celebrating their status as "Title Town USA" tonight.

The Real Don Steele

December 12. 2009

POTPOURRI

MISCELLANY AND POTPOURRI

Home Depot College Football Awards

Walter Camp
Award (Player of the Year): Colt McCoy, Texas

Lou Groza
Award (Outstanding Placekicker): Kai Forbath, UCLA

Biletnikoff Award (Outstanding Wide Receiver): Golden Tate, Notre Dame

Jim Thorpe
Award (Outstanding Defensive Back): Eric Berry, Tennessee

Davey O'Brien
Award (Outstanding QB): Colt McCoy

Outland Trophy (Outstanding Interior Lineman): Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Chuck Bednarik
Award (Defensive Player of the Year): Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Ray Guy
Award (Outstanding Punter): Drew Butler, Georgia

Doak Walker
Award (Outstanding Running Back): Toby Gerhardt, Stanford

John Mackey Award (Outstanding Tight End): Aaron Hernandez, Florida

Vince Lombardi
Award (Top Lineman): Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Butkus Award (Top Linebacker): Rolando McClain, Alabama

Coach of the Year: Brian Kelly, Cincinnati

Maxwell Award (Outstanding Player): Colt McCoy

Disney Spirit
Award: (Most Inspirational Person in College Football): Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College.

With the Heisman Trophy still to come on Saturday and based on last night's awards, I'm guessing Colt McCoy is going to take home the New York Athletic Club's prestigious honor. I don't necessarily agree, but with the Walter Camp, Davey O'Brien and Maxwell trophies in hand, it appears he has impressed enough voters with this year's body of work.

For the record, in last Sunday's "Bearcat…" column I picked the five finalists. Here's the order I had them finishing: 1) Mark Ingram; 2) Colt McCoy; 3) Tim Tebow; 4) Toby Gerhardt; 5) Ndamukong Suh. Suh has had a ton of late support from the "talking heads", but his late run in the media blitz is too little, too late for Nebraska's #93. His selection for the Outland, Bednarik and Lombardi Awards validates his candidacy as college football's best player this year. If I were voting, Suh would win the Heisman.

Cincinnati's Brian Kelly won National Coach of the Year, appeared via satellite to accept, refused to comment on the Notre Dame job, and then went back to the Bearcats' awards dinner to tell his team he was leaving for the Golden Dome. That had to make them feel good about the season. With Cincinnati preparing to face Miami in the Orange Bowl, I wonder how they will react with no head coach in place. I think they are probably overmatched anyway; and this development knocks them back a little more. On the other hand, Florida may have a "hangover effect" from the Alabama loss which knocked them out of the BCS title game. Alabama suffered the same fate last year when Utah smoked them in the Sugar Bowl. If the Bearcats' superstars (Tony Pike, QB, and Marty Gilyard, WR) can keep the team focused, Cincinnati could still make their second consecutive trip to Miami a successful one and avenge last year's loss there to Virginia Tech.

Regarding Mark Herzlich: He was the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 before being diagnosed in May with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy, surgery and radiation to treat the disease, in September he was found to be cancer free. Ewing's is the same cancer that ultimately took the life of my daughter, Carrie
Ruth Steele, in 1999. I am offering a prayer for Mark and hope 10 more years of research have helped him beat a terrible disease.

Until now, I have kept mum on Tiger Woods' escapades and the media's obsession with his "transgressions". Tiger's new nickname should be "Cheetah". What the hell was he thinking? Whatever he was thinking it was with the wrong head. His wife Elin is hotter than a stolen pistol, and he has two little kids at home. Listen, I can understand Eldrick can probably have any woman he wants; but ALL of them? I think this goes to show just how big Tiger's ego really is. He thought he could get away with it. He's lowered himself to the level of the "ghetto stars" who see themselves as above the moral constraints of society.

I love Woods' golf game. I hate his demeanor on the course. Golf is a gentleman's game; and it is obvious Tiger is no gentleman. It will be interesting to see how this episode affects his performance. Until he comes out in public and faces the cameras, this story will not go away. Eventually, he will have to come out of his Isleworth compound, if only for the Masters. I think he needs to do so sooner than later, try to put the humiliation behind him, sever the ties with everyone in his entourage that allowed him to stray so far off the path, and get on with the chase to overtake Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major tournament victories. Before this revelation, I thought Tiger had lost some of his edge in his quest for 19. Perhaps the disclosure of his infidelity will force him to reconsider his goals, to put his personal life in order and to get back to golf full-time. No wonder he hasn't played a full schedule for the past few years. He needed time for his dalliances. And rest. Even superstars aren't superhuman.

C'mon, Man!

The Real Don Steele

December 11, 2009

THAT’S A GERM OF AN IDEA…

DON'S HANDY BOWL COMPENDIUM

Starting Saturday, December 19 and ending Thursday January 7, college football fans will have the opportunity to feast on more than enough bowl games to sate their appetite for pigskin until next August. By my count, there are 34 games on the slate.

Since I have absolutely nothing else to keep my mind occupied, I started compiling a list of the games and data pertaining to the teams. It is probably a lot simpler just to "surf the net" for information as my interest is piqued for particular games. But I had the brilliant brainstorm to try to comment on every game. And to pick the winners. After one solid day of research, I have the basic data for five bowl games and list of the games, 15 of which include team records and mascots.

Let's see…at that rate it will only take me about seven days and 70 hours to cipher all the matchups. That still leaves me five days to write a few blurbs before the games begin. Then, if I write like the wind, I can probably crank out enough verbiage to stay ahead of the football frenzy. Of course, I intend to focus on the Missouri-Navy contest with daily commentary and factoids, too; so I might want to schedule a few more hours a day to keep pace. For good measure, I sense a duty to keep up with the Tiger basketball team, as well.

Somebody slap me! Otherwise you are going to be getting one of these "blogs" (for lack of a better term), for days on end.

To better prepare for the task at hand, I think I need a beer. After all it is Pearl Harbor Day.

The Real Don Steele

12/7/09

12/6/09

BEARCATS, MORE BEARCATS AND MORE

Having spent almost all day Saturday watching and listening to college football around the country, I have a few observations to share.

First, congratulations to the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats for their convincing D-2 semifinal victory over California (Pa.) that puts the second ranked Bearcats in the Division II Championship game for the fifth straight year. Maybe they can snap that 4-game losing streak in the title game. That's right; the Bearcats are the Buffalo Bills of college football, having lost the past four championship games. Mel Tjeerdsma's 'Cats will take on the Grand Valley (MI) State Lakers, ranked third, next weekend in Florence, AL. The Lakers defeated #10 Carson-Newman 41-27.

The game sets up a rematch of the 2005 and 2006 title games and a chance for a certain measure of redemption for the Bearcats. NWMoState won the D-2 championship in 1998 and 1999, the latter a four-overtime thriller over Carson-Newman, one of the most exciting football games I have ever seen.

The #5 Cincinnati Bearcats' come-from-behind 45-44 victory over #14 Pitt was the most entertaining game of the day; and the win clinched a second consecutive Big East title and BCS bowl game for Cincy. Yesterday, I posted a piece on Danario Alexander, Missouri's scintillating pass receiver. In that post, I mentioned Mardy Hillyard's stats, putting him on Pitt's roster. Pitt would have won had Hillyard been a Panther. He's a Bearcat.

With Cincinnati quarterback Tony Pike struggling, Hillyard put the team on his shoulders and lifted it back into contention. Pitt scored late in the first half to stretch its lead to 21 points; but on the ensuing kickoff, Gilyard, a Biletnikoff semifinalist, took it 99 yards for a touchdown and gave the Bearcats some momentum going into halftime. For the game, Gilyard had five catches for 118 yards, including a catch for a 2-point conversion, and seven kickoff returns for 256 yards. He was the just about the best football player I saw Saturday.

Ndomukong Suh was the best player I saw. He will win the Outland Trophy; and he would win the Heisman if I were the only voter. The Nebraska defensive lineman had a monster game Saturday night against the Texas Longhorns in the Big XII Championship game. He led the Bugeaters in a near upset of #3 Texas with 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss and 12 for the game. He tossed Colt McCoy around like a rag doll. He dragged down running backs with one hand. He clogged the passing lanes. Had he blocked Texas' last second field goal, he would have been bronzed on the spot. Suh didn't corral the 'Horns all by himself; but Texas' focus on the man-beast opened up rushing lanes for his defensive mates, who tallied 12 sacks.

This brings me to the Heisman Trophy candidates. Before Saturday's games, the frontrunners were McCoy, Toby Gerhart, Tim Tebow, Mark Ingram, and Kellen Moore. Suh was on the watch list, too.

McCoy, probably the frontrunner going into the game against Nebraska, has the most wins by a quarterback in NCAA history, finished second in last year's voting and will probably be playing for a national title January 7; but he laid an egg on national television last night. He hit some key passes, but without two costly NU penalties in the final minutes, Texas was going down to defeat. The Longhorn QB looked dazed and confused most of the game, thanks to the 'Huskers' vicious pass rush; but his most questionable play was his last when he nearly ran out the clock trying to pick up a few yards to set up a last second field goal. Instant replay saved his and the Longhorns' collective asses when replay officials put one second back on the game clock, enough for one snap and the game winning kick. He's out of the running but should get another trip to New York for the award ceremony. He will probably finish second again.

Gerhart, Stanford's outstanding running back, didn't play Saturday, opening the door for other hopefuls. He's probably one of the best backs in the country; but playing on the West Coast hurts his chances with the East Coast media. He'll get a trip to the Big Apple and finish fourth.

Tebow's chances for a second trophy went down the tubes with Florida's hopes for a second consecutive BCS title. He posted some impressive numbers (20 for 35 for 247 yards, one TD and one interception and 10 rushes for 63 yards) against a strong Alabama defense; but the pick came in the end zone with the game still in doubt. Tebow may go down as the best college quarterback ever; but he failed to get the Gators on the scoreboard in the second half. He, too, will be in NYC to congratulate this year's winner. He could finish ahead of McCoy, but I think he'll finish third again this year.

Ingram was on the winning side of the SEC title tilt. He rushed 28 times for 118 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 76 yards, including one for 69 yards to set up 'Bama's third touchdown of the first half. This season Ingram has carried the ball 277 times for 1,660 yards and 18 TDs. He is the son of former New York Giants receiver Mark Ingram, one of the heroes of Super Bowl XXV. The elder Ingram is in a New York prison facility awaiting sentencing on federal charges of money laundering and bank fraud. Dad's troubles may garner some sympathy votes from East Coast voters; but his merits stand on their own. Yesterday's game on a big national stage makes him the frontrunner for this year's award.

Kellen Moore is the Boise State quarterback and has remarkable passing statistics for an undefeated team. He has as much of a chance at the Heisman as a goose has for a safe landing on the blue turf in Boise.

This brings me back to Suh. He will be the first player taken in next year's NFL draft.

That makes him the best player in college football. That said, he will finish fifth in Heisman voting.

Just one more comment: Pete Carroll sure knew what he was talking about when he said Mark Sanchez needed to come back for another year at USC. Without the Jets' quarterback, the Trojans dropped their season finale against Arizona to finish sixth in the Pac-10. I just love it.

The Real Don Steele

12/6/09

MU TO MEET NAVY

TIGERS DRAW NAVY IN TEXAS BOWL

It's official: Missouri play Navy in the 2009 Texas Bowl New Year's Eve in Houston.

Media suspicions that surfaced early in the week indicated the Insight Bowl committee favored Iowa State. The Independence Bowl also had a chance to take Missouri with its seventh conference-affiliated selection; but that committee also dropped down the ladder to take a 6-6 Texas A&M team.

The Tempe group apparently ignored MU's better record (8-4) and head-to-head win over the Cyclones and decided ISU fans would travel better for the New Year's Eve matchup with Minnesota, eh? I hope it snows in Arizona on New Year's Eve. The Aggies will face Georgia December 28 in Shreveport. It will snow in Shreveport.

Despite the apparent snubs, the matchup with the Midshipmen can be viewed as a positive opportunity for Mizzou. First, Houston is in the heart of Big XII recruiting country; and a number of Tigers are from south Texas. Second, television coverage will be twice as good.

The Insight Bowl will be televised by the NFL network, available to about half as many viewers as ESPN which will carry the MU/Navy game. Third, Navy, at 8-4 with its annual clash with Army on tap for Saturday, will be a great opponent for Missouri.

OK, so I might have indulged in the MU Sports Information Department's Kool-Aid.

The Middies will be going to their seventh consecutive bowl game, and their option game will contrast sharply with Mizzou's spread attack. Navy almost upset Ohio State in it's opening game, beat Notre Dame convincingly and played tough against Pittsburgh. They are not pushovers by any stretch of the imagination, but they don't pass the ball particularly well. Pass defense, of course, has been the Tigers' bugaboo.

Historically, Missouri is 2-0 against the Naval Academy, including a 21-14 win in the 1961 Orange Bowl in which the Bengals held Heisman Trophy winner Joe Bellino to four yards rushing. That victory, with President-elect John Kennedy in the stands, ended a stretch of six consecutive bowl losses for Missouri and capped an 11-0 season, marred by just one loss. That's right, dear readers, 1960 was the same year Kansas defeated MU in Columbia using an ineligible Bert Coan, a win KU was forced to forfeit after the season. Of course, by then it was too late for the Tigers, who made their strongest run at a national title that year. MU's other win over the USNA came in the 1948 campaign in Baltimore.

Don Steele

12/6/07

BILETNIKOFF AWARD

WHERE'S 'NARIO?

Like many Missouri fans and area pundits, I have to wonder who picks the candidates for the Biletnikoff Award which goes to the most outstanding receiver in college football. What the hell are they thinking and how could they have ignored Danario Alexander's phenomenal season?

With a lot of help from Mike DeArmond's commentary in today's Kansas City Star, I compiled the chart below to compare Alexander's statistics in relationship to the three finalists (¹) and two other semifinalists (²).

Player Team Catches Yards Yds/Catch TDS TTL

Danario Alexander Missouri 107 (2) 1644 (1) 15.3 (3) 13 (3) 9

Freddie Barnes¹ Bowling Green 138 (1) 1551 (2) 11.9 (6) 16 (1) 10

Golden Tate¹ Notre Dame 93 (4) 1496 (3) 16.1 (2) 15 (2) 11

Dezmon Briscoe² Kansas 84 (5) 1377 (4) 16.4 (1) 9 (6) 16

Jordan Shipley¹ Texas 99 (3) 1292 (5) 13.0 (5) 11 (4.5) 17.5

Mardy Gilyard ² Cincinnati 80 (6) 1164 (6) 14.3 (4) 11 (4.5) 20.5

Alexander is the only receiver to rank in the top three of all four categories. Using all four criteria his total ranking is best among the bunch. Dropping "yards per catch" puts him in second place with six points behind Bowling Green's Freddie Barnes with four.

One could certainly make a case for Barnes as the top receiver in the nation. I have no quarrel with that. I cannot, though, find any justification for leaving 'Nario off the preseason "watch list", for the committee's failure to add him as a candidate, nor for his absence from the list of 10 semifinalists. Who are those numbskulls and what are they watching… shuffleboard? C'mon, man!

The Tigers' long-striding wideout was named to the 1^st Team All Big XII offense. Among receivers, he led the league in catches, yards and touchdowns. Jordan Shipley, riding the coattails of his roommate and Heisman Trophy candidate Colt McCoy, is a finalist as (perhaps) the third-best receiver in the conference.

As a long-suffering Mizzou fan, I suppose I should be accustomed to the slights and oversights Tiger teams and players have endured over the years. From my point of view, Gary Pinkel has turned the football program around and brought to the program a certain amount of national media exposure. Perhaps the MU sports information department needs to pick it up a little. Or did the ill-fated "Chase for Heisman" campaign put a permanent damper on the SID's enthusiasm for our superstars?

Blaine Gabbert appears to be the Tigers' best candidate for our "player of the year" next year. Is it too early to start lobbying for his inclusion in the Heisman watch? Is there another underclassman we are overlooking?

It's time Missouri fans and the SID to start making some national noise in support of our teams and our athletes.

The Real Don Steele

12/5/09

THANKSGIVING WINS

How 'Bout Them Spoofhounds, Bearcats and Tigers!

Thanksgiving Weekend, 2009, was REALLY an occasion for giving thanks for this ol' Maryville boy.

The Spoofhounds took the Missouri Class 2A High School Football Championship with a decisive victory on Friday. The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats kept alive their hopes for a fifth consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II title game when they blocked a game-tying extra point attempt on the last play of a quarterfinal game in Washington. And the Missouri Tigers made it a clean sweep with a last second field goal to rip the hearts out of the Kansas Jayhawks.

The Bearcats move to the semifinals tonight against California (Pa.) in the "Ville", and the Tigers await their bowl fate in tomorrow's selection show.

Congratulations
and good luck to all my alma maters.

The Real Don Steele

12/5/09

BOWL PROSPECTS

MIZZOU'S BOWL PROSPECTS

If you are a Tiger fan that wants to go bowling, you might want to start planning a trip to Houston for a New Year's Eve date at the Texas Bowl.

It seems likely, once again, that Missouri football will get screwed for the third consecutive year when it comes to a bowl invitation.

After nearly reaching the pinnacle of national prominence with a No. 2 ranking after defeating Kansas to end the 2007 regular season, the Tigers were snubbed for a BCS game with Kansas getting the Orange Bowl bid. Mizzou clobbered Arkansas in the 2008 Cotton Bowl and finished fifth in the final poll, ahead of KU, which defeated Virginia Tech, and Oklahoma, losers to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Despite a second consecutive North Division title last year, Missouri was relegated to San Antonio's Alamo Bowl, where they beat Northwestern in an overtime thriller to finish at 10-4 and ranked 19^th in the final poll.

In the Big XII bowl pecking order, the Tigers, at 8-4 on the season, are eligible for the sixth spot, which falls to the Insight Bowl, hosting a New Year's Eve bowl game in Tempe. There is considerable speculation the Insight Bowl committee is seriously considering a .500 team in Iowa State (6-6 and losers to MU) for a matchup against either Minnesota or Michigan State.

This is about what beleaguered Tiger fans have come to expect. Remember: We are MU.

Where would you rather be for New Year's Eve? The sprawling metropolis of Houston or the sunny climes of Tempe? I personally would prefer the desert, with plenty of accessible golf courses, an outdoor venue and a mid-tier (read "beatable") Big X foe.

On the other hand, Houston has something Tempe doesn't: ESPN. The Insight Bowl will be broadcast on the NFL Network, and I don't happen to get that channel on Mediacom (or little else for that matter). Navy has already accepted an invitation to the Texas Bowl and would provide an interesting matchup for MU.

Since there is virtually no chance I will be going to a bowl game, I think the Texas Bowl and the Midshipmen appeal to me. First, I can watch the game at home and stay off the streets on Amateur Night. Second, I can stay off the streets and watch the game at home. Another exciting day in the life of a Missouri fan!

Now that I have stated my preference, you can be sure we'll end up in Tempe.

The Real Don Steele

12/4/09