A look at Penn State that doesn't mention Joe Paterno's age, OK maybe a little

There are few college football stories in recent years that are as tired as those questioning JoePa's age. I'm merely mentioning it to say I don't want to talk about if further than this:

Penn State has won 29 games (more than Michigan) the last three years, and were a pass away from playing for a BCS title as recently as 2005.

So what about the '08 Lions? There is an open competition at quarterback and stud recruit Stephfon Green will battle incumbent Evan Royster for the most carries at RB. The receiving corps and offensive line meanwhile are brimming with experience.

On defense, expected team leader and LB Sean Lee is out for the year after injuring himself making a cut in spring practice. This after losing Bednarik Award-winning LB Dan Connor. The secondary should be a huge strength.

Big Ten Network (Ch. 220 on DirectTV) is carrying the Penn State spring game at 11 Eastern tonight. It's also available on the network's Web site. Here's an AP rundown of the game.

The schedule could have been kinder for the Lions. Their first six weeks in the Big 10 PSU goes vs. Illinois, at Purdue, at Wisconsin, vs. Michigan, at Ohio State and at Iowa. That's going to make another 9-win year tough, but if they fall to a lower tier bowl they should dominate their opponent.

Early estimated results: 7-5

Local recruiting note:
Looking to fall 2009, Penn State is one of the schools that have offered Dunbar senior RB Tavon Austin a scholarship. Just a year ago, some local observers were debating whether the 5'9 back could be a D-I recruit, but with offers from programs like West Virginia, Maryland and early chaser B.C., in addition to PSU, I have no doubts. Watch some of these YouTube videos, the kid has moves.

--Nate

Spring games — Hooray!

The Big Ten Network is televising conference schools' spring football games (scrimmages) this week as well as offering them free online. My thoughts from the portion of the Wisconsin game I caught and Badger beat reporters:

QB battles always grab the headlines, and it appears the situation remains unresolved. I was most impressed with Scott Tolzien, who led a nice drive that eventually stalled and resulted in a missed field goal.

The kicking game was inconsistent, as the Badgers search for a replacement for NFL-bound Taylor Mehlhaff. The offense stalled several times in the red zone, including a defensive stop where Lance Smith was stood up on 4th and goal at the 1-yard-line. Ken DeBauche's younger brother, Brad, is replacing him at punter. He got off a nice 45-yarder but also shanked another one.

The running game looked great. Redshirt freshman John Clay, a top-5 RB recruit, racked up nearly 100 yards. Of course he's still behind All-American P.J. Hill as well as Lance Smith and Zach Brown. Hopefully the attack will help all the RBs keep their legs fresh, particularly Hill, who was worse for the ware at the end of his freshman year.

Most of the DL sat out with injuries, although senior DE Matt Shaughnessy's broken leg is not as bad as initially feared.

For those wondering about last year's QB, Tyler Donovan, he signed a CFL contract with Edmonton.

The schedule is favorable for Wisconsin. Ohio State, Illinois and Penn State all come to Madison, where they have lost just one game in four years. They have to go to Ann Arbor, but at least it is in September as the Wolverines adjust to new man Rich Rodriguez running the program. They make a trip to the usually dangerous Fresno State in September, and also have a trip to Iowa sandwiched between the Penn State and Illinois road games. Michigan State also seems to have UW's number; the Spartans host the Badgers on Nov. 1.

Early pre-season estimation: 10-2

--Nate Sandstrom

I'm Back!

I know we still have the Superbowl and the Probowl left, but I must officially be in offseason mode because I'm watching Mr. and Mrs. Smith and somehow enjoying it.

So I figured I'd end my three month hiatus from SoboFo and bring you some of my football thoughts that I'm sure you've been starved for.

1. I raised this question to the guys at work and think it's a good one for Sobo: Who is the worst owner - Dan Snyder or Peter Angelos? I'll start by admitting the answer seems glaringly obvious at first. The Skins are coming off an exciting season driven by emotion from the death of a hot young star not named Heath in which they made it to the postseason. They've been to the postseason twice in the past five seasons and have a jam-packed stadium each week. The team is competitive. However, I would argue that it is far, far more difficult to succeed in baseball than football. Making the playoffs twice in five seasons in the NFL is the equivalent achievement of Brad Pitt landing Angelina Jolie (seriously - give the movie a second shot if you haven't already. It's no Bedazzled, but hey what is?) Being competitive in baseball is hard enough even if you don't play in the AL East. That's more like Vince Vaughn landing Jennifer Aniston. OK, it happens, but let's be realistic - that was a down season for Jennifer. So when you balance out the leagues and prorate the teams' accomplishments this becomes a bit more of a fair fight. Many would argue that aside from the on-field success, Dan Snyder has helped turn the Skins into a Wall Street darling. I would counter that Angelos - as god-awful as he is - at least held MLB to the fire and got a monster of a deal when the Nats moved in. And again, it is much easier to make money in the NFL. But still, I'd give the nod to Snyder in the financial debate. My biggest argument is that the Skins' success is proof that Snyder is just as bad an owner. He finally gets them to be productive and respectable and then he tears them apart. The fact that he is ripping the guts out of the team right now, when the have a solid core and a promising future, is more of a crime than Angelos beating a dead horse by blocking the Bedard trade. Finally, I think it comes down to this - if you switch the teams they own, what happens? If you put Angelos on the Skins, your QB is ... I thought about this for a while and couldn't come up with a good example and this just hit me... it would be Kyle Boller. He would force the GM to trade out of the first round picks (which might not always be bad) and any pick that did sign would miss significant time while Angelos refused to negotiate. If Snyder owned the Orioles, they'd have signed A-Rod and traded for Pedro Martinez this offseason. I think the edge goes to Angelos being worse, but it's a close call.

2. The Ravens offseason! Gold medal. They fired Billick - Brilliant! They didn't get Jason Garrett - score! They hired Harbaugh - Excellent! They picked up Cam Cameron - gnarly! They kept Rex Ryan - perfect! I know some people are microanalyzing these moves and how they came about, but I don't care. I'm happy with the end product. Sure the owner seemed to take a larger presence than would be preferred. But I'm glad he was just smart enough to realize he made a mistake last year with Billick's extension and didn't have too much pride to admit it. Some say that keeping Rex Ryan is a mistake - that there will be too much tension between him and Harbaugh. Bollocks. These are professionals and grown men and they will work together to win.

3. Seahawks. Say what?! OK, well not the team, but a former Greenie. Jeramy Stevens to be precise. The man is a scumbag. Think about what that word really means for a minute. He's a scumbag. If you have a some time, read this article. Even if you think you got the point halfway through it, keep going. You have to read the whole thing to get the full effect.

4. The big game - my breakdown is coming soon. But more importantly - what will I cook? I'm thinking pulled pork bbq.

Sports page run down

Add Jim Fassel, who believed he would have the job by now, to the list of people upset with Dan Snyder, the Washington Post reports.

I thought he was all but written off, but the Baltimore Examiner reports that Steve McNair may QB the Ravens next year.

USA Today looks at Super Bowls that are rematches from the regular season, and finds the winner in the regular season is 1/5 in the Big One.

Hines Ward had his feelings hurt, the Post-Gazette reports.

This chopped AP story reveals that Bill Clinton is supporting the Giants in the Super Bowl, but plays golf with Tom Brady. Imagine the chicks they can get as a team.

One more reason not to watch the Pro Bowl, Brett Favre isn't playing.

Could Drew Rosenhaus have another Willis McGahee sales job? Top CB prospect Jack Ikegwuonu, a junior from Wisconsin, tore his ACL during a workout Tuesday; however, agent Drew Rosenhaus says everything is fine, just like he did with Willis. My heart's still broken he left the Badgers early.

Here's a dose of "I told you so":

He made himself eligible for the draft earlier this month, leaving UW after his junior season, and signed with Rosenhaus on Jan. 5.

Ikegwuonu was pulling a sled, in a drill designed to improve his speed, when the injury occurred.

He exploded out of a start and planted his leg when the knee gave way.

"I blame the agent for telling him to come out, when we told him to stay in," an NFL scout said.

--Nate Sandstrom

Another 180-degree turn for Snyder

Well, the Fassel plan appears to be on hold, according to the Post. Looks like the public outcry had something to do with it, so good job fans.

My guess is they will make another Bill Cowher run and offer him like $8 mil a year to change his mind.

If that fails, I don't know what will happen. Williams has been on hold so long he has no other real options, but my money has him off next year's staff. Fassel also has no other options, so I guess he would accept being choice #2....or 3, 4 or 5.

Despite the clusterbomb this situation is, I'm upbeat that Fassel is on hold. I'm still against trading draft picks for Rex Ryan; then again, it's not like the 'Skins have a coach who will have seen any of the players at the Senior Bowl this weekend.
--Nate Sandstrom

Jim Fassel -- this must be a joke!

Yesterday, I said that there is no chance Gregg Williams is coming back.

Today, the Washington Post's Jason La Canfora cites league sources in laying out the Redskins search with Jim Fassel as the leading candidate.

The Washington Times' Ryan O'Halloran admits he got beat on this, although points to a discussion he had with Fassel on Sunday in which Fassel denied he was a candidate. Perfect.

O'Halloran also makes the same point I did yesterday: that the hiring Fassel likely means Saunders and Williams are out.

I can't figure this out for the life of me, but La Canfora reports that Fassel was apparently the leading candidate for the 'Skins job before Gibbs took it. He instead went on to help manage the Ravens sputtering offense and "develop" Kyle Boller.

As you can tell, I'm not a fan of the move. It seems the only thing that stays the same in Washington is that nothing does.

Check out how popular this idea is with other 'Skins fans.

--Nate Sandstrom

What the hell happened with LT yesterday?

I have yet to hear a satisfactory answer to what happened with LaDainian Tomlinson yesterday.

I haven't seen any news coverage today acknowledge that this was the story at 4 p.m. Eastern yesterday. Fantasy Football Diehards.com confirms my memory:

Tomlinson has been limited to just the first series, but CBS sideline reporter Steve Tasker is reporting LT didn't reinjure the knee he hurt last week. According to Tasker, Tomlinson is being held out due to a "coaching decision."

Sometime between then and now, it has been ruled that Tomlinson was hurt. About all the coverage the San Diego Union Tribune had on it was this column and the game story, which didn't shed much light on what happened.

This Newsday story breaks down the narrative a little more, but still no real answers:

Of all the injured Chargers, LaDainian Tomlinson was the one most likely to play. Philip Rivers, with stretched Silly Putty ligaments in his right knee that likely will require surgery, and Antonio Gates, with a dislocated toe, managed to perform in the biggest game of the year. But Tomlinson sat on the bench huddled in a parka, watching the AFC Championship Game through his trademark tinted visor.

"There were some remarkable efforts," Chargers coach Norv Turner said of his battered team, raving about Rivers' toughness but refusing to call out Tomlinson, who started and took the first two handoffs but did not appear after the team's second offensive series.

"LT tried to go, and he just couldn't go," Turner said. At one point, it was reported that he had "soreness" in his knee and "could return," and a sideline report called the former MVP's being on the sideline a coach's decision. But after the game, Turner defended Tomlinson by saying: "The guy was not able to go. The doctors and trainers said he couldn't go."

Tomlinson hyperextended his left knee early in last week's upset of the Colts, but after an MRI, he practiced Thursday and Friday and was not included in Friday's injury report. But when he caught a swing pass from Rivers for 1 yard on the second possession, he said he sensed he had lost his explosiveness and felt "helpless." Tomlinson also said he tweaked the knee on his 3-yard run to open the game and that he has a sprained MCL.

"From getting it reinjured the first play, I just knew I didn't have it," he said. "I'm kind of at a loss for words."

Not exactly the stuff of Kirk Gibson. I'm not a doctor, but Norv and LT's quotes seem a little bizarre. Did he even get any treatment to his injury?

I'm not satisfied with the answers presented here. I hope someone keeps picking at what's behind this.

--Nate Sandstrom

So much for continuity

When Joe Gibbs stepped down earlier this month, Dan Snyder talked about continuity. At this point, it's hard to believe the Redskins team that takes the field on Opening Day 2008 will resemble the team that had a 4th quarter lead in Seattle in the playoffs.

I'm pretty sure if the 'Skins wanted assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams to be the new head coach, they wouldn't bring him in for four FOUR interviews. As this Washington Times article points out, it's not Gregg Williams holding things up.

It's clear there some reason Snyder doesn't want to hire Williams — and I predict he won't.

Whoever comes in will bring a new staff, and with tge cap issues will get rid of Jansen, Springs, Washington, Griffin and more. It will be another year of a new system and new players. People can talk about Campbell "showing progress" and some of his picks will be chalked up to learning a new system. My early call for next season is 6-10.

Some may say "so what." This team barely made the playoffs and aren't close to being a winner.

I disagree. They are close to winning the weak NFC, which I would consider an accomplishment. I don't know that anyone else will catch the Pats/Chargers/Colts in the next two years, so making the Super Bowl would be good enough to me.

If it were my choice, I'd cut Lloyd, restructure a couple deals and leave pretty much everything else in tact. Let Saunders run the offense and Williams run the defense. Of course maybe Williams is not OK with that, and that's why he's not being hired.

Of course it's all speculation as usual because there's been few straight answers coming out of Redskins Park lately.

--Nate Sandstrom

A shocking result?

It's almost 10 Eastern on Thursday, and before all the media heads release their weekend picks, the Chargers are almost universally 14-point underdogs after opening +14.5. (New England has covered just one of their last seven.)

I think you have to like New England in this match-up, especially given the injury situation (for official NFL reports click here).

The Union-Tribune collects some of the most inflammatory dismissals of the Chargers. Says Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

“ . . . The Patriots did their part, but the Colts choked. So instead of the best rivalry in sports, we get Chargers-Patriots. Sorry, Chargers, but nobody outside of San Diego is excited by this.

“The Chargers are denying us a great game.”

But the Chargers haven't won eight games in a row by fluke. They take away the ball more than anyone, even if the Pats give it away the least.

Another question is whether Moss will be distracted by the off-the-field fiasco of this week. I doubt it, but he's never been known for an even temperment.

Ultimately, I think the Chargers need to follow the Ravens' game plan against the Pats. Tomlinson/Turner can definitely run the ball as McGahee did. And the Chargers front 7 should be able to blitz. Call me Captain Obvious, but Brady doesn't like to get hit. And if you don't give Brady time to work, Welker, Watson, Moss and crew will have a harder time finding a way to get open.

In the end, I'm sure the Patriots will win, even if takes Brady or a Patriots receiver calling for an undeserved flag and getting it (see aforementioned Ravens game). I'm not calling it the NBA, but the more revered players tend to get the benefit of the doubt.

Pick: New England 31 San Diego 28

--Nate Sandstrom

Return of SoBo football

Well, I've been on a six week hiatus, but I'm hoping I can get Mark back here and start to build a few new common features over the off-season.

We'll spend much of the time looking ahead to the 2008 draft class, new recruits, players returning from injuries and talk schedules and possibilities.


I'm going to post a round-up of what's out there on the conference championships Friday and Saturday, but if you're a fan of any of the other 28 teams I'm moving with you in moving on.

Of course, we'll keep updating what to watch and the video clip bar (hopefully) every day or two.

Here's hoping I can comeback like Little Mac!

--Nate

Week 14 power ratings

NFL Power Ratings — Week 14

1. New England (12-0) — Everyone needs a little luck.
2. Indianapolis (10-2) — Pretty much wrapped up division.
3. Dallas (11-1) — I guess I have to stop saying they are over-rated.
4. Pittsburgh (9-3) — Don't make guarantees you can't keep.
5. Green Bay (10-2) — Glad there isn't a BCS in NFL, or Dallas game might have really mattered.
6. San Diego (7-5) — This weekend is homecoming for Philip Rivers, think he'll be welcome?
7. Seattle (8-4) — Wildly inconsistent teams wins a big one.
8. Jacksonville (8-4) — Colts don't want to face this team a third time.
9. Minnesota (6-6) — Playing some of the best ball in the league the last three weeks.
10. Cleveland (7-5) — After A-Pete, Joe Thomas is ROY.
11. Tampa Bay (8-4) — If you give them the opportunity, they'll take it.
12. Tennessee (7-5) — Off the slide, but Chargers next.
13. Buffalo (6-6) — No-name defense doing the job.
14. N.Y. Giants (8-4) — Meltdown is spelled G-I-A-N-T-S.
15. Arizona (6-6) — A few bounces from being 9-3, but were swept by Niners.
16. Houston (5-7) — I guess they can lose with Andre Johnson
17. New Orleans (5-7) — Tampa loss was costly.
18. Philadelphia (5-7) — Please trade McNabb. I'm sure Feely is the answer. Ha!
19. Washington (5-7) — 5-11 more likely than 9-7.
20. Chicago (5-7) — Remember when Bears fans criticized management for drafting Devin Hester. I do.
21. Denver (5-7) — I should have seen this coming.
22. St. Louis (3-9) — Now if only they had their best five linemen back.
23. Detroit (6-6) — Tough to get to 10 wins now.
24. Oakland (4-8) — Defense is improving.
25. Carolina (5-7) — Talk about a team that needs a QB.
26. Cincinnati (4-8) — Biggest disappointment in NFL.
27. N.Y. Jets (3-9) — Could win their way out of a higher draft pick.
28. Baltimore (4-8) — How do they build off a game like they had? Complain about the refs.
29. Kansas City (4-8) — This ship is sinking fast.
30. Atlanta (3-9) — They still may win more games than I predicted
31. San Francisco (3-9) — Thankful for the Cardinals.
32. Miami (0-12) — If they didn't beat the Jets at home, who will they beat. Maybe Ravens.

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch Final

I can't remember a year when I had less of an opinion on who should win the Heisman (other than not Matt Ryan).

The final Heisman Pundit poll gives it to Tim Tebow, barely over Darren McFadden. At ESPN, the poll also goes to Tebow, although Ivan Maisel gives it to Dennis Dixon. Tebow also leads at USA Today and the New York Times.

It looks like Tebow will win, and it's hard for me to argue against a guy who accounted for 51 touchdowns in 12 games. That was on a schedule that featured 8 bowl teams, and another, in Troy, that could've been.

But people say it's wide open for a reason.

Here's a look at the other contenders.
Quarterbacks:
• Sam Bradford, Fr., Oklahoma
For: Nation's leader in pass efficiency, we saw what OU looked like without him
Against: 8-19, 2 picks in loss to Colorado
• Tim Tebow, Soph., Florida
For: 51 TDs, more than 3,000 passing, 750 rushing
Against: three-loss team; what was his defining win? South Carolina? Tennessee in Sept.?
• Colt Brennan, Sr., Florida
For: Gaudy numbers, nearly 4,200 passing with 38 TDs, led game-winning drives
Against: Those game-winning drives were against SJSU, Washington
• Dennis Dixon, Sr., Oregon
For: Led nation's best offense until he blew out his knee against Arizona, 161.2 passer rating
Against: Missed last three games as Ducks slid from BCS to Sun Bowl
• Patrick White, Sr.,West Virginia
For: One of the nation's best dual threats; led explosive offense
Against: Is he Dennis Dixon with worse numbers against worst competition?; loss to Pitt

Next Tier: Todd Reesing, Chase Daniels, Cullen Harper, Graham Harrell, Andre Woodson

Running Backs:
• Kevin Smith, Jr., Central Florida
For: Could set NCAA rushing record, with exception of SF game, came up big when needed
Against: Plays in Conference USA
• Darren McFadden, Jr., Arkansas
For: Does everything well, #4 in rushing
Against: May not be best running back on team; Ark. lost four games
• Rashard Mendenhall, Jr., Illinois
For: Led Illini to Rose Bowl with 6.2 ypc
Against: Juice Williams considered hero of Ohio State game
• Chris Wells, Soph., Ohio State
For: Made more clutch runs when needed than anyone I saw
Against: Only finished 12th in rushing
• Felix Jones, Jr., Arkansas
For: Averaged 9.1 ypc, one of top kick returners in the nation
Against: Probably not best running back on team; Ark. lost four games

Next Tier: Matt Forte, Ray Rice, Mike Hart, Jonathan Stewart, Jamaal Charles, Javon Ringer, Knowshon Moreno, Ian Johnson, C.J. Spiller

Best at other positions: WR: Jordy Nelson, Michael Crabtree, Ryan Grice-Mullen, Mario Manningham, DeSean Jackson; TE: Travis Beckum, DL: George Selvie, Chris Long, Shawn Crable, Nick Reed, Maurice Evans, Eric Norwood, Jonal Saint-Dic; LB: Scott McKillop, Jordan Dizon, Erin Henderson, Mike Klinkenborg, James Laurenaitis, DB: Aqib Taliq, Leondis McKelvin, Jack Ikegwuonu, Alphonso Smith, Trae Williams

If I had a real Heisman ballot I can only vote for three, so here it is.
1. Tim Tebow: Can't ignore the numbers on that schedule
2. Dennis Dixon: Would've won if he stayed healthy
3. Kevin Smith: Expect him to set the rushing record, he has to be on ballot
If I could vote for 5:
4. Chris Wells: Maybe I watched more Ohio State than other people, but he always impressed me
5. Darren McFadden: Does it all.

It's been fun. I'm sure I left some people out, on my best of the rest. Tell me about it!

--Nate Sandstrom

Top 25-End of the Regular Season

It's the only poll that really matters and I have to admit I had a tough time picking who I wanted to put at #2 this week.

I had little issue putting Ohio State at #1. Everyone can rip the Big 10 all they want, I think they will come out in bowl season and show some teams. I can tell you the Buckeyes won't look past their SEC opponent this year.

Which brings me to LSU, who I decided in the end to give a slight edge over USC and Oklahoma. USC, Oklahoma and West Virginia can all point to injuries for one of their two losses, but the team I feel really bad for is Oregon, who I think would be in the title game if Dixon was hurt.

I've had LSU lower than most all year because I've been annoyed by how close their winning games. But in the end they won them, and that their two L's are in 3OT I went with them.

I don't feel very bad for Georgia, who was blown out by Tennessee. Sorry Mark Richt, that and a home loss to South Carolina is what cost you, not some media decree. He better hope the rest of the Bulldogs don't sulk or they may get Boise Stated.

But probably not. Hawaii has drawn a lot of comparisons to last year's Boise State squad, but I don't think they come close talent-wise. Boise was a legitimate Top 5 team last year, Hawaii is borderline Top 20. But hey, they win close games.

By the way, for those who want a playoff, there's one solution: Stop watching. As long as you're tuning in and buying tickets, it ain't changing, no matter how many self-righteous rants the pundits spew.

Here's my final poll:
1. Ohio State (11-1). Remember when everyone said they were out of it?
2. LSU (11-2). Hoping OSU game doesn't go to triple overtime.
3. USC (10-2). Wish they had that Stanford game back.
4. Oklahoma (11-2). My pre-season pick to win it came oh so close.
5. Georgia (10-2). Consolation for not getting in BCS title game: $15 mill+ from Sugar Bowl.
6. Missouri (11-2). Need to get the Sooners off the schedule.
7. Virginia Tech (11-2). You lost to LSU by six TDs. Quit whining.
8. West Virginia (10-2). Steve Slaton had 11 yards against Pitt!
9. Florida (9-3). If BCS had passed on Illini, Florida fans would've seen Zook in bowl game.
10. Illinois (9-3). Hey Gators, you in the BCS?
11. Kansas (11-1). Mark Mangenius: Shows everyone should play #96 schedule.
12. Arizona St. (10-2). Hawaii's end zone interception costs Sun Devil a home BCS game.
13. Boston College (10-3). Matty Ice threw one of the worst passes I've seen at end of VT game.
14. Wisconsin (9-3). Win over Vols would give Wisky their third straight 10-win season.
15. Auburn (8-4). Tommy Tuberville should lose eight games more often, he might be in NFL.
16. Tennessee (9-4). Ainge is SEC Title Game MVP.
17. Arkansas (8-4). McFadden and Felix hope Missouri sulks about missing BCS.
18. Cincinnati (9-3). Bearcats get back-to-back bowls for first time since 2000-2002.
19. Clemson (9-3). Narrow wins against Cocks sets up Tigers vs. Tigers in Chick-Fil-A Bowl.
20. South Florida (9-3). It's not #2, but successful season.
21. Virginia (9-3). Texas Tech should present good match-up in Gator Bowl.
22. Hawaii (12-0). Will have a chance to prove me wrong against Georgia.
23. Texas Tech (8-4). Win over Oklahoma the feather in their cap.
24. Kentucky (7-5). It's a long fall since earlier this year, but they won me over in the end.
25. Texas (9-3). Almost put Southern Illinois here instead.

--Nate Sandstrom

Maryland High School Championships

Want to see a local team win at M&T Bank Stadium? Head to next week's high school championships.

Two games are set, while the rest of the semi-finals are today.

Thursday, 7 p.m., 3A Title Game
#2 Damascus (Montgomery County, 12-1) vs. #1 Hereford (Baltimore County, 13-0)

A pair of juggernaut football programs face each other in this game.

Hereford has won nine Baltimore County championships since 1996 and state titles in 197, 2001 and 2002. Coach Steve Turnbaugh's eighth undefeated team in his 13th year at the school is led by senior RB Lonnie Liggins, who has rushed for 1,200 yards this season. The Bulls beat Lackey 35-20 on Friday, although the game was tight throughout. Senior DE Gordy Boone entered the game with a team leading 8.5 sacks and was third on the team with 45 tackles. Herford runs the wing T on offense and a 5-2 defense.

Damascus, in the playoffs for the 10th straight season is led by senior running back Evan Zedler and senior QB Kyle Frazier. Zedler reached the 2,000-yard mark in a 35-6 win over Wilde Lake on Friday. Frazier, (6'2, 210) rushed for threw his 20th TD pass on Friday, against just two picks. Senior LB Brian Wittenberger leads the team in tackles, with 121 entering Friday. Damascus runs a pro-I offense and a 3-4 defense. They won state titles in 1981, 1992, 1993, 1996, 2003 and 2005.

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. 2A Title Game
#2 Eastern Tech (Baltimore, 13-0) vs. #1 River Hill (Howard County, 13-0)

River Hill may be the most loaded team in the state, having outscored their opponents 537-14 this season, including 97-0 in three playoff games. They tied a state record on Friday, posting their 11th shutout of the season.

Don't sleep on Eastern Tech, who have outscored their opponents 82-12 in their playoff run. This is the Mavericks fifth straight playoff trip; they lost in the title game in 2003. They rolled over Clarksburg 35-0 on Friday. They entered the game with 3,065 rushing yards, but senior QB Travis Crane has also thrown 13 TDs. Their 5-2 defense has 27 INT's this year, and they run the Wing T offense. Their running backs include seniors Derryck Davis and Darian Conners.

However, they lack the blue-chip stars at River Hill.

Junior LB/WR Leron Eaddy, Junior RB/CB Malek Redd, Junior RB/CB Michael Campanaro, senior LB/RB Zach Martin and senior LB/TE Jonathan Hill are among the leaders of this very good football team. They also feature junior QB Luke Hostetler, former NYG QB Jeff Hostetler's nephew. Martin was on crutches Friday after he sprained his ankle in the first quarter, but Coach Brian Van Deusen said he hopes Martin will be able to play next weekend.

River Hill came up short against Friendly, another very talented team, in the 3A state final title game and a very motivated. Senior LB Alex Turner told me last night that the shutout record was an afterthought compared to winning the state title.

--Nate Sandstrom

2A Football Championships set

Just got back from one of the 2A state semifinals. River Hill (Clarksville) rolled Elkton 28-0. Junior RB Malek Redd broke 55- and 70-yard TDs in the first half. River Hill pretty much grinded out the clock in the second half. They tied a state record with their 11th shutout of the year.

If you want to see these guys in action, they will play Eastern Tech (Baltimore) in the 2A final at 3:30 on Saturday at M & T Bank stadium.

Howard County's other representative in the semis, Wilde Lake, lost at Damascus 35-6.

More tomorrow morning.

--Nate Sandstrom

Leave of absence

If you've been here for two weeks you've probably noticed that I haven't posted. It was going okay for a while, but during the holidays I couldn't keep it. Might try to resurrect this this weekend — I hope to have early scores for state high school football playoff games, I should be at either River Hill-Elkton or Wilde Lake-Damascus.

R.I.P. Sean Taylor

--Nate Sandstrom

NFL Power Ratings-Nov. 15, 2007

1. New England (9-0). At least they finally didn't cover.
2. Indianapolis (7-2). Loss to San Diego knocked them out of AFC two seed.
3. Pittsburgh (7-2). Steelers fans don't take well to talk of trap game.
4. Dallas (8-1). Should move to 9-1 against 'Skins. Let the hype continue.
5. Green Bay (8-1). -9.5 vs. Carolina. Lock it down.
6. San Diego (5-4). Even when they win, they lose.
7. Jacksonville (6-3). Can they avoid a melt down this year?
8. Tennessee (6-3). Vince Young's passer rating is 62.2.
9. Cleveland (5-4). I had this team in the league's bottom three to start the year.
10. Seattle (5-4). Perhaps the league's most inconsistent team.
11. Buffalo (5-4). Lee Evans has been hot, can he win for Bills w/o Marshawn Lynch?
12. N.Y. Giants (6-3). Gutcheck game against Detroit.
13. Tampa Bay (5-4). Not losing NFC South.
14. Detroit (6-3). Gutcheck game against Giants.
15. Arizona (4-5). Still control destiny in the West.
16. Philadelphia (4-5). Westbrook is a one-man show.
17. Washington (5-4). Gibbs-speak explained.
18. Carolina (4-5). How has this team won four games?
19. New Orleans (4-5). Expect a shootout aginst Houston on Sunday.
20. Denver (4-5). Finally, a win that wasn't close.
21. Chicago (4-5). Rex is back. Is that good or bad?
22. Houston (4-5). Andre Johnson is back and they are immediately more dangerous.
23. Kansas City (4-5). Wow, there are a lot of 4-5 teams.
24. Cincinnati (3-6). Wish they could play the Ravens a lot more.
25. Baltimore (4-5). 1-8 ATS.
26. Oakland (2-7). Daunte loves playing his old teams.
27. Minnesota (3-6). No Adrian Peterson? Uh-oh.
28. Atlanta (3-6). Things are getting quietly better.
29. St. Louis (1-8). Backup O-line getting used to each other.
30. N.Y. Jets (1-8). Maybe Curtis Martin will put on a uniform.
31. San Francisco (2-7). No comment.
32. Miami (0-9). A team after Jim Mora's heart: "I just hope we win a game!"

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch-- (almost) Nov. 13, 2007

The Heisman Race is winding down, in what has been one of the least memorable races I can remember. Last year was also boring although that's because Troy Smith led almost wire-to-wire.

I think the games and upsets have been so good this year that many players from many teams are popping up. Heisman Pundit calls it a three-man race. I mostly agree with his analysis.

ESPN has Dixon in the lead as well, for some reason people are still voting for Matt Ryan. I would think the losses would hurt D-Mc more, especially since Felix out-stats him.

Chase Daniel, Sam Bradford and Todd Reesing were all near misses on my Top 10, but whichever of those three emerge from the Big 12 as champ certainly have a good shot.

1. Dennis Dixon, Sr., QB, Oregon — Runs nation's best "O." 20/3, 163.1; also 549 and 8 TD rush.
2. Tim Tebow, So., QB, Florida — 7 TDs against SC! 23/5, 177.1; 718 and 19 TD on ground.
3. Pat White, Jr., QB, West Virginia — Game winner agains L'ville. 157.7 and 803 for 10 rush.
4. George Selvie, So., DE, South Florida — Sick numbers. 14.5 sacks, 30.5 TFL.
5. Jordy Nelson, Sr., WR, Kansas State — All over. 99 rec, 2 TD pass, 2 PR TD.
6. Leodis McKelvin, Sr., CB, Troy — 3 PR TD and all over in the defensive backfield.
7. Darren McFadden, Jr., RB, Arkansas — 143 ypg and versatile, but has bad games in Ls.
8. Felix Jones, Jr., RB, Arkansas — 103 ypg and 9.1 ypc. Also averages 32.7 KR, with 2 TD.
9. Jordon Dizon, Sr., LB, Colorado — Tops in solo tackles with 93. Plus 11 TFL, FF, 2 PD.
10. Chris Long, Sr., DE, Virginia — Faces lots of blocks but still has 12 sacks, 7 PD.

Top 25 Rankings -- Nov. 12, 2007

Well, it's getting to that time of year where talk about college football needing a playoff cranks up, even though I'm betting the several of the eight teams still in it will take an L between know and the start of bowl season. I've always like college football for the way it is, when a few rivalry games are almost equivalent to championships (see the smile on my face for Wisconin's win over Michigan in this train wreck season.

I put a poll on the sidebar to see how you feel about it.

My ballot this week is definitely different from the AP, USA Today and BCS polls.

I put Oregon on top of LSU because I think LSU lets too many inferior teams hang around. I want to put Ohio State ahead of LSU (setting up what I think would be a match-up of the nation's best offense vs. best defense) but LSU has more quality wins than the Buckeyes.

Oh, that's right. They play in the "weak" Big Ten with 10 of 11 teams bowl eligible.

I am apparently the only one who puts any stock Ohio State. Both other polls have them at #7. I'm still looking for anyone to make a strong arguments about why they should be behind West Virginia.

I have the Big 12 teams at 4-5-6, but I'm not that worried about the order of those three that much because they will all go head-to-head-to-head the next few weeks. You want playoffs, it's about to start in the Big 12.

Not that any of these teams have a margin for error, but I feel like Kansas has the least with no quality wins. And even though they take on a 3-8 Iowa State team at home, this game has all the markings of a trap-door a la Rutgers fiasco vs. Cincy last year.

The Cyclones aren't scared. "They're beatable."

Arizona State and West Virginia are the two other teams with an outside shot at the title game, but both need help, in addition to running the table.

In honor of how ridiculous it was when writers were voting for App. State in the Top 25 earlier this year, I am considering doing so for the Northern Iowa Panthers. They are actually #35 in the Sagarin ratings, and if ISU (who UNI beat) were to top Kansas the Panthers would sail upward.

These were my thoughts about Randy Shannon too. How many people do you think stuck around to the end of the last Orange Bowl game with the Miami Hurricanes going down 48-0 to Virginia? Have a look. Pathetic. This year is shaping up to be worse than 1997.

Team (W-L, last week)
1. Oregon (8-1, 2). Can raise profile in Thursday game against Arizona, who hates them.
2. LSU (9-1, 3). Tops in the nation, but can they win me over. Not before SEC Title game.
3. Ohio State (10-1, 1). It's still Michigan week. And they own Carr.
4. Oklahoma (9-1, 6). No scoreboard watching here, Stoops says. Texas Tech looks to kill giant.
5. Missouri (9-1, 7). Next is reeling Kansas State. Pinkel won't run up score.
6. Kansas (10-0, 8). Dodd says Kansas is #1. I guess Hawaii is #2.
7. Arizona State (9-1, 4). Escaped a banged-up UCLA team.
8. West Virginia (8-1, 5). Louisville came way too close.
9. Georgia (8-2, 10). Have chance to lock up parity-plagued SEC East.
10. USC (8-2, 11). Could still wind up in the Rose Bowl, but hope for more.
11. Virginia Tech (8-2, 13). Miami gives them chance to pound Fla. team for 2nd straight week.
12. Florida (7-3, 17). Having a good season for what they lost.
13. Clemson (8-2, 15). Looking as good as anybody right now.
14. Boston College (8-2, 9). Finally, a Boston team is losing.
15. Auburn (7-4, 12). Look to take advantage of off week.
16. Michigan (8-3,16). Henne and Hart didn't play. Bad coaching or good excuse?
17. Illinois (8-3, 21). About three plays from playing for national championship.
18. Penn State (8-3, 18). Bowl picture murky, but shouldn't look past hot Spartans.
19. Cincinnati (8-2, NR). Hiccup against Pitt really costing them.
20. Virginia (8-2, NR). Embarrassed Miami, who should ask for 2nd last Orange Bowl game.
21. Tennessee (7-3, 22). Tough to beat at home.
22. Texas (9-2, 24). I'm looking for a way to drop them out, like winning via ref.
23. Hawaii (9-0, 25). Came out hot, but wound up with another mediocre, close win.
24. Wisconsin (8-3, NR). Where was that team all year. Will finish 5th in Big Ten w/o help.
25. California (6-4, 19). Should still finish 8-4.

My absence

I hope my blogs' few readers didn't abandon me for good after I took a week off. I had a horribly busy work week, and then I was off to Wisconsin to watch the Badgers whup Michigan (don't give me those backup excuses Wolverines fans, did you really want to finish 8-4?). Then I was up at 3:15 a.m. so I could fly back to watch the Redskins collapse against the Eagles at FedEx today.

I spent a lot of time on the plane working on things to cover write about this week, including how the college bowls are lining up. So I'm back and I'm here to stay.

Monday I will do a bigger Top 25 breakdown, but as you can see on the sidebar I already posted my vote. I'm also going to do a longer breakdown on the stretch of the Heisman race, although I feel like it is Dennis Dixon's to lose at this point.

Be back here posting in a few hours......

--Nate Sandstrom