Submit Blog Login Last Submitted Blogs RSS Archive Contact  
Run for the Roses
 
 
 
Run for the Roses
A blog dedicated to covering the Pac Ten and the Big Ten in the race for the Rose Bowl.
Language: English
RSS Feeds for this Blog
Statistics
Unique Visitors: 0
Total Unique Visitors: 0
Visitors Out: 927
Total Visitors Out: 927
 
 
Articles
Big Ten Questions: Confusion
2007-09-27 15:51:00
Last week, the Big Ten conference proved to be even more confusing than we had previously thought. Penn State, who was expected to be a serious conference title contender, looked awful in a loss to Michigan. The Wolverines, who started the season with consecutive home losses, have now won back to back games. Ohio State was expected to be a conservative offensive team, but they still managed to score 58 against Northwestern. While the Wisconsin Badgers were predicted by many to be the conference favorite, they have looked average so far this season. To sort the mess out, here are the conference power rankings and questions regarding each team.1. Ohio State: Can a Todd Boeckman-led Buckeye offense really be this good?2. Wisconsin: When are the Badgers goi...
 
Pac Ten Questions: Trojan Depth
2007-09-27 06:11:00
On a damp, cool evening in Los Angeles, the USC Trojans took the field against the Washington State and showed the nation why they are worthy of the nation's top team. The Trojans trounced the visiting Washington State Cougars by a score of 47-14. But the Trojans weren't the only Pac Ten team that looked good on Sunday. Here are the conference power rankings and questions for each team.1. USC: Could this be Pete Carroll's deepest team ever?2. Cal: We know the Bears can score, but can Tedford get them to play defense?3. Oregon: While the Ducks have gotten off to a fast start, will they maintain the momentum for the rest of the season?4. Arizona State: Did you expect that Dennis Erickson could turn this thing around so q...
 
Cowan or Olson?
2007-09-27 03:48:00
After Saturday's performance against Washington, Patrick Cowan appears to be the fan-favorite at quarterback for UCLA. He played so well against the Huskies that many believe that he, not Olson, should be the start in Westwood. But for now, there will be no quarterback controversy, as Cowan has been ruled out of the Oregon State game due to an injured right knee.Cowan's injury should allow Ben Olson to reclaim the starting quarterback position at UCLA. While most Bruin fans have sided with Cowan, Olson's potential and strong arm are too much to ignore. Cowan will never be more than an average Pac Ten quarterback while Olson could be a conference all-American....
 
Gameday Coming to Eugene
2007-09-26 06:38:00
Earlier today, it was announced that ESPN College Gameday will be visiting Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday for the Oregon-Cal game. While the location of the set is yet to be determined, Duck fans are expected to bring in large numbers.Of course, this is expected to be a huge game for both teams. The Cal Bears are currently ranked 6th in the nation, while the Ducks are 11th. I think it is safe to say that it will be an exciting game....
 
Favre catches Marino
2007-09-24 02:04:00
It is not often that we move away from the world of College Football, but on Sunday, Green Bay Packers quarterback proved once again that he is one of the all-time greats.At thirty-seven years of age, his critics claimed that he was too old to be an NFL starting quarterback. But on Sunday afternoon against the San Diego Chargers, Brett Favre proved his critics wrong as he showed fans and T.V. viewers why he is truly one of the all-time greats.After the Chargers defense had stopped the Packers on fourth-and-goal, Favre knew that his team would get one more shot at a victory as they trailed 24-17.The Chargers consumed three minutes of playing time before the Packers took over at their forty-three yard line with just over two minutes remaining.On the second play of the drive, Favre found Greg...
 
College Football Lessons: Week 4
2007-09-24 02:02:00
1. The Big Ten is Ohio State's to LoseAfter an entire month of football, I believe that it is safe to say that the Big Ten title is Ohio State's to lose. Now that the offense has finally caught up to the defense, the Buckeyes are ready to role. Against Northwestern on Saturday, they totaled over 450 yards of total offense in a 58-7 victory. What made Buckeye fans even happier is the fact that QB Todd Boeckman threw for three touchdowns. Against Youngstown State and Akron, the junior quarterback looked hesitant and nervous while attempting pass after pass. For the second game in a row, he finally looked like the confident and poised leader that he was expected to become. As long as he can just manage games and play effectively down the stretch, the Buckey...
 
Week 3 Lessons
2007-09-19 04:06:00
1. Notre Dame is really, really badProvided the fact that you have been hiding under a rock, you have most likely noticed that the Irish are absolutely horrible. Charlie Weis has been hailed on offensive genius but so far, the Irish rank dead last in the nation in rushing yards, total offense, scoring offense, and sacks allowed. They have certainly played a tough schedule with Georgia Tech, Penn State, and Michigan, but they haven't looked the least bit competitive. The offensive linemen have been incapable of blocking anybody in addition to committing numerous false start penalties. While nobody expected the Irish to be a top twenty-five team, I certainly didn't think that they would be this bad:Rushing yards per game: -4.67Passing yards per game: 119.67Total offense: 115Scoring offense: ...
 
Stoops has more to Worry About
2007-09-19 02:54:00
After a 1-2 start to the season, Mike Stoops' job as head coach at the University of Arizona is clearly in jepordy. In addition to worrying about his future, Stoops now has four of his players arrested for underage drinking.According to the Los Angeles Daily News, "Tyler Lyon, 20, a redshirt freshman and third-string quarterback who played at Hart High of Newhall; Saugus High product Kyle Monson, 18, a defensive back; and Cole Graybill, 20, a linebacker were arrested on suspicion of being under age with liquor in their systems."The four players were caught Friday morning in a pickup truck with two women in Tucson, Arizona....
 
YouTube Tuesday: How bad is Notre Dame?
2007-09-19 02:45:00
Here are the highlights of last Saturday's game between the Notre Dane Fighting Irish and the Michigan Wolverines. I am left wondering whether Michigan has improved or if Notre Dame really, really stinks....
 
AD Confident in Brewster
2007-09-18 15:49:00
Maybe Glen Mason wasn't so bad after all.During the summer when most preseason magazines were printed, the Gophers' nonconference schedule wasn't considered to be very demanding. However, now it doesn't look so bad with the Gophers holding just a 1-2 record after losses to Bowling Green and Florida Atlantic.While the season may not have gotten off to the start the Gophers had planned, Minnesota Athletic Director Joel Maturi has full confidence in first year Head Coach Tim Brewster. Maturi met with Brewster on the return flight from Miami after Saturday's 42-39 loss to Florida Atlantic."I don't want him to change," Maturi said Monday. "I think he's doing things the right way and saying the right things. Now it's my responsibility to support him and to keep encouraging him to keep doing what...
 
Trojan Running Game: Overpowering
2007-09-18 03:17:00
Prior to the start of the season, most people believed that the John David Booty led passing game would be the strength of the Trojans. While it may be the stronger aspect of the offense later in the season, the running game is by far the strength of the team right now.Last Saturday against Nebraska, the Trojans' offensive line was in sync throughout the contest and opened up giant holes for the tailbacks. With center Matt Spanos still injured, it appears as if freshmen Kristofer O'Dowd has taken the starting role as he continued to impress.Running through the holes was the impressive sophomore Stafon Johnson. Last season, Johnson was in Pete Carroll's doghouse but he has emerged as one of the Trojans best running backs. In the first two games he has showe...
 
Hart's Gurantee Goes a Long Way
2007-09-16 20:39:00
Congratulations to the Michigan Wolverines and shame on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Like I previously predicted, Michigan scored 38 points against the Irish while Weis and the boys managed to score just 0. That's right zero. So what the heck happened?You never thought that one gurantee could go so far but Mike Hart's statement rgarding a win over Notre Dame seemed to reenergize the team. It finally seemed as if the Wolverines were playing with heart and dtermination that was seriously lacking in the first two games. After every big game, the teams was jumping up on the sideline and players were extremely emmocional.But it wasn't just emotion that carried the Wolverines to a 38-0 victory. Michigan's offense ran for 289 yards while the Irish managed -6.While the win was only over Notre Da...
 
Cal, Oregon Don't Have Dorrellitis Yet
2007-09-16 20:16:00
Matchups against California State University at Fresno and the Louisiana Institute of Technology typically will not get any top twenty-five team riled up to play them. Therefore, it is the head coach's responsibility to adequately prepare his team for the upcoming matchups. UCLA's Karl Dorrell has failed to do this over his coaching career as the Bruins will often lose to teams that they should easily defeat.On Saturday, both Cal's Jeff Tedford and Oregon's Mike Belotti did what Dorrell couldn't do, beat a lower echelon Division 1-A football team in convincing fashion. While both Tedford and Belotti have experience Dorrellitis (the ability to lose games to inferior football teams) in the past, they made a strong statement with their convincing performances...
 
Offensive Woes and Shades of Smith
2007-09-16 19:58:00
While Michigan State defeated Pittsburgh, 17-13 and improved their record to 3-0, the Spartans were rather unimpressive against the Panthers.Michigan State's offensive troubles were on display as they managed to just score ten points. Last year, the Spartan offense decimated Pitt's defense for 38 points and over 500 yards of total offense. The running was most impressive as it rushed for over 300 yards. Despite the return of the same running backs and four starting offensive linemen, the running game only totaled 144 yards.But it wasn't just poor offense that left a sour taste in Spartan fans' mouths. As the game progressed, the Spartans reverted back to their sloppy play and penalties that were most evident during the John L. Smith era. I was very high on the disciple they showed in thei...
 
Dorrell and Bruins Roll Over
2007-09-16 19:37:00
After Saturday's loss Karl Dorrell proved once again that he is incapable of leading a collegiate football team. Sorry but after another terrible loss to a non-BCS team, Dorrell has proven that he simply is not fit to be a Head Coach.While the game was only 14-6 at halftime, the Bruins completely collapsed in the second half as they were shut out 30-0. Then UCLA went out and turned the ball over 4 times. Not to mention turning the ball over twice on downs.The Bruins showed a complete lack of discipline with numerous false start penalties. They were able to move the ball on offense, but just made key mistakes to give away opportunities.On the defensive side, they were a step slow, and quickly got gassed in the second half.Utah appeared dtermined to upset the Bruins, showing dtermination an...
 
Mom v. Brother: The Tribbett Bowl
2007-09-15 17:59:00
A game between Central Michigan and Purdue typically wouldn't register on the national radar but for my family, the Tribbetts, it certainly does. Several family members went to Central Michigan and others went attended Purdue so for them it certainly is a meaningful game. I am sure there are a few few bets riding on this one. However, don't count the Chips out of this one because they play in the MAC. Central Michigan one the conference title last season and should give the Boilermakers a run for their money....
 
What! No Corn!
2007-09-15 17:26:00
College Football is known for all of its traditions, even corny ones. Apparantly, the Iowa Hawkeyes annualy prepare for their instate rivals, the Iowa State Cyclones, by hosting a corn-on-the-cob eating contest.Despite the yearly tradition, Iowa Vice President for Student Services Philip Jones canceled the infamous eating contest scheduled for today, because it "encourages gluttony," he said.But Iowa fans are still in luck for the Alumni Association will provide free corn on the cob prior to the start of the game.While many people, including Fan Blogs, feel that the contest is a stupid way to prepare for the Cyclones, what is really the harm? While it may be a little silly or the worst college football tradition ever, these events truly make college football...
 
Week 3 Picks
2007-09-15 01:20:00
(14) Nebraska v. (1) USCSam Keller has been waiting to get another shot at the Trojans but he did not expect to aim for revenge in a Nebraska uniform. The Arizona State transfer and his fellow Cornhuskers will get a chance to show the country that they have returned as a national powerhouse. With the number one ranked USC Trojans coming to town, Bill Callaham aims for his signature win that's been missing. Keller nearly upset the Trojans two years ago as an Arizona State Sun Devil but this is a different Trojans team. Last week against Wake Forest, Keller showed how rusty he truly is, throwing for two interceptions and barely completing fifty percent of his passes. If Keller plays like he did two years ago than the Huskers will have a chance. Unofrunately for Husker fans, Keller has proven...
 
Diagnosing Michigan: It ain't all Carr's Fault
2007-09-14 06:18:00
By now you are probably aware of the fact that the tradition-rich Michigan Wolverines have been dominated by Division 1-AA Appalachian State and the Oregon Ducks. The Mountaineers scored 34 points against the Wolverines while Dennis Dixon and the Ducks registered 39 points in just three quarters. Michigan's poor played has stunned the college football world as people wonder how the Wolverines got to be so bad.Some critics place fault with the players for making many stupid mistakes while others have credited their opponents for simply outplaying the Wolverines. However, the majority of Michigan fans, students, and alumni, have selected Head Coach Lloyd Carr as the appropriate scapegoat with some even burning their daughter's Michigan gear.While I have ne...
 
Jones to Transfer
2007-09-13 04:31:00
Boy things can change quickly. Two weeks ago, Demetrius Jones was dubbed as the Irish's starting quarterback, but now, the Chicago native is transferring after completing just one pass as a Notre Dame quarterback.On Friday sources learned that Jones had decided to leave the program in search of a better opportunity for playing time.Jones's decision to transfer isn't much of a surprise. It has become clear that Charlie Weis has considered Jimmy Clausen the future of the program and Jones had just been keeping the seat warm.He is certainly is a solid Division 1-AA quarterback and expect him to transfer to either a MAC school or a lower level Big Ten school that can fully utilize his talents as a dual threat quarterback....
 
Remember 9/11
2007-09-12 07:27:00
Remember those who died in the attacks. Pray for their families and loved ones. Most of all, pray for those who committed such treacherous acts....
 
Big Ten Lessons: Week 2
2007-09-12 07:26:00
1. Right now, Ohio State isn't much better than MichiganWhile Buckeye fans has been quick to point out Michigan's many faults, their own team has plenty of things to worry about with a road trip to Seattle next weekend. So far, Ohio State has looked rather uninspiring in their first two games against Division 1-AA Youngstown State and in-state foe Akron. The turnover margin has been horrid as it stands -4 going into next week, and these mistakes must be stopped if the Buckeyes expect to compete for the Big Ten title. While the turnovers have been costly, the offense has also been a bit sluggish, with the halftime score of 3-2 against Akron being reminiscent of a baseball game. If they expect to remain undefeated than the offense must improve and the turnovers must decrease.2. Penn State is...
 
YouTube Tuesday: Duck v. Cougar
2007-09-12 03:42:00
We know a Duck can beat a Wolverine but can it beat a Cougar as well? ...
 
Despite loss, Weis pleased with Clausen
2007-09-11 02:32:00
After suffering through a 31-10 road loss at the hands of Penn State, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen will likely see better days as the signal caller of the Irish offense. The loss was Clausen's first in a long time as the freshman went 42-0 as a high school starter.According to Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis, Clausen's debut as a starter wasn't too bad after all."He completed 50 percent of his passes under duress for the first time," coach Charlie Weis summarized. "I'm not doing cartwheels, but I can't say I'm displeased, either. "I'm not saying he was error-free, but it was a fire drill out there at times." Clausen was sacked six times.He did manage to complete 17-of-32 passes for 144 yards, one interception and no touchdowns despite facing constant pressure from Penn State's a...
 
Henne Out, Hart Gurantees Victory
2007-09-11 02:24:00
Injured Michigan quarterback Chad Henne will not play this Saturday against Notre Dame. Henne did not play in the second half against Oregon after suffering a lower-leg injury during the second quarter. Freshman Ryan Mallett will get the start in his place.Despite the loss of Henne and an 0-2 start, Michigan running back Mike Hart has guaranteed a victory and promises that the Wolverines will not end up with its first 0-3 start since 1937."We're going to win next week," Hart said. "There's no question in my mind. I guarantee we win next week." We'll see if Hart's prediction comes true. I guess it helps that the Irish are also 0-2....
 
Trojans pressured by LSU
2007-09-10 03:18:00
After an impressive victory over Virginia Tech, the LSU Tigers are closing in on USC in the Associated Press Top 25.The Trojans were idle Saturday while the Tigers routed the Hokies 48-7 in Death Valley. USC received forty first-place votes, down from 59 last week, and 1,619 points.LSU received 25 first-place votes and 1,582 points.Despite a loss in votes, the Trojans have plenty to worry about with a road trip to Nebraska on Saturday awaiting....
 
Pac Ten Lessons: Week 2
2007-09-10 02:17:00
1. Oregon, not Cal, is the biggest threat to USCWhile Cal is certainly an excellent football team, the Oregon Ducks pose the biggest threat for USC living up to Jim Harbaugh's prophecy as the "greatest team ever." What has caused USC trouble in the past is their ability to contain a spread offense headed by a dual-threat quarterback. On Saturday, Dennis Dixon showcased his ability to run and pass as he threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns in addition to 76 rushing yards and a touchdown. His ability to get the ball to playmakers on offense was evident as all six receivers recorded at least one reception. The Ducks face both USC and Cal at home so expect the Ducks to be in serious contention for the Pac Ten title.2. Washington is back on track, watch out BuckeyesAfter two games, Washingt...
 
Evanston we have a Quarterback
2007-09-09 17:32:00
Since the graduation of legendary passer Brett Basanez nearly two years ago, the Northwestern Wildcats have been searching for their next great quarterback. Last season, the Andrew Brewer experiment failed as C.J. Bacher became the starter with five games left in the 2006 season. He finished the year as the start but was inconsistent during that time.A year later, Bacher looks to be the man in Evanston and on Saturday he showed why. While his stats weren't off the charts, 20-45, 227 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, his leadership, especially in the final minutes, was priceless.During the second quarter, Tyrell Sutton suffered an ankle injury and only appeared in one play after the injury. Despite losing their star running back, Bacher continued t...
 
Sooner Fans Still Bothered by USC
2007-09-08 20:14:00
In January of 2005, USC defeated Oklahoma 55-19 in the FedEx Orange Bowl, resulting in another national championship for the mighty Trojans. Three seasons later, Oklahoma fans are still bitter and angry with the Trojans but not just for the loss.Earlier this year, Oklahoma was forced to vacate all eight wins from its 2005 season, while the NCAA has still not punished the Trojans for the Reggie Bush fiasco. Sooner fans believe that the Trojans have received preferential treatment by the NCAA. They do not understand why Oklahoma was punished after self-reporting its violations, while number one ranked USC continues to play on without paying their dues....
 
Week 2 Picks
2007-09-08 02:33:00
(14) Penn State v. Notre DameNotre Dame's offense was atrocious against Georgia Tech last week, as they failed to score one touchdown and used all three quarterbacks. This time around the Irish will start true freshman Jimmy Clausen against one of the nation's toughest teams,Penn State. The Nittany Lions were very impressive last weekend, especially on defense, but then again they were playing Florida International. This should be Penn State's first real test, if you consider Notre Dame to be any good at all. While Notre Dame might be competitive for a quarter or half, Penn State is playing at home and is simply a much better football team. Penn State 31-6Colorado State v. (10) CaliforniaThe Bears showed the nation why they are truly a national title contender with their 45-31 victory over...
 
Beavers Experience Hell in Cincy
2007-09-07 15:54:00
After an opening win over the Utah Utes, the Oregon State Beavers entered a Thursday night game against Cincinnati as three point favorites. While they had hoped to continue their winning ways, the game did not go as Mike Riley's Beavers had planned as they were dominated by the Bearcats and lost 34-3.While one loss can not ruin the season, Thursday night showed that the Beavers have a long way to go before they can be as good as I originally thought.The quarterback situation appears to be the most pressing issue right now as it has been lingering since the end of spring practice. It seems obvious that Mike Riley wants to give Canfield the job, as he kept him in the game for quite a long time. However, neither Canfield nor Moevao have been convincing enough to seize total control of the th...
 
Clausen era to begin Saturday
2007-09-05 15:41:00
After a horrible 33-3 loss to unranked Georgia Tech, Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis decided it was time for change. So on Tuesday, the third year Irish coach announced that freshman Jimmy Clausen will be the team's starting quarterback against Penn State on Saturday.Weis said, in a statment, that he chose Clausen because he is best at managing the team and because of his strong arm."I think he's ready to run the offense, " Weis said. "If I didn't think he was ready I wouldn't do this. I think that he was always ready mentally. It's just his arm wasn't a full go until the end of last week."While sophomore Demetrius Jones got the start against Georgia Tech last week, Clausen has been deemed by many fans as the next Brady Quinn due to him being the number one overall recruit in the class of 20...
 
Power Rankings: Week 1
2007-09-05 03:28:00
1. USC: Despite what seemed to be a letdown against Idaho (38 points), the Trojans still managed to win the game in comfortable fashion without any major major injuries. It was still a solid performance and there is no reason to knock them down a slot after just one game.2. LSU: Winning 45-0 on the road against a conference rival is a good way to start the season for any team. While the offense was shaky at times, the defense showed why it may be the nation's best by forcing six interceptions and limiting Mississippi State to just ten rushing yards.3. West Virginia: The Mountaineers were pegged as a top five team in the preseason and their 62-24 victory was a solid oppening statement. Their one-two punch of Steve Slaton and Pat White proved to be as effective as last season. Slaton rushed ...
 
Wolverines fall out of Top 25; Carr safe for now
2007-09-05 03:27:00
There is an old adage that says, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." That old saying now holds true for Michigan coach Lloyd Carr. Despite a loss to Division 1-AA Appalachian State and a sudden departure from the Associated Press Top 25, Carr's job does not appear to be in immediate jerpoerdy.Despite failing to win a national championship in the past decade, it appears that Michigan athletic director Bill Martin has no intention of firing the head coach. While Michigan fans have been calling for Carr's head this past weekend, it has become apparant that he garners much respect within the university and athletic department....
 
YouTube Tuesday: Appalachian State is HOT HOT HOT
2007-09-05 03:27:00
When you lose to a school that has a promotiona; videos screaming about peacocks than you know something is terribly wrong....
 
Happy Labor Day!
2007-09-03 20:50:00
Enjoy the last few days of summer with a nice barbecue. ...
 
The Mother of all Upsets?
2007-09-02 23:25:00
Facing fifth ranked Michigan, an historic powerhouse with national title aspirations, on the road in Ann Arbor seemed like no small task for the tiny Division 1-AA Appalachian State Mountaineers. While they had previously won back to back 1-AA championships, beating a top ten division one football team would be no cakewalk.But against all odds, the Mountaineers were somehow able to pull out a 34-32 thrilling upset victory over the highly ranked Wolverines of Michigan. If you read my weekly picks, I thought that Appalachian State could be very competitive against Michigan but I didn't actually think they would win the game.While the Mountaineers certainly played well, Michigan players, coaches and fans you should still be ashamed. No division 1-AA football team had ever beaten a top 25 AP r...
 
Big Ten Lessons: Week 1
2007-09-02 23:23:00
1. Powerhouses Playing Division 1-AA teams is StupidOn Saturday, top ranked teams Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State all played Division 1-AA teams in Appalachian State, Youngstown State, and Florida International. While the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions did manage to pull out victories, no immediate benefits were made obvious. While a win is great, a win over a lower division team means nothing. Even if a team like Ohio State wins by fifty, it is no big deal for because they are the powerhouse football program. If it is a close contest than people question whether the big-time program is worthy of their top twenty-five status. If the team loses, than it is an embarasment. It doesn't matter if they almost won or the Division 1-AA team is good or not, a loss to a lower division team is deeme...
 
Pac Ten Lessons: Week 1
2007-09-02 22:36:00
1. Cal is Certainly a National Title ContenderOne year ago, the California Golden Bears were destroyed by Tennessee in Knoxville. One year later, the Bears returned the favor by winning 45-31 at home. The victory over Tennessee proved to the nation that the Bears can win a national title in 2007 due to a newfound toughness. Last year, Cal was pushed around by more physical teams such as Tennessee and USC, but last night, they were the more physical team.Whenever the Bears needed some short yards in the trenches, running back Justin Forsett delivered jus that. Nothing against Marshawn Lynch but Forsett appears to be a lot more physical runner than Lynch ever was. The defensive line did an excellant job getting pressure on Tennessee's Erik Ainge and stopping the running game, despite being a...
 
Comments, Questions, Complaints
2007-09-01 21:57:00
If you have any comments, questions or complaints that you would like Run for the Roses to hear or answer for you, just use the e-mail below and I will get back to you with a response as fast as humanly possible.Thank you for reading Run for the Roses and we appreciate your support.runfortherosesblog@yahoo.com...
 
 
 
 
eXTReMe Tracker