-Courtesy of Penn State University
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; September 9, 2007 – For the second consecutive week, a member of “Linebacker U” has been honored for his efforts in leading the Penn State defense to an outstanding performance.
Senior All-American Dan Connor (Wallingford) recorded a game-high 12 tackles (8 solo) to lead the Nittany Lions to a 31-10 throttling of Notre Dame and has been selected the Walter Camp Football Foundation's National Defensive Player of the Week. The former Strath Haven High School standout tallied 2.5 tackles for loss (minus-13), including a sack, and a pass break-up, as the Penn State defense put the clamps on the Irish offense to the delight of the frenetic White House crowd of 110,078, second-largest in Beaver Stadium history.
With his 12 stops, Connor moved into fourth all-time on the Penn State career tackles list with 291, passing All-American Dennis Onkotz (1967-69) with 287. Brian Gelzheiser is third at 315. The 12 tackles were the 13th career double-digit tackle game for Connor, who was a 2006 first team All-American by The Sporting News and a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, presented to the nation’s top defensive player.
In addition to the Camp honor, Connor was one of six players nationally who earned a “helmet sticker” from ESPN’s college football studio team for his efforts this week. Last week, junior linebacker Sean Lee (Pittsburgh) was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the 59-0 win over Florida International.
The Penn State defense held Notre Dame zero rushing yards on 26 carries, recording six sacks for minus-50 yards. The Lions limited ND to 144 yards of total offense, nine first downs and 2 of 16 on third down conversions. After their first drive of the game, the Irish had 97 yards of offense the remainder of the contest. The Irish's zero rushing yards marked the 13th time the Lions have allowed zero or fewer yards under Joe Paterno. For the second straight game seven different Nittany Lions recorded a sack.
In its first two games, the Penn State defense has given up a total of three points and 258 total yards (144 Notre Dame / 114 FIU). The Lions have allowed minus-3 rushing yards on 57 carries, recording 13 sacks for minus-100 yards and have held their first two opponents to 3 of 31 on third down conversions, including 2 of 16 by Notre Dame, and just 16 first downs (nine by ND).
The Nittany Lion defense is again shaping up as one of the nation’s best, being highly ranked in at least six national categories. Penn State is No.1 in the nation in rushing defense (minus-1.5 ypg), with Iowa second at 22.5 ypg, and tied for No. 1 in sacks at 6.5 per game, along with Indiana. The Lions are No. 2 in total defense at 129.9 ypg, trailing only Ohio State, and No. 2 in third down conversion defense at 9.7 percent (3 of 31). Wyoming leads, having not allowed a first down on 13 third down plays.
Penn State is No. 6 in scoring defense at 5.0 ppg. Eliminating the seven points that Notre Dame scored on an interception return would bring the Lions into a tie with Iowa for No. 1 at 1.5 ppg. The Lions also are No. 19 in pass efficiency defense with an 84.35 rating.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Penn State No. 12; Rutgers 13th in lastest AP poll
Courtesy of The Associated Press
The Top 25 teams in The Associated Press college football poll,
with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Sept. 8,
total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one
point for a 25th-place vote, and previous ranking:
Record Pts Pvs
1. Southern Cal (40) 1-0 1,594 1
2. LSU (25) 2-0 1,582 2
3. Oklahoma 2-0 1,418 5
4. West Virginia 2-0 1,408 3
5. Florida 2-0 1,370 4
6. Texas 2-0 1,290 7
7. Wisconsin 2-0 1,171 5
8. California 2-0 1,126 10
9. Louisville 2-0 1,097 8
10. Ohio St. 2-0 962 12
11. UCLA 2-0 910 13
12. Penn St. 2-0 896 14
13. Rutgers 2-0 820 15
14. Nebraska 2-0 693 16
15. Georgia Tech 2-0 590 21
16. Arkansas 1-0 537 18
17. South Carolina 2-0 477 —
18. Virginia Tech 1-1 382 9
19. Oregon 2-0 367 —
20. Clemson 2-0 349 25
21. Boston College 2-0 323 —
22. Tennessee 1-1 284 24
23. Georgia 1-1 261 11
24. Hawaii 2-0 247 20
25. Texas A&M 2-0 243 23
Others receiving votes: South Florida 220, Missouri 144, Alabama
116, Washington 95, TCU 66, Arizona St. 28, Auburn 23, Appalachian
St. 19, Cincinnati 12, Florida St. 2, Iowa 1, Kansas 1, Purdue 1.
AP-ES-09-09-07 1400EDT
The Top 25 teams in The Associated Press college football poll,
with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Sept. 8,
total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one
point for a 25th-place vote, and previous ranking:
Record Pts Pvs
1. Southern Cal (40) 1-0 1,594 1
2. LSU (25) 2-0 1,582 2
3. Oklahoma 2-0 1,418 5
4. West Virginia 2-0 1,408 3
5. Florida 2-0 1,370 4
6. Texas 2-0 1,290 7
7. Wisconsin 2-0 1,171 5
8. California 2-0 1,126 10
9. Louisville 2-0 1,097 8
10. Ohio St. 2-0 962 12
11. UCLA 2-0 910 13
12. Penn St. 2-0 896 14
13. Rutgers 2-0 820 15
14. Nebraska 2-0 693 16
15. Georgia Tech 2-0 590 21
16. Arkansas 1-0 537 18
17. South Carolina 2-0 477 —
18. Virginia Tech 1-1 382 9
19. Oregon 2-0 367 —
20. Clemson 2-0 349 25
21. Boston College 2-0 323 —
22. Tennessee 1-1 284 24
23. Georgia 1-1 261 11
24. Hawaii 2-0 247 20
25. Texas A&M 2-0 243 23
Others receiving votes: South Florida 220, Missouri 144, Alabama
116, Washington 95, TCU 66, Arizona St. 28, Auburn 23, Appalachian
St. 19, Cincinnati 12, Florida St. 2, Iowa 1, Kansas 1, Purdue 1.
AP-ES-09-09-07 1400EDT
Eagles lose opener to Pack on last second field goal
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
Mason Crosby hit a 42-yard field goal with two seconds remaining, and the Green Bay Packers capitalized on a pair of Philadelphia special teams blunders to claim a 16-13 win in the season opener for both teams at Lambeau Field.
The Phanatic Magazine
Mason Crosby hit a 42-yard field goal with two seconds remaining, and the Green Bay Packers capitalized on a pair of Philadelphia special teams blunders to claim a 16-13 win in the season opener for both teams at Lambeau Field.
With time winding down in the game, the Eagles' defense stiffened and forced the Packers to punt. J.R. Reed raced upfield to try and haul in a short kick, but the ball glanced off his body and to the turf.
Jarrett Bush recovered, giving Green Bay possession at the Eagles' 31 with just over a minute to play. Following a couple of runs by rookie Brandon Jackson to wind the clock down, Crosby split the uprights to give Green Bay the win.
Jackson ended with 40 yards on 15 attempts and Brett Favre went 23-of-42 for 206 yards with an interception. Donald Driver hauled in six balls for 66 yards for the Packers (1-0). Favre picked up victory No. 148 for his career, which ties John Elway's quarterback win record.
"I think ultimately you're judged by wins and losses," said Favre, "but I think that is an unfair stat to the rest of my team. How can the quarterback, who is one of 53, be labeled with wins and losses and not the center or the safety or whatever? But's that's the way it is and I'm glad there's a lot more wins than there is losses."
Donovan McNabb, seeing his first real game action since suffering a torn ACL last November, went 15-of-33 for 184 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Brian Westbrook had 85 rushing yards and added 46 more yards receiving for the Eagles (0-1), who are now just 3-6 in openers under head coach Andy Reid.
Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard left in the second quarter with a knee injury, and did not return. He is expected to have an MRI on Monday. Sheppard's replacement, Joselio Hanson, also left with an injury.
The Eagles came sloppily out of the chute, resulting in a 10-point deficit.
The Packers went three-and-out on their opening possession, but Greg Lewis was hit just as he tried to haul in the punt, jarring the ball loose. A wild scramble ensued and the ball caromed all the way into the end zone. When the scrum cleared, Green Bay had possession for the touchdown.
McNabb was intercepted by Nick Barnett in the next sequence, resulting in a 53-yard Crosby field goal for a 10-0 Packers lead.
"Green Bay is a good football team and we respect the things that they did, but I think today we hurt ourselves more than they hurt us," said Westbrook.
Philadelphia found its rhythm offensively shortly thereafter, and a 37-yard completion from McNabb to Kevin Curtis at the end of the first quarter moved the Eagles deep into Packer territory. David Akers booted a 33-yard field goal moments later to put his team on the board.
On their next possession, the Eagles marched 67 yards on nine plays, and tied the game at 10-10 when McNabb and Jason Avant hooked up for a nine-yard TD completion over the middle.
The teams exchanged field goals in the third to set up the dramatic finish. Akers hit his from 47 yards out to give the Eagles a brief 13-10 lead, and Crosby tied it with a 37-yarder in the final minute of the stanza. Twice on that Green Bay drive, Favre escaped pressure to resurrect the play before pulling off improbable completions.
Eagles - Packers inactives
Eagles - 3rb QB A.J. Feeley, CB Nick Graham, LB Pago Togafu, G Max Jean-Gilles, OT Pat McCoy, G Scott Young, DT LaJuan Ramsey, DE Victor Abiamiri
Packers - RB Vernand Morency, S Aaron Rouse, OT Tony Moll, G Allen Barbre, WR Greg Jennings, DT Justin Harrell, DT Daniel Muir, DT Michael Montgomery
Packers - RB Vernand Morency, S Aaron Rouse, OT Tony Moll, G Allen Barbre, WR Greg Jennings, DT Justin Harrell, DT Daniel Muir, DT Michael Montgomery
Penn State - Notre Dame notes
-Courtesy of Penn State University
• Penn State has won five consecutive games and 24 of its last 29 games dating to the final two games of the 2004 season.
• The attendance of 110,078 was the second largest in Beaver Stadium history. The record is 110,753 that attended the 2002 clash with Nebraska. Tonight is the third crowd over 110,000 in Penn State history with the other coming with 110,007 vs. Michigan last year.
• Penn State's victory tied the series with Notre Dame at 9-9-1 in the 19th meeting between the two schools and first in Beaver Stadium since a 35-13 Penn State victory on Nov. 16, 1991. Penn State is 6-2-1 vs. Notre Dame in Beaver Stadium.
• Penn State has won 49 of 60 non-conference games since starting Big Ten play in 1993.
• Joe Paterno improved his career record vs. Notre Dame to 9-6 and his overall career record to 365-121-3, all at Penn State.
• Penn State improved to 31-19 in night games and 6-5 at home at night. Its last home win at night came in a 17-10 victory over No. 6 Ohio State in 2005.
• More than 50 members of Penn State's 1982 National Championship team, including quarterback Todd Blackledge, who was broadcasting the game for ESPN, were introduced at halftime.
• The Penn State defense held Notre Dame 0 rushing yards on 26 carries, recording six sacks for minus-50 yards. In their first two games, the Nittany Lions have allowed minus-3 rushing yards on 57 carries, recording 13 sacks for minus-100 yards. The Irish's 0 rushing yards marked the 13th time the Lions have allowed 0 or fewer yards under Joe Paterno. For the second straight game seven different Nittany Lions recorded a sack.
• The Penn State defense has given up a total of three points this season and 258 total yards (144 Notre Dame / 114 FIU).
• The Nittany Lions have held their first two opponents to 3 of 31 on third down conversions, including 2 of 16 by Notre Dame.
• The Nittany Lions have held their first two opponents to 16 first downs (9 ND / 7 FIU),
• Penn State was 4 of 4 in the Red Zone vs. Notre Dame is 13 of 13 for the season (11 TD, 2 FG).
• All-America LB Dan Connor recorded his second sack on the season and now has 9.5 on his career. Connor recorded a game-high 12 tackles (8 solo) with 2.5 for loss (minus-13), including a sack. Connor moved into fourth all-time on the Penn State career tackles list with 291, passing All-American Dennis Onkotz (1967-69) with 287. The 12 tackles marked his 13th career double-digit tackle game.
• WR Derrick Williams' 78-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter was the longest of his career, second for a touchdown (75 yard TD return vs. Temple in 2006) and third punt return over 75 yards on his career. It was the longest punt return for Penn State since Bryant Johnson returned one 81 yards for a touchdown vs. Michigan State in 2002.
• Derrick Williams’ punt return TD is one of four nominees for this week’s Pontiac Game Changing Performance.
• TB Austin Scott posted his fourth career 100-yard rushing game with 28 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns. His 28 carries are a career-high and his 116 yards tie his career-high (Akron, 2004). He had 26 carries in the 2006 FedEx Orange Bowl.
• Austin Scott has four rushing TDs on the season and 14 on his career.
• WR Jordan Norwood's second quarter TD catch was his first of the season and third of his career. The 10-yard play also put him over 1,000 yards receiving for his career making him the 19th Nittany Lion to accomplish the feat two games into his junior season. He finished the game with 1,006 career yards receiving on 84 career receptions.
• CB A.J. Wallace's 68-yard kickoff return to start the second half was the longest of his career and third over 40 yards on his career. Wallace had Penn State's longest kickoff return last season with a 54-yarder vs. Akron. His 68-yard return was the longest since a 77-yard return by Rodney Kinlaw at Illinois in 2005.
• Kevin Kelly's 37-yard field goal in the third quarter was the 40th of his career, moving him into a tie for fourth all-time at Penn State in career field goals with Massimo Manca (1982, 84-86) who was introduced just minutes before at halftime with the 1982 National Championship team.
• WR Chris Bell's 51-yard reception from Anthony Morelli in the third quarter was the longest of his career and Penn State's longest play from scrimmage this year.
• DE Josh Gaines' first quarter sack was his first of the season and third of his career.
• DE Aaron Maybin's second quarter sack was his second of the season and for his career.
• LB Jerome Hayes' second quarter sack was his second of the season and career.
• Penn State has won five consecutive games and 24 of its last 29 games dating to the final two games of the 2004 season.
• The attendance of 110,078 was the second largest in Beaver Stadium history. The record is 110,753 that attended the 2002 clash with Nebraska. Tonight is the third crowd over 110,000 in Penn State history with the other coming with 110,007 vs. Michigan last year.
• Penn State's victory tied the series with Notre Dame at 9-9-1 in the 19th meeting between the two schools and first in Beaver Stadium since a 35-13 Penn State victory on Nov. 16, 1991. Penn State is 6-2-1 vs. Notre Dame in Beaver Stadium.
• Penn State has won 49 of 60 non-conference games since starting Big Ten play in 1993.
• Joe Paterno improved his career record vs. Notre Dame to 9-6 and his overall career record to 365-121-3, all at Penn State.
• Penn State improved to 31-19 in night games and 6-5 at home at night. Its last home win at night came in a 17-10 victory over No. 6 Ohio State in 2005.
• More than 50 members of Penn State's 1982 National Championship team, including quarterback Todd Blackledge, who was broadcasting the game for ESPN, were introduced at halftime.
• The Penn State defense held Notre Dame 0 rushing yards on 26 carries, recording six sacks for minus-50 yards. In their first two games, the Nittany Lions have allowed minus-3 rushing yards on 57 carries, recording 13 sacks for minus-100 yards. The Irish's 0 rushing yards marked the 13th time the Lions have allowed 0 or fewer yards under Joe Paterno. For the second straight game seven different Nittany Lions recorded a sack.
• The Penn State defense has given up a total of three points this season and 258 total yards (144 Notre Dame / 114 FIU).
• The Nittany Lions have held their first two opponents to 3 of 31 on third down conversions, including 2 of 16 by Notre Dame.
• The Nittany Lions have held their first two opponents to 16 first downs (9 ND / 7 FIU),
• Penn State was 4 of 4 in the Red Zone vs. Notre Dame is 13 of 13 for the season (11 TD, 2 FG).
• All-America LB Dan Connor recorded his second sack on the season and now has 9.5 on his career. Connor recorded a game-high 12 tackles (8 solo) with 2.5 for loss (minus-13), including a sack. Connor moved into fourth all-time on the Penn State career tackles list with 291, passing All-American Dennis Onkotz (1967-69) with 287. The 12 tackles marked his 13th career double-digit tackle game.
• WR Derrick Williams' 78-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter was the longest of his career, second for a touchdown (75 yard TD return vs. Temple in 2006) and third punt return over 75 yards on his career. It was the longest punt return for Penn State since Bryant Johnson returned one 81 yards for a touchdown vs. Michigan State in 2002.
• Derrick Williams’ punt return TD is one of four nominees for this week’s Pontiac Game Changing Performance.
• TB Austin Scott posted his fourth career 100-yard rushing game with 28 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns. His 28 carries are a career-high and his 116 yards tie his career-high (Akron, 2004). He had 26 carries in the 2006 FedEx Orange Bowl.
• Austin Scott has four rushing TDs on the season and 14 on his career.
• WR Jordan Norwood's second quarter TD catch was his first of the season and third of his career. The 10-yard play also put him over 1,000 yards receiving for his career making him the 19th Nittany Lion to accomplish the feat two games into his junior season. He finished the game with 1,006 career yards receiving on 84 career receptions.
• CB A.J. Wallace's 68-yard kickoff return to start the second half was the longest of his career and third over 40 yards on his career. Wallace had Penn State's longest kickoff return last season with a 54-yarder vs. Akron. His 68-yard return was the longest since a 77-yard return by Rodney Kinlaw at Illinois in 2005.
• Kevin Kelly's 37-yard field goal in the third quarter was the 40th of his career, moving him into a tie for fourth all-time at Penn State in career field goals with Massimo Manca (1982, 84-86) who was introduced just minutes before at halftime with the 1982 National Championship team.
• WR Chris Bell's 51-yard reception from Anthony Morelli in the third quarter was the longest of his career and Penn State's longest play from scrimmage this year.
• DE Josh Gaines' first quarter sack was his first of the season and third of his career.
• DE Aaron Maybin's second quarter sack was his second of the season and for his career.
• LB Jerome Hayes' second quarter sack was his second of the season and career.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Temple unable to withstand Buffalo's early stampede
by Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine
On a bright, sunny, but ungodly hot day at Lincoln Financial Field, Temple's inaugural contest as a full-fledged member of the Mid-American Conference was awash in firsts.
As in, Buffalo recorded a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage in the game. They scored three touchdowns in the first quarter. The Bulls were up by 21-0 early in the second by the time Temple recorded its first first down. The Owls were trying for their first win of the season and first against any opponent since last October 28.
You get the idea. Anyway, on the first college football Saturday of 2007 in Philadelphia, the Temple Owls were overcome by Buffalo, 42-7. More >>
The Phanatic Magazine
On a bright, sunny, but ungodly hot day at Lincoln Financial Field, Temple's inaugural contest as a full-fledged member of the Mid-American Conference was awash in firsts.
As in, Buffalo recorded a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage in the game. They scored three touchdowns in the first quarter. The Bulls were up by 21-0 early in the second by the time Temple recorded its first first down. The Owls were trying for their first win of the season and first against any opponent since last October 28.
You get the idea. Anyway, on the first college football Saturday of 2007 in Philadelphia, the Temple Owls were overcome by Buffalo, 42-7. More >>
Villanova tops Lehigh
-Courtesy of Lehigh University
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Despite its best efforts at a second-half comeback, a 17-point second quarter deficit was too much for Lehigh to overcome, as the Mountain Hawks fell to Villanova 30-20 in front of 9,619 fans on Volunteer Day at Goodman Stadium. Senior quarterback Sedale Threatt threw a career-high 53 passes, and junior Sekou Yansane caught eight passes for 99 yards, but three turnovers doomed the Mountain Hawks, who drop their season opener for the second straight year.
Villanova received the opening kick-off but the Mountain Hawks defense forced the Wildcats to punt. The ensuing kick went off of a Lehigh player however, giving the ball right back to the visitors. Villanova took advantage of the miscues, scoring six plays later on a one-yard run by Matt Dicken to make the score 7-0. Lehigh came right back though, and got on the board when Jason Leo kicked a 29-yard field goal to make the score 7-3 at the 7:06 mark of the opening quarter.
The Wildcats answered Leo's field goal with a 12 play, 73 yard drive, that resulted in a 15 yard touchdown pass from Antwon Young to Michael Bradway, making the score 14-3 after one quarter.
A second Lehigh miscue allowed Villanova to increase its lead early in the second quarter. After Josh Pastore fumbled the ball away to Villanova, the Wildcats went for the long ball and on the very next play Young connected with Brandyn Harvey on a 60 yard scoring strike. The extra point failed, and Lehigh trailed 20-3. The Mountain Hawks did muster a six play drive late in the half, and Leo's second field goal of the half, a 34-yarder at the end of the half, made it 20-6 Villanova at the break.
Lehigh clawed back within a touchdown in the third quarter as Threatt connected with Yanasne on a 38-yard scoring strike to make it 20-13. The touchdown capped off a six play, 76 yard drive for the Brown and White.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Joe Marcoux kicked a 35 yard field goal to extend the Villanova lead back to 10, but the Mountain Hawks again marched down the field, this time covering 53 yard in 10 plays before freshman Kwesi Kankam plunged in from a yard out to make the score 23-20 Villanova with 10:47 to play.
It took just three plays for Villanova to answer Lehigh's score with another big play, as Young connected with wide receiver Phil Atkinson on a 47-yard catch and run, making the score 30-20.
Threatt finished 29-of-53 passing for 302 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He was also the leading ground-gainer with 58 yards on 12 rushes. In addition to Yansane's eight grabs, junior Mike Fitzgerald caught six balls for 47 yards, and classmate Nick Johnson added 4 receptions for 67 yards. Defensively, the Mountain Hawks recorded four sacks on the day, including 2.5 from junior Brian Jackson.
Young was 15-of-22 for 257 yards and three scores through the air for the Wildcats, who improve to 1-1 on the season. Dicken rushed 26 times for 95 yards and a touchdown for Villanova.
EXTRA POINTS - The last time Lehigh lost its opener in consecutive years was 1995 and 1996. the visiting team has won all three meetings in the Lehigh-Villanova series since it was revived in 2004.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Despite its best efforts at a second-half comeback, a 17-point second quarter deficit was too much for Lehigh to overcome, as the Mountain Hawks fell to Villanova 30-20 in front of 9,619 fans on Volunteer Day at Goodman Stadium. Senior quarterback Sedale Threatt threw a career-high 53 passes, and junior Sekou Yansane caught eight passes for 99 yards, but three turnovers doomed the Mountain Hawks, who drop their season opener for the second straight year.
Villanova received the opening kick-off but the Mountain Hawks defense forced the Wildcats to punt. The ensuing kick went off of a Lehigh player however, giving the ball right back to the visitors. Villanova took advantage of the miscues, scoring six plays later on a one-yard run by Matt Dicken to make the score 7-0. Lehigh came right back though, and got on the board when Jason Leo kicked a 29-yard field goal to make the score 7-3 at the 7:06 mark of the opening quarter.
The Wildcats answered Leo's field goal with a 12 play, 73 yard drive, that resulted in a 15 yard touchdown pass from Antwon Young to Michael Bradway, making the score 14-3 after one quarter.
A second Lehigh miscue allowed Villanova to increase its lead early in the second quarter. After Josh Pastore fumbled the ball away to Villanova, the Wildcats went for the long ball and on the very next play Young connected with Brandyn Harvey on a 60 yard scoring strike. The extra point failed, and Lehigh trailed 20-3. The Mountain Hawks did muster a six play drive late in the half, and Leo's second field goal of the half, a 34-yarder at the end of the half, made it 20-6 Villanova at the break.
Lehigh clawed back within a touchdown in the third quarter as Threatt connected with Yanasne on a 38-yard scoring strike to make it 20-13. The touchdown capped off a six play, 76 yard drive for the Brown and White.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Joe Marcoux kicked a 35 yard field goal to extend the Villanova lead back to 10, but the Mountain Hawks again marched down the field, this time covering 53 yard in 10 plays before freshman Kwesi Kankam plunged in from a yard out to make the score 23-20 Villanova with 10:47 to play.
It took just three plays for Villanova to answer Lehigh's score with another big play, as Young connected with wide receiver Phil Atkinson on a 47-yard catch and run, making the score 30-20.
Threatt finished 29-of-53 passing for 302 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He was also the leading ground-gainer with 58 yards on 12 rushes. In addition to Yansane's eight grabs, junior Mike Fitzgerald caught six balls for 47 yards, and classmate Nick Johnson added 4 receptions for 67 yards. Defensively, the Mountain Hawks recorded four sacks on the day, including 2.5 from junior Brian Jackson.
Young was 15-of-22 for 257 yards and three scores through the air for the Wildcats, who improve to 1-1 on the season. Dicken rushed 26 times for 95 yards and a touchdown for Villanova.
EXTRA POINTS - The last time Lehigh lost its opener in consecutive years was 1995 and 1996. the visiting team has won all three meetings in the Lehigh-Villanova series since it was revived in 2004.
Smith downgraded
Eagles tight end L.J. Smith (groin) was downgraded to questionable for Sunday’s game at Green Bay following Saturday's walk thru.
Judah wins easy decision
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
Former undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah won a rather uneventful unanimous decision over Edwin Vazquez Friday.
Judah (35-5, 25 KOs) dominated all three scorecards, 97-93, 98-93, 100-90, en route to winning for the first time since May of 2005 when he upended Cosme Rivera.
The bout marked the Brooklyn native's first action since a violent 11th-round TKO loss to Miguel Cotto for the WBA welterweight crown on June 9 at New York's famed Madison Square Garden.
Judah was never in trouble against the lightly-regarded Vazquez (22-11-3, 3 KOs), who was coming off a unanimous decision loss to Matthew Hatton in June.
Judah failed to impress, however, in what came off as a glorified sparring session for the former champ. He established his superiority early and won the first four rounds of the fight on most scorecards before losing some of his aggressiveness and letting Vazquez score a little in round 5.
Judah reestablished control from there as the Puerto Rican veteran, Vazquez, seemed content to go the distance without pushing or challenging Judah.
Knowing he needed a miracle, Vazquez came out in the eighth round throwing wildly but failed to connect again and again as Judah taunted him and played defense, scoring with a few nice counters.
Judah, who is already penciled in for another tune-up bout in mid-November, cruised to the finish line from there as he shoots for one last big payday with the division's most popular fighter, Oscar De La Hoya.
The Phanatic Magazine
Former undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah won a rather uneventful unanimous decision over Edwin Vazquez Friday.
Judah (35-5, 25 KOs) dominated all three scorecards, 97-93, 98-93, 100-90, en route to winning for the first time since May of 2005 when he upended Cosme Rivera.
The bout marked the Brooklyn native's first action since a violent 11th-round TKO loss to Miguel Cotto for the WBA welterweight crown on June 9 at New York's famed Madison Square Garden.
Judah was never in trouble against the lightly-regarded Vazquez (22-11-3, 3 KOs), who was coming off a unanimous decision loss to Matthew Hatton in June.
Judah failed to impress, however, in what came off as a glorified sparring session for the former champ. He established his superiority early and won the first four rounds of the fight on most scorecards before losing some of his aggressiveness and letting Vazquez score a little in round 5.
Judah reestablished control from there as the Puerto Rican veteran, Vazquez, seemed content to go the distance without pushing or challenging Judah.
Knowing he needed a miracle, Vazquez came out in the eighth round throwing wildly but failed to connect again and again as Judah taunted him and played defense, scoring with a few nice counters.
Judah, who is already penciled in for another tune-up bout in mid-November, cruised to the finish line from there as he shoots for one last big payday with the division's most popular fighter, Oscar De La Hoya.
Friday, September 07, 2007
See Ray run past Navy
By Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
Ray Rice scored three touchdowns and ran for 175 yards to lead the 15th-ranked Scarlet Knights over the Navy Midshipmen, 41-24, at Rutgers Stadium.
Rice, who scored one of his touchdowns receiving, became Rutgers' all-time leading rusher, surpassing Terrell Willis' previous record of 3,098 with a 19- yard run on the first possession of the game. He ended the contest with 3,273 career yards.
Mike Teel continued his strong start to the season, throwing for 266 yards and three touchdowns on 14-of-19 passing for Rutgers (2-0), which used a balanced attack to stay undefeated this season and improve their home win streak to nine games.
Kenny Britt added 99 yards and a touchdown receiving and Tiquan Underwood caught six passes for 104 yards for the Scarlet Knights, who have scored 79 points combined in their first two games.
Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada finished 5-of-12 passing for 35 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions for the Midshipmen (1-1), who failed to follow-up their season-opening 30-19 win over Temple with another victory. Kaheaku-Enhada did run for 35 yards and a score for Navy, which has dropped three straight to Rutgers.
Teel hooked up with Shamar Graves on a 12-yard TD pass 6 1/2 minutes into the game. The three-play drive was highlighted by a 30-yard pass play from Teel to Britt that brought the ball to the Navy 10.
Rutgers then cashed in on the first interception of Kaheaku-Enhada. Defensive end George Johnson came up with the pick at the Navy 20. From there, Rice carried the ball three times, capping it with a four-yard burst for a 14-0 lead with 4:58 left in the opening quarter.
The Midshipmen finally got on the board by ending their ensuing possession with a three-yard pass play from Kaheaku-Enhada to Reggie Campbell. The 11- play drive covered 57 yards and took nearly five minutes off the clock.
Jeremy Ito cap Rutgers' next possession with a 28-yard field goal to make it a 17-7 contest and then another interception of Kaheaku-Enhada led to seven more points by the Scarlet Knights.
This time, Ron Girault picked off Kaheaku-Enhada in the end zone, taking a potential seven points away from the Midshipmen. Eight plays later, Rice took a screen pass from Teel and went 22 yards for the score with just 34 seconds left in the half for a 24-7 cushion.
Kaheaku-Enhada ran in from two yards out to cap the first drive of the second half to draw the Midshipmen within 10 points.
Navy was on its way to getting seven more points on its next drive, but Kaheaku-Enhada was picked off for a third time, a second time in the end zone, and the Scarlet Knights again capitalized as Ito connected on a 20-yard field goal to end a 77-yard drive.
Navy's Matthew Harmon hit a 34-yard field goal with 3:59 elapsed in the fourth quarter to again make it a 10-point game.
However, Rutgers put the game away when Britt hauled in a 53-yard TD pass and Rice ran in from two yards out.
Jarod Bryant capped the game's scoring with a four-yard run for Navy.
The Phanatic Magazine
Ray Rice scored three touchdowns and ran for 175 yards to lead the 15th-ranked Scarlet Knights over the Navy Midshipmen, 41-24, at Rutgers Stadium.
Rice, who scored one of his touchdowns receiving, became Rutgers' all-time leading rusher, surpassing Terrell Willis' previous record of 3,098 with a 19- yard run on the first possession of the game. He ended the contest with 3,273 career yards.
Mike Teel continued his strong start to the season, throwing for 266 yards and three touchdowns on 14-of-19 passing for Rutgers (2-0), which used a balanced attack to stay undefeated this season and improve their home win streak to nine games.
Kenny Britt added 99 yards and a touchdown receiving and Tiquan Underwood caught six passes for 104 yards for the Scarlet Knights, who have scored 79 points combined in their first two games.
Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada finished 5-of-12 passing for 35 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions for the Midshipmen (1-1), who failed to follow-up their season-opening 30-19 win over Temple with another victory. Kaheaku-Enhada did run for 35 yards and a score for Navy, which has dropped three straight to Rutgers.
Teel hooked up with Shamar Graves on a 12-yard TD pass 6 1/2 minutes into the game. The three-play drive was highlighted by a 30-yard pass play from Teel to Britt that brought the ball to the Navy 10.
Rutgers then cashed in on the first interception of Kaheaku-Enhada. Defensive end George Johnson came up with the pick at the Navy 20. From there, Rice carried the ball three times, capping it with a four-yard burst for a 14-0 lead with 4:58 left in the opening quarter.
The Midshipmen finally got on the board by ending their ensuing possession with a three-yard pass play from Kaheaku-Enhada to Reggie Campbell. The 11- play drive covered 57 yards and took nearly five minutes off the clock.
Jeremy Ito cap Rutgers' next possession with a 28-yard field goal to make it a 17-7 contest and then another interception of Kaheaku-Enhada led to seven more points by the Scarlet Knights.
This time, Ron Girault picked off Kaheaku-Enhada in the end zone, taking a potential seven points away from the Midshipmen. Eight plays later, Rice took a screen pass from Teel and went 22 yards for the score with just 34 seconds left in the half for a 24-7 cushion.
Kaheaku-Enhada ran in from two yards out to cap the first drive of the second half to draw the Midshipmen within 10 points.
Navy was on its way to getting seven more points on its next drive, but Kaheaku-Enhada was picked off for a third time, a second time in the end zone, and the Scarlet Knights again capitalized as Ito connected on a 20-yard field goal to end a 77-yard drive.
Navy's Matthew Harmon hit a 34-yard field goal with 3:59 elapsed in the fourth quarter to again make it a 10-point game.
However, Rutgers put the game away when Britt hauled in a 53-yard TD pass and Rice ran in from two yards out.
Jarod Bryant capped the game's scoring with a four-yard run for Navy.
Eagles healthy for season opener
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews (ankle), quarterback A.J. Feeley (hand), defensive end Jevon Kearse (shoulder), defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey (ankle) and tight end L.J. Smith (groin) all practiced Friday and were listed as probable for the team’s season opener at Green Bay.
“We look forward to that opportunity to go up to Green Bay tomorrow and have the opportunity to play them on Sunday,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “We know what kind of football team they are. We’re preparing ourselves to, obviously, play a good football team and do it for four quarters.”
Reid would not commit to Feeley as the No. 2 quarterback, however.
“We’ll see,“ Reid said. “I haven’t made that decision either. We’ll see how he does here. It’s too early with him right now. Obviously, there is a little swelling there from the surgery, and it’s just a matter of that settling down. We’ll see how he does by the time we get to game day.”
As for Kearse, who’s playing status looked tenuous earlier in the week, Reid gave him the green light. “He did everything today,” the coach said. “There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do today. He had a couple of tweaks yesterday with his shoulder, but he looked like he was fine today moving around. He said it was quite a bit better, even yesterday, but we limited things. We wanted to make sure we had no setbacks, and I think we came out that way.”
The Phanatic Magazine
Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews (ankle), quarterback A.J. Feeley (hand), defensive end Jevon Kearse (shoulder), defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey (ankle) and tight end L.J. Smith (groin) all practiced Friday and were listed as probable for the team’s season opener at Green Bay.
“We look forward to that opportunity to go up to Green Bay tomorrow and have the opportunity to play them on Sunday,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “We know what kind of football team they are. We’re preparing ourselves to, obviously, play a good football team and do it for four quarters.”
Reid would not commit to Feeley as the No. 2 quarterback, however.
“We’ll see,“ Reid said. “I haven’t made that decision either. We’ll see how he does here. It’s too early with him right now. Obviously, there is a little swelling there from the surgery, and it’s just a matter of that settling down. We’ll see how he does by the time we get to game day.”
As for Kearse, who’s playing status looked tenuous earlier in the week, Reid gave him the green light. “He did everything today,” the coach said. “There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do today. He had a couple of tweaks yesterday with his shoulder, but he looked like he was fine today moving around. He said it was quite a bit better, even yesterday, but we limited things. We wanted to make sure we had no setbacks, and I think we came out that way.”
Dalembert suffers stress fracture in left foot
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
The Philadelphia 76ers revealed that center Samuel Dalembert has suffered a stress fracture in his left foot.
The injury was diagnosed after an MRI taken at Main Line Diagnostic Imaging in Bryn Mawr, Penn. Dalembert was initially placed in a protective boot before being fitted for a hard cast that he will wear for the next three weeks.
Dalembert is expected to be ready for the start of Sixers training camp, which takes place at Duke University beginning October 2.
"We will closely monitor Sam's status over the next three weeks, but we anticipate that he will be ready to return to the court in time for the start of training camp," said Sixers president Billy King.
Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big - Fathead.com
The Phanatic Magazine
The Philadelphia 76ers revealed that center Samuel Dalembert has suffered a stress fracture in his left foot.
The injury was diagnosed after an MRI taken at Main Line Diagnostic Imaging in Bryn Mawr, Penn. Dalembert was initially placed in a protective boot before being fitted for a hard cast that he will wear for the next three weeks.
Dalembert is expected to be ready for the start of Sixers training camp, which takes place at Duke University beginning October 2.
"We will closely monitor Sam's status over the next three weeks, but we anticipate that he will be ready to return to the court in time for the start of training camp," said Sixers president Billy King.
Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big - Fathead.com
Rutgers invades South Jersey
-Courtesy of Rutgers University
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (September 6, 2007) – Rutgers football games will be broadcast in South Jersey as ESPN 1450-AM in Atlantic City has joined the Rutgers Football Radio Network,.
ESPN 1450-AM will broadcast the remaining games of the 2007 season, including Friday night’s game vs. Navy from Rutgers Stadium.
With the addition of the affiliate in Atlantic City, the Rutgers Football Radio Network also includes WOR 710-AM in New York City, a 50,000-watt station that covers all of New York City, parts of Connecticut and Eastern Pennsylvania along with the Garden State. WCTC-1450 AM also adds additional coverage to the Central Jersey region.
Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big - Fathead.com
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (September 6, 2007) – Rutgers football games will be broadcast in South Jersey as ESPN 1450-AM in Atlantic City has joined the Rutgers Football Radio Network,.
ESPN 1450-AM will broadcast the remaining games of the 2007 season, including Friday night’s game vs. Navy from Rutgers Stadium.
With the addition of the affiliate in Atlantic City, the Rutgers Football Radio Network also includes WOR 710-AM in New York City, a 50,000-watt station that covers all of New York City, parts of Connecticut and Eastern Pennsylvania along with the Garden State. WCTC-1450 AM also adds additional coverage to the Central Jersey region.
Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big - Fathead.com
Wade may get Astros GM job
The San Diego Union Tribune is reporting that former Phillies general manager and current Padres scout Ed Wade is a candidate for the Houston Astros GM opening. Wade previously worked for Astros executive Tal Smith, who is conducting Houston's GM search, and already interviewed for the job.
Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big - Fathead.com
Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big - Fathead.com
This Week in Pro Football on 950
This Week in Pro Football, the entertaining two hour riff of NFL news, notes, analysis, and Eagle talk, will debut its sixth season on its new station, Sports Radio 950, starting Saturday, September 8, 2007.
The program, hosted by Pat Callahan and Tim McManus, premiered in 2002.
“We are pleased and excited to plug This Week in Pro Football into our Saturday line-up,” said Sports Radio 950 Program Director Matt Nahigian. “This show is tailor made for the Philly football fan. It’s a no nonsense, solid, ‘old school’ look at the NFL and the Eagles.”
Co-host Pat Callahan, 49, is thrilled to be a part of the Sports Radio 950 line-up. “We started this show because its format is unique in this area; we look at both the Birds and the entire NFL, providing the coverage and detail that Philly fans want. The move to SR 950 is a perfect marriage.”
Co-host Tim McManus, 28, is a regular contributor at SR 950, in addition to his role on TWIPF.
“It’s a great station, and ours is a great show. With regulars like Sal Paolantonio and Mike Sielski on each week, it’s a well regarded program and a great fit at Sports Radio 950.”
This Week in Pro Football makes its 2007 season debut at 10 A.M., Saturday, September 8th, with a special three hour opening day show. The show will appear regularly from noon to 2 P.M. every Saturday.
Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big - Fathead.com
The program, hosted by Pat Callahan and Tim McManus, premiered in 2002.
“We are pleased and excited to plug This Week in Pro Football into our Saturday line-up,” said Sports Radio 950 Program Director Matt Nahigian. “This show is tailor made for the Philly football fan. It’s a no nonsense, solid, ‘old school’ look at the NFL and the Eagles.”
Co-host Pat Callahan, 49, is thrilled to be a part of the Sports Radio 950 line-up. “We started this show because its format is unique in this area; we look at both the Birds and the entire NFL, providing the coverage and detail that Philly fans want. The move to SR 950 is a perfect marriage.”
Co-host Tim McManus, 28, is a regular contributor at SR 950, in addition to his role on TWIPF.
“It’s a great station, and ours is a great show. With regulars like Sal Paolantonio and Mike Sielski on each week, it’s a well regarded program and a great fit at Sports Radio 950.”
This Week in Pro Football makes its 2007 season debut at 10 A.M., Saturday, September 8th, with a special three hour opening day show. The show will appear regularly from noon to 2 P.M. every Saturday.
Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big - Fathead.com
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Eagles get their grades
By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine
Some grades for the Eagles as they get set to open the season against Green Bay.
Quarterback - B
Donovan is obviously a top-tier talent, but the remainder of the group weighs this grade down. Recent history says that there's a 3-in-5 chance that McNabb will go down at some point this season. Last year they survived regardless because Jeff Garcia was there to step in and provide an above-average performance. This year it will be A.J. Feeley, who no longer has the defense to bail him out. With the third option a green rookie, there will be a time this season where Eagles fans will be begging for Kelly Holcomb.
Running back - A
Westbrook is one of the most important offensive players in football, for any team. The one thing he could not provide was short-yardage service, and that area has (finally) been addressed with the addition of Tony Hunt. Buckhalter also serves as a nice changeup.
Wide Receiver - B
Those who condemn this corps because it lacks a big name haven't paid attention to the development of Reggie Brown, nor the instant report between No. 5 and Kevin Curtis. Add a pair of tight ends with ability, and the receivers are the least of your worries.
Offensive line - A
Actually, this is the least of your worries. Starters compose arguably the best line in football, the backups are more than solid. Here's hoping Shawn Andrews is a hypochondriac.
Defensive line - B
Better than you think or preseason suggests. Beefy additions in the middle, a healthy Kearse (at least for now), depth at every position. Running backs will have a tougher time finding lanes, and there's definitely enough speed to apply pressure as well.
Linebacker - C-
I won't rip the Eagles for getting rid of Trotter -- they've been very good at knowing when a player has reached his end. Still, expecting Chris Gocong or rookie Stewart Bradley making a big impact, or Takeo Spikes to travel three years back in time performance-wise, is plain irrational.
Secondary - C
The finger will point right here should the Eagles come up short once again. Sean Considine has not earned a starting role on an NFL team, not by a mile. Brian Dawkins is close to sunset. Lito Sheppard will be battling a leg injury at some point -- bank on it. And there's very little depth behind any of them. This should have been Priority One in the offseason.
The Phanatic Magazine
Some grades for the Eagles as they get set to open the season against Green Bay.
Quarterback - B
Donovan is obviously a top-tier talent, but the remainder of the group weighs this grade down. Recent history says that there's a 3-in-5 chance that McNabb will go down at some point this season. Last year they survived regardless because Jeff Garcia was there to step in and provide an above-average performance. This year it will be A.J. Feeley, who no longer has the defense to bail him out. With the third option a green rookie, there will be a time this season where Eagles fans will be begging for Kelly Holcomb.
Running back - A
Westbrook is one of the most important offensive players in football, for any team. The one thing he could not provide was short-yardage service, and that area has (finally) been addressed with the addition of Tony Hunt. Buckhalter also serves as a nice changeup.
Wide Receiver - B
Those who condemn this corps because it lacks a big name haven't paid attention to the development of Reggie Brown, nor the instant report between No. 5 and Kevin Curtis. Add a pair of tight ends with ability, and the receivers are the least of your worries.
Offensive line - A
Actually, this is the least of your worries. Starters compose arguably the best line in football, the backups are more than solid. Here's hoping Shawn Andrews is a hypochondriac.
Defensive line - B
Better than you think or preseason suggests. Beefy additions in the middle, a healthy Kearse (at least for now), depth at every position. Running backs will have a tougher time finding lanes, and there's definitely enough speed to apply pressure as well.
Linebacker - C-
I won't rip the Eagles for getting rid of Trotter -- they've been very good at knowing when a player has reached his end. Still, expecting Chris Gocong or rookie Stewart Bradley making a big impact, or Takeo Spikes to travel three years back in time performance-wise, is plain irrational.
Secondary - C
The finger will point right here should the Eagles come up short once again. Sean Considine has not earned a starting role on an NFL team, not by a mile. Brian Dawkins is close to sunset. Lito Sheppard will be battling a leg injury at some point -- bank on it. And there's very little depth behind any of them. This should have been Priority One in the offseason.
Mitchell wants to talk to more players
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
Former Senator George Mitchell reportedly is seeking cooperation from 45 current or former players as he continues his investigation into the use of performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball.
According to The New York Times, the number of players was disclosed in a letter from the Major League Baseball Players' Association to Mitchell and was read aloud to one of its reporters by a representative of the MLBPA.
The letter, which was signed by MLBPA general counsel Michael Weiner, voiced concerns about players cooperating with the investigation.
The New York Yankees' Jason Giambi is the only active player known to have cooperated with the Mitchell investigation, which is hampered by the lack of subpoena power.
MLB commissioner Bud Selig selected Mitchell to pilot the investigation that was formed in the wake of the book "Game of Shadows," which illustrated detailed steroid use by San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds and others.
According to the book, written by reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams of the San Francisco Chronicle, Bonds began using steroids after the 1998 season because of his jealousy stemming from the attention that Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa garnered during their chase, and eventual passing, of Roger Maris' single-season home run mark.
Bonds eventually broke McGwire's mark of 70 after he belted 73 homers during the 2001 season. He has continuously denied knowingly taking steroids. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball has been constantly battling the alleged use of steroids for some time now.
Mitchell, a senator from Maine from 1980-95 and the Senate Majority Leader from 1989-95, has had extensive investigative experience, starting with his time as a United States attorney. He also headed the investigation into the improper bidding process for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002.
The Phanatic Magazine
Former Senator George Mitchell reportedly is seeking cooperation from 45 current or former players as he continues his investigation into the use of performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball.
According to The New York Times, the number of players was disclosed in a letter from the Major League Baseball Players' Association to Mitchell and was read aloud to one of its reporters by a representative of the MLBPA.
The letter, which was signed by MLBPA general counsel Michael Weiner, voiced concerns about players cooperating with the investigation.
The New York Yankees' Jason Giambi is the only active player known to have cooperated with the Mitchell investigation, which is hampered by the lack of subpoena power.
MLB commissioner Bud Selig selected Mitchell to pilot the investigation that was formed in the wake of the book "Game of Shadows," which illustrated detailed steroid use by San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds and others.
According to the book, written by reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams of the San Francisco Chronicle, Bonds began using steroids after the 1998 season because of his jealousy stemming from the attention that Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa garnered during their chase, and eventual passing, of Roger Maris' single-season home run mark.
Bonds eventually broke McGwire's mark of 70 after he belted 73 homers during the 2001 season. He has continuously denied knowingly taking steroids. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball has been constantly battling the alleged use of steroids for some time now.
Mitchell, a senator from Maine from 1980-95 and the Senate Majority Leader from 1989-95, has had extensive investigative experience, starting with his time as a United States attorney. He also headed the investigation into the improper bidding process for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002.
Too many question marks for these Birds
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
Nothing stirs up things in America's most passionate sports city like the start of another NFL season.
And things have really kicked into high gear since Chris Roberson put the final nail in the Phillies' coffin Thursday with his one-man blooper reel.
Yep, the Birds regular season opener can't come soon enough for a town that has now gone over 90 straight professional sports seasons without a title.
Are the 2007 Eagles the team that will finally end that drought?
It seems like four straight NFC Championship Game appearances and a Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots have spoiled Eagles fans, who think being a serious contender is now a birthright for the team.
Sorry to say -- You're wrong...
The window has already closed for this group and you can forget about making a serious Super Bowl run or ending any championship dry spell.
Minions named Spadaro and Eskin have done their best to fool you but I have a sinking feeling most Birds followers will be violently shaken into reality when the team takes the field in Green Bay this weekend. Even in a watered down NFC, this Eagles team will be lucky to participate in a playoff game.
There are just too many question marks that weren't addressed in the offseason by an increasingly arrogant organization.
You have a quarterback who is coming off his third serious injury in five years and believes he was wronged by a front office that has already anointed his successor...
You have an All-Pro guard who may or may not have a serious ankle injury...
You have a receiving group headlined by a guy who survived off double teams given to Tory Holt and Isaac Bruce...
You have a front seven that includes the names of Bunkley, Patterson, Gaither and Gocong...
And you have a coach dealing with the fact that he raised two junkies...
That doesn't sound like a recipe for a championship to me.
But, buck up...There is always the Flyers and Sixers... And pitchers and catchers report in under seven months.
The Phanatic Magazine
Nothing stirs up things in America's most passionate sports city like the start of another NFL season.
And things have really kicked into high gear since Chris Roberson put the final nail in the Phillies' coffin Thursday with his one-man blooper reel.
Yep, the Birds regular season opener can't come soon enough for a town that has now gone over 90 straight professional sports seasons without a title.
Are the 2007 Eagles the team that will finally end that drought?
It seems like four straight NFC Championship Game appearances and a Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots have spoiled Eagles fans, who think being a serious contender is now a birthright for the team.
Sorry to say -- You're wrong...
The window has already closed for this group and you can forget about making a serious Super Bowl run or ending any championship dry spell.
Minions named Spadaro and Eskin have done their best to fool you but I have a sinking feeling most Birds followers will be violently shaken into reality when the team takes the field in Green Bay this weekend. Even in a watered down NFC, this Eagles team will be lucky to participate in a playoff game.
There are just too many question marks that weren't addressed in the offseason by an increasingly arrogant organization.
You have a quarterback who is coming off his third serious injury in five years and believes he was wronged by a front office that has already anointed his successor...
You have an All-Pro guard who may or may not have a serious ankle injury...
You have a receiving group headlined by a guy who survived off double teams given to Tory Holt and Isaac Bruce...
You have a front seven that includes the names of Bunkley, Patterson, Gaither and Gocong...
And you have a coach dealing with the fact that he raised two junkies...
That doesn't sound like a recipe for a championship to me.
But, buck up...There is always the Flyers and Sixers... And pitchers and catchers report in under seven months.
Dawkins to tackle radio show
Philly Sports Radio 950 announced that Eagles Safety Brian Dawkins will team up with the station to host 'The Brian Dawkins Show' every Monday night from Finnigan's Wake at 3rd and Spring Garden streets in Philadelphia.
Fantasy Football Rush: Week 1
By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine
It's important to get out to a good start with your fantasy squad, which you no doubt put more time and effort in to than picking your last anniversary present.
However, Week 1 is tough because you still don't know what you are going to get out of your players. You know what you should get based on last season, but a year later is a year later.
So, let us here at The Phanatic help you out with your Week 1 lineup troubles.
Just head on over to the main site and check out our Fantasy Football Rush.
The Phanatic Magazine
It's important to get out to a good start with your fantasy squad, which you no doubt put more time and effort in to than picking your last anniversary present.
However, Week 1 is tough because you still don't know what you are going to get out of your players. You know what you should get based on last season, but a year later is a year later.
So, let us here at The Phanatic help you out with your Week 1 lineup troubles.
Just head on over to the main site and check out our Fantasy Football Rush.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Eagles Wednesay injury report
The Birds are healthy and ready to go. Defensive end Jevon Kearse (shoulder) was limited in practice. Everyone else practiced fully
Doctors believe brain damage caused Benoit to snap
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
Doctors from the Sports Legacy Institute released the results of former World Wrestling Entertainment star Chris Benoit’s brain examination at a press conference in New York on Wednesday.
Dr. Julian Bailes of the West Virginia University Department of Neurosurgery and Dr. Robert Cantu, the chief of neurosurgery service and director of sports medicine at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Mass. found significant damage in Benoit’s brain from repeated concussions and sub-concussive blows. More>>
The Phanatic Magazine
Doctors from the Sports Legacy Institute released the results of former World Wrestling Entertainment star Chris Benoit’s brain examination at a press conference in New York on Wednesday.
Dr. Julian Bailes of the West Virginia University Department of Neurosurgery and Dr. Robert Cantu, the chief of neurosurgery service and director of sports medicine at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Mass. found significant damage in Benoit’s brain from repeated concussions and sub-concussive blows. More>>
T.O. apologizes to DMac
In the latest edition of Time Magazine, Terrell Owens offers a mea culpa to Donovan McNabb two years too late...
"I do regret some of the things that happened," Owens said in the magazine. " Donovan is a great guy. Honestly, I do miss being around him. I learned some things from Donovan. It was a bad situation, and if there were a way I could go back and handle some things differently, I definitely would." More>>
"I do regret some of the things that happened," Owens said in the magazine. " Donovan is a great guy. Honestly, I do miss being around him. I learned some things from Donovan. It was a bad situation, and if there were a way I could go back and handle some things differently, I definitely would." More>>
Clausen walking into lose-lose situation
By Jared Trexler
The Phanatic Magazine
Jesus may not score a touchdown Saturday afternoon in Beaver Stadium. Rather, the Golden Domers may be helping touted freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen up off the grass.
Irish head coach Charlie Weis, the self professed offensive genius, managed over an anemic scoring machine in a 33-3 defeat to Georgia Tech last Saturday. With a former linebacker at running back (Travis Thomas), three quarterbacks with little to no game experience and a front five that yielded a staggering nine sacks, Notre Dame's offense looked ill-prepared and out of sync.
The defense didn't fare much better, shredded by Tashard Choice's 196 yards galloping around the high grass at God's Palace. Notre Dame fans may want to say their Hail Marys before this Saturday's 6 p.m. kickoff. More >>
The Phanatic Magazine
Jesus may not score a touchdown Saturday afternoon in Beaver Stadium. Rather, the Golden Domers may be helping touted freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen up off the grass.
Irish head coach Charlie Weis, the self professed offensive genius, managed over an anemic scoring machine in a 33-3 defeat to Georgia Tech last Saturday. With a former linebacker at running back (Travis Thomas), three quarterbacks with little to no game experience and a front five that yielded a staggering nine sacks, Notre Dame's offense looked ill-prepared and out of sync.
The defense didn't fare much better, shredded by Tashard Choice's 196 yards galloping around the high grass at God's Palace. Notre Dame fans may want to say their Hail Marys before this Saturday's 6 p.m. kickoff. More >>
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Defense needs to buckle down for Rutgers
By Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine
Coming off a relatively easy season-opening 38-3 win against Buffalo last Thursday, 15th-ranked Rutgers is expecting a battle on Friday night against Navy.
Head coach Greg Schiano made it clear that he has a lot of respect for the Midshipmen, but his players -- especially his defense -- need to have that same understanding.
The Scarlet Knights' defense versus the Bulls wasn't really threatened and the team overcame some mental lapses thanks to its athletic ability. Schiano isn't confident that would be the same case this weekend. More>>
The Phanatic Magazine
Coming off a relatively easy season-opening 38-3 win against Buffalo last Thursday, 15th-ranked Rutgers is expecting a battle on Friday night against Navy.
Head coach Greg Schiano made it clear that he has a lot of respect for the Midshipmen, but his players -- especially his defense -- need to have that same understanding.
The Scarlet Knights' defense versus the Bulls wasn't really threatened and the team overcame some mental lapses thanks to its athletic ability. Schiano isn't confident that would be the same case this weekend. More>>
Knights, Lions roll; Owls look much improved
By Jared Trexler
The Phanatic Magazine
Baby steps aren't always measured by college football's concrete markers.
Wins and losses eventually cement legends, judge job performance and lead to individual and team accolades, but at the onset, success correlates to status on the game's totem pole.
Rutgers and Penn State are a pair of Top 20 preseason programs, both with illusions of much more if untapped potential blossoms and question marks turn into bold declarations of competency. More>>
The Phanatic Magazine
Baby steps aren't always measured by college football's concrete markers.
Wins and losses eventually cement legends, judge job performance and lead to individual and team accolades, but at the onset, success correlates to status on the game's totem pole.
Rutgers and Penn State are a pair of Top 20 preseason programs, both with illusions of much more if untapped potential blossoms and question marks turn into bold declarations of competency. More>>
Man charged in former Villanova star Howard Porter's death
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
Murder charges filed Tuesday against a St. Paul, Minnesota man painted an ugly portrait of former Villanova star Howard Porter's last moments.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court, Porter was trying to trade crack cocaine and money for sex with a prostitute when he was beaten to death.
The 58-year-old Porter died May 26, a week after he was found unconscious in a Minneapolis alley.
Rashad Arthur Raleigh, 29, was arrested Sunday and charged Tuesday with second-degree murder.
Authorities allege Porter accompanied a prostitute he had picked up to her apartment. The woman claimed four masked men rushed in to her apartment threw her to the floor and demanded drugs and money from Porter before beating him.
The Phanatic Magazine
Murder charges filed Tuesday against a St. Paul, Minnesota man painted an ugly portrait of former Villanova star Howard Porter's last moments.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court, Porter was trying to trade crack cocaine and money for sex with a prostitute when he was beaten to death.
The 58-year-old Porter died May 26, a week after he was found unconscious in a Minneapolis alley.
Rashad Arthur Raleigh, 29, was arrested Sunday and charged Tuesday with second-degree murder.
Authorities allege Porter accompanied a prostitute he had picked up to her apartment. The woman claimed four masked men rushed in to her apartment threw her to the floor and demanded drugs and money from Porter before beating him.
Bucs officially ink Trotter
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed veteran middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter to a one-year contract Tuesday.
Trotter, who was released by the Philadelphia Eagles nearly two weeks ago,agreed to a deal worth more than the league minimum for veteran players,agent Jimmy Sexton told the Tampa Tribune.
A third-round draft choice of the Eagles in 1998, Trotter spent his first four seasons in the City of Brotherly Love, earning consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (2001, 2002) after leading the Eagles' defense in tackles both seasons.
Trotter went on to play two seasons in Washington before being released by the Redskins following the 2003 season. He then returned to Philadelphia and followed with consecutive Pro Bowl campaigns in 2004 and 2005.
The 30-year-old has played in 131 regular-season games with 116 starts and amassed 1,184 tackles, 12 1/2 sacks, nine interceptions, 46 passes defensed and eight forced fumbles.
To make room for Trotter on the 53-man roster, the Buccaneers released wide receiver Taye Biddle.
Trotter, who was released by the Philadelphia Eagles nearly two weeks ago,agreed to a deal worth more than the league minimum for veteran players,agent Jimmy Sexton told the Tampa Tribune.
A third-round draft choice of the Eagles in 1998, Trotter spent his first four seasons in the City of Brotherly Love, earning consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (2001, 2002) after leading the Eagles' defense in tackles both seasons.
Trotter went on to play two seasons in Washington before being released by the Redskins following the 2003 season. He then returned to Philadelphia and followed with consecutive Pro Bowl campaigns in 2004 and 2005.
The 30-year-old has played in 131 regular-season games with 116 starts and amassed 1,184 tackles, 12 1/2 sacks, nine interceptions, 46 passes defensed and eight forced fumbles.
To make room for Trotter on the 53-man roster, the Buccaneers released wide receiver Taye Biddle.
Larry Rojas to receive Phillies Latino Legend Award
-Couresty of the Philadelphia Phillies
He never set foot in the major leagues but he is a legend when it comes to player development and the Phillies organization.
Larry Rojas, who has been in pro ball since 1961 and with the Phillies since 1970, is the 2007 Phillies Latino Legend Award winner. Rojas will be honored pre-game on Friday night (September 7) as part of the Goya Latino Family Celebration.
A second and third baseman, Rojas was a three-time All-Star during his 11-year minor league playing career with the Detroit Tigers, California Angels and Phillies.
The 65-year-old Rojas ended his playing career with the Phillies, playing 87 games at Reading in 1970 and 12 games the following year in Eugene.
He joined the Phillies minor league staff in 1972 as a coach with the Reading Phillies and is still active as the Latin Liaison/Professional Coverage Scout.
Along the way, he has coached and managed in the minors, served as a roving infield instructor, field coordinator, special assignment scout, area scout and Director of Instruction/Latin American Scouting.
Rojas is a fixture at Carpenter Field during the minor league spring training camp, Gulf Coast League season and Florida Instructional League season. He also scouts the Florida State League during the Clearwater Threshers season.
He has been involved in the development of Ramon Aviles, Luis Aguayo, Julio Franco, Alejandro Sanchez, Juan Samuel, Carlos Silva and Carlos Ruiz. He has also developed instructors such as Roly de Armas, Carlos Arroyo, Manny Amador and Domingo Brito and Dominican Republic scout Wil Tejada.
Latino Legend Award History
The Phillies Latino Legend Award was started in 2000 by the Phillies and AL DIA, Philadelphia’s largest Spanish-language newspaper, to pay tribute to Hispanic players in the team’s history.
Past winners include Tony Perez, the Amaro family, Tony Taylor, Cookie Rojas, Willie Montanez, Ozzie Virgil Jr. and Juan Samuel.
He never set foot in the major leagues but he is a legend when it comes to player development and the Phillies organization.
Larry Rojas, who has been in pro ball since 1961 and with the Phillies since 1970, is the 2007 Phillies Latino Legend Award winner. Rojas will be honored pre-game on Friday night (September 7) as part of the Goya Latino Family Celebration.
A second and third baseman, Rojas was a three-time All-Star during his 11-year minor league playing career with the Detroit Tigers, California Angels and Phillies.
The 65-year-old Rojas ended his playing career with the Phillies, playing 87 games at Reading in 1970 and 12 games the following year in Eugene.
He joined the Phillies minor league staff in 1972 as a coach with the Reading Phillies and is still active as the Latin Liaison/Professional Coverage Scout.
Along the way, he has coached and managed in the minors, served as a roving infield instructor, field coordinator, special assignment scout, area scout and Director of Instruction/Latin American Scouting.
Rojas is a fixture at Carpenter Field during the minor league spring training camp, Gulf Coast League season and Florida Instructional League season. He also scouts the Florida State League during the Clearwater Threshers season.
He has been involved in the development of Ramon Aviles, Luis Aguayo, Julio Franco, Alejandro Sanchez, Juan Samuel, Carlos Silva and Carlos Ruiz. He has also developed instructors such as Roly de Armas, Carlos Arroyo, Manny Amador and Domingo Brito and Dominican Republic scout Wil Tejada.
Latino Legend Award History
The Phillies Latino Legend Award was started in 2000 by the Phillies and AL DIA, Philadelphia’s largest Spanish-language newspaper, to pay tribute to Hispanic players in the team’s history.
Past winners include Tony Perez, the Amaro family, Tony Taylor, Cookie Rojas, Willie Montanez, Ozzie Virgil Jr. and Juan Samuel.
Rollins named NL Player of the Week
-Courtesy of Major League Baseball
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who ranked first in the National League with 17 hits, 30 total bases and nine runs and ranked second in the N.L. with a .515 (17-33) batting average, has been named National League Player of the Week for Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2007.
The 28-year old shortstop slugged three home runs and stole three bases last week. His .556 on-base percentage ranked second in the league, he ranked third with a .909 slugging percentage and he tallied seven RBI. He recorded seven consecutive multi-hit games from Aug. 26-31 as part of an 18-for-32 stretch, and he homered in back-to-back games on Aug. 28th and 29th, during the Phillies' four-game sweep of the Mets. Rollins is hitting .297 with 25 home runs, 79 RBI, 28 stolen bases, 34 doubles, 16 triples and 119 runs this year.
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who ranked first in the National League with 17 hits, 30 total bases and nine runs and ranked second in the N.L. with a .515 (17-33) batting average, has been named National League Player of the Week for Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2007.
The 28-year old shortstop slugged three home runs and stole three bases last week. His .556 on-base percentage ranked second in the league, he ranked third with a .909 slugging percentage and he tallied seven RBI. He recorded seven consecutive multi-hit games from Aug. 26-31 as part of an 18-for-32 stretch, and he homered in back-to-back games on Aug. 28th and 29th, during the Phillies' four-game sweep of the Mets. Rollins is hitting .297 with 25 home runs, 79 RBI, 28 stolen bases, 34 doubles, 16 triples and 119 runs this year.
Former Delaware star Patrick added to Cards practice squad
-Courtesy of the Arizona Cardinals
Tempe, AZ – The Arizona Cardinals signed tight end BEN PATRICK to the practice squad.
Patrick (6-3, 252) was the Cardinals seventh round selection (215th overall) in this year’s NFL Draft out of Delaware. He spent the preseason with the Cardinals and signs with the practice squad after being released from the active roster on September 2
Tempe, AZ – The Arizona Cardinals signed tight end BEN PATRICK to the practice squad.
Patrick (6-3, 252) was the Cardinals seventh round selection (215th overall) in this year’s NFL Draft out of Delaware. He spent the preseason with the Cardinals and signs with the practice squad after being released from the active roster on September 2
This Week in College Football history
-Courtesy of the Natinal Football Foundation
FEATURED MOMENT:
Sept. 16, 1989: SMU rallies late in the fourth quarter (17 points in the final five minutes) in a comeback engineered by QB Mike Romo for the "Miracle on Mockingbird" 31-30 win over Connecticut. It is the Mustangs' first victory since being suspended from football play by the NCAA in 1987 and then taking a voluntary year off the gridiron in '88. Coach Forrest Gregg calls it one of his most enjoyable wins in the college and pro ranks as the Mustangs overcome a 23-7 halftime lead by the Huskies. Romo tosses a four-yard TD pass to WR Michael Bowen on the final play of the game for the one-point win. The win is listed as the No. 8 moment in SMU football history among the Top 90 school happenings all-time.
OTHER NOTABLE DATES:
Sept. 11, 1913: NFF Hall of Fame head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant is born in Moro Bottom, Ark. He stars as an end at Alabama, begins his coaching career as an assistant at Union (Tenn.), Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Navy North Carolina Pre-Flight programs along with armed service in World War II and later wins 328 games as head coach from 1946- 83 at Maryland, Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Alabama.
Sept. 12, 1964: UCLA becomes the first West Coast team to win a game at Pitt Stadium in 11 all-tie intersectional meetings in a 17-12 edging of Pittsburgh. QB Larry Zeno put the Bruins ahead early with a 61-yard TD pass to HB Steve Durbin, and second half comeback attempts by the Panthers fell just short.
Sept. 13, 1913: 1955 NFF College Hall of Fame inductee Clint Frank of Yale is born in Evanston, Ill., and goes on to be named both 1937 Heisman and Maxwell Trophy recipient after a standout four-year career for the Bulldogs.Sept. 14, 1991: Marshall Faulk rushes for 388 yards as San Diego State takes care of Pacific 55-34 en route to a 8-4-1 mark and berth in the Freedom Bowl.
Sept. 15, 1973: NFF Hall of Fame RB Archie Griffith has the first of 31 consecutive 100-yard rushing performances as the Buckeyes outlast Minnesota. The skein lasts for through Nov. 22, 1975.
Sept. 17, 1966: Former LSU head coach Paul Dietzel returns to Baton Rouge, La., as head coach at South Carolina for the two teams' '66 opener. The Tigers prevail 28-12 as the Gamecocks cannot overcome drives of 80 and 74 yards by the Tigers in the opening half.
FEATURED MOMENT:
Sept. 16, 1989: SMU rallies late in the fourth quarter (17 points in the final five minutes) in a comeback engineered by QB Mike Romo for the "Miracle on Mockingbird" 31-30 win over Connecticut. It is the Mustangs' first victory since being suspended from football play by the NCAA in 1987 and then taking a voluntary year off the gridiron in '88. Coach Forrest Gregg calls it one of his most enjoyable wins in the college and pro ranks as the Mustangs overcome a 23-7 halftime lead by the Huskies. Romo tosses a four-yard TD pass to WR Michael Bowen on the final play of the game for the one-point win. The win is listed as the No. 8 moment in SMU football history among the Top 90 school happenings all-time.
OTHER NOTABLE DATES:
Sept. 11, 1913: NFF Hall of Fame head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant is born in Moro Bottom, Ark. He stars as an end at Alabama, begins his coaching career as an assistant at Union (Tenn.), Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Navy North Carolina Pre-Flight programs along with armed service in World War II and later wins 328 games as head coach from 1946- 83 at Maryland, Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Alabama.
Sept. 12, 1964: UCLA becomes the first West Coast team to win a game at Pitt Stadium in 11 all-tie intersectional meetings in a 17-12 edging of Pittsburgh. QB Larry Zeno put the Bruins ahead early with a 61-yard TD pass to HB Steve Durbin, and second half comeback attempts by the Panthers fell just short.
Sept. 13, 1913: 1955 NFF College Hall of Fame inductee Clint Frank of Yale is born in Evanston, Ill., and goes on to be named both 1937 Heisman and Maxwell Trophy recipient after a standout four-year career for the Bulldogs.Sept. 14, 1991: Marshall Faulk rushes for 388 yards as San Diego State takes care of Pacific 55-34 en route to a 8-4-1 mark and berth in the Freedom Bowl.
Sept. 15, 1973: NFF Hall of Fame RB Archie Griffith has the first of 31 consecutive 100-yard rushing performances as the Buckeyes outlast Minnesota. The skein lasts for through Nov. 22, 1975.
Sept. 17, 1966: Former LSU head coach Paul Dietzel returns to Baton Rouge, La., as head coach at South Carolina for the two teams' '66 opener. The Tigers prevail 28-12 as the Gamecocks cannot overcome drives of 80 and 74 yards by the Tigers in the opening half.
Phils claim catcher
-Courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies
Catcher Pete Laforest was claimed by the Phillies off waivers from the San Diego Padres, the club announced today.
Laforest, 29, appeared in 10 games for San Diego and hit .360 (9-25) with one home run and three RBI. A left-handed hitter, Laforest was designated for assignment by the Padres on August 31. In 86 games for triple-A Portland this season, Laforest hit .230 with 29 home runs and 72 RBI. He finished seventh among all triple-A players in home runs and had four 5-RBI games.
Originally selected by Montreal in the 16th round of the 1995 draft, Laforest has appeared in 54 major league games for Tampa Bay (2003 and 2005) and San Diego (2007) and has a career average of .204 (28-137) with two home runs and 13 RBI.
To make room for Laforest on the 40-man roster, the Phillies transferred righthander Ryan Madson to the 60-day disabled list.
Catcher Pete Laforest was claimed by the Phillies off waivers from the San Diego Padres, the club announced today.
Laforest, 29, appeared in 10 games for San Diego and hit .360 (9-25) with one home run and three RBI. A left-handed hitter, Laforest was designated for assignment by the Padres on August 31. In 86 games for triple-A Portland this season, Laforest hit .230 with 29 home runs and 72 RBI. He finished seventh among all triple-A players in home runs and had four 5-RBI games.
Originally selected by Montreal in the 16th round of the 1995 draft, Laforest has appeared in 54 major league games for Tampa Bay (2003 and 2005) and San Diego (2007) and has a career average of .204 (28-137) with two home runs and 13 RBI.
To make room for Laforest on the 40-man roster, the Phillies transferred righthander Ryan Madson to the 60-day disabled list.
Notre Dame freshman Jimmy Clausen to start at Penn State
Highly-Touted Notre Dame freshman Jimmy Clausen will start at quarterback Saturday against Penn State as the Irish look to rebound from a season-opening 33-3 shellacking at the hands of Georgia Tech.
Clausen was rated by most as the top high school recruit in the country last year but was the third-stringer last week following offseason arm surgery.
Clausen was rated by most as the top high school recruit in the country last year but was the third-stringer last week following offseason arm surgery.
Amaro Jr. on Astros radar
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Astros are set to begin interviewing candidates for their vacant general manager's position as early as Thursday. A few names have started to circulate, including Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., former LA Dodgers GM Dan Evans and Florida Marlins vice president of player personnel Dan Jennings.
He got what he deserves
By John Gottlieb
The Phanatic Magazine
I was having a conversation with someone regarding the opening of the NFL season and my utter happiness that Rodney Harrison got nabbed and will be forced to sit out the Super Bowl contender's first four games against at the Jets, vs. San Diego and Buffalo before the the Pats go to Cincy.
The guy I was talking to lives in San Diego and he said he thought Harrison was a ball hawk, willing to throw out a punishing hit, and respected him even more for coming out and admitting he used HGH.
I'm not sure if this was made clear, but Harrison got caught. He didn't just volunteer the information that he's a cheater...he got busted in the Internet drug scam investigation done by the authorities in Albany, NY that also netted Cowboys QB coach Wade Wilson.
Then we get to hear about how sorry and embarrassed he is about using illegal substances and getting caught. He wouldn't be sorry if he was in the clear (no pun intended). Let's get this straight...he's not sorry for cheating, he's sorry for getting caught.
I'm not surprised he's a cheater. Harrison has always been a dirty player. Go back and watch any Chargers or Patriots game for five minutes and I guarantee you that Rodney Harrison will make at least one dirty, late hit.
He's made it his forte. He likes to be the last one to jump into a pile just after the ball-carrier has been dragged down, leading with a forearm, elbow or shoulder.
Football is a rough sport and people get hurt all the time, but it's hard to commend a player that goes out and willfully tries to injury people in a cheap fashion.
I'm glad that he's missed the end of the last two seasons. As a matter of fact it puts a smile on my face each year he has to end his season in Week 12 on the sidelines. Maybe he wouldn't get hurt so much if played the game on the up-and-up.
He reminds me of Bill Romanowski. A dirty player and every one knows it. It's hard to feel bad for players that are underhanded their entire careers, and then go on 60 Minutes or to the press looking for sympathy because they screwed up their lives. Harrison is losing his edge and was willing to do anything to regain the extra umph to get back on the field. By doing that he could've crippled New England. The Pats are the clear cut favorites to win the Super Bowl after adding WR Randy Moss, S Brandon Meriweather, LB Adalius Thomas, WR Wes Welker, WR Donte Stallworth, WR Kelley Washington, TE Kyle Brady, and RB Sammy Morris.
However, add the loss of All-Pro Richard Seymour for six weeks and the Pats may not jump out of the gate. They are still trying to get Moss and Asante Samuel into game form as well as getting first-round draft pick Meriweather up to speed with the pro game.
Bill Belichick should cut Harrison. The Pats haven't had to deal with adversity like this in a while.
Harrison is past his prime, and now that Samuel is back they have enough bodies in the secondary for one of the better units in the league.
Due to Harrison the Pats could conceivably start 1-3 or 2-2, which would certainly be an interesting dilemma. After that they still have games at Dallas, at Miami, at Indy and at Buffalo within a six-week stretch, followed by a game at home against Philly, then at Baltimore and home vs. Pittsburgh before the Jets come to town on December 16.
A slow start could lead this team right out of the playoffs, and Harrison should take the blame if that happens.
They'll probably still win the Super Bowl , but Harrison certainly made it a whole lot more interesting. He got what he deserves.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Trotter signs with Bucs
Former Eagles middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday. Trotter was released by the Eagles on August 21.
He is expected to sign the contract sometime tonight.
He is expected to sign the contract sometime tonight.
Delaware ranked 13th in latest FCS coaches poll
FCS Coaches Poll (Sept 3, 2007)
1. Appalachian St. (28) 700 1 1-0
2. Montana 642 2 1-0
3. Massachusetts 627 3 1-0
4. North Dakota St. 608 4 0-0
5. New Hampshire 558 5 0-0
6. McNeese State 507 12 1-0
7. Northern Iowa 498 9 1-0
8. Youngstown St. 468 6 0-1
9. Furman 461 10 1-0
10. Southern Illinois 457 11 1-0
11. James Madison 451 7 0-1
12. Wofford 370 15 1-0
13. Delaware 326 21 1-0
14. Eastern Illinois 315 ` 17 1-0
15. Hampton 278 16 0-0
16. Sam Houston St. 203 23 1-0
17. Cal Poly 164 14 0-1
18. Illinois St. 163 8 0-1
19. Portland St. 143 13 0-1
20. Montana St. 140 22 0-1
21. Texas St. 139 NR 1-0
22. Tennessee-Martin 132 17 0-1
23. Western Illinois 120 NR 1-0
24. Yale 74 24 0-0
25. Nicholls St. 63 NR 1-0
Others Receiving Votes: South Dakota St. (51), Delaware St. (48), Alabama A&M (37), Liberty (33), Eastern Washington (28), Lafayette (25), Drake (21), Grambling St. (19), Northern Arizona (19), Princeton (19), Towson (19), Fordham (18), San Diego (16), Dartmouth (14), South Carolina St. (14), Maine (13), Richmond (13), Lehigh (12), Alabama St. (11), Missouri St. (11), Indiana St. (10), Villanova (9), Central Arkansas (8), Coastal Carolina (8), Northwestern St. (5), Elon (4), UC Davis (3), The Citadel (2), Harvard (1), Holy Cross (1), Pennsylvania (1).
1. Appalachian St. (28) 700 1 1-0
2. Montana 642 2 1-0
3. Massachusetts 627 3 1-0
4. North Dakota St. 608 4 0-0
5. New Hampshire 558 5 0-0
6. McNeese State 507 12 1-0
7. Northern Iowa 498 9 1-0
8. Youngstown St. 468 6 0-1
9. Furman 461 10 1-0
10. Southern Illinois 457 11 1-0
11. James Madison 451 7 0-1
12. Wofford 370 15 1-0
13. Delaware 326 21 1-0
14. Eastern Illinois 315 ` 17 1-0
15. Hampton 278 16 0-0
16. Sam Houston St. 203 23 1-0
17. Cal Poly 164 14 0-1
18. Illinois St. 163 8 0-1
19. Portland St. 143 13 0-1
20. Montana St. 140 22 0-1
21. Texas St. 139 NR 1-0
22. Tennessee-Martin 132 17 0-1
23. Western Illinois 120 NR 1-0
24. Yale 74 24 0-0
25. Nicholls St. 63 NR 1-0
Others Receiving Votes: South Dakota St. (51), Delaware St. (48), Alabama A&M (37), Liberty (33), Eastern Washington (28), Lafayette (25), Drake (21), Grambling St. (19), Northern Arizona (19), Princeton (19), Towson (19), Fordham (18), San Diego (16), Dartmouth (14), South Carolina St. (14), Maine (13), Richmond (13), Lehigh (12), Alabama St. (11), Missouri St. (11), Indiana St. (10), Villanova (9), Central Arkansas (8), Coastal Carolina (8), Northwestern St. (5), Elon (4), UC Davis (3), The Citadel (2), Harvard (1), Holy Cross (1), Pennsylvania (1).
Penn State's Lee named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
-Courtesy of Penn State University
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; September 3, 2007 –- For the second consecutive year, “Linebacker U” has earned the first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor of the season.
Junior linebacker Sean Lee (Pittsburgh) led the way in Penn State’s stellar defensive effort against Florida International and has earned his first conference Defensive Player of the Week honor. Lee and the Nittany Lions posted their third shutout in the last six games with the 59-0 win in Saturday’s season opener. Penn State limited the Golden Panthers to seven first downs, minus-three yards rushing and 114 total yards, tied for third-lowest by an opponent in the Joe Paterno era.
Lee led the Nittany Lions with seven solo tackles, including two tackles for losses, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass break-up against FIU. He forced a fumble that was recovered by DT Phil Taylor (Clinton, Md.) at the FIU 34 yard-line in the first quarter.
Lee becomes the third different Nittany Lion linebacker to be honored by the conference the past two seasons. Last year, 2007 tri-captain and All-American Dan Connor was honored twice, for the season opener against Akron and in the shut out win over Purdue. Two-time All-American Paul Posluszny was honored by the Big Ten once last season, three times in 2005 and once in 2004, giving him five conference Player of the Week honors, the most of any defensive player since selections began in 1987.
The former Upper St. Clair High School standout is in his second year as a starting OLB for the Lions. Last year, he was third on the squad with 90 tackles (47 solo), with 8.0 TFL (minus-51), 5.5 sacks (minus-46), two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two pass break-ups. Lee forced the fumble that safety Tony Davis returned 88 yards for the eventual game winning score against Tennessee in the 2007 Outback Bowl.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; September 3, 2007 –- For the second consecutive year, “Linebacker U” has earned the first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor of the season.
Junior linebacker Sean Lee (Pittsburgh) led the way in Penn State’s stellar defensive effort against Florida International and has earned his first conference Defensive Player of the Week honor. Lee and the Nittany Lions posted their third shutout in the last six games with the 59-0 win in Saturday’s season opener. Penn State limited the Golden Panthers to seven first downs, minus-three yards rushing and 114 total yards, tied for third-lowest by an opponent in the Joe Paterno era.
Lee led the Nittany Lions with seven solo tackles, including two tackles for losses, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass break-up against FIU. He forced a fumble that was recovered by DT Phil Taylor (Clinton, Md.) at the FIU 34 yard-line in the first quarter.
Lee becomes the third different Nittany Lion linebacker to be honored by the conference the past two seasons. Last year, 2007 tri-captain and All-American Dan Connor was honored twice, for the season opener against Akron and in the shut out win over Purdue. Two-time All-American Paul Posluszny was honored by the Big Ten once last season, three times in 2005 and once in 2004, giving him five conference Player of the Week honors, the most of any defensive player since selections began in 1987.
The former Upper St. Clair High School standout is in his second year as a starting OLB for the Lions. Last year, he was third on the squad with 90 tackles (47 solo), with 8.0 TFL (minus-51), 5.5 sacks (minus-46), two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two pass break-ups. Lee forced the fumble that safety Tony Davis returned 88 yards for the eventual game winning score against Tennessee in the 2007 Outback Bowl.
Phils recall Castro
The Philadelphia Phillies recalled left-hander Fabrio Castro from Triple-A Ottawa prior to Monday's game against Atlanta.
The 22-year-old Castro is 0-0 with a 6.23 ERA in six appearances - one start.
The 22-year-old Castro is 0-0 with a 6.23 ERA in six appearances - one start.
College Football weekly notes
-Courtesy of the National Football Foundation
NFF Board Member to be Honored Clayton Bennett, a board member for The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame since 1995, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame this fall. He and seven other Oklahomans will be honored for their significant contributions to and admirable representation of the state.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma Bennett serves as president of Dorchester Capital, a diversified private investment company; serves as the chairman of Seattle SuperSonics & Storm; and currently serves as chairman of the Oklahoma State Fair and the Oklahoma Industries Authority. In addition to his duties as an NFF board member, he also chairs the NFF Fundraising Committee.
National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner David Stern will present Bennett for induction at ceremonies hosted by the Oklahoma Heritage Association on Nov. 8. Other members of the class include country music singer Toby Keith, former Miss America and broadcast journalist Jane Jayroe Gamble, and award- winning educator and "mother of the civil rights movement" Clara Luper.
On-Campus Salute Held for Florida Athletics Director
University of Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley was honored by the National Football Foundation last Saturday during the Gators' season opener against Western Kentucky.
Foley was named the 2007 recipient of the NFF's John L. Toner Award, which annually honors an athletics director who has demonstrated superior administrative abilities and shown outstanding dedication to college athletics and particularly college football.
Coming off one of the most successful years in college athletics history, highlighted by the 2006 BCS National Championship, Foley has headed the Florida regime since 1992. Under his leadership, Florida has won 12 national titles and 77 SEC championships. Equally impressive, 66 Academic All-Americans and two NFF National Scholar-Athletes, including 1996 Draddy Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, have been honored during the Foley era.
Foley will be honored alongside the 2007 College Football Hall of Fame Class at the NFF's Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday, December 4, at the prestigious Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.
Play It Smart Job Openings
The NFF's acclaimed Play It Smart program is currently seeking applicants for part-time "Academic Coach" positions in the following cities: San Francisco, CA; Miami, FL; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Asbury Park, NJ; New York, NY; Tarrytown, NY; Nashville, TN; Charlottesville, VA; and Green Bay, WI. Please call 800.486.1865 for more information.
NFF to Post Game Schedules
Each Thursday, The National Football Foundation will post to its Web site, www.footballfoundation.com, a viewer's guide for all televised match-ups featuring Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) schools that weekend.
Two-Minute Drill
Virginia Tech honored the 32 victims of last April's campus shootings during a ceremony before last week's opener against East Carolina at Lane Stadium. The school also recalled the victims' families, those wounded and the first responders to the massacre inside Norris Hall. East Carolina chancellor Steve Ballard and athletic director Terry Holland presented Virginia Tech officials with a $100,000 donation to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund. ACC commissioner John Swofford also was recognized for the league's earlier donation of $300,000. Virginia Tech president Charles Steger and Virginia governor Tim Kaine later lauded the first responders at the 50- yard line. A tribute video of the victims was shown on the stadium scoreboards before 32 balloons were released in memory of the deceased... Jane Hoeppner, the widow of 2005 and '06 Indiana head coach Terry Hoeppner, and her children and grandchildren were honored guests and received a five-minute video presentation in pre-game commemoration of Hoeppner during last Saturday's IU-Indiana State contest in Bloomington.
Auburn's football squad and cheerleaders visited Storybook Farm in nearby Opelika, Ala., to interact with children with disabilities at the horseback riding facility... Texas will wear a commemorative bluebonnet logo on its helmets to memorialize the life of Lady Bird Johnson, Texas-ex and the wife of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson... Notre Dame's Counterfeit Ticket Task Force via the Notre Dame Security Police is seeking any possible counterfeit game tickets or scams for 2007 South Bend or road games... Several student-athletes from Stephen F. Austin will be doing grocery sacking with "Jacks with Sacks" at the Brookshire Brothers location in Nacogdoches, Texas, on Fridays before home contests as a public service... SMU student-athletes will solicit donations for the families of Virginia Tech April tragedy victims at the SMU-Texas Tech tussle Monday... Maine football student- athletes recently took a day off the practice field to welcome back 245 soldier returning to the U.S. from Iraq... Louisiana Tech will host a special Tackle Breast Cancer fundraising effort in conjunction with Saturday's Western Athletic Conference contest against Hawaii in Ruston... LSU officially has sold out all games at Tiger Stadium for '07... Kentucky student ticket sales have reached 5,000 to shatter the previous mark of 3,549 in 2005... Geico signed on last week as sponsor of the Iowa-Northern Illinois game at Soldier Field.
Maryland will feature its eight NFF College Hall of Fame members, 11 consensus All-America selections and a total of 33 football student-athletes around the concourse of enhanced Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium on campus in 2007. The recognition areas will include photos and career highlights... Papa John's International has made a $10 million donation toward future expansion at Papa John's Stadium on Louisville's campus... Iowa State is providing new shuttle "CyRides" from parking lots to Jack Trice Stadium... Syracuse's 2007 opener included "44 Giveaways" to commemorate and to salute the unveiling of NFF Hall of Fame member Ernie Davis' bust at the Carrier Dome last week.
Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer and wife Vicky made a $1 million donation to the university last Tuesday for the Campaign for Tennessee to celebrate their 30-plus-years associations with the university... Texas head coach Mack Brown had his contract extended through the 2016 season... Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen has just released his book "My Way: Football and Life Lessons With Maryland Coach Ralph Friedgen"... Villanova head coach Andy Talley has helped facilitate over 3,500 potential donors for the National Marrow Donor Registry through his volunteer and community awareness efforts... San Jose State head coach Dick Tomey has helped raise funds and awareness for Hurricane Katrina survivors through several personal endeavors and a message to the San Jose community at a campus rally last week... Former Syracuse head coach Dick McPherson was named honorary team captain for the Orange's '07 opener against Washington last Friday.
The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award has added fan voting via www.DaveyOBrien.com for the 2007 laurel... Florida State named former football standouts Derrick Alexander, Gary Pajcic and Jack Shinholser, administrator and former football player Larry Pendleton, and long-time chair of the Athletics Committee Charles W. Ehrhardt to its Athletics Hall of Fame. Induction will be Friday night... 2006 NFF Scholar-Athlete Luke Palko (Saint Francis) has accepted an internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Big East Conference and ISP Sports are carrying a Big East Game of the Week on 67 radio affiliates throughout the country... The Big Ten Conference opened its FBS-record 112th year of competition last week with 11 contests and also kicked off its new football media center at www.BigTen.org... The Southland Conference has an 11-game package of www.Southland.tv webcasts and selected individual webcasts available on a subscription basis... The Big Ten Network officially launched last Thursday... Rutgers and MSG (Madison Square Garden Network) have signed a contract to produce a number of live Rutgers' game telecasts as well as coaches' shows and other programming... AT&T U-Verse TV is teaming with The Big Ten Network to simulcast over 400 events, including numerous football telecast, in 2007-08... Tennessee has inked a multi-year pact with SportSouth to provide some live and 12 encore showings of the Vols' football tilts... XOS Technologies and Army will provide live streaming of non-televised Knights' encounters through subscription Knight Vision... Blumo mobile technology facilitation will provide text messaging updates on Arizona State football tickets for 2007... Northern Iowa will provide coverage of all 2007 home games at www.UNIPanthers.com... Action Sports Media joined the Alamance County/Burlington Chamber of Commerce in hosting the debut of Elon's PhoenixVision scoreboard and streaming updates last week.
The Capital One Bowl is sponsoring the popular All-Mascot Team for college football again in '07. Competition begins Monday, Sept. 10... For the second year in succession, the 2008 International Bowl in Toronto, Canada, will be the final postseason outing before the Allstate BCS Championship Game in New Orleans.
ESPN.com columnist Bruce Feldman has penned a new book "Meat Market: Inside the Smash-Mouth World of College Football Recruiting" for an insider's look at the confidential recruiting meetings and strategies of several FBS members... Margie La Panja-a La Porte has written and had recent signing in South Bend, Ind., for "Notre Dame: A Fan's Companion" and all proceeds from the book will be donated the Ara Parseghian Medical Foundation.
Tommy Spinks, 58, a teammate of College Football Hall of Fame QB Terry Bradshaw and All-America WR at Louisiana Tech in 1969, died last week in Arlington, Texas... Former Tennessee RB Leonard Coffman, 92, died last week in Greeneville, Tenn... Washington All-America James M. Cain, who was a Pacific-Eight Conference football for 25 years, died recently in Seattle, Wash.
Correction: The high school football game in Dallas between Southlake (Texas) and Northwestern (Miami) will be played at Gerald J. Ford Stadium (former site of Ownby Stadium) on the SMU campus.
NFF Board Member to be Honored Clayton Bennett, a board member for The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame since 1995, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame this fall. He and seven other Oklahomans will be honored for their significant contributions to and admirable representation of the state.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma Bennett serves as president of Dorchester Capital, a diversified private investment company; serves as the chairman of Seattle SuperSonics & Storm; and currently serves as chairman of the Oklahoma State Fair and the Oklahoma Industries Authority. In addition to his duties as an NFF board member, he also chairs the NFF Fundraising Committee.
National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner David Stern will present Bennett for induction at ceremonies hosted by the Oklahoma Heritage Association on Nov. 8. Other members of the class include country music singer Toby Keith, former Miss America and broadcast journalist Jane Jayroe Gamble, and award- winning educator and "mother of the civil rights movement" Clara Luper.
On-Campus Salute Held for Florida Athletics Director
University of Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley was honored by the National Football Foundation last Saturday during the Gators' season opener against Western Kentucky.
Foley was named the 2007 recipient of the NFF's John L. Toner Award, which annually honors an athletics director who has demonstrated superior administrative abilities and shown outstanding dedication to college athletics and particularly college football.
Coming off one of the most successful years in college athletics history, highlighted by the 2006 BCS National Championship, Foley has headed the Florida regime since 1992. Under his leadership, Florida has won 12 national titles and 77 SEC championships. Equally impressive, 66 Academic All-Americans and two NFF National Scholar-Athletes, including 1996 Draddy Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, have been honored during the Foley era.
Foley will be honored alongside the 2007 College Football Hall of Fame Class at the NFF's Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday, December 4, at the prestigious Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.
Play It Smart Job Openings
The NFF's acclaimed Play It Smart program is currently seeking applicants for part-time "Academic Coach" positions in the following cities: San Francisco, CA; Miami, FL; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Asbury Park, NJ; New York, NY; Tarrytown, NY; Nashville, TN; Charlottesville, VA; and Green Bay, WI. Please call 800.486.1865 for more information.
NFF to Post Game Schedules
Each Thursday, The National Football Foundation will post to its Web site, www.footballfoundation.com, a viewer's guide for all televised match-ups featuring Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) schools that weekend.
Two-Minute Drill
Virginia Tech honored the 32 victims of last April's campus shootings during a ceremony before last week's opener against East Carolina at Lane Stadium. The school also recalled the victims' families, those wounded and the first responders to the massacre inside Norris Hall. East Carolina chancellor Steve Ballard and athletic director Terry Holland presented Virginia Tech officials with a $100,000 donation to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund. ACC commissioner John Swofford also was recognized for the league's earlier donation of $300,000. Virginia Tech president Charles Steger and Virginia governor Tim Kaine later lauded the first responders at the 50- yard line. A tribute video of the victims was shown on the stadium scoreboards before 32 balloons were released in memory of the deceased... Jane Hoeppner, the widow of 2005 and '06 Indiana head coach Terry Hoeppner, and her children and grandchildren were honored guests and received a five-minute video presentation in pre-game commemoration of Hoeppner during last Saturday's IU-Indiana State contest in Bloomington.
Auburn's football squad and cheerleaders visited Storybook Farm in nearby Opelika, Ala., to interact with children with disabilities at the horseback riding facility... Texas will wear a commemorative bluebonnet logo on its helmets to memorialize the life of Lady Bird Johnson, Texas-ex and the wife of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson... Notre Dame's Counterfeit Ticket Task Force via the Notre Dame Security Police is seeking any possible counterfeit game tickets or scams for 2007 South Bend or road games... Several student-athletes from Stephen F. Austin will be doing grocery sacking with "Jacks with Sacks" at the Brookshire Brothers location in Nacogdoches, Texas, on Fridays before home contests as a public service... SMU student-athletes will solicit donations for the families of Virginia Tech April tragedy victims at the SMU-Texas Tech tussle Monday... Maine football student- athletes recently took a day off the practice field to welcome back 245 soldier returning to the U.S. from Iraq... Louisiana Tech will host a special Tackle Breast Cancer fundraising effort in conjunction with Saturday's Western Athletic Conference contest against Hawaii in Ruston... LSU officially has sold out all games at Tiger Stadium for '07... Kentucky student ticket sales have reached 5,000 to shatter the previous mark of 3,549 in 2005... Geico signed on last week as sponsor of the Iowa-Northern Illinois game at Soldier Field.
Maryland will feature its eight NFF College Hall of Fame members, 11 consensus All-America selections and a total of 33 football student-athletes around the concourse of enhanced Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium on campus in 2007. The recognition areas will include photos and career highlights... Papa John's International has made a $10 million donation toward future expansion at Papa John's Stadium on Louisville's campus... Iowa State is providing new shuttle "CyRides" from parking lots to Jack Trice Stadium... Syracuse's 2007 opener included "44 Giveaways" to commemorate and to salute the unveiling of NFF Hall of Fame member Ernie Davis' bust at the Carrier Dome last week.
Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer and wife Vicky made a $1 million donation to the university last Tuesday for the Campaign for Tennessee to celebrate their 30-plus-years associations with the university... Texas head coach Mack Brown had his contract extended through the 2016 season... Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen has just released his book "My Way: Football and Life Lessons With Maryland Coach Ralph Friedgen"... Villanova head coach Andy Talley has helped facilitate over 3,500 potential donors for the National Marrow Donor Registry through his volunteer and community awareness efforts... San Jose State head coach Dick Tomey has helped raise funds and awareness for Hurricane Katrina survivors through several personal endeavors and a message to the San Jose community at a campus rally last week... Former Syracuse head coach Dick McPherson was named honorary team captain for the Orange's '07 opener against Washington last Friday.
The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award has added fan voting via www.DaveyOBrien.com for the 2007 laurel... Florida State named former football standouts Derrick Alexander, Gary Pajcic and Jack Shinholser, administrator and former football player Larry Pendleton, and long-time chair of the Athletics Committee Charles W. Ehrhardt to its Athletics Hall of Fame. Induction will be Friday night... 2006 NFF Scholar-Athlete Luke Palko (Saint Francis) has accepted an internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Big East Conference and ISP Sports are carrying a Big East Game of the Week on 67 radio affiliates throughout the country... The Big Ten Conference opened its FBS-record 112th year of competition last week with 11 contests and also kicked off its new football media center at www.BigTen.org... The Southland Conference has an 11-game package of www.Southland.tv webcasts and selected individual webcasts available on a subscription basis... The Big Ten Network officially launched last Thursday... Rutgers and MSG (Madison Square Garden Network) have signed a contract to produce a number of live Rutgers' game telecasts as well as coaches' shows and other programming... AT&T U-Verse TV is teaming with The Big Ten Network to simulcast over 400 events, including numerous football telecast, in 2007-08... Tennessee has inked a multi-year pact with SportSouth to provide some live and 12 encore showings of the Vols' football tilts... XOS Technologies and Army will provide live streaming of non-televised Knights' encounters through subscription Knight Vision... Blumo mobile technology facilitation will provide text messaging updates on Arizona State football tickets for 2007... Northern Iowa will provide coverage of all 2007 home games at www.UNIPanthers.com... Action Sports Media joined the Alamance County/Burlington Chamber of Commerce in hosting the debut of Elon's PhoenixVision scoreboard and streaming updates last week.
The Capital One Bowl is sponsoring the popular All-Mascot Team for college football again in '07. Competition begins Monday, Sept. 10... For the second year in succession, the 2008 International Bowl in Toronto, Canada, will be the final postseason outing before the Allstate BCS Championship Game in New Orleans.
ESPN.com columnist Bruce Feldman has penned a new book "Meat Market: Inside the Smash-Mouth World of College Football Recruiting" for an insider's look at the confidential recruiting meetings and strategies of several FBS members... Margie La Panja-a La Porte has written and had recent signing in South Bend, Ind., for "Notre Dame: A Fan's Companion" and all proceeds from the book will be donated the Ara Parseghian Medical Foundation.
Tommy Spinks, 58, a teammate of College Football Hall of Fame QB Terry Bradshaw and All-America WR at Louisiana Tech in 1969, died last week in Arlington, Texas... Former Tennessee RB Leonard Coffman, 92, died last week in Greeneville, Tenn... Washington All-America James M. Cain, who was a Pacific-Eight Conference football for 25 years, died recently in Seattle, Wash.
Correction: The high school football game in Dallas between Southlake (Texas) and Northwestern (Miami) will be played at Gerald J. Ford Stadium (former site of Ownby Stadium) on the SMU campus.
Eagles finish practice squad
The Philadelphia Eagles re-signed the following eight players to the practice squad Monday:
DT Jeremy Clark
FB Jason Davis
WR Michael Gasperson
DE Marques Murrell
WR Bill Sampy
TE Lee Vickers
LB Akeem Jordan
S Marcus Paschal
DT Jeremy Clark
FB Jason Davis
WR Michael Gasperson
DE Marques Murrell
WR Bill Sampy
TE Lee Vickers
LB Akeem Jordan
S Marcus Paschal
Delaware's Omar Cuff named CAA Offensive Player of the Week
CAA Football announced the league’s first-ever Players of the Week on Monday and Delaware running back Omar Cuff won the offensive honor.
Cuff, the league’s first-ever Offensive Player of the Week, enjoyed a career night in the Blue Hens’ 49-31 win over William and Mary as part of The CAA Football Inaugural Game, Aug. 30.
The Landover, Md., native carried the ball 30 times for 244 yards and six touchdowns, while hauling in four passes for 52 yards and another score. Cuff’s seven touchdowns at the Tribe’s Zable Stadium tied an NCAA-FCS (formerly I-AA) record previously set twice -- most recently in 1998.
The senior also set Delaware school records for rushing touchdowns (6) and total touchdowns (7). Making it a truly monumental evening, Cuff’s rushing touchdowns (6), total touchdowns (7) and total points scored (42) also set new CAA Football Conference records.
Cuff, the league’s first-ever Offensive Player of the Week, enjoyed a career night in the Blue Hens’ 49-31 win over William and Mary as part of The CAA Football Inaugural Game, Aug. 30.
The Landover, Md., native carried the ball 30 times for 244 yards and six touchdowns, while hauling in four passes for 52 yards and another score. Cuff’s seven touchdowns at the Tribe’s Zable Stadium tied an NCAA-FCS (formerly I-AA) record previously set twice -- most recently in 1998.
The senior also set Delaware school records for rushing touchdowns (6) and total touchdowns (7). Making it a truly monumental evening, Cuff’s rushing touchdowns (6), total touchdowns (7) and total points scored (42) also set new CAA Football Conference records.
Chiefs claim CB Barksdale
-Courtesy of Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs President Carl Peterson announced on Monday that the club claimed CB Rashad Barksdale on waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Barksdale (5-11, 208) originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick (201st overall) of Philadelphia in 2007. He began his collegiate career at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York before transferring to Albany as a junior baseball player. He joined the Great Danes football team as a running back before shifting to safety. He opened 10 games as a senior at Albany, recording 37 tackles and three INTs to earn Mid-Major All-America honors from Football Gazette. The Hudson, New York native was an all-state performer in both baseball and football at Hudson High School.
Kansas City Chiefs President Carl Peterson announced on Monday that the club claimed CB Rashad Barksdale on waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Barksdale (5-11, 208) originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick (201st overall) of Philadelphia in 2007. He began his collegiate career at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York before transferring to Albany as a junior baseball player. He joined the Great Danes football team as a running back before shifting to safety. He opened 10 games as a senior at Albany, recording 37 tackles and three INTs to earn Mid-Major All-America honors from Football Gazette. The Hudson, New York native was an all-state performer in both baseball and football at Hudson High School.
The NFL's Signature
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
On February 27, Signature Pharmacy in downtown Orlando, Fla. was raided by a law enforcement task force.
The incursion was the climax of a New York state grand jury investigation into Internet drug sales. The inquiry, fueled by Albany County, New York district attorney David Soares, ripped the lid off the online pharmacies that have raked in millions by supplying illegal performance drugs to thousands, including many professional athletes.
Customers already outed include Los Angeles Angels center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. and a host of professional wrestlers. More >>
The Phanatic Magazine
On February 27, Signature Pharmacy in downtown Orlando, Fla. was raided by a law enforcement task force.
The incursion was the climax of a New York state grand jury investigation into Internet drug sales. The inquiry, fueled by Albany County, New York district attorney David Soares, ripped the lid off the online pharmacies that have raked in millions by supplying illegal performance drugs to thousands, including many professional athletes.
Customers already outed include Los Angeles Angels center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. and a host of professional wrestlers. More >>
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Eagles claim Reed, Togafau
-Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles claimed S/KR J.R. Reed off waivers from the New York Giants and LB Pago Togafau (pronounced PONG-oh TONG-uh-fow) off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals.
To make room on the 53-man roster, the Eagles released LB Akeem Jordan and S Marcus Paschal.
The 25-year-old Reed is in his second stint with the Eagles after being a fourth-round draft choice of the club in 2004. During an impressive rookie season as the club's primary kickoff returner, Reed averaged 23.1 yards on 33 returns. A freak accident during the 2005 offseason, however, left Reed with nerve damage which affected movement in his lower leg and foot and forced him to miss the entire 2005 campaign. He returned to action with the Eagles during the 2006 preseason but was released on September 3, 2006, Reed went on to see action in 6 games with the St. Louis Rams later that year. He also spent time with Atlanta in 2006 and with the Giants this summer before being released as part of their final roster cutdown yesterday.
Togafau was signed by the Cardinals as a rookie free agent following the 2007 draft from Idaho State. The 5-10, 250-pound linebacker recorded 16 tackles in four preseason games for Arizona. He led the team in tackles during each of his last three seasons at Idaho State and finished his collegiate career with 361 stops. Togafau, 23, is a product of Long Beach Poly HS (CA).
The Philadelphia Eagles claimed S/KR J.R. Reed off waivers from the New York Giants and LB Pago Togafau (pronounced PONG-oh TONG-uh-fow) off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals.
To make room on the 53-man roster, the Eagles released LB Akeem Jordan and S Marcus Paschal.
The 25-year-old Reed is in his second stint with the Eagles after being a fourth-round draft choice of the club in 2004. During an impressive rookie season as the club's primary kickoff returner, Reed averaged 23.1 yards on 33 returns. A freak accident during the 2005 offseason, however, left Reed with nerve damage which affected movement in his lower leg and foot and forced him to miss the entire 2005 campaign. He returned to action with the Eagles during the 2006 preseason but was released on September 3, 2006, Reed went on to see action in 6 games with the St. Louis Rams later that year. He also spent time with Atlanta in 2006 and with the Giants this summer before being released as part of their final roster cutdown yesterday.
Togafau was signed by the Cardinals as a rookie free agent following the 2007 draft from Idaho State. The 5-10, 250-pound linebacker recorded 16 tackles in four preseason games for Arizona. He led the team in tackles during each of his last three seasons at Idaho State and finished his collegiate career with 361 stops. Togafau, 23, is a product of Long Beach Poly HS (CA).
Surprises few with final cuts
By Jeff Glauser
Phanatic Magazine
J.D. Durbin remembered he was J.D. Durbin last night, which also reminded fans stricken with Phillies Phever lately that football season is right around the corner.
Perfect timing, as the Eagles roster was announced this weekend. A couple times, actually. First, prematurely on the team’s website, and the second time later in the day, while in the midst of talking five mistakenly reported cuts off the Walt Whitman Bridge.
The end result is nothing too shocking. Dirk Johnson’s “Boogie Nights” are over with the Birds, booted out by the “Thunder From Down Under,” Sav Rocca (and I must say that he instantly arrives with the best nickname on the squad). More >>
Phanatic Magazine
J.D. Durbin remembered he was J.D. Durbin last night, which also reminded fans stricken with Phillies Phever lately that football season is right around the corner.
Perfect timing, as the Eagles roster was announced this weekend. A couple times, actually. First, prematurely on the team’s website, and the second time later in the day, while in the midst of talking five mistakenly reported cuts off the Walt Whitman Bridge.
The end result is nothing too shocking. Dirk Johnson’s “Boogie Nights” are over with the Birds, booted out by the “Thunder From Down Under,” Sav Rocca (and I must say that he instantly arrives with the best nickname on the squad). More >>
Chiefs get Thigpen
The Kansas City Chiefs were awarded quarterback Tyler Thigpen on waivers today, according to his agent Joel Turner.
The Eagles were interested in Thigpen as an injury replacement for A.J. Feeley.
The Eagles were interested in Thigpen as an injury replacement for A.J. Feeley.
Eagles sign veteran DT
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
The Philadelphia Eagles signed veteran defensive tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen to a one-year contract Sunday and placed defensive tackle Ian Scott on the minor injured reserve list.
The 36-year-old von Oelhoffen was released by the New York Jets as part of their final roster cutdown.
A sixth-round selection in the 1994 draft by Cincinnati, von Oelhoffen has recorded 395 tackles, 26 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in 192 career games with the Bengals (1994-99), the Pittsburgh Steelers (2000-05) and the Jets (2006). He has played in 105 consecutive regular and postseason contests.
von Oelhoffen's most productive season came in 2003 with the Steelers, when he tallied 40 tackles and eight sacks.
Meanwhile, Scott will be released by the Eagles when he is deemed healthy.
The Phanatic Magazine
The Philadelphia Eagles signed veteran defensive tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen to a one-year contract Sunday and placed defensive tackle Ian Scott on the minor injured reserve list.
The 36-year-old von Oelhoffen was released by the New York Jets as part of their final roster cutdown.
A sixth-round selection in the 1994 draft by Cincinnati, von Oelhoffen has recorded 395 tackles, 26 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in 192 career games with the Bengals (1994-99), the Pittsburgh Steelers (2000-05) and the Jets (2006). He has played in 105 consecutive regular and postseason contests.
von Oelhoffen's most productive season came in 2003 with the Steelers, when he tallied 40 tackles and eight sacks.
Meanwhile, Scott will be released by the Eagles when he is deemed healthy.
Eagles interested in QB Thigpen
Minnesota Vikings coach and ex-Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress told a radio station in Minneapolis this morning that the Eagles are interested in QB Tyler Thigpen as a possible emergency replacement for backup A.J. Feeley, who broke his left hand in the Eagles’ final preseason game.
Thigpen was a seventh round pick of the Vikings this year and the team is trying to sneak him through waivers and onto their practice squad.
“They’d be within their rights to do it,” Childress said on WCCO. “[But] I’d be sick.”
Thigpen was a seventh round pick of the Vikings this year and the team is trying to sneak him through waivers and onto their practice squad.
“They’d be within their rights to do it,” Childress said on WCCO. “[But] I’d be sick.”
Fantasy Rush
The Phanatic Magazine has released its complete list of fantasy football position rankings.
Check them out at http://www.phanaticmag.com/fantasy.shtml
Check them out at http://www.phanaticmag.com/fantasy.shtml
Penn State declares White Out for Notre Dame
-Courtesy of Penn State University
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; September 2, 2007 – The large and loud Penn State student section has delivered on several Beaver Stadium white outs over the past three years, earning notice across the nation for their enthusiasm and solidarity.
For the first time, all Nittany Lion fans are being asked to wear white for the highly-anticipated clash with Notre Dame on Saturday. Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. in Beaver Stadium and ESPN will televise the sold out contest to a national audience.
The more than 107,000 tickets for the game were printed in white. More than 50,000 white shakers, courtesy of PHEAA, will be distributed for the all stadium white out.
Notre Dame will be making its first visit to Happy Valley since 1991. The Irish took a 9-8-1 series lead by winning in South Bend last season.
Penn State and Notre Dame rank among the Top 10 teams in the nation in victories. The Nittany Lions have 781 wins, good for a tie for sixth place with Alabama, and the Irish are second with 820.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; September 2, 2007 – The large and loud Penn State student section has delivered on several Beaver Stadium white outs over the past three years, earning notice across the nation for their enthusiasm and solidarity.
For the first time, all Nittany Lion fans are being asked to wear white for the highly-anticipated clash with Notre Dame on Saturday. Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. in Beaver Stadium and ESPN will televise the sold out contest to a national audience.
The more than 107,000 tickets for the game were printed in white. More than 50,000 white shakers, courtesy of PHEAA, will be distributed for the all stadium white out.
Notre Dame will be making its first visit to Happy Valley since 1991. The Irish took a 9-8-1 series lead by winning in South Bend last season.
Penn State and Notre Dame rank among the Top 10 teams in the nation in victories. The Nittany Lions have 781 wins, good for a tie for sixth place with Alabama, and the Irish are second with 820.
Penn State news and notes
News and notes from Penn State's 59-0 season opening win versus Florida International...
-Courtesy of Penn State University
-Penn State is now 100-19-2 in season openers, and 35-7 under Coach Joe Paterno. Additionally, the Nittany Lions are 108-12-1 in home openers.
- The Nittany Lions have won 23 of their last 28 games, dating to the final two games of the 2004 season. Penn State has won four straight games overall.
-Penn State’s 28 points in the third quarter are the most points that the Lions have notched in a single stanza since scoring 28 points in both the first and second quarters at Illinois in 2005.
- The Nittany Lions have three shutouts in their last six games.
- The shutout was Penn State’s 38th under Coach Joe Paterno.
-The 59 points by Penn State today are the most that the Nittany Lions have scored since putting 63 points on the board at Illinois in 2005. It is also the largest margin of victory for the Lions since Penn State defeated Louisiana Tech by 60 points (67-7) in 2000.
-The 59-0 shutout is the largest shutout victory for the Lions since Penn State beat Cincinnati 81-0 in 1991.
-Penn State had not recorded a shutout in a season opener since defeating Cincinnati 52-0 in 1981.
-The 114 yards of total offense allowed by the Lions is tied for third-fewest allowed by Penn State under Coach Paterno. Temple gained 74 yards in 2006, Army had 97 in 1972 and Cincinnati also had 114 yards in 1987.
-The Nittany Lion defense forced five turnovers today (all fumbles) for the most turnovers forced by the defense since forcing five against Michigan State in 2004.
-Penn State held Florida International to (minus-3) yards rushing on 31 attempts, which is the fewest yards allowed by Penn State since holding Wisconsin to (minus-11) yards rushing in 2005.
-Florida International had 7 first downs today, tied for the ninth fewest allowed by Penn State under Coach Joe Paterno.
-Anthony Morelli’s 231 yards passing in the first half broke the Penn State first half pasing yardage record. The old record was 219 yards by Mike McQueary against Wisconsin in 1997.
-Morelli established new career highs today in pass attempts (38), completions (23), and yardage (295). His old career highs were 37 attempts vs. Michigan State, 21 completions at Notre Dame and 288 yards vs. Northwestern, all set last year. He also tied a career high with three touchdown passes, which he set last year in the season opener vs. Akron.
-Jordan Norwood had five receptions today, giving him 75 for his career and moving him into 15th place in the Penn State annals. He trails Eddie Drummond (76 catches) for 14th place.
-Deon Butler’s 66 yards receiving today give him a total of 1,291 yards for his career, which moves him into 12th place at Penn State. Eleventh place is held by Ted Kwalick, with 1,343 yards.
-Terrell Golden’s first quarter touchdown reception was the third of his career, and his first touchdown reception since a 47-yard grab against Central Michigan in the third game of the 2005 season.
-Mickey Shuler’s 17-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter was the first catch of his career and his first career touchdown. His father, Mickey, caught his last Penn State TD pass vs. West Virginia on Oct. 22, 1977.
-Evan Royster’s 13-yard touchdown rush in the third quarter was the first touchdown of his career.
-Dan Lawlor’s 16-yard dash on the first play of the fourth quarter marked his first career touchdown.
-Jared Odrick blocked the first kick (field goal) of his career late in the second quarter. He also recorded his second career sack.
-Navorro Bowman’s third quarter fumble recovery was the first of his career. Bowman also blocked the first kick (punt) of his career in the third quarter.
-Chris Baker notched the first sack of his career in the fourth quarter.
-Jerome Hayes recorded his first career sack in the second quarter.
-Justin King’s first quarter fumble recovery was the first of his career.
-Dan Connor’s first quarter fumble recovery was the second of his career.
-Phil Taylor’s first quarter fumble recovery was the first of his career.
-Jerome Hayes recorded his first career sack early in the second quarter.
-Aaron Maybin notched his first career sack in the fourth quarter.
-The following players started their first games for Penn State today:
Offense: WR Chris Bell
OT Dennis Landolt
Defense: DE Maurice Evans
DT Jared Odrick
DT Ollie Ogbu
CB Lydell Sargeant
-Courtesy of Penn State University
-Penn State is now 100-19-2 in season openers, and 35-7 under Coach Joe Paterno. Additionally, the Nittany Lions are 108-12-1 in home openers.
- The Nittany Lions have won 23 of their last 28 games, dating to the final two games of the 2004 season. Penn State has won four straight games overall.
-Penn State’s 28 points in the third quarter are the most points that the Lions have notched in a single stanza since scoring 28 points in both the first and second quarters at Illinois in 2005.
- The Nittany Lions have three shutouts in their last six games.
- The shutout was Penn State’s 38th under Coach Joe Paterno.
-The 59 points by Penn State today are the most that the Nittany Lions have scored since putting 63 points on the board at Illinois in 2005. It is also the largest margin of victory for the Lions since Penn State defeated Louisiana Tech by 60 points (67-7) in 2000.
-The 59-0 shutout is the largest shutout victory for the Lions since Penn State beat Cincinnati 81-0 in 1991.
-Penn State had not recorded a shutout in a season opener since defeating Cincinnati 52-0 in 1981.
-The 114 yards of total offense allowed by the Lions is tied for third-fewest allowed by Penn State under Coach Paterno. Temple gained 74 yards in 2006, Army had 97 in 1972 and Cincinnati also had 114 yards in 1987.
-The Nittany Lion defense forced five turnovers today (all fumbles) for the most turnovers forced by the defense since forcing five against Michigan State in 2004.
-Penn State held Florida International to (minus-3) yards rushing on 31 attempts, which is the fewest yards allowed by Penn State since holding Wisconsin to (minus-11) yards rushing in 2005.
-Florida International had 7 first downs today, tied for the ninth fewest allowed by Penn State under Coach Joe Paterno.
-Anthony Morelli’s 231 yards passing in the first half broke the Penn State first half pasing yardage record. The old record was 219 yards by Mike McQueary against Wisconsin in 1997.
-Morelli established new career highs today in pass attempts (38), completions (23), and yardage (295). His old career highs were 37 attempts vs. Michigan State, 21 completions at Notre Dame and 288 yards vs. Northwestern, all set last year. He also tied a career high with three touchdown passes, which he set last year in the season opener vs. Akron.
-Jordan Norwood had five receptions today, giving him 75 for his career and moving him into 15th place in the Penn State annals. He trails Eddie Drummond (76 catches) for 14th place.
-Deon Butler’s 66 yards receiving today give him a total of 1,291 yards for his career, which moves him into 12th place at Penn State. Eleventh place is held by Ted Kwalick, with 1,343 yards.
-Terrell Golden’s first quarter touchdown reception was the third of his career, and his first touchdown reception since a 47-yard grab against Central Michigan in the third game of the 2005 season.
-Mickey Shuler’s 17-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter was the first catch of his career and his first career touchdown. His father, Mickey, caught his last Penn State TD pass vs. West Virginia on Oct. 22, 1977.
-Evan Royster’s 13-yard touchdown rush in the third quarter was the first touchdown of his career.
-Dan Lawlor’s 16-yard dash on the first play of the fourth quarter marked his first career touchdown.
-Jared Odrick blocked the first kick (field goal) of his career late in the second quarter. He also recorded his second career sack.
-Navorro Bowman’s third quarter fumble recovery was the first of his career. Bowman also blocked the first kick (punt) of his career in the third quarter.
-Chris Baker notched the first sack of his career in the fourth quarter.
-Jerome Hayes recorded his first career sack in the second quarter.
-Justin King’s first quarter fumble recovery was the first of his career.
-Dan Connor’s first quarter fumble recovery was the second of his career.
-Phil Taylor’s first quarter fumble recovery was the first of his career.
-Jerome Hayes recorded his first career sack early in the second quarter.
-Aaron Maybin notched his first career sack in the fourth quarter.
-The following players started their first games for Penn State today:
Offense: WR Chris Bell
OT Dennis Landolt
Defense: DE Maurice Evans
DT Jared Odrick
DT Ollie Ogbu
CB Lydell Sargeant
Delaware police believe they have body of Jameer Nelson's father
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Eagles release 22
The Philadelphia Eagles released the following 22 players Saturday:
CB Rashad Barksdale
WR Jeremy Bloom
FB Jeremy Cain
DT Jeremy Clark
WR Zac Collie
LB Tank Daniels
FB Jason Davis
CB Dustin Fox
S C.J. Gaddis
WR Michael Gasperson
S Erick Harris
C Jasper Harvey
T Jacob Hobbs
RB Nate Ilaoa
P Dirk Johnson
DT Mauricio Lopez
DE Marques Murrell
WR J.J. Outlaw
T Jonathan Palmer
LB Dedrick Roper
WR Bill Sampy
TE Lee Vickers
The Eagles roster now stands at 53 players. A practice squad of eight players may be established starting at 12 p.m. (et) on Sunday.
CB Rashad Barksdale
WR Jeremy Bloom
FB Jeremy Cain
DT Jeremy Clark
WR Zac Collie
LB Tank Daniels
FB Jason Davis
CB Dustin Fox
S C.J. Gaddis
WR Michael Gasperson
S Erick Harris
C Jasper Harvey
T Jacob Hobbs
RB Nate Ilaoa
P Dirk Johnson
DT Mauricio Lopez
DE Marques Murrell
WR J.J. Outlaw
T Jonathan Palmer
LB Dedrick Roper
WR Bill Sampy
TE Lee Vickers
The Eagles roster now stands at 53 players. A practice squad of eight players may be established starting at 12 p.m. (et) on Sunday.
Temple falls to Navy in season opener
By John McMullen
The Phanatic Magazine
Philadelphia, PA (The Phanatic) - Temple coach Al Golden went with red-shirt junior Adam DiMichele as his starting quarterback for the Owls' 2007 season opener against Navy in front of 30,368 at Lincoln Financial Field Friday.
It was a curious move for a team desperately trying to rebuild a struggling program. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound DiMichele just isn't the physical peer of his backup, 6-foot-4, 226-pound sophomore Vaughan Charlton.
"It is so close. It is a hard call and something I have struggled with for a long time," Golden said before the game. "Obviously (offensive coordinator) Coach (George) DeLeone and (quarterbacks) Coach (Matt) Rhule have had a lot of input as well. Ultimately it comes down to an intuitive feeling and a gut reaction. At this point Adam has played slightly better in the scrimmages." More >>
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