"Frank" Part 3

Here, is the final installation of my story. Now hold your breath and start reading...








...The day of the game soon arrived, with the Tigers doing triple practices each day. Frank didn't really want to get up that morning, maybe because he was nervous, or maybe that it was his lat game, he didn't know. 
The game was played at a neutral site, so there were equal parts Green-and-Gold, and Blue-and-White. Still, Frank was intimidated. It was not shocking to hear that Peanut would play; nevertheless, Frank was disappointed.

* * *

At the start of the game, after numerous pep talks, the Tigers won the coin toss and chose to receive. So, again, Wags, Peanut, Allen & co. took to the field. Frank was already crossing his fingers and praying all would be fine. 

On the first play, Queen plowed straight through the line, and sacked Wags for a loss of 9 (Coach Jones yelled in frustration). Next, Queen again sacked Wags, this time for a loss of 6 (more swearing). It was 3rd and 25, and Coach Jones called a timeout. After alot of raised voices, the Tigers took to the field. The blitz package came in, Queen flew at Wags...and dumped him down. But first, Wags managed to get the pass off. Allen was streaking down the field, about to catch the ball, he was now in the end zone, he was falling onto the muddy grass... 

"TOUCHDOWN!" screamed the announcer, "94 yards! Like a rainbow in the sky! The Tigers lead 6-0!"

Of course, as the players on the sideline weren't watching it on TV, they didn't hear the announcer, but Coach Jones was at least 5 times crazier, shouting himself hoarse. Frank was bouncing up and down.

The conversion kick was good and it was a 7-0 Tigers lead.

Queen only played defense, but Golden Wave QB Jerome James, and RB Lamaal Squalor did. Quieting the Tigers, they embarked on a 7-play, 77-yard scoring drive, capped off by a Squalor 28-yard dash to the end zone, making it 7-7.

Coach Jones noticed that, as Peanut was their best player, with the possible exception of Wags, he should be switched to the left side, to block Queen. But the Golden Wave coach knew what the Tigers were up to, and Queen was switched to the right side. Wags was dumped for a loss of 7, and landed roughly on his shoulder. He wasn't renowned for his toughness, and this was no exception, as he was carried off with a dislocated shoulder. 

"McCarter!" barked Coach Jones, "Get onto the field!"

McCarter obeyed, but he wasn't as good a passer as Wags. The next pass bounced off Peanut's helmet...and into the onrushing Queen's arms. He pushed McCarter out of the way, and somersaulted into the end zone.

Frank thought he chanced half a glance at the Tiger bench to rub it in. He knew he would hear yelling if he wasn't so mad at Queen. He was beginning to think that the touchdown was a fluke. Still, the winners of this game would win the League championship. 

* * *

But the momentum turned again, as Peanut was switched to the Right side. It worked, and Peanut was able to throw a pancake block on Queen, as Allen skated 57 yards. Queen, frustrated, punched McCarter, breaking his nose. Queen was ejected for the remainder of the half, and McCarter had to beg to play.

"If you wanna play that much," thundered Coach Jones, "Get onto that--," he was cut short as McCarter dashed into the huddle.

McCarter managed to edge into the end zone from 6 yards out, and the score stood at 14-14.

But, Momentum Changer #3 came quickly at the end of the half, in the weirdest form possible. Squalor fumbled and a Tiger scooped it up and started running. But soon James hit him hard enough that he fumbled again. James took it 88 yards to the end zone, and at the half , it was 21-14.

* * *

The Golden Wave started on offense at the start of the half. James and Squalor were zipping all over the field, and James burst out 51 yards. The momentum clearly belonged to the Golden Wave, as the score was 28-14. Queen kept looking across the field making faces.

The Golden Wave then started a frustrating trick by punting it over to the Tigers, sometimes on first down. They wanted to see the Tigers struggle on offense, and struggle they did, amassing -4 yards in the 3rd quarter, and 12 yards in the 4th quarter, when there was a minute left. 

But those 12 yards were touchdowns. A kick was returned to the 3 (Kick returns don't count for yardage statistics), and Allen caught a pass in the end zone, bringing the game to 21-28. Then, James fumbled on the Wave's 9-yard line, and McCarter scored a decisive 1-yard touchdown on 4th and Goal. 

But... the Tiger's spirits broke, when Squalor and James engineered a 91-yard, 16-play drive ending in a 4-yard James run. Only 31 ticks were left on the clock, and the score stood at 35-28. 

* * *

Frank, Coach Jones, McCarter, Peanut, even the most crazy Tiger fan were all down. 

"But, we're still in this game" reminded Coach Jones. "We've got 31 seconds of football left. we're not lost. We still have a chance. I need you all to work your best. This will be your best 31 seconds of football you could ever imagine. McCarter, I want to see your best you've ever done. Same for you Allen. And Peanut. And everybody. We will win this game. We will win the League cup for all our fans. And for us, the team. We will all try our best, and put in out best effort. Now let's start!"

Frank watched as the offense stormed onto the field. He wished he could be playing his last 31 seconds of football then. He saw Queen, in his muddy, green, #30 jersey lined up in front of Peanut, #62. McCarter called out "HIKE!", and the play begun. Queen smashed through Peanut, and Frank heard an ominous cracking sound. McCarter tossed the ball away a nanosecond before Queen hit him. The ball soared away, up, up, into the end zone, Allen was waiting there for a...

"TOUCHDOWN!" cried Coach Jones, "TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN!"

But Frank was worried. He saw Peanut laying on the ground clutching his leg in pain. A couple of medical assistants went over, and helped him to the sideline. 

"Shattered both his legs" grumbled one, as the other, went to fetch some water.

Frank was just plain mad at Queen, just mad. Queen had dislocated Wags's shoulder, Queen had punched McCarter, and it was Queen who shattered Peanut's legs. He wondered if he could ever get Queen back.

"Van Horn!"

Frank was brought back to earth. "What's the matter?" he inquired.

"Git onto the field!"

He had completely forgotten, and now he would be able to play, at least on the conversion kick. He was thrilled.

He managed to block Queen somehow during the kick, which tied the game at 35-35.

There were 22 seconds left, and The Golden Wave, with James and Squalor, almost scored, before time ran out, but it was much too close for comfort, as their 44-yard Field Goal into a stiff wind went wide left as time expired.

The Golden Wave and the Tigers were plunged into overtime.

* * *

In professional football, overtime is sudden-death, meaning that they play regularly, until one team scores. 

Frank was in heaven; it was great to be playing football again. The Tigers, in their muddy Blue uniforms, were going first.

"All Right," barked McCarter in the huddle, "Coach told me that this'll be a pass to #18 (Allen) around the right end." Frank's end was the right end.

But McCarter, who wasn't the best passer, misjudged it, and a Golden Wave defender caught it. It was on the right side of the field, and Frank knew it was up to him to tackle the defender, or else he would score, and the Tigers would lose. Frank sprinted to the sidelines and dove; he missed. Undaunted, he got up and resumed his pursuit. He was the nearest Tiger, it was up to him to bring him to the ground. He put all the energy he could into his forty-six-year-old legs, to catch up. The defender passed the ten, and Frank dove once more... CRUNCH, he slammed him to the muddy earth at the 3-yard-line.

The good news was, the runner didn't score. The bad news was, the Wave was within easy Field Goal range, a 20-yarder, with the wind at their backs.

On 1st and goal, the Wave went for it.

"So like the Wave" muttered Coach Jones from behind Frank.

Squalor dove into the end zone. As the crowd started to roar, they noticed the ball was not in his arms. Where was it? It was a fumble and the Tigers recovered it.

Frank took to the field, knowing he would have to block Queen somehow or other. He was hearing taunts, undoubtedly by Queen, but ignored them. The ball was snapped, and Queen plowed past Frank. He hit McCarter from behind, sending the ball flying...to Allen.

"RUN!" boomed Coach Jones, "RUN LIKE YOU'VE NEVER BEFORE!"

But it was too late, and Allen was tripped up around the 20. Still, they were in Field Goal range, 37 yards, and Coach Jones sent in the kicking squad.

The kicker swung  his foot like a pendulum. A brown blur, the ball, went soaring up into the air. A Green and Gold shape jumped up. Number 30. Queen. Frank saw Queen extend an arm, and the brown blur hit it. Queen had blocked the kick.  Queen had blocked the kick.  Queen had blocked the kick. 

* * *

Frank was almost in shock. He could almost hear Coach Jones swearing. He could almost hear Queen's taunts. He could almost see Queen next door, teasing him about it. The Golden Wave would win the cup for the sixth straight year.

But...The brown blur was coming to him. It was impossible. He caught it out of the air. And he began to run. And he ran. And he ran. He thought his legs would burst. He could feel Queen behind him. He tried to concentrate on the end zone, 10 yards away. He was at the 5. He could feel Queen's breath on his neck. Everything was in slow motion. He was a the 4. The 3. The 2. The 1. He was hit by Queen. He was sent flying into the end zone.

"WE DID IT! YES! YES! TOUCHDOWN! YES!" Coach Jones was crazy.

Frank was so happy, he could not describe it. First Coach Jones, McCarter, Allen, and the rest of the offense were running towards him. The fans were storming the field. He was in the center of a many-armed hug.

An official-looking man with a moustache came, and presented a trophy, the league cup, to Coach Jones, who passed it all around with the players. When Frank took it, he saw the beauty of it all. He looked at the way bottom, and read the plaque. It showed the Tigers. 

Frank smiles and lifted the cup.

"Frank" Part 2

I know you have all been waiting patiently for this to come out. Well...here it is










...Back home, Frank had to endure queen's perpetual taunts, as the Golden Wave won, with Queen himself causing 2 fumbles and 4 sacks. Frank did just ignore it, but it was getting more and more irritating every time.




The day of game #2 was looming near, but luck was with the Tigers, as they were to play the Titans at home, who were riding a 5-game losing streak, stretching back to last season. This season, they had already lost to (Who else?) the Golden Wave 52-14, but Coach Jones was still nervous. Wags was unfit for playing still, so McCarter was in charge. Frank was still sure that the game would be a blowout, even after Coach Jones's numerous pep talks.


"C'mon Coach, this is only the Titans," said one player during the umpteenth talk, "We'll be just fine without all these."
"Only the Titans?" snapped Coach Jones, "Did you just say only the Titans? There have been numerous easy games lost because someone underestimated their opponent!"


Frank, and most of the other players, thought Coach Jones was overestimating the Titans, after all, didn't they lose 20 out of their last 30 games? But none of them said anything, as Coach Jones was renowned for his temper. 

* * *

"Nah, we actually played horrible," Coach Jones told a reporter after the win, "Horrible; the only reason we won was the Titans were double-horrible". 

There was reasoning behind that, as, in a game of torrential rain, once delayed by lightning,

the Tigers lost 3 fumbles and McCarter threw an interception. Adding to the misery, the Titans scored  on a blocked punt, and a Hail Mary pass at the end. When the two-point-pass was broken up, though, the Tigers were able to walk away with a 17-16 victory. Frank hadn't played a snap at all, but was glad to win either way.

* * *

But...After a bye week, Wags was able to come to practice. He couldn't throw as he used to, but he was getting better and better after more practices. Coach Jones was always the biggest overestimater, but the Vikings, who they were playing, was 2-1, only losing a tight game. Still, Frank and the other players were confident of a win. 

Sure enough, the game lived up to the hype, with the Tigers scraping together a 31-27 win in the final minutes. Better still, the Bulldogs, who beat the Tigers, were 2-2 now, meaning the Tigers were second place in the league, behind the 4-0 Golden Wave. Now, if the Golden Wave lost at least twice, OR lost to the Tigers in the last game, AND the Tigers won the rest of their games, the Tigers would win the league cup. It still was a long shot, and the best experts projected the Tigers around the 6th or 7th mark. 

* * *

The experts' projections started looking bad, because the tigers had just taken in more victims; the Wildcats, 20-3; the Leapords, 34-19; the Trojans, 42-31; the Cougars, 28-27; and the Giants, 17-3. The last remaining team on their schedule was the Golden Wave. 

Frank had still not played a down since the goal-line sack, and was sure he should retire soon, but remembered that he would wait unttil he scored. But he knew it could take ages, and even suspected he would be cut by the team within a year. He, after a debate in his head, decided he would retire after the season. He was sure his last play would br the sack..."Unless Peanut gets hurt..." he kept thinking. Peanut was his friend but still, he half-wanted him to get injured...

Part 2 is now done, and you will see part 3 within a week maybe.

"Frank" Part 1

Now, I've decided that I would like to share with you, an original story of my own composition. This is about football, my favorite sport. This is long, so I will divide it into a number of posts, which will also add suspense.

"Frank"

All around the world, from Egypt to Samoa, from Spain to Argentina, from China to Mexico, one sport is king. Football, otherwise known as soccer, dominates. even the littlest of children can be seen kicking balls around. But not here. In the U.S.A., the other football, American football, is played everywhere. Many children compete in flag football leagues. Around the age of ten, they start tackling. And most dream of scoring a touchdown. This story takes place in America, where American football reigns. This story is about American football.

Because this story takes place in America, it is sensible to call this sport just plain football. I have been calling it football all my life. So, people from other countries, this is not your beloved kicking sport. This, is Football.

*  *  *

Frank Van Horn was a football player. He played for a professional team called the Tigers. He had grown up watching the Tigers play, and cheered them on, back in their glory days. Years later, he played Fullback, and wasn't the best back, but wasn't the worst. He scored a fair amount of touchdowns in his career. Then, when he was at the age of thirty, something happened. The Tigers drafted a faster, younger back, and Frank was shunted to Right Tackle. He greatly disliked playing on the offensive line; he never got the ball and scored. After nine years of this, he asked Coach Jones if he thought it would be a good idea to retire.

"No," was what he got, "I think you are too valuable a player."

Frank spat out something he had been wanting to say for years: "I actually wish I were a player that grabbed the ball and scores."

Coach Jones looked at him for a moment, and said "I still don't think it would be a good idea to retire, and, you have proven too valuable a player."

Frank decided that he would not retire, until he had scored one more time. It is very hard for an offensive lineman to score, and one season passed. Then another. Then another. Before he knew it, Frank watched six seasons come and go.

Worst of all, Frank soon saw the Tigers draft a new Right Tackle by the name of William "Peanut" Liman. His nickname came from the habit of eating peanuts on the sideline. He was very popular and handsome. He was also twenty years younger than Frank, who was now his backup.

But Frank had other matters on his mind. His next-door-neighbor, Gilderoy Queen, was drafted into the rival team, The Golden Wave. Frank had never been on friendly terms with Queen, but Queen's draft only increased their animosity.

The day Queen was drafted, he painted his fence to depict a rush of waves, tinged with gold, drowning a tiger. Frank then hung his old Tigers jersey on his front porch, which Queen paintballed Green and Gold instantly.

*  *  *

The season started soon enough. Practices were now held twice a day. Peanut was, of course, picked as the starting Right Tackle. But the Tigers received some bitter luck during their first practice. Quarterback David "Wags" Wagner, who wasn't renowned for being tough, broke his collarbone during a scrimmage.

Coach Jones called to attention."Guys, Wags is hurt-"

"Like normally" interjected a player.

Coach Jones looked stern, then began again. "Guys, Wags is hurt, so I want to see you all working all your tails off for our first game. McCarter, you will have to substitute". McCarter was the backup Quarterback, and was friendly to all, even the most bitter of opponents.  

*  *  * 

On the day of the first game, Tigers v.s. Bulldogs, Frank was really sure he wouldn't get a chance to play, as Peanut was the best player, with the possible exception of Wags. Frank still packed his sentimental Number seventy-three, blue-and-white jersey on the team flight to Bulldog Stadium.

Unsurprisingly, the 75,000 seats at Bulldog Stadium were covered in a sea of Red, and boos erupted as the Tigers took to the field. The Bulldogs and the Tigers were not rivals, but it was a very important game, featuring two of the best teams in the league.

The Bulldogs won the coin toss and chose to defer, so McCarter, Peanut, and the rest of the offense took to the field after receiver Ryan Allen took the kickoff to their own 15-yard line. Frank watched, envious of Peanut, as McCarter completed a 13-yard pass to Allen. It was then 1st and 10. McCarter ran up the middle for a gain of 7. 

The next play Frank remembered vividly. It was 2nd and 3, and the scoreboard read 0-0. There was 13:49 left in the First quarter. The sun had just disappeared behind a cloud when the snap went off. McCarter tried a reverse pass to Allen, but the aim was poor, and an onrushing  Bulldog defender scooped it up and ran 35 yards for a score. Coach Jones broke into a fit of swearing, while the Bulldog stands erupted with cheers and applause. 

*  *  *

The rest of the half went along these lines: Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Bulldogs, but the Tigers tallied 3 points on a Field Goal, although the deficit still stood at 18. Frank hadn't played a down so far.

Later, in the fourth quarter, there was more Bulldogs scoring, but the Tigers were making a comeback; the scoreboard read 35-24 in favour of the home team.

Frank watched from the sidelines, and watched McCarter scamper 89 yards, coming to a stop a the one. The Bulldogs chubby, and nervous coach called timeout. As he was watching the Bulldogs sideline, Frank then heard a voice that made him jump.

"Van Horn!" It was Coach Jones. Frank made his way towards the Coach who informed him something that brought gladness in his body.

"Van Horn!, Peanut needs a rest, so I'm going to place you in."

"Is he hurt?"

"No, now get onto that field!"

Frank was reminded of his glory days, but then he was punching it in, now he was protecting the runner. On first down, McCarter gains one foot. Second down. Another foot from McCarter. Third Down, brings an incomplete pass. Now it's 4th and goal from the foot line, and Coach Jones signals to go for it. The snap occurs, and immediately, the 300 pound lineman pitted against Frank bowls him over, and flattens McCarter short of the goal line, and the Tigers turn it over on downs. Frank held his head down, it was his fault. He could hear mock cheering from the stands.

The Tigers scored one more time, this time with Peanut blocking, but Frank knew it was his fault they lost 35-31. If he had just held firm for a few more seconds...

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Like I said before, this will be done in parts, so for now, just you'll have to wait until My post titled "Frank" Part 2 comes out.

The 2011-12 BCS games

On Sunday, the bowl games for 2011-12 were announced. Here I'll write about each BCS game and what I think about it.

The Rose Bowl features two explosive offenses that will clash in Pasadena. The scoreboard operator better get ready for this matchup between the Oregon ducks and the Wisconsin badgers, which may turn out to be the highest-scoring Rose Bowl in history, as Oregon ranks 3rd in the nation in offense with Wisconsin a heartbeat away at 4th. I think one of the biggest keys to the game is badger RB and Heisman candidate, Montee Ball, who is threatening the record of 39 TDs scored in one season. Ducks D-coordinator, Nick Aliotti, should start adapting many different schemes to stop Ball. The badgers' D also will have a headache, with RB LaMichael James becoming a factor for the ducks in this game and many others before. My prediction: Ball will get 300+ yards but Oregon takes this one 52-45.


#4 Stanford takes on #3 Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl. The 'pokes are seeking redemption for not being admitted to the BCS title game, but they did get a nice game here. Stanford features the Heisman candidate QB Andrew Luck, who may shred up OSU's D. He has many other D-coordinators scratching their heads, trying how to figure out how to get to him, let alone, sack him. Or maybe veteran QB Brandon Weeden will spark the 'pokes' offense to a blowout in an important matchup like they did in Bedlam. My prediction: Luck will bring Stanford luck, but not enough, as Oklahoma State wins big in overtime, 31-28.


In New Orleans, the Sugar Bowl  presents an interesting matchup with #11 Virginia Tech and #13 Michigan. With JoePa out of coaching, Frank Beamer is the longest active coach at Virginia Tech. David Wilson, the Hokie tailback, also adds to the picture. The Hokies played an easy schedule and was embarrassed by Clemson twice, but they are ready to roll.  Michigan first year coach Brady Hoke led his storied program to a BCS game for the firs time since the 2007 Rose Bowl. QB Denard Robinson has 1000+ yards in passing and rushing, and is not afraid to beat you either way. My prediction: Robinson and Wilson will both have good games, but Robinson will be the star of the game, and Michigan will win 41-37.


The Orange Bowl puts together West Virginia and Clemson. Clemson QB Taji Boyd and West Virginia QB Geno Smith will immediately begin firing bombs over the opposing D and will put on the jets around the opponent's D. I dont have much to say about this one because I haven't seen either of these two teams play. My prediction: As the Big East champion receives an automatic BCS bid, it doesn't really mean they deserve it and it'll be Clemson all over, 34-17.


The BCS Title game drew alot of boos from me, as a rematch of LSU/Alabama doesn't seem as interesting as, say, LSU/Oklahoma State, especially with this being the "SEC West title". LSU already won at Alabama 9-6 (boring), and is now playing on virtual home field in New Orleans. My prediction: LSU takes this 14-12.

Michigan vs Ohio

I've got great news here!


It was 2,926 days between November 22, 2003; and November 26, 2011. That is the same as 70,224 hours, which matches 4,213,440 minutes, which equals (take a deep breath) 252,806,400 seconds. In that same span, Michigan went 0-7 against "Ohio", as coach Brady Hoke calls Ohio State.

Last Saturday, "The Big House" overflowed to over 114,000 in attendance, just a hundred shy of setting the NCAA record (Michigan set the past 4 records, and one is still alive). It also overflowed with screams, shouts, and yells; as Michigan faced "Ohio"  amidst a 7-game losing streak in the series. And, oh, it was a game to remember!

Buckeye freshman QB Braxton Miller gained 100+ yards in the air and 150+ more on the ground. He accounted for all but one of  "Ohio's" 4 touchdowns, two on long passes. Meanwhile, Denard Robinson, Miller's counterpart, was the star of the game, hitting the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the season and scoring nearly at will. My favorite highlight was when he scrambled for 41 yards for the wolverine's first points of the game. He then did his "greedy" food celebration in front of the crowd (which I can't find a video of). Michigan prevailed 40-34, as the players and crowd went crazy, and as Hoke got the Gatorade treatment.

We were watching it at our Spanish-speaking neighbor's house so my Dad was cheering more in Spanish than English. We were hugging and jumping around as the clock ticked to double zeros, after 4 hours of eating popcorn and staring intently at a 60" plasma tv and after 2,926 days of buckeye triumph.

My bowl prediction for this 10-2 team is against Houston (12-0) in the Sugar Bowl.

Bevo

Bevo is Texas' beloved mascot and the mascot of the week. I haven't posted in a while because we were sick, and then on vacation. But for now, I am posting.

At halftime on the Texas-Texas A&M game of 1916, two cowboys went onto the field and presented a half-dead longhorn to the crowd. Legend says that his coat was as orange as Texas' colors, so they showed him to Texas.

It is very widely accepted that Bevo got his name from some Texas A&M joksters that branded 13-0, the score that Texas A&M beat Texas by, on Bevo's coat. Then Texas fixed it by changing the 13 to a "B", the hyphen to an "E", put a "V" in between the hyphen and the 0. They left the 0 as an O. That spelled out B-E-V-O. That story is true, but Bevo was already named by then. He was named the moment he was presented to them ("His name is Bevo" the coach made known).

Texas is now on their fourteenth Bevo. Bevo II once rammed at a Southern Methodist cheerleader, who used his megaphone to ward off the longhorn. Bevo V scattered Baylor's band one time. Since then no Bevos have done anything bad. Bevo XIII is to date the Bevo that saw more Texas wins than any other Bevo.

I Think It Was a Good Game

Yesterday was Super Bowl XLV (45). The Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25. My whole family are Packer fans except for one. We had a party at my grandparents home. My Grandma had a gigantic Steelers cookie that she forgot to give to her friend. She gave it to us. Earlier today we put a Packers helmet o a toy figure and took a picture of him "eating" the Steelers cookie. My Mom said that when we eat it, we will be crushing the Steelers (that disappointed my brother because he was the one that was a Steeler fan).

Now for the game summary.

After a few punts, the Packers got on top with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Nelson on 3rd and one. But that was not before "Donald the Driver" got injured, he's out. Pack 7, Steels 0. On the next play from scrimmage, the number 37 guy gets a forty yard pick-six. Then, out of the blue, a really questionable excess of celebration call on the Pack. That penalty is enforced on the ensuing kickoff so that's still fourteen push-ups for me (I did as many push-ups as they scored). Pittsburgh makes a short FG after that. A shocking touchdown follows on a 21-yard pass to Jennings. 21-3! Man, this is just going for the Pack. But then, a demoralizing (injuring Charles Woodson - out for the game), 7-play, 77-yard drive brings us to 21-10 at the close of the half.

The halftime show stunk but we had a good meal.

Back to the action an eight-yard Steeler touchdown brings us close. The Pack get stuck in a 3rd quarter pickle, despite a missed FG, on behalf of Pittsburgh. In the early 4th quarter, however, a touchdown pass to Jennings gives me more push-ups to do. 28-17. But then Rothesburger passes a killer 25-yard touchdown. The Steelers went for two. On the conversion, Rothesburger lateraled it off and they converted. Green Bay got a Field Goal, but I saw a possible Pittsburgh touchdown. On 1st down they made 5 yards. Rothesburger then threw it out of bounds to kill the clock. On 3rd down their pass fell incomplete. Then it was a nail-biting fourth down (my Grandma, all decorated with Packer helmet earrings and necklaces left the scene in a nervous state). Rothesburger looked ahead, dodged Clay Matthews, and threw. It floated back and it was INTERCEPTED! Final score, 31-25, Packers!!!!!!

Cast of Characters:
"Donald the Driver"..............Packer's record for best receiver
Charles Woodson.....................Best defensive back on the Packers (and former Michigan star)
Ben Rothesburger..................Steeler 6' 7" 250lb quarterback
Clay Matthews..........................Packer's best linebacker (with long, long girly hair)

I think it was a good game and it will go down in memory as the first FULL (every play) NFL game I have ever watched.  And about that cookie, it is going to taste great all smashed up in my mouth.

Big Al

This is Big Al. He is the mascot of the week. He is also University of Alabama's official mascot. I googled up some pictures of him and drew him, using the pictures as a model. I think I will alternate element of the week and mascot of the week.
Big Al is just a goofy guy that runs around, in a costume. Some schools
(such as Colorado) keep real, live animals. Big Al has to move around in every sport just like every mascot. But unlike the players, who have to travel for one sport, he has to move around for both basketball, and football.
Alabama has an elephant, but there are two stories of how he came. Both of the stories come from the 1930 season.
One story says that the Alabama football team was borrowing some suitcases from a company. The company's logo was of an elephant standing on a red suitcase. When the team arrived in Pasadena for the Rose Bowl, some people associated the elephant to their logo.
The other story was like the linemen of the Alabama football team were so big, a fan called them "the red elephants". From then on, the Alabama linemen were known as "the red elephants. Then someone wanted an elephant mascot. Whatever the story, Alabama did not accept the elephant as an official mascot until 1979. The name 'Big Al' was a student vote.

Make sure that he doesn't mess with this guy, who he hates!

Michigan v.s. Illinois, the think I think about it

On Saturday Michigan played versus Illinois at the Big House. Michigan won in triple overtime but it was  very close. Final score, 67-65. 


On the first play from scrimmage Denard (or Shoelace) passed to Roy Roundtree, who scored on a 75 yard TOUCHDOWN. Michigan 7-0. Illinois' turn. They drive but are held to a FG and we're still up. Uncle Jeff counted that as half a stop. Illinois fumbles, Denard throws a pic and once more Illinois settles for a FG. Michigan 7-6. Another pic from Denard leads Illinois to a TOUCHDOWN. 2-point conversion is GOOD. 14-7. This game is so crazy that I can't keep track of all the scores but I'll show some highlights.


4th and 9 for Michigan on the Illinois 33. They go for it and TOUCHDOWN!!! ROY ROUNDTREE!!!!!


3rd down for Michigan Denard passes to Hemmingway, Houdini play on the sideline, Illinois forgets to tackle and TOUCHDOWN!!!!


Illinois 3rd and 6, Sheelhaase on the run, and Avery just kills him short of the 1st down. Illinois then MISSES A FG


Forcier throws a few yards into the end zone and TOUCHDOWN!!! MICHIGAN, STONTUM  with an in the air catch to tie this ballgame up.


Scheelhaase going for the 2-point conversion... And he's SACKED BY MOUTON!!!! MICHIGAN WINS!!!!! AND MICHIGAN WILL GO TO A BOWL!!!!!






There were more adventures on Saturday.  Here are a few:


#5Alabama lost at home to #12LSU, 24-21. 'Bama is only 7-2 compared to last year's 14-0.


#4TCU hammered #6Utah 47-7. Utah snapped a 21-game home winning streak(In my dream it was the Mormons v.s. the other Christians).


No one cares about the MAC but Akron is 0-10 after their 2OT loss to Ball State 37-30


#16 Michigan State whooped up Minnesota 31-8. State is #1 in the Big 10.


#15 Iowa squeaked past the Hoosiers 18-13.


JoePa had his 400th career victory over Northwestern 35-21. Backup QB Matt McGloin threw for 4 touchdowns.


The Big 10 standings are here:

1. Michigan State (5-1 Big 10 9-1 overall) 313 points scored all season, 188 allowed.
2. Wisconsin (4-1 Big 10 8-1 overall) 319 points scored all season, 175 allowed.
3. Ohio State (4-1 Big 10 8-1 overall) 378 points scored all season, 122 allowed
4. Iowa (4-1 Big 10 7-2 overall) 291 points scored all season, 129 allowed
5. Penn State (3-2 Big 10 6-3 overall) 218 points scored all season, 181 allowed
6. Illinois(3-3 Big 10 5-4 overall) 280 points scored all season, 201 allowed
7. Michigan (2-3 Big 10 6-3 overall) 350 points scored all season, 305 allowed
8. Northwestern (2-3 Big 10 6-3 overall) 234 points scored all season, 197 allowed
9. Purdue (2-3 Big 10 4-5 overall) 158 points scored all season, 249 allowed
10. Indiana (0-5 Big 10 4-5 overall) 248 points scored all season, 253 allowed
11. Minnesota (0-6 Big 10 1-9 overall) 213 points scored all season, 338 allowed