Tag: Mark Sanchez (Page 27 of 28)

      Pete Carroll, you cocky S.O.B.

      January 2, 2009 /

      Behind quarterback Mark Sanchez’s four touchdown passes, the USC Trojans crushed the Penn State Nittany Lions 38-24 in Thursday’s Rose Bowl game.

      Following the win, USC head coach Pete Carroll had this to say:

      Pete Carroll“With all due respect, those are two great programs, I don’t think anybody can beat the Trojans,” USC coach Pete Carroll said. “I just think we can beat anyone we played. That’s happened a lot to us late in the season. This is a terrific finishing program. There are so many things we can do. We’re just hard to beat right now.

      “I just wish we could keep playing. Unfortunately, we don’t get to. Maybe someday there will be a chance, but not now.”

      You didn’t get the chance because you lost to an unranked Oregon State team, Pete. And while I agree with your hinted suggestion that their should be a playoff format, with the way the current system is set up, the Rose Bowl is exactly the game USC should have been playing in – not the national championship.

      While the title would suggest otherwise, I actually don’t think Carroll’s, “I don’t think anybody can beat the Trojans,” comments were that bad, although I still don’t think he should have made them. Tell your team that nobody can beat them – not the national media. The politicking for this year is over, Pete.

      As for the game, it essentially played out like I thought it would. USC’s defense was too fast for the PSU, although I thought the Lions would keep the game close after the first quarter. The key was Sanchez not turning the ball over. Several times throughout the course of the year, Sanchez killed scoring drives for the Trojans with costly interceptions. But he kept the ball moving last night and easily played his best game of the year.

      College Football

      Rose Bowl better than title game? Ha!

      January 1, 2009 /

      Pete CarrollSo I’m watching Air Force play Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl on New Year’s Eve and one of the ESPN announcers says (I’m paraphrasing), “Everyone wants to focus on the national championship game, but the best bowl this year is in Pasadena. The Rose Bowl is best matchup on the bowl schedule this year.”

      No way. No…way…

      The announcer went on to talk about how USC was the top ranked program in the nation at one point this year and how Penn State was ranked in the top five, so the matchup is outstanding. Okay, I get that. The matchup does look outstanding, but it won’t be better than the title game.

      I’ll be the first one to eat my words if I’m wrong, but I say USC waxes Penn State in the Rose Bowl this evening. The Trojans have one of the fastest and most talented defenses in the entire nation and while Joe Pa’s spread offense has been explosive, PSU hasn’t faced a defense like USC’s and I fail to see how this game remains close when the Trojans are playing in their own backyard.

      The only way I see this game being tight is if USC comes out flat like it has a penchant for doing, or if Mark Sanchez starts turning the ball over – which he has a penchant for doing. In fact, if Penn State hangs with USC, I’ll dedicate an entire post about how underrated the Lions were all season and how wrong I was about the Trojans.

      The Florida-Oklahoma title game matchup has everything. How will the Sooners’ dynamic offense fare against the Gators’ stifling defense? Will 2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford outperform 2007 winner Tim Tebow? Can Bob Stoops’ team perform better this year than they have in past bowls? Will Urban Meyer win his second national championship in three years?

      The Rose Bowl looks great on paper, but it’s a stretch to say that it’ll be more entertaining than the title game. (And the ESPN announcer hasn’t been the only one who suggested that it would be better than the title game because several media members throughout the week have been sharing that sentiment.)

      Outside of USC and Penn State fans, does anybody else believe the Rose Bowl should be more exciting than the national title game? Am I missing something here?

      College Football

      2009 BCS Bowl Preview and Predictions

      December 22, 2008 /

      The 2009 BCS Bowl Season is quickly approaching – not that anyone should care.

      I’m not trying to sound bitter, but if the BCS doesn’t care about any of its five bowl games outside of the national championship game, then why should we? All the BCS essentially cares about is figuring out who the top team teams are in college football – and they can’t even do that right.

      But I digress. I’m not going to burn another 1,200 words on why college football needs a playoff because it’ll just fall upon deaf ears. Instead, I’ll get into the bowl season spirit and break down the five BCS bowls, as well as hand out predictions for each game.

      Predictions are essentially meaningless, but they’re fun so make sure you throw out your picks in the comment section below.

      Daryll ClarkRose Bowl: Penn State vs. USC
      The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California, January 1, 4:30PM ET ABC
      Some college football pundits believe that this one will be over with by halftime, but if Penn State uses Oregon State’s victory over USC as a blueprint for success, the Nittany Lions could make this a tighter game than most expect. PSU tailback Evan Royster has been a playmaker this year and if the Lions can employ him the same way the Beavers’ used Jacquizz Rodgers to beat the Trojans earlier this season, then maybe they can exploit USC’s quick defense. Then again, the Trojans’ D is one of the fastest and most talented units in the country and it won’t be easy for PSU to spread the field on them like they did against Big Ten opponents this season. USC has the most talented linebacker corps in the country and their secondary features two safeties in Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison that blanket the field in both coverage and run support. In order for the Lions to claim victory, quarterback Daryll Clark will have to play mistake free and not try to force action in the passing game. Offensively for USC, quarterback Mark Sanchez has been outstanding, but he will make mistakes. He threw at least one interception in seven games this year and if PSU’s defense can generate some pressure, they could force Sanchez into some turnovers and capitalize on some prime field position. But outside of getting pressure on Sanchez, Penn State needs to tackle well and limit the yards-after-catch opportunities that USC’s receivers thrive upon. Sounds basic enough, but the Trojans have one of the fastest offenses in the league and Sanchez has excelled at taking what defenses give him and in getting the ball into the hands of his playmakers. The Lions would be wise to get 11 defenders around the ball at all times, especially when USC tailback Stafon Johnson gets the opportunity to make plays.
      Rose Bowl Prediction: USC 30, Penn State 17.

      FedEx Orange Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
      Dolphin Stadium, Miami, January 1, 8:30PM ET FOX
      The job Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly has done this year has been remarkable. This is a team that was ransacked by injuries earlier this season (most notably at quarterback where they’ve used four different starters) and still found a way to win a Big East title. The Bearcats’ offense will revolve around whether or not they can strike a balance between their dynamic passing game, and a sound running game. Kelly’s offense excels at spreading a defense out and attacking the middle of the field with short, timely patterns that allow receivers to make the catch and get up field. While Cincy can strike quick, the offense is at its best when it methodically moves up the field by attacking the seams. Quarterback Tony Pike and his wideouts Dominick Goodman and Marty Gilyard will certainly have their hands full with Virginia Tech’s physical defense. Frank Beamer’s Hokies love to send multiple defenders at the quarterback and force him to get the ball out of his hands quickly and make mistakes. If Pike can’t read the defense at the line, than he’s going to have a long day. Still, the Bearcats have an experienced defense and match up well against an inexperienced Hokie offense. While Tyrod Taylor looked good in the ACC Championship Game against Boston College, he must prove that he can win moving the ball through the air. If the Bearcats contain him and not allow him to keep drives alive with his feet, Tech might struggle putting points on the board. But this game should come down to two things – defense and special teams, which happen to be two things Beamer’s team excels at. Cincinnati has had a hell of a year and this one is going to be tight, but Tech wins a nail bitter down the stretch.
      Orange Bowl Prediction: Virginia Tech 21, Cincinnati 20.

      Alabama Crimson TideAllstate Sugar Bowl: Utah vs. Alabama
      Superdome, New Orleans, 8:00PM ET FOX
      Will this be a repeat of the Boise State-Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl game two years ago where an undefeated “no name team” beats the program from the elite conference? Doubtful. The Utes have had a great year and you don’t win 12 games by accident. That said, Alabama has a major advantage up front on both sides of the ball and even though their offense has lacked explosiveness at times this season, the Tide will shove Glen Coffee down Utah’s throat for four quarters and wear them down. Outside of an impressive come-from-behind win over TCU, the Utes haven’t faced a superior opponent all season. ‘Bama has one of the best defensive lines in the nation and will certainly give quarterback Brian Johnson fits. Utah hasn’t faced a defense as fast as the one they’ll play in New Orleans come January 1 and while I hate to fall into the masses that believe that just because Alabama played in a better conference that they’ll roll in this game, I just don’t think Utah has the players up front to win.
      Sugar Bowl Prediction: Alabama 34, Utah 14.

      Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas
      University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, January 5, 8:00PM ET FOX
      Outside of the national championship game, this might be the best bowl matchup of the season. Ohio State lost each of their toughest games this season when they were defeated by USC and Penn State, but freshman quarterback Terrell Pryor brings an added dimension to the field and seems to be getting better each game. Of course, it helps having a running back in Chris “Beanie” Wells in the same backfield. An early season injury cost him the opportunity to possibly win the Heisman Trophy, but Wells has been otherwise dominant this season. His blend of speed and power make him one of the best backs in the nation and the Texas defense hasn’t seen a player like Wells all season. For Texas, everything revolves around quarterback Colt McCoy, who has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. McCoy excels at getting the ball out of his hands quickly and accurately, and allowing his receivers to make plays after the catch. And when his receivers are blanketed, McCoy is equally effective with his legs as evidence by his team-leading 576 rushing yards. While many pundits will be quick to assume that Texas will roll in this game because of the Buckeyes’ weak schedule, the fact of the matter is that the Longhorns haven’t faced a defense as good as OSU’s this season. The Buckeyes are experienced and physical on that side of the ball and will certainly focus on getting pressure on McCoy and not allowing receivers Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby to break free for big plays. And if the Buckeyes can control the tempo with Wells and keep McCoy on the sidelines, then an upset could be in the making. But I don’t have the marbles to predict an OSU victory – not after their last two bowl appearances, at least. Texas is still pissed at being snubbed by the BCS and they’ll use this game to prove that they deserved a shot to play in the national championship. In the end, I don’t think Pryor will make enough plays in the passing game for OSU to win.
      Fiesta Bowl Prediciton: Texas 30, Ohio State 24.

      Sam BradfordBCS National Championship Game: Florida vs. Oklahoma
      Dolphin Stadium, Miami, Florida, January 8, 8:00PM ET FOX
      With some fantastic storylines, this will be one of the most anticipated national championships ever. 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow faces 2008 winner Sam Bradford. Who will come out on top: Florida’s dynamic defense vs. Oklahoma’s explosive offense? Can Urban Meyer win two titles in three years? Will Bob Stoops lose yet another bowl game? The individual and team matchups are outstanding and it’s too bad a dynamic playmaker like DeMarco Murray will miss the game. Still, the Sooners’ offense is loaded with talent and this is a team that hasn’t scored less than 60 points in over a month. But they’ll face their toughest challenge of the season in the Gators, who have the fastest defenses in the country next to USC. It’ll be interesting to see how Meyer will game plan his defense to stop Bradford, who has seemingly been unstoppable this season. Even in OU’s loss to Texas, Bradford threw for 387 yards and five touchdowns. He’s simply outstanding and his numbers have been extraordinary this season, but as well as he’s played, Tebow has played equally as well. And Tebow didn’t have the luxury of facing weak defenses all year in the SEC like Bradford did playing in the Big 12. Tebow beat LSU, Georgia and Alabama, and did so in convincing fashion. If Percy Harvin is healthy (which he should be), Tebow won’t have any problems putting points on the board against an OU defense that was shredded by Texas and Oklahoma State this season. Both teams will score points, but Florida has the clear advantage on defense and I’ll always take a stout defense over an explosive offense, even if that offense is averaging well over 50 points a game. Bradford will face more pressure in one game than he faced all season.
      BSC National Championship Prediction: Florida 44, Oklahoma 37.

      College Football

      College Football Week 6 Primer

      October 4, 2008 /

      Time to check out the big games, top matchups and potential upsets as college football heads into Week 6.

      Top 25 vs. Top 25:
      Terrelle PryorNo. 14 Ohio State at No. 18 Wisconsin, 8:00 PM ET
      This was supposed to be a matchup of the best two teams in the Big Ten, but after the Badgers were embarrassed last week in Ann Arbor, this game has lost a lot of it’s luster. Despite Michigan turning the ball over five times and spotting them a 19-0 lead, Wisconsin fell apart in the second half as the Wolverines pulled off a 27-25 upset. For the Buckeyes, they seem to be playing with a chip on their shoulder after losing to USC a few weeks back, especially freshman QB Terrelle Pryor, who is out to use this game as proof that he can play on a big stage. It’ll be interesting to see how the dazzlingly Pryor does in his first road start of his young collegiate career; OSU has not won back-to-back games vs. Wisconsin since 1995/1996. Oddsmakers have established the Buckeyes as 1.5-point favorites.

      No. 13 Auburn at No. 19 Vanderbilt, 6:00 PM ET
      Vandy is off to a surprising 4-0 start this season, but their record is a bit deceiving. The Commodores rank last in the SEC in total offense and defense, and have been out gained in 3 of their 4 games this season. But they sit undefeated largely due to their plus-nine turnover margin, which leads the nation. They’ll get their first real test of the season against Auburn, who crushed the Commodores 45-7 in their last trip to Vanderbilt Stadium in 2003. The Tigers also handed Vandy a 35-7 beat-down last year and are trying to build some momentum off of last week’s 14-12 win against Tennessee. Still, this is the first time Vanderbilt has been ranked since 1984, so the home crowd will noty doubt be psyched. And it’s not like Tommy Tummerville’s team has been that dominant this season. (See the Tigers’ 3-2 victory over Mississippi State as proof.) Vandy is a 4.5-point home underdog.

      No. 23 Oregon at No. 9 USC, 8:00 PM ET
      The Trojans try to bounce back from their humiliating 27-21 loss to Oregon State last week – a defeat that dropped them from the top spot in the rankings. When these two teams met last year in Eugene, the Ducks used an electrifying home crowd to knock off the Trojans 24-17 in USC QB Mark Sanchez’s first start. It would be wise for Oregon to borrow the blueprint left by the Beavers and attack the middle of the Trojans’ beat up defense on the ground. Head coach Pete Carroll is dying to use this game to show USC can still compete for a national title this season and will try to flatten the Ducks, but Oregon’s defense is good enough to keep them in the game. The Trojans are currently 17-point favorites.

      Chase DanielUpset Watch: No. 4 Missouri at Nebraska, 9:00 PM ET
      It’s hard to fathom that the Tigers would stumble this week in Lincoln coming off a bye week and with so much on the line. But Heisman Trophy candidate Chase Daniel has yet to see a decent defense outside of Illinois in the opener. And even though MIZZOU hammered the Huskers last year, Nebraska’s defense is a lot better than the unit that surrendered 41 points to Daniel and the Tigers last year. Missouri has better talent and the better overall team, but one thing to keep in mind is that the home team in this series has won the last six in a row. MIZZOU is an 11-point favorite.

      Other notable games:
      No. 1 Oklahoma at Baylor, 12:30 PM ET Saturday
      The Sooners play their first game since being anointed the top ranked team in the nation. They get a decent opponent in the Bears, who have been a dramatically improved team with scrappy freshman Robert Griffin under center this year.

      Kentucky at No. 2 Alabama, 3:30 PM ET Saturday
      After crushing the Bulldogs in Athens last week, Nick Saban’s Tide can’t fall victims to the upset themselves this week against the unranked Wildcats.

      No. 5 Texas at Colorado, 7:00 PM ET Saturday
      Longhorns’ QB Colt McCoy will look to continue his bid to become this year’s Heisman Trophy winner, but he’ll face a decent Colorado team who is 3-0 at home this year.

      College Football

      Oregon State upsets No. 1 USC 27-21

      September 25, 2008 /

      USC-Oregon StatePete Carroll and the USC Trojans have a bad case of déjà vu going on right now. Two years ago the Trojans traveled to Corvallis and were shocked by an unranked Oregon State team that knocked them out of the top five.

      On Thursday night, the Beavers shocked the world once again, beating top ranked USC 27-21 on the strength of freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers, who finished with 186 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries.

      At 5’6” and180 pounds, Rodgers proved to be quite a handful for USC’s defense, a unit highly recognized as one of the best in the nation. The Trojans simply couldn’t get good leverage on the smallish Rodgers, who constantly broke tackles all night long. USC defenders often came in too high while trying to bring Rodgers down and the frosh back made them pay.

      Offensively for USC, quarterback Mark Sanchez finished with solid numbers (18/29, 227 yards, 3 TDs), but was highly inaccurate on a drive when the Trojans were backed up late in the fourth quarter and needed one score to tie the game at 21. Then on a 1st and 10-play from USC’s 14-yard line, Sanchez overthrew one of his receivers and was picked off by Greg Laybourn, who took the gift back to the Trojans’ 2-yard line. On the first play after the turnover, Rodgers scored his second touchdown of the game, pushing the Beavers’ lead to 27-14 with less than three minutes remaining.

      After a 50-yard kickoff return by Ronald Johnson set the Trojans up with a 1st and 10 from the Oregon State 40-yard line, Sanchez drove USC the rest of the field and connected with Patrick Turner to cut the Beavers’ lead to 27-21. But the ensuing onsides kick failed and Oregon State was able to run out the clock.

      USC-Oregon StateIt was an amazing upset. The Beavers were more aggressive, made bigger plays and kept the high-powered Trojans’ offense off the field. USC also shot itself in the foot with stupid penalties, including one that cost them a touchdown at the end of the first half. The Trojans’ defense just couldn’t get off the field all night and the loss will cost them big in the polls.

      Given how they had a full two weeks to prepare for this game after their big win over Ohio State, a loss like this is inexcusable, really. I know that sounds harsh, but I don’t mean it to be. It’s just rather staggering when a talented team like USC has an entire off week to rest and game plan for Oregon State and they lose. But this is college football and upsets are part of the game. And part of the fun.

      College Football

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