Archive for August, 2013

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech: Crimson Tide Special Teams Save the Day

Posted by Barrett Sallee on August 31 2013 Add Comments
All eyes were on Alabama's potentially potent offense and rebuilt defense as the Crimson Tide entered Saturday's game with Virginia Tech at the Georgia Dome, but it was the overlooked third aspect of the game that helped the Tide topple the Hokies 35-10. Special teams. The Tide gave Hokie head coach Frank Beamer a dose of his own medicine with a little "Beamer Ball" in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Christion Jones returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown ...

Notre Dame Ensures Long-Term Success with Brian Kelly Extension

Posted by Tim Keeney on August 31 2013 Add Comments
On the same day that Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly secured his 200th collegiate win, per the program's Twitter account, the Fighting Irish secured an assurance for a whole lot more.  According to CBS Sports' Bruce Feldman, the Irish—shortly after a 28-6 win over Temple—agreed to a contract extension with Kelly through the 2017 season: Sorry, NFL owners. It's time to put down the telephones—if those even exist anymore. One of the most sought-after coaches on ...

Iowa Football Needs to Start Thinking About Replacements for Kirk Ferentz

Posted by Andrew Coppens on August 31 2013 Add Comments
Losing to a team fresh off an Orange Bowl appearance usually isn't seen as a panic moment, yet as Iowa watched a 36-yard field goal sail through the uprights to send it to a 30-27 defeat at the hands of Northern Illinois on Saturday afternoon, that's exactly what should be going on in Iowa City. No, not because it just lost to a MAC opponent or any other holier-than-thou statement about the Big Ten in general. ...

Alabama’s Uninspired Performance Perfect Teaching Moment for Nick Saban

Posted by Randy Chambers on August 31 2013 Add Comments
Alabama has given head coach Nick Saban something to complain about. Well, he was certain to find something to throw a temper tantrum over, but a 35-10 victory over Virginia Tech is going to keep him up at night. While some coaches are satisfied with a 25-point victory over a respectable opponent on opening weekend, Saban pushes his players a little harder and wants excellence. He doesn't want to see dropped passes, turnovers and poor execution on ...

Malcolm Mitchell Injury: Updates on Georgia WR’s Knee, Potential Return Date

Posted by Maxwell Ogden on August 31 2013 Add Comments
The No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs and No. 8 Clemson Tigers have put on quite a show in their season-opening clash. Unfortunately, one of Georgia's potent offense lost one of their most critical players, as wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell went down with a knee injury. Mitchell will now miss the remainder of Georgia's game against Clemson, according to John Taylor of NBC Sports. Late in the first quarter, wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell suffered what appeared to be an injury to ...

Todd Gurley Injury: Updates on Georgia RB’s Thigh, Potential Return Date

Posted by Brian Mazique on August 31 2013 Add Comments
Georgia Bulldoga running back Todd Gurley suffered a thigh injury in the first quarter of Saturday's season opener against the Clemson Tigers in Memorial Stadium. Gurley had already scored a touchdown in the game before he went down. He was taken to the locker room, but later reappeared on the sidelines. Gurley appeared to be working to return to the game as he rode a stationary bike to loosen up. Seth Emerson of the Macon Telegraph delivers the news that settles ...

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech: O-Line Still a Concern for Crimson Tide Despite Win

Posted by Tyler Brooke on August 31 2013 Add Comments
The Alabama Crimson Tide were able to start off their national championship run on a high note, but the offensive line was certainly a concern after the win against the Virginia Tech Hokies. The final score of the game was 35-10 with Alabama controlling for the majority of the game. However, Virginia Tech kept making plays and just kept itself on the edge without being completely blownout. Alabama was helped out by two special teams touchdowns ...

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech: Score, Grades and Analysis

Posted by Matt Fitzgerald on August 31 2013 Add Comments
The top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide didn't exactly play like two-time reigning national champions, but they still dominated the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Benefiting heavily from a phenomenal three-touchdown performance by receiver and lethal return man Christion Jones, Nick Saban's bunch pummeled the unranked Hokies 35-10 on Saturday in the 2013 regular season opener. Most people who follow the college game are well aware that Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer is known ...

Arkansas Football: Freshman Tailback Alex Collins Shines in 1st Game

Posted by Bryan Heater on August 31 2013 Add Comments
The Bret Bielema era began for the Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Against a solid Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns squad, Bielema's notoriously hard-nosed rushing attack was on full display. The Razorbacks filled up the stat sheet, racking up 522 yards of total offense with 292 of them on the ground in the 34-14 win. Sophomore Jonathan Williams finished with an impressive 151 yards on 18 carries and an 8.4 yards-per-carry average. However, coming into ...

Nicholls State vs. Oregon: Mark Helfrich’s Debut a Chip off the Old Block

Posted by Brandon Oliver on August 31 2013 Add Comments
If the definition of success for a new head coach is based on the scoreboard and the win-loss column, Mark Helfrich is off to flawless start as the Oregon Ducks' new head man. While FCS cellar-dweller Nicholls State was outmatched in every facet of the game, the Ducks looked as dominant as they ever did under the departed Chip Kelly. Helfrich was the offensive coordinator during Kelly's head coaching tenure, which was record breaking in every ...