Rule head coach Mike Reed is no stranger to big wins. As a running back for the Gordon Longhorns during his high school days, he played in a number of big games.
None, however, may be as big as his last.
Reed guided the Rule Bobcats to a stunning 45-0 victory over the Meadow Broncos Saturday evening at Lowrey Field in Lubbock. With the victory, the Bobcats earned the team's first-ever trip to the state finals. Rule will face the Richland Springs Coyotes this Saturday in the Division I state six-man football championships.
Jayton head coach Nathan Hayes taks to quarterback Josh Wood during the third quarter. Jayton defeated Whitharral Saturday and earned its first trip to the state finals since 1989.
Ranked among the nation's best all season, Rule didn't waste any time in setting the tempo. The Bobcats took a 6-0 advantage late in the first quarter when Stephen Pace scored on a short 3-yard run.
Pace's TD came with just 1:38 left in the initial frame.
The Bobcats struck again midway through the second period when quarterback J.T. Spitzer scampered into the end zone from 5 yards out to up the RHS lead to 14-0.
The Bobcat defense took over from there. After a long kickoff return by Meadow's Adrian Sanchez was called by because of a penalty, Rule forced the Broncos into a punting situation in the shadows of their own goal. On fourth down, Austin Flores managed to penetrate the MHS line and blocked Meadow's punt.
Following Flores' block, the ball bounded out the back of the end zone for a safety – and a stunning 16-0 lead.
Rule, which held meadow to just 135 total yards and five first downs, stretched its lead to 31-0 at the half with second-quarter touchdowns by C.J. Saucedo and Kade Kittley.
Spitzer, who threw for 210 yards in the win, added to the RHS lead in the third with a 21-yard TD strike to Jonathan Rincones.
He added a second rushing TD just 1:16 into the fourth quarter to enabled Rule to end the game via the 45-point mercy rule.
The Rule Bobcats weren't the only players celebrating a big-time win on Saturday. The Jayton Jaybirds earned their first trip to the state finals since the 1980s by racing to a wild 75-60 victory over the Whitharral Panthers in Post.
Jayton, which won the state title in 1984 and 1985 and finished second to Fort Hancock in 1989, built a 30 point lead early in the third quarter and then off a furious rally by Jake Baker and the Panthers to nail down the win.
Whitharral had a chance to pull to within two late in the game. With the ball inside the Jaybird 3, the Panthers misfired. Jayton recovered a WHS fumble and all but sealed the contest.
Jaybird running back Tyler Sped led the JHS attack, rushing for more than 170 yards.
With the victory, Jayton now advances to face Vernon Northside this weekend in the Division II state finals. Northside (13-1) is making its deepest appearance in the six-man playoffs since 1958 when the team advanced to the regional round. Six-man teams did not advance past the regional round until 1972 when the University Interscholastic League staged its first six-man state title game.
Northside defeated Gustine on Friday to net its berth in the finals.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Sunday, December 03, 2006
FOX Sports finalizes BCS broadcast teams
FOX Sports finalizes BCS broadcast teams:
Hall of Fame Analysts Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long join Kenny Albert for Jan. 3rd ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL
Veteran Analysts Pat Haden, Terry Donahue and Play-by-Play Announcer Matt Vasgersian call FEDEX ORANGE BOWL on Jan. 2nd
In many parts of the country, November's crisp winds and fallen leaves mean only one thing: college football's fight for the National Championship is coming to a boil. As the nation's No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams brace for a fierce regular season confrontation this weekend, FOX Sports announces its upcoming and highly-anticipated Bowl Championship Series broadcast teams. The announcement was made today by Ed Goren, President and Executive Producer of FOX Sports.
FOX NFL SUNDAY teammates Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long, both former college football standouts before embarking on Hall of Fame professional careers, enter the game booth together for the first time to call the ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL, live from the Superdome in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 3 (7:30 PM ET).
The ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL marks Long's first-ever assignment as a game analyst, while Bradshaw enters the booth for the first time in a traditional setting since working for CBS in 1989. Bradshaw and Long work alongside seasoned FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert. Reporting from the sidelines is Jeanne Zelasko, host of the Emmy Award-winning MLB on FOX pregame show and NASCAR on FOX pit reporter. Producer Pete Macheska and director Sandy Grossman steward the broadcast from the production truck.
"Over the course of their 13 years together, Terry and Howie have established an on-air chemistry that is unmatched in this business," said Goren. "Add to that their passion and knowledge of college football, and we're set for the same entertaining and insightful brand of analysis that we see from them on Sundays."
On Tuesday, Jan. 2 (7:30 PM ET), former UCLA head coach and San Francisco 49ers general manager Terry Donahue joins former USC and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Pat Haden for the FEDEX ORANGE BOWL, live from Dolphin Stadium in Miami.
Donahue is currently calling NFL on FOX regular season broadcasts, while Haden handles analyst duties for NBC's coverage of top-ranked Notre Dame. Prior to joining NBC, Haden analyzed college football action for TNT and CBS. Donahue and Haden are accompanied in the booth by talented play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian, who has been calling NFL and MLB on FOX games this season. Handling sideline reporting for the FEDEX ORANGE BOWL is FSN's pro and college football reporter Laura Okmin. Jeff Gowen produces and Emmy Award-winner Bill Webb directs.
FOX Sports' lead BCS broadcast team has also added its final appointment as Emmy Award-winning reporter Chris Myers joins accomplished play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman and lead analysts Barry Alvarez and Charles Davis for the TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL on Monday, Jan. 1 (8:00 PM ET) and the TOSTITOS BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME on Monday, Jan. 8 (7:30 PM ET). Producer Mike Burks and director Rich Russo lead the production team.
As previously announced, former University of Miami head coach Jimmy Johnson teams with FSN's Chris Rose to anchor each BCS on FOX contest's pregame, halftime and postgame coverage. It is planned for the two to be joined on set by one or two collegiate coaches, whose teams do not qualify for a BCS game this season.
"College football's premier events are in very good hands with this unique and very capable roster of broadcasters and production personnel," said Goren. "FOX Sports could not be more excited to launch our BCS coverage, and like the fans, we're counting down the days to January."
On Sunday, Dec. 3 (8:00 PM ET), FOX Sports officially kicks-off the month-long BCS season when it presents the ALLSTATE BCS SELECTION SHOW. The match-ups for this season's BCS games are being unveiled for the first time ever on national prime time television during this special half-hour program. Further details are available in a separate news release issued today.
In November 2004, FOX Sports and the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) reached an exclusive four-year agreement covering all media distribution and sponsorship rights for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, FedEx Orange Bowl and Allstate Sugar Bowl from 2007 through 2010, as well as the new Tostitos BCS National Championship Game from 2007 through 2009. In addition, FOX Sports also continues as the exclusive broadcast home to the prestigious Cotton Bowl through 2010.
2007 BCS Schedule
Date
Time
Bowl Game
Site
TV
Jan. 1
8:00 p.m. ET
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, AZ
FOX
Jan. 2
7:30 p.m. ET
FedEx Orange Bowl
Miami, FL
FOX
Jan. 3
7:30 p.m. ET
Allstate Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, LA
FOX
Jan. 8
7:30 p.m. ET
Tostitos BCS National Championship Game
Glendale, AZ
FOX
2007 BCS ON FOX BROADCASTER INFORMATION
Thom Brennaman: The first broadcaster assigned by FOX Sports to work its BCS broadcasts, veteran play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman anchors the lead broadcast team alongside analysts Barry Alvarez and Charles Davis. This broadcast trio handles the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1st, and the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 8th, both from Glendale, Arizona. Brennaman has served as play-by-play announcer for FOX Sports' coverage of the Cotton Bowl for the last seven consecutive years. This past October, Brennaman notched his sixth consecutive season calling Major League Baseball's Division Series and League Championship Series for FOX Sports. This followed regular season duties as play-by-play announcer for the Emmy Award-winning FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK, a franchise he has contributed to for over a decade. Brennaman's duties also include play-by-play announcer for the NFL on FOX.
Barry Alvarez: Former University of Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez joins FOX Sports' coverage of the BCS, working alongside Thom Brennaman and Charles Davis on the lead broadcast team. Alvarez retired with the school record for wins as head coach and was the architect of three Big Ten and Rose Bowl championship teams. He is also the only Big Ten coach in history to win consecutive Rose Bowls and is one of just two coaches (Ohio State's Woody Hayes is the other) to win the Rose Bowl three times. He led the Badgers to their three most-win seasons ever and compiled an impressive 108-70-4 overall record (8-3 in bowl games).
Charles Davis: Former University of Tennessee defensive back Charles Davis joins Thom Brennaman and Barry Alvarez to form the lead BCS on FOX broadcast booth. Currently in his fifth consecutive year as lead analyst for TBS' college football coverage of the Big 12 and Pac-10 conferences, Davis' other broadcasting assignments include sideline reporter for TNT's NBA playoffs and CBS' coverage of the NCAA basketball tournament.
Chris Myers: Versatile Emmy Award-winner Chris Myers serves as sideline reporter on the BCS on FOX lead broadcast team, handling the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1st, and the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 8th. One of the busiest broadcasters in sports, Myers hosts FOX Sports' NASCAR coverage and also contributes to the network's NFL and MLB coverage, serving as reporter and occasional play-by-play announcer during regular and postseason contests. In addition, Myers hosts his own interview show on FSN, CMI: THE CHRIS MYERS INTERVIEW and hosts a weekday show on FOX Sports Radio.
Kenny Albert: Seasoned play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert joins FOX NFL SUNDAY teammates Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long to cover the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2nd. Currently working his 13th consecutive season in the NFL on FOX broadcast booth, Albert's FOX Sports resume is vast and includes work as a play-by-play announcer for the network's MLB coverage, five seasons of the NHL on FOX, as well as two years as host of the NTRA Champions on FOX thoroughbred series.
Terry Bradshaw: Terry Bradshaw, widely acknowledged as today's preeminent NFL studio personality, works alongside Howie Long and Kenny Albert for coverage of the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 3. Bradshaw's work on FOX NFL SUNDAY earned him Sports Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst category in 1999 and 2001. The first player chosen in the 1970 draft, Bradshaw became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in history, leading the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships, six AFC championship games and eight straight playoff appearances (1972-79). Bradshaw, a two-time Super Bowl MVP (Super Bowls XIII and XIV), was also a four-time All-Pro selection. He retired just prior to the 1984 season. In 1989, Bradshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. A 1996 inductee to the College Football Hall of Fame, Bradshaw led Louisiana Tech University to a conference championship in his senior year. He was a first team Associated Press All-America as a senior in 1970. In both 1968 and 1969, he was named quarterback on the Football Coaches All-America and was Athlete of the Year in the Gulf States Conference.
Howie Long: Hall of Famer Howie Long joins Terry Bradshaw and Kenny Albert to call FOX Sports' coverage of the Allstate Sugar Bowl from New Orleans. Long took network sports television by storm in 1994 with his keen insights, thorough research and smooth delivery as an NFL studio analyst for FOX NFL SUNDAY. Long is now widely regarded as one of today's top NFL studio analysts, as evidenced by the Emmy Award he received in 1997 for his work as Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst. He was the last active Raider to have played for the franchise when it was first based in Oakland. Long was named a defensive end on the NFL Team of the '80s, was voted by fans as the 1984 and 1986 Defensive Lineman of the Year and was named 1984 NFL Defensive Lineman of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association. As defensive lineman at Villanova University, Long was a four-year letterman. He was All-East and honorable mention All-America as a senior. He was named MVP in the 1980 Blue-Gray Football Classic. Long graduated from Villanova in 1981 with a degree in communications.
Jeanne Zelasko: Experienced and versatile reporter Jeanne Zelasko joins Kenny Albert, Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long for FOX Sports' coverage of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, live from the New Orleans Superdome on January 3rd. Zelasko's other FOX Sports duties include hosting the network's Emmy Award-winning MLB on FOX pregame show and serving as a NASCAR on FOX pit reporter. Previously, Zelasko was an anchor on FSN's National Sports Report, as well as a reporter on FOX NFL SUNDAY.
Matt Vasgersian: Talented NFL on FOX play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian anchors FOX Sports' coverage of the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 2nd, accompanying analysts Terry Donahue and Pat Haden. Currently completing his first full season as an NFL on FOX play-by-play announcer, the versatile Vasgersian has spent the last five seasons as the San Diego Padres lead play-by-play man. Before joining FOX Sports, Vasgersian spent several years contributing to NBC Sports coverage, including the 2001 Gator Bowl, the XFL and various assignments for both the Athens and Torino Olympic Games.
Terry Donahue: Former UCLA head coach and San Francisco 49ers general manager Terry Donahue joins FOX Sports' coverage of the BCS, accompanying Matt Vasgersian and Pat Haden in the booth for the network's coverage of the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 2nd. Terry is currently working a slate of NFL on FOX games and previously spent three seasons as the lead analyst on college football broadcasts for CBS. As a UCLA walk-on, Donahue started two seasons (1965-66) at defensive tackle for the Bruins. After graduating, he left to become a defensive line coach at Kansas and returned to UCLA where he eventually took over as head coach when Dick Vermeil left the Bruins to coach the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976.
Pat Haden: Former USC Trojan and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Pat Haden joins FOX Sports' Matt Vasgersian and Terry Donahue in the booth for the network's coverage of the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 2nd. Haden currently serves as an analyst for NBC's coverage of Notre Dame football and previously covered both professional and college football action on TNT and CBS.
Laura Okmin: Experienced reporter Laura Okmin patrols the sidelines of Dolphin Stadium this Jan. 2nd for the FedEx Orange Bowl. Okmin added her FSN national duties in 2005 after serving as an anchor/reporter for FSN South (2002-2005) and Turner Sports (2002-2003). Okmin currently serves as host of FSN's TOTALLY FOOTBALL and reporter for FSN's PRO FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Hall of Fame Analysts Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long join Kenny Albert for Jan. 3rd ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL
Veteran Analysts Pat Haden, Terry Donahue and Play-by-Play Announcer Matt Vasgersian call FEDEX ORANGE BOWL on Jan. 2nd
In many parts of the country, November's crisp winds and fallen leaves mean only one thing: college football's fight for the National Championship is coming to a boil. As the nation's No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams brace for a fierce regular season confrontation this weekend, FOX Sports announces its upcoming and highly-anticipated Bowl Championship Series broadcast teams. The announcement was made today by Ed Goren, President and Executive Producer of FOX Sports.
FOX NFL SUNDAY teammates Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long, both former college football standouts before embarking on Hall of Fame professional careers, enter the game booth together for the first time to call the ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL, live from the Superdome in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 3 (7:30 PM ET).
The ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL marks Long's first-ever assignment as a game analyst, while Bradshaw enters the booth for the first time in a traditional setting since working for CBS in 1989. Bradshaw and Long work alongside seasoned FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert. Reporting from the sidelines is Jeanne Zelasko, host of the Emmy Award-winning MLB on FOX pregame show and NASCAR on FOX pit reporter. Producer Pete Macheska and director Sandy Grossman steward the broadcast from the production truck.
"Over the course of their 13 years together, Terry and Howie have established an on-air chemistry that is unmatched in this business," said Goren. "Add to that their passion and knowledge of college football, and we're set for the same entertaining and insightful brand of analysis that we see from them on Sundays."
On Tuesday, Jan. 2 (7:30 PM ET), former UCLA head coach and San Francisco 49ers general manager Terry Donahue joins former USC and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Pat Haden for the FEDEX ORANGE BOWL, live from Dolphin Stadium in Miami.
Donahue is currently calling NFL on FOX regular season broadcasts, while Haden handles analyst duties for NBC's coverage of top-ranked Notre Dame. Prior to joining NBC, Haden analyzed college football action for TNT and CBS. Donahue and Haden are accompanied in the booth by talented play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian, who has been calling NFL and MLB on FOX games this season. Handling sideline reporting for the FEDEX ORANGE BOWL is FSN's pro and college football reporter Laura Okmin. Jeff Gowen produces and Emmy Award-winner Bill Webb directs.
FOX Sports' lead BCS broadcast team has also added its final appointment as Emmy Award-winning reporter Chris Myers joins accomplished play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman and lead analysts Barry Alvarez and Charles Davis for the TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL on Monday, Jan. 1 (8:00 PM ET) and the TOSTITOS BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME on Monday, Jan. 8 (7:30 PM ET). Producer Mike Burks and director Rich Russo lead the production team.
As previously announced, former University of Miami head coach Jimmy Johnson teams with FSN's Chris Rose to anchor each BCS on FOX contest's pregame, halftime and postgame coverage. It is planned for the two to be joined on set by one or two collegiate coaches, whose teams do not qualify for a BCS game this season.
"College football's premier events are in very good hands with this unique and very capable roster of broadcasters and production personnel," said Goren. "FOX Sports could not be more excited to launch our BCS coverage, and like the fans, we're counting down the days to January."
On Sunday, Dec. 3 (8:00 PM ET), FOX Sports officially kicks-off the month-long BCS season when it presents the ALLSTATE BCS SELECTION SHOW. The match-ups for this season's BCS games are being unveiled for the first time ever on national prime time television during this special half-hour program. Further details are available in a separate news release issued today.
In November 2004, FOX Sports and the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) reached an exclusive four-year agreement covering all media distribution and sponsorship rights for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, FedEx Orange Bowl and Allstate Sugar Bowl from 2007 through 2010, as well as the new Tostitos BCS National Championship Game from 2007 through 2009. In addition, FOX Sports also continues as the exclusive broadcast home to the prestigious Cotton Bowl through 2010.
2007 BCS Schedule
Date
Time
Bowl Game
Site
TV
Jan. 1
8:00 p.m. ET
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, AZ
FOX
Jan. 2
7:30 p.m. ET
FedEx Orange Bowl
Miami, FL
FOX
Jan. 3
7:30 p.m. ET
Allstate Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, LA
FOX
Jan. 8
7:30 p.m. ET
Tostitos BCS National Championship Game
Glendale, AZ
FOX
2007 BCS ON FOX BROADCASTER INFORMATION
Thom Brennaman: The first broadcaster assigned by FOX Sports to work its BCS broadcasts, veteran play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman anchors the lead broadcast team alongside analysts Barry Alvarez and Charles Davis. This broadcast trio handles the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1st, and the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 8th, both from Glendale, Arizona. Brennaman has served as play-by-play announcer for FOX Sports' coverage of the Cotton Bowl for the last seven consecutive years. This past October, Brennaman notched his sixth consecutive season calling Major League Baseball's Division Series and League Championship Series for FOX Sports. This followed regular season duties as play-by-play announcer for the Emmy Award-winning FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK, a franchise he has contributed to for over a decade. Brennaman's duties also include play-by-play announcer for the NFL on FOX.
Barry Alvarez: Former University of Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez joins FOX Sports' coverage of the BCS, working alongside Thom Brennaman and Charles Davis on the lead broadcast team. Alvarez retired with the school record for wins as head coach and was the architect of three Big Ten and Rose Bowl championship teams. He is also the only Big Ten coach in history to win consecutive Rose Bowls and is one of just two coaches (Ohio State's Woody Hayes is the other) to win the Rose Bowl three times. He led the Badgers to their three most-win seasons ever and compiled an impressive 108-70-4 overall record (8-3 in bowl games).
Charles Davis: Former University of Tennessee defensive back Charles Davis joins Thom Brennaman and Barry Alvarez to form the lead BCS on FOX broadcast booth. Currently in his fifth consecutive year as lead analyst for TBS' college football coverage of the Big 12 and Pac-10 conferences, Davis' other broadcasting assignments include sideline reporter for TNT's NBA playoffs and CBS' coverage of the NCAA basketball tournament.
Chris Myers: Versatile Emmy Award-winner Chris Myers serves as sideline reporter on the BCS on FOX lead broadcast team, handling the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1st, and the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 8th. One of the busiest broadcasters in sports, Myers hosts FOX Sports' NASCAR coverage and also contributes to the network's NFL and MLB coverage, serving as reporter and occasional play-by-play announcer during regular and postseason contests. In addition, Myers hosts his own interview show on FSN, CMI: THE CHRIS MYERS INTERVIEW and hosts a weekday show on FOX Sports Radio.
Kenny Albert: Seasoned play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert joins FOX NFL SUNDAY teammates Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long to cover the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2nd. Currently working his 13th consecutive season in the NFL on FOX broadcast booth, Albert's FOX Sports resume is vast and includes work as a play-by-play announcer for the network's MLB coverage, five seasons of the NHL on FOX, as well as two years as host of the NTRA Champions on FOX thoroughbred series.
Terry Bradshaw: Terry Bradshaw, widely acknowledged as today's preeminent NFL studio personality, works alongside Howie Long and Kenny Albert for coverage of the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 3. Bradshaw's work on FOX NFL SUNDAY earned him Sports Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst category in 1999 and 2001. The first player chosen in the 1970 draft, Bradshaw became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in history, leading the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships, six AFC championship games and eight straight playoff appearances (1972-79). Bradshaw, a two-time Super Bowl MVP (Super Bowls XIII and XIV), was also a four-time All-Pro selection. He retired just prior to the 1984 season. In 1989, Bradshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. A 1996 inductee to the College Football Hall of Fame, Bradshaw led Louisiana Tech University to a conference championship in his senior year. He was a first team Associated Press All-America as a senior in 1970. In both 1968 and 1969, he was named quarterback on the Football Coaches All-America and was Athlete of the Year in the Gulf States Conference.
Howie Long: Hall of Famer Howie Long joins Terry Bradshaw and Kenny Albert to call FOX Sports' coverage of the Allstate Sugar Bowl from New Orleans. Long took network sports television by storm in 1994 with his keen insights, thorough research and smooth delivery as an NFL studio analyst for FOX NFL SUNDAY. Long is now widely regarded as one of today's top NFL studio analysts, as evidenced by the Emmy Award he received in 1997 for his work as Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst. He was the last active Raider to have played for the franchise when it was first based in Oakland. Long was named a defensive end on the NFL Team of the '80s, was voted by fans as the 1984 and 1986 Defensive Lineman of the Year and was named 1984 NFL Defensive Lineman of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association. As defensive lineman at Villanova University, Long was a four-year letterman. He was All-East and honorable mention All-America as a senior. He was named MVP in the 1980 Blue-Gray Football Classic. Long graduated from Villanova in 1981 with a degree in communications.
Jeanne Zelasko: Experienced and versatile reporter Jeanne Zelasko joins Kenny Albert, Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long for FOX Sports' coverage of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, live from the New Orleans Superdome on January 3rd. Zelasko's other FOX Sports duties include hosting the network's Emmy Award-winning MLB on FOX pregame show and serving as a NASCAR on FOX pit reporter. Previously, Zelasko was an anchor on FSN's National Sports Report, as well as a reporter on FOX NFL SUNDAY.
Matt Vasgersian: Talented NFL on FOX play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian anchors FOX Sports' coverage of the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 2nd, accompanying analysts Terry Donahue and Pat Haden. Currently completing his first full season as an NFL on FOX play-by-play announcer, the versatile Vasgersian has spent the last five seasons as the San Diego Padres lead play-by-play man. Before joining FOX Sports, Vasgersian spent several years contributing to NBC Sports coverage, including the 2001 Gator Bowl, the XFL and various assignments for both the Athens and Torino Olympic Games.
Terry Donahue: Former UCLA head coach and San Francisco 49ers general manager Terry Donahue joins FOX Sports' coverage of the BCS, accompanying Matt Vasgersian and Pat Haden in the booth for the network's coverage of the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 2nd. Terry is currently working a slate of NFL on FOX games and previously spent three seasons as the lead analyst on college football broadcasts for CBS. As a UCLA walk-on, Donahue started two seasons (1965-66) at defensive tackle for the Bruins. After graduating, he left to become a defensive line coach at Kansas and returned to UCLA where he eventually took over as head coach when Dick Vermeil left the Bruins to coach the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976.
Pat Haden: Former USC Trojan and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Pat Haden joins FOX Sports' Matt Vasgersian and Terry Donahue in the booth for the network's coverage of the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 2nd. Haden currently serves as an analyst for NBC's coverage of Notre Dame football and previously covered both professional and college football action on TNT and CBS.
Laura Okmin: Experienced reporter Laura Okmin patrols the sidelines of Dolphin Stadium this Jan. 2nd for the FedEx Orange Bowl. Okmin added her FSN national duties in 2005 after serving as an anchor/reporter for FSN South (2002-2005) and Turner Sports (2002-2003). Okmin currently serves as host of FSN's TOTALLY FOOTBALL and reporter for FSN's PRO FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Rush to judgment
By Josh Peter, Yahoo! Sports
November 10, 2006
Yahoo! Sports report on instant replay: Restructuring replay The blame game
The biggest fumble in last season's epic national championship game between Texas and Southern California didn't occur on the field. It happened in the instant replay booth.
The error at the Rose Bowl was not mechanical, as the supervisor of officials told ABC broadcaster Keith Jackson. It was a human blunder, one that might have impacted the outcome of Texas' 41-38 victory, a game decided in the final seconds.
Vince Young's knee touched the ground
before he lateraled. (ABC Sports)
Yahoo! Sports has learned the wrong television feed had been plugged into one of the monitors of the video replay system. The mistake meant that replay officials did not have the necessary camera angle to properly review Texas' first touchdown. A replay official said the feed mixup might have led to another mistake earlier in the game. On that play, it was ruled that USC's Reggie Bush fumbled.
Ten months after Texas' victory, replay officials and their supervisor still haven't formally addressed what went wrong. But this much is sure: Instant replay, instituted as a backstop to ensure proper calls were being made on the field, failed.
It failed in the championship game. It continues to fail, as evidenced by an erroneous call in this season's Oklahoma-Oregon game. And it very well could fail again, considering there have been no followup meetings or discussions to establish consistent, national standards and practices for the oversight, training and equipment for replay officials and technicians.
With millions of dollars at stake for schools vying for spots in the five Bowl Championship Series games, the problems that cropped up in last year's title game haven't been rectified. The instant replay system, though flawed, goes on, possibly impacting games throughout this season – possibly impacting who will win the next championship.
ROSE WOES
Details of the Texas touchdown in question and the confusion that ensued at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4 remain fresh in the minds of the replay crew.
Second quarter. Just over five minutes left. Texas trailing 7-3 with the ball at the USC 22-yard line.
Quarterback Vince Young takes the snap, circles around the left end and runs 10 yards before a USC defender latches on. As the Texas quarterback tumbles, he pitches the ball to running back Selvin Young, who dashes 12 yards and into the end zone.
INSTANT REPLAY GUIDELINES
How it works: Each crew includes a head instant replay official, an assistant replay official and a technician, who’s responsible for operating the system. To overturn a call, the head official alerts the on-field referee with a pager and stops the game before the ensuing snap. Once the game is stopped, the crew has unlimited time to review the play in question and can call the TV production truck for additional shots from different camera angles. The head replay official is required to review every play of the game. But by NCAA rules, he can consider overturning the call only on plays that have a “direct competitive impact” on the game. He also must have “indisputable video evidence’’ to overturn a call. Each coach has one challenge, during which he must use a timeout to stop play for more extensive review. Though he can seek input from the replay assistant, the head replay official makes the final call.
How it differs from NFL: From 1986 to 1991, the NFL used a system almost identical to the one used by college football but abandoned it because it led to too many stoppages. The NFL system in use since 1999 is prompted primarily by coaches challenges. Each coach has two challenges, when he can stop play for review. But after the two-minute warning, only the instant replay officials can stop play for review. With assistance from the replay booth, the on-field referee makes the final call.
Notable: Unlike NFL coaches, college coaches cannot use TV monitors to help them decide whether to challenge calls. NCAA rules bar use of any such technology, with officials saying the rule was put in place to level the playing field for schools that can’t afford the technology.
The referee signals touchdown.
To the naked eye, it was virtually impossible to tell if Young's knee had touched the ground before the pitch, which would have nullified the score and brought the ball back to the 12. But the ultimate decision no longer depended on the naked eye, or the officials on the field.
College football was using instant replay for the first time in the BCS championship game. Gathered in the replay booth were Jim Augustyn, head replay official; Dick Honig, assistant replay official and Mike McComiskey, the technician in charge of replay equipment. Augustyn watched the original shot from the ABC broadcast on his monitor as McComiskey rewound the footage with TiVo – a digital recorder available at any retail outlet for less than $200 – and Honig watched a second monitor, waiting for ABC to air a second shot from a different camera angle that might provide a clearer view of the play.
"I've got nothing coming," Honig said.
McComiskey continued to rewind the original shot. Augustyn continued to study it in vain. Honig continued to watch the second monitor and wait for ABC to show another camera angle.
"I've got nothing coming," Honig repeated.
Texas lined up for the extra point. Augustyn had only seconds to decide whether to stop the game. Once Texas attempted the extra point, it would be too late to reverse the call.
Without the benefit of another camera angle and without indisputable evidence that Young's knee had touched the ground, Augustyn let play continue. Texas missed the extra point and, seconds later, the replay officials realized they had blown the call.
While Augustyn had been reviewing ABC's original shot, the TiVo had recorded everything else ABC had aired after the touchdown – everything Honig assumed he was seeing on the second monitor. As the three men watched the recorded footage, they suddenly saw a replay from a different camera angle that clearly showed Young's knee was down before the quarterback pitched the ball.
"Where the hell did that shot come from?'' Augustyn asked.
At that same time, Dave Parry, the supervisor of officials who helped usher instant replay into college football, was standing in ABC's broadcast booth in case announcers Jackson and Dan Fouts had any questions. Suddenly Jackson, Fouts and millions of viewers who'd seen footage that showed the touchdown should have been overturned were asking the same thing: What just went wrong?
Embarrassed and perplexed, Parry headed for the replay booth in search of answers. He returned to ABC's booth for the second half, told Jackson the replay equipment had malfunctioned and Jackson relayed the report to his viewers. But Parry was still concerned about the incident.
"We thought we were going to get all kinds of e-mails and letters and all kinds of people raising Cain,'' Parry said during a recent interview. "We only got three letters. Surprisingly, very little outcry. But Keith Jackson did announce there had been a malfunction and that seemed to put it to rest.''
But there was no equipment malfunction.
Contrary to what Parry told Jackson and Jackson relayed to the TV audience, there were preventable human errors.
As McComiskey discovered, too late, the wrong television feed had been connected to the second monitor. Honig never had the benefit of seeing the shot of Vince Young's knee clearly hitting the ground, as ABC's broadcast feed showed. The replay officials had stopped play twice before in the game but apparently got the shots they needed on the first monitor to make the correct calls.
Though replay officials routinely check television feeds before games and check again as the game begins, they did not do so this time – not with the national title on the line. BASIC EQUIPMENT
All instant replay systems feature at least two monitors, one for the head instant replay official and one for the instant replay assistant.
THE SYSTEMS
DVSport – The high-end system features touchscreen capability that distinguishes it from competitors’ products. No remote needed. Just a tap of the finger boots up replays. In addition to having the touchscreen capability, instant replay officials can view the image of up to nine replay angles on one of the two monitors. The system noted for its speed was developed by former Boston College placekicker Brian Lowe. Estimated Cost: $15,000 to $20,000 per school. Used by: ACC, Big East, Big Ten, SEC.
XOS – A TiVo-based system noted for its speed and operated with a 10-button remote control. Assistant replay official saves each replay – known as "tagging" or "marking" – ¬ as it flashes on one of the two monitors. As the head replay official sorts through the saved replays, he can view the first image of each camera angle. XOS Technologies provided video equipment for dozens of college and professional teams before developing the instant replay system. Estimated cost: $7,000 to $10,000 per school. Used by: Big 12, Pac-10, Mid-American, Sun Belt.
Digital Video Recorder – he system was developed specifically for Conference USA. It features an upgraded DVR, a consumer-based product. Estimated cost: $7,500. Used by: Conference USA.
NALU – Similar to the TiVo-based systems and developed by NALU, a company-based in Honolulu. Based in part on the TiVo model originally used by the Big Ten. Estimated cost: $5,000 and $7,500. Used by: Western Athletic Conference.
TiVo – The most economical of all replay systems. Used in 2004 and 2005 by the Big Ten, which ushered instant replay into college football on an experimental basis in ’04. Also serves as the backup system for DVSport and XOS. Estimated cost: $2,000 per school. Used by: Mountain West.
Editor's note: Cost can vary depending on additional software, equipment and services provided by the manufacturing companies.
Nor did the instant replay crew have state-of-the-art equipment. Instead, it was using a TiVo and two television monitors – a basic setup that costs about $2,000 compared to the $125,000 system used by NFL teams and a $20,000 system that was used for other college bowl games. McComiskey said the crew might have avoided the breakdown if it had used DVSport, a more expensive system that the ACC, Big East and SEC used during the 2005 season.
"The DVSport would have been greatly helpful,'' he said.
The Big Ten, which took in more than $100 million in revenue during the 2004-05 academic year, considered buying the DVSport system, McComiskey said. The decision not to purchase DVSport saved the Big Ten approximately $400,000. After the 2006 Rose Bowl, the conference dumped TiVo and bought DVSport.
Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany could not be reached for comment.
McComiskey, the Big Ten's assistant commissioner for technology, said the decision to upgrade equipment had nothing to do with the blown calls during the national championship game. He said the schools' football coaches and administrators simply asked the Big Ten to reevaluate the available technology.
"We came back after the evaluation and we picked the system that we thought would be the best at this time,'' he said. "The DVSport system is a very good tool.''
While McComiskey suggested more sophisticated equipment could have saved the instant replay crew from embarrassment in the Rose Bowl, Augustyn and Honig assumed part of the blame, saying they should've stopped the game and called ABC's production truck from a phone in the booth set up expressly for the purpose of checking if the network had additional replays to review.
Parry said he told Jackson all he knew about the breakdown and that he never understood extent of the problem.
"I'm not a technology expert,'' Parry said.
But Augustyn said he offered a more detailed explanation when Parry came looking for answers at halftime.
"He came in and he asked what happened and I said we didn't have the right feed and we weren't getting the replays,'' Augustyn said. "… I guess he believed us because he was trying to figure out a way that he could go back and explain that to Keith Jackson and Dan Fouts that might make some sense as to why we didn't run the play back. … I think Dave was worried.''
McComiskey had set up the replay equipment for all of the Big Ten schools. But the Rose Bowl was only the second game he had worked as a booth replay technician, and he made his debut only a week earlier at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, according to Augustyn.
"My understanding as to why they flew him down there was because he was the so-called expert from our conference,'' Augustyn said.
When questioned further about the breakdown at the national championship game, Parry said, "To come back and blame someone and say you're wrong and somebody was at fault, that just wouldn't be fair.''
In the aftermath, there appeared to be no sense of urgency to determine who or what was to blame. Parry did not discuss details of the breakdown in January when the NCAA called a special meeting for instant replay, three officiating supervisors said. Nor did he discuss details when he presided over the officiating supervisors biannual meetings, one in February and another in June.
TOO FAST?
HOW REPLAY CAME TO BE
During the 2002 season, Penn State coach Joe Paterno complained about two calls that went against his team. That triggered a rash of complaints by other Big Ten coaches and led the conference to review its officiating practices. Two years later, with approval from the NCAA, the Big Ten introduced instant replay on an experimental basis. The following year, nine of the 11 Division I-A conferences used instant replay on an experimental basis, with only the Sun Belt and Western Athletic conferences holding out. In 2006, the NCAA approved uniform guidelines for instant replay, and all 11 Division I-A conferences are using it this season.
In May, when the NCAA approved instant replay for all conferences, it issued guidelines on reviewable plays and criteria for overturning calls – indisputable video evidence. But the NCAA issued no standards for training replay officials or for the technology used and designated no one to monitor the system nationally.
Ty Halpin, the NCAA liaison for the Football Rules Committee, said the absence of an expert to field concerns and questions regarding instant replay is "probably a relatively valid concern.''
"I think if we can somehow have a centralized clearinghouse. … that'd be great,'' Halpin added. "We're just not 100 percent sure where that's going to go.''
Verle Sorgen, supervisor of Pac-10 officials, has taken it upon himself to circulate e-mails with questions and concerns about the system to other conference officiating supervisors. But Sorgen has failed to disclose details to the media or his counterparts about the most notorious instant replay breakdown yet: the fiasco during the Oregon-Oklahoma game that one of Sorgen's Pac-10 crews worked.
Interviews conducted by Yahoo! Sports indicate the confusion has yet to be sorted out and potential problems remain uncorrected.
DUCK AND COVER?
The fiasco on Sept. 16 in Eugene, Ore. began in the fourth quarter when Oregon recovered an onside kick, leading to the winning touchdown in the Ducks' 34-33 victory. Video replays showed that on the kick, an Oregon player touched the ball before it traveled the required 10 yards, meaning Oklahoma should have been awarded the ball.
NOTABLE BREAKDOWNS & BLUNDERS
Oct. 21, 2006: During a game between Louisiana-Lafayette and Florida Atlantic, an interception was awarded to Louisiana-Lafayette despite replays that showed Florida Atlantic should have retained possession. ESPN2 aired the telling shot during its telecast, but the Sun Belt officials never saw it because the Sun Belt – unlike every other Division 1-A conference – uses no TV video. The Sun Belt only uses video captured by its own cameras. That policy came under fire after Florida Atlantic’s 6-0 defeat.
Oct. 7, 2006: In the first half of a game between Michigan and Michigan State, the instant replay crew failed to stop play to review Michigan’s first touchdown, on a 13-yard pass. Video replays aired during the telecast showed Michigan receiver Adrian Arrington was out of bounds when he caught the ball. Michigan took a 7-0 lead on the touchdown and went on to win 31-13.
Sept. 23, 2006: In a game between the University of Houston and Oklahoma State, Oklahoma State recovered a fumble in what video showed was the correct call. But the head instant replay official reversed the call. Worse, he cited forward progress in an instance where it was non-reviewable. A runner's forward progress may be reviewed only to determine whether it resulted in a first down. Conference USA suspended the replay official for one game after Houston’s 34-25 victory.
Sept. 16, 2006: In a game between Oregon and Oklahoma, the instant replay official incorrectly upheld a call awarding the ball to Oregon on an on-side kick. On the subsequent drive, Oregon scored what proved the game-winning touchdown in its 34-33 victory and the blown call set off a storm of controversy. The Pac-10 suspended the officiating crew for one game and Gordon Riese, the head instant replay official, took a leave of absence for the remainder of the season.
Jan. 4, 2006: In the national championship game, video replays showed Vince Young’s knee hit the ground before he pitched the ball to Selvin Young on a 22-yard touchdown play. But the replay crew never saw the video because they had the wrong television feed hooked up to one of the monitors. Texas went on to win, 41-38.
Jan. 4, 2006: Early in the second quarter of the national championship game, on a mad dash downfield, USC’s Reggie Bush pitched the ball to a teammate. The ball fell to the ground, Texas recovered and maintained possession after on-field officials ruled the ball a fumble. But video replays showed the play was a forward lateral, meaning USC, not Texas, should have maintained possession of the ball.
Dec. 28, 2005: In the Alamo Bowl, which matched Michigan against Nebraska, the pager the instant replay officials were supposed to use to contact the on-field referee to stop the game reportedly malfunctioned. That forced Michigan coach Lloyd Carr to use a timeout to stop the game so replay officials had time to review video of a questionable touchdown by Nebraska. Officials overturned the call. Nebraska won, 32-28.
But the field officials gave the ball to Oregon, and, after reviewing the play, the instant replay officials upheld the call. The Pac-10 conference suspended head replay official Gordon Riese and the entire officiating crew for one game.
Yet the technician who operated the instant replay system said the Pac-10's technology is sub par, that the reception on the replay monitor was blurry and the equipment was to blame during the Oregon-Oklahoma game. Jess Yates, the technician, said he was so upset following the game that he immediately sent an e-mail to Sorgen. He also said he reiterated his concerns about the equipment during a phone conversation with Sorgen.
"I feel so bad that Gordy had to take the fall for that,'' said Yates, who serves as the instant replay technician for all games at the University of Oregon. "… We're not up to speed yet with the equipment itself.''
Pac-10 spokesman Jim Muldoon said the equipment has been "thoroughly reviewed'' since the game.
"We're satisfied with the equipment and I think the fact we haven't had other issues with it supports that.''
Five instant replay technology systems are being used by the 11 Division I-A conferences. The Pac-10 opted for a less expensive system than the one used by four of the six other BCS conferences.
But in a recent interview, Sorgen said, "There was no problem with technology. … There was a mixup in the (instant replay) booth that caused the glitch.''
Riese complained during interviews after the game that he could not "freeze-frame'' the video on the instant replay monitor and he didn't get a replay from the proper camera angle. When contacted by Yahoo! Sports, Riese was more cryptic.
"I'm still employed by the conference and they asked me not to talk,'' said Riese, who asked the Pac-10 for a leave of absence. "I'll take the heat for now, but eventually I'll have an announcement to make.''
Halpin, the liaison for the Football Rules Committee, said conference officiating supervisors can work together to make sure they stay on the same page. But Parry and Sorgen have yet to share details of the high-profile breakdowns. Futhermore, several officiating supervisors described "turf wars,'' where officiating supervisors from different conferences interpret the rules how they want and position their officials how they choose despite instructions from Parry, the national coordinator, and John Adams, the secretary-editor of NCAA rules.
The biggest problem, several officiating supervisors said, is that Parry faces a conflict of interest by working for the Big Ten and serving as national coordinator of football officiating. Several supervisors also said they suspected there was more to the instant replay breakdown during the national championship than Parry disclosed and that details might have been withheld to protect the Big Ten from national embarrassment.
"What's good for the Big Ten might not be good for everybody else,'' said Tim Millis, who retired as the Big 12's supervisor of officials after the 2005 season. "You might be willing to talk about problems in other conferences, but not your own.
"Dave is serving two masters, and that doesn't work.''
Parry declined to say how much he earns as national director, but said the bulk of his income comes from the Big Ten.
"I don't think there's been a conflict of interest,'' he said.
But the national championship game has led to conflict.
Parry seemed taken aback when his Pac-10 counterpart, Sorgen, contended the Big Ten instant replay crew missed yet another critical call in the national championship game. The play in question took place early in the second quarter and before the officials realized the second monitor was hooked up to the wrong television feed.
USC led 7-0 and had the ball at its own 45. Quarterback Matt Leinart passed to Reggie Bush, who carried the ball to the Texas 20 before his attempt to pitch the ball to teammate Brad Walker went awry.
Texas recovered at the 18 and kept possession after officials ruled the ball was a fumble. But Sorgen said video replays showed the play was a forward lateral, which means USC should have maintained possession.
The Longhorns drove to a field goal, making the score 7-3.
Reggie Bush turned to lateral the ball
while running forward. (ABC Sports)
"I don't know why the Bush lateral play has stayed under the radar the way it has," Sorgen, a USC graduate, told the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Responded Parry in an interview with Yahoo! Sports: "Verle is for the Pac-10, so of course he's going to push the envelope in their favor.''
Later Parry agreed with Sorgen's assessment but defended the Big Ten's instant replay crew while saying video replays of Bush's supposed fumble "indicated the pass was a little forward. But that's going in slow, slow, slow motion.'' Of his instant replay crew, Parry also added, "Their view was they didn't have indisputable evidence, so they left it alone.''
But in a recent interview with Yahoo! Sports, Honig, the assistant replay official, said the botched television feed might have prevented the crew from seeing the angle they needed to make the correct call.
There's no evidence that college football is taking aggressive steps to fix problems with instant replay, either.
Parry said he recently talked to the NFL's officiating supervisor, Mike Pereira, about setting up an offseason replay clinic for all 11 Division I-A supervisors. But before the 2006 season, three of the 11 conferences brought in the NFL's instant replay guru, Dean Blandino, during training sessions for their own instant replay officials. The conferences were so focused on training their own officials that no one bothered setting up a national training seminar.
Parry said he would have organized the session last year, but conferences were using different instant replay rules. Asked how it would be any different after this season, with five different replay technology systems in use, Parry replied, "That's a good question.''
Many questions remain. For example, Tommy Hunt, supervisor of officials for the ACC, has compiled a list of at least 50 plays where the proper call was open to interpretation. But without anyone overseeing the national implementation of replay, Hunt said he will wait until the conference officiating supervisors meet in February to get answers.
If everything goes as Parry hopes, the NFL might have a representative at one of the officiating supervisors' biannual meetings.
"We're talking about having a one-day deal,'' Parry said. "We haven't had a chance to run it by our CEOs, the commissioners, yet. But we hope we can set up a training day to work through some problems."
Josh Peter is a writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Josh a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
November 10, 2006
Yahoo! Sports report on instant replay: Restructuring replay The blame game
The biggest fumble in last season's epic national championship game between Texas and Southern California didn't occur on the field. It happened in the instant replay booth.
The error at the Rose Bowl was not mechanical, as the supervisor of officials told ABC broadcaster Keith Jackson. It was a human blunder, one that might have impacted the outcome of Texas' 41-38 victory, a game decided in the final seconds.
Vince Young's knee touched the ground
before he lateraled. (ABC Sports)
Yahoo! Sports has learned the wrong television feed had been plugged into one of the monitors of the video replay system. The mistake meant that replay officials did not have the necessary camera angle to properly review Texas' first touchdown. A replay official said the feed mixup might have led to another mistake earlier in the game. On that play, it was ruled that USC's Reggie Bush fumbled.
Ten months after Texas' victory, replay officials and their supervisor still haven't formally addressed what went wrong. But this much is sure: Instant replay, instituted as a backstop to ensure proper calls were being made on the field, failed.
It failed in the championship game. It continues to fail, as evidenced by an erroneous call in this season's Oklahoma-Oregon game. And it very well could fail again, considering there have been no followup meetings or discussions to establish consistent, national standards and practices for the oversight, training and equipment for replay officials and technicians.
With millions of dollars at stake for schools vying for spots in the five Bowl Championship Series games, the problems that cropped up in last year's title game haven't been rectified. The instant replay system, though flawed, goes on, possibly impacting games throughout this season – possibly impacting who will win the next championship.
ROSE WOES
Details of the Texas touchdown in question and the confusion that ensued at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4 remain fresh in the minds of the replay crew.
Second quarter. Just over five minutes left. Texas trailing 7-3 with the ball at the USC 22-yard line.
Quarterback Vince Young takes the snap, circles around the left end and runs 10 yards before a USC defender latches on. As the Texas quarterback tumbles, he pitches the ball to running back Selvin Young, who dashes 12 yards and into the end zone.
INSTANT REPLAY GUIDELINES
How it works: Each crew includes a head instant replay official, an assistant replay official and a technician, who’s responsible for operating the system. To overturn a call, the head official alerts the on-field referee with a pager and stops the game before the ensuing snap. Once the game is stopped, the crew has unlimited time to review the play in question and can call the TV production truck for additional shots from different camera angles. The head replay official is required to review every play of the game. But by NCAA rules, he can consider overturning the call only on plays that have a “direct competitive impact” on the game. He also must have “indisputable video evidence’’ to overturn a call. Each coach has one challenge, during which he must use a timeout to stop play for more extensive review. Though he can seek input from the replay assistant, the head replay official makes the final call.
How it differs from NFL: From 1986 to 1991, the NFL used a system almost identical to the one used by college football but abandoned it because it led to too many stoppages. The NFL system in use since 1999 is prompted primarily by coaches challenges. Each coach has two challenges, when he can stop play for review. But after the two-minute warning, only the instant replay officials can stop play for review. With assistance from the replay booth, the on-field referee makes the final call.
Notable: Unlike NFL coaches, college coaches cannot use TV monitors to help them decide whether to challenge calls. NCAA rules bar use of any such technology, with officials saying the rule was put in place to level the playing field for schools that can’t afford the technology.
The referee signals touchdown.
To the naked eye, it was virtually impossible to tell if Young's knee had touched the ground before the pitch, which would have nullified the score and brought the ball back to the 12. But the ultimate decision no longer depended on the naked eye, or the officials on the field.
College football was using instant replay for the first time in the BCS championship game. Gathered in the replay booth were Jim Augustyn, head replay official; Dick Honig, assistant replay official and Mike McComiskey, the technician in charge of replay equipment. Augustyn watched the original shot from the ABC broadcast on his monitor as McComiskey rewound the footage with TiVo – a digital recorder available at any retail outlet for less than $200 – and Honig watched a second monitor, waiting for ABC to air a second shot from a different camera angle that might provide a clearer view of the play.
"I've got nothing coming," Honig said.
McComiskey continued to rewind the original shot. Augustyn continued to study it in vain. Honig continued to watch the second monitor and wait for ABC to show another camera angle.
"I've got nothing coming," Honig repeated.
Texas lined up for the extra point. Augustyn had only seconds to decide whether to stop the game. Once Texas attempted the extra point, it would be too late to reverse the call.
Without the benefit of another camera angle and without indisputable evidence that Young's knee had touched the ground, Augustyn let play continue. Texas missed the extra point and, seconds later, the replay officials realized they had blown the call.
While Augustyn had been reviewing ABC's original shot, the TiVo had recorded everything else ABC had aired after the touchdown – everything Honig assumed he was seeing on the second monitor. As the three men watched the recorded footage, they suddenly saw a replay from a different camera angle that clearly showed Young's knee was down before the quarterback pitched the ball.
"Where the hell did that shot come from?'' Augustyn asked.
At that same time, Dave Parry, the supervisor of officials who helped usher instant replay into college football, was standing in ABC's broadcast booth in case announcers Jackson and Dan Fouts had any questions. Suddenly Jackson, Fouts and millions of viewers who'd seen footage that showed the touchdown should have been overturned were asking the same thing: What just went wrong?
Embarrassed and perplexed, Parry headed for the replay booth in search of answers. He returned to ABC's booth for the second half, told Jackson the replay equipment had malfunctioned and Jackson relayed the report to his viewers. But Parry was still concerned about the incident.
"We thought we were going to get all kinds of e-mails and letters and all kinds of people raising Cain,'' Parry said during a recent interview. "We only got three letters. Surprisingly, very little outcry. But Keith Jackson did announce there had been a malfunction and that seemed to put it to rest.''
But there was no equipment malfunction.
Contrary to what Parry told Jackson and Jackson relayed to the TV audience, there were preventable human errors.
As McComiskey discovered, too late, the wrong television feed had been connected to the second monitor. Honig never had the benefit of seeing the shot of Vince Young's knee clearly hitting the ground, as ABC's broadcast feed showed. The replay officials had stopped play twice before in the game but apparently got the shots they needed on the first monitor to make the correct calls.
Though replay officials routinely check television feeds before games and check again as the game begins, they did not do so this time – not with the national title on the line. BASIC EQUIPMENT
All instant replay systems feature at least two monitors, one for the head instant replay official and one for the instant replay assistant.
THE SYSTEMS
DVSport – The high-end system features touchscreen capability that distinguishes it from competitors’ products. No remote needed. Just a tap of the finger boots up replays. In addition to having the touchscreen capability, instant replay officials can view the image of up to nine replay angles on one of the two monitors. The system noted for its speed was developed by former Boston College placekicker Brian Lowe. Estimated Cost: $15,000 to $20,000 per school. Used by: ACC, Big East, Big Ten, SEC.
XOS – A TiVo-based system noted for its speed and operated with a 10-button remote control. Assistant replay official saves each replay – known as "tagging" or "marking" – ¬ as it flashes on one of the two monitors. As the head replay official sorts through the saved replays, he can view the first image of each camera angle. XOS Technologies provided video equipment for dozens of college and professional teams before developing the instant replay system. Estimated cost: $7,000 to $10,000 per school. Used by: Big 12, Pac-10, Mid-American, Sun Belt.
Digital Video Recorder – he system was developed specifically for Conference USA. It features an upgraded DVR, a consumer-based product. Estimated cost: $7,500. Used by: Conference USA.
NALU – Similar to the TiVo-based systems and developed by NALU, a company-based in Honolulu. Based in part on the TiVo model originally used by the Big Ten. Estimated cost: $5,000 and $7,500. Used by: Western Athletic Conference.
TiVo – The most economical of all replay systems. Used in 2004 and 2005 by the Big Ten, which ushered instant replay into college football on an experimental basis in ’04. Also serves as the backup system for DVSport and XOS. Estimated cost: $2,000 per school. Used by: Mountain West.
Editor's note: Cost can vary depending on additional software, equipment and services provided by the manufacturing companies.
Nor did the instant replay crew have state-of-the-art equipment. Instead, it was using a TiVo and two television monitors – a basic setup that costs about $2,000 compared to the $125,000 system used by NFL teams and a $20,000 system that was used for other college bowl games. McComiskey said the crew might have avoided the breakdown if it had used DVSport, a more expensive system that the ACC, Big East and SEC used during the 2005 season.
"The DVSport would have been greatly helpful,'' he said.
The Big Ten, which took in more than $100 million in revenue during the 2004-05 academic year, considered buying the DVSport system, McComiskey said. The decision not to purchase DVSport saved the Big Ten approximately $400,000. After the 2006 Rose Bowl, the conference dumped TiVo and bought DVSport.
Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany could not be reached for comment.
McComiskey, the Big Ten's assistant commissioner for technology, said the decision to upgrade equipment had nothing to do with the blown calls during the national championship game. He said the schools' football coaches and administrators simply asked the Big Ten to reevaluate the available technology.
"We came back after the evaluation and we picked the system that we thought would be the best at this time,'' he said. "The DVSport system is a very good tool.''
While McComiskey suggested more sophisticated equipment could have saved the instant replay crew from embarrassment in the Rose Bowl, Augustyn and Honig assumed part of the blame, saying they should've stopped the game and called ABC's production truck from a phone in the booth set up expressly for the purpose of checking if the network had additional replays to review.
Parry said he told Jackson all he knew about the breakdown and that he never understood extent of the problem.
"I'm not a technology expert,'' Parry said.
But Augustyn said he offered a more detailed explanation when Parry came looking for answers at halftime.
"He came in and he asked what happened and I said we didn't have the right feed and we weren't getting the replays,'' Augustyn said. "… I guess he believed us because he was trying to figure out a way that he could go back and explain that to Keith Jackson and Dan Fouts that might make some sense as to why we didn't run the play back. … I think Dave was worried.''
McComiskey had set up the replay equipment for all of the Big Ten schools. But the Rose Bowl was only the second game he had worked as a booth replay technician, and he made his debut only a week earlier at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, according to Augustyn.
"My understanding as to why they flew him down there was because he was the so-called expert from our conference,'' Augustyn said.
When questioned further about the breakdown at the national championship game, Parry said, "To come back and blame someone and say you're wrong and somebody was at fault, that just wouldn't be fair.''
In the aftermath, there appeared to be no sense of urgency to determine who or what was to blame. Parry did not discuss details of the breakdown in January when the NCAA called a special meeting for instant replay, three officiating supervisors said. Nor did he discuss details when he presided over the officiating supervisors biannual meetings, one in February and another in June.
TOO FAST?
HOW REPLAY CAME TO BE
During the 2002 season, Penn State coach Joe Paterno complained about two calls that went against his team. That triggered a rash of complaints by other Big Ten coaches and led the conference to review its officiating practices. Two years later, with approval from the NCAA, the Big Ten introduced instant replay on an experimental basis. The following year, nine of the 11 Division I-A conferences used instant replay on an experimental basis, with only the Sun Belt and Western Athletic conferences holding out. In 2006, the NCAA approved uniform guidelines for instant replay, and all 11 Division I-A conferences are using it this season.
In May, when the NCAA approved instant replay for all conferences, it issued guidelines on reviewable plays and criteria for overturning calls – indisputable video evidence. But the NCAA issued no standards for training replay officials or for the technology used and designated no one to monitor the system nationally.
Ty Halpin, the NCAA liaison for the Football Rules Committee, said the absence of an expert to field concerns and questions regarding instant replay is "probably a relatively valid concern.''
"I think if we can somehow have a centralized clearinghouse. … that'd be great,'' Halpin added. "We're just not 100 percent sure where that's going to go.''
Verle Sorgen, supervisor of Pac-10 officials, has taken it upon himself to circulate e-mails with questions and concerns about the system to other conference officiating supervisors. But Sorgen has failed to disclose details to the media or his counterparts about the most notorious instant replay breakdown yet: the fiasco during the Oregon-Oklahoma game that one of Sorgen's Pac-10 crews worked.
Interviews conducted by Yahoo! Sports indicate the confusion has yet to be sorted out and potential problems remain uncorrected.
DUCK AND COVER?
The fiasco on Sept. 16 in Eugene, Ore. began in the fourth quarter when Oregon recovered an onside kick, leading to the winning touchdown in the Ducks' 34-33 victory. Video replays showed that on the kick, an Oregon player touched the ball before it traveled the required 10 yards, meaning Oklahoma should have been awarded the ball.
NOTABLE BREAKDOWNS & BLUNDERS
Oct. 21, 2006: During a game between Louisiana-Lafayette and Florida Atlantic, an interception was awarded to Louisiana-Lafayette despite replays that showed Florida Atlantic should have retained possession. ESPN2 aired the telling shot during its telecast, but the Sun Belt officials never saw it because the Sun Belt – unlike every other Division 1-A conference – uses no TV video. The Sun Belt only uses video captured by its own cameras. That policy came under fire after Florida Atlantic’s 6-0 defeat.
Oct. 7, 2006: In the first half of a game between Michigan and Michigan State, the instant replay crew failed to stop play to review Michigan’s first touchdown, on a 13-yard pass. Video replays aired during the telecast showed Michigan receiver Adrian Arrington was out of bounds when he caught the ball. Michigan took a 7-0 lead on the touchdown and went on to win 31-13.
Sept. 23, 2006: In a game between the University of Houston and Oklahoma State, Oklahoma State recovered a fumble in what video showed was the correct call. But the head instant replay official reversed the call. Worse, he cited forward progress in an instance where it was non-reviewable. A runner's forward progress may be reviewed only to determine whether it resulted in a first down. Conference USA suspended the replay official for one game after Houston’s 34-25 victory.
Sept. 16, 2006: In a game between Oregon and Oklahoma, the instant replay official incorrectly upheld a call awarding the ball to Oregon on an on-side kick. On the subsequent drive, Oregon scored what proved the game-winning touchdown in its 34-33 victory and the blown call set off a storm of controversy. The Pac-10 suspended the officiating crew for one game and Gordon Riese, the head instant replay official, took a leave of absence for the remainder of the season.
Jan. 4, 2006: In the national championship game, video replays showed Vince Young’s knee hit the ground before he pitched the ball to Selvin Young on a 22-yard touchdown play. But the replay crew never saw the video because they had the wrong television feed hooked up to one of the monitors. Texas went on to win, 41-38.
Jan. 4, 2006: Early in the second quarter of the national championship game, on a mad dash downfield, USC’s Reggie Bush pitched the ball to a teammate. The ball fell to the ground, Texas recovered and maintained possession after on-field officials ruled the ball a fumble. But video replays showed the play was a forward lateral, meaning USC, not Texas, should have maintained possession of the ball.
Dec. 28, 2005: In the Alamo Bowl, which matched Michigan against Nebraska, the pager the instant replay officials were supposed to use to contact the on-field referee to stop the game reportedly malfunctioned. That forced Michigan coach Lloyd Carr to use a timeout to stop the game so replay officials had time to review video of a questionable touchdown by Nebraska. Officials overturned the call. Nebraska won, 32-28.
But the field officials gave the ball to Oregon, and, after reviewing the play, the instant replay officials upheld the call. The Pac-10 conference suspended head replay official Gordon Riese and the entire officiating crew for one game.
Yet the technician who operated the instant replay system said the Pac-10's technology is sub par, that the reception on the replay monitor was blurry and the equipment was to blame during the Oregon-Oklahoma game. Jess Yates, the technician, said he was so upset following the game that he immediately sent an e-mail to Sorgen. He also said he reiterated his concerns about the equipment during a phone conversation with Sorgen.
"I feel so bad that Gordy had to take the fall for that,'' said Yates, who serves as the instant replay technician for all games at the University of Oregon. "… We're not up to speed yet with the equipment itself.''
Pac-10 spokesman Jim Muldoon said the equipment has been "thoroughly reviewed'' since the game.
"We're satisfied with the equipment and I think the fact we haven't had other issues with it supports that.''
Five instant replay technology systems are being used by the 11 Division I-A conferences. The Pac-10 opted for a less expensive system than the one used by four of the six other BCS conferences.
But in a recent interview, Sorgen said, "There was no problem with technology. … There was a mixup in the (instant replay) booth that caused the glitch.''
Riese complained during interviews after the game that he could not "freeze-frame'' the video on the instant replay monitor and he didn't get a replay from the proper camera angle. When contacted by Yahoo! Sports, Riese was more cryptic.
"I'm still employed by the conference and they asked me not to talk,'' said Riese, who asked the Pac-10 for a leave of absence. "I'll take the heat for now, but eventually I'll have an announcement to make.''
Halpin, the liaison for the Football Rules Committee, said conference officiating supervisors can work together to make sure they stay on the same page. But Parry and Sorgen have yet to share details of the high-profile breakdowns. Futhermore, several officiating supervisors described "turf wars,'' where officiating supervisors from different conferences interpret the rules how they want and position their officials how they choose despite instructions from Parry, the national coordinator, and John Adams, the secretary-editor of NCAA rules.
The biggest problem, several officiating supervisors said, is that Parry faces a conflict of interest by working for the Big Ten and serving as national coordinator of football officiating. Several supervisors also said they suspected there was more to the instant replay breakdown during the national championship than Parry disclosed and that details might have been withheld to protect the Big Ten from national embarrassment.
"What's good for the Big Ten might not be good for everybody else,'' said Tim Millis, who retired as the Big 12's supervisor of officials after the 2005 season. "You might be willing to talk about problems in other conferences, but not your own.
"Dave is serving two masters, and that doesn't work.''
Parry declined to say how much he earns as national director, but said the bulk of his income comes from the Big Ten.
"I don't think there's been a conflict of interest,'' he said.
But the national championship game has led to conflict.
Parry seemed taken aback when his Pac-10 counterpart, Sorgen, contended the Big Ten instant replay crew missed yet another critical call in the national championship game. The play in question took place early in the second quarter and before the officials realized the second monitor was hooked up to the wrong television feed.
USC led 7-0 and had the ball at its own 45. Quarterback Matt Leinart passed to Reggie Bush, who carried the ball to the Texas 20 before his attempt to pitch the ball to teammate Brad Walker went awry.
Texas recovered at the 18 and kept possession after officials ruled the ball was a fumble. But Sorgen said video replays showed the play was a forward lateral, which means USC should have maintained possession.
The Longhorns drove to a field goal, making the score 7-3.
Reggie Bush turned to lateral the ball
while running forward. (ABC Sports)
"I don't know why the Bush lateral play has stayed under the radar the way it has," Sorgen, a USC graduate, told the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Responded Parry in an interview with Yahoo! Sports: "Verle is for the Pac-10, so of course he's going to push the envelope in their favor.''
Later Parry agreed with Sorgen's assessment but defended the Big Ten's instant replay crew while saying video replays of Bush's supposed fumble "indicated the pass was a little forward. But that's going in slow, slow, slow motion.'' Of his instant replay crew, Parry also added, "Their view was they didn't have indisputable evidence, so they left it alone.''
But in a recent interview with Yahoo! Sports, Honig, the assistant replay official, said the botched television feed might have prevented the crew from seeing the angle they needed to make the correct call.
There's no evidence that college football is taking aggressive steps to fix problems with instant replay, either.
Parry said he recently talked to the NFL's officiating supervisor, Mike Pereira, about setting up an offseason replay clinic for all 11 Division I-A supervisors. But before the 2006 season, three of the 11 conferences brought in the NFL's instant replay guru, Dean Blandino, during training sessions for their own instant replay officials. The conferences were so focused on training their own officials that no one bothered setting up a national training seminar.
Parry said he would have organized the session last year, but conferences were using different instant replay rules. Asked how it would be any different after this season, with five different replay technology systems in use, Parry replied, "That's a good question.''
Many questions remain. For example, Tommy Hunt, supervisor of officials for the ACC, has compiled a list of at least 50 plays where the proper call was open to interpretation. But without anyone overseeing the national implementation of replay, Hunt said he will wait until the conference officiating supervisors meet in February to get answers.
If everything goes as Parry hopes, the NFL might have a representative at one of the officiating supervisors' biannual meetings.
"We're talking about having a one-day deal,'' Parry said. "We haven't had a chance to run it by our CEOs, the commissioners, yet. But we hope we can set up a training day to work through some problems."
Josh Peter is a writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Josh a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Nelson seeks deferred millions from Mavs
Nelson seeks deferred millions from Mavs
11:04 AM CST on Monday, October 30, 2006
By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News
Former Mavericks coach Don Nelson has taken an NBA owner to court before, and it might happen again with Mark Cuban.
Nelson apparently is willing to pursue whatever measures are needed to recoup as much as $6 million in deferred payments earned before Ross Perot Jr. sold the franchise to Cuban in 2000.
Nelson, now coach of the Golden State Warriors, was reached over the weekend and said he may have to pursue legal avenues to get the money that he says he is owed.
"Mark Cuban has been very good to me and my family, but he doesn't like me very much," Nelson said. "I've asked nicely for [the payment]. We'll see what happens from here."
Nelson worked for the Mavericks from 1997 until June, mostly as head coach. He also had a contract to be a consultant to the organization for the next three years, but he surrendered that deal when he was hired by the Warriors.
Cuban declined to comment.
The root of the problem apparently stems from wording in Nelson's original coaching contract with the team. Nelson wanted some of that contract deferred for his retirement. Before he got back into coaching with the Warriors, he asked for the deferred money.
"There's no question that there was money that was to be paid over time in the contract Nellie signed during the Ross Perot ownership," said Frank Zaccanelli, a minority partner with the Mavericks in the '90s who negotiated the contract with Nelson. "When we added the coaching responsibilities, Nellie wanted the money deferred, and it was a big help to the cash flow for the franchise.
"Now, what happened to it from there, I don't know."
Nelson admitted that "it wasn't easy going" in his relationship with Cuban in his final seasons with the Mavericks. The two had a bitter negotiation for Nelson's contract in 2003, and the line of communication was never the same. Their relationship deteriorated and their contact was minimal during Nelson's last two years in Dallas.
In a strange twist, Nelson now works for Golden State owner Chris Cohan, whom Nelson sued after he parted ways with the Warriors in 1995. It was 2 ½ years before Nelson won that case.
Nelson handed the head-coaching reins to assistant Avery Johnson with 18 games left in the 2004-05 season. Cuban continued to pay Nelson's coaching contract until it expired July 1.
If the situation is not resolved, it would likely go to an arbitrator.
E-mail esefko@dallasnews.com
Season opener: San Antonio at Mavericks, 7 p.m. Thursday (TNT)
11:04 AM CST on Monday, October 30, 2006
By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News
Former Mavericks coach Don Nelson has taken an NBA owner to court before, and it might happen again with Mark Cuban.
Nelson apparently is willing to pursue whatever measures are needed to recoup as much as $6 million in deferred payments earned before Ross Perot Jr. sold the franchise to Cuban in 2000.
Nelson, now coach of the Golden State Warriors, was reached over the weekend and said he may have to pursue legal avenues to get the money that he says he is owed.
"Mark Cuban has been very good to me and my family, but he doesn't like me very much," Nelson said. "I've asked nicely for [the payment]. We'll see what happens from here."
Nelson worked for the Mavericks from 1997 until June, mostly as head coach. He also had a contract to be a consultant to the organization for the next three years, but he surrendered that deal when he was hired by the Warriors.
Cuban declined to comment.
The root of the problem apparently stems from wording in Nelson's original coaching contract with the team. Nelson wanted some of that contract deferred for his retirement. Before he got back into coaching with the Warriors, he asked for the deferred money.
"There's no question that there was money that was to be paid over time in the contract Nellie signed during the Ross Perot ownership," said Frank Zaccanelli, a minority partner with the Mavericks in the '90s who negotiated the contract with Nelson. "When we added the coaching responsibilities, Nellie wanted the money deferred, and it was a big help to the cash flow for the franchise.
"Now, what happened to it from there, I don't know."
Nelson admitted that "it wasn't easy going" in his relationship with Cuban in his final seasons with the Mavericks. The two had a bitter negotiation for Nelson's contract in 2003, and the line of communication was never the same. Their relationship deteriorated and their contact was minimal during Nelson's last two years in Dallas.
In a strange twist, Nelson now works for Golden State owner Chris Cohan, whom Nelson sued after he parted ways with the Warriors in 1995. It was 2 ½ years before Nelson won that case.
Nelson handed the head-coaching reins to assistant Avery Johnson with 18 games left in the 2004-05 season. Cuban continued to pay Nelson's coaching contract until it expired July 1.
If the situation is not resolved, it would likely go to an arbitrator.
E-mail esefko@dallasnews.com
Season opener: San Antonio at Mavericks, 7 p.m. Thursday (TNT)
Cowboys plane makes emergency stopover
Cowboys plane makes emergency stopover
03:44 PM CST on Monday, October 30, 2006
From WFAA-TV Staff Reports
IRWIN THOMPSON / DMN Tony Ollison (right) is pictured working out with Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears at the team's training camp in August.
Also Online
A quarter and change: Romo rallies Cowboys
Tony Ollison biography• from Dallas Desperados
The Dallas Cowboys team jet made an unscheduled landing in Nashville, Tenn. early Monday after an assistant coach became ill.
Strength and conditioning coach Tony Ollison summoned help after the aircraft took off from Charlotte, N.C., where the Cowboys had won a big game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday night.
Team doctors stabilized Ollison's condition before the plane landed in Nashville. Ollison was rushed to Southern Hills Medical Center for further treatment. No further information on his condition was available.
The Cowboys jet continued to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport with the rest of the team, where it landed early Sunday.
Ollison is a six-year veteran of the Cowboys coaching staff. The University of Arkansas graduate was a defensive tackle for the Razorbacks from 1986-90. He now also works as a strength and conditioning coach for the Dallas Desperados indoor football team.
Ollison and his wife Sherry have two sons and are expecting a third, according to a biography on the Desperados' Web site.
WFAA-TV photojournalist Arnold Payne contributed to this report.
03:44 PM CST on Monday, October 30, 2006
From WFAA-TV Staff Reports
IRWIN THOMPSON / DMN Tony Ollison (right) is pictured working out with Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears at the team's training camp in August.
Also Online
A quarter and change: Romo rallies Cowboys
Tony Ollison biography• from Dallas Desperados
The Dallas Cowboys team jet made an unscheduled landing in Nashville, Tenn. early Monday after an assistant coach became ill.
Strength and conditioning coach Tony Ollison summoned help after the aircraft took off from Charlotte, N.C., where the Cowboys had won a big game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday night.
Team doctors stabilized Ollison's condition before the plane landed in Nashville. Ollison was rushed to Southern Hills Medical Center for further treatment. No further information on his condition was available.
The Cowboys jet continued to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport with the rest of the team, where it landed early Sunday.
Ollison is a six-year veteran of the Cowboys coaching staff. The University of Arkansas graduate was a defensive tackle for the Razorbacks from 1986-90. He now also works as a strength and conditioning coach for the Dallas Desperados indoor football team.
Ollison and his wife Sherry have two sons and are expecting a third, according to a biography on the Desperados' Web site.
WFAA-TV photojournalist Arnold Payne contributed to this report.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Texas & Baylor
FSN Selects Tech-Baylor Matchup
Kickoff slated for 11 a.m. Sat., Nov. 4, at Jones AT&T Stadium
Mike Leach and the Red Raiders will face Baylor at 11 a.m. next weekend on FSN, the Big 12 announced Monday.
Football Home
HEADLINES
Texas Tech Set To Host Fifth-Ranked Texas
FSN Selects Tech-Baylor Matchup
Texas Tech Downs Iowa State, 42-26
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Oct. 23, 2006
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech's game next weekend against Baylor has been selected by FSN for its 11 a.m. broadcast window, the Big 12 Conference announced Monday. The game is the first for the Red Raiders on the network this season and the sixth televised overall.
The TV meeting with Baylor is the second in the last two years on FSN and the first back-to-back televised since the 1995-96 seasons. Last season's game was the first televised since 1996. Texas Tech has played on television four other times this season, including UTEP (CSTV), TCU (OLN), Texas A&M (ABC) and Missouri (TBS), and face Texas on TBS this weekend at 6 p.m.
Before the teams meet next weekend, both face tough conference games this weekend. The Red Raiders host the Longhorns at 6 p.m., while Baylor and Texas A&M meet in Waco at 6 p.m.
Texas Tech is 5-3 overall and 2-2 in Big 12 play this season and is coming off of a 42-26 win at Iowa State last weekend. Baylor is 4-4 and 3-1 and knocked off Kansas, 36-35, last weekend.
Bill Land (play-by-play), Gary Reasons (analyst) and Texas Tech alum Emily Jones (sideline) will call the action from Jones AT&T Stadium next weekend for FSN.
Kickoff slated for 11 a.m. Sat., Nov. 4, at Jones AT&T Stadium
Mike Leach and the Red Raiders will face Baylor at 11 a.m. next weekend on FSN, the Big 12 announced Monday.
Football Home
HEADLINES
Texas Tech Set To Host Fifth-Ranked Texas
FSN Selects Tech-Baylor Matchup
Texas Tech Downs Iowa State, 42-26
RELATED LINKS
• CollegeSports.com Wire• Email this to a friend
Oct. 23, 2006
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech's game next weekend against Baylor has been selected by FSN for its 11 a.m. broadcast window, the Big 12 Conference announced Monday. The game is the first for the Red Raiders on the network this season and the sixth televised overall.
The TV meeting with Baylor is the second in the last two years on FSN and the first back-to-back televised since the 1995-96 seasons. Last season's game was the first televised since 1996. Texas Tech has played on television four other times this season, including UTEP (CSTV), TCU (OLN), Texas A&M (ABC) and Missouri (TBS), and face Texas on TBS this weekend at 6 p.m.
Before the teams meet next weekend, both face tough conference games this weekend. The Red Raiders host the Longhorns at 6 p.m., while Baylor and Texas A&M meet in Waco at 6 p.m.
Texas Tech is 5-3 overall and 2-2 in Big 12 play this season and is coming off of a 42-26 win at Iowa State last weekend. Baylor is 4-4 and 3-1 and knocked off Kansas, 36-35, last weekend.
Bill Land (play-by-play), Gary Reasons (analyst) and Texas Tech alum Emily Jones (sideline) will call the action from Jones AT&T Stadium next weekend for FSN.
Texas Tech Set To Host Fifth-Ranked Texas
Texas Tech Set To Host Fifth-Ranked Texas
Kickoff set for 6 p.m. at Jones AT&T Stadium - Game Is SOLD OUT
Tech plays host to Texas on Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium
Football Home
HEADLINES
Texas Tech Set To Host Fifth-Ranked Texas
FSN Selects Tech-Baylor Matchup
Texas Tech Downs Iowa State, 42-26
RELATED LINKS
• CollegeSports.com Wire• Email this to a friend
Oct. 23, 2006
TEXAS TECH vs. TEXAS Saturday, October 28, 2006 - 6 p.m. Jones AT&T Stadium TBS National Broadcast
Gameday Central
Complete Texas Tech Release in PDF FormatDownload Free Acrobat Reader
THIS WEEK'S GAME Texas Tech (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) faces defending National Champion and No. 5 Texas (8-1, 4-0 Big 12) on Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium. Texas Tech won its last outing at Iowa State, 42-26, snapping a two-game skid. Texas won a tough road tilt at Nebraska, knocking off the No. 17 Huskers, 22-20, in the final minutes. Kickoff Saturday is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be broadcast nationally on TBS. Ron Thulin (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst) and Craig Sager (sideline) will call the action from Lubbock.
TRYING TO GRAB THE BULL BY THE HORNS It hasn't been easy, but Texas Tech has experienced success against Texas in the 54-game series. The Longhorns lead 40-14 and have won the last three games, including last season's 52-17 win in Austin. The teams have split the last two games on the South Plains, with Tech knocking off then-No. 4 UT, 42-38, in 2002 and dropping a 51-21 decision in 2004. Tech's current three-game skid is the longest since suffering a five-game drought from 1981-85 and matches two other streaks of three games (1990-92, 1999-01). The Red Raiders won back-to-back games during the 1993-94 and 1997-98 seasons, years two and three in the Big 12 Conference. The series dates back to 1928, as the teams met nine times before Texas Tech entered the Southwest Conference in 1960. The teams have played each year since.
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DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME Texas Tech has not played at home on consecutive weekends this season until now. The Texas game marks the first of two straight at Jones AT&T Stadium for the Red Raiders as the team plays three of its final four games at home. Baylor comes to town next weekend, while Tech faces Oklahoma State in the season finale in Lubbock. Sandwiched in between is a road trip to Oklahoma.
TECH PUTS FINISHING TOUCHES ON NORTH SCHEDULE Texas Tech closed out its schedule against teams from the Big 12 North Division with last weekend's 42-26 win at Iowa State. The game marked the third straight against a team from the division as the Red Raiders faced Missouri and Colorado the previous two weekends. Tech finished 1-2 against the North this year as Missouri's win snapped a six-game win streak against the division for the Red Raiders. Tech is 32-17 against the Big 12 North.
RED RAIDERS AGAINST THE BIG 12 CONFERENCE Texas Tech holds a series lead over four Big 12 members, including Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and Oklahoma State. Baylor, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M all hold series advantages over the Red Raiders, while the series with Colorado is tied.
FIRST HALF SCORING The Red Raiders have a penchant for coming out of the gates early, having scored 149 of its 238 points this season in the first half. The second quarter has been the most productive as the team has produced 94 points (11.8) in the frame. Entering last weekend's game at Iowa State, Tech was averaging 5.9 points in the first quarter on the season, but tacked on 14 within the first eight minutes of the game. On the flipside, Tech has scored 42 in the third and 44 in the fourth this season.
WASTING LITTLE TIME Texas Tech is tied second nationally with Nebraska and Clemson with 15 touchdown drives under two minutes in length. Louisville leads with 18. The Red Raiders had two touchdown drives against Iowa State under two minutes,
TOUGH ROW TO HOE Texas Tech's schedule currently ranks as the 23rd-toughest in the nation, with all opponents (past and future) a combined 39-28 on the season. Additionally, the Red Raiders' next four opponents are a combined 17-10 this year. Texas (9), Texas A&M (17) and Oklahoma State (20) rank ahead of Tech on the list.
RED RAIDERS IN THE MIDST OF SCHOOL SCORING MARK Texas Tech set a new consecutive games scoring mark against TCU and extended the streak against Iowa State. The run began with a 16-13 win over Texas A&M on Oct. 25, 1997, a week after dropping a 29-0 decision to second-ranked Nebraska. During its current run, the Red Raiders have scored 10+ in all but five games. During the run, two Tech opponents have come close twice to ending the streak - 1) Tech scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Texas in 1999 after going scoreless in the first three quarters, and 2) the Red Raiders poked one in the end zone in the fourth quarter at Colorado two weeks ago after being held scoreless through the first three. Longest Scoring Streaks in School History
112 games - Began 10/25/97 with 16-13 win over Texas A&M in Lubbock (current streak)
106 games - Began 10/17/87 with 59-7 win over Rice; ended 12/29/96 with a 27-0 loss to Iowa
A LOT OF WORK TO DO Texas Tech ranks third among Big 12 members with at least eight wins in each of the last four seasons. Texas leads the group with eight, while Oklahoma has done it in the last six seasons. Currently, the Red Raiders have five wins with four games to play at home against Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma State and on the road at Oklahoma.
TRIO OF TRUE FRESHMEN AMONG TWO-DEEP Three true freshmen worked their way up the depth chart during the preseason and season and have appeared in the two deep at one point - RB Baron Batch, DT Dan'Tay Ward and TE Adrian Reese. Batch and Ward have been backups all season behind Shannon Woods and Chris Hudler, respectively. Reese moved into the No. 2 slot behind Grant Walker at Colorado and started at Iowa State.
TRUE FRESHMEN SEE ACTION EARLY Nine members of the Texas Tech signing class saw action in the opener against SMU, including eight true freshmen. Junior college transfer Ofa Mohetau was lone upper classman in the signing class that played. S Jamar Wall, S Blake Collier, S Steven Harris, LB Marlon Williams, TE Adrian Reese, DE Brandon Williams, DT Rajon Henley, DT Dan'Tay Ward and DT Richard Jones all made appearances. RB Baron Batch was the 10th true freshman to see action when he stepped into the lineup at UTEP.
TEXAS TECH HAS 40 WINS OVER RANKED OPPONENTS Over the course of Red Raider history 40 wins have come against ranked opponents. Tech's last win over a ranked opponent came against then-No. 4 California in the 2004 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl (45- 31). The Red Raiders closed the 2004 season with consecutive wins over ranked teams, including the regular-season finale over then-No. 23 Oklahoma State (31-15).
LEACH AMONG SHUTOUT LEADERS In seven seasons as head coach, Mike Leach has delivered seven shutouts, including the 62-0 win over SLU. The total represents the most shutouts for a Texas Tech head coach since Dell Morgan's 20 blankings from 1941-50. Tech posted five shutouts during Leach's first three seasons, before reaching the sixth against Baylor last year.
DEFENSE LIMITS IOWA STATE RUN GAME The Red Raider defense stepped up against Iowa State and helped hold the Cyclones to 75 rush yards on 32 carries. The yardage total is the second-lowest of the season for a Tech opponent (58 yards, SE Louisiana). Iowa State entered the game averaging 101.6 yards on the ground.
PASS DEFENSE RISES AGAIN The one constant on the defensive side of the ball this season has been the pass defense. While the unit as a whole has been solid, the secondary continues to make opposing offenses one-dimensional. The Red Raiders held Iowa State to 146 yards through the air. The total is the fifth-best allowed by the Red Raiders in 2006. After yielding 375 yards to UTEP in the second game of the season, 173 (Missouri) yards is the highest number allowed by the secondary since. The group ranks ninth in the latest NCAA stats.
LINEBACKER TURNED RECEIVER Senior LB Brock Stratton accomplished something he hadn't done since his freshman season in 2003 - record an interception. Not only did the team captain grab a first-half pick against Iowa State that led to Tech's second first-quarter touchdown, he also snagged a pass in the fourth quarter that set up the Red Raiders' final touchdown. Stratton finished the game with five tackles and a quarterback hurry. He also is third on the team with 52 tackles this season.
PAPER OR PLASTIC? Texas Tech rang up five sacks against Iowa State, marking the second time this season the defense has recorded as many (SE Louisiana). The defensive line accounted for each sack, led by DE Deyunta Dawson's two. DT Dek Bake, DE Seth Nitschmann and DE Jake Ratliff each recorded one as well.
Kickoff set for 6 p.m. at Jones AT&T Stadium - Game Is SOLD OUT
Tech plays host to Texas on Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium
Football Home
HEADLINES
Texas Tech Set To Host Fifth-Ranked Texas
FSN Selects Tech-Baylor Matchup
Texas Tech Downs Iowa State, 42-26
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Oct. 23, 2006
TEXAS TECH vs. TEXAS Saturday, October 28, 2006 - 6 p.m. Jones AT&T Stadium TBS National Broadcast
Gameday Central
Complete Texas Tech Release in PDF FormatDownload Free Acrobat Reader
THIS WEEK'S GAME Texas Tech (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) faces defending National Champion and No. 5 Texas (8-1, 4-0 Big 12) on Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium. Texas Tech won its last outing at Iowa State, 42-26, snapping a two-game skid. Texas won a tough road tilt at Nebraska, knocking off the No. 17 Huskers, 22-20, in the final minutes. Kickoff Saturday is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be broadcast nationally on TBS. Ron Thulin (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst) and Craig Sager (sideline) will call the action from Lubbock.
TRYING TO GRAB THE BULL BY THE HORNS It hasn't been easy, but Texas Tech has experienced success against Texas in the 54-game series. The Longhorns lead 40-14 and have won the last three games, including last season's 52-17 win in Austin. The teams have split the last two games on the South Plains, with Tech knocking off then-No. 4 UT, 42-38, in 2002 and dropping a 51-21 decision in 2004. Tech's current three-game skid is the longest since suffering a five-game drought from 1981-85 and matches two other streaks of three games (1990-92, 1999-01). The Red Raiders won back-to-back games during the 1993-94 and 1997-98 seasons, years two and three in the Big 12 Conference. The series dates back to 1928, as the teams met nine times before Texas Tech entered the Southwest Conference in 1960. The teams have played each year since.
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DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME Texas Tech has not played at home on consecutive weekends this season until now. The Texas game marks the first of two straight at Jones AT&T Stadium for the Red Raiders as the team plays three of its final four games at home. Baylor comes to town next weekend, while Tech faces Oklahoma State in the season finale in Lubbock. Sandwiched in between is a road trip to Oklahoma.
TECH PUTS FINISHING TOUCHES ON NORTH SCHEDULE Texas Tech closed out its schedule against teams from the Big 12 North Division with last weekend's 42-26 win at Iowa State. The game marked the third straight against a team from the division as the Red Raiders faced Missouri and Colorado the previous two weekends. Tech finished 1-2 against the North this year as Missouri's win snapped a six-game win streak against the division for the Red Raiders. Tech is 32-17 against the Big 12 North.
RED RAIDERS AGAINST THE BIG 12 CONFERENCE Texas Tech holds a series lead over four Big 12 members, including Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and Oklahoma State. Baylor, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M all hold series advantages over the Red Raiders, while the series with Colorado is tied.
FIRST HALF SCORING The Red Raiders have a penchant for coming out of the gates early, having scored 149 of its 238 points this season in the first half. The second quarter has been the most productive as the team has produced 94 points (11.8) in the frame. Entering last weekend's game at Iowa State, Tech was averaging 5.9 points in the first quarter on the season, but tacked on 14 within the first eight minutes of the game. On the flipside, Tech has scored 42 in the third and 44 in the fourth this season.
WASTING LITTLE TIME Texas Tech is tied second nationally with Nebraska and Clemson with 15 touchdown drives under two minutes in length. Louisville leads with 18. The Red Raiders had two touchdown drives against Iowa State under two minutes,
TOUGH ROW TO HOE Texas Tech's schedule currently ranks as the 23rd-toughest in the nation, with all opponents (past and future) a combined 39-28 on the season. Additionally, the Red Raiders' next four opponents are a combined 17-10 this year. Texas (9), Texas A&M (17) and Oklahoma State (20) rank ahead of Tech on the list.
RED RAIDERS IN THE MIDST OF SCHOOL SCORING MARK Texas Tech set a new consecutive games scoring mark against TCU and extended the streak against Iowa State. The run began with a 16-13 win over Texas A&M on Oct. 25, 1997, a week after dropping a 29-0 decision to second-ranked Nebraska. During its current run, the Red Raiders have scored 10+ in all but five games. During the run, two Tech opponents have come close twice to ending the streak - 1) Tech scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Texas in 1999 after going scoreless in the first three quarters, and 2) the Red Raiders poked one in the end zone in the fourth quarter at Colorado two weeks ago after being held scoreless through the first three. Longest Scoring Streaks in School History
112 games - Began 10/25/97 with 16-13 win over Texas A&M in Lubbock (current streak)
106 games - Began 10/17/87 with 59-7 win over Rice; ended 12/29/96 with a 27-0 loss to Iowa
A LOT OF WORK TO DO Texas Tech ranks third among Big 12 members with at least eight wins in each of the last four seasons. Texas leads the group with eight, while Oklahoma has done it in the last six seasons. Currently, the Red Raiders have five wins with four games to play at home against Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma State and on the road at Oklahoma.
TRIO OF TRUE FRESHMEN AMONG TWO-DEEP Three true freshmen worked their way up the depth chart during the preseason and season and have appeared in the two deep at one point - RB Baron Batch, DT Dan'Tay Ward and TE Adrian Reese. Batch and Ward have been backups all season behind Shannon Woods and Chris Hudler, respectively. Reese moved into the No. 2 slot behind Grant Walker at Colorado and started at Iowa State.
TRUE FRESHMEN SEE ACTION EARLY Nine members of the Texas Tech signing class saw action in the opener against SMU, including eight true freshmen. Junior college transfer Ofa Mohetau was lone upper classman in the signing class that played. S Jamar Wall, S Blake Collier, S Steven Harris, LB Marlon Williams, TE Adrian Reese, DE Brandon Williams, DT Rajon Henley, DT Dan'Tay Ward and DT Richard Jones all made appearances. RB Baron Batch was the 10th true freshman to see action when he stepped into the lineup at UTEP.
TEXAS TECH HAS 40 WINS OVER RANKED OPPONENTS Over the course of Red Raider history 40 wins have come against ranked opponents. Tech's last win over a ranked opponent came against then-No. 4 California in the 2004 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl (45- 31). The Red Raiders closed the 2004 season with consecutive wins over ranked teams, including the regular-season finale over then-No. 23 Oklahoma State (31-15).
LEACH AMONG SHUTOUT LEADERS In seven seasons as head coach, Mike Leach has delivered seven shutouts, including the 62-0 win over SLU. The total represents the most shutouts for a Texas Tech head coach since Dell Morgan's 20 blankings from 1941-50. Tech posted five shutouts during Leach's first three seasons, before reaching the sixth against Baylor last year.
DEFENSE LIMITS IOWA STATE RUN GAME The Red Raider defense stepped up against Iowa State and helped hold the Cyclones to 75 rush yards on 32 carries. The yardage total is the second-lowest of the season for a Tech opponent (58 yards, SE Louisiana). Iowa State entered the game averaging 101.6 yards on the ground.
PASS DEFENSE RISES AGAIN The one constant on the defensive side of the ball this season has been the pass defense. While the unit as a whole has been solid, the secondary continues to make opposing offenses one-dimensional. The Red Raiders held Iowa State to 146 yards through the air. The total is the fifth-best allowed by the Red Raiders in 2006. After yielding 375 yards to UTEP in the second game of the season, 173 (Missouri) yards is the highest number allowed by the secondary since. The group ranks ninth in the latest NCAA stats.
LINEBACKER TURNED RECEIVER Senior LB Brock Stratton accomplished something he hadn't done since his freshman season in 2003 - record an interception. Not only did the team captain grab a first-half pick against Iowa State that led to Tech's second first-quarter touchdown, he also snagged a pass in the fourth quarter that set up the Red Raiders' final touchdown. Stratton finished the game with five tackles and a quarterback hurry. He also is third on the team with 52 tackles this season.
PAPER OR PLASTIC? Texas Tech rang up five sacks against Iowa State, marking the second time this season the defense has recorded as many (SE Louisiana). The defensive line accounted for each sack, led by DE Deyunta Dawson's two. DT Dek Bake, DE Seth Nitschmann and DE Jake Ratliff each recorded one as well.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Rule Bobcats
With three games left in the season. The Rule Bobcats could and may win another district title and may go all the way to a state championship. If they do not have any injuries. I know that the Rule Bobcats have an excellent shot at a state championship.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys I think will win the superbowl. Because they have Terrell Owens and mike vandergadt with those two the cowboys will be an excellent team this year better than they were last season. Go Cowboys.
Football season
It is my favorite time of the year it is Football time in Texas Highschools and colleges kick off their seasons all this weekend. My red Raiders also kick off against SMU and they will finish this weekend 1-0
Texas Tech Recap
Sept. 10, 2006
Recap Final Stats Photo Gallery
2006 Texas Tech Football Red Raiders vs. UTEP (Sun Bowl Stadium) September 9, 2006
Postgame Notes
GETTING STARTED • UTEP won the opening coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff. Texas Tech is 1-1 this season on the opening coin toss. • For the first time since a road game at Wyoming on Sept. 21, 1991, the Red Raiders wore red pants with white jerseys. Texas Tech has traditionally worn either white or black pants and white jerseys when playing on the road. • Tonight's game marked Tech's first appearance at Sun Bowl Stadium since 1993 when the Red Raiders played the Oklahoma Sooners in the John Hancock Bowl. Tech's last game against UTEP (then Texas Western) here at Sun Bowl Stadium was on Nov. 16, 1963. The Red Raiders were victorious 7-3. • The Biletnikoff Award Committee announced on Friday afternoon that Texas Tech wide receiver Joel Filani is among 51 initial candidates for the annual award that honors the nation's top wide receiver. • Tonight's game was televised by CSTV (College Sports Television) and it marked the first-ever appearance for the Red Raiders on the all college network. Starters - (Offense) - (LT) Glenn January, (LG) Louis Vasquez, (C) Brandon Jones, (RT) Gabe Hall, (RG) Manny Ramirez, (QB) Graham Harrell, (F) Shannon Woods (H) Danny Amendola, (X) Todd Walker, (Y) Robert Johnson, (Z) Joel Filani (Defense) - (LE) Jake Ratliff, (NT) Chris Hudler, (DT) Ken Scott, (RE) Keyunta Dawson, (SAM) Kellen Tillman, (MIKE) Brock Stratton, (WILL) Fletcher Session, (LC) Antonio Huffman, (SS) Joe Garcia, (FS) Darcel McBath, (RC) Chris Parker
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TECH'S WIN . . . • Gives Head Coach Mike Leach career win No. 50 (50-28) and his 14th win on the road (14-18). Leach is in his seventh season at the helm of the Red Raiders. • Moves Tech's record to 40-2 (in Mike Leach era) when leading at halftime. • Gives Texas Tech an all-time record of 13-6-1 against UTEP and an 88-75-3 record against opponents who currently make up Conference USA. • Improved Texas Tech to 29-11 in night-games in the Mike Leach era. • Gives Tech an all-time record of 30-48-4 in the initial road game of each season.] • Gives Tech a 2-3 record in overtime games, winning its first since the 2002 overtime win at Texas A&M (48-47).
RED RAIDERS SCORE IN 106th-STRAIGHT CONTEST, TIES SCHOOL RECORDGraham Harrell's quarterback sneak for a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter extended Texas Tech's scoring streak to 106 games. The 106-game streak ties the school record. Tech's last 106-game scoring stretch began on Oct. 17, 1987 against Rice and ended on Dec. 29, 1996 with a 27-0 loss to Iowa in the Alamo Bowl.
NOTING THE RED RAIDERS • Running back Baron Batch (Midland, Texas/Midland) became the 10th true freshman to see playing time this season when he entered the game on Tech's second offensive play in the first quarter. Batch missed the season opener last week against SMU due to an injury and in that game nine true freshman earned playing time for the first time in their Texas Tech careers. • Alex Reyes' 61-yard punt with 4:12 remaining in the first quarter marked the fourth-longest of his career. The 60-plus yard punt was his longest since setting a career best 71-yard punt against Indiana State last season. • Sophomore quarterback Graham Harrell scored Texas Tech's first points of the ball game with a quarterback sneak on the UTEP 1-yard line with 14:50 remaining in the second quarter. The rushing touchdown marked the first of the season for the Red Raider offense as Tech scored all five touchdowns last week against SMU through the air. • The Texas Tech defense played five quarters this season before allowing its first touchdown of the season. UTEP scored on a reverse pass with 11:47 to go in the second quarter but missed the extra point that would have tied the game at 7-6. • Junior place kicker Alex Trlica nailed a 25-yard field goal with 6:29 remaining in the first half to push the Texas Tech lead to 10-6. The field goal was his first of the season. He added his second FG of the game with 9:51 remaining in the game to pull Tech to within one at 28-27. Trlica is now 10-for-10 in his career from the 20-29-yard range. He added his third FG of the night on a career long of 49 yards in overtime to win the game for Tech. His previous career long was 47 yards at Baylor in 2005. • Senior wide receiver and Biletnikoff Candidate Joel Fliani gave the Red Raiders a 16-6 lead with 2:43 remaining in the first half. Filani was on the receiving end of a 5-yard strike from Graham Harrell and it marked his second touchdown of the season. • Senior receiver Robert Johnson caught his third touchdown of the season on Tech's opening drive of the second half. The Red Raiders countered UTEP's last minute scoring drive at the end of the first half with an 80-yard drive that was capped by Johnson's 15-yard TD reception. • Sophomore running back Shannon Woods scored his first touchdown of the season on a nine-yard run with 7:10 remaining in the game. • Sophomore free safety Darcel McBath recorded his first interception of his career with 6:38 remaining in the game. McBath recorded his second career interception in the overtime period. • The last team to successfully recover an on-side kick against the Red Raiders was NC State in Raleigh in 2003. • The last time the Tech defense allowed a 100-yard receiver was against Nebraska in 2004 (Mark LeFlore -110 yards). The 162 yards receiving by UTEP's Johnny Lee Higgins is the most since Iowa State's Lane Danielson tallied 192 receiving in 2003. • UTEP's 375 passing yards is the first time Tech has allowed 300 yards passing in a game since Oklahoma's Jason White threw for 394 yards in 2003. • The overtime game marked the first overtime game for Texas Tech since 2004 when it lost at Texas A&M, 32-25. Tech's last overtime win was at Texas A&M in 2002 in a 48-47 thriller. The overtime victory gives the Red Raiders a 2-3 record in overtime games.
Tech
I am glad that My Texas Tech Red Raiders beat the UTEP miners now it is on to TCU. I know that Tech won on a last second field goal by Alex Trilica. Tech will face a tough challenge in TCU as they also won on Saturday. It is also the first meeting of Top 25 teams TCU will have a tough time to stop the Air Raid Attack. Texas Tech will win again to go to 3-0. Tech should have at least a nine or ten win season
Texas Tech
I am glad that My Texas Tech Red Raiders beat the UTEP miners now it is on to TCU. I know that Tech won on a last second field goal by Alex Trilica. Tech will face a tough challenge in TCU as they also won on Saturday. It is also the first meeting of Top 25 teams TCU will have a tough time to stop the Air Raid Attack. Texas Tech will win again to go to 3-0. Tech should have at least a nine or ten win season
Texas Tech News
Tech appealing ruling on Hicks, Crabtree
02:02 AM CDT on Thursday, August 31, 2006By KEITH WHITMIRE / The Dallas Morning News
The eligibility of Texas Tech receivers Jarrett Hicks and Michael Crabtree is in jeopardy for the upcoming season, pending appeals to the NCAA.
Coach Mike Leach said both cases were "related to academics" and that he doubted either would be cleared to play in time for Saturday's opener against SMU.
Hicks, a senior from Houston, is a two-year starter with All-America candidate credentials. He holds school records for touchdown receptions in a career (28) and in a season (13 in 2004).
Crabtree is a freshman from Carter High School who impressed coaches in preseason workouts. He was listed as a backup on the most recent depth chart.
Athletic department spokesman Chris Cook said the players' eligibility problems were separate issues and did not involve NCAA violations. Cook said that an initial waiver request in Hicks' case was denied but is being appealed. Crabtree's case involves an NCAA initial eligibility clearinghouse decision, which is being appealed.
Leach said it's not unusual for an eligibility waiver to be denied before being approved on appeal. However, he did express frustration at the slow progress of the NCAA and its clearinghouse.
"It's the typical thing that happens every year. Usually, it's decided long before now," Leach said.
When asked why Hicks' and Crabtree's cases have taken longer, Leach said, "You're asking the wrong guy. I've been asking that question for a month."
Leach did not say whether he thinks either player will be cleared to play based on previous experience with eligibility issues.
"I think they both should be [declared eligible], but that's really not my call," Leach said.
Hicks caught 76 passes for 1,177 yards as a sophomore in 2004. Last season, he caught 65 passes for 850 yards and 10 touchdowns despite sitting out the opener because of an undisclosed disciplinary action.
Hicks missed a number of preseason practices because of an undisclosed injury but returned to practice Tuesday.
Leach also said sophomore defense end Jared Williams, who was suspended from practice earlier this month, and redshirt freshman linebackers Victor Hunter and Sandy Riley would not play against SMU because of team rules violations. Leach declined to specify the violations.
E-mail kwhitmire@dallasnews.com
SMU at Texas Tech, season opener, 6 p.m. Saturday (KTCK-AM 1310, KTDK-FM 104.1, KHYI-FM 95.3)
02:02 AM CDT on Thursday, August 31, 2006By KEITH WHITMIRE / The Dallas Morning News
The eligibility of Texas Tech receivers Jarrett Hicks and Michael Crabtree is in jeopardy for the upcoming season, pending appeals to the NCAA.
Coach Mike Leach said both cases were "related to academics" and that he doubted either would be cleared to play in time for Saturday's opener against SMU.
Hicks, a senior from Houston, is a two-year starter with All-America candidate credentials. He holds school records for touchdown receptions in a career (28) and in a season (13 in 2004).
Crabtree is a freshman from Carter High School who impressed coaches in preseason workouts. He was listed as a backup on the most recent depth chart.
Athletic department spokesman Chris Cook said the players' eligibility problems were separate issues and did not involve NCAA violations. Cook said that an initial waiver request in Hicks' case was denied but is being appealed. Crabtree's case involves an NCAA initial eligibility clearinghouse decision, which is being appealed.
Leach said it's not unusual for an eligibility waiver to be denied before being approved on appeal. However, he did express frustration at the slow progress of the NCAA and its clearinghouse.
"It's the typical thing that happens every year. Usually, it's decided long before now," Leach said.
When asked why Hicks' and Crabtree's cases have taken longer, Leach said, "You're asking the wrong guy. I've been asking that question for a month."
Leach did not say whether he thinks either player will be cleared to play based on previous experience with eligibility issues.
"I think they both should be [declared eligible], but that's really not my call," Leach said.
Hicks caught 76 passes for 1,177 yards as a sophomore in 2004. Last season, he caught 65 passes for 850 yards and 10 touchdowns despite sitting out the opener because of an undisclosed disciplinary action.
Hicks missed a number of preseason practices because of an undisclosed injury but returned to practice Tuesday.
Leach also said sophomore defense end Jared Williams, who was suspended from practice earlier this month, and redshirt freshman linebackers Victor Hunter and Sandy Riley would not play against SMU because of team rules violations. Leach declined to specify the violations.
E-mail kwhitmire@dallasnews.com
SMU at Texas Tech, season opener, 6 p.m. Saturday (KTCK-AM 1310, KTDK-FM 104.1, KHYI-FM 95.3)
Tony Romo & Dallas
I think that Tony Romo should be named the Dallas Cowboys Starting QB and Drew Bledsoe should retire or be cut. It was because of him that the cowboys lost. We need to quit making stupid penalties and plays and start making interceptions and getting turnovers instead of turning the ball over. The Cowboys have a much better team than they have had in the past. It has been ten years since the Cowboys last one a superbowl. The Cowboys have an excellent shot to make it to the superbowl this year. I think Tony would have giving us the victory.
Congratulations to Steve Dale
Steve Dale becomes "The Voice of the Red Raiders"
John Harris moves to the Texas Tech Television Network
Oct. 19, 2006
Lubbock, Texas - Texas Tech Men's Basketball is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Dale as "the Voice of the Red Raiders" beginning with the home opener against Sam Houston State on November 11. John Harris will continue to be an important part of Red Raider Basketball with his move to the Texas Tech Television Network to provide color analysis for home and road games.
Since the retirement of legendary broadcaster Jack Dale on July 24, 2003, John Harris was the primary play-by-play announcer for the Red Raiders. John was assisted by Mark Finker as the play-by-play voice when Harris was not available. Both John and Mark have done outstanding work for Texas Tech.
Steve Dale, a 25-year veteran of sports broadcasting, will attend practices and interview players and coaches in addition to his play-by-play calls for all of the Texas Tech Men's Basketball games. He is the eldest son of Hall of Fame Texas Tech Broadcaster Jack Dale. Steve has worked extensively with local and area high school football, basketball, and baseball programs. He has called the play-by-play for numerous high school state championship football and basketball games and has worked many high school all-star baseball games.
"I'm honored and grateful to have the opportunity to work with the Red Raiders and especially with Coach Knight. We hope our broadcasts give fans the same thrill and excitement that Jack Dale did for fifty years," Steve declared.
Steve is the co-host of Jack Dale Sportsline on Sports Radio 1340, with Jack Dale every morning from 7 AM to 9 AM Monday thru Friday. Jack and Steve have been doing the show for twelve years. Steve and Jack currently own Sportsline, a local sports programming and production company providing a variety of programs on KKAM-AM in Lubbock. Steve has been married to Abby for 29 years and they have three children: Stephen 23, Jared 21, and Lauren 18.
John Harris continues to provide radio color commentary for Texas Tech football, a position he has held for the past 21 seasons. He has served as the host and producer of several Texas Tech Basketball coaches' shows and college football play-by-play for ABC Television. He also received the Best Sportscast in Texas award for his work with KAMC-TV in Lubbock.
John will work with veteran Dave Shore on the TTTN broadcasts. Ted Chidester will provide the game analysis on the radio with Steve. All of the Texas Tech men's basketball games are broadcast on KKAM Radio (1340AM), the flagship station for the Red Raiders.
John Harris moves to the Texas Tech Television Network
Oct. 19, 2006
Lubbock, Texas - Texas Tech Men's Basketball is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Dale as "the Voice of the Red Raiders" beginning with the home opener against Sam Houston State on November 11. John Harris will continue to be an important part of Red Raider Basketball with his move to the Texas Tech Television Network to provide color analysis for home and road games.
Since the retirement of legendary broadcaster Jack Dale on July 24, 2003, John Harris was the primary play-by-play announcer for the Red Raiders. John was assisted by Mark Finker as the play-by-play voice when Harris was not available. Both John and Mark have done outstanding work for Texas Tech.
Steve Dale, a 25-year veteran of sports broadcasting, will attend practices and interview players and coaches in addition to his play-by-play calls for all of the Texas Tech Men's Basketball games. He is the eldest son of Hall of Fame Texas Tech Broadcaster Jack Dale. Steve has worked extensively with local and area high school football, basketball, and baseball programs. He has called the play-by-play for numerous high school state championship football and basketball games and has worked many high school all-star baseball games.
"I'm honored and grateful to have the opportunity to work with the Red Raiders and especially with Coach Knight. We hope our broadcasts give fans the same thrill and excitement that Jack Dale did for fifty years," Steve declared.
Steve is the co-host of Jack Dale Sportsline on Sports Radio 1340, with Jack Dale every morning from 7 AM to 9 AM Monday thru Friday. Jack and Steve have been doing the show for twelve years. Steve and Jack currently own Sportsline, a local sports programming and production company providing a variety of programs on KKAM-AM in Lubbock. Steve has been married to Abby for 29 years and they have three children: Stephen 23, Jared 21, and Lauren 18.
John Harris continues to provide radio color commentary for Texas Tech football, a position he has held for the past 21 seasons. He has served as the host and producer of several Texas Tech Basketball coaches' shows and college football play-by-play for ABC Television. He also received the Best Sportscast in Texas award for his work with KAMC-TV in Lubbock.
John will work with veteran Dave Shore on the TTTN broadcasts. Ted Chidester will provide the game analysis on the radio with Steve. All of the Texas Tech men's basketball games are broadcast on KKAM Radio (1340AM), the flagship station for the Red Raiders.
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