Many "Man Cards" in Jeopardy

Bears, ‘Injuns and Mountain Men – it was good to be a mascot reminiscent of the old ‘settler days on Saturday as Cal., Florida State and West Virginia won. Two out of three games were worth watching, with a blow-out sandwiched in the middle. ACC conference teams played in all three games but came out with a 1-2 record for the day.

In the early (Meineke) game, ‘Vegas had this one as a “pickem” and that’s how it played out. West Virginia overcame a late safety to win by a point (31-30). The game started out like “gang busters” with lots of scoring in the first half. North Carolina led at halftime 23-21. The 3rd quarter was more defensive and the forth had some drama. There were 5 led changes in the game including the last one that had WV go ahead with 7 minutes to play. Stat of the game... 4-0. Pat White (WV – quarterback) became the first player to win four bowl games as a starting quarterback. UNC had their chances including a first and goal but were held out of the end zone, however they did record a safety after WV took over on downs at their own 1-yard line. Player you’ll see on Sundays…North Carolina receiver Hakeem Nicks – who caught 8 passes for 217 yards and 3 TDS. He is awesome.

In the Champs Sports Bowl, Wisconsin and Florida State did some “trash talking” before the game. That was about the only opportunity for the Badgers to jaw as the Seminoles took them to the wood shed in a 42-13 blowout. FSU punter gets the academy award for his “flop” on a punt in which the Wisconsin player missed him completely but he went down anyway and the Ref bought it.

In the “green nuts” Bowl, this one could have gone either way but a timely turnover coupled with Miami’s poor clock management allowed the “golden bears” to pull out the win (24-17). The Miami freshman quarterback did an excellent job stepping in for their suspended starter. However, the player of the game was Cal running back Jahvid Best who rushed for a bowl-record 186 yards and two touchdowns (on just 20 carries). With time running down in the 4th quarter and a 17-17 score, Cal missed a 34-yd FG attempt that would have given them the lead. Miami took over but on 3rd down the QB was sacked and fumbled the ball. Cal recovered on the 3 to set up the winning score. Miami had a final chance but poor clock management let the opportunity slip away as time expired with Miami still with a timeout.

We have a new leader as Garreth overtook “Random” Rusty for first place with 9-2 record. Brooke “who did I pick in this one Daddy?” and Fanchon “I know cricket” Hayes are tied for third with Loel and Dave “the Irish jinx is over” Bass. For you “manly men” (especially those with less than 6 wins), you might consider going to see the Christmas movie “Marley and Me”…take your Kleenex, because it’s a good cry!!

One game today with the In”depends”ence Bowl…should be a real pisser with Northern Illinois vs. La. Tech.

Sunday, Dec. 28
2008 Bowl Standings
Garreth 9
Rusty 8
Loel 7
Bass 7
Brooke 7
Fanchon 7
Kainer 6
Rich W 6
David W. 6
Jerry 5
Matt 5
Jason W 5
Angel M. 5
Bryan 5
Bryce Heg 5
Ben H 5
Leslie Williams 5
Tom Jackson 4
Trent Heg 4
John 3
Tom Heg 3
Dale 2