Alterraun Verner
Almost a GREAT Day
09/13/09 10:14 Filed in: College
Football
The Bruin defense had a stellar performance,
dominating Tennessee. Rahim Moore had two more
interceptions to give him 5 in two games and the rest
of the defensive backfield played just as well, in
particular the Playmaker Alterraun Verner and Tony
Dye, and Courtney Viney did well replacing the
injured Aaron Hester. In the final couple of minutes
the Defensive Line, with Brian Price on the bench
part of the time, stopped the Vols on four plays
after a first down inside the 10, and then kept
pressure on Jonathan Crompton on his last-ditch 0/4
drive from his own territory. The offense sputtered
much of the time against a strong Tennessee defense,
but showed signs of real promise, and next week
against a less talented Kansas State defense, I would
expect to see some real improvement.
Notre Dame's last-second loss to an underrated Michigan team, featuring maybe the best freshman in the country in QB Tate Forcier, was unexpected and appreciated, and for the second time in the two-week-old season, a top-five team lost, as unranked Houston easily beat Oklahoma State.
And, oh, it cold have been a great day, if Ohio State cold have just hung on, played a tougher defensive game in the fourth quarter, and had a better offensive plan. The brain surgeons keyed on Terrelle Pryor, and Jim Tressell should have realized that would be the case, and prepared more options, in both senses of the term. That first-drive interception was the difference in the end.
Following up from the first week, BYU is a top team and their defeat of the Bradford-less Sooners was no fluke. I can see BYU going undefeated. Oklahoma played extremely well against poor competition without Bradford, and like I mentioned, should have only the one loss when they meet Texas, possibly with Bradford back at QB.
Notre Dame's last-second loss to an underrated Michigan team, featuring maybe the best freshman in the country in QB Tate Forcier, was unexpected and appreciated, and for the second time in the two-week-old season, a top-five team lost, as unranked Houston easily beat Oklahoma State.
And, oh, it cold have been a great day, if Ohio State cold have just hung on, played a tougher defensive game in the fourth quarter, and had a better offensive plan. The brain surgeons keyed on Terrelle Pryor, and Jim Tressell should have realized that would be the case, and prepared more options, in both senses of the term. That first-drive interception was the difference in the end.
Following up from the first week, BYU is a top team and their defeat of the Bradford-less Sooners was no fluke. I can see BYU going undefeated. Oklahoma played extremely well against poor competition without Bradford, and like I mentioned, should have only the one loss when they meet Texas, possibly with Bradford back at QB.
theHoundDawg
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Vets, New Guys Sharp, as Bruins Continue Dominance Over SDSU; Sooners Dead
09/05/09 23:07 Filed in: College
Football
Redshirt freshmen Kevin Prince at QB and RB Johnathan
(yea, Johnathan) Franklin, who ran
12 yards for a TD on his first carry, made strong
debuts for the Bruins, but veteran defenders were the
real difference, as sophomore safety Rahim Moore was
the real star of the game with three interceptions,
and the Playmaker, senior CB Alterraun Verner, put
the game away when he ran 70 yards for a TD on a
blocked FG attempt.
All in all, this evening's opener confirms the promise I described as seeing in this year's team.
The game could have turned into a disaster very early though, when Brian Price tweaked a knee in the opening minutes of the first quarter. It seemed to be a very minor tweak as he jogged of the field, and retuned not too long thereafter.
My guy at WR, Taylor Embree, made a couple of nice catches, and had six reception for 98 yards, though he had a potential TD bomb go just past his reach. Like I said - a star in the making.
I had my doubts about Tennessee, with all of the controversy of the off season, not to mention Lane Kiffin's lack of success as a head coach, but they had a hell of a start against Western Kentucky, and next week's game should be more of a test than originally thought.
Finally, BYU's upset of Oklahoma could mark the start of another season of surprises, like last year. Starting off with a loss, and the potential of being without Sam Bradford for much, and potentially all, of the season, assuredly means that the Sooners will not be making a repeat visit to the title game.
All in all, this evening's opener confirms the promise I described as seeing in this year's team.
The game could have turned into a disaster very early though, when Brian Price tweaked a knee in the opening minutes of the first quarter. It seemed to be a very minor tweak as he jogged of the field, and retuned not too long thereafter.
My guy at WR, Taylor Embree, made a couple of nice catches, and had six reception for 98 yards, though he had a potential TD bomb go just past his reach. Like I said - a star in the making.
I had my doubts about Tennessee, with all of the controversy of the off season, not to mention Lane Kiffin's lack of success as a head coach, but they had a hell of a start against Western Kentucky, and next week's game should be more of a test than originally thought.
Finally, BYU's upset of Oklahoma could mark the start of another season of surprises, like last year. Starting off with a loss, and the potential of being without Sam Bradford for much, and potentially all, of the season, assuredly means that the Sooners will not be making a repeat visit to the title game.
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theHoundDawg
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College, Pac-10 Football Off to Rocky Start - Bruins Ready to Surprise
09/04/09 22:36 Filed in: College
Football
Chip Kelly's Ducks got off to a rocky start
yesterday, and while I question how successful his
team will be on the field this season - he's no Nick
Bellotti - I have to give him credit for his response
to the horrific conduct of LeGarrette Blount. A
season's suspension seems appropriate, but few
coaches would take that type of action against a star
player. (Petey? not even if a running back committed
murder.)
Tomorrow begins the second Bruin season under Rick Neuheisel, and I expect to see improved communication, more teamwork, and much improved play all around, all resulting in a turn-a-round to an 8-4 season. The defense will be outstanding, and an improved O-line, lead by Mike Harris, combined with solid receiving, and an actual Quarterback on the field, will translate to a winning season, and a deserved bowl bid.
A year ago, I said Taylor Embree was a star in the making. That should come about this season, with Kevin Prince on the throwing end of his receptions. Redshirt freshman Johnathan (yea, Johnathan) Franklin and Derrick Coleman lead an inexperienced but very talented group of running backs The defense, without DeWayne Walker, but with the sometimes spectaciar Alterraun Verner anchoring a young defensive backfield, does feature a ton of experience up front, and could be more consistent than last year, especially when, hopefully, the offense won't be turning the ball over several times per game, putting the D back on the field time and time again.
Yea, 8-4 sounds good....
Tomorrow begins the second Bruin season under Rick Neuheisel, and I expect to see improved communication, more teamwork, and much improved play all around, all resulting in a turn-a-round to an 8-4 season. The defense will be outstanding, and an improved O-line, lead by Mike Harris, combined with solid receiving, and an actual Quarterback on the field, will translate to a winning season, and a deserved bowl bid.
A year ago, I said Taylor Embree was a star in the making. That should come about this season, with Kevin Prince on the throwing end of his receptions. Redshirt freshman Johnathan (yea, Johnathan) Franklin and Derrick Coleman lead an inexperienced but very talented group of running backs The defense, without DeWayne Walker, but with the sometimes spectaciar Alterraun Verner anchoring a young defensive backfield, does feature a ton of experience up front, and could be more consistent than last year, especially when, hopefully, the offense won't be turning the ball over several times per game, putting the D back on the field time and time again.
Yea, 8-4 sounds good....
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theHoundDawg
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