Johnathan (yea, Johnathan) Franklin
Thanks to Solid Defense, Bruins Start is Now 3-0, and another Mario Solis Update
09/19/09 22:36 Filed in: College
Football
Well, another stupendous game by the defense, a solid
running attack featuring constantly improving
offensive-line play and Johnathan Franklin's first
100-yard game, and the consistent kicking of Kai
Forbath all combined to pull the Bruins through to a
victory without Kevin Prince. I do have to give Kevin
Craft credit for playing a decent game for three
quarters. He was efficient through the first half,
and played a solid forth quarter. The fact hat he did
his best to give the game away in the third quarter
can, for tonight, be overlooked, especially with the
prospect that he may have to play only one more game
until Prince's return.
What was most upsetting, though, was the fact that the team committed EIGHT penalties, seemingly all eight at critical times, and, as you would expect, almost all eight were committed by the offense. Coach Neuheisel, in his post-game comments, said that with the bye week, the next two weeks would be a "training camp" for the team, and this is one of the major areas that needs to be addressed.
The Pac-10 is shaping up to be very interesting this season, with California now the team to beat, a much improved Husky Dawg team at U-Dub, and new life, new enthusiasm, and talent on both sides of the ball, at UCLA.
On his broadcast tonight, in describing the Bruin game and Kansas States' extra-point flub, our boy Mario called it a failed two-point attempt.
What was most upsetting, though, was the fact that the team committed EIGHT penalties, seemingly all eight at critical times, and, as you would expect, almost all eight were committed by the offense. Coach Neuheisel, in his post-game comments, said that with the bye week, the next two weeks would be a "training camp" for the team, and this is one of the major areas that needs to be addressed.
The Pac-10 is shaping up to be very interesting this season, with California now the team to beat, a much improved Husky Dawg team at U-Dub, and new life, new enthusiasm, and talent on both sides of the ball, at UCLA.
On his broadcast tonight, in describing the Bruin game and Kansas States' extra-point flub, our boy Mario called it a failed two-point attempt.
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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