Two games, two plays, two losses. The reason for the Bulldogs’ last two losses could be summed by one play in each game. I’m not saying that everything leading up to or even after that play didn’t play a part, but one play in each game had the ultimate negative effect on the entire team.
Flashback to Auburn–third down, ball just across the 50-yard line in Bulldog territory, MSU down by a touchdown. Riding the momentum of a long touchdown drive in the third quarter, and desperately needing a stop to get the offense back on the field for the tying score, Auburn quarterback Daniel Cobb pulled off a play-action pass to convert the first down that would have made Chris Weinke proud–first down Auburn.
Soon after, the Tigers finished the drive with a touchown run to go up 28-14 and eventually win the game 42-14.
Sure, a play like that can demoralize any defense and any fan, but good teams don’t let plays like that finish them off, especially with more than 10 minutes remaining in a game. The fact is that after that play, it was over–not on the clock, but in everyone’s mind, including the players.
Fast forward to this weekend against LSU. Trailing in the third quarter, the Bulldogs managed to get yet another stop on third down and LSU was forced to punt on fourth and four. After a running into the kicker penalty, that really should not have been called, LSU was given a first down. LSU later scored, and despite the time left on the clock, the game was over.
Now to more happy topics, I’ve heard some people asking what the difference is between this year’s team in comparison to the team that went 10-2 in 1999. The truth is, there are a lot of differences, but there are also a lot of similarities. One glaring difference is the fact that the ’99 team seemed to have no quit in them.
It’s not that the talent level is different, because this football team has a tremendous amount of talent. They just lack discipline, that’s all. However, the season isn’t over, Bulldog fans. Don’t give up yet.
But this team needs to learn that the game isn’t over until the clock shows four zeros.
As of this week the magic tea leaves are officially retired. The bogus Internet “fortune teller” said State would beat LSU this weekend, so I decided to include it in last week’s column despite the ridicule of my sports writing colleagues. I have now officially picked my Heisman candidate as of this week. Although it might change from week to week just like everyone else’s choice, this week I’m sticking with Iowa State quarterback Seneca Wallace.
In what was the Cyclones’ biggest win ever, Wallace shined. Tallying over 250 total yards in their 36-14 win over the now unranked Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Cyclones vaulted themselves into the race for the Big 12 North Division Championship. It won’t be easy, though. ISU over the course of the next few weeks must travel to Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas State, and Colorado. Tough stretch for the Cyclones, but one in which Wallace can certainly make a name for himself if he performs like he has throughout the season thus far.
The Florida Gators may be able to lay claim to the worst special teams unit in all of college football, especially after this Saturday’s debacle against Kentucky. Give the ‘Cats credit, though, because they went into The Swamp ready to play, but Florida did all they could to keep UK in the game.
Most Crimson Tide fans would agree with me when I say that Alabama has now found a quarterback. The much-hyped Brodie Croyle led the Tide to a 30-12 victory over Arkansas in Fayetville, which is a very tough place to play these days. Injured starter Tyler Watts watched Croyle torch the Razorbacks and pretty much solidify his position as the starting quarterback for Alabama.
Top 10 coolest chants/cheers
From “Rock, Chalk” to “War Eagle”, this week’s top 10 list covers the best of the best. The top 10 chants and cheers in college sports.They are all unique, but have one thing in common–creativity.
No. 10–“We are Penn State”–This chant follows the general pattern of one side yelling half of the phrase, and the other side yelling the last half. But hey, it’s all about tradition, creativity and most importantly, volume.
No. 9–“We are ND”–OK, so it’s the same chant with different words. It’s Notre Dame though. It pretty much has to be included.
No. 8–“Hook ’em horns”–It pains me to put this one on the countdown, but it deserves it. It’s not really a Texas chant, but outsiders consider it one of the Longhorns’ cheers.
No. 7–“War Eagle”–Someone explain to me again why a team nicknamed the Tigers chants “War Eagle”?
No. 6–“Hotty Toddy”–I can already hear my phone ringing about including this one. I hate hearing it, but it does get great marks for creativity.
No. 5–“Boomer Sooner”–Same principle as the first two. Nevertheless a creative chant, not to mention what it sounds like when more than 73,000 scream it.
No. 4–“War Chant”–The only chant that has musical accompaniment. I’m not really sure who can claim it though–Florida State or the Atlanta Braves.
No. 3–“Pig Sooie”–Only in Arkansas can they make calling a bunch of hogs sound so cool. Sure, it’s annoying, but it’s creative.
No. 2–“Roll Tide”–One of those chants that can easily get stuck in your head and one that has to be heard to be appreciated, despite how annoying it can get (especially when you wear maroon and white.)
No. 1–“Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk”–This is a chant that is often referred to as the most haunting chant in college sports. Former president Teddy Roosevelt called it “one of the best cheers I have ever heard.