97 - Clemson vs. Oklahoma (Orange Bowl) @ Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL
98 - Michigan State vs. Alabama (Cotton Bowl) @ AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX
December 31
Game 96 - Auburn vs. Memphis
Birmingham Bowl
December 30 at Legion Field in Birmingham, AL
ESPN
Memphis had pulled even at 10-10 late in the first half, yet never scored again as Auburn won 31-10.
It was an excellent day on the defensive side of the ball for Auburn, which held Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch to a 16-for-37, 108 passing yard and one-interception night. Lynch had a 69% completion percentage and a 28-to-3 touchdown-to-INT ratio coming into the game.
This was my first, and I suppose last time seeing Auburn in 2015, but apparently Jeremy Johnson lost his starting job at quarterback at some point in the season.
Sean White wasn't very good at all on Wednesday and Johnson came on in relief and was the difference offensively.
The junior threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jason Smith late in the third quarter that gave Auburn the lead for good at 17-10, then on the first play of the fourth, scored on a five-yard run and that pretty much put the game away.
Memphis had 205 total yards & its best second-half drive ended in Lynch's third quarter interception.
In fact, other than an interception return for a touchdown and another pick leading to a field goal, both in the second quarter, Memphis' other 10 possessions ended in:
1 missed FG
1 INT
6 punts
2 turnovers on downs
* Also, commentator Anthony Becht said some things:
- A second quarter pass by Lynch went incomplete and Becht said "two referee eyes were watching". I'm pretty sure he meant two referees were watching (four eyes), but it's much funnier to think of it the first way.
- If Lynch forgoes his senior season and enters the NFL Draft, he's expected to be one of the first handful of quarterbacks taken. But some scouts are unsure if he's capable of making NFL throws.
I'm not sure how those throws will be any different than the ones he's had to make in college other than they'll be made in places like Jacksonville and Buffalo instead of Greenville, North Carolina.
Anyway, Becht said "NFL throws" five times and "NFL-type throws" once.
And when talking about Lynch, Becht also said "I'll put my GM cap on" twice, so he wasn't going to get away with that.
December 30 at Legion Field in Birmingham, AL
ESPN
Memphis had pulled even at 10-10 late in the first half, yet never scored again as Auburn won 31-10.
It was an excellent day on the defensive side of the ball for Auburn, which held Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch to a 16-for-37, 108 passing yard and one-interception night. Lynch had a 69% completion percentage and a 28-to-3 touchdown-to-INT ratio coming into the game.
This was my first, and I suppose last time seeing Auburn in 2015, but apparently Jeremy Johnson lost his starting job at quarterback at some point in the season.
Sean White wasn't very good at all on Wednesday and Johnson came on in relief and was the difference offensively.
The junior threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jason Smith late in the third quarter that gave Auburn the lead for good at 17-10, then on the first play of the fourth, scored on a five-yard run and that pretty much put the game away.
Memphis had 205 total yards & its best second-half drive ended in Lynch's third quarter interception.
In fact, other than an interception return for a touchdown and another pick leading to a field goal, both in the second quarter, Memphis' other 10 possessions ended in:
1 missed FG
1 INT
6 punts
2 turnovers on downs
* Also, commentator Anthony Becht said some things:
- A second quarter pass by Lynch went incomplete and Becht said "two referee eyes were watching". I'm pretty sure he meant two referees were watching (four eyes), but it's much funnier to think of it the first way.
- If Lynch forgoes his senior season and enters the NFL Draft, he's expected to be one of the first handful of quarterbacks taken. But some scouts are unsure if he's capable of making NFL throws.
I'm not sure how those throws will be any different than the ones he's had to make in college other than they'll be made in places like Jacksonville and Buffalo instead of Greenville, North Carolina.
Anyway, Becht said "NFL throws" five times and "NFL-type throws" once.
And when talking about Lynch, Becht also said "I'll put my GM cap on" twice, so he wasn't going to get away with that.
Game 95 - Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos
December 28 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO
ESPN
Have a few things to get to from this 20-17 overtime victory for Denver, so we'll take them in list form.
1. Don't refer to Brock Osweiler playing behind Peyton Manning, or any other backup in any other sports situation, as an "apprenticeship". This isn't A Christmas Carol.
2. Jon Gruden, 2nd quarter: "This is a real NFL linebacker."
Well thank goodness for that.
3. Gruden again: "How many ex-Jagwires are playing for other teams?"
The answer is zero, because there's no such thing as a Jagwire.
4. "He's so athletic" was said, as it is often said in various forms.
HERE'S THE THING: every single person on this field, and every single professional person on every field, is athletic.
The End.
5. 3rd quarter, Mike Tirico said "pin your ear back", then quickly corrected himself and said "pin your ears back".
6. Let's get one last Gruden in, shall we?
[Before Denver field goal attempt in overtime] "This is a big one, Mike."
Thanks Jon!
ESPN
Have a few things to get to from this 20-17 overtime victory for Denver, so we'll take them in list form.
1. Don't refer to Brock Osweiler playing behind Peyton Manning, or any other backup in any other sports situation, as an "apprenticeship". This isn't A Christmas Carol.
2. Jon Gruden, 2nd quarter: "This is a real NFL linebacker."
Well thank goodness for that.
3. Gruden again: "How many ex-Jagwires are playing for other teams?"
The answer is zero, because there's no such thing as a Jagwire.
4. "He's so athletic" was said, as it is often said in various forms.
HERE'S THE THING: every single person on this field, and every single professional person on every field, is athletic.
The End.
5. 3rd quarter, Mike Tirico said "pin your ear back", then quickly corrected himself and said "pin your ears back".
6. Let's get one last Gruden in, shall we?
[Before Denver field goal attempt in overtime] "This is a big one, Mike."
Thanks Jon!
Game 94 - New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings
December 27 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN
NBC
FOOTBALL announcers say the word FOOTBALL a lot. It's a ball, just like any other sport that uses a ball, but unlike other sports' broadcasters these guys love adding FOOT.
Let's take a look at the FOOTBALL count for Chris Collinsworth & Al Michaels:
Total times said
1st half: 17
Collinsworth - 13
Michaels - 4
2nd half: 9
Collinsworth - 5
Michaels - 3
And Sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya added:
"Serious football person."
Total times said: 26
NBC
FOOTBALL announcers say the word FOOTBALL a lot. It's a ball, just like any other sport that uses a ball, but unlike other sports' broadcasters these guys love adding FOOT.
Let's take a look at the FOOTBALL count for Chris Collinsworth & Al Michaels:
Total times said
1st half: 17
Collinsworth - 13
Michaels - 4
2nd half: 9
Collinsworth - 5
Michaels - 3
And Sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya added:
"Serious football person."
Total times said: 26
Game 92 - Tulsa vs. Virginia Tech
Independence Bowl
December 26 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA
ESPN
This was the final game in the coaching career of Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer, so there were going to be a few mentions of it and perhaps a couple camera shots of Beamer on the sideline. How many? Well, let's just take a look.
Total shots of Beamer - 80
1st half - 36
2nd half - 44
Top Beamers
"Swan song"
"Twilight"
"He's just done it the right way" (said twice)
"Sending Beamer out with a win"
"Final turn"
"Frank Beamer's storied career"
"Beamer Ball" (7)/"Classic Beamer Ball"
"It would be his final one"/"Frank Beamer's final game"/"Final game" (3)
"Since he made the announcement"
"Frank Beamer gets the spotlight he deserves in his last game"
[sign seen in crowd] "Thank you, coach Beamer"
And we can't forget the countdown:
1. "One quarter left in a Frank Beamer's distinguished career"/"One quarter left in a career"
2. "The fourth quarter of Frank Beamer is about to begin"
3. "The last 11:09 of Frank Beamer's career"
4. "Retirement is probably the farthest thing from Frank Beamer's mind"
5. "Close to the end"
6. "He's hoping to march out of here with a win"
7. "That man, in his final career game"
8. "Frank Beamer's final victory"
* Assorted nonsense
- Dadi Nicolas sacked Tulsa quarterback Dane Evans on fourth down to seal the win for Virginia Tech. Announcer Ray Bentley: "The spirit of Bruce Smith jumped out!"
The spirit?
Bruce Smith has not passed away. In fact, Mr. Bentley, your network just showed him standing on the Virginia Tech sideline.
- Let's welcome a pair of new members to the Hendrick Ekpe All Stars in referee Cooper Castleberry and Tulsa wide receiver Bishop Louie.
- Other silliness from Bentley & play-by-play man Dave Lamont:
"Blue collar work ethic" (said three times)
"Once he gets his man weight, he's gonna be a beast"
"The dirt monster got him"
"Look out! Watch your Chardonnay, buddy!" (pardon me?)
"Sea legs"
"A hat for a hat" (2)
December 26 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA
ESPN
This was the final game in the coaching career of Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer, so there were going to be a few mentions of it and perhaps a couple camera shots of Beamer on the sideline. How many? Well, let's just take a look.
Total shots of Beamer - 80
1st half - 36
2nd half - 44
Top Beamers
"Swan song"
"Twilight"
"He's just done it the right way" (said twice)
"Sending Beamer out with a win"
"Final turn"
"Frank Beamer's storied career"
"Beamer Ball" (7)/"Classic Beamer Ball"
"It would be his final one"/"Frank Beamer's final game"/"Final game" (3)
"Since he made the announcement"
"Frank Beamer gets the spotlight he deserves in his last game"
[sign seen in crowd] "Thank you, coach Beamer"
And we can't forget the countdown:
1. "One quarter left in a Frank Beamer's distinguished career"/"One quarter left in a career"
2. "The fourth quarter of Frank Beamer is about to begin"
3. "The last 11:09 of Frank Beamer's career"
4. "Retirement is probably the farthest thing from Frank Beamer's mind"
5. "Close to the end"
6. "He's hoping to march out of here with a win"
7. "That man, in his final career game"
8. "Frank Beamer's final victory"
* Assorted nonsense
- Dadi Nicolas sacked Tulsa quarterback Dane Evans on fourth down to seal the win for Virginia Tech. Announcer Ray Bentley: "The spirit of Bruce Smith jumped out!"
The spirit?
Bruce Smith has not passed away. In fact, Mr. Bentley, your network just showed him standing on the Virginia Tech sideline.
- Let's welcome a pair of new members to the Hendrick Ekpe All Stars in referee Cooper Castleberry and Tulsa wide receiver Bishop Louie.
- Other silliness from Bentley & play-by-play man Dave Lamont:
"Blue collar work ethic" (said three times)
"Once he gets his man weight, he's gonna be a beast"
"The dirt monster got him"
"Look out! Watch your Chardonnay, buddy!" (pardon me?)
"Sea legs"
"A hat for a hat" (2)
Game 91 - San Diego State vs. Cincinnati
Hawaii Bowl
December 24 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HI
ESPN
December 24 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HI
ESPN
Game 90 - Georgia Southern vs. Bowling Green
Godaddy Bowl
December 23 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, AL
ESPN
December 23 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, AL
ESPN
Game 89 - Northern Illinois vs. Boise State
Poinsettia Bowl
December 23 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA
ESPN
Boise State won 55-7, but 'won' isn't enough to describe the Broncos' victory. Here are a few words ESPN & various online media outlets used:
MANHANDLES
CRUSHES
STEAMROLLS
OVERWHELMS
ROMPS OVER
DISMANTLED
HELLACIOUS SPLATTERING
BEATDOWN
DECIMATES
December 23 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA
ESPN
Boise State won 55-7, but 'won' isn't enough to describe the Broncos' victory. Here are a few words ESPN & various online media outlets used:
MANHANDLES
CRUSHES
STEAMROLLS
OVERWHELMS
ROMPS OVER
DISMANTLED
HELLACIOUS SPLATTERING
BEATDOWN
DECIMATES
Game 88 - South Florida vs. Western Kentucky
Miami Beach Bowl
December 21 at Marlins Park in Miami, FL
ESPN
I had not known much of anything about Brandon Doughty and Western Kentucky until tonight, but that offense was impressive.
Doughty threw for 461 yards and three touchdowns in the Hilltoppers' 45-35 win.
He finished his final collegiate year with 5,055 yards, just the 14th time a Division 1 quarterback has gone over 5,000. Seems like most of those yards came in the third where the Hilltoppers went from being down 14-10 to taking the lead for good with a 4-TD quarter.
Phrases!
"He may have been playing possum"
"Bubble screen"
"Jet sweep"
"He's like a mack truck going downhill"
"Ground and pound" (said twice)
"Trickeration that paid off"
"Loading the box" (3)
"Razzle dazzle"
"Putting some moves in the blender"
"Progressions"
December 21 at Marlins Park in Miami, FL
ESPN
I had not known much of anything about Brandon Doughty and Western Kentucky until tonight, but that offense was impressive.
Doughty threw for 461 yards and three touchdowns in the Hilltoppers' 45-35 win.
He finished his final collegiate year with 5,055 yards, just the 14th time a Division 1 quarterback has gone over 5,000. Seems like most of those yards came in the third where the Hilltoppers went from being down 14-10 to taking the lead for good with a 4-TD quarter.
Phrases!
"He may have been playing possum"
"Bubble screen"
"Jet sweep"
"He's like a mack truck going downhill"
"Ground and pound" (said twice)
"Trickeration that paid off"
"Loading the box" (3)
"Razzle dazzle"
"Putting some moves in the blender"
"Progressions"
Game 86 - Georgia State vs. San Jose State
Cure Bowl
December 19 at Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL
CBS Sports Network
December 19 at Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL
CBS Sports Network
Game 85 - Alcorn State vs. North Carolina A&T
Celebration Bowl
December 19 at Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA
ESPN
"it's a foot race"
Can football players race on anything else besides feet?
Are bicycles allowed on the field?
At least make it more specific and call it a cleat race.
* We'd like to welcome NC A&T quarterback Lenorris Footman to the Hendrick Ekpe All Stars. He was missed and will be missed when we inevitably lose him in free agency to another all-name team.
December 19 at Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA
ESPN
"it's a foot race"
Can football players race on anything else besides feet?
Are bicycles allowed on the field?
At least make it more specific and call it a cleat race.
* We'd like to welcome NC A&T quarterback Lenorris Footman to the Hendrick Ekpe All Stars. He was missed and will be missed when we inevitably lose him in free agency to another all-name team.
Game 84 - New York Giants at Miami Dolphins
December 14 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL
ESPN
ESPN
Game 83 - New England Patriots at Houston Texans
December 13 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX
NBC
Football Phrases!
"New England lore"
"A horizontal game plan"
"Revis Island"
"Wam blocks" (said three times)
"The x-ray room"
"Trading big haymakers"
"Squirt out to the 18"
"Bowling balling his way for a first down"
"Nine totes for 37 yards"
NBC
Football Phrases!
"New England lore"
"A horizontal game plan"
"Revis Island"
"Wam blocks" (said three times)
"The x-ray room"
"Trading big haymakers"
"Squirt out to the 18"
"Bowling balling his way for a first down"
"Nine totes for 37 yards"
Game 82 - Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
December 7 at FedEx Field in Landover, MD
ESPN
Jon Gruden:
"That was an NFL pro football play right there by DeSean Jackson."
Well, thank goodness for that.
ESPN
Jon Gruden:
"That was an NFL pro football play right there by DeSean Jackson."
Well, thank goodness for that.
Game 79 - Michigan State vs. Iowa
December 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN
FOX
Just a couple magical moments for color commentator Joel Klatt in the fourth quarter:
About 4 1/2 minutes left, Iowa leads 13-9 with Michigan State driving.
Klatt:
"This feels like the determining drive of this game."
Thanks, Joe!
Then, Joe said these things:
"Making people miss in a phone booth....I'm sure you've heard it."
Next sentence: "Breaking ankles. Not literally."
Wow!
FOX
Just a couple magical moments for color commentator Joel Klatt in the fourth quarter:
About 4 1/2 minutes left, Iowa leads 13-9 with Michigan State driving.
Klatt:
"This feels like the determining drive of this game."
Thanks, Joe!
Then, Joe said these things:
"Making people miss in a phone booth....I'm sure you've heard it."
Next sentence: "Breaking ankles. Not literally."
Wow!
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