PRINCETON —
Well, the New Era Pinstripe Bowl was definitely a fiasco for WVU fans from kickoff to final gun.
I found that both teams had a lack of poise, based on the run-ins before the game and at the end of the first half (I didn't watch the whole game). That reflects on the coaches not keeping their teams under control.
The WVU defense lived down to their reputation in terms of allowing two Syracuse running backs strong games. The weather hindered both teams' passing games so the WVU defense didn't look that bad on that score.
I wish someone would remind Mark May that he works for ESPN, not the University of Pittsburgh, his alma mater. He was just brutal on ESPN before the game and at halftime.
I hope people in the NFL look at Geno Smith's yards gained passing (over 4,000) and his touchdown to interception ratio (42-6), than the peformance of the defense which led to a 7-6 record. He's pro-sized and not restricted to being a scambler.
Another factor in this game was the academic suspension of WVU's starting center, forcing a reshuffle of the offensive line. There were movements where the offensive line let the team down, namely two two safeties scored against WVU.
WVU faces major challenges in replacing Smith, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey and numerous others and rebuilding the defense's confidence.
As for the WVU men's basketball team, I see an inexperienced group of players struggling to play as a team before the Big XII season starts. The Big XII isn't as deep with quality teams as the Big East, but Kansas is a national power and Missouri can play with anyone.
Sunday was the last regular season weekend for the NFL, hopefully the last one for Rex Ryan as head coach of the New York Jets due to the team being a dysfunctional bunch for two years and his screwing up two quarterbacks.
Andy Reid is gone from the Philadelphia Eagles after a troubled season which started in training camp with his owner issuing an ultimatium days after Reid buried his eldest son.rom the
Norv Turner is gone from San Diego after two years which saw his quarterback Phillip Rivers decline under his leadership.
This is written before Dallas and Washington play for the NFC East title, but I'm sick of the Tony Romo-bashing that has gone on in the media. Dallas has been hindered by mediocre coaches with the exception of Bill Parcells during Romo's first year starting and an amateur general manager in Jerry Jones which has led to a talent core which, with a few exceptions, is mediocre. If Tom Brady or Peyton Manning played with this team or Cowboys legends Roger Staubach or Troy Aikman played with the current talent, they would be little better than Romo.
I hoped that the Bears made the playoffs, just to see the pulses of the (sarcasm alert) "Jay Cutler Fan Club" explode. Only Romo and Tim Tebow are more disliked by the media among NFL quarterbacks.
The top two defenses in terms of points allowed, the 49ers and Seahawks, both made the playoffs. Both teams are well-rounded with no glaring weaknesses.
Green Bay and Atlanta are the other two NFC teams who have clinched playoff spots. Atlanta is under scrutiny after three consecutive years of first-game playoff exits, while Green Bay has a questionable defense outside a few sports.
In the AFC, all the spots have been clinched with the Patriots, Texans, Broncos, Colts, Bengals and Ravens all in the field
The Patriots have been methodical in their play to devastating effect, the Texans faltered against the Colts, costing themselves a first-round bye, while the Colts were one of seven teams to make the playoffs a season after getting the top draft pick. The Broncos rode Manning and a good defense. The Bengals had an underrated defense and Andy Dalton overcame a sophomore slump. The Ravens' defense grew old and the offense faltered, but benefitted from Pittsburgh's struggles.
I can be reached c/o Jeff's Sports Corner, P.O. Box 1199, Princeton, WV, 24740. I can also be reached at delimartman@yahoo.com or jharvey1@frontiernet.net or on Facebook
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