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Weis got embarassed, and he knows it. Berating the kids on the sideline, dropping f-bombs in front of the cameras, shows me one thing...he was pissed that HE was losing, not that his team was losing, or his kids were losing. He's got the Belicheck mercenary mentality...something that JT thankfully does not have, and something that will not get you too far in the college game. He's right about one thing, there are two directions...either he can realize that being a head coach and being in college football are completely different than being an OC in the pros, or he can go the way of Tyrone Willingham and never repate the success of his first year. Being an offensive "genius" (er, well, sorta) will not be enough...and acting like a spoiled bitch won't land the bluechippers either.
Upvote
0
buckalum01
They Call Me Assassin
Enough about Charlie Weis already. I come here to read about tOSU football. Besides, with JT at the helm, we all know where the best coach in college football is. No one compares and I wouldn't want anybody else.
OSU vs. Michigan: 4-1
OSU vs. bowl opponents: 4-1
OSU vs. top ten teams: 7-2
3 BCS bowls-- 3 BCS bowls won
2 Big 10 Championships
1 National Championship
3/5 years ended with a top 5 national ranking.
Other programs and coaches may have better records over the last 5 years (namely USC & PC) but I wouldn't throw away what JT has done, nor would I want to trade places. We got what we deserve and it is greatness. The grass is never really greener anywhere else. (Besides through my glasses it all looks Scarlet & Grey)
GO BUCKS! Great game! Thanks for a great season, and to the seniors- Thanks for the memories you've given us over the last 4-5 years. Truely a special group that will always be remembered and held in high regard by all of the Buckeye faithful.
OSU vs. Michigan: 4-1
OSU vs. bowl opponents: 4-1
OSU vs. top ten teams: 7-2
3 BCS bowls-- 3 BCS bowls won
2 Big 10 Championships
1 National Championship
3/5 years ended with a top 5 national ranking.
Other programs and coaches may have better records over the last 5 years (namely USC & PC) but I wouldn't throw away what JT has done, nor would I want to trade places. We got what we deserve and it is greatness. The grass is never really greener anywhere else. (Besides through my glasses it all looks Scarlet & Grey)
GO BUCKS! Great game! Thanks for a great season, and to the seniors- Thanks for the memories you've given us over the last 4-5 years. Truely a special group that will always be remembered and held in high regard by all of the Buckeye faithful.
Upvote
0
stxbuck
Woody wore Sambas
Funny e-mail
Some perspective on ND and the BCS-
I know that I don't speak for all Ohio State fans when I say that people
just need to stop whining about Notre Dame getting an automatic bid for
being in the Top 6 of the BCS poll. If there wasn't a Top 6 stipulation for
mid-majors, then we'd never be able to see a Utah or a Memphis or an
Arkansas State or a Notre Dame in the BCS.
What the BCS has done is given teams that aren't good enough to belong to a
BCS conference an opportunity to show that they belong. And I'm sure that
Notre Dame will be trying to prove that they are every bit the football
power that Utah is. If there weren't a Top 6 stipulation, then Notre Dame
would be relegated to the Gator Bowl on NBC every year.
Don't get me wrong, the Gator Bowl is a good bowl. It's a New Year's Day
bowl game, after all. The problem is that it's basically the rich man's
Humanitarian/MPC Computers Bowl in Boise, Idaho. Just like the MPC Computers
Bowl is intended for Boise State every year, the Gator Bowl is intended for
Notre Dame every year. The Gator Bowl is basically the old Humanitarian Bowl
with racing stripes and power windows.
Giving Notre Dame, and all mid-majors, a chance to be in a BCS bowl game
gives them the necessary exposure to compete with the Michigan States and
the Boston Colleges of the world. If we don't give UTEP, Eastern Michigan
and Notre Dame a shot at the BCS, then we really haven't progressed as a
country. When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, do you
really think he meant that all men were created equal, except for SMU, Tulsa
and Notre Dame? I don't think so. The little guys have just as much right to
a piece of the BCS pie as the big guys.
And so what if Notre Dame has lost seven consecutive bowl games. You can't
always expect to win 14.3% of your bowl games. If you look at their
opponents over those seven bowl games, it's easy to see why they were unable
to overcome the big school mystique.
In the 1994 season, Notre Dame lost to Colorado in the '95 Fiesta Bowl
41-24. Notre Dame, as a lone independent, did well to stay within 17 points
of the Buffalo juggernaut in that game.
In the 1995 season, Notre Dame lost to mighty Florida State in the '96
Orange Bowl 31-26. Yes, that Florida State. If you're like me, you're pretty
impressed that they almost beat the Seminoles. Almost score one for the
little guy.
In the 1996 season, there was no bowl. Probably because Notre Dame was
unlisted in the phone book.
In the 1997 season, Notre Dame lost to LSU 27-9 in the Independence Bowl.
Keep in mind that this was an LSU team that was representing the 4,000 pound
gorilla known as the SEC. Had Notre Dame had the kind of backing that LSU
did, you would have to think that they would have been far more competitive.
In the 1998 season, Notre Dame lost to Georgia Tech 35-28 in the '99 Gator
Bowl. It was a tough loss, but not an unexpected loss, as the Yellow Jackets
had won a National Championship less than a decade earlier.
In the 1999 season, there was no bowl. If I recall correctly, they didn't
want to be flying during Y2K.
In the 2000 season, Notre Dame lost in the '01 Fiesta Bowl 41-9 to Oregon
State. There is no truth to the rumor that they sold their entire ticket
allotment to Nebraska fans. It was probably this game that epitomized the
distance between a BCS school and a mid-major like Notre Dame or Tulane or
Louisiana-Lafayette.
In the 2001 season, there was no bowl. The rumor was that Notre Dame was
being discriminated against for only winning five games. Rather than get in
a fight against the immovable NCAA, Notre Dame just decided to move on and
focus on academics.
In the 2002 season, Notre Dame lost to North Carolina State 28-6 in the '03
Gator Bowl. It had to be frustrating to be playing a major BCS opponent
every year in a bowl game and never getting an opponent of comparable
talent. Say a North Texas or a Northern Illinois or even a San Jose State.
In the 2003 season, there was no bowl game for Notre Dame. At the time, the
speculation was that the winner of the Sugar Bowl between LSU and Oklahoma
would play Notre Dame, but the "National Champion" Tigers reneged on the
deal.
In 2004, Notre Dame once again lost to Oregon State. This time the bowl was
the Insight Bowl and the score was 38-21. However, this time Notre Dame
exacted their revenge on the hurtful Beavers by losing to them by fifteen
fewer points than they did in 2001. This was a clear indicator that Notre
Dame was definitely ready for that next step. That "next step" was aided
last year when Utah made the BCS and walked all over mighty Pittsburgh.
Notre Dame saw that and said, "If Utah can win a BCS game, then so can we!"
This year, Notre Dame will get that opportunity. And if history is any
lesson, the Buckeyes better be ready. Notre Dame no longer sees itself as
the pasty, red-headed stepchild of the NCAA. They see themselves as the
under-cared-for middle child.
Well, on January 2nd, 2006, the middle child is going to make their
definitive cry for attention and unleash a gauntlet of slaps and kicks the
likes of which Ohio State has never seen. Will it be enough? It's too early
to say. However, if Ohio State isn't careful, they could get a cornea
scratched or a finger dislocated. Horseplay is dangerous.
As I think about Notre Dame's place in the BCS, I'm reminded of the first
time that I got to eat at the adults' table for dinner at my grandma's
house. I was no longer stuck eating meatloaf on the coffee table watching
PBS. I was in the kitchen, eating meatloaf and listening to conversations
about PBS. And it was grand. I appreciated my step up just as I'm sure Notre
Dame appreciates the step up the BCS gave them a few years ago. However,
when I made my step up, I at least brought something to the table (and it
wasn't a possible NCAA record-tying eighth consecutive bowl loss). So here's
hoping Notre Dame appreciates the hand out given to them by the BCS. I'm
sure Troy or Louisiana-Monroe or Florida Atlantic would switch with Notre
Dame in a heartbeat. Don't take this opportunity for granted, Notre Dame.
Because next year a counterpart like Florida International may take it from
you.
Some perspective on ND and the BCS-
I know that I don't speak for all Ohio State fans when I say that people
just need to stop whining about Notre Dame getting an automatic bid for
being in the Top 6 of the BCS poll. If there wasn't a Top 6 stipulation for
mid-majors, then we'd never be able to see a Utah or a Memphis or an
Arkansas State or a Notre Dame in the BCS.
What the BCS has done is given teams that aren't good enough to belong to a
BCS conference an opportunity to show that they belong. And I'm sure that
Notre Dame will be trying to prove that they are every bit the football
power that Utah is. If there weren't a Top 6 stipulation, then Notre Dame
would be relegated to the Gator Bowl on NBC every year.
Don't get me wrong, the Gator Bowl is a good bowl. It's a New Year's Day
bowl game, after all. The problem is that it's basically the rich man's
Humanitarian/MPC Computers Bowl in Boise, Idaho. Just like the MPC Computers
Bowl is intended for Boise State every year, the Gator Bowl is intended for
Notre Dame every year. The Gator Bowl is basically the old Humanitarian Bowl
with racing stripes and power windows.
Giving Notre Dame, and all mid-majors, a chance to be in a BCS bowl game
gives them the necessary exposure to compete with the Michigan States and
the Boston Colleges of the world. If we don't give UTEP, Eastern Michigan
and Notre Dame a shot at the BCS, then we really haven't progressed as a
country. When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, do you
really think he meant that all men were created equal, except for SMU, Tulsa
and Notre Dame? I don't think so. The little guys have just as much right to
a piece of the BCS pie as the big guys.
And so what if Notre Dame has lost seven consecutive bowl games. You can't
always expect to win 14.3% of your bowl games. If you look at their
opponents over those seven bowl games, it's easy to see why they were unable
to overcome the big school mystique.
In the 1994 season, Notre Dame lost to Colorado in the '95 Fiesta Bowl
41-24. Notre Dame, as a lone independent, did well to stay within 17 points
of the Buffalo juggernaut in that game.
In the 1995 season, Notre Dame lost to mighty Florida State in the '96
Orange Bowl 31-26. Yes, that Florida State. If you're like me, you're pretty
impressed that they almost beat the Seminoles. Almost score one for the
little guy.
In the 1996 season, there was no bowl. Probably because Notre Dame was
unlisted in the phone book.
In the 1997 season, Notre Dame lost to LSU 27-9 in the Independence Bowl.
Keep in mind that this was an LSU team that was representing the 4,000 pound
gorilla known as the SEC. Had Notre Dame had the kind of backing that LSU
did, you would have to think that they would have been far more competitive.
In the 1998 season, Notre Dame lost to Georgia Tech 35-28 in the '99 Gator
Bowl. It was a tough loss, but not an unexpected loss, as the Yellow Jackets
had won a National Championship less than a decade earlier.
In the 1999 season, there was no bowl. If I recall correctly, they didn't
want to be flying during Y2K.
In the 2000 season, Notre Dame lost in the '01 Fiesta Bowl 41-9 to Oregon
State. There is no truth to the rumor that they sold their entire ticket
allotment to Nebraska fans. It was probably this game that epitomized the
distance between a BCS school and a mid-major like Notre Dame or Tulane or
Louisiana-Lafayette.
In the 2001 season, there was no bowl. The rumor was that Notre Dame was
being discriminated against for only winning five games. Rather than get in
a fight against the immovable NCAA, Notre Dame just decided to move on and
focus on academics.
In the 2002 season, Notre Dame lost to North Carolina State 28-6 in the '03
Gator Bowl. It had to be frustrating to be playing a major BCS opponent
every year in a bowl game and never getting an opponent of comparable
talent. Say a North Texas or a Northern Illinois or even a San Jose State.
In the 2003 season, there was no bowl game for Notre Dame. At the time, the
speculation was that the winner of the Sugar Bowl between LSU and Oklahoma
would play Notre Dame, but the "National Champion" Tigers reneged on the
deal.
In 2004, Notre Dame once again lost to Oregon State. This time the bowl was
the Insight Bowl and the score was 38-21. However, this time Notre Dame
exacted their revenge on the hurtful Beavers by losing to them by fifteen
fewer points than they did in 2001. This was a clear indicator that Notre
Dame was definitely ready for that next step. That "next step" was aided
last year when Utah made the BCS and walked all over mighty Pittsburgh.
Notre Dame saw that and said, "If Utah can win a BCS game, then so can we!"
This year, Notre Dame will get that opportunity. And if history is any
lesson, the Buckeyes better be ready. Notre Dame no longer sees itself as
the pasty, red-headed stepchild of the NCAA. They see themselves as the
under-cared-for middle child.
Well, on January 2nd, 2006, the middle child is going to make their
definitive cry for attention and unleash a gauntlet of slaps and kicks the
likes of which Ohio State has never seen. Will it be enough? It's too early
to say. However, if Ohio State isn't careful, they could get a cornea
scratched or a finger dislocated. Horseplay is dangerous.
As I think about Notre Dame's place in the BCS, I'm reminded of the first
time that I got to eat at the adults' table for dinner at my grandma's
house. I was no longer stuck eating meatloaf on the coffee table watching
PBS. I was in the kitchen, eating meatloaf and listening to conversations
about PBS. And it was grand. I appreciated my step up just as I'm sure Notre
Dame appreciates the step up the BCS gave them a few years ago. However,
when I made my step up, I at least brought something to the table (and it
wasn't a possible NCAA record-tying eighth consecutive bowl loss). So here's
hoping Notre Dame appreciates the hand out given to them by the BCS. I'm
sure Troy or Louisiana-Monroe or Florida Atlantic would switch with Notre
Dame in a heartbeat. Don't take this opportunity for granted, Notre Dame.
Because next year a counterpart like Florida International may take it from
you.
Upvote
0
Taosman
Your Cousin In New Mexxico
This from The Arizona Republic
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Ohio State-ment Buckeyes at home on Fiesta turf
Andrew Bagnato
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 3, 2006 12:00 AM <!--______START TEXT OF STORY________-->
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Not long after fourth-ranked Ohio State defeated No. 5 Notre Dame 34-20 Monday night, the Buckeyes were already looking ahead to next year.
Who could blame them?
"The national championship is here next year," Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith said with a grin. "We like that."<!-- BOXAD TABLE --> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=50 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="COLOR: gray" vAlign=top align=middle>advertisement</TD><TD rowSpan=3>
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Technically, the as-yet-unnamed Bowl Championship Series title game, as well as the Fiesta Bowl, will be played in Glendale, which is never going to be confused with Tempe, home to the Fiesta Bowl for its first 35 years. The Buckeyes have turned this town into Columbus on the Salt. They've won four straight Fiesta Bowls, including three in the past four years.
"I love coming here," senior defensive end Mike Kudla said. "It's a great place."
The final Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Sun Devil Stadium lived up to its billing, drawing the largest Fiesta crowd for a non-title game, 76,196.
Notre Dame might be happy to see the Fiesta change venues. Though the Fighting Irish won their last national title in Sun Devil Stadium - way back in 1988, when the Gipper was still in the White House - they've lost their past three Fiesta Bowls.
Unlike the previous two, the Fighting Irish weren't embarrassed in this one. They hung in there despite being outgained 617 yards to 348.
"(The Buckeyes) were definitely the better team today," Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said.
Weis presided over a stirring revival in South Bend, Ind., but it's worth noting that he finished his first year with one fewer victory than Tyrone Willingham, who went 10-3 in 2002. Weis also extended Notre Dame's bowl losing streak to eight, which stretches back to Lou Holtz.
Half those losses have come in the Valley, in the Fiesta and the Insight. The Irish may want to hide the next time the folks in the canary blazers visit campus.
Notre Dame believed it was one play away from changing this game - and ending the streak - but when that play happened, it was immediately reversed by the replay official.
With Ohio State leading 21-13 and driving late in the third quarter, Ohio State flanker Anthony Gonzalez appeared to fumble deep in Irish territory. Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski scooped up the ball and raced nearly 90 yards for an apparent score.
The replay official ruled that Gonzalez never had control. It was an incomplete pass. On the next play, the Buckeyes kicked a field goal to extend their lead to 24-13.
"It was obviously the play," Weis said. "I disagreed with it, but I'm prejudiced. What I said to the official on the field was, 'I hope your guy upstairs (in the replay booth) was right, because that changed the whole complexion of the game.' "
Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel took a different view. "We had 617 yards," he said, "so there were some other important plays."
In fact, Notre Dame's defense had no answer for the speed of Buckeyes flanker Ted Ginn Jr. and split end Santonio Holmes. Ginn burned the Irish on a 56-yard bomb from Smith to tie the game at 7-7 in the first quarter, then put the Buckeyes up 14-7 with a 68-yard end-around early in the second quarter.
Notre Dame also couldn't figure out how to stop Smith, the cool junior from Cleveland who converted 8 of 12 third downs, including two in a late, victory-clinching drive.
Meanwhile, Weis lost his anticipated chess match with Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Heacock.
On the game's first drive, Weis pulled all the right strings. The Irish marched 72 yards in six plays, scoring on a 20-yard run by Darius Walker. But then the Buckeyes began sending waves of blitzes at Irish quarterback Brady Quinn, who had trouble finding receivers under pressure.
"He was a little confused," Ohio State cornerback Donte Whitner said. "We were trying to play games with him back there."
Ohio State limited Notre Dame's offense, ranked sixth nationally in scoring, to about half its 38 points-per-game average.
When it ended, the Buckeyes accepted their trophy and gathered in the northwest corner of the stadium to sing Carmen Ohio with their exuberant legions.
For the Fiesta Bowl, it's the same old song. What we learned
OHIO STATE: Ted Ginn Jr. loves the big stage, and A.J. Hawk is going to do just fine at the next level.
Ginn, a sophomore wide receiver, seems to save his best for last, meaning Michigan and the Buckeyes' bowl game. He makes big plays all year long, but really cranks it up when the spotlight is on.
Meanwhile, Hawk was all over the field with 12 tackles, two sacks - solidifying his chances to be a top five pick in the NFL draft in April.
NOTRE DAME: The defensive backfield needs some speed before Charlie Weis takes the program to a national title he is expected to bring to South Bend after this season's resurgence.
The defensive backs looked as if they spent the morning climbing Squaw Peak before heading to Sun Devil Stadium. By the time the second half rolled around, the Ohio State receivers had more cushion than a pillow-top mattress. Upon further review
Getting greedy got the best of both teams in the first half. Notre Dame went for the jugular right out of the chute, going for it on 4th and 1 from Ohio State's 6-yard line late in the first quarter after recovering an Ohio State fumble. But the emotional pendulum swung right back in the Buckeyes' favor when Hawk sacked Brady Quinn.
Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith's desire to create a big play cost him in the second quarter when he attempted an option pitch inside the Notre Dame 10. The ball bounced around and ended up in the arms of Notre Dame's Ambrose Wooden. Early on in a big game, sometimes less is more. Get it done
There has been talk between Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White and Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith about signing a home-and-home contract between the two storied programs some time after 2010.
For two of the winningest programs in the game, separated by less than 250 miles, to play only five times since 1930 is a shame. When they played September games in 1995 and 1996, it was the early season talk of both campuses, starting about the time spring practice ended. That should happen more than twice every 30 years or so. Respect your elders
In the post-game ceremonies and in the interview room, Ginn showed a lot of respect for the seniors. Before the on-field ceremony, Ginn stood at the top of the steps and did not let anyone onto the platform except those who had played their final game - well, anyone other than himself. Record book
The attendance of 76,196 was the largest non-championship game crowd in Fiesta Bowl history, and the fourth largest overall.
• The 85-yard TD pass from Troy Smith to Santonio Holmes surpassed the previous record of 79 yards shared by Joey Harrington and Samie Parker of Oregon (2002) and Tee Martin and Peerless Price of Tennessee (1999).
• Ginn (167) and Holmes (124) are the third pair of teammates with more than 100 receiving yards, joining Florida's Chris Doering (123) and Ike Hilliard (100) from 1996 and Ohio State's Doug Donley (112) and Gary Williams (112) in 1980. [/FONT]
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Ohio State-ment Buckeyes at home on Fiesta turf
Andrew Bagnato
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 3, 2006 12:00 AM <!--______START TEXT OF STORY________-->
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Not long after fourth-ranked Ohio State defeated No. 5 Notre Dame 34-20 Monday night, the Buckeyes were already looking ahead to next year.
Who could blame them?
"The national championship is here next year," Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith said with a grin. "We like that."<!-- BOXAD TABLE --> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=50 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="COLOR: gray" vAlign=top align=middle>advertisement</TD><TD rowSpan=3>
Technically, the as-yet-unnamed Bowl Championship Series title game, as well as the Fiesta Bowl, will be played in Glendale, which is never going to be confused with Tempe, home to the Fiesta Bowl for its first 35 years. The Buckeyes have turned this town into Columbus on the Salt. They've won four straight Fiesta Bowls, including three in the past four years.
"I love coming here," senior defensive end Mike Kudla said. "It's a great place."
The final Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Sun Devil Stadium lived up to its billing, drawing the largest Fiesta crowd for a non-title game, 76,196.
Notre Dame might be happy to see the Fiesta change venues. Though the Fighting Irish won their last national title in Sun Devil Stadium - way back in 1988, when the Gipper was still in the White House - they've lost their past three Fiesta Bowls.
Unlike the previous two, the Fighting Irish weren't embarrassed in this one. They hung in there despite being outgained 617 yards to 348.
"(The Buckeyes) were definitely the better team today," Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said.
Weis presided over a stirring revival in South Bend, Ind., but it's worth noting that he finished his first year with one fewer victory than Tyrone Willingham, who went 10-3 in 2002. Weis also extended Notre Dame's bowl losing streak to eight, which stretches back to Lou Holtz.
Half those losses have come in the Valley, in the Fiesta and the Insight. The Irish may want to hide the next time the folks in the canary blazers visit campus.
Notre Dame believed it was one play away from changing this game - and ending the streak - but when that play happened, it was immediately reversed by the replay official.
With Ohio State leading 21-13 and driving late in the third quarter, Ohio State flanker Anthony Gonzalez appeared to fumble deep in Irish territory. Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski scooped up the ball and raced nearly 90 yards for an apparent score.
The replay official ruled that Gonzalez never had control. It was an incomplete pass. On the next play, the Buckeyes kicked a field goal to extend their lead to 24-13.
"It was obviously the play," Weis said. "I disagreed with it, but I'm prejudiced. What I said to the official on the field was, 'I hope your guy upstairs (in the replay booth) was right, because that changed the whole complexion of the game.' "
Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel took a different view. "We had 617 yards," he said, "so there were some other important plays."
In fact, Notre Dame's defense had no answer for the speed of Buckeyes flanker Ted Ginn Jr. and split end Santonio Holmes. Ginn burned the Irish on a 56-yard bomb from Smith to tie the game at 7-7 in the first quarter, then put the Buckeyes up 14-7 with a 68-yard end-around early in the second quarter.
Notre Dame also couldn't figure out how to stop Smith, the cool junior from Cleveland who converted 8 of 12 third downs, including two in a late, victory-clinching drive.
Meanwhile, Weis lost his anticipated chess match with Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Heacock.
On the game's first drive, Weis pulled all the right strings. The Irish marched 72 yards in six plays, scoring on a 20-yard run by Darius Walker. But then the Buckeyes began sending waves of blitzes at Irish quarterback Brady Quinn, who had trouble finding receivers under pressure.
"He was a little confused," Ohio State cornerback Donte Whitner said. "We were trying to play games with him back there."
Ohio State limited Notre Dame's offense, ranked sixth nationally in scoring, to about half its 38 points-per-game average.
When it ended, the Buckeyes accepted their trophy and gathered in the northwest corner of the stadium to sing Carmen Ohio with their exuberant legions.
For the Fiesta Bowl, it's the same old song. What we learned
OHIO STATE: Ted Ginn Jr. loves the big stage, and A.J. Hawk is going to do just fine at the next level.
Ginn, a sophomore wide receiver, seems to save his best for last, meaning Michigan and the Buckeyes' bowl game. He makes big plays all year long, but really cranks it up when the spotlight is on.
Meanwhile, Hawk was all over the field with 12 tackles, two sacks - solidifying his chances to be a top five pick in the NFL draft in April.
NOTRE DAME: The defensive backfield needs some speed before Charlie Weis takes the program to a national title he is expected to bring to South Bend after this season's resurgence.
The defensive backs looked as if they spent the morning climbing Squaw Peak before heading to Sun Devil Stadium. By the time the second half rolled around, the Ohio State receivers had more cushion than a pillow-top mattress. Upon further review
Getting greedy got the best of both teams in the first half. Notre Dame went for the jugular right out of the chute, going for it on 4th and 1 from Ohio State's 6-yard line late in the first quarter after recovering an Ohio State fumble. But the emotional pendulum swung right back in the Buckeyes' favor when Hawk sacked Brady Quinn.
Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith's desire to create a big play cost him in the second quarter when he attempted an option pitch inside the Notre Dame 10. The ball bounced around and ended up in the arms of Notre Dame's Ambrose Wooden. Early on in a big game, sometimes less is more. Get it done
There has been talk between Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White and Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith about signing a home-and-home contract between the two storied programs some time after 2010.
For two of the winningest programs in the game, separated by less than 250 miles, to play only five times since 1930 is a shame. When they played September games in 1995 and 1996, it was the early season talk of both campuses, starting about the time spring practice ended. That should happen more than twice every 30 years or so. Respect your elders
In the post-game ceremonies and in the interview room, Ginn showed a lot of respect for the seniors. Before the on-field ceremony, Ginn stood at the top of the steps and did not let anyone onto the platform except those who had played their final game - well, anyone other than himself. Record book
The attendance of 76,196 was the largest non-championship game crowd in Fiesta Bowl history, and the fourth largest overall.
• The 85-yard TD pass from Troy Smith to Santonio Holmes surpassed the previous record of 79 yards shared by Joey Harrington and Samie Parker of Oregon (2002) and Tee Martin and Peerless Price of Tennessee (1999).
• Ginn (167) and Holmes (124) are the third pair of teammates with more than 100 receiving yards, joining Florida's Chris Doering (123) and Ike Hilliard (100) from 1996 and Ohio State's Doug Donley (112) and Gary Williams (112) in 1980. [/FONT]
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sandgk
Watson, Crick & A Twist
The one thing I do not wish to hear re-stated by any ND fan is the claim that Weis makes in the article about the Gonzalez drop / (or per Weis - fumble) Zibo return for TD.
Fact is this was not the difference making play he claims. Why? Because even had the officials granted Gonzo the reception - and thus interpreted the play as resulting in a fumble there is still the matter of the yellow laundry during the run-back. Yes, Zibo ran it back, but the TD would have been called back on a penalty anyway.
The best ND could hope for was possession and the opportunity to face a Buckeye defense that was becoming increasingly rabid and free-wheeling. Weis' protestations nothwithstanding this was NOT the robbery he implies. End of story.
Fact is this was not the difference making play he claims. Why? Because even had the officials granted Gonzo the reception - and thus interpreted the play as resulting in a fumble there is still the matter of the yellow laundry during the run-back. Yes, Zibo ran it back, but the TD would have been called back on a penalty anyway.
The best ND could hope for was possession and the opportunity to face a Buckeye defense that was becoming increasingly rabid and free-wheeling. Weis' protestations nothwithstanding this was NOT the robbery he implies. End of story.
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If CFB used the NFL interpretation of a reception, I think the ruling probably would have wound up being that Gonzo caught the ball, fumbled, then recovered his own fumble and was down by contact.
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Man, people here at work are just gushing about Troy Smith and A.J. Hawk...even folks that don't care for Ohio State at all are saying that Smith should definitely be a Heisman finalist for next season, and are asking "How in the hell did Hawk not get the Butkus?". Great day to be at work... 
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Man, people here at work are just gushing about Troy Smith and A.J. Hawk...even folks that don't care for Ohio State at all are saying that Smith should definitely be a Heisman finalist for next season, and are asking "How in the hell did Hawk not get the Butkus?". Great day to be at work...
Do your co-workers follow all sorts of teams since most are from all over the country or do they follow the Rainbow Warriors?
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I don't know. It didn't look like he ever had it to me. That's probably the first time in his life that he was hoping a catch would be overturned. I wonder if Weis will change his opinion about that ruling after watching the film?
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ntd
Hall of Fame
I doubt it would have been a catch in the NFL either...don't you need to make a "Football move" or some other vague non-sense after exhibiting posession?
I still swear that I heard a whistle blow him down anyway, but I just might be insane since no one else has mentioned it :osu:
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Over half the folks here are active duty military, and the rest are a mix on local civilians and contractors. Most military and contractors root for teams from their home area (got a Michigan fan, Penn State fan, Tennessee fan, Oklahoma fan, etc.). Most of the civilians we have are older and don't care much about football.
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buckeyeboy
Still fortitudinous
Great point. Weis has absolutely nothing to argue about. The ruling had to be one of two things: an incomplete pass or a complete pass (in which case Gonzo recovered it). Does anyone have any information on what Weis said after the game about the play? I find it interesting that he complained about the call and kept voicing the threat that the refs better have gotten it right, yet there is no information regarding his comments on the play after the game once he's had a chance to review the tape and see that it wasn't a catch. Looks like once again Weis can't be a man by stepping up and admitting that he was wrong.
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