Gridiron Gazette: Goal Line Stand (Semi-Finals)

Reggie Wayne watches from sideline as Mexico's offense runs out the clock late in the 4th quarter. Wayne and the rest of Golden's offense put up a solid 88 points, but their defense could not contain the Wildcats. The Gryphons still earned a spot in the Miller High Life Beer Bowl, but will players have any motivation against Athol A&M?




Goal Line Stand (Semi-Finals)
Cam Pannalist, Gridiron Gazette



The FBCS is not an exact science, but it gives every worthy team a chance at the championship. Sometimes, the best team doesn't always win, but if that were the case, games would be played on paper, rather than on the field.

In the first round, Golden and Athol ran into two underdogs that refused to lose. Golden had to deal with Mexico, who hadn't scored under 70 points since Week 3. The Gryphons ability to score points ended up being their downfall, however, as Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne destroyed the defense early. By the 3rd quarter, both players hit the bench, and Mexico took advantage. Mexico's LaDanian Tomlinson and Chester Taylor ran up and down the field, and by the time Manning returned, it was too late. The Wildcats had bought their ticket to the next round.

The Athol A&M and Anheuser-Busch game was the exact opposite. As have been all of the Alckys' games this season, a low-scoring, defensive struggle was the theme. AB's Derek Anderson had tunnel vision for Brandon Marshall, while Athol's Jamal Lewis plugged away on the ground. In the end, the Alckys' offense just couldn't keep up, and now find themselves in a consolation bowl game that nobody wants to be part of.

So we're left with four teams: Two have had plenty of time to think about these matchups, and two just came off hard-fought wins and are ready for more. Gillespie State has had the most interesting lineups all year, the most surprising this week as they chose a backfield of Selvin Young and Travis Henry. "It's bullshit," said former starter Maurice Jones-Drew. "One guy has been caught using steroids, the other is 12 years old." Clearly, there's Tension in the Black Diamonds' locker room.

Meanwhile, everything is cheerful in Anheuser-Busch. Their defense held A&M to 45 points, and look to do the same this weekend. RB Adrian Peterson is healthy, and the wide receiver core is finally putting up playoff-worthy numbers. Don't expect much defense from either team, however, as both squads can score at will.

On the other side of the bracket, Mexico has been itching for another shot at #1 Fitchburg Tech. Back in Week 6, the Wildcats' passing game was outstanding, with QB Ben Roethlisberger all 3 receivers scoring at least 10 points, including a 20 point explosion from Marques Colston. Unfortunately, their running game was ineffective, and the Red Raiders won 97-87.

This time around, things could be different. The forecast in Fitchburg is 25 degrees, snow, 30mph winds, and 5-10 inches of snow. The Red Raiders' unstoppable passing game just might be put on the sidelines, but with Joseph Addai and Clinton Portis in the backfield, they'll be just fine. Mexico counters with RBs LaDanian Tomlinson and Aaron Stecker, so don't expect the weather to stop these two teams from putting up huge point totals.

Golden is in Athol for the Miller High Life Beer Bowl, but don't expect either team to show up mentally. Both teams were hot and both teams were upset by lower seeds, but nobody said fantasy football was fair.

And yes its true, the FBCS is not an exact science... but it's a lot more fun.

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Semi-Finals
(1) Fitchburg Tech 105, (5) Mexico 96
(2) Gillespie State 92, (6) Anheuser-Busch 84

Miller High Life Beer Bowl
(4) Golden 82, (3) Athol A&M 78

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League Notes
- Jon Kitna's refusal to participate in practice during Gillespie State's off week may have cost him his job. Instead, 37 year old Jeff Garcia will start under center, proving that one old quarterback is just as good as the next.

- Fitchburg Tech scrimmaged local Mount Wachusett Community College during their bye week. Fans stormed the field and celebrated after the unprecedented 144 point output, until they were told the game did not count.

- Golden University and Athol A&M players were given 10 tickets each for the Miller High Life Beer Bowl. The seats have only been fetching $2 a piece on eBay.