Gridiron Gazette: Goal Line Stand (Week 3)

Twin City Tech is 0-2, QB and 2007 FAC-10 Player of the Year Tom Brady is out for the season, attendance was the lowest in school history last week... how long do the Red Raiders wait before packing it in and begin building for 2009?








Goal Line Stand (Week 3)
Cam Pannalist, Gridiron Gazette



Inactivity is always a problem for teams whether its due to injury, suspension, or just plain craziness. However, rarely have there been so many big names down this early in the season. After a week hiatus, we take a look at some of the missing pieces around the conference:


Twin City Tech - Tom Brady, QB
The most devastating blow of the season came at the hands of the Stardust University defense, who took down TCT's Brady and ended his 2008 season. However, past champions have proven that it doesn't take a big name QB to create a contender, most notably Mexico last season. Not only are the Red Raiders copying the gameplan, they are coping the roster: The team signed 37 year old Kurt Warner this week, who won the FBCS title last season with the Wildcats. Tech currently sits in 10th in the FBCS standings, but there's plenty of season still to go.

University of Mexico - Marques Colston, WR
Speaking of the 'cats, the receiving core that they rode throughout last year's playoffs is banged up and underperforming. The stud trio of Torry Holt, TJ Houshmandzadeh, and Colston have a combined 181 yards and 1 touchdown. Colston's hitchhiker thumb is in a cast for another 3 weeks, and with nobody of relevance to replace him, the Wildcats have been scouring the wire for a replacement.

Bud Heavy University - Reggie Brown, WR
Not only has Reggie Brown been hurt all of this season, the coaching staff haven't even realized it. In both games, Brown has been marched out onto the field in full pads, but because of a pulled hamstring he has lined up for each snap and simply stood there. Teams have been so observant of the injury that they haven't even lined up a DB on the young WR. Eventually, the Bud Heavy staff will pick up on their mistake, but in the meantime they've been playing shorthanded each and every week.

Stardust University - Steve Smith, WR / Jason Witten, TE
The Crazy Horses have not missed WR Steve Smith at all over the first 2 weeks, who was suspended because of a preseason altercation with practice squad QB Jay Kirk. Smith apologized to Kirk, but was still forced to sit while his team went 2-0 en route to the #1 FBCS ranking. Meanwhile, TE Jason Witten suffered a separated shoulder in Week 2 against Golden. The newest SUCH player shouldn't miss any time, but playing through the injury may lead to a lessened role in the Stardust offense.

Golden University - Peyton Manning, QB
The star Gryphon has been on the field all of the regular season, but has obviously been hampered by offseason knee surgery. The 32 year old has 568 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, which is hardly Manningesque. Golden has no backup QB on the roster (RB Larry Johnson is their emergency option) so they need him to step it up and carry the offensive load.

Athol A&M - Willis McGahee, RB
McGahee's sore knee has kept him out of the first 2 games of the season, but A&M still managed 105 points against Twin City Tech last week. The Alckys already have 2 solid RBs in Matt Forte and Jamal Lewis, but getting McGahee back will give the team options, or possibly a trade chip.

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Week 3 Matchups
(1) Stardust over (7) Arizona-Kickery
(4) Gillespie State over (2) Bud Heavy
(3) Rakeville over (12) Busch
(5) Athol A&M over (9) Golden
(10) Twin City Tech over (6) Dublin
(11) Mexico over (8) Weymouth

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Power Rankings
1. Athol A&M (+4)
2. Stardust (+5)
3. Rakeville (+8)
4. Gillespie State (+2)
5. Bud Heavy (+4)
6. Dublin (+2)
7. Golden (-4)
8. Arizona-Kickery (+2)
9. Mexico (-8)
10. Weymouth (+2)
11. Twin City Tech (-9)
12. Busch (-8)

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League Notes
- Arizona-Kickery QB Vince Young reportedly told a team therapist that he's unhappy with the team and has contemplated suicide. Apparently he's really sick of Chris Berman.

- After making it all the way to the FBCS Championship last season, Busch University is 0-2 with a conference-low 91 total points. Students are outraged at the team's poor performance, as well as their new sissy nickname.

- Nick Folk is still the worst kicker in the conference.

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Rakeville Times: The Name Game

Calvin Johnson struts into the endzone for his second touchdown during a big win against defending champs University of Mexico. The Sophomore has solidified himself as an elite receiver in the conference in the first two games of the season.



The Name Game
By Hernandez Firstname, Rakeville Times

It was a game with many titles for the URake Grays. A breakout game for young superstar Calvin Johnson, a shocking upset to the thousands that stood silently at Wildcat Stadium, and a statement game from Rakeville to the rest of the FAC-10. After beating the defending conference champions 68-46, the only thing we know for sure is that Urake is not a fluke.

“I’m not saying we’re going to win the conference championships, but you can’t help but be impressed at the way our young men played today,” said Head Coach Drew Bledsoe. “I’m not sure anybody was looking at our team despite our win last week. Now, you can’t help but notice the talent we’ve assembled here.”

Rakeville took an early lead with a touchdown run by Sophomore Marshawn Lynch. A pair of long scoring receptions by Johns and two field goals by Nick Folk helped stretch the lead while the defense put the Mexico University offense to bed.

“Now that we are winning, the key is to maintain consistency,” said Bledsoe. “It does us no good if a guy runs off three touchdowns in a game, then can’t find the endzone for the next two. It is something JaMarcus Russell needs to learn, and something all our rookies need to learn.”

The Grays next matchup is against Busch University, one of the few teams they were able to beat last season.

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Reno Weekly Rag: Notes From The SUCH

The Crazy Horses put up the highest score of any team in the FAC-10 in week 1, and they did it without star wide out Steve Smith. With Smith out for a second straight week, can the Willie Parker and company keep up their good fortune against a strong Golden team? Fans are toasting to the new captain, hoping that he can lead them to their second FAC-10 Championship in three years.







Notes From The SUCH
By Conor Intabedd; Reno Weekly Rag

Stardust University went through a tough season in 2007. They became the first Las Vegas based team, in any sport, to not make their respective playoffs. Even after a last ditch effort, allowing QB Peyton Manning, TE Jason Witten and RB Willie Parker to tranfer to other schools in order to bring in recruits QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Larry Fitzgerald, and WR Steve Smith, the Horses could not defend their 2006 championship, finishing 8th in the regular season, the lowest seeding ever recorded by a Las Vegas franchise in any sport.

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Captain Status

The SUCH, in an effort to remedy their misfortune from the 2007 season, decided to make things right. They convinced RB Willie Parker to transfer back to Stardust University after he just won another FAC-10 Championship with the University of Mexico, and promised him to make him the team captain if he could perform in Week 1. And perform he did, posting up 3 TD's against Twin City, and leading the SUCH to a Week 1 dominating victory.

"Bo knew Willie had it in him. He's a champion. He was with us in 2006, and after he left Bo last season he went and got himself another ring with Mexico. He knows how to win and that why Bo got him back," commented Asst. AD Bo Jackson.

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QB Issue

When the SUCH drafted Eli Manning in the first round of the 2008 FAC-10 draft, many fans were stunned. Most had assumed when the team traded away QB Peyton Manning, who had led them to a championship in 2006, that the team had faith in QB Ben Roethlisberger to get the job done. When Eli got the start in week 1 over Ben it sure did start some rumblings in Stardust Nation.

"Eli was just too good a player to pass up at that stage of the draft. Ben had a great season last year, but so did Eli. We'll be using them based on the match up we get each week. We like to utilize players' strengths, at any position," school president/Athletic Director Adam Howe told reporters after the draft.

With Roethlisberger at less than 100% going into week 2, Manning is poised to start for the second straight week. He will face off against Golden University this weekend.

Sources close to Roethlisberger have said that the QB would not be too happy if he were named the every day back up to Manning, and may look to facilitate a transfer to another school if the situation were to arise.

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AD Rumor

It has been reported by inside sources, that current Stardust University president, and acting Athletic Director, may pass on the duties of Athletic Director to current Assistant Athletic Director Bo Jackson. Adam Howe, on top of being the school's president, is also the owner of the Las Vegas Doggs (EHCC) and the Las Vegas Lizards (EHBA).

"I pride myself on being so involved in all of my endeavors, but it takes a toll. I think that was proven last season. We'll see how things go moving into 2008. Nothing is set in stone at this point," Howe told reporters after the Week 1 victory, "Bo has always been highly involved in the recruiting process and all on field activities anyway, so it wouldn't be a huge move for us. Bo knows what he's doing."

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FAC-10 Quick Fact

The last two meetings between GS and UM have been decided by less than one point (.47)

Is this the best rivalry in the FAC-10?

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Rakeville Times: A new era begins

URake Sophomore JaMarcus Russell breaks a tackle during a late game drive, leading to a Grays touchdown and victory. In his first FAC-10 start, Russell supplied 180 yards and two touchdowns in the Rakeville win.



A new era begins
By Hernandez Firstname, Rakeville Times

A late game pass to Jerricho Cotchery sealed the deal, but Sophomore JaMarcus Russell led a revamped Rakeville University squad to their first win of the season over Weymouth.

“Russell looked good out there,” said Head Coach Drew Bledsoe in the postgame news conference. “He controlled the offense and didn’t make any mistakes to hurt the team early. Then, when we needed him to step up, JaM took us down the field for two big touchdown passes.”

Early in the game the Grays relied on their running game, with Sophomore Marshawn Lynch and Freshman Kevin Smith crossing the goal line on successive drives. Fellow sophomore Calvin Johnson was Russell’s main target on the day, making seven catches for 107 yards.

“They made it easy for me to make big plays,” said Russell. “The backs would hit them hard short, then Calvin would find a seam downfield and I’d just toss it to him. It’s like the Islanders were still in High School.”

Weymouth proved to be a good warmup as they head down to the University of Mexico next week to face the defending champion Wildcats.

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Rakeville Times: Marino headlines URake's new look

Marshawn Lynch takes a handoff from JaMarcus Russell during Grays training camp Wednesday. What are URake's chances this season now that assistant AD Dan Marino is on duty?




Marino headlines URake's new look
By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

It was a long summer for URake Athletic Director Mike Mizanin and Head Coach Drew Bledsoe. Between recruiting blue-chip freshmen Kevin Smith and Rashard Mendenhall, hiring a new Assistant Athletic Director Dan Marino and retooling the Grays coaching staff, Rakeville University’s brain trust has been busy.

The summer started with a slew of arrivals for Bledsoe’s undermanned coaching staff. After running the team practically by himself last year, he brought in fellow quarterback Scott Zolak to serve as offensive coordinator. The pair worked together to in the NFL and became fast friends and strategic brethren. Bledsoe also hired former Rakeville Rauks stars Isiah Sedberry and Stephan Hamm to head the defense and special teams respectively.

“With Zolak, I have a guy who understands me,” said Bledsoe. “He knows how I think, and what I want from this offense. He’s also a hell of a lot smarter than me, so he knows when things aren’t working he better find a way to fix it. With Sedberry, you have instant respect. This kids know who he is and all he’s accomplished. He brings an intensity that the players really respond to. It also helps that he’s still the biggest guy on the field.”

While Bledsoe was putting big names on the field, Mizanin was doing the same in the front office. In a shocking move, “The Miz” tagged Dan Marino to fill a recently vacated slot in the department. The former Senior Vice President of Football Operations for the Miami Dolphins, Marino was looking to get back into team management and away from the NFL.

“I was looking for a place where I could impact an organization rather than just be a figurehead,” said Marino. “This team and this school has a bright future. It was a place where they respected my experience and professional assessment, and where my celebrity could be used for more than money.”

Bledsoe, with Marino as a new weapon in his arsenal, hit the recruiting trail hard. With the top freshman in the national already signed, he put all his effort into signing Florida native Kevin Smith. The young running back committed to URake in early August, with fellow freshman Mendenhall signing a letter of intent a week later. While both will likely battle for playing time with sophomore Marshawn Lynch, neither seemed turned away by the excessive talent looming at the position.

“No other school can offer the opportunity that Rakeville University offers,” said Smith during training camp. “Here, I have a chance to be a legend. Many programs rely on transfers to get them to the national championship. Coach Bledsoe made it clear that this is our team. Our chance to be great. Rashard and I were drawn to that. Yeah, everyone wants to start. But when you have a school and a team that you trust and love, I’ll happily sit a few games if it means winning the conference.”

That goal may still be years away though. URake enters the season with more questions than answers. Who will be the team’s starting Quarterback? Last year’s starter Matt Leinart lost the job midseason. Yet, despite the lack of available arms, then-Freshman JaMarcus Russell didn’t take a snap. Now both are back with no indication of who is Bledsoe’s favorite.

Also plaguing the Grays is the receiving corps. Deion Branch, named captain last year, was stripped of the title this season after the flanker arrived to camp out-of-shape in the wake of knee surgery. The team’s other two returning receivers, Bernard Berrian and Jerichco Cotchery, were openly upset when Sophomore Calvin Johnson was given the title by Zolak. Now officials may be contemplating a transfer that will send the duo to another school in the conference.

And the biggest question of all, will Bledsoe push his team to win? There’s no denying that URake is still a few years away from being a perennial contender in the FAC-10. Many fans considered last year’s 4-7 performance a success. The Grays should improve this season with the players brought in and the returning underclassmen. Still, it ultimately comes down to Bledsoe and his vision. Will he hold back Mendenhall or Smith like he did Russell last year? Will he turn to walk-ons as soon as he did last season?

There is certainly an air of excitement in Rakeville. New staff and a revamped roster gives the Gray a fighting shot in the hotly contested conference.

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Gridiron Gazette: Goal Line Stand (Week 1)

Everyone expected Darren McFadden to go to the expansion Islanders, but what kind of impact will the rookie running back have in Weymouth?








Goal Line Stand (Week 1)
Cam Pannalist, Gridiron Gazette




Darren McFadden was the most sought-after player this off-season, yet only 1 team really had a shot at him: the Weymouth Islanders, the sole expansion club amongst a plethora of established rosters in the FAC-10. The only way that Weymouth could capitalize on McFadden's skills was to surround itself with young talent.

And Athletic Director Nick Bruce did just that.

The Islanders capitalized on an abundance of youthful running backs, nabbing 21 year old Jonathan Stewart before any other team had a chance at him. Also added to the Weymouth 8-man off-season roster was WR Anthony Gonzalez, projected to reel in just over 80 receptions in 2008.

However, no receiver or running back core is valuable without a quarterback to lead it all. The Islanders nabbed young Aaron Rogers for the future, but also drafted wily veteran Brett Favre to lead them this year. Much has been speculated amongst Weymouth insiders, but most believe that the Favre-Rogers relationship is one of respect and understanding.

"I have no problem keeping this guy's seat warm for a while," said Favre. "As long as the little bastard doesn't touch my stuff."

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SU @ TCT
New name, same dominating roster. Twin City Tech has some of the best players in the league, and will make sure they're in championship form in Week 1 against the 2007 FBCS champ Crazy Horses. TCT dominated the regular season in 2007, but fell short in the playoffs (stud QB Tom Brady and WR Randy Moss were nearly non-existent in the Semi-Final matchup with U-Mex).

The Red Raiders' offense is just too good, and should set a tone in the opening week against a weak SUCH defense.



BHU @ AAM
Athol spent most of the 2007 season with the #1 ranking in the FBCS, only to falter late in the season and ultimately lose in the first round of the playoffs. The new and improved Alchys are built for the future, trading up to draft RB Matt Forte with the #3 overall pick only to have him sit on the bench as the team's #3 back.

The future is bright in Athol, but the present is a bit gloomy. The King should roll along in this Week 1 rivalry match.


DUBA @ BU
Like Twin City Tech, Busch University hopes that a change in name will result in a change of standing. After a FBCS Championship appearance in their first season in the conference, the Lattes' future looks just as bright. Their core roster is returning, and should prove a force in the FAC-10 for years.

Likewise, Dublin has quite the long-term roster. Unfortunately, DUBA's short-term solution involves forcing the ball down RB Brian Westbrook's throat, and as everyone knows, one man cannot carry an entire team. The new and improved Busch U. in a blowout.


WEY @ RAK
The QB situation in Rakeville is very exciting, with two gunslingers on the roster that cannot complete a pass if their life depended on it. JaMarcus Russell spent his rookie campaign as a benchwarmer to whatever quarterback Head Coach Drew Bledsoe fancied at the time. This year, Russell should get most of the snaps, but long-term project Matt Leinart will play the part of Clipboard Holder.

With expansion Weymouth looking to 2009 and beyond, don't expect much of a battle between these two rosters. If Rakeville and Weymouth don't get the two least points scored this week, it'll be a huge surprise.


GS @ UM
When the Mexico Wildcats are presented their 2007 FAC-10 rings, it'll be in front of 62,000 screaming fans, as well as a Gillespie State team that has slowly turned into its rival. The Black Diamonds have finished 3rd in 2 of the last 3 seasons, and its most in thanks to A.D. Brian Gillespie. Gillespie has built one of the best rosters in the league.... just not in the post-season.

Mexico has a huge target on their backs. The 2-time FBCS champions are poised to be knocked off their pedestal, with an aging receiving core and a revolving Quarterback door that is never safe. The Wildcats have yet to keep their end-of-the-season staring QB on their off-season roster, which puts added pressure on this year's slinger, Donovan McNabb. Regardless, Mexico will defend their title in Week 1's biggest blowout.


GU @ UAK
Arizona-Kickery had an atrocious season in 2007, and it's an amazement that the team stuck around for a third year. After finishing 2nd in 2006, A.D. Pat Renaud had high hopes for the Kickers, but the team was knocked out of the playoff race very early and decided to pack up shop before anyone remembered they were still in the league.

For this reason, as well as Golden's strong draft (according to EhSPN.com, the Gryphons had the most productive draft of all 12 teams), Kickery has quite the difficult start to their rebound season. RBs Stephen Jackson and Larry Johnson should put up a combined 300 yards, regardless of who is under center.

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Power Rankings
1. Mexico ( - )
2. Twin City Tech ( - )
3. Golden ( - )
4. Busch ( - )
5. Athol A&M ( - )
6. Gillespie State ( - )
7. Stardust ( - )
8. Dublin ( - )
9. Bud Heady ( - )
10. Arizona-Kickery ( - )
11. Rakeville ( - )
12. Weymouth ( - )

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League Notes
- Aaron Rogers was thrilled to see that his team's Week 1 matchup with Rakeville was on the road, rather than the water-dominated locale of Weymouth. "I've been so busy with training camp," said the Islander QB, "I haven't had time to buy a boat."

- In response to their Keg Bowl loss to Mexico, Anheuser-Busch University decided to shorten their school's official name. According to school officials, student fans are more excited to talk just about Busch.

- Lawrence Maroney had quite the successful off-season, winning on EhBC's "Dancing With Random Fantasy Athletes." Arizona-Kickery A.D. Pat Renaud cut the young RB when he found out about the show, stating that "knickers and Brittany Spears music have nothing to do with winning football games."

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"If you're not first...you're last"

Welcome folks to the 2008 season preview of the Busch University Latte's. The Latte's are geared up and ready to go after an offseason filled with turmoil and disappointment. Most people would consider a trip to the Conference Championship Keg Bowl a successful freshman season for the previously named Anheuser-Busch University. Not so much if you are one of the richest men in the entire world, former owner August A. Busch.

AB University came out firing during their rookie season, starting off with an impressive 6-2 record. However, AB managed to sneak into the playoffs and make it all the way to the promised land, only to disappoint every Budweiser fan in America.

Seconds after the championship was lost, AB University took a sharp left turn onto the long bumpy road that was its offseason. Auggie Busch immediately threw his 24 oz. can of Budweiser Chelada, causing fans around the spilled beer to immediately vomit at the thought of actually having a sip of what can only be described as "the worst idea Budweiser has ever came up with." Auggie screamed "I WANT PERFECTION. THIS IS HORSESHIT. IF YOU'RE NOT FIRST...YOU'RE LAST!" Two weeks later, President of the school and ex-Patriot great Ty Law opened a letter from August A. Busch & Co. revoking all funding of the program and even taking his company's name off of the school itself. GM Dave Celli did the only thing he knew how to do, visit the most famous fanclub that every college student should be a part of...The Busch Light Fan Club. The fan club jumped all over the chance to fund a collegiate football team, with the funds coming from every recycled Busch Light bottle and can in America (and we all know that can amount to A LOT of money). The fan club determined the new nickname of the school to be the Busch University Latte's, sticking it to the former owner.

As for the 2008 season, the Latte's look to be in great shape as many of their young stars are back for their sophomore season. The team has a young core of receivers led by new Captain Braylon Edwards. Dwayne Bowe looks to have a great season (if Brodie "I'm not sure I was cut out for the NFL" Croyle can get him the ball) and Brandon Marshall will look to repeat his impressive rookie season, assuming he stays out of jail. Rookie sensation Adrian Peterson looks to have another great season being the only RB on BU that can actually gain more than 3 yards a carry. And just like an old arcade game being plugged into the wall for the first time in three years, Pacman Jones looks to chomp his way into the starting D and replace the famous former captain Mike Vrabel, that was so ashamed of losing and even more so about having a team named after one of the cheapest beers around left the team for greener pastures...or so he thinks. If Derek Anderson can take some advil and get on the field, or former starter Jay Cutler can get over his cookie addiction...this team might just see two championship games in two years.

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