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NFL Draft: The 2012 Pro Football Draft Report-Teaser! The Top Ten Offensive Guards 0

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Dr.Football

By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Exec. Editor-Football Reporters Online

Grade: A-

This is probably the strongest class of offensive linemen overall in a few years, and no one sub-group shows that level of talent more then the guards in this draft class.

Mr. DeCastro is possibly the most complete player in the group, and could probably play any position on the line except left tackle.  He is also the one of the few players that fits both a man on man and a zone-type blocking scheme, which is a huge plus for the team drafting him. He might be the second lineman off the boards on draft day 1. Some of the “glossy” publications like to rank Guards and Centers together, but we prefer to rate them in separate sections as they are different positions.

 

1)   David DeCastro-Stanford (Jr.) 6’5.0”-312lbs. 40-5.22  Bench-34 reps-Gr. 6.5

A dominating, punishing run blocker, as well as a very good pass protection blocker. Also pulls and traps very well. Highly mobile for his size, but could stand to add a little bit of lower body strength. Can be a success in any scheme. Will also block down field as much as 8 yards off the line, while successfully engaging targets. Rarely gets beat in pass coverage assignments. Would be even better if he gained 7 or 8 pounds, but could stay where he is and remain effective. We’d be surprised if he fell past the middle of the 1st round.

 

2)   Cordy Glenn-Georgia 6’ 5.5”-346 lbs. 40-5.15(comb.) Bench-31 reps-Gr. 6.4

Cordy played mostly tackle for the Bulldogs, but will move to guard at the next level. Needs to drop some weight to increase his foot speed, but extremely physically strong and sound technically as a lineman. Has exceptionally long arms and big hands, and is strong at the point of attack. Very strong lower body as well, but could play “meaner” at times, and should keep his arms up more often. Could get tired early at times when double teamed by defensive players. We are looking forward to seeing Mr. Glenn at the next level.

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2011 NFL Draft-A closer look at 3 small school prospects 0

Posted on April 30, 2011 by admin

A close up of 3 Small School Prospects-By Matt Elder-Special Contributor-Football Reporters Online

Matt takes a closer look at three prospects for this draft from smaller schools.

Every year scouts from all over the country fly into places like Columbus, South Bend, and Athens. They come looking for the next big thing, the next sure fire prospect, and the guy who’s going to take their team to that next level. However every year players emerge that are not from places like Madison, Tuscaloosa, or Eugene instead these players come from places like Hampton, Charleston, and Hillsdale. Every year players come from the lower levels of college football and leave draft fans asking “Who?” on draft weekend. This article is going to over three players who are looking to be the next small school prospect to leave their mark on the NFL. We’ll look at one prospect who will get drafted, one who should get drafted, and one who deserves to get drafted.

Who Will Get His Shot…

DT Kendrick Ellis-

A dancing bear out on the field, Ellis’s combination of size and athleticism is frankly frightening to opposing offenses. Coming from a very tradition rich Hampton program, Ellis has seen his stock sky rocket since his year ended in November. Ellis has a terrific first step as he explodes across the line of scrimmage and often catches the opposing offensive lineman off guard and gets the immediate advantage. He plays with very good leverage, and knows how to get low and explode out of his stance. He is incredibly strong coming out of his stance often being able to overpower players at the point of attack. I would like to see Ellis work hard on the fundamentals. He needs to stay low throughout the play, Ellis has a tendency to get high after initial contact and this can cause him to lose leverage battles. It has gone unnoticed by many due to his level of competition, because of how strong Ellis is he has been able to blow through most of the interior lineman he faced regardless of his technique, so he has never had a need to perfect that. There are questions about Ellis’s character and work ethic after his dismissal from South Carolina. Ellis was initially suspended for part of 2008 for an undisclosed violation of team rules over the summer, and right before SEC media day Ellis was dismissed from the team for yet another violation. What caused the violation has never been disclosed but one has to assume that this has to be more than simply missing a curfew or being late to a team meeting. That being said seeing how far Ellis has risen on most boards is a sign that he must be answering questions surrounding his dismissal the right way and convincing people that he is worth the risk that comes along with taking players with character concerns.

Combine Results:

6’4, 346 lbs., 35” Arms, 10.5” Hands, 5.28 40, 26 Bench Press Reps (225 lbs.)

Stats:

2010-94 Tackles, 15 TFL’s, 2 Sacks, 2 FF, and 5 QB Hurries

2009-51 Tackles, 15 TFL’s, 1.5 Sacks, 1 FF, and 2 QB Hurries

Who Should Get His Shot…

CB Cortez Allen

The Citadel is known as a military college with a renowned Corps of Cadets program. Not much is made of or even thought of about their football team…until this year. This year everybody is buzzing about the tall and athletic CB in Cortez Allen. He is the type of prospect that scouts drool over and that can drive a coach to pull their hair out. The issue with Allen has always been his inconsistent technique and playmaking ability. He seems to lack the instincts you want in a lock down CB despite his measurables. His 5 career INT’s over 41 games played give people plenty to wonder about. However keep in mind that Allen was unquestionably the top player at Citadel and was purposely avoided by some teams in an effort to minimize his impact on the game. However when he was thrown at he didn’t always show the skills needed to go after the ball and make a play on it. This is concerning because when watching him on tape you fall in love with everything he does prior to the pass getting there. He has the speed to stay with almost all of the WR’s he will be matched up against, he showed the hip fluidity to transition from his backpedal to his sprint with little loss of momentum, and he did a great job of understanding his zone coverage responsibilities. The questions surrounding Allen are all about can you get him to take that next step in his development and go from good cover corner to a true lock down man to man cover corner? If he can do that, somebody is going to have a late round steal on their hands in a relatively weak DB class.

Combine Results:

6’1, 197 lbs, 32” Arms, 8.5” Hands, 4.51 40, 4.01 Shuttle, 6.76 3 Cone, 35” Vertical, 10’09” Broad

Stats:

2010-22 Tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INT’s, 5 PBU’s, 1 TD

2009-57 Tackles, 3 INT’s, 5 PBU’s, 1 TD

Who Deserves His Shot…

WR Andre Holmes-Hillsdale

Never heard of him? Doesn’t worry neither have many other people who are just now reading his name for the first time. Let me tell you why you’ll want to know his name as we draw closer to the 2011 NFL Draft. Holmes hails from DII Hillsdale College which plays in the powerful GLIAC conference which is one of the stronger football conferences in DII. He has put up back to back 1,000 yard receiving seasons and really became a more consistent big play receiver in 2010. The 6’4 WR has made a habit of towering over most CB’s and that was also the case at this year’s NFLPA Texas v. The Nation game where he showed off good body control, and a willingness to fight through tackles and pick up extra YAC yards. The athleticism that Holmes showed off during the NFLPA game is reinforced by the fact that he was the 2010 Triple Jump Champion from the GLIAC conference. Holmes had questions remaining about his overall speed and ability to possibly separate at the next level as he headed to Indianapolis for this year’s combine. At the combine he proceeded to answer those questions laying down an impressive 4.53 40 yard dash to go along with an even more impressive 6.69 3 cone drill which shows off his quickness and ability to change directions. Moving up a level Holmes needs to show more explosiveness off the line. He’s going to face more consistent and effective jams in the NFL in an effort to neutralize his down the field size advantage. He needs to show more urgency in trying to get into his routes and must learn to fire off the line to try and beat the jam. Should be an effective red zone weapon early on in his career but I think he has Marques Colston type potential as a big WR who if he learns to be just a little more physical could become dominant in time.

Combine Results:

6’4, 210lbs., 34” Arms, 8.5” Hands, 4.53 40, 4.31 Shuttle, 6.69 3 Cone 35” Vertical, 10’10” Broad

Stats:

2010-104 Receptions, 1,368 Yards, 11 TD’s

2009-77 Receptions, 1,076 Yards, 6 TD’s

*this piece is even more timely now thta Mr. Ellis is a member of the NY Jets-The Eds*

 

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2011 NFL Draft: Top 30 Centers Ranked 0

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Dr. Bill Chachkes

(this is the 10th Installment of the “Pro Draft Report” presented by Football Reporters

Top 30 Centers of the 2011 NFL Draft

By Rafael Garcia

Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region-Football Reporters Online

1. Stefen Wisniewski C Penn State 6’3″ 313 lbs. 40 Time: 5.26 Bench @225- 30x  Sr.

Wisniewski is very smart on and off the field. He excels in the classroom as well and teaches 10th grade English. He is the first Nittany Lion to start as a true freshman since 1999. He played guard his first two seasons and switched to center in his junior year. He is very sound fundamentally and knows how to use his body. He has NFL blood in him as his father and uncle both played on Sunday’s before him. A very good interior lineman with good footwork. He will need to bulk up if he wants to play guard at the next level. He does not have that quickness or first step off the ball and he has to learn to use his hands better. He is also not the most athletic player on the field. He loves to do the work and could do very well in a zone blocking scheme. Loves to drive a player back with his leg strength to open holes for his backs. Very good at pulling in front of his backs too. He will become a great leader and expect him to play for many years in the NFL. Projected Round: 2

 

2. Rodney Hudson C Florida St. 6’2″ 299 lbs. 40 Time: 5.27

Bench @225- 27x Sr.

Hudson has been an All-American an won the Jacob’s Blocking Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the ACC. He allowed only 1.5 sacks this year to go with just one penalty. Those are staggering numbers matched by no one in the conference. In the running game his blocking will need work because of his size. He is very quick off the snap and uses his size and leverage to make some big hits at times. Uses his hands to wrap and tackle blocker very effectively. Has very good technique when it comes to sealing off defender. Very good at the trap block using the defenders push to get to him and knock him to the ground. Is very quick to get to the point of contact and and get downfield to the second level.Has a tendency to bend too much and lose some balance in the process. He is undersized and could become a hidden gem at center in the future. His tendency to lunge cause him to miss badly on some tackles. He will have to bulk up to be able to sustain the punishment of the NFL. Projected Round: 2

 

 

3. Kristofer O’Dowd C USC 6’5″ 300 lbs. 40 Time: 5.20

Bench @225- 31x Sr.

O’Dowd is a very polished and experienced player. He is a very good run blocker that keeps his ground. He has above average leverage and is very good in pass protection. He is athletic and agile enough to get down the line of scrimmage. Has good size and is technically sound at his position. Gets off the ball quick and can get to the second level. He has battled knee and shoulder injuries during his collegiate career. Needs to improve his hand placement and learn to drive defenders off the line. He needs to improve his field vision as he has trouble locating quick pass rushers. Overall, he is very intelligent with great instincts and awareness. He has great work ethic and has played plenty of games against the best opposition in the land. He needs to become more physical and bulk up for the next level. His durability will be questioned. Projected Round: 4

 

4. Alex Linnenkohl C Oregon St. 6’2″ 303 lbs. 40 Time: 5.36

Bench @225- 24x Sr.

Linnenkohl may lack the height for his position, but that allows him to play with great leverage at the line. He is very good at getting around his blocks and getting to the next level. Shows agility in the pass game and possess decent athleticism. He is very quick off the line and uses his hands very well. Above average foot work, range and flexibility. Does not have the needed upper body strength. He shows that he has a good football mind and loves to hit defenders. He has a tendency to be overpowered by more physical defenders. His lack of power will make it hard to stick with his block for the whole play. He excels on the pull and pivot when trying to get his block. Looks to make an NFL roster in the future, probably in a zone-blocking scheme. Since he probably won’t get any taller he will have to add a lot of bulk to sustain an NFL career.

Projected Round: 5

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2011 NFL Draft Fullback Rankings 0

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Ralph Garica

(this is the 8th Installment of the “Pro Draft Report” Presented By Football Reporters Online)

By Rafael Garcia

Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region

Football Reporters Online

 

1. Stanley Havili FB USC 6’0″ 227 lbs. 40 Time: 4.64 Sr.

Havili is not your hard runner but can be very effective. He shows some patience and follows his blockers. He is quick and can make the cuts necessary. Has balance and power to get between the tackles. When he gets to the edge he can get you yards. He has good field vision and has the knack of making the tackler miss. Good in the open field with the ability to make the sharp cut to avoid a tackler. He can also do some blocking in the passing game. He picks up the blitzing player and plays strong. He will not blow you away with his power overall but will hold on to the ball. Has good hands out of the backfield and will run good routes. Needs to work on his open field blocking and decision making. Gets hurt now and then but often plays through the pain. Can improve on his straight burst to through the line after the snap. Takes to lunging too much at times  which is a reason he does not hold his block as long as he should. Projected Round: 2

 

2. Charles Clay FB Tulsa 6’3″ 245 lbs. 40 Time: 4.69 Sr.

Clay is strong and the type of back that will drag his tackler and still get the yards needed. He is versatile and has played the H-back spot. He works well using his head fakes and some jukes. Can block one man at a time not more than that. Uses his arms well too. Has a good base and will protect his quarterback. Will work in an offense where the quarterback likes to use his FB often. Has played special teams which will be a requirement on the next level. Has tendency to run too high and give defenders too much to hit. Needs to have better field vision and awareness. Needs to become a better route runner and not take so long to get open. Does not put ball on outside hand like he should when carrying the ball. He must work on sustaining his block longer when getting to the second level. Has a tendency to get injured and be inconsistent. Projected Round: 3

 

3. Owen Marecic FB Stanford 6’0″ 246 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80

Marecic is a big strong guy. Loves to hit and be hit hard. Has very good technique and a fair football IQ. He is effective in pass rush blocking and has good knee bend. Can catch the ball out of the backfield with his good hands. Get the yards after the catch and can pop a would be tackler good. Will work out good in short yardage situations. Very competitive player that will earn the respect of his peers in the future. Does not possess the speed and quickness needed to sustain himself game in and game out. needs to work on run blocking skills and he won’t blow you away carrying the ball. He needs to work on his field vision, awareness and reading the defense. He will be a project at best and may get a better look if he were to try his hand at linebacker. Projected Round: 4

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2011 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings 0

Posted on April 19, 2011 by admin

(This is the 7th Installment of the “Pro Draft Report” present by Football Reporters Online)

By Dan Benton-CEO Giants 101.com

1. Kyle Rudolph-TE-6’6-259 lbs.-Notre Dame-Cincinnati, OH-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 1st Round

Rudolph gets off the line exceptionally well for his size and has shown great hands. He’s known to be a great teammate, and has all of the intangibles. He will need to work on his route running as he tends to round out patterns. He also doesn’t break as many tackles as he should for his size, and runs a little too upright. He’s likely to be a mid-to-late first round selection, and could potentially become one of the better all-around tight end’s in the NFL in a short amount of time.

 

2. Luke Stocker-TE-6’5-258 lbs.-Tennessee-Berea, KY-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.68; Cone – 7.03) Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Stocker has tremendous hands, and can adjust well to poorly thrown balls thanks in large part to good body control. He runs north-south when he has the ball, and lowers his shoulder upon impact. His size makes him difficult to bring down. He does tend to stop and turn to catch passes, as opposed to hauling them in on the move. Stops momentum. Could be a solid run blocker if he were to hit the gym, but will enter the NFL as a bit of a project in that area. His route running could also use some improvement.

 

3. Lance Kendricks-TE-6’3-243 lbs.-Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.65; Cone – 6.94) Draft Projection: 3rd Round

Kendricks is a unique blend of speed and size. He’s very athletic, has solid hands and makes good adjustments to the ball in the air. His route running is quite crisp, although he could become a bit more consistent. He is a good blocker, but lacks the frame to be dominant at the next level. He struggles to make defenders miss in the open field. He’s a bit of a work in progress, but could potentially be a starting NFL tight end in a couple of years.

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To Combine or not to Combine….? 0

Posted on March 02, 2011 by Ralph Garica

How much weight should we really put on the numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine?

 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28:  Defensive lin...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

 

By Rafael Garcia-Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region-Football Reporters Online

March 2nd, 2011

 

The combine has become more than just a way to gauge the potential and future of college football players hoping to hit it big at the next level. In the old days it was known as the NIC (National Invitational Camp). It all started in 1982 as a way to get the medical information needed on the top college football prospects. The first camp had a total of 163 players in all. By 1985 every team in the NFL participated and shared the medical expenses of any player invited that was draft eligible. It was held in places like New Orleans (1984 and 1986) and Arizona in 1985. In 1987 it was moved to Indianapolis where it is still held to this day.

 

Even though the medical part of the event is still important, the skills test have taken over as the showcase of the combine. Players now participate in various test of their football mind and skills as well as interviews to see where a players’ head is at as far as handling the NFL is concerned. The numbers that these players get are being used as a measuring stick that will help determine their draft stock. Some elite college players will not even attend the event for one reason or another. The numbers have proven some players were deserving of the attention. For others, it was a place they may not re-visit if they had another chance. Their numbers showed they did not measure up, but their NFL careers told a different story.

 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28:  Defensive lin...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

These days it is so important to know what a player does in the 40-yard dash. It is the main event of the combine. It shows the speed and explosion a player has. My problem is the number of players that did not measure up that turned out to be some of the best that have played the game. Many have shown, that even though they did not posses the so-called speed, they excelled by becoming masters of their craft. They excelled at route running and getting to the ball better than their defender. They used smarts and homework to get the advantage when they did not have the speed.

 

The bench press is used to see how many reps a player can do at a certain weight. It shows that the player has been in the gym for his collegiate career. One of the problems I have with that is when I see a small guy pop another player when they could not lift as much weight, or could not do it as many times. Again, some of these players made themselves great on using the strength they had at the most opportune times. You may be able to press weight, but what good is it if you cannot properly knock down the player in front of you.

 

The vertical jump is one that has always perplexed me. Sure, I want to know if a payer has lower body power and can explode off the jump. It is good to know that my linebacker can get up high enough to pick off that critical pass that was thrown too high. When it comes to linemen I have a hard time getting excited because the team needs a lineman that can cover ground on the ground. A vertical leap means nothing to me during live play when the defender is not taking the customary flat-footed stance. He must be ready to move at the snap of the ball.

 

The broad jump is one I can relate to a little more. It test the balance of a player and that is very important. A player must have great balance to be successful in the league. This is a great test of a players explosion off the ball as well.

 

The 3 cone drill is one that tests the players ability to change directions at a high rate of speed. It shows how good a receiver can run a route and then change it on a dime. This is very important in the development of a defensive back and a linebacker for me. The passing offenses of today demand that you have great cover guys at both positions. It will test the ability of the defender or the receiver to come back on the ball when necessary. It also helps to show where the player is at as far as his footwork in the open field is concerned.

 

Lastly, we have the shuttle run, also known as the 5-10-5. This will test the athlete’s ability to run short routes in short spaces. It is where a player learns the art of the pivot to its perfection. I like the basics of this drill because it has made a way for many players that would not excel in the long game. Think of Wes Welker as shuttle runner.

 

Then we have the question and answer test where questions of no meaning are asked. It is a showcase where a players stock can be hurt by a bad showing. Then some time later that player makes all the plays in the NFL and his combine numbers are all but forgotten. On top of that, a player then has a pro day where he can make up for all of his shortcoming at the combine. For me that makes the time at the combine a waste of time. Just because a player is fast doesn’t mean he is NFL ready. Maybe he can lifts all kinds of weight, but that does not mean he will be an impact on the field.

 

The NFL combine used to be attended by a handful of reporters and scouts depending on the talent. These days the combine is another tool the NFL uses to make more money with all the hype they give it. In this day and time it is full of reporters from all walks of life. Media is a frenzy at this event and a player is under a microscope at all times. I do like the fact that the combine does give one the opportunity to see and talk to the player up close. It gives scouts and coaches the chance to see how the player adapts to an NFL type of atmosphere.

 

All in all the combine has become more like a showcase of stars that have not earned a penny yet. It has gotten a bit too big for itself but never too big for the NFL. We will watch again this year to see what the Cam Newton‘s and Nick Fairley‘s will do. In the end, each player will make his own mark on the field of play. There you will find no cones or media. You will not be dressed in shorts with nobody coming at you. On the field of play is where you make your name. You may not have been invited to the combine or maybe you had a bad showing. When it is all said and done, just do your homework and master your trade. At the end of your career you will have made your mark and it won’t ever matter about no “stinkin” combine.

(Editor’s Note: While we agree with much of what “Don Rafael” says here, the system isn’t going to change unless those on the Inside-NFL coaches and Execs. change it. We’d love to see a few more drills that test “real world” football skills, besides the “w” and the receivers’ “Hands” drills…And the “40″ means nothing for Linemen….)

 

 

 

 

 

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SEC Bowl Season Part 1-A look at how the SEC has fared in bowl games thus far 1

Posted on January 05, 2010 by admin

SEC Bowl Season Part 1-A look at how the SEC has fared in bowl games thus far

By Rafael Garcia

Sr. Contributing Writer Football Reporters Online

Southeast Region

Music City Bowl

Clemson 21 Kentucky 13

It was another cold day in Nashville and the fans not only represented the teams playing, they also wore jerseys of their favorite college teams. It was definitely a college type atmosphere with the face paint and the bands playing loudly. Clemson came in with the ACC player of the year in C.J. Spiller and he did not disappoint. He had 15 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. He also had three catches for 58 yards as well as his usual return yards. In all he had 172 all-purpose yards and became the first player in the ACC to have 1,00 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in the same year.  Even though the stats will show that Kentucky had the advantage it was Clemson that made the most of its opportunities. They were able to keep the Wildcats from scoring holding them to 6-16 on third downs. Kentucky quarterback Morgan Newton was only 13-23 for 98 yards but had a chance for a big play. With 5:39 left in the fourth Kentucky went for it on fourth and eight but Newton could manage just seven of those yards and Clemson began to celebrate. After the game Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks said he was 80% sure he would retire. Well I am not exactly sure what that means but he was trying to get his fourth straight bowl win and fell short. As for Spiller, well he will now move on to the next level and see if he can be as productive there as he has been in his career at Clemson. The Tigers end the season 9-5 and won their first bowl game in four years. Kentucky was in it but could not capitalize and will see where the program goes now if Joker Phillips takes over soon. They finished 7-6, which is probably a game worse than they should have but give them credit as an SEC representative.

Independence Bowl

Georgia 44 Texas A&M 20

It has not been the type of season that Georgia would have hoped for so they came into this one hungry. What they got was bailed out by their excellent special teams play that lead to 24 points. They were able to block two kicks and got a spectacular 81-yard kickoff return from Brandon Boykin. Quarterback Joe Cox went 15-28 for 158 yards and two touchdowns and a pick. The running game was effective as they got 208 yards and two touchdowns. On the downside they gave up 471 total yards to the Aggies with QB Jerrod Johnson accounting for 362 on 29-58 passing. He did have two touchdowns but threw two picks that helped the Bulldogs in the third. It was a spectacular defensive effort by the Dawgz considering they had fired their defensive coordinator and two others on that side of the ball. Then in the second half the offense showed up and out scored A&M 30-13 for the winning margin. Head coach Mark Richt will end his season with a little satisfaction after this one. It could have been so much worse but players like Caleb King (16-60 and two scores) and the special teams would not let them give in on this day. The season ends at 8-5 for a team that had hoped to compete for the SEC crown. It won’t get any easier next year but that is football in this conference.

Chick-fil-A Bowl

Virginia Tech 37 Tennessee 14

It has been a crazy season for the Volunteers. First, they lose they long time coach Phillip Fulmer and watch Lane Kiffin take over and take on all comers. He has opened his mouth when some said he shouldn’t have and has stirred up feeling among coaches in the SEC. There have been violations and drama in Knoxville. So it came down to this game against the Hokies to see if they could end it on a good note. What they could not do was run the football at all. They had a total of five yards on the ground and 240 total yards. Quarterback Jonathan Crompton made some key errors when he was picked to set up a touchdown and then fumbled late to set up another. The offense was on the field for just 26 minutes and could never get any momentum. Meanwhile, the Hokies were getting another big game from their freshman sensation runner Ryan Williams (25-117 and two touchdown runs). He finished the year with 1,655 yards to become Tech’s single-season leader, and his 21 rushing touchdowns and 22 total set the ACC mark. Tech had a balanced offense all day getting 229 yards on the ground and 209 through the air. They also outscored the Vols 20-0 in the second half when the Tennessee seamed to have lost interest. It was the first time Tech has won back-to-back bowls in school history.

Sugar Bowl

Florida 51 Cincinnati 24

It has been one of the best four-year runs in college football history and AT&Tebow left his best for last. If anyone wondered if the Gators would come to play Tebow answered them soundly. He threw for a career-high and a BCS record 482 yards on 31-35 passing. He had three touchdown passes and added 52 yards rushing. In all he had a whopping 533 of offense and coach Urban Meyer was sent off with a win in what may be his last game. Cincinnati was looking forward to playing this game to show it could hang with and SEC team and to win it after losing their coach to another job. What they found was a defense unlike any other they had faced all year. The Gator defense held Cincy’s offense to 246 total yards and never let them in the game. The loss of Brian Kelly to Notre Dame may have hit them harder than they thought it would. Florida would finish with a Sugar Bowl-record 659 yards and it ended one of the best careers ever witnessed. They are also the first team to win 13 games two straight years in history. Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez were the beneficiaries of Tebow’s great day. Cooper finished with seven catches for 181 yards and a score and Hernandez chipped in with nine grabs for 111 yards and his own touchdown. In the end it was all about Tebow and his will to win. He came in determined to lead his team to victory and rallied his troops all day. At the end it was Tebow and Meyer walking off together after four great years. It will be on to the NFL now for Tim and we will see what decision coach Meyer makes. Whatever happens to the two of them form here on out they have given us some of the best memories in recent college football memory.

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