Monday, September 11, 2023

News and Notes by Rudy Martzke (Sept 7-10)

 

Top information: ACC Network's Chris Cotter points out that the biggest improvement usually happens between Week 1 & 2 because you don't know what area your transfers and new recruits need to improve in until they've had game action.

Top Stat: ACC Network's Chris Cotter points out the last time Louisville lost to a FCS team was in 1986. Meanwhile the last time Murray State beat a FBS team was the same Louisville they're playing today back in 1984.

Top Analysis: ACC Network's Mark Herzlich says one of the reasons Louisville is a pass first offense is because you can get a big play or a quick slant for 3-4 yards, which means it's as effective as focusing on the run.

Top joke: ACC Network's Chris Cotter says commissioner James Phillips is the busiest man in college athletics because he's going to change the ACC from the Atlantic Coast Conference to the All Coasts Conference.

Top reporting: NBC's Melissa Stark shares that rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs idol growing up was Barry Sanders, an idol he was able to meet in training camp that has helped him adjust to the position in the NFL.

Top Analysis: NBC's Cris Collinsworth points out that if you're determined to go for it on 4th Down & 1, then you aren't afraid to try for a big play on 3rd Down rather than a safe run knowing you'll have 2 chances.

Hustle Award: Connor Onion called 3 games in 3 days in 3 different cities: Thurs 9/7 Red Oak/Lake Belton (ESPN2) in Temple, TX; Fri 9/8 Centennial/Bishop Gorman (ESPNU) in Las Vegas; & Sat 9/10 Eastern Michigan/Minnesota (B1G) in Minneapolis.

Top interview: Fox Sports Jenny Taft points out one of the reasons Nebraska is feeling revitalized is that head coach Matt Ruhle met with each of the players individually and asked them what they thought needed to be addressed rather than implementing immediate changes.

Top statement: Fox Sports Joel Klatt told Gus Johnson that styles make fights, and Nebraska's style of running first could cause a lot of fights for a Colorado D that has struggled against the run.

Top call: Fox Sports Gus Johnson, "The kick is up, it's headed straight, right on target, and OW!!!! It's hit the upright! NOOOOO GOOD!"

Top analysis: Fox Sports Joel Klatt points out that Colorado's inability to run today has caused too many 3rd and longs, leading to more punts this week in the 1st Half (4) than last week total (3).

Funniest comment: ESPN's Bob Wischusen, "It's 100 here in Waco, and I'm a wimp. I'm no longer wearing my jacket."

Top quote: ESPN's RG3, "I said tight is right because Tight Ends are a big part of both of these teams offenses. Sometimes they take a while to show though."

Top analysis: ESPN's RG3 states sometimes an option offense like Baylor's is difficult for back-up QB's because they have a hard time learning all of them when their time with the starters is limited.

Top Interview: ESPN's Shane Sparks shares that there's some irony in Kedon Slovis returning to BYU because there's a picture of Slodis (in his rookie year at USC) being sacked by Khyiris Tonga in the BYU football offices.

Oops award: ESPN's Matt Schumacker said BYU was 1/3 on 3rd Down while the graphic showed BYU was 1/2 and it was only their third 3rd Down attempt of the game.

Top information: ESPN's Matt Schumacker shares that Kalani Sitake met with the offense during last week's postgame and shared they shouldn't be disappointed in scoring 14 points. The more important was winning and now having fun.

Top Analysis: ESPN's Brad Hopkins shares that the disadvantage to some trick pass plays is they take so long to develop in the backfield that a lot of defenders downfield have recovered and can prevent the pass attempt.

Oops Award: ESPN's Brad Hopkins said BYU's Keanu Hill was Kedon Slovis' 2nd favorite target a year ago. Slovis was with Pitt. Hill was 2nd in BYU receptions with Jaren Hall.

Top information: ESPN's Matt Schumacker shares that BYU TE Mason Fakahua often practices with Southern Utah in the offseason because he's from Cedar City.

Top comparison: ESPN's Brad Hopkins shares that RB LJ Martin reminds him of a young Eddie George because of his ability to quickly cut back and because of his second gear acceleration.

Top information: ESPN's Matt Schumacker shares that the first thing SUU head coach DeLane Fitzgerald did was hire a strength and conditioning coach because Southern Utah didn't have one on staff.

Top information: ESPN's Brad Hopkins shares that Southern Utah's special teams have been the weakest area of the game: a muffed punt, a missed field goal, and a missed extra point.

Top Information: Raycom, in conjunction with ESPN, is using ESPN graphics for the CW Sports broadcasts.

Funniest comment: CW's James Bates, when talking to commissioner Jim Phillips, "You're looking fancy tonight, dressed for the part. You've even coordinated your tie with team colors."

Top analysis: CW's James Bates shares that the key to containing a QB is to always make sure you let them know you're there through. You don't want it to be too high or too late, but you have to make continual hits.

Top analysis: CW's James Bates, referring to Pitt's RB's, "When you're 6 foot 6 and average 6 (yards per carry), you'll often make them move those sticks."

Top comment: CW's James Bates states that, "Football at night is a football fans delight and brings these fans to their feet."

Top rules explanation: CW's Tom Werme did an excellent job pointing out that in College Football a player can cross the goaline to down the ball at the 1 as long as the plain of the ball doesn't cross the goaline. In the NFL a players position also factors.

Top information: Fox Sports Mark Followill shares that Oregon's Bryce Boettcher is 1 of only 15 duo sports players in the FBS and is the only one in the Pac-12.

Top understatement: Fox Sports Mark Helfrich stated that no DB has ever liked a pass interference call, especially not 2 in 1 drive, because they never think they are in the wrong.

Top stat: Fox Sports Mark Followill shares that Texas Tech set a record last year on 4th Down conversions, going 33/52.

Top information: Fox Sports Mark Helfrich states that Texas Tech's Mason Tharp is a duo threat because his size (6'9") means he usually just needs to stretch forward, but his weight often causes opponents to bounce right off him.

Top clip: Fox Sports showed a clip where both Texas Tech and Oregon talk about the need for speed to win. However Mark Followill then pointed out that the speed they focus on is different because one focuses on player speed while the other focuses on speed from tempo.

Top information: NBC's Noah Eagle shares that Maryland's QB Taulia Tagovailoa is the most experienced QB in the Big Ten and that his familiarity with the system allows big plays to occur more easily.

Top information: NBC's Todd Blackledge shares that while Charlotte had more P5 transfers come to them than any other program, you're still unfamiliar what to expect with them combined. Early on it's proving useful though with Charlotte's 14-0 lead.

Best joke: NBC's Noah Eagle states that the worst thing a game operator can experience is for the head official to call him out by name rather than game operator. You'd hate to have a target on your back.

Top Analysis: NBC's Todd Blackledge states that sometimes on a 4th and short a punt is better than going for it, even if you think it's an easy conversion, because it'll cause the field to be shifted and your opponent to drive much longer.

Top graphics: NBC's Terry McAulay did a great job explaining that the crown of the helmet was not used on a targeting call against Charlotte and explained how they got the call wrong but that they had to go with the original call because they couldn't see a distinct incorrectness in their call.

Top comment: SEC Network's Jordan Rodgers stated Arizona QB Jayden de Laura has a distinct problem of going no-no-no, as in forcing passes that should never be made, and no-no-yes, passes that shouldn't be made ever again but prove to be successful in the moment.

Top Stat: SEC Network's Tom Hart shares that OT Jonah Savaiinaea made 12 starts last year and never made a penalty, but his false start tonight is the sixth offensive penalty against Arizona this game.

SEC Network's Cole Cubelic shares that the extension of the ball by the center allows him to stay low and make more contact when he hits those across the line from him. He states it should be the first step done by every center in college football.

Top analysis: SEC Network's Tom Hart states that as a QB it is very disconcerting when your center snaps the ball and it first hits because you have no site of the ball until it is in your hands if they are down low and center.

Funniest exchange: SEC Network's Tom Hart shared how Jonah Coleman started football because he happened upon a youth team doing pushups in the park. Jordan Rodgers replied, "The same thing happened to you with zumba classes, right? You saw what they were doing and just started?"

Top Interview: SEC Network's Tom Hart shared that Alabama HC Nick Sabin attributes his success over former coaches to the fact that they initially went to schools that weren't very good. Things have changed drastically since they've built up programs.

Top Analysis: ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit said Alabama QB Jalen Milroe has been able to open up the middle because he's been able to step back and avoid tackles to open up the middle under pressure and then complete big plays.

Top quote: ESPN's Chris Fowler: "Neither team (Alabama & Texas) is able to pull away. Alabama's going for 2. Haymakers are being thrown between these two."

Top Call: ESPN's Chris Fowler, "Ewers from the pocket, launching downfield, MITCHELL! TOUCHDOWN TEXAS! Wow! Haymakers keep coming."

Top interview: ESPN's Holly Rowe says Quinn Ewers has been call and has acted as another coach until the most recent touchdown. At that time he came and chest bumped with Vince Young before calling over the offensive line and yelling one more!"

Top analysis: ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit says Quinn Ewers shows a lot more maturity this year because he has stopped reading other peoples analysis and accepted who he is, allowing him to truly grow. With Sark as his coach he's proving unstoppable.

Top analysis: ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit says when you can finally go through all the negativity for a couple of years and bond that you can become a very dangerous veteran team. Chris Fowler followed up pointing that part of being a veteran team is learning both the good and bad together.

Top analysis: ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit points out that Texas is showing great maturity, but now they must learn how to handle prosperity as a team.

Funniest line: Fox Sports Tim Brando, after referring to new reporter Josh Sims NASCAR coverage, "Stanford's had some trouble on turn 4. We'll have to watch and see what happens."

Top tribute: Fox Sports Tim Brando, "These USC quick passes, which are more of a running game extension, date back to Mike Leach's time at USC. It seems everywhere we go they still attribute him. We lost him in the offseason, and yet he still finds a way to be here."

Top information: Fox Sports Tim Brando shares that this is the 100th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and that various celebrations for the milestone will take place all season.

Top analysis: Fox Sports Spencer Tillman shared that timing routes are the hardest thing to cover because you never know when they'll occur, and they usually go for 10-15 yards minimum.

Top information: Fox Sports Petros Papadakis shares that Oklahoma State is determined to use all 3 of their QB's because one of them hasn't emerged as the starter, which will likely result in the game being divided into some sort of thirds.

Top information: Fox Sports Alex Faust shares the worst thing you ever want to see on the Football Field is the medical cart because it means the injury is severe, but it is necessary because of the aircast it contains.

Top stat: Fox Sports Alex Faust shares that if you take away the Deion effect, Arizona State would have the most transfers to the program this season in the Pac-12.

Top information: Fox Sports Petros Papadakis shares that quick passes aren't always made to gain yardage. Instead their goal is to place as much stress on the D as possible by constantly stretching them thin.

Top information: Fox Sports Alex Faust shares that Arizona State has 46 native Arizonans on the roster, up from 29 two seasons ago. One of their goals in doing so is to awaken the Valley to their cause.

Top stat: Fox Sports Petros Papadakis points out that one of the reasons why the transfer rule exists is to give players a chance to compete at different levels. Take ASU's RB Skattebo. He averaged 1400 yds a season at Sacramento State, but his explosiveness shows he should have always been FBS level.

Top call: ESPN's Dave Pasch, "Wow! Tre Harris strikes again. 5 TD's in barely a game plus. Just a minute in. 2 catches in 3 plays."

Top Stat: ESPN's Dave Pasch shares Ole Miss scored a TD in Week 1 51 seconds into the game. In Week 2 it took them less: 48 seconds.

Top info: ESPN's Dusty Dvoracek wonders if Tulane will be able to protect their QB without strong RB Tyjae Spears, last years American player of the year, because Tulane hasn't had someone emerge as lead RB and is instead running RB by committee.

Top information: ESPN's Tom Luginbill shares that protecting the QB isn't as big of a problem for Tulane this season because their offensive line has been beefed up and is stronger than ever.

Top stat: ESPN's Dave Pasch shares that Tulane QB Kai Horton, dating back to high school, is playing for his seventh different coordinator in seven years.

Funniest line: After Pasch shared that Bailey Despanie's nickname within Tulane has changed from slim to buff, Dvoracek retorts, "Gotta love that. He once was slim. Now he's buff. He kind of reminds me of you Dave Pasch."

Top information: ESPN's Dave Pasch shares that Tulane's 2-10 in 2021 was the worst record in the FBS, but it allowed a record setting turnaround as 2022 went 12-2 and beat USC in the Cotton Bowl.

Top call: ESPN's Dave Pasch, "Tulane may have 12 on the field, but Dart doesn't snap it. He's got to recognize that! And now he's hit for the loss. Bad recognition leads to the loss!"

Top Analysis: CBS' Adam Archuleta points out that CJ Stroud's ability to stretch out the play provides Houston with great offensive flexibility, but it's all dependent on whether or not the offensive line can keep up protection.

Top interview: CBS' Spero Dedes says in pregame interviews CJ Stroud had impressed the Texans with 1) the type of QB he is, 2) the type of leader he can be (chosen as a captain), and 3) his ability to extend the play.

Top call: CBS' Adam Archuleta, "The Texans converted 3 straight 3rd Downs to begin developing consistency. The growth to the endzone will come with more time and familiarity."

Type analysis: CBS' Adam Archuleta points out that the Texans ability to put pressure on their QB so far is what's keeping them in the game while also showing their growth.

Top analysis: CBS' Adam Archuleta points out that in Week 1 you never know what type of offense or defense your opponent will come out with, so the focus should always be about taking care of your business.

Top discussion: CBS' Spero Dedes asks what you should do with a rookie QB, less than 2 minutes, and 0 timeouts. Archuleta responded that points would be great, but your biggest concern is 0 turnovers. Don't give Baltimore a free chance.

Top call: CBS' Spero Dedes criticizes Baltimore for being too aggressive inside 2 minutes. "You have to know when to pull up. Instead now you give up the critical roughing the passer call." The penalty eventually led to a FG and a 7-6 Halftime score.

Top graphic: CBS displays the Ravens have 114 yards total offense, but they've given up 82 yards through penalties in the first half.

Funniest exchange: Ian Eagle on CBS after Browns' Sione Takitaki tackles Bengals' Joe Mixon and blocker Alex Cappa losses his helmet, "Alex Cappa lost his cappa as Takitaki made the tackle-tackle." Charles Davis chimes in, "You oughta write kids' books." 

Strongest comment: Charles Davis on CBS, after Browns QB Deshaun Watson scrambles for a first down vs. Bengals, "This is what they have to have from him. He has to play at at least a Pro Bowl level for everything to work in Cleveland." 

Worst Timing: Fox's Daryl Johnston criticized Pittsburgh's decision to go for it on 4th and 3 while using their final timeout because, "if you fail to get it, you give San Francisco the momentum with a 20-0 lead." Pittsburgh proceeded to convert the 4th and then get a TD. 

Top analysis: CBS' Boomer Esiason joked that JJ Watt said he was glad he was with the CBS crew today, and it's easy to see why. Derrick Henry's punishing runs for Tennessee have him on path for another 100 yard game.

Top analysis: CBS' Jason McCourty points out that a lot of the penalties and line woes for both teams exist because most teams no longer play starters in the preseason, meaning all the first game jitters occur in the season opener.

Funniest line: CBS' Chris Lewis jokes that Gene Steratore had more screen time than Jason in his tv analyst debut because there were 3 challenges in the first half of New Orleans/Tennessee. 

Top analysis: CBS' Jason McCourty points out that Ryan Tannehill's interception to begin the third occurred solely because Tannehill focused on one player downfield allowing the D to read the pass and causing him to miss the wide open receiver 15 yards closer.

Top analysis: CBS' Ross Tucker shares that the Titans have given Jack Gibbens the nickname of Dr. Gibby because he has the ability to slice into an offense's line at any time and make the big tackle.

Top Analysis: Fox Sports Jonathan Vilma says Jags coach Doug Pederson outsmarted himself because he forced his offense to back out of the initial play which led to them being stopped short and then failing on 4th Down.

Top Analysis: Fox Sports Jonathan Vilma says the smartest move Isaiah Franklin did was was not downing the player because if he had, then the fumble wouldn't have led to a touchdown. Instead it's a touchdown off the fumble return.

Dynamic call: Fox Sports' Kenny Albert, "It's the hat trick for Buckner plus 1 if the play stands. And here comes the call." (Call stands) "Kudos to Buckner. It's his second career TD, and he gets a forced fumble and a fumble recovery on the same play from different fumbles leading to the score."

Top Analysis: Fox's Mark Schlereth states that Sam Howell's ability to read the field led to the Commanders regaining the lead they just lost. "He watched his offensive line and the defense go right, but they left everything open left. He just needed to waltz in."

Top Analysis: CBS' Matt Ryan, when determining if a conversion has been made, "You can usually tell the position of the ball by looking at the officials foot. They haven't moved that position. This could go either way. Depends on which foot they use. It'll all come down to where they mark it."

Top Analysis: CBS' Matt Ryan says the amount of contact between players determines if a flag should be thrown or not. "Every play has some contact, but there were about 9 different times there. To me that's too much. He should be arguing for a flag." Tiki Barber then agreed. "To me it's a surprise no call since he took him to the ground." 

Top interview: CBS' Andrew Catalon shares that Tampa's offensive approach this season has shifted more to a pass-run attack rather than pass first. "The move is only going to help the Bucs D. Last year they passed so often, the defense was gassed in the fourth. Today they look fresh, and it's allowed the Bucs to take the lead in Minnesota." 

Top preview: Fox's Chris Myers, " I think this division (NFC South) is loaded by defense, Onyemata just showed why. He's forced a hurried pass, and the Falcons have looked completely overmatched. "

Top Stat: Fox's Chris Myers shared that the Falcons had a league low forced turnovers in 2022 (17). In today's season opener they've forced 3, all of which have led to points. 

Top Analysis: Fox's Chris Myers shares that this game looked fairly even and even had both teams get pinned inside the 1. "However it was the Panthers failure to move that gave Atlanta a short field and boosted the lead to 2 touchdowns. That's been all the difference." 

Top analysis: Fox's Mark Schlereth, "Today's Commanders are using the shell technique. This allows them to always screw their hits with hands from the side in and knock the ball away. That's made all the difference."

Top quote: Fox's Adam Amin, on the Commanders activity, "Doesn't it fill like they're ready to unleash the fans? They're desperate for anything positive, and these fans are ready to hope for new beginnings." 

Funniest exchange: After CBS' Evan Washburn gives a weather update in rainy Cleveland, he says, "Like most of us right now, I'm wearing a hat." Ian Eagle responds, "Whoa, whoa! Headline buried!"

Worst Timing Award: Fox Sports Jonathan Vilma notes on 1st and Goal that Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson can only take hits so many hits. Next play, Richardson injured himself and Gardner Minshew comes in to replace him. 

Top insight: After Erin Andrews shares that Green Bay was going to focus on developing the running game in the second half, Fox's Greg Olsen stated, "We should get a heavy dose of Aaron Jones then." 4 of the next 5 plays went to Jones, and then on 3rd and Goal he was brought back on for the rushing TD.

Top information: Fox Sports Greg Olsen says the top issue for Justin Fields has been his tendency to fumble the ball. Burkhardt retorted, "You're correct. Last year he had 16, even though he only lost 2. It's very indicative of a prone fumbling problem."

Top information: CBS' Tony Romo shares, "How about Belichick, going the special teams route with a punter and kicker." Jim Nantz retorts, "It's a historical moment. The last time it happened for the same team in the same draft was the 2000 Raiders."

Top insight: CBS' Tony Romo shares, "Franchise quarterbacks. They may be the star of the game, but that's because they are reliable and produce the plays you need in the difficult situations."

CBS' Jay Feely asked James Lofton why the game changed from a 3-step game to a 2-step game and then 1-step when it comes to defender hits to the QB. Lofton's answer, "That all comes down to Tom Brady. Brady's injury made the league shift to protecting their stars and led to many of the changes we have today."

Biggest understatement: CBS' Tom McCarthy, "The Raiders signed Jakobi Myers in the offseason to be opposite Devante Adams, but today he's been the star. He leads the team in receptions and has 2 touchdowns."

Oops Award: CBS' Kevin Harlan, "The entire world is taking about Deion and his incredible Big 12 Colorado team. For the most part that conference is disbanding, and Colorado is headed to the Big 12."  

Top stat: Fox's Kevin Kugler shares, "This eye stunning stat shows a tale of two halves. The Rams have outscored Seattle 20-0, but even more stunning, the Seahawks only have 3 total yards in the second half." 

Cursed foreshadow?: After Tua threw a TD to give Miami a 36-34 lead on the Chargers, Jason Sanders missed the extra point. Trent Green immediately jumps in, "This has cursed all over it. Now it's a 2-point game, and Miami's D will be forced to remember Cameron Dicker has already made a 50-yarder earlier this game."  

Top info: CBS' Kevin Harlan reported that the Chargers hadn't given up a sack all game until the last two minutes, when they gave up 2 on their final 3 plays. Green went on to expand, "This is all about the rush. Miami hadn't rushed LA all game, but when they do so at the end everything collapses on the Chargers."  

Best move: Tom Luginbill joining ACC PM every Tuesday during the CFB season.

Strongest comment: ACCN's Eric MacLain on ACC PM: The NCAA thrives on hurting young people!

Top tribute: The NFL allowed the Giants and Cowboys coaches to wear hats honoring the memory of the heroes from 9-11: the police, fire department, coast guard, and others.

Top Information: NBC's Cris Collinsworth, "The Cowboys focused on shoring up their defense to stop the run in the draft, but so far it's much the same. If you line up and attack head on, they're struggling with big plays. "

NBC's Cris Collinsworth shares, "This Giants team has gone under a defensive change of sorts. They've got defenders in a lot of new positions, but they'll need some time to grow."

Funniest line: NBC's Cris Collinsworth, "We're in New Jersey, so it's only appropriate we talk about the McCourty twins and their New Jersey powerhouse. It's been a whole 30 minutes since one of them was on NFL TV today."

Top information: NBC's Cris Collinsworth shared that one of the keys to Micah Parsons success despite being smaller is he's learned to box, and those moves are what he uses to break through defenders.

Top reporting: NBC's Melissa Stark reports Dak Prescott went 11 hours under anesthesia in the offseason to get a tattoo on his leg telling his entire life, including the suicide of his brother and a Pegasus because his mom was named Peggy. 

Terry Bradshaw on FOX NFL Sunday: Trey Lance will never be anything more than a backup!

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