If you came here looking for something humorous, you're out of luck. Frank J has teh funneh, but he's out of town for a few days.
If you came here looking for keen political insight, you're also out of luck. Because all you got is Obama speechifying and making the stock markets drop another 300+ points. So, nothing new there.
What else is there?
Well, if you checked that calendar you got as a gift last Christmas and thought, "Gosh, that's a lame Christmas gift," then you'll see that it's September ... and that calendars are actually pretty cool. Because they tell you when it's time for ... college football!
That's means it's time for another installment of "Who's Gonna Lose" ... which is sort of like Leonard's Losers, except Leonard's dead and most of you don't remember him. I'm certainly no Leonard Postosties, but I can pick a loser in college football. After all, I'm a fan of Georgia Bulldogs football and it's the 2011 season. How can you argue with credentials like that?
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Monday, December 6, 2010
What is this "professional football" that people talk about?
Somebody mentioned something about "professional football" the other day. I simply though they were talking about Auburn and Cam Newton. But, no. As it turns out, there is an organization that consists of grown men playing football on Sunday afternoons.
Who knew?
It's almost like real football, like they play on college campuses on Saturdays. Or Fridays, if you have a small college, or high school.
But, this group of people are something called the "Eneffell." I think that's how it's pronounced, anyway. Like the letters "N," "F," and "L" all rolled together.
I'm not sure. The thought of grown men getting together and playing a kids game? It seems to me it would attract all kinds of riff-raff. Like potheads, murderers, rapists, Chris Rock look-alikes, and other irreputable types.
I prefer the real football. College football.
The players still get paid. Or their dads do. Or their dad's churches do.
But, they only hang around for four years, then move on to selling drugs or knocking over liquor stores. Or becoming potheads, murderers, rapists, or Chris Rock look-alikes.
The college game even has playoffs and a championship. For three levels. And could have one for a fourth, if someone would just come up with a good plan.
Anyway, this "Eneffell?" I don't think it'll last.
Who knew?
It's almost like real football, like they play on college campuses on Saturdays. Or Fridays, if you have a small college, or high school.
But, this group of people are something called the "Eneffell." I think that's how it's pronounced, anyway. Like the letters "N," "F," and "L" all rolled together.
I'm not sure. The thought of grown men getting together and playing a kids game? It seems to me it would attract all kinds of riff-raff. Like potheads, murderers, rapists, Chris Rock look-alikes, and other irreputable types.
I prefer the real football. College football.
The players still get paid. Or their dads do. Or their dad's churches do.
But, they only hang around for four years, then move on to selling drugs or knocking over liquor stores. Or becoming potheads, murderers, rapists, or Chris Rock look-alikes.
The college game even has playoffs and a championship. For three levels. And could have one for a fourth, if someone would just come up with a good plan.
Anyway, this "Eneffell?" I don't think it'll last.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Division 1-A playoffs 2010
No, the NCAA doesn't have playoffs for Division 1-A (FBS). They should, but they don't.
And, if they did, here's the right way to do it.
Here are the 11 conference champions, plus the top 5 non-conference champions, for your field of 16:
My plan is simple. My plan makes sense. My plan would work. The NCAA just needs to do it.
But they won't. Because their top priority isn't to make sense.
And, if they did, here's the right way to do it.
- 16 teams: the 11 conference champions, plus the top 5 teams -- as determined by the BCS formula -- that do not win their conference.
- The conference champions are seeded 1-11, as ranked by the BCS formula, followed by overall record.
- The non-champion teams are seeded 12-16, as ranked by the BCS formula. This is similar to the NFL system, where the division champs are the top seeds, even if a wild-card team has a better record.
- At each round, highest seed hosts lowest seed, second-highest seed host second-lowest seed, and so on.
- Teams eliminated in the first round are still bowl-eligible.
- The second round (quarter-finals) are can be combined with bowl games.
- The third round (semi-finals) can be combined with top-tier bowl games.
Here are the 11 conference champions, plus the top 5 non-conference champions, for your field of 16:
- Auburn (Southeastern, #1 BCS)
- Oregon (Pacific 10, #2 BCS)
- Texas Christian (Mountain West, #3 BCS)
- Wisconsin (Big Ten, #5 BCS)
- Oklahoma (Big 12, #7 BCS)
- Boise State (Western Athletic, #11 BCS)
- Virginia Tech (Atlantic Coast, #13 BCS)
- Central Florida (Conference USA, #25 BCS)
- Connecticut (Big East, #26 Coaches)
- Miami University (Mid-America, #29 Coaches)
- Florida International (Sun Belt)
- Stanford (#4 BCS)
- Ohio State (#6 BCS)
- Arkansas (#8 BCS)
- Michigan State (#9 BCS)
- Louisiana State (#10 BCS)
- Louisiana State at Auburn
- Michigan State at Oregon
- Arkansas at Texas Christian
- Ohio State at Wisconsin
- Stanford at Oklahoma
- Florida International at Boise State
- Miami University at Virginia Tech
- Connecticut at Central Florida
My plan is simple. My plan makes sense. My plan would work. The NCAA just needs to do it.
But they won't. Because their top priority isn't to make sense.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
SEC after 6 weeks
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned how upside-down the SEC East was after 4 weeks of play.
Now, it's 6 weeks into the 2010 season, and things aren't any clearer. And that's after Florida has lost two games in a row. And not just two in a row, but two conference games in a row.
In the SEC East, despite those two losses, if Florida wins out, they'll still win the East. Same thing with South Carolina and Vanderbilt. Just as it was two weeks ago.
Because of how the remaining conference schedule is laid out, if Florida wins out, they would win the tie-breaker with either South Carolina or Vanderbilt. But, with their current situation of having two conference losses, they'd need to win out in order to win the East.
South Carolina has an easier ride. Their next three games are Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee. The Gamecocks should win those three. They finish the conference hosting Arkansas and playing at Florida. They don't need to win all those to take the East. They could afford one loss in that mix, just as long as the loss isn't to either Florida or Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt, as I mentioned, has the toughest schedule of the three. Their next four games are Georgia (away), South Carolina (home), Arkansas (away), and Florida (home). They finish at Kentucky and hosting Tennessee. If they beat both South Carolina and Florida, they could afford to lose one of those other games and still win the East. I don't expect them to, but, the funny thing is, they are still in position to win the East without help from anyone.
Not so with the other three teams in the East. If Georgia won out, they'd still need South Carolina to lose two conference games, and Vanderbilt to lose one in order to win the East. Any other scenario and UGA is out of the mix. Which means, they can be considered out of the mix.
And, as unlikely as UGA's situation is, Tennessee's and Kentucky's are even more unlikely.
But what about the West?
It's wide open. In fact, only Mississippi State and Arkansas would need help to win the West.
If Arkansas wins out, they's still need an Alabama loss to take the West. If Mississippi State wins out, they'd still need three losses by Auburn and LSU to sneak in.
But the other four teams control their destiny.
LSU, if they win out, takes the West. Same thing with Auburn. And Alabama, because of tie-breakers. And, believe it or not, Mississippi. Yes, the team that lost to Jacksonville State and Vanderbilt would win the SEC West if they won the rest of their conference games. But, seeing as how they still have Alabama (away), Arkansas (away), and Auburn (home) up next, with games at Tennessee and LSU still to come, capping it with cross-state rival Mississippi State, that seems pretty unlikely.
The fact is, all the contenders in the West have a rough schedule. Because they play each other.
The East is clearer. And makes more sense.
Except for the fact that Vandy is still in the mix.
Now, it's 6 weeks into the 2010 season, and things aren't any clearer. And that's after Florida has lost two games in a row. And not just two in a row, but two conference games in a row.
In the SEC East, despite those two losses, if Florida wins out, they'll still win the East. Same thing with South Carolina and Vanderbilt. Just as it was two weeks ago.
Because of how the remaining conference schedule is laid out, if Florida wins out, they would win the tie-breaker with either South Carolina or Vanderbilt. But, with their current situation of having two conference losses, they'd need to win out in order to win the East.
South Carolina has an easier ride. Their next three games are Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee. The Gamecocks should win those three. They finish the conference hosting Arkansas and playing at Florida. They don't need to win all those to take the East. They could afford one loss in that mix, just as long as the loss isn't to either Florida or Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt, as I mentioned, has the toughest schedule of the three. Their next four games are Georgia (away), South Carolina (home), Arkansas (away), and Florida (home). They finish at Kentucky and hosting Tennessee. If they beat both South Carolina and Florida, they could afford to lose one of those other games and still win the East. I don't expect them to, but, the funny thing is, they are still in position to win the East without help from anyone.
Not so with the other three teams in the East. If Georgia won out, they'd still need South Carolina to lose two conference games, and Vanderbilt to lose one in order to win the East. Any other scenario and UGA is out of the mix. Which means, they can be considered out of the mix.
And, as unlikely as UGA's situation is, Tennessee's and Kentucky's are even more unlikely.
But what about the West?
It's wide open. In fact, only Mississippi State and Arkansas would need help to win the West.
If Arkansas wins out, they's still need an Alabama loss to take the West. If Mississippi State wins out, they'd still need three losses by Auburn and LSU to sneak in.
But the other four teams control their destiny.
LSU, if they win out, takes the West. Same thing with Auburn. And Alabama, because of tie-breakers. And, believe it or not, Mississippi. Yes, the team that lost to Jacksonville State and Vanderbilt would win the SEC West if they won the rest of their conference games. But, seeing as how they still have Alabama (away), Arkansas (away), and Auburn (home) up next, with games at Tennessee and LSU still to come, capping it with cross-state rival Mississippi State, that seems pretty unlikely.
The fact is, all the contenders in the West have a rough schedule. Because they play each other.
The East is clearer. And makes more sense.
Except for the fact that Vandy is still in the mix.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The SEC East has turned upside down
In the Southeast Conference, each team's goal is to win its division. You got to do that to make it to the conference championship game. And, if you win that, you are pretty much guaranteed a spot in the faux National Championship game.
When the college football season starts, every team (theoretically) controls its own destiny. Essentially, as long as you win your games, you'll play in the conference championship game.
When the season started, all six teams in the SEC East controlled their destiny. Now, after four weeks of play, that number is down to three.
My team, the University of Georgia, isn't one of those three. If UGA wins out, they still aren't guaranteed the SEC East title. Tennessee is in the same boat. If Tennessee wins out, they could still be left out, if, for instance, Florida also wins out.
Kentucky, too, can win out and still not take the SEC East.
So, guess what three teams in the SEC East are in the situation of controlling their own destiny?
Well, one is the University of Florida. If the Gators win the rest of their games, they'll be the only unbeaten team in the SEC East, and win the division.
South Carolina is another team that would win the East if they win out. They have a conference loss, but if the Gamecocks win out, the worst they could do would be tied with Florida, but would win the tie-breaker because they would have beaten the Gators.
The last of the Final Three? Vanderbilt.
Yes, Vanderbilt University would win the SEC East if they win out. They have one conference loss, but if the Commodores win out, the worst they could do would be tie Florida, and would win the head-to-head tiebreaker.
If I had told you before the season started that, going into Week Five, Florida, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt would be the only teams that control their own destiny, you'd think I was nuts.
Turns out that 2010 college football is nuts, instead.
Gonna be an interesting rest of the season.
When the college football season starts, every team (theoretically) controls its own destiny. Essentially, as long as you win your games, you'll play in the conference championship game.
When the season started, all six teams in the SEC East controlled their destiny. Now, after four weeks of play, that number is down to three.
My team, the University of Georgia, isn't one of those three. If UGA wins out, they still aren't guaranteed the SEC East title. Tennessee is in the same boat. If Tennessee wins out, they could still be left out, if, for instance, Florida also wins out.
Kentucky, too, can win out and still not take the SEC East.
So, guess what three teams in the SEC East are in the situation of controlling their own destiny?
Well, one is the University of Florida. If the Gators win the rest of their games, they'll be the only unbeaten team in the SEC East, and win the division.
South Carolina is another team that would win the East if they win out. They have a conference loss, but if the Gamecocks win out, the worst they could do would be tied with Florida, but would win the tie-breaker because they would have beaten the Gators.
The last of the Final Three? Vanderbilt.
Yes, Vanderbilt University would win the SEC East if they win out. They have one conference loss, but if the Commodores win out, the worst they could do would be tie Florida, and would win the head-to-head tiebreaker.
If I had told you before the season started that, going into Week Five, Florida, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt would be the only teams that control their own destiny, you'd think I was nuts.
Turns out that 2010 college football is nuts, instead.
Gonna be an interesting rest of the season.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Understanding the left
Anyone with any sense can see that Barack Obama is an incompetent idiot.
Of course, anyone with any sense would have known this before the election.
So, how did Obama get elected to begin with? And why do so many people, despite all the facts, still cling to him?
College football.
No, really. Think about it. Some people are fans of college football. Some go nuts about it. About their favorite team. And it's scarily similar to the way some people are about Barack Obama.
Here in the south, college football is king. Georgia fans love UGA and hate Georgia Tech. Tech fans love the Ramblin' Wreck and hate the Bulldogs. It's like that in every state. Alabama vs Auburn. Florida vs FSU. Mississippi vs Mississippi State. Southern California vs UCLA. It's like that all over, and at all levels of college football.
Then, you have interstate rivalries. Georgia and Florida fans hate each other. Ohio State and Michigan are that way, too. Texas vs Oklahoma.
Now, imagine for a minute if suddenly, say, my team, the University of Georgia, was shown to have committed every NCAA violation there is. And, the school lost accreditation. And the football team went 0-11.
Would I suddenly become a Georgia Tech fan? Or a Florida fan? Or an Auburn fan?
No, I'd still have that UGA tag on my car (or would have, if someone hadn't broken it when they backed into my car).
Now, take the same scenario, but make the schools on the other side of the country: Washington vs Washington State. What would a Washington fan do if his school committed every NCAA violation there is, lost accreditation, and the football team went 0-11? He'd be unhappy, but he'd be a Husky fan still.
Ohio State vs Michigan. Same thing. No matter what happened, no matter what the facts show, the Buckeye fan would still be a Buckeye fan. The Wolverine fan would still be a Wolverine fan.
And that's how Obama followers are.
Only, here's the thing: as a football fan, I'll joke about how college football isn't a matter of life and death; it's so much more important than that. I'll joke about how the top religious groups in Georgia are, in reverse order, Methodist, Baptist, and Bulldog.
The thing is, I know it's just a game. I know the Bulldog Nation means nothing next to the Family of God.
Obama followers? They're a lot like college football fans. Only, the presidency is a matter of life and death. Ask any soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine.
The presidency and the direction of this country isn't a game. Football is a game. Politics is serious business.
Obama followers have the loyalty down pat. But, it's misplaced. They're following a man, not a principle.
When it comes to college football, I'll get on some other UGA fans' nerves when I cheer for Georgia Tech against an ACC opponent. They'll pull their hair out when I cheer for Florida in a bowl game. But, as much as I am a fan of UGA, I'll cheer for the other teams in the state. And for the other teams in the conference.
I'm a football fan. I express it through UGA.
Politically, I'm a conservative. I express it through, well, blogging. And voting. And by political donations.
I didn't agree with everything Ronald Reagan did (primarily, pulling out of Lebanon was a bad idea). I didn't agree with everything George Bush did (primarily, the first bailout). But I'm not tied to an individual. I'm tied to a conservative philosophy of self-reliance and personal responsibility, backed with Christian beliefs.
Obama followers, and most on the left, blindly follow their leader, parroting what they're told, and ignoring the facts that contradict their version of reality, as explained to them.
They're like rabid college football fans. But it's not a game. And they don't understand that.
As long as we understand that about them, we'll be able to get by.
I just hope like hell that, come November, they think it's spring break and go on vacation overseas. And stay there.
Of course, anyone with any sense would have known this before the election.
So, how did Obama get elected to begin with? And why do so many people, despite all the facts, still cling to him?
College football.
No, really. Think about it. Some people are fans of college football. Some go nuts about it. About their favorite team. And it's scarily similar to the way some people are about Barack Obama.
Here in the south, college football is king. Georgia fans love UGA and hate Georgia Tech. Tech fans love the Ramblin' Wreck and hate the Bulldogs. It's like that in every state. Alabama vs Auburn. Florida vs FSU. Mississippi vs Mississippi State. Southern California vs UCLA. It's like that all over, and at all levels of college football.
Then, you have interstate rivalries. Georgia and Florida fans hate each other. Ohio State and Michigan are that way, too. Texas vs Oklahoma.
Now, imagine for a minute if suddenly, say, my team, the University of Georgia, was shown to have committed every NCAA violation there is. And, the school lost accreditation. And the football team went 0-11.
Would I suddenly become a Georgia Tech fan? Or a Florida fan? Or an Auburn fan?
No, I'd still have that UGA tag on my car (or would have, if someone hadn't broken it when they backed into my car).
Now, take the same scenario, but make the schools on the other side of the country: Washington vs Washington State. What would a Washington fan do if his school committed every NCAA violation there is, lost accreditation, and the football team went 0-11? He'd be unhappy, but he'd be a Husky fan still.
Ohio State vs Michigan. Same thing. No matter what happened, no matter what the facts show, the Buckeye fan would still be a Buckeye fan. The Wolverine fan would still be a Wolverine fan.
And that's how Obama followers are.
Only, here's the thing: as a football fan, I'll joke about how college football isn't a matter of life and death; it's so much more important than that. I'll joke about how the top religious groups in Georgia are, in reverse order, Methodist, Baptist, and Bulldog.
The thing is, I know it's just a game. I know the Bulldog Nation means nothing next to the Family of God.
Obama followers? They're a lot like college football fans. Only, the presidency is a matter of life and death. Ask any soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine.
The presidency and the direction of this country isn't a game. Football is a game. Politics is serious business.
Obama followers have the loyalty down pat. But, it's misplaced. They're following a man, not a principle.
When it comes to college football, I'll get on some other UGA fans' nerves when I cheer for Georgia Tech against an ACC opponent. They'll pull their hair out when I cheer for Florida in a bowl game. But, as much as I am a fan of UGA, I'll cheer for the other teams in the state. And for the other teams in the conference.
I'm a football fan. I express it through UGA.
Politically, I'm a conservative. I express it through, well, blogging. And voting. And by political donations.
I didn't agree with everything Ronald Reagan did (primarily, pulling out of Lebanon was a bad idea). I didn't agree with everything George Bush did (primarily, the first bailout). But I'm not tied to an individual. I'm tied to a conservative philosophy of self-reliance and personal responsibility, backed with Christian beliefs.
Obama followers, and most on the left, blindly follow their leader, parroting what they're told, and ignoring the facts that contradict their version of reality, as explained to them.
They're like rabid college football fans. But it's not a game. And they don't understand that.
As long as we understand that about them, we'll be able to get by.
I just hope like hell that, come November, they think it's spring break and go on vacation overseas. And stay there.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Why I didn't rush to defend Rush
Dan Riehl wonders why no Republicans came to the defense of Rush Limbaugh after he was attacked with lies over his desire to own part of an NFL team.
Well, I'm not a Republican. But I am a conservative. (A side note; I wish more Republicans were conservative.) And I can say why I didn't rush to defend Rush.
As a conservative, I feel that if the NFL doesn't want Rush Limbaugh to be an owner (even a minority owner), then he shouldn't be an owner.
I have no say in who owns an NFL team.
Now, in fairness, the NFL shouldn't be listening to the likes of Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Jason Whitlock, or any of those other jackasses that attacked Rush. But did the league cave in to pressure? Or were they already a bunch of nutless douche bags?
I don't know. But, either way, if they don't want Rush to be a part of that group, then I'm okay with that.
I watch college football, not pro football, anyway. That's where the real money is.
Well, I'm not a Republican. But I am a conservative. (A side note; I wish more Republicans were conservative.) And I can say why I didn't rush to defend Rush.
As a conservative, I feel that if the NFL doesn't want Rush Limbaugh to be an owner (even a minority owner), then he shouldn't be an owner.
I have no say in who owns an NFL team.
Now, in fairness, the NFL shouldn't be listening to the likes of Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Jason Whitlock, or any of those other jackasses that attacked Rush. But did the league cave in to pressure? Or were they already a bunch of nutless douche bags?
I don't know. But, either way, if they don't want Rush to be a part of that group, then I'm okay with that.
I watch college football, not pro football, anyway. That's where the real money is.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
The Lions sleep tonight
The local indoor football team, the Columbus Lions, had their home opener tonight. And it turned out sour for the home team. The Erie (PA) River Rats beat the Lions, 54-48.A small crowd ... this is Columbus, Georgia, after all ... turned out. But at times they made some noise for the home team.
The guy with the blue and silver face paint, beating on his drum, helped the crowd sound, at times, louder than it had a right to.
Wasn't first game jitters -- the Lions won their season opener on the road against Augusta last week -- but mistakes made a difference in the game.
Defensive penalties on the Lions gave Erie five first downs in their first two possessions. Erie also scored two defensive touchdowns on turnovers. And the Lions quarterback fumbled three times in the final five minutes.
Take away any one of those 10 plays, and the Lions could have won their second game of the season.Only, you can't take away any of those plays.
And the Lions didn't win.
Still, despite the mistakes, the Lions didn't quit. And that means a lot.
You see, several years ago, Columbus had an area team ... in af2 ... called the Wardogs. They were awful. In 2001, they went 0-16. They lost their games by an average of 33 points. While some of the players on that team had some talent, they weren't a good team.
The Lions, on the other hand, made some mistakes, but fought back. They played like a team.
They have to cut down on the mental mistakes -- they had several illegal defense penalties -- to stay competitive. They have to stay awake and alert ... and hold on to the ball. You know. Basic football.
And I think they'll be able to. I'll be back at the Civic Center watching them play again in a couple of weeks.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
If football games were like the primary system...
Way back, a long time ago, pro football games used to be played on Sunday afternoons. And that was about it.
Before Monday Night Football.
Before Saturday football.
Before Sunday night football.
Before cable.
Before expansion.
The NFL and the AFL had merged. Three NFL teams (Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cleveland) joined the 10 AFL teams to form the AFC. And the remaining NFL teams made up the NFC.
Sunday, at 1:00, there'd be a football game starting on one channel. Then, at 4:00, there'd be a game on the other network.
Except when the area team played a road game in Baltimore. They kicked off at 2:00 for some reason.
Anyway, the 1:00 game was real, genuine, hard-nosed football, and always ended in time for the 4:00 game to start.
Okay, not always. There was the "Heidi Bowl" game. But that was a 4:00 game. It ran long, and was cut off so that NBC could show Heidi ... and football fans would miss two Oakland touchdowns that turned the game around.
That was a big deal, because the network wasn't prepared for it.
Games never went long. Three hours was plenty long enough.
Today, though, pro football games take too long. Waaaaayyyy too long.
But, watching this political primary season, I think have discovered the solution.
Play pro football games like they are the primaries.
After the coin flip and kickoff, if a team makes two first downs, declare them the front-runner. Have members of the defense -- say, some 2nd or 3rd stringers -- leave the sidelines and head to the locker room.
Midway through the first quarter, check the scoreboard. Whoever has the lead, declare them the inevitable winner, and urge the team that's behind to pack it in. And some of the players do.
After every first down, punt, score, or turnover, the announcers call on players who are behind, or who aren't leading in rushing, passing, receiving, tackles, or some other such statistic, to pack it in.
And some of the players do.
Then, after the big half-time show, when one team is leading -- even with half a game of football left to play -- the announcers tell the players on the team that's behind to call it quits.
And sometimes, they do.
Yeah, if football games were done like the political primaries, it could really change things.
We wouldn't have to worry about football games dragging on and on. They'd be over at half-time.
Just think about it.
Kickoff at 1:00. Then, barely 2:30 and we can turn the channel and watch Star Trek, Whacked Out Sports, or a Law & Order rerun.
You know. The same ole same ole.
Before Monday Night Football.
Before Saturday football.
Before Sunday night football.
Before cable.
Before expansion.
The NFL and the AFL had merged. Three NFL teams (Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cleveland) joined the 10 AFL teams to form the AFC. And the remaining NFL teams made up the NFC.
Sunday, at 1:00, there'd be a football game starting on one channel. Then, at 4:00, there'd be a game on the other network.
Except when the area team played a road game in Baltimore. They kicked off at 2:00 for some reason.
Anyway, the 1:00 game was real, genuine, hard-nosed football, and always ended in time for the 4:00 game to start.
Okay, not always. There was the "Heidi Bowl" game. But that was a 4:00 game. It ran long, and was cut off so that NBC could show Heidi ... and football fans would miss two Oakland touchdowns that turned the game around.
That was a big deal, because the network wasn't prepared for it.
Games never went long. Three hours was plenty long enough.
Today, though, pro football games take too long. Waaaaayyyy too long.
But, watching this political primary season, I think have discovered the solution.
Play pro football games like they are the primaries.
After the coin flip and kickoff, if a team makes two first downs, declare them the front-runner. Have members of the defense -- say, some 2nd or 3rd stringers -- leave the sidelines and head to the locker room.
Midway through the first quarter, check the scoreboard. Whoever has the lead, declare them the inevitable winner, and urge the team that's behind to pack it in. And some of the players do.
After every first down, punt, score, or turnover, the announcers call on players who are behind, or who aren't leading in rushing, passing, receiving, tackles, or some other such statistic, to pack it in.
And some of the players do.
Then, after the big half-time show, when one team is leading -- even with half a game of football left to play -- the announcers tell the players on the team that's behind to call it quits.
And sometimes, they do.
Yeah, if football games were done like the political primaries, it could really change things.
We wouldn't have to worry about football games dragging on and on. They'd be over at half-time.
Just think about it.
Kickoff at 1:00. Then, barely 2:30 and we can turn the channel and watch Star Trek, Whacked Out Sports, or a Law & Order rerun.
You know. The same ole same ole.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Driving back from Athens
I mentioned earlier about the ease of the drive to Athens this morning.
The drive back was not quite as easy.
Following the football game, the Little Princess took me out to supper at Weaver D's. If you've been to Athens and haven't eaten at Weaver D's, you've missed some good eatin'.
Anyway, I got in the car and started out around 6:00. Nearly 5 hours later, I sat down on the couch at the house.
Just over 3 hours to get there. Nearly 5 hours to get back.
No, the distance didn't change any. But the flow of traffic did.
Don't know if it was all the folks from Alabama -- the Bulldogs hosted Troy -- heading back all at one time. Or if that's what traffic is normally like following a game in Athens.
But it was rough.
10-15 MPH at spots.
Early day. Late drive back.
But a really nice visit in between.
Made the drive worthwhile.
The drive back was not quite as easy.
Following the football game, the Little Princess took me out to supper at Weaver D's. If you've been to Athens and haven't eaten at Weaver D's, you've missed some good eatin'.
Anyway, I got in the car and started out around 6:00. Nearly 5 hours later, I sat down on the couch at the house.
Just over 3 hours to get there. Nearly 5 hours to get back.
No, the distance didn't change any. But the flow of traffic did.
Don't know if it was all the folks from Alabama -- the Bulldogs hosted Troy -- heading back all at one time. Or if that's what traffic is normally like following a game in Athens.
But it was rough.
10-15 MPH at spots.
Early day. Late drive back.
But a really nice visit in between.
Made the drive worthwhile.
Driving to Athens
My daughter called last night. The Little Princess was asking about the Wife and me driving over to Athens today. Seems there's a football game gong on. UGA is taking on Troy. Should be a blowout. But you never know.
Anyway, I could make the trip. But the Wife couldn't. Oldest granddaughter has her 8th birthday tomorrow, and the Wife is doing the cake. So, she needed to stay at home and get all that together.
So, I drove over alone.
I haven't been to a lot of Georgia football games. Was at the 1980 game where Lindsay Scott caught the touchdown pass to beat Florida. The Sugar Bowl in New Orleans that following January, where they won the national championship. Was also at the "1st and 99" Georgia-Florida game a couple of years later. And, I think, one other UGA game.
But that's it.
And never at a game in Athens.
So, this morning, I wasn't sure what I'd run into in way of traffic.
Turns out, it wasn't all that bad. Left the house just before 7:00 and got to Athens around 10:00. And, by 10:30, had parked at some coffee house, put money in the meter, hit the ATM, ordered a cinnamon roll and a Coke, pulled out the trusty MacBook, and was blogging just after 10:30.
So, traffic wasn't all that bad.
Except one small stretch of road.
After I got off I-85 and onto GA-316, I noticed the right lane was moving much faster than the left lane. And I was in the left lane.
Now, if you're not familiar with GA-316, it's a large highway. Divided by a median. Sort of like an interstate highway, but it does have the occasional traffic lights.
Right-hand lane sometimes has a turn lane. Left lane always does. So, it follows that there'd be less traffic issues in the left lane. But the left lane was moving slow.
Speed limit was 65, and we were moving between 50 and 55, depending on how close or stretched out traffic got.
But the right lane was moving right along.
Knowing it shouldn't be that way, I figured whatever it was would clear up and I'd be fine, so I might as well stay in the left lane.
Then, my patience ran out.
So, an opening was there ... a long stretch, actually ... and I moved into the right lane.
I sped up to 65 and was moving much faster than the left lane.
Then, I found out why.
Pick the one of these that you think it was:
Anyway, once I got past her, traffic was fine. Other than actually in downtown Athens.
I was surprised how well it went. Of course, the fact that almost everyone was going to the game ... or a game-related event ... in Athens may have worked in my favor.
One Auburn fan must have thought the traffic was really bad, and decided to get a one-week head start. Or they can't read a calendar. I'm not sure which.
Anyway, until downtown Athens, the traffic was pretty good. Encountered one intersection where some idiot pulled out and had all four paths of traffic blocked for a little bit.
But, the trip wasn't a bad trip after all. And the game's in a couple of hours. So, I got to go get ready for that.
It should be great.
Anyway, I could make the trip. But the Wife couldn't. Oldest granddaughter has her 8th birthday tomorrow, and the Wife is doing the cake. So, she needed to stay at home and get all that together.
So, I drove over alone.
I haven't been to a lot of Georgia football games. Was at the 1980 game where Lindsay Scott caught the touchdown pass to beat Florida. The Sugar Bowl in New Orleans that following January, where they won the national championship. Was also at the "1st and 99" Georgia-Florida game a couple of years later. And, I think, one other UGA game.
But that's it.
And never at a game in Athens.
So, this morning, I wasn't sure what I'd run into in way of traffic.
Turns out, it wasn't all that bad. Left the house just before 7:00 and got to Athens around 10:00. And, by 10:30, had parked at some coffee house, put money in the meter, hit the ATM, ordered a cinnamon roll and a Coke, pulled out the trusty MacBook, and was blogging just after 10:30.
So, traffic wasn't all that bad.
Except one small stretch of road.
After I got off I-85 and onto GA-316, I noticed the right lane was moving much faster than the left lane. And I was in the left lane.
Now, if you're not familiar with GA-316, it's a large highway. Divided by a median. Sort of like an interstate highway, but it does have the occasional traffic lights.
Right-hand lane sometimes has a turn lane. Left lane always does. So, it follows that there'd be less traffic issues in the left lane. But the left lane was moving slow.
Speed limit was 65, and we were moving between 50 and 55, depending on how close or stretched out traffic got.
But the right lane was moving right along.
Knowing it shouldn't be that way, I figured whatever it was would clear up and I'd be fine, so I might as well stay in the left lane.
Then, my patience ran out.
So, an opening was there ... a long stretch, actually ... and I moved into the right lane.
I sped up to 65 and was moving much faster than the left lane.
Then, I found out why.
Pick the one of these that you think it was:
- Road construction.
- A wreck.
- A blue-haired lady driving a Chrysler with a Bartow County tag in the left lane.
Anyway, once I got past her, traffic was fine. Other than actually in downtown Athens.
I was surprised how well it went. Of course, the fact that almost everyone was going to the game ... or a game-related event ... in Athens may have worked in my favor.
One Auburn fan must have thought the traffic was really bad, and decided to get a one-week head start. Or they can't read a calendar. I'm not sure which.
Anyway, until downtown Athens, the traffic was pretty good. Encountered one intersection where some idiot pulled out and had all four paths of traffic blocked for a little bit.
But, the trip wasn't a bad trip after all. And the game's in a couple of hours. So, I got to go get ready for that.
It should be great.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Football IV. For my Big Sister. Who's 5'4''
Because my Big Sister (who's 5'4'') wanted me to, I'm writing about football.
She likes football. Or thinks she does. I'm not sure.
Anyway, we talked about starting the game. And we got as far as putting the ball in play.
Running
The most common football play is the run.
The quarterback, who stands behind the center, receives the snap and the play starts.
On a run, he'll usually give the ball to a runner. Often called a running back.
The "back" part is because he's behind (or back of) the line of scrimmage.
Traditionally, their are four backs, though that's not quite as common these days ... or for the last 40 years.
The back that's back the most is the fullback. The one (or two) that are not as far back are the halfbacks. And the back that's closest to the center is the quarterback. And any could take the snap from center.
Or it used to be.
Nowdays, the quarterback is just the guy that takes the snap. Often, there's no "fullback" in the traditional sense. When there is, he's often called the tailback.
But they are all (except the quarterback) called running backs, because the original meanings don't usually apply anymore.
Anyway, the quarterback takes the ball and will usually hand it off to a running back. He can run with it himself, if he wants to, but often, he's some high-paid prima donna who doesn't want to break a nail.
So, the running back takes the handoff (or a lateral or backwards toss from the quarterback) and runs with it.
Other player can block for the runner. They can't grab a defender (that's called "holding" and is a 10-15 yard penalty, depending on where it occurs). They can't block the defender from behind (that's called "clipping" and is a 15-yard penalty). They have to face them man-to-man.
The defender tries to knock the runner down, or out of bounds.
If the runner falls on his own in high school ball, he's down and the play is over. But in the college and pro game, he can get back up and run some more, if he's not down because of a defender's actions.
The runner is down if any part of his body other than hands or feet touch the ground.
Then, the play is over, and they huddle up and do another play.
The pass
It's legal to throw the ball downfield. But there are restrictions.
We talked earlier about ineligible receivers. They can't be downfield when the ball is thrown forward.
Oh, by the way, note that I said "thrown forward." That's a forward pass. When someone says "pass," they usually mean "forward pass."
A backward or lateral pass is not a forward pass, and can occur any time the ball is in play.
A forward pass can only occur if the passer (often the quarterback, but it really can be any player) has not advanced past the line of scrimmage ... and if a forward pass has not already been thrown.
Only one forward pass can occur on a single play.
Only eligible receivers can touch a thrown ball (unless and until a defender touches the ball while it's in the air).
If a pass is dropped without the receiver having obtained full possession of the ball, it's an incomplete pass and the play is over.
If a defender catches a pass, it's an interception, and they become the offense at the conclusion of the play.
Oh, no player (offense or defense) can interfere with another player (offense or defense) trying to catch a pass. Interference can be hitting the man before the ball reaches him. Or it can be waving arms in his face.
The key thing, though, is that both offense and defense are allowed to catch the pass. Hitting a player while you are in the act of catching a pass is not interference. Hitting a player while you are getting ready to catch a pass is.
Turnovers
We said that a pass caught by the defense is an interception.
Well, if a runner (or receiver who has caught a pass) drops the ball, it's a fumble. Either team can recover a fumble.
If the defense recovers the fumble, play continues until the player with possession of the ball is down, then they become the offense.
If the offense recovers the fumble, play continues as normal.
Downs
Each team gets four tries to move the ball 10 yards. In the U.S., at least. In Canada, they get three tries.
Each try is a "down." When a team gets possession of the ball, their first play is "first down." And if they get 10 yards, the count of downs starts over.
For example, it's 1st and 10. (First down, with 10 yards to go for another first down.)
The team throws a pass, and it's incomplete.
Now, it's 2nd and 10. (Incomplete pass costs a down, but no gain or loss of yardage.)
They run the ball, picking up 7 yards.
Now, it's 3rd and 3. (They have 3 more yards to go for another first down.)
A pass is complete for 12 yards.
Well, since they got more than 10 yards net yardage on that series of downs, it's 1st and 10 again.
Now, let's say the next play is a run, but the runner is tackled 6 yards behind the line.
It's now 2nd and 16. (They need 16 yards to net 10 total yards, since they stand at -6.)
A pass is complete for 20 yards.
It's 1st and 10.
It keeps going this way until they turn the score or turn the ball over.
Let's say it's now 4th and 4. And they gain 3 yards. Well, they used all 4 downs and didn't gain a net of 10 yards.
The other team takes over possession.
This doesn't happen often, though.
Want to know why?
That's the next post.
She likes football. Or thinks she does. I'm not sure.
Anyway, we talked about starting the game. And we got as far as putting the ball in play.
Running
The most common football play is the run.
The quarterback, who stands behind the center, receives the snap and the play starts.
On a run, he'll usually give the ball to a runner. Often called a running back.
The "back" part is because he's behind (or back of) the line of scrimmage.
Traditionally, their are four backs, though that's not quite as common these days ... or for the last 40 years.
The back that's back the most is the fullback. The one (or two) that are not as far back are the halfbacks. And the back that's closest to the center is the quarterback. And any could take the snap from center.
Or it used to be.
Nowdays, the quarterback is just the guy that takes the snap. Often, there's no "fullback" in the traditional sense. When there is, he's often called the tailback.
But they are all (except the quarterback) called running backs, because the original meanings don't usually apply anymore.
Anyway, the quarterback takes the ball and will usually hand it off to a running back. He can run with it himself, if he wants to, but often, he's some high-paid prima donna who doesn't want to break a nail.
So, the running back takes the handoff (or a lateral or backwards toss from the quarterback) and runs with it.
Other player can block for the runner. They can't grab a defender (that's called "holding" and is a 10-15 yard penalty, depending on where it occurs). They can't block the defender from behind (that's called "clipping" and is a 15-yard penalty). They have to face them man-to-man.
The defender tries to knock the runner down, or out of bounds.
If the runner falls on his own in high school ball, he's down and the play is over. But in the college and pro game, he can get back up and run some more, if he's not down because of a defender's actions.
The runner is down if any part of his body other than hands or feet touch the ground.
Then, the play is over, and they huddle up and do another play.
The pass
It's legal to throw the ball downfield. But there are restrictions.
We talked earlier about ineligible receivers. They can't be downfield when the ball is thrown forward.
Oh, by the way, note that I said "thrown forward." That's a forward pass. When someone says "pass," they usually mean "forward pass."
A backward or lateral pass is not a forward pass, and can occur any time the ball is in play.
A forward pass can only occur if the passer (often the quarterback, but it really can be any player) has not advanced past the line of scrimmage ... and if a forward pass has not already been thrown.
Only one forward pass can occur on a single play.
Only eligible receivers can touch a thrown ball (unless and until a defender touches the ball while it's in the air).
If a pass is dropped without the receiver having obtained full possession of the ball, it's an incomplete pass and the play is over.
If a defender catches a pass, it's an interception, and they become the offense at the conclusion of the play.
Oh, no player (offense or defense) can interfere with another player (offense or defense) trying to catch a pass. Interference can be hitting the man before the ball reaches him. Or it can be waving arms in his face.
The key thing, though, is that both offense and defense are allowed to catch the pass. Hitting a player while you are in the act of catching a pass is not interference. Hitting a player while you are getting ready to catch a pass is.
Turnovers
We said that a pass caught by the defense is an interception.
Well, if a runner (or receiver who has caught a pass) drops the ball, it's a fumble. Either team can recover a fumble.
If the defense recovers the fumble, play continues until the player with possession of the ball is down, then they become the offense.
If the offense recovers the fumble, play continues as normal.
Downs
Each team gets four tries to move the ball 10 yards. In the U.S., at least. In Canada, they get three tries.
Each try is a "down." When a team gets possession of the ball, their first play is "first down." And if they get 10 yards, the count of downs starts over.
For example, it's 1st and 10. (First down, with 10 yards to go for another first down.)
The team throws a pass, and it's incomplete.
Now, it's 2nd and 10. (Incomplete pass costs a down, but no gain or loss of yardage.)
They run the ball, picking up 7 yards.
Now, it's 3rd and 3. (They have 3 more yards to go for another first down.)
A pass is complete for 12 yards.
Well, since they got more than 10 yards net yardage on that series of downs, it's 1st and 10 again.
Now, let's say the next play is a run, but the runner is tackled 6 yards behind the line.
It's now 2nd and 16. (They need 16 yards to net 10 total yards, since they stand at -6.)
A pass is complete for 20 yards.
It's 1st and 10.
It keeps going this way until they turn the score or turn the ball over.
Let's say it's now 4th and 4. And they gain 3 yards. Well, they used all 4 downs and didn't gain a net of 10 yards.
The other team takes over possession.
This doesn't happen often, though.
Want to know why?
That's the next post.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Football III. For my Big Sister. Who's 5'4''
My great-grandparents lived in a log cabin. Ma and Pa, we called them. That's what their children (my maternal grandmother and her sisters) called them. And that's what their children (my maternal grandmother's children, and all their cousins) called them.
And, that's what the great-grandchildren (me, my sisters, and all our first, second, third, and so on cousins on that side of the family) called them.
Well, when Pa died, in 1967, Ma had to give up the house. The log cabin.
She went to live with her daughters. They all lived in three separate counties in southeast Georgia, usually with one for two weeks, then the next, then the next, and so on.
When Ma came to visit, she had her chair in front of the TV.
She'd sit there with her sewing or knitting ... and her snuff can. And she'd watch TV.
Wrestling, usually. Or "rasslin'" as it was often called. Georgia Championship Wrestling, hosted by Gordon Solie. If you never heard a wrestling match called by Gordon Solie, you missed a truly great experience. He was the best.
But I digress. We're talking about Ma watching TV. Actually, we're supposed to be talking about football. But we're almost there.
Ma would watch whatever was on TV. And, sometimes, on Saturdays or Sundays, there'd be football.
One day, Ma was watching the game, then suddenly called my name.
"What do them fellow do when they squat down there and look at each other?" *
Well, here's what they do.
Scrimmage
Following a kickoff, the teams line up to put the ball in play.
One team has possession of the ball. That's the offense.
The other team is defending a goal. That's the defense.
The offense puts the ball in play by lining up, and one man, the center, moves the ball to another player behind him, and play begins.
The offense must have at least seven men on the line of scrimmage.
The line of scrimmage is an imaginary line that runs through the football, from one sideline to another.
Seven (or more) offensive players must be lined up in a row on the line of scrimmage. Any less, and it's an illegal formation. More is okay, but there are impacts of that.
For example, the offense must move the ball downfield by running, or by successfully throwing the ball.
Anyone can run with the ball. Only certain people can catch the ball.
To catch the ball legally -- that is, to be an eligible receiver -- you must line up behind the line of scrimmage, or be one of the players lined up on the end of the line of scrimmage.
The center, the man who puts the ball into play (by "hiking" it), must, of course, be on the line. He can be on the end, but that's very uncommon.
A normal formation has the center, then a "guard" on each side, then, outside each guard, is a "tackle." Normal formations have additional players on either side of the tackles, called "ends."
Ends are eligible. Players behind the line are eligible, with one exception we'll talk about later.
Any player who lines up on the end -- even if he is the center, guard, or tackle -- is eligible. It's practically unheard of for a center to be an end. Likewise, for a guard. But it's more common, though rare, for a tackle to be an end.
When a tackle is an end ... called a "tackle eligible" play ... there must still be six other men on the line of scrimmage. And that means another player who would often be eligible is, for that play, an "exterior lineman," and ineligible.
Also, in pro ball, quarterbacks who line up immediately behind the center are ineligible. If he lines up farther back ... often called a "shotgun" formation ... he is eligible. In high school and college, a quarterback is always eligible.
Ineligible receivers may not run downfield if the ball is thrown forward (a "forward pass"). If the ball isn't thrown, they can run downfield.
And, under no circumstances can an ineligible receiver catch a forward pass. They can legally catch a pass deflected by a defender, but not directly from the passer.
Timing
Before putting the ball in play, each side gets together, often in a "huddle," to receive the play. Depending on the particular play, everyone has a different role to play and action to perform.
On the offense, some will run with the ball. Others will run downfield to attempt to catch a pass. Others will stay back and block for others who have the ball.
On the defense, some will "rush" the quarterback. Others will follow a receiver or guard a particular area or "zone" of the field from a pass (called a "zone defense"). And, sometimes, lots of players rush the quarterback. That's called a "blitz."'
In high school, the offense has 30 seconds to put the ball in play. In college, 25 seconds. And 45 in the NFL.
But all that happens after the teams line up. And squat down and look at each other.
And there's more that happens when the ball is put into play. More on that later.
And, that's what the great-grandchildren (me, my sisters, and all our first, second, third, and so on cousins on that side of the family) called them.
Well, when Pa died, in 1967, Ma had to give up the house. The log cabin.
She went to live with her daughters. They all lived in three separate counties in southeast Georgia, usually with one for two weeks, then the next, then the next, and so on.
When Ma came to visit, she had her chair in front of the TV.
She'd sit there with her sewing or knitting ... and her snuff can. And she'd watch TV.
Wrestling, usually. Or "rasslin'" as it was often called. Georgia Championship Wrestling, hosted by Gordon Solie. If you never heard a wrestling match called by Gordon Solie, you missed a truly great experience. He was the best.
But I digress. We're talking about Ma watching TV. Actually, we're supposed to be talking about football. But we're almost there.
Ma would watch whatever was on TV. And, sometimes, on Saturdays or Sundays, there'd be football.
One day, Ma was watching the game, then suddenly called my name.
"What do them fellow do when they squat down there and look at each other?" *
Well, here's what they do.
Scrimmage
Following a kickoff, the teams line up to put the ball in play.
One team has possession of the ball. That's the offense.
The other team is defending a goal. That's the defense.
The offense puts the ball in play by lining up, and one man, the center, moves the ball to another player behind him, and play begins.
The offense must have at least seven men on the line of scrimmage.
The line of scrimmage is an imaginary line that runs through the football, from one sideline to another.
Seven (or more) offensive players must be lined up in a row on the line of scrimmage. Any less, and it's an illegal formation. More is okay, but there are impacts of that.
For example, the offense must move the ball downfield by running, or by successfully throwing the ball.
Anyone can run with the ball. Only certain people can catch the ball.
To catch the ball legally -- that is, to be an eligible receiver -- you must line up behind the line of scrimmage, or be one of the players lined up on the end of the line of scrimmage.
The center, the man who puts the ball into play (by "hiking" it), must, of course, be on the line. He can be on the end, but that's very uncommon.
A normal formation has the center, then a "guard" on each side, then, outside each guard, is a "tackle." Normal formations have additional players on either side of the tackles, called "ends."
Ends are eligible. Players behind the line are eligible, with one exception we'll talk about later.
Any player who lines up on the end -- even if he is the center, guard, or tackle -- is eligible. It's practically unheard of for a center to be an end. Likewise, for a guard. But it's more common, though rare, for a tackle to be an end.
When a tackle is an end ... called a "tackle eligible" play ... there must still be six other men on the line of scrimmage. And that means another player who would often be eligible is, for that play, an "exterior lineman," and ineligible.
Also, in pro ball, quarterbacks who line up immediately behind the center are ineligible. If he lines up farther back ... often called a "shotgun" formation ... he is eligible. In high school and college, a quarterback is always eligible.
Ineligible receivers may not run downfield if the ball is thrown forward (a "forward pass"). If the ball isn't thrown, they can run downfield.
And, under no circumstances can an ineligible receiver catch a forward pass. They can legally catch a pass deflected by a defender, but not directly from the passer.
Timing
Before putting the ball in play, each side gets together, often in a "huddle," to receive the play. Depending on the particular play, everyone has a different role to play and action to perform.
On the offense, some will run with the ball. Others will run downfield to attempt to catch a pass. Others will stay back and block for others who have the ball.
On the defense, some will "rush" the quarterback. Others will follow a receiver or guard a particular area or "zone" of the field from a pass (called a "zone defense"). And, sometimes, lots of players rush the quarterback. That's called a "blitz."'
In high school, the offense has 30 seconds to put the ball in play. In college, 25 seconds. And 45 in the NFL.
But all that happens after the teams line up. And squat down and look at each other.
And there's more that happens when the ball is put into play. More on that later.
Football II. For my Big Sister. Who's 5'4''
Because my Big Sister (who's 5'4'') wants to know about football, we're talking about football.
We covered the coin flip earlier. Which determines who kicks off.
The kickoff
Used to be, everybody kicked off from the 40 yard line. High school, college, and pro. Then, in 1974, this thing called the World Football League showed up. The WFL, though an unsuccessful league, had an impact.
The WFL kicked off from the 30. The NFL moved kickoffs to the 35, then, years later, the 30. College moved kickoffs back, too. High schools still kick from the 40.
The teams line up for the kick. The kicking team cannot have anyone past the football before the kick. And the receiving team cannot have anyone closer than 10 yards from the ball before it's kicked.
Once kicked, the ball must go 10 yards. Once it travels 10 yards, or if the receiving team touches the ball regardless of distance traveled, it's a "live" ball. That means either team, kicking or receiving, can gain possession of the ball.
If the kick goes out of bounds (or doesn't travel 10 yards) without being touched, it's a penalty. The ball can be moved back and kicked again, or the receiving team can take possession of the ball. Their choice.
Onside kick
This bit about 10 yards comes into play most often with a play called an "onside kick."
Usually, this happens when a team is behind, scores to close the score, but needs the ball again and there's not a lot of time left on the clock.
When that happens, teams will often try an onside kick.
The kicking team will kick the ball in such a way that it doesn't travel very far, and is hard to handle. The idea is to try to recover the ball and try to score again.
Most of the time, though, the team kicks the ball as far as they can, hoping to prevent a return.
If the kickoff crosses the goal line and either goes out of bounds or the receiving team gets the ball behind their goal line and chooses to not run the ball back, it's a touchback, and the ball is put into play on their 20 yard line.
If the receiving team catches ... or picks up ... the kickoff, they get to return the ball. They can run as far as they can, before the runner is tackled or forced out of bounds.
If they run it all the way back and cross the other team's goal line, it's a touchdown, and they score 6 points.
Usually, though, after the return, the receiving team will line up on offense at the point of the end of the return (tackle or out of bounds), or at the 20 in the event of a touchback, and they begin a series of downs.
We'll cover regular play, a team taking a series of downs, later.
We covered the coin flip earlier. Which determines who kicks off.
The kickoff
Used to be, everybody kicked off from the 40 yard line. High school, college, and pro. Then, in 1974, this thing called the World Football League showed up. The WFL, though an unsuccessful league, had an impact.
The WFL kicked off from the 30. The NFL moved kickoffs to the 35, then, years later, the 30. College moved kickoffs back, too. High schools still kick from the 40.
The teams line up for the kick. The kicking team cannot have anyone past the football before the kick. And the receiving team cannot have anyone closer than 10 yards from the ball before it's kicked.
Once kicked, the ball must go 10 yards. Once it travels 10 yards, or if the receiving team touches the ball regardless of distance traveled, it's a "live" ball. That means either team, kicking or receiving, can gain possession of the ball.
If the kick goes out of bounds (or doesn't travel 10 yards) without being touched, it's a penalty. The ball can be moved back and kicked again, or the receiving team can take possession of the ball. Their choice.
Onside kick
This bit about 10 yards comes into play most often with a play called an "onside kick."
Usually, this happens when a team is behind, scores to close the score, but needs the ball again and there's not a lot of time left on the clock.
When that happens, teams will often try an onside kick.
The kicking team will kick the ball in such a way that it doesn't travel very far, and is hard to handle. The idea is to try to recover the ball and try to score again.
Most of the time, though, the team kicks the ball as far as they can, hoping to prevent a return.
If the kickoff crosses the goal line and either goes out of bounds or the receiving team gets the ball behind their goal line and chooses to not run the ball back, it's a touchback, and the ball is put into play on their 20 yard line.
If the receiving team catches ... or picks up ... the kickoff, they get to return the ball. They can run as far as they can, before the runner is tackled or forced out of bounds.
If they run it all the way back and cross the other team's goal line, it's a touchdown, and they score 6 points.
Usually, though, after the return, the receiving team will line up on offense at the point of the end of the return (tackle or out of bounds), or at the 20 in the event of a touchback, and they begin a series of downs.
We'll cover regular play, a team taking a series of downs, later.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Football. For my Big Sister. Who's 5'4''
Becasue my Big Sister (who's 5'4'') wanted me to ... and because I'm the perfect little brother ... here's a little bit about football.
Football isn't football
Now, when I say "football," I mean American football. Not soccer. Or association football. Which the rest of the world calls "football." Well, not all the rest of the world.
The U.S. and Canada call American football by the name "football." And Canadian football is a little different than American football. But, essentially, it's the same game. Field a little different, teams line up different, minor rules differences, but still, pretty much the same game.
And, in the U.S., there are three big types of football. High school, college, and professional.
War
First, football is war. A contained war, but a war nonetheless. And that's part of the attraction of football.
There are two types of football fans. One who likes the old, traditional, "three yards and a cloud of dust" kind of football.
Then, there's the football fan who wants to see a bunch of passing and a lot of scoring.
Like baseball. There are the fans that love a 1-0 pitcher's duel. Others wants a 12-11 slugfest.
In football, some like the 6-3 game. Others wants a 49-48 game.
I'm the former. In both baseball and football.
I want my football games to be old fashioned, hard-hitting, blood on your face, dirt on your uniform, football.
I think that if you want to see a 49-48 game, you need to go find you an arena football team and leave the gridiron to my kind of football.
Now, having said all that ... and pissing off half the folks who watch what passes for football today ... here's a little bit about football.
So my Big Sister ... who's 5'4'' ... can enjoy the game. Or at least understand what she hates.
Starting the game
Football is played by two teams. Each time can put 11 players on the field at one time. One team has possession of the ball and tries to move downfield and score. They are the offense.
The other team doesn't have possession of the ball. Instead, they are trying to stop the other team from driving downfield and scoring. That's the defense.
The two teams take turns being offense and defense. And they decide who goes first by a coin flip.
The team that wins the coin flip gets to choose. Used to be, they had two options. Nowdays, they've added a third option. At least in the pro and college game.
The winner of the coin flip can:
- Choose to kick-off or receive the kick-off
- Choose which goal to defend
- Let the other team decide one of the above
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