Independence Bowl, Georgia Tech vs Air Force, Open Thread
December 27th, 2010 at 5:17 PM ^
Tate impression there. Tate is still the better punter though. On another note AF's unis are pretty slick .
December 27th, 2010 at 5:18 PM ^
Advocare V100 Independence Bowl to you, Mister.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:22 PM ^
December 27th, 2010 at 5:25 PM ^
December 27th, 2010 at 5:46 PM ^
Seems to want to use their kickers.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:24 PM ^
Pretty interesting how they run a hybrid between what looks like a conventional offense and a triple option. Guess they are not a pure triple option team anymore.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:31 PM ^
Handing off to the fullback on 3rd and 7 never works.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:50 PM ^
Troy Calhoun was hired because he was 1.) an Air Force grad and 2.) because he wanted to modernize the offense and had a plan for doing so that would still incorporate the option. I'm glad he did it Air Force's offense had gotten really stale.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:38 PM ^
Wow.... I just learned that "it's all about options"
Thank you for that announcer dude....
December 27th, 2010 at 5:39 PM ^
Thank god they're both option teams, this game will definitely be over before MNF.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:43 PM ^
I have to go with Air Force. I spent 10 aMAIZEing years as an SF Member "Defensor Fortis" and they will always have a place in my heart.
To all the prior military or family member of those who are serving or have served...You're in my prayers. Get home safe!
Go Air Force and Go Blue!!!
Prediction: 31 to 24 Air Force over G. Tech!!!
December 27th, 2010 at 5:51 PM ^
The Air Force mascot (falcon) flew away during pre-game. love it.
Reason #34543543 "Why Michigan doesn't have a live mascot" - Animals are unpredictable.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:54 PM ^
When I was a cadet one of the Falcon's flew away during halftime and made it sixty miles before the falconer's were able to track it down. Everyone was cheering wildly when the Flacon flew away.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:58 PM ^
This is kind of sad. I hope nothing bad happens.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:59 PM ^
It's pretty common for the Falcon's to fly away, so far nothing bad has happened to them.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:59 PM ^
This may be a stupid question, but how do you track a falcon down? Electronic chip/bracelet? Driving in a car calling it's name?
December 27th, 2010 at 6:00 PM ^
The electronic chip, although driving with the window down is funnier.
December 27th, 2010 at 7:36 PM ^
Maybe they are using the window method.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:50 PM ^
I'm envisioning our escaped wolverine quietly drinking a beer at Conor O'Neils wearing a Michigan hat and trying to look inconspicuous.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:51 PM ^
And is even ok for Navy...but is there something wrong with the fact Air Force doesn't throw the ball all the time?
December 27th, 2010 at 5:52 PM ^
Air Force 3
G Tech 7
10:30 2nd Quarter
December 27th, 2010 at 5:56 PM ^
Speaking as an Academy Grad. GO AIR FORCE!! Wreck Tech!
I'm worried though, Johnson had a Tressel-like stretch of dominance against Air Force when he was at Navy. Although USAFA calling to go for it on 4th and 2 at their own 38 isn't helping the cause.
<Updated> Stop going for it on 4th down!!!!! Especially when they can kick a field goal for points. God that pisses me off.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:56 PM ^
mistaken, didn't AF end up pooch punting on 4th and 2 with Jefferson, ala Tate Forcier?
December 27th, 2010 at 5:58 PM ^
They did, but also went for it on 4th and 2 from their own 38, they were saved when Tech couldn't convert their own 4th down.
December 27th, 2010 at 5:59 PM ^
As a Marine, I'd love to see the AFA get whacked. As a pick'em pool member, I'm a huge fan of the AFA.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:08 PM ^
Thanks for your service.
Served with a JTF over in Iraq. Always felt good to have the Marines around.
Defensor Foris and Semper Fidelis
December 27th, 2010 at 6:24 PM ^
Likewise sir.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:04 PM ^
I miss Air Force vs. Navy games!!! Now that is a fun time and i highly recommend going if you haven't ever been. Great experience.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:01 PM ^
I see. Georgia Tech and AF both seem to go for it on 4th down a ton. Not sure I agree with it, but they do convert a good percentage of the time as well.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:04 PM ^
Watching each team attempt to throw the ball is like watching a socially awkward kid hit on the prettiest girl in the room.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:05 PM ^
Was cool!
December 27th, 2010 at 6:09 PM ^
Agreed! Very nice!
and
DAMNIT!!!!! Kick the f'ing field goal and take the points, they'd be up two by now if they stopped this crap. The fake punt was fine because Tech wasn't looking for it.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:09 PM ^
FG, just to trip over themselves. Sigh.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:08 PM ^
What is it with the military academies and their use of the option? Do they have a harder time recruiting more "traditional" QB's or something, or do they all just like the option? I'm a big fan of the option, but I've thought it was peculiar that every branch uses it.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:12 PM ^
It's more an O-line thing. The lineman can use a lot of cut blocks and generally don't have to hold the other blocks as long so they don't have to be as big. That and the offense is more about finesse and execution than strength and speed so it caters well to the strengths of the players the schools recruit.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:10 PM ^
fake there. Kinda wish we would have tried at least one fake punt or field goal this year.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:17 PM ^
run the triple option because they know they can not simply match up athlete for athlete with other teams and win. The triple option can level the playing field somewhat.
The fact that the style is more friendly to smaller offensive linemen is a big part of it as well.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:20 PM ^
I always cheer for the military schools when the opponent holds no place in my heart. Also, "ugh" to more Sun Belt refs. Further "ugh" to the general concept of this commentary team, though at least they have not suggested switching to the NFL's ridiculous challenge/replay system.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:22 PM ^
A bad high school game.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:23 PM ^
Has cost AF like 10 seconds by not stopping it.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:25 PM ^
Totally off-topic, but the FedEx guy just came to my door, super nice guy who I've talked with before. Anyway, it came up that I went back to Michigan for Christmas, he said he's from Sterling Heights and his cousin is Bill Sheridan. He hates RR, but I might have convinced him otherwise in 3 minutes, the only thing he held on to was "that's not Michigan football" whatever that means. He wants Harbaugh, for those keeping track at home.
Anyway, small world. FYI, Sheridan is still getting pay checks from the Giants, he even gets bonuses if the Giants make the playoffs.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:28 PM ^
Has looked so much better the last couple of weeks without him.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:34 PM ^
He must have hated the Schembechler Era, what with all those running "quarterbacks" that never played in the NFL
December 27th, 2010 at 7:34 PM ^
Fans like him either don't remember that era or actually don't know jack shit about Michigan's history. Since he pulled that "Michigan Football" card out of his ass, I'm willing to bet on the latter.
December 27th, 2010 at 7:44 PM ^
But I never understand a Michigan fan not liking Rich Rod's spread. If we were Leach's Texas Tech, sure. But the thing I love most is that his system has made running the football viable in the sport again. It's the closest to "3 yards and a cloud of dust" you'll get (even if it's often a more preferable "33 yards and a cloud of rubber pellets").
<br>
<br>Because watching this game, the triple option isn't making a comeback.
December 27th, 2010 at 8:21 PM ^
Some people were absolutely having kittens when RR's run/pass ratio at WVU was brought after he was hired. To me, that is as old school as it gets.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:27 PM ^
I took GT +3 over at the JCB in the continuation of the Bowl Chronicle Series. Not off to very fast start in bowl season.
Chalk is 7-1 ATS against the closing line. Hopefully the dogs will start a major run or something.
Anyway, I see folks were talking about the ground attacks and what not. The prop for total completions for each starting QB tonight was Over/Under 7. lol. Seven completions. In related news, Mark Dantonio emptied his bank account on both seeing that number
December 27th, 2010 at 6:29 PM ^
The Force had missed half their field goal attempts coming into the game and had not made one from more than 39 yards all season
So of course, they've nailed 2-for-2 and one from 41 yards tonight. Sounds about right
December 27th, 2010 at 6:34 PM ^
You may have changed that's guys mind in only 3 minutes, and the best I can do with some people I know who hate RR (namely my father) is "I still don't like the guy at all." Feels like I am banging my head against the wall at this point, trying to convince them that RR is not the devil himself or something.
December 27th, 2010 at 6:43 PM ^
I work in sales. Or her was just being nice and I didn't convince him at all.
I'm going with the former, for self esteem reasons.