All-Time TCU (Offense)

Because no one that I know of has ever done it, and because I just really want to write it down, I have put together an All-Time TCU football team. For those of you who don't know how this works, this is a roster of the greatest players in TCU history at every position. I also list some backups simply because they can't be left out entirely. And away we go! GO FROGS!

OFFENSE

Ladainian Tomlinson- My eternal man-crush

QB- Sam Baugh: Although Andy Dalton surpassed him in career victories, nothing can surpass the legendary Slingin' Sammy Baugh. Baugh revolutionized the passing game in both college and pro football. In a time where the forward pass was a trick play at best, Baugh's talent allowed for it to become a regular occurrence in games. At a then towering 6'2" 182 lbs, he was a two time All-American and runner up for the Heisman Trophy. He led TCU to its first National Championship against LSU in 1935 and a victory in the first ever Cotton Bowl in 1936. He also played basketball and baseball at TCU and is in the College and Pro football Halls of Fame. 

Backups: Davey O'Brien, Andy Dalton, Max Knake

RB 1- Ladainian Tomlinson: Hands down the greatest RB in TCU history and one of the greatest in NFL history. LT sets records out of habit. The most noteworthy would be his NCAA single-game rushing record set in 1999 against UTEP, when he ran for 406 yards and 6 TDs. FSU's Chris Weinke (look how he turned out) robbed LT of the Heisman in 2000, but LT did come away with the Doak Walker Award that year. He led the NCAA in rushing in 1999 and 2000. His vision is incredible and he runs with an amazing combination of speed and power. Not to mention he is an awesome Christian man and the hardest worker I've ever seen. 

Backups: Kenneth Davis, Ed Wesley

RB 2- Jim Swink: The "Rusk Rambler" was a two-time All American and led TCU to consecutive SWC titles in 1955 and 1956. Yet another Frog that was robbed of the Heisman, he ranked second in the nation in rushing and first in scoring his junior year. He led TCU to two consecutive Cotton Bowl victories, including a classic win over Jim Brown and Syracuse. Swink had a particular hay-day every time he played Texas. He is, in fact, the reason Texas came up with their slogan Hook 'em, as they surmised that was the only way they could tackle the elusive Jim Swink.

Backups: Andre Davis, Tony Jeffrey

WR1- Jeremy Kerley: Arguably the most electrifying player in TCU history. What was so incredible about Kerley was his versatility. He was a two-time All American Return Specialist and was a surprisingly good passer as he quarterbacked the Wildfrog formation (similar to the single-wing). He was a regular on SportsCenter's Top 10. He had sure hands and was a stellar route-runner. One can't say enough about his return abilities. He had the uncanny ability to make things happen when it seemed he had nowhere to run.

Backup: Stanley Washington

WR2- Cory Rodgers: Another fantastic return specialist, although not on the same level as Kerley. Rodgers played with a visible chip on his shoulder. He wasn't afraid to go across the middle and take a hit; he also wasn't afraid to talk a little trash after taking said hit. Rodgers could always be counted on when the game was on the line. He always seemed to come up with the big play right when the Frogs needed it most. There's no telling how much better he could have become had he not left after his junior year for an unsuccessful venture to the NFL. 

Backup: LaTarence Dunbar

WR3- Mike Renfro: In a dismal time for TCU football during the 70s, Renfro was a bright spot. A clutch possession receiver. Renfro would catch virtually any ball thrown in his vicinity. He didn't have blazing speed, but made up for it with his hands. He went on to have a very successful pro career with the Cowboys and Oilers, and made the controversial TD catch against the Steelers in the '78 AFC Championship that led to the use of instant replay when it was called incomplete.

Backup: Kelly Blackwell (TE)

LT- Marcus Cannon: Cannon was a force at 6'6" 350. An All-American in 2010, he played both Tackles in his career. Played against some great defensive talent in his career including Ricky Sapp and JJ Watt. Didn't allow any Sacks his Junior season. On his way to the NFL.
Backup: Marshall Newhouse

LG- WC Nix: All-SWC in 1985 and 1986, Nix was easily the best player on both of those TCU teams. He is one of only four players in TCU history to win the team's MVP award twice.
Backup: Lon Evans

C- Jake Kirkpatrick: After much deliberation, I have decided to move Jake above Ki Aldrich and Darrell Lester as the best Center ever at TCU. Kirkpatrick started two seasons at C and both he was First team All-American. He won the Rimington Award in 2010 and anchored the lines of 12-1 and 13-0 TCU teams. Although he will not be the NFL Draft's first overall pick as Aldrich was, Kirkpatrick's skills and knowledge of the game are unrivaled and the two players achievements are strikingly similar. It's worth noting that Kirkpatrick didn't even play football until halfway through High School.
Backups: Ki Aldrich, Darrell Lester

RG- Johnny Vaught: An All-American OL at TCU, Vaught
Backup: Herb Taylor (technically a tackle, but plays guard in NFL)

RT- Ryan Tucker: He was 6'6" 315 and had anger issues, which was great on the field but not so great off it. Despite his run-ins with the law for aggravated assault, Tucker was a two-time All Conference Tackle. He went on to start in the NFL for 8 years.
Backup: IB Hale

Tune in tomorrow for the All-Time Defense! For the sake of time and space I am making it a separate post. GO FROGS!

100 Views

Relevancy here we come!

My blog has now been viewed 100 times! I just wanna thank God.... umm my producers, Kathy in wardrobe, *sniff* and my my dog you've always been there for me buddy! Anyway...

Granted, there's no telling how many of these views were me, but we'll just omit that little detail. It's a celebration!

Happy Friday!

Twitter is Worthless

What's the point? Everyone's going nuts about a website that only functions as one aspect of another website.

I'm going to let you people in on a small secret of the universe. Twitter is nothing but facebook statuses! There I said it! What about stripping away all of the other useful and interesting tools on facebook makes a website cool and stylish? Not to mention that for all its simplicity, Twitter is extremely complicated to figure out and use.

I understand that some people use Twitter for news, but there are other easier ways such as watching TV or going to your preferred news website. Twitter updates are excessive and seem like they would be annoying. Also, who cares about what celebrities or, God forbid, normal people are doing at every hour of the day anyway?! No one cares what you had for lunch or how many times you crapped today!

Facebook is the essential social networking tool. Twitter is just a crappy knock-off.

Icing on the Cake

In the wake of an incredibly disappointing season for our hometown Dallas Cowboys, fans will now be subjected to two of the Cowboys' biggest historic rivals playing for the ultimate prize on our home field. Tom Landry must be rolling over in his grave. Granted the Cowboys arguably have more rivals than any other NFL team. We are essentially the New York Yankees of football, fans either love us, or have a seething hatred for us; there's not much in between. Outside of division opponents (which are all huge rivalries), the 49ers, Texans, Bills, Dolphins, Raiders, and Broncos can all be considered rivals of the Cowboys, among others. But there is no doubt that historically, (besides the Redskins, Eagles, and Giants) the Packers and Steelers are the Cowboys greatest rivals. Of course, as a Cowboys fan, I can root for the Packers without vomiting, which is why I will be pulling hard for them to win this SuperBowl.

The infamous Ice Bowl shot the Green Bay into legend, and sent the 'Boys packing

The Cowboys-Packers rivalry goes way back, and does not have quite the intensity it use to. Nonetheless it is there. As the Packers won one NFL championship after another, the fledgling Cowboys gradually grew to prominence. It all came to a head in the NFL Championships before the first 2 Superbowls, both of which the Cowboys lost. Both games came down to the wire. In 1966, it was in the Cotton Bowl that Green Bay came away with a 34-27 victory after Don Meredith threw the game ending INT in the 4th quarter in the red zone. Then in 1967 came the infamous Ice Bowl at Lambeau Field. Temperatures were as low as -15 degrees with a wind chill of -48. Both teams slugged it out, but in the end it was Bart Starr's QB sneak for a touchdown as time expired that won the game yet again for the Packers. Both years Green Bay went on to win the SuperBowl, creating an enduring legacy. Many have speculated that had the outcome of those two NFL championships been different, teams would likely play for the Landry Trophy, rather than the Lombardi Trophy. 

Hatred runs deep in the Cowboys-Steelers rivalry

The Pittsburgh Steelers were actually the first ever team to play the Dallas Cowboys in 1960. Coincidently, the Steelers became the first ever team to beat the Cowboys in that very same game. It is also worth noting that the Steelers' franchise voted against putting an NFL team in Dallas. The hatred has grown from there. The Cowboys and Steelers were easily the best teams of the 70's. The Cowboys played the Steelers in twice in the SuperBowl in the 70's, with the Steelers winning both close games. The two teams reprised their SuperBowl rivalry in 1995, with this time the outcome being a Dallas victory. Every meeting between these two teams has been intense. Similarities between Pittsburgh and Texas fuel the rivalry and the common hatred as well. 

This year the Steelers tied the Cowboys record for most SuperBowl berths at 8. Two years ago, the Steelers surpassed the Cowboys to become the first ever team to win 6 SuperBowls. I can imagine nothing worse than Pittsburgh extending that lead, winning a record 7th SuperBowl title, and celebrating it on the Cowboys home turf. Cowboys nation can only hope the the Lombardi Trophy goes "home" to historic Green Bay. (Plus that would mean former Horned Frog Marshall Newhouse would get a ring, and TCU SuperBowl Champs are never a bad thing)

Girl Scouts are better than Boy Scouts

Seriously people, when was the last time a boy scout did anything for you? Last time i checked tying complicated knots and racing wooden cars does nothing to advance society. Girl Scouts are better than Boy Scouts. "But why?" you may ask. One word, COOKIES! Girl Scout Cookies are one of the greatest American innovations. I just picked up my order yesterday and have already eaten half a box.

Clearly this girl is as excited about Thin Mints as I am

Be it Peanut Butter Patties, Caramel deLites, or Thin Mints (which I'm pretty sure will be served at the Feast of the Lamb when God creates the New Heaven and New Earth) Girls Scout cookies are the bomb! I have no earthly idea how Girl Scouts spend the rest of their time. They could probably be killing puppies and no one would know the difference. But regardless of their actions, however nefarious, I am happy to support the Girl Scouts because their cookies make me drool.

Apparently Girl Scouts have been making cookies since 1917, when some girl in Oklahoma thought it would be a good idea to raise money. I hope this girl got a medal, because these cookies could definitely be considered a small factor in the rise of our great country to a world power during the 20th century.

Ok, so maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but these cookies are seriously really good. They're like legal crack! I read that upwards of 200 million boxes are sold per year. The numbers don't lie my friends.

So Girls Scouts of America, keep doing what you're doing! Your contributions to this country have not gone unnoticed. And Boy Scouts, step it up. For real. You've got a lot of work to do to earn my irrelevant internet kudos.

AFC-NFC Championship Recap

Much to the chagrin of every Dallas Cowboys fan, including myself, none other than the dreaded Pittsburgh Steelers earned their record tying 8th Superbowl berth on the Cowboys' home field for a chance at their also record 7th Superbowl title. Bleh. Their opponent, another storied franchise with its fair share of NFL titles, will be the red hot Green Bay Packers, another Dallas rival. Granted there are barely no teams that are not rivals with the Cowboys. Anyway, enough doom and gloom. On to the recaps!

NFC Championship: Green Bay defeats Chicago, 21-14
This fierce rivalry game lived up to every bit of its billing. In the face of a tenacious and motivated defense, Aaron Rodgers was not as hot, but played extremely tough. The opposing quarterback however, did not play so tough. Following a sub par performance in the first half, Jay Cutler sat out the second half due to an apparent knee injury. However, the knee received no treatment of any kind on the sidelines, leading to controversy that Cutler quit on the team. Regardless of Cutler's suggested wimpiness, it was Chicago's third string Quarterback, Caleb Hanie, who had the game of his life and almost brought the bears back to win in the second half. Despite a pick-six for defensive lineman, BJ Raji, that was almost reminiscent of Leon Lett's Superbowl blunder, Hanie was surprisingly accurate and rallied the Bears. Chicago was in position to tie the game on the final drive of the 4th quarter, when Hanie's magic faded on 4th down, as he threw a second interception to Sam Shields. That closed out the game for the Packers.
As was expected, both the Packers and Bears played very tough on defense. Ground was surrendered sparingly and Aaron Rodgers threw 2 interceptions compared to the Bears' committee effort which threw 3 total. Even though the Bears had a late surge, the Packers had a pretty firm control over the game from the opening drive.
My Offensive MVP: Greg Jennings
On a less than jaw-dropping statistical day for Aaron Rodgers, Jennings was his go-to guy. With 130 yards receiving on 8 passes, Jennings accounted for more than half of Rodgers' passing yards. Although he didn't score, he was a crucial factor in moving the ball in critical situations for the Packers. Rodgers does deserve some credit though. He made great decisions, as always, with pinpoint accuracy. Also something must be said for his spitting out blood and staying in the game after taking a shot from Julius Peppers. Nothing motivates a team like that kind of toughness from your Quarterback. *cough cough* Jay Cutler...
My Defensive MVP: Sam Shields 
Might I just say that this guy is a ROOKIE?! Great defensive performance by this guy! He sacked Jay Cutler, forcing a fumble, and had 2 interceptions on 2 different quarterbacks, including the game-winning INT. That's a great day for any safety, especially one that plays in a 3-4 scheme.

AFC Championship: Pittsburgh defeats New York, 24-19
Had the Jets decided to play 60 minutes instead of just the second half, they very well could have won this ball game. But the Steelers came out fast and hard rattling off 24 unanswered points. Rashard Mendenhall and Ben Roethlisberger played typically stellar games, creating plays and showing visible toughness. The Steelers' defense looked steel curtain-esque stuffing the Jets in the first half and holding them to 1 yard rushing. This was the stat of the game in my eyes, as I emphasized in my last posting the importance of the Jets' running game. Following that vomit-endusing first half, the Jets played inspired. For the first time, I was genuinely impressed with Mark Sanchez. He was accurate (what a concept), made good reads and was a leader on the field. The Jets played their hearts out on both sides of the ball to rally from 24-0 to 24-19. In the end, however, it was not enough, as Ben Roethlisberger (as he often does in the playoffs) was able to close out the game, sustaining a long drive to run out the clock at the game's end.
It hurts to come up short for the second year in a row after a magical run to the AFC Championship, but the Jets cannot expect to win if they don't leave it all on the field for 4 quarters. The Steelers are an incredibly talented team, and as much as it kills me to compliment them, they played like a team deserving of a Superbowl berth. In the words of Jimmy Johnson, when your fighting a gorilla, you can't just mess around and hope things go right, you have to run into its home screaming and punch it square in the mouth. The Jets decided to fight too late. The gorilla won this fight.
My Offensive MVP: Rashard Mendenhall
This was a tough decision between Mendenhall and Roethlisberger, as both had solid games. I'm choosing Mendenhall because on a night when the Jets rushing game was non existent until Shonn Greene decided to show up late, Mendenhall was consistent and ran hard the entire game. He was throwing guys off and would not go down. He finished with 121 yards on 27 carries and a touchdown. Not a bad day, and certainly what the Jets would have hoped for their own backs.
My Defensive MVP: William Gay
This was truly a team effort, but I'm giving it to Gay because of his fumble return for a touchdown. Granted, if Tom Brady had been in the game, the refs would have called it an incomplete pass, but that's a rant for another blog. Gay also had 3 tackles, so outside of the touchdown, his game wasn't all that amazing. As I said, it was truly a team effort on defense. Everyone did their assignments, were in the right place,  and stymied the run. Gay put up points though, and that's a very important contribution in any case. So congrats William, you won MVP from a college student whose blog no one reads.

My standing blog pick 'em record: 1-1
Go Packers

NFC-AFC Championship Preview

It's that time of the year again! The final four of the NFL will square off within their conferences for the shot to play in the ultimate game, the Superbowl. Here's my preview of the two championships and my picks for each. Both should be great games and I can't wait to plop in front of my TV to watch. Are you ready for some football?

NFC Championship: Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
It's take three of this year's chapter of the longest, most storied rivalry in NFL history, and the game shouldn't disappoint. Far too many people are undervaluing the Bears, expecting another Packers clinic. The fact of the matter is few defenses are as well equipped to slow down the Packers' offense than the Monsters of the Midway. When one takes into account the Chicago Bears' season since their bye week, it's obvious they've made leaps and bounds of improvement, putting together an impressive resume. Since week 8, the Bears have only lost to the Patriots and a close game to none other than the Green Bay Packers.
Although Soldier Field provides a considerable home field advantage, I have to give the edge to the Packers and Aaron Rodgers. He has been incredibly impressive during these playoffs against two very good teams. The Packers are getting hot at the right time and have been able to compensate for injuries early in the season. Rodgers has been methodical in picking apart coverages and I expect his success to continue in a heated rivalry which is yet again a must win situation for both teams. Jay Cutler is probably the worst quarterback out of the final four, however Mark Sanchez has proved that you don't have to actually be good to take your team deep in the playoffs. The difference between Sanchez and Cutler is that while Sanchez will throw the ball 10 yards over everyone's head or at their feet, Cutler will gun it right into the hands of about four DBs. That will be the difference.

Packers win a close one, 21-17

AFC Championship: New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers
As someone who has had a man-crush on LT and seething hatred of the Steelers for as long as I can remember, this is the game I'm looking forward to the most. This is yet another rematch of a close game from late in the season, and while it doesn't have the history of Chicago-Green Bay, the rivalry is certainly present. When the Jets won in week 15, the Steelers were missing key weapons on both sides of the ball in Heath Miller and Troy Polomalu. Their presence will make a huge difference in the game and create a challenge for the Jets. It is imperative that LT and Shonn Greene have a good day running the ball to put the offense in manageable third down situations. It is also imperative that Sanchez not make any mistakes and manage the game. Any opportunities the Steelers get, they will capitalize on. Ben Roethlisberger is beyond clutch in the postseason, creating plays where they would appear to not exist. But he is not invincible, and the Jets defense is playing lights-out right now.
At the onset, it would appear the Steelers have a sizable advantage, but this will not be the first time in these playoffs that everyone has counted the Jets out. The Jets are playing with passion and fire, as evident in Bart Scott's postgame rant last weekend. Such emotion is an enormous weapon, especially in the game of football. Also comments made by Steelers WR, Mike Wallace, this week give me the feeling that the Jets are in the Steelers' heads. Might I add, nobody wants or deserves a trip to the Superbowl more than Ladainian Tomlinson, and he's playing like it right now. It's going to be a dogfight, but I'm taking my Jets in this one in a close, hard fought game.

Jets win, 14-13

Thanks for reading! Tune in Monday for my recap of the two games.
GO JETS!

Jan 20

I love cold weather.

I've lived in Fort Worth my whole life, and you'll never find a more proud Texan, but i absolutely love cold weather. Partially because I'm extremely hot natured and also because its much easier to get warm as opposed to cooling off when it's 104 degrees outside.

I just wish so bad it would snow. I'm really a kid at heart and I LOVE snow! even if it doesn't stick, just snow in the air is so cool to me. Plus there's the whole thing in Texas that when there's even a hint of ice, entire cities shut down, which is always fun.

In the meantime I will enjoy this cold weather for however long it lasts, while everyone around me complains.

Here Goes Nothing

Thus begins my first ever blog!

I am actually very excited about undertaking this challenge of keeping up a daily blog, starting tonight. I plan to include everything from life stories and personal anecdotes to my analysis of sports and opinions on various other topics. Hopefully this blog will prove to be as eclectic as I am.

And now with this first post under my belt, I can truly begin this journey. I truly hope that is an enjoyable experience for both me and you, my readers!

And that's what I'm thinking tonight.