AFTER A CLOSE ACC FINISH, GEORGIA TECH’S HEADED TO THE ORANGE BOWL

By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region and
William Queen
Contributing Writer
 
Winning a 39-34 thriller over Atlantic champs Clemson, the Yellow Jackets are enjoying their first conference title in 19 years and their first BCS bid in school history. This game was perhaps a little too close for comfort, as Georgia Tech just simply didn’t have an answer for versatile phenomenon CJ Spiller. Receiving the ACC player of the year award, the Yellow Jackets knew coming in that it wouldn’t be easy slowing Spiller down. With 20 carries for 233 yards and four touchdowns, Spiller may have had the best performance of his career Saturday night vs. the Yellow Jackets. Scoring in every quarter of the game, Spiller had 65,000 fans wondering just how he did it. It seemed that every time Georgia Tech would methodically drive down the field, Spiller would have an answer. First drive of the game, Spiller scored on a three-yard run. Then, scoring three straight times (one touchdown and two field goals), Georgia Tech looked to be running away with the game. However, Spiller answered at the last possible second with a 41-yard run with just under three minutes left in the half. At the start of the third quarter, I was paying most of my attention to the kicker. Because while Spiller was exciting and suspenseful to watch, Georgia Tech kicker Scott Blair had scored 10 of their 16 points thus far and was secretly proving to be a valuable weapon. However, quarter back Josh Nesbitt managed to convert those field goals into touchdowns, accounting for both a rushing and passing score in the third quarter. Up by 13 heading into the fourth, Clemson made its last, desperate attempt at pulling off the game. And given the ball with 1:20 to go, and given freshman quarterback Kyle Parker’s success this year, they had a shot. A holding penalty and a string of incompletions later the Tigers were forced into a clutch fourth and two situation. In then end, defensive end Derrick Morgan showed the nation why he’s considered one of the best linemen in the country, tackling Parker for no gain.  Looking ahead, Georgia Tech will be facing off against Iowa in the Orange Bowl, a very intriguing match-up if you ask me. Earlier in the season, Iowa was one of the undefeated “BCS buster” teams and looked to make a run at the national championship. But after back-to-back Big ten losses vs. Northwestern and Ohio State, Iowa’s very fortunate to be sitting where they are now. And really, looking back on their schedule, Iowa’s only signature win all season was Penn State. So, considering that most of Iowa’s wins were thrilling comebacks, I think this will be perhaps the biggest test for the Hawkeye’s thus far. Allowing only 15 points per game, Iowa has a very tough defense. But then again, they allowed 42 points to 83rd ranked offense Indiana and the only team they shut-out is the 98th ranked offense in Minnesota. Looking in on rush defense, Iowa is the 32nd ranked rush defense and has played a few tough running games in Wisconsin and Ohio State. However, no Wisconsin or Ohio State running attack would match up even close to the magnitude of Georgia Tech’s. Ranked second in the nation in rushing yards; this will be the match-up of the game.
Some quick stats; Iowa averages 23 PPG and allows 15 PPG, as Georgia Tech averages 35 PPG and allows 24 PPG. For a prediction, I say Georgia Tech pulls out a exhilarating 27-24 win in OT.

Can we get the real "story" about why Hofstra ditched it's Football Program?

By Dr. BIll Chachkes-Managing Partner/Executive Editor-Football Reporters Online
It first came to our attention Friday morning that we weren't the only ones on Long Island scratching our heads as to why there would be no more College Football played at Hofstra University. I had been on the CAA Media Conference all Thursday afternoon where Tom Yeager had given his statement as "the Commish" of the conference. As nice a man as he Is, It didn't seem like he was all that broken up about this or felt the need to do too much damage control. He probably didn't know anything on Saturday the 21st of November, as the Pride were taking It to The Minutemen of U Mass.(Final Score of The Pride's last game in recorded history-52-38 Hofstra, and It wasn't even as close as the score Indicated!)

I am usually on one of two Long Island Railroad trains In the morning each weekday. On each train I have "regular" cronies I stand with on the platform and ride Into penn station with. We always talk football, weather it's of the pro variety or about local college programs like Hofstra & Stonybrook. It wasn't easy to answer my travel friends questions regarding the announcements of the day before. "So why did Hofstra Kill off Football?" one of them asked me. I still can't figure out why either, except that there Is an 800 pound university president In the house, and he stole the presents out from under the tree, or menorah.

Then I get an E-mail this past weekend about an Alum who Is also a former player and he wants answers. So through an e-mail I get connected to Brad Gerstman, a former Prosecutor who Is now a partner at Gotham Government Relations. It seems he Isn't the only one. About 40 other former Hofstra football players who are now successful businessmen want answers as to why this was done. Why was Hofstra Football taken out back and shot?

"We are requesting restitution of the football program" said Mr. Gerstman. "Mr. Rabinowitz and the board of trustees are caretakers of the university, not it's owners" Indeed, Hofstra may well be a private university, but it receives Public funding from the state of New York, as well as the generosity of alumni like Mr. Gerstman and many other former players. Some of them are current or former NFL players. These men want answers, and they deserve to get them.

So fast forward to yesterday, and I'm at a press conference at the Public House on Manhattan's east side. "It just seems like this was done under the cover of darkness" said  Chris Colozizielro, class of 1991, who took the podium after Gerstman. "Why would you want to shut down a program that has produced NFL players like Wayne Cherbet. Marques Colston, and Willie Colon?" he asked. I can't see the reason behind that either. Sure, we all understand the reality of the current economic times. But the university Isn't hurting so much for money, as It wanted to "re-allocate" funding to give scholarships to 'the needy," and to help get the medical school up and running. So none of the football players were needy? Someone should have gone over the hardships the freshman Running Back Miguel Maysonet had been through while attending Riverhead H.S. He was only the MVP of the 2009 Outback Steakhouse H.S. All Star Game, which by the way, Is played at Shuart Stadium, Where the Pride would have been playing their 2010 season If someone hadn't stolen their program by re-allocating funds.

In fact, as recently as a month ago, the alumni fundraisers were still looking for donations to the program. Coaches were out recruiting as recently as last Monday. "No options were ever discussed" the press conference went on. "We clearly understood that this president does not support athletics"

"Every college understands the value of a football program." Except for this one. Jon Camera from the class of 1995 also spoke. "We gave whatever we could financially whenever we were asked" "as well as mentoring current students."
So we see that this fight Is far from over. We may never get all the answers either, but this is another story that we will "Dig Deeper" Into.

Mostly I feel bad for the Maysonet's, the Steve Probst's, and the Joe Sidaris's of the team. All three could still have promising careers at the next level. But they won't be known for having played  In Hempstead, but rather for having transferred somewhere else.

I also feel for Coach Dave Cohen. There are a few quality men in this business, but few could be thought of as your second(or only) Father. Dave Cohen Is that man. If I had ever gotten to play college football, I'd have wanted my coach to be like Cohen.

Week 14 NCAA predictions
By Max Baez
Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

Florida vs. Alabama

The two best defenses in the country face off in Atlanta. Will Alabama get their revenge on Florida? This game couldn’t possibly be any bigger. We all know about both teams, very strong all around. My feeling on this one is that Florida is likely to win it. I’d say the biggest advantage that Alabama has on Florida are better running backs, but Tebow is certainly better than McElroy, and Florida has no problems gaining yards on the ground as well. Two great teams, and probably the two best in America, but Florida is going to repeat as SEC champs.

Florida 24, Alabama 14


Texas vs. Nebraska

Does anyone think Nebraska is going to win this game? No, I don’t either. The Cornhuskers have put together a nice season. I mean, it’s not that hard when you’re in the Big 12 North, but Nebraska was significantly better than they have been in previous seasons and the future looks bright in Lincoln, even though the team will never meet the expectations of fans, as Nebraska is simply not situated in a place where it can win national championships in today’s age. Texas will win this year because they are significantly better, and go off to the National Championship game.

Texas 28, Nebraska 10


Clemson vs. Georgia Tech

The SEC East fifth place game, oh, wait, I mean the ACC Championship game. Both of these teams are coming off losses to their in-state rivals, showing how good the ACC is in comparison with the SEC. These teams both looked quite weak last week, especially Clemson, and in this game, I expect Georgia Tech to take it. They have been the better team all season, and their option offense will give Clemson fits. Paul Johnson has done a hell of a job with the Yellow Jackets, and their reward is a BCS game.

Georgia Tech 27, Clemson 17


Arizona @ USC

Why these two teams are playing the last week of the season, I have no idea. Arizona looked unimpressive in beating mediocre ASU last week, while USC took care of UCLA. This game is a matter of how seriously USC takes Arizona. If they overlook Foles and the Arizona offense, the Cats could take it. However, it’s the last week of the year, and the Trojans will be in the Emerald or Las Vegas Bowls with a loss, so I have a feeling USC will win and get into the more respected Holiday Bowl.

USC 28, Arizona 20


Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

The default Big East championship game, whoever wins gets the title. Pitt lost the Backyard Brawl last week to West Virginia, taking a little bit of luster off this game. Both have been great all year, but Pittsburgh doesn’t have a very good home field advantage and Cincinnati has been rolling on offense all year. I simply think Cincy is too good, and will take care of the Panthers. Their offense is just clicking too well, and they are so close to going undefeated – so I’m confident they will get it done pretty easily.

Cincinnati 38, Pittsburgh 13