By Adam Abramson
I just wanted to drive-by post before my Super Bowl kicks off tonight.
I've made it back from my vacation and was dropped into the real world of New Hampshire primaries, Roger Clemens press conferences and cars driving into rivers.
But, it's the night of the MNC, so I can get through anything, right?
The Orange Bowl was a mess. A couple of thoughts from the game and other headlines:
1. Mark Mangino is a great coach. When I was down in South Beach, I stopped in a cigar shop the day after the game and got to talking with the guy who works there. He said the team had stopped by and purchased victory cigars BEFORE THE GAME. Master motivator, in addition to being a great offensive mind.
2. Speaking of great offensive minds, Virginia Tech could use some. What's the best way to combat a heavy blitz? Screens, shovel passes, quick slants, drags, etc. Stuff to keep the middle of a defense honest. I think offensive coordinator Bryan Steinspring forgot all of that when Tyrod Taylor was in the game. I think he forgot how well Branden Ore was running the ball. But, he gets paid the big bucks for a reason. If you figure out that reason, let me know.
3. June Jones had to leave Hawaii. He's already reached the pinnacle of what that school can accomplish.
4. I'm sad to see Jamaal Charles declare for the NFL draft. I think he could have been one of the best running backs in college football next season. With he and Kevin Smith from UCF bolting, and assuming Darren McFadden will do the same, it's time to see who will be left around next year. I'd put my chips on names such as Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, Chris Wells, Joe McKnight and Knowshon Moreno as no-brainers.
5. Kudos to West Virginia. They played such inspired football and Noel Devine, another running back sure to be a fixture on the scene next season, was fantastic. It pretty much goes without saying that this is one of the most critical junctures WVU has faced. They have to keep the recruiting rolling and make a good hire, because they know what it means to win in Morgantown -- you don't want that attitude and mindset to go away. (See comments below)
And lastly, my apologies for being MIA. But I'm still taking LSU tonight, 32-20. Awkward score and all.
Comments (3)
Adam, WVU already made their hire - Coach Stewart... but I'm sure you knew that.
As for next years RB's... don't forget Steve Slaton, the WVU daily Anthem has reported he's coming back next year.
As I write this tOSu gets their first TD on a Wells running play...
Go LSU!
Ah, being away from a TV/Internet for nine days is showing. Didn't know WVU had removed the interim tag off Stewart's title.
I can say that I watched the first half of the Rose, the second half of the Sugar, the Fiesta without volume and the Orange in person.
And now it's 10-0. Chris Wells is a monster.
LSU Rules!
17-10
Go Tigers!