2002 117-Team Division I-A Tournament

[Wolfpack]

Hi all,

It's been a while since I've posted anything worthwhile on this board, so I thought I'd do something to while away the time until my blood gets up again for doing my GO TCY dynasty.

This project is a single-elimination, March Madness-style tournament that includes all 117 D I-A football teams. Some things to note:

1) This tournament will be played with a game called "Quick Play Football", which is actually a tabletop game that someone else developed and gives away for free as electronic files. (Go to www.tabletop-sports.com and fish around in the downloads area to find it)

This game is strictly team-based. No individual players or statistics are produced. Each team is rated for offense, defense, close-game abilities, and (in college) strength of schedule.

In the basic game, a person rolls a d20 and looks up a chart to determine how many points a team (based on the above characteristics) scores in a given quarter. This procedure is done for both teams in all four quarters. If the game is within eight points after the fourth quarter rolls, then the "close game" factors of the teams come into play to determine the winner.

There is an "advanced" version that actually goes drive-by-drive, but that's a bit more time-consuming. I may employ it for the regional finals and the Final Four, though.

To assist in speeding up the process, I developed a VB app that does much of the gameplay in the basic game automatically, though I still have to make decisions on whether a team forgoes a field goal for a touchdown attempt or goes for two after some touchdowns.

2) With 117 teams, I have elected to have all first round games played at the home field of the higher seeds. (There is a home-field advantage that comes into play in this game) Once the field is reduced to 64 (all 1 seeds, all 2 seeds, and three 3 seeds get byes to the round of 64), the action switches to sub-regional sites and then to regional sites in the Sweet Sixteen and then to a Final Four site.

I have randomly chosen all these sites from the current Division I-A stadiums that are currently in use. Therefore, there will be some good choices and some off-the-wall choices for sites. It would be easy to put the Final Four at a BCS site, but I wanted this to be a little different.

3) WRT seeding the 117 teams, I have used a comprehensive index of all computer-based rankings that Massey has on his website. The 117 teams are broken into groups of four to generate the seeds for each region, i.e. the top four teams in that list were #1 seeds for the four regions, the second four teams (5-8) were #2 seeds, and so on down the line.

I then moved the seeds, in rank order (i.e. #1 in the group of ones got first chioce of stadiums, #2 in the group of ones got second choice, and so forth), to the region that had the closest available stadium to them "as the crow flies." (I think I actually flubbed the top seed in the Midwest, since they were actually closer to a regional site in the East, but it's no big deal)

Mostly this generated regional brackets with most teams close to home, but there were some shifted "out of region" because they were third- or fourth-choice among their seed peers.

This sort of thing was done to introduce some home field advantage, even at neutral sites. For the purposes of the tournament, HFA will vary depending on how far a stadium is from the school that's playing in it and whether the school's opponent for that round is similarly distant or not much further, reducing or nullifying that school's home field advantage. The only exception to this rule is if a team plays in its home stadium for a game, it gets the maximum HFA, regardless of how close the opponent's school is to that stadium. Most games will have no advantage, but some will have a bit of advantage for one school, and a few will have maximum advantage for one school.

4) HFA, as noted, will be based on distance to stadium the game is played at from the school in question (school in question is the school that is the closer to the stadium of the two):
--Team playing in its home stadium gets max HFA regardless of opponent
--Team playing within 75 miles of home gets max HFA unless opponent is within 75 miles, which reduces it to no advantage, or within 150 miles, which reduces the advantage
--Team playing within 150 miles gets max HFA unless opponent is within 150 miles, which reduces it to no advantage, or 300 miles, which reduces the advantage
--Team playing within 300 miles gets some advantage (not max) unless opponent is also within 300 miles, which reduces it to no advantage
--Team playing over 300 miles from home gets no advantage (other team is irrelevant since they would be even further away)

If this sort of tournament draws interest, I may be open to running a super tournament involving "great teams" from throughout college football history (Quick Play Football has teams rated all the way back to 1900). I'm willing to allow any team in based on suggestions from the audience. As a result it could be as large as 256 teams, I'm thinking.

At any rate, enjoy the read and chime in with questions and commentary if you want. If someone wants to run a tourney pool, I'd be willing to slow the pace of play to allow it.

I will post the brackets shortly.

[Poli]

Sounds interesting, I'll try my best to follow!

[Wolfpack]

Here is the list of #1 seeds:
EAST: Georgia
SOUTHEAST: Miami
MIDWEST: Ohio State
WEST: Southern California

Ohio State is #1 overall (as expected). Southern Cal was #2, Miami was #3, and Georgia #4. So, to match 1v4 and 2v3, Midwest plays East and West plays Southeast in the Final Four.

[Wolfpack]

East Regional Bracket

Dix Stadium (30,520), Kent State University, Kent, OH
1) Georgia
bye

16) Illinois
17) Central Florida

8) Texas Christian
25) Memphis

9) Colorado State
24) Louisiana Tech

Michie Stadium (39,929), United States Miltary Academy, West Point, NY
4) NC State
29) Buffalo*

13) Northern Illinois
20) Stanford

5) Colorado
28) Kent State

12) Wake Forest
21) San Diego State

University of Buffalo Stadium (31,000), University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
2) Iowa
bye

15) Miami (OH)
18) Connecticut

7) South Florida
26) Central Michigan

10) Marshall
23) Ohio*

Rutgers Stadium (41,500), Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
3) Maryland*
30) Army***

14) Oregon
19) Syracuse*

6) Virginia*
27) Navy*

11) Georgia Tech
22) Mississippi State

East Regional Finals Site
Rentschler Stadium (41,000), University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT

Note: the first round pairings are played at the home field of the higher seed, with winners advancing to sub-regional sites listed.

****-sub-regional site is home field
***-sub-regional site is within 75 miles of home
**-sub-regional site is within 150 miles of home
*-sub-regional site is within 300 miles of home

[Wolfpack]

Midwest Regional Bracket

Glass Bowl (26,248), University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
1) Ohio State**
bye

16) Cincinnati*
17) Louisville*

8) Louisiana State
25) Arkansas State

9) California
24) Middle Tennessee State

Spartan Stadium (72,027), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
4) Notre Dame**
29) Eastern Michigan***

13) Kentucky
20) Ball State*

5) Virginia Tech
28) Kansas

12) Clemson
21) Houston

Kinnick Stadium (70,397), University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
2) Kansas State
bye

15) Missouri*
18) Michigan State

7) Arkansas
26) Troy State

10) Purdue*
23) Northwestern*

Ball State Stadium (21,581), Ball State University, Muncie, IN
3) Alabama
bye

14) Bowling Green*
19) North Carolina

6) West Virginia*
27) Louisiana-Monroe

11) Minnesota
22) Western Michigan**

Midwest Regional Final Site
Memorial Stadium (73,918), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

Note: the first round pairings are played at the home field of the higher seed, with winners advancing to sub-regional sites listed.

****-sub-regional site is home field
***-sub-regional site is within 75 miles of home
**-sub-regional site is within 150 miles of home
*-sub-regional site is within 300 miles of home

[Wolfpack]

Southeast Regional Bracket

Scott Stadium (61,500), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
1) Miami, FL
bye

16) South Carolina
17) Southern Mississippi

8) Wisconsin
25) Duke**

9) Tennessee
24) Akron*

Robertson Stadium (42,000), University of Houston, Houston, TX
4) Penn State
29) Tulsa

13) Texas A&M**
20) San Jose State

5) Auburn
28) SMU*

12) Mississippi
21) BYU

Fouts Field (30,500), University of North Texas, Denton, TX
2) Oklahoma**
bye

15) North Texas****
18) Arizona

7) Florida
26) Baylor**

10) Oklahoma State*
23) Indiana

Marshall Stadium (38,019), Marshall University, Huntington, WV
3) Michigan*
bye

14) Hawaii
19) Temple

6) Pittsburgh*
27) Idaho

11) Iowa State
22) East Carolina

Southeast Regional Finals Site
Orange Bowl (72,319), University of Miami, Miami, FL

Note: the first round pairings are played at the home field of the higher seed, with winners advancing to sub-regional sites listed.

****-sub-regional site is home field
***-sub-regional site is within 75 miles of home
**-sub-regional site is within 150 miles of home
*-sub-regional site is within 300 miles of home

[Wolfpack]

West Regional Bracket

Mackay Stadium (31,545), University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV
1) Southern California
bye

16) Tulane
17) New Mexico

8) UCLA
25) Rice

9) Oregon State
24) Utah State

Arizona Stadium (56,002), University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
4) Florida State
29) UTEP*

13) Nebraska
20) UNLV

5) Boise State
28) Rutgers

12) Toledo
21) Nevada

Wagner Field (50,000), Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
2) Texas
bye

15) Air Force
18) Utah

7) Boston College
26) Louisiana-Lafayette

10) Washington
23) Vanderbilt

Folsom Field (51,808), University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
3) Washington State
bye

14) Fresno State
19) New Mexico State

6) Texas Tech
27) Wyoming**

11) Arizona State
22) UAB

West Regional Finals Site
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (68,000), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Note: the first round pairings are played at the home field of the higher seed, with winners advancing to sub-regional sites listed.

****-sub-regional site is home field
***-sub-regional site is within 75 miles of home
**-sub-regional site is within 150 miles of home
*-sub-regional site is within 300 miles of home

[Wolfpack]

Final Four Bracket

Notre Dame Stadium (80,795), University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN

Midwest Winner vs. East Winner
West Winner vs. Southeast Winner

Midwest/East Winner vs. West/Southeast Winner

[JeeberD]

UTEP will lose in the first round... :(

[Wolfpack]

Sorry, Jeeber. Just how it shook out when I drew it up. It wasn't much of a choice, really. Penn State, Notre Dame, and NC State would not really be much of an improvement. A few places higher and you could have drawn Boise State (it'll be interesting to see if their #5 is overinflated or not...probably my major conference prejudice speaking to that, though).

[JeeberD]

Don't worry, they would have lost no matter who they would have played in the first round. Unless they managed to somehow play against Tulsa, Houston, or Army. Then they might have had a chance...

[Wolfpack]

I've done some more thinking and I figured on a way to make this more interactive with the audience. Since the game produces scores on a quarter-by-quarter basis, I'm going to be doing games at times of day, i.e. 12:30, 3:30, etc., and release scores every quarter for games under way. The interactive bit is having the good readers here "control the remote" as to which game they want to watch during a given time slot. That game I will do a drive-by-drive breakdown of using the advanced game, with all others being done in the basic version with the release of quarter scores (checking in around the nation, if you will). In order to expedite the process, I will take the first suggestion from anyone for which game the group is "watching" during a given time slot. Hopefully, it will make things a bit more interesting for all involved.

The first Saturday of play has been scheduled. I generally tried to put weak games in the East and Central time zones on early, with better matchups coming in mid-afternoon for all time zones, a slate of four primetime matchups featuring what I thought was the best game in each region, and for those on the left coast, a batch of games in western prime time hours.

Here's the schedule for this weekend's games (check local listings for the game in your area):
12:30 ET
EAST (25) Memphis at (8) Texas Christian
EAST (29) Buffalo at (4) NC State
EAST (18) Connecticut at (15) Miami (OH)
EAST (26) Central Michigan at (7) South Florida
EAST (23) Ohio at (10) Marshall
EAST (27) Navy at (6) Virginia
SE (25) Duke at (8) Wisconsin
SE (24) Akron at (9) Tennessee
SE (29) Tulsa at (4) Penn State
SE (28) SMU at (5) Auburn
SE (26) Baylor at (7) Florida
SE (27) Idaho at (6) Pittsburgh
MW (25) Arkansas State at (8) Louisiana State
MW (29) Eastern Michigan at (4) Notre Dame
MW (28) Kansas at (5) Virginia Tech
MW (26) Troy State at (7) Arkansas
MW (23) Northwestern at (10) Purdue
MW (27) Louisiana-Monroe at (6) West Virginia
WEST (29) Texas-El Paso at (4) Florida State
WEST (21) Nevada at (12) Toledo
WEST (26) Louisiana-Lafayette at (7) Boston College
WEST (27) Wyoming at (6) Texas Tech

3:30 ET
EAST (17) Illinois at (16) Central Florida
EAST (20) Stanford at (13) Northern Illinois
EAST (21) San Diego State at (12) Wake Forest
EAST (28) Kent State at (5) Colorado
EAST (30) Army at (3) Maryland
EAST (22) Mississippi State at (11) Georgia Tech
SE (17) Southern Mississippi at (16) South Carolina
SE (20) San Jose State at (13) Texas A&M
SE (18) Arizona at (15) North Texas
SE (23) Indiana at (10) Oklahoma State
SE (22) East Carolina at (11) Iowa State
MW (17) Louisville at (16) Cincinnati
MW (20) Ball State at (13) Kentucky
MW (21) Houston at (12) Clemson
MW (19) North Carolina at (14) Bowling Green
MW (22) Westrn Michigan at (10) Minnesota
WEST (17) New Mexico at (16) Tulane
WEST (20) Nevada-Las Vegas at (13) Nebraska
WEST (23) Vanderbilt at (10) Washington
WEST (19) New Mexico State at (14) Fresno State
WEST (22) Alabama-Birmingham at (11) Arizona State

7:30 ET
EAST (19) Syracuse at (14) Oregon
SE (21) BYU at (12) Mississippi
MW (18) Michigan State at (15) Missouri
WEST (18) Utah at (15) Air Force

10:30 ET
EAST (24) Louisiana Tech at (9) Colorado State
SE (19) Temple at (14) Hawaii
MW (24) Middle Tennessee State at (9) California
WEST (25) Rice at (8) UCLA
WEST (24) Utah State at (9) Oregon State
WEST (28) Rutgers at (5) Boise State


All timeslots are now open for the taking on a first come, first serve basis. As soon as the four time slots are filled with a game of choice, I'll kick things off.

[NAIWF]

12:30 UTEP/FSU for JeeberD

3:30 MSU/Ga. Tech

7:30 'Cuse/Oregon

10:30 Rutgers/Boise St,.

[JeeberD]

Thank you NAIWF! :)

[Wolfpack]

Okay, the watched games have been selected and the games will get under way soon.

First up on the FOFC satellite package of games is Texas-El Paso against Florida State at Doak-Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. (Enjoy your brief stay in the tourney, Jeeber... ;) )

[Eilim]

Great idea, Wolfpack, you've gotten another fan watching.

Also, thanks for posting that site link, I now have some new interesting games to check out. :)


-Eilim

[tucker342]

Very interesting idea, I'll be reading:)

[Wolfpack]

FOFC Central TV is tuned to ABC at 12:30 PM

(Introduction tape is rolled)

(voice-over, football propped on a tee appears on screen) College football. There is possibly no greater passion in American sports. 117 colleges and universities play the game at its highest level. Millions of fans and alumni (face-painted fans scream at the camera) jam stadiums ranging from small, intimate 30,000-seat arrangements (shot of Dix Field, Kent State University), to the colossal 100,000 seat arenas at places like Michigan and Tennessee (sweeping shot of Michigan Stadium followed by a sweeping shot of Neyland Stadium, both packed and cheering loudly), where the game itself has taken mythic, almost religious connotations. Millions more who can't get into the stadiums watch it on television or listen to it on the radio. It is an all-consuming passion (more fans appear on screen, flashing "we're #1" hand signs and cheering wildly).

(fade to black)
Today, we begin a seven-round, 116-game quest to find out the best team in all of college football for 2002.

(an aggressive rock tune comes blaring though the TV, the screen instantly jumping from image to image of the various teams and fans in action)
Who will be strong enough to lift the trophy at the end? (images of OSU in action appear on screen) Will it be the Ohio State Buckeyes who swept the 2002 season unbeaten behind the running of star freshman Maurice Clarett and the gritty play of Craig Krenzel and the Buckeye defense? (image changes to Miami Hurricane players charging out of the tunnel at the Orange Bowl) Or will it be 2001 champion Miami, who blitzed their competition during the regular season and feature the lethal trio of Ken Dorsey, Andre Johnson, and sophomore sensation Willis McGahee? (image changes to a single golden helmet held high, a sea of blue and gold in blurred background cheering and waving) Has the glory returned to one of the most fabled programs anywhere in any sport and is there enough luck in the Irish to carry them all the way? (image changes to Carson Palmer launching a touchdown pass and then celebrating) Another program also returns to greatness, but can Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer push the Trojans to the top? (images quickly flash by of Brad Banks, Rex Grossman, Philip Rivers, EJ Henderson, Lee Suggs, Chris Simms, and others) Or will a champion emerge from an unlikely place?

117 teams, 1 champion. It's time.
(screen fades to black)

(screen shows ABC College Football gameday studio with familiar faces John Saunders and Terry Bowden sitting at the desk, musical fanfare playing in the background)

John: Hello everyone and welcome to Time Square Stadium in New York. I'm John Saunders alongside my partner, Terry Bowden. If you are a college football fan, or even just follow it casually, you cannot help but get excited at the start of this tournament.

Terry: Absolutely right, John. This is going to be very exciting. 117 teams going at it to find out who's the best. And what excites me the most is that this tournament will have games and matchups that would never occur during the regular season, and we'll be going to places that normally never are given a second thought by the public. And we get to have our own Final Four and I can think of no better place to hold it than Notre Dame Stadium, a hallowed ground of college football if there was one.

John: We'll get you out to the action in a moment, but before we do, Terry, who do you think will be in South Bend challenging for the title at the end?

Terry: I believe Miami and Southern California are pretty much guaranteed to be there since both are hosting their respective regionals if they win their first two contests. Ohio State should be the winner in the Midwest, but they'll have potentially a tough matchup in the round of 16 against Notre Dame and then either high-scoring Kansas State or Alabama awaiting them in the regional final. The East is a bit harder to predict. Mark Richt has done an excellent job at Georgia this year, but Brad Banks and Iowa stand in their way. Still, I think the Bulldogs will be there.

John: Interesting, going with all number 1 seeds. It happens rarely in the basketball tournament. I wouldn't be surprised if one or two get knocked out before the Final Four. I do agree that Miami and the Trojans are in the best position of the four top seeds. We'll see.

It's now time to get you out to the game in your area. However, we'll be right here in New York and will be checking in from time to time to let you know what's going on elsewhere in the country. Enjoy the games, everyone, and we'll see you at halftime.

(fanfare plays, screen fades)

[Wolfpack]

NAIWF snags the remote, flips the FOFC TV to ESPN2. "Hey, Jeeber! Game's on! Time to watch UTEP get flattened," he says with a crooked smile. Jeeber plops down on the couch, wearing his "Proud Supporter of UTEP Athletics" shirt, which has "*sigh*" written on the back.

"This oughta be over quick," says Jeeber.
"Nah. I think UTEP can stay with them for a bit. Just to prolong the suffering."

Image appears on screen of a sea of garnet and gold clad fans, about 80,000 of them, doing the Seminole war chant. A graphic covers much of the screen showing that this matchup pits the #29 seeded Miners of Texas-El Paso against the fourth-seeded Florida State Seminoles in a West Regional first round matchup.

Pam Ward: Welcome to Tallahassee, Florida and Doak Campbell Stadium, where a capacity crowd of more than 80,000 are getting ready to watch a West Regional first round game between the UTEP Miners and the Florida State Seminoles.

I'm Pam Ward along with my broadcast colleague Chris Spielman, glad you could join us for this playoff matchup.

Chris, on paper, this seems to be a very lopsided mismatch. What, if anything, can UTEP do to stay with the Seminoles?

Chris: They have to play the perfect game, Pam. Even then, I don't think it's going to be enough. FSU is too big, too fast, and too talented for the Miners. The arm of Chris Rix and the running of Greg Jones should be the difference.

Pam: Florida State will be getting the ball first to start the game. UTEP's Keith Robertson has the ball teed up. And we are...underway!

FSU begin a sustained march on their opening possession. They move easily into UTEP territory, getting into the red zone.

Pam: 1st and 10 for FSU...fumble! Rix apparently didn't get a good hold of the snap and dropped it! The Miners are saying they have it. The referees are unscrambling the pile...they do!

Chris: A tough break for the Seminoles. Looks like one of those miscommunications between quarterback and center. The Miners will take any help they can get in this game, and it would help a lot if they turn this into points and get the crowd quieted early.

(Game goes to TV timeout. Upon returning, it is a screen of the field at Camp-Randall Stadium in Madison, with Duke on offense at the Wisconsin three yard line. Reece Davis gives the details.)

Reece: Duke football has been a doormat for several years, but perhaps Carl Franks is getting it turned around. Here's Duke running back Alex Wade bulling his way in from three yards out, giving twenty-fifth-seeded Duke a surprising early 7-0 lead in Camp-Randall against the Badgers.

Elsewhere, the Huskies of UConn have taken an early 7-0 lead against the RedHawks and Auburn and SMU are scoreless very early at Jordan-Hare. Virginia Tech has gotten on the scoreboard with a field goal against Kansas, and West Virginia has come out on fire against the Indians of Louisiana-Monroe, scoring one touchdown and recovering a fumble for another touchdown and an early 14-0 lead in Morgantown. Back to you in Tallahassee.

Pam: Thanks, Reece. Still scoreless here early in the first quarter after an FSU drive was snuffed out on a bad exchange from center. UTEP now has the ball deep in its own territory, first and ten.

The Miners surprisingly generate a first down on their first play from scrimmage, but are effectively stuffed on the next three plays, bringing on the punt team. A strong punt leaves FSU at their own 31. Four plays moves the ball to their 47.

Pam: Rix hands off to Greg Jones. He's got a seam! 40! 30! They won't catch him and this'll be a Seminole touchdown! 53 yards for Greg Jones!

Chris: Excellent blocking by the Seminole linemen. They just buried the UTEP defenders at the line of scrimmage and Jones has the speed to beat anyone in their secondary in the open field.

Pam: The extra point is up and good. So with five and a half minutes left in the first quarter, the Seminoles go on top 7-0.

(TV Timeout ensues, this time, the highlight is from the Purdue-Northwestern game.)

Reece: We'll get you back to Tallahassee in a moment, but wanted to check in with Purdue and Northwestern in West Lafayette. Purdue QB Kyle Orton dropping back and firing a strike to his favorite target, receiver John Standeford in the back of the end zone and the Boilers are up 7-0.

Some other scores to report. The Horned Frogs of TCU, the number eight seed in the East, are chugging along against Memphis, up 14-0 late in the first. The RedHawks of Miami have gotten on the board against Connecticut with a field goal. Louisiana-Monroe has gotten a touchdown against West Virginia. However, the Mountaineers have answered and it's now 21-7 and West Virginia is driving again. Down in Lubbock, we have a barn-burner early as the Cowboys of Wyoming are knotted with the Red Raiders and Kliff Kingsbury, 10-all, midway through the first quarter.

Pam: Back here in Tallahassee, it's 7-0 Florida State after a 53-yard touchdown run by Greg Jones.

Chris: It'll be interesting to see how UTEP responds to the touchdown. They got a bit of a bump when Rix fumbled on that first possession, but couldn't do anything with it. How they respond to this will determine whether they can stay in this game.

Unfortunately, they don't respond very well at all, going three-and-out, punting back to FSU a minute and a half later. A blocking penalty on the punt return, however, bumps FSU back to their own 10. The Noles are not fazed at all. By the end of the first quarter, they've moved into UTEP territory.

Pam: ...with that, the quarter ends. Florida State is up seven to nothing, but it could have been worse, Chris.

Chris: It could still get worse. FSU is moving the ball on offense very well right now.

Pam: Back with the second quarter in a moment.

[Wolfpack]

TV returns from commercial, displaying Virginia on offense against Navy

Reece: Checking in once more on games across the country. This time we drop in on Charlottesville and Virginia's Matt Schaub, dissecting the Navy defense for his third touchdown pass of the first quarter. Virginia already up 21-7 going into the second there. Connecticut and Miami continue to have a tight one going, Miami now up 10-7 on a Ben Rothlesberger touchdown pass early in the second quarter. South Florida, the seven seed in the East, is having some trouble with the Chippewas from Central Michigan. The Chips and Bulls are tied at 7 early in the second quarter in Tampa. Another high-seeded east team in a bit of a tussle is Marshall, battling MAC rival Ohio U in Huntington this afternoon. Both teams have produced first quarter fireworks, leaving the Herd up 21-14 going into the second. Byron Leftwich has thrown for all three Marshall touchdowns. Finally, in the Southeast, sixth-seeded Pittsburgh is having a tough time with the Vandals from Idaho, leading only 7-0 early in the second there. Now back to Pam in Tallahassee.

Pam: Welcome back to Tallahassee, where Florida State leads the UTEP Miners 7-0 after one quarter. FSU starts with the ball in UTEP territory to start the second quarter....

The Seminoles pick up where they left off in the first. They blow through the UTEP defense and move the ball to the UTEP 20.

Pam: 2nd and a long four for the Seminoles. Rix gives to Jones. There he goes! Touchdown, Florida State! An easy 20-yard run for Jones. Did a Miner defender lay a hand on him, Chris?

Chris: Certainly didn't seem like it. Well, looking at the replay, someone did get a hand on him to slow him a bit at the line, but once he broke through, he had the score. Great downfield blocking by the receivers.

Pam: And the extra point is good. Florida State pushes its lead to 14.

UTEP gets a good kickoff return that leaves them near midfield, but three plays later...

Pam: First and ten for UTEP. Duarte back to pass...intercepted by Samuels at the FSU 20 and out of bounds! Out at the 22!

FSU moves the ball to the 45...

Pam: Second and five...Rix gives to Jones...he's gotten free again! 45! 40! 35! 30! Jones is going to score his third touchdown of the half! Touchdown Seminoles! 55 yards! Greg Jones is putting on a show today!

Chris: A great show. But, he's getting a lot of help from his line. They're doing a phenominal job up front, blowing open huge holes for him to run through. Look at that lane! I'm a slow ex-linebacker and I probably could've carried that one in! UTEP needs to come up with something this next drive or it could get ugly.

FSU adds the extra point and kicks away to UTEP. The Miners get another nice drive going, pushing into FSU territory yet again...

Pam: Duarte drops back...under a lot of pressure...intercepted again at the 20! It's Kendyll Pope this time! He's got blockers! He's going to take this one all the way back! Touchdown Florida State! An 80-yard interception return for a touchdown by Kendyll Pope!

Chris: Great pressure by the up-front guys and a great break on the ball by Pope. Once he got back to the original line of scrimmage, it was all over.

Pam: The extra point is good. The Seminoles are in control now, up by twenty-eight!

TV timeout, followed by a return to Bristol
Reece: Reece Davis here in our ESPN studios, getting ready for half time. We have scores and highlights from all the action around the nation. Several tight contests and several that, well, aren't so tight. All that coming up at the half.

Pam: Thanks, Reece. Here, the Seminoles of Florida State are showing why they're the number four seed in the West, dominating the number twenty-nine seed, UTEP 28-0 after what is now officially an 81-yard interception return for touchdown by Kendyll Pope.

UTEP receives the kick and once again have some success moving the ball, but stall out in FSU territory. The field goal unit trots out.

Pam: Here's Keith Robertson on to attempt the field goal.

Chris: UTEP is looking for anything to stop the bleeding at this point.

Pam: The kick is up and...he missed it! Off to the right!

Chris: UTEP is having nothing going its way right now.

Pam: Sure doesn't seem that way. Florida State takes over with two minutes left in the half.

The Noles continue to play well on offense, moving the ball back down the field and get in position for a field goal attempt of their own with seconds left in the half.

Pam: Florida State takes its last time out. And on comes Xavier Beitia to attempt a field goal to close the half on....

Chris: He had a pretty strong season up until he missed wide left at the end against Miami and has seemed to struggle a bit since then.

Pam: Beitia counts his linemen and lines himself up. The snap, the kick is up...and it's good! Beitia connects to close the half and Florida State will go into the locker room with a commanding 31-0 lead.

After this commercial break, we'll go back to our Bristol studios and get you caught up on all the other action in the early games today. Stay with us.

[JeeberD]

Keith Robinson, not Robertson. And he would have made that firld goal in real life. He nailed a 59 yarder last season...

And why in the hell is Omar Duarte starting!!! He's terrible! Give me Jon Shaper or Orlando Cruz any day!!!


Freakin Miners. Oh well, at least it's only 31-0 so far. It could be much, much worse....

Oh, and great reports, Wolfpack. I'm really enjoying this (except for the whole UTEP getting waxed thing :))...

[Wolfpack]

Jeeber: Sorry about that. I went to the UTEP site for name references. Got mixed up on the kicker and chose the starting QB based on stats on the site which seemed to indicate he was the starter. With a huge lead such as this, I'm sure it'll be okay to swap QBs to one you prefer. (Then again I know the outcome and such a choice will be irrelevant anyway)

[Wolfpack]

TV returns from commercial, showing Reece Davis sitting at the desk with the TV behind him, saying "Halftime Report".

Reece: Hi, I'm Reece Davis and welcome to the Halftime Report. Many games going on around the country in the opening round of this tournament, most of which have reached the half. Let's start with the game you're watching, Florida State and UTEP.

It's been all Seminoles in this one. UTEP got a break early when Chris Rix fumbled a center exchange on the opening possession, but could not capitalize. Next Seminole possession, they would pay for it as Greg Jones breaks out for a 53-yard touchdown run to put the Noles up 7-0.

UTEP's offense struggled at times. Here, quarterback Omar Duarte is intercepted by Stanford Samuels at the FSU 20 before going out of bounds. FSU would capitalize as Greg Jones scored his second touchdown from 20 yards out to make it 14-0 early in the second.

After a UTEP punt, Greg Jones continued to carve up the UTEP defense, breaking off a 55-yard touchdown run, his third touchdown of the half! UTEP tries to rally, but just as they get to FSU's red zone, Duarte is intercepted by Kendyll Pope, who gets an escort all the way back to the other end zone. Florida State gets a field goal as the half expires and now lead comfortably, 31-0.

To Charlottesville, where the University of Virginia is hosting the Middies from Navy. Cav QB Matt Schaub is having a great day, passing for 184 yards and three scores in the first half alone. He got started early, hooking up with Billy McMullen on this 44-yard touchdown on the opening possession of the game. Next possession, Schaub hands away to Wali Lundy and he busts in from 14 yards out to make it 14-0. Nothing going right for the Middies, here in punt formation. A swarm of Cavaliers break through to block the punt, giving Virginia excellent field position deep in Navy territory. Schaub then dumped a short pass to Lundy, who took it the rest of the way and the Cavs were up 21-0 at the end of the first. The Middies did get a touchdown in the second, but gave up another Schaub touchdown pass to Heath Miller late in the half and now trail Virginia 28-7.

In other East Region games, the Horned Frogs are having their way with the Memphis Tigers, up 24-0 at the half, Lonta Hobbs with two touchdowns on the ground in that one.

Down in Raleigh, Chuck Amato's Wolfpack are rolling against the Bulls, 28-0. Philip Rivers has thrown for two touchdowns and TA McLendon has rushed for two more.

Connecticut and Miami of Ohio are engaged in one of the better affairs of the early games, the Huskies leading 14-10 in Oxford. Miami QB Ben Rothlesberger has a touchdown in that one.

Another good matchup brewing is down in Tampa, where the Bulls of South Florida are up 14-7 against Central Michigan. Marquel Blackwell, one of the better quarterbacks no one's ever heard of, has thrown for 143 yards and a touchdown.

Byron Leftwich continues to play outstanding football. He's tossed four touchdowns in the first half and the Herd are leading MAC rival Ohio U 28-14 at the half.

To the Southeast we go, sort of. We're actually in Madison, Wisconsin for the matchup between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Duke Blue Devils. Early on, Duke showed a bit of fight against the Badgers. Running back Alex Wade plowed his way in from three yards out to give the Devils the early 7-0 lead. Wisconsin would respond with this Anthony Davis touchdown run of 27 yards late in the first quarter. Not a whole lot of action in this one as Duke is surprisingly tied with the Badgers, 7-all, at Camp-Randall.

More scores in the Southeast. In Knoxville, Casey Clausen has hooked up with Jabari Davis twice in the first half and Rocky Top is up on the Zips 24-7 at the half.

Larry Johnson has gone wild for Penn State, rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns in the first half as the Nittany Lions hold a commanding 41-7 halftime lead against Tulsa.

Down at Jordan-Hare, behind the running of Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams, the Auburn Tigers have erupted for 28 second quarter points and now lead the Mustangs of SMU 35-0 at the half.

At the Swamp, Rex Grossman has thrown two touchdown passes as th Gators are shutting out Baylor 24-0.

The only other Southeast matchup that's close right now is a bit surprising. Sixth-seeded Pittsburgh is struggling a bit with the Vandals of Idaho. They lead 14-7 and are about to start the third quarter.

Stay with us, more scores in a moment.

[Wolfpack]

Reece: Back on the Halftime Show, we now move to the Midwest, Northwestern and Purdue. The Big Ten rivals clashing in West Lafayette, one of a few first round matchups pitting teams from the same conference. In this one, the Boilers are in control behind the passing of Kyle Orton. Midway through the first quarter, Joe Tiller's squad had the ball at the Wildcat 13. Orton dropped back and found his favorite receiver John Standeford in the back of the end zone to stake Purdue to a 7-0 lead. The Boilers would add a couple of field goals before Northwestern's Jason Wright broke through on this play from seven yards out to close the gap to 13-7. However, with time winding down in the second, Standeford caught a 45-yard touchdown bomb from Orton to push Purdue's lead to 20-7 at the half.

In other Midwest action, down in Morgantown, it's gotten pretty ugly between West Virginia and Louisiana-Monroe. Avon Cobourne is running at-will right now, rushing for 136 yards and three scores already and the Mountaineers are taking it to Louisiana-Monroe, 37-14.

Down on the Bayou, the Tigers of LSU are shutting out the Arkansas State Indians 17-0. Matt Mauck has thrown for two touchdowns in that contest.

In South Bend, Ty Willingham's club is laying the wood to Eastern Michigan. Carlysle Holiday has one rushing and one passing touchdown and the Irish are up big at halftime, 26-7.

The Midwest's fifth seed, Virginia Tech, is playing host to Kansas out of the Big XII. Thus far, the Hokies are leading, though not comfortably, 18-7 as that game winds to halftime. Lee Suggs has rushed for a score and the Hokie defense has gotten a safety to make the odd score.

In Fayetteville, Houston Nutt's Arkansas Razorbacks have taken a 16-0 halftime lead against Troy State. Matt Jones has 149 yards and a touchdown passing for the Hawgs.

To the West Region we go, and an entertaining 12-21 matchup is shaping up between Toledo and Nevada at the Glass Bowl. After an initial touchdown by the Rockets in the first, both teams scored 13 points each in the second quarter. They're about to tee it up for the third quarter with the Rockets ahead 20-13.

The Eagles from BC, which knocked Notre Dame from the ranks of the unbeaten during the regular season, are playing the Ragin' Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette on Beacon Hill. Brian St. Pierre has passed for 134 yards and a touchdown to lead BC to a 13-0 halftime lead.

Lastly, we come to probably the game of the day thus far, Wyoming and Texas Tech, engaged in a shootout in Lubbock. Kliff Kingsbury and company are getting all they want from the Cowboys, leading 23-20 at the half. Kingsbury has already passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns so far.

That's all the time we have for this Halftime Report. We'll get you back to Tallahassee and the second half of Florida State and UTEP, right after this.

[tucker342]

great stuff so far Wolfpack:D

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by JeeberD
Don't worry, they would have lost no matter who they would have played in the first round. Unless they managed to somehow play against Tulsa, Houston, or Army. Then they might have had a chance...

You might have been able to beat my Jayhawks. Unfortunately, Va Tech gets that pleasure.

An who in god's name thought "Manhappiness" Kansas was a good place for a regional. Damn purple power pussies.

SI

[Swaggs]

Let's Go Mountaineers! :)

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by Wolfpack
Jeeber: Sorry about that. I went to the UTEP site for name references. Got mixed up on the kicker and chose the starting QB based on stats on the site which seemed to indicate he was the starter. With a huge lead such as this, I'm sure it'll be okay to swap QBs to one you prefer. (Then again I know the outcome and such a choice will be irrelevant anyway)

Don't worry man, I was pretty much just bitching to myself. I appreciate the effort you've put into this dynasty and am enjoying it enormously.

Yeah, Duarte had the biggest numbers for UTEP last year, but that's because both Shaper and Cruz got hurt early in the season. Shaper was the #1 QB and Cruz the #2 going into the season. Don't worry about changing QB's, it's not going to make any difference anyways... :(

And again, thanks for this dynasty. Keep up the great work!!!

[Wolfpack]

Thanks, all.

Sterling: I randomly chose the stadiums for the sites and then organized them into regions and selected the best ones for each region to be regional sites. Just so happened K-State got one.

[Wolfpack]

TV returns from commercial. The image is of Doak-Campbell Stadium, fans filing back to their seats. A small scoreboard in the lower right corner appears, showing UTEP with zero points and Florida State with 31

Pam: Welcome back to Doak-Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee where the UTEP Miners are down 31-0 to the Florida State Seminoles. Chris, what, if anything, can the Miners do to try to get back into this game, or is it too far gone at this point?

Chris: Unfortunately for UTEP fans who may be watching, I think this game is already out of reach. They couldn't muster the offense they needed and they couldn't make the stops they needed during the first half. I don't expect it to be much different in the second half.

Pam: Okay. Just a reminder, coming up after this game, the ABC family of networks will continue its coverage of the 2002 National Football Tournament with games at 3:30, 7:30, and 10:30 Eastern time. Check listings in your area for games and times.

Florida State's Xavier Beitia has the ball set up and we are ready to go with the second half.

UTEP receives the opening kick and moves downfield into field goal range before bogging down.

Pam: Fourth down for UTEP coming up, and on comes ? Robinson for his second attempt. His first attempt during the second quarter missed wide right.

The snap...uh, oh! It's up, but it's not going to make it!

Chris: Looks like the snap was a bit too high for the holder and he had to rush to get it down. Unfortunately, Robinson's timing was thrown off and he just couldn't get a good follow-through.

Pam: So, UTEP's hard luck day continues. Florida State now takes over, first and ten.

The Seminoles take advantage of the UTEP miscue and move into field goal range themselves before the Miner defense stiffens.

Pam: On comes the field goal unit and Xavier Beitia, who made his only field goal attempt as the gun sounded for halftime.

The snap is down, kick is up, and it is...good! Beitia adds another three points to the Seminole lead and now they lead 34-0 with just under eight minutes left in the third quarter.

TV goes to commercial and returns to show a highlight of Wisconsin and Duke, Wisconsin with the ball deep in Duke territory

Reece: We'll get you back to Tallahassee in a moment. Duke had fought Wisconsin to a standstill at Camp Randall, but it looks like the Badgers are wearing the Blue Devils down. On this play, Anthony Davis shook off a couple of would-be tacklers and rumbled into the end zone from seven yards out. The Badgers just added a field goal and now are up 17-7 midway into the third quarter.

In Oxford, Ohio, the Miami RedHawks have utilized a Ben Rothlesberger touchdown pass to take a 17-14 lead against the Huskies.

Central Michigan, the Chippewas!...are continuing to hang with the East's seventh seed, South Florida, trailing 14-10.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is finally getting a bit of breathing room against the Idaho Vandals, leading 21-7 midway into the third quarter.

Finally, it looks like Texas Tech is pulling away from Wyoming in Lubbock, as Kliff Kingsbury lead them on a touchdown drive to open the half and are lining up for a field goal as I speak, ahead 30-20...now 33-20 with the field goal made. Back to Tallahassee, Pam Ward, and Chris Spielman.

Pam: Okay, thanks Reece. Here, it's 34-0 with the Seminoles in complete control, getting ready to kick away....

The UTEP offense again takes the field but is unable this time to get even into field goal range and so have to punt away. A good return puts FSU near its own 40 yard line. Bowden is calling off the dogs as the second unit for FSU comes onto the field, Anquan Boldin at QB and Nick Maddox in the backfield. The offense doesn't skip a beat and the Seminoles move the ball to the UTEP 40 in three plays.

Pam: Second and four for Florida State. Boldin hands away to Maddox. Spins out of one tackle...he's free! 30! 20! 10! 5! Touchdown, Florida State! 40 yards for Nick Maddox!

Chris: Wow! That was a great move to get out of that tackle and then it was just pure speed at that point. UTEP had crowded the line ready to stop the run, but once he got away from the initial containment, there was nobody left for support.

Pam: The kick is up and good from Beitia and now FSU is up 41-0.

UTEP receives the next kickoff and get the offense going again, but the FSU defense rises up once more to hold them to a field goal opportunity.

Pam: Robinson on to kick. His first kick missed right, the second one short due to a bobbled snap. Third time the charm, right?

Chris: Heh-heh-heh! Hope so, Pam!

Pam: Snap...hold...up--blocked! Partially blocked and it falls well short!

Chris: It's just been an ugly day all around for the Miners. Guess the third time wasn't the charm.

Pam: So, the Seminoles maintain the shutout, leading 41-0 with just over 14 minutes left in the game.

Let's go to Reece Davis for an update on Wyoming and Texas Tech.

Image appears of Texas Tech and Wyoming in Lubbock, Wyoming with the ball.
Reece: Thanks, Pam. Midway through the third, it looked like the Red Raiders had gotten control of their game with Wyoming. Apparently they haven't. Wyoming scored a touchdown to close to 33-27 and now, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Casey Bramlet and Scottie Vines have connected for the second straight touchdown and given the Cowboys the one-point lead.

In Madison, the Badgers have stretched their lead to 24-7 early in the fourth and are deep in Duke territory.

The Chippewas of Central Michigan keep inching closer to South Florida. They've added another field goal and it's now 14-13.

The Huskies of UConn have retaken the lead against Miami, 21-17, early in the fourth quarter there. The RedHawks, however, are inside the Husky 20.

Virginia Tech, meanwhile, has gotten control of their game with Kansas, pushing their lead to 28-7 as they go to the fourth.

Pam: Thanks, Reece. The Seminoles are in great shape to advance to their regional in Tucson, facing little opposition from the Miners. First and ten Florida State....

For the first time, the UTEP defense stiffens immediately, albeit against the second stringers. FSU has to punt for the first time all game long. UTEP, in what seems like a broken record, once again ventures into Florida State territory, only to be held up as they get into field goal range.

Pam: ..and once again, the Miners face fourth down. On comes Robinson for his fourth field goal attempt of the night. The luckless kicker has missed one, had a bad snap ruin another, and had his third kick partially blocked.

The snap...kick is up and it is...no good! Just missed to the right again!

Chris: You can't help but feel for him. Heck, you can't help but feel for the Miners in general. They've played well, but two interceptions and all these missed field goals, not to mention breakdowns defensively have just done a number on them.

Pam: So, once again, the Seminole defense bends a little but doesn't break and continue their shutout of UTEP, now with seven minutes to go in the game. Back with more in a moment.

Returning from timeout, image appears which shows Texas Tech lining up for a field goal against Wyoming
Reece: Easily the best game of the early games, Wyoming and Texas Tech, the Red Raiders have booted a pair of field goals, this one a 38-yarder off the foot of Robert Treece and the Red Raiders have moved ahead of the Cowboys, 39-34.

Meanwhile, in Oxford, Ohio, Ben Rothlesberger and the RedHawks are suddenly on fire, striking for ten points in seven minutes in the fourth quarter. Miami is now up 27-21, though the Huskies are in RedHawk territory at the moment.

Finally, the Bulls of South Florida are still holding on to that slim, one-point lead, 14-13 against Central Michigan.

Pam: Here, the contest has been decided for quite a bit now, the Seminoles firmly in control, 41-0 with just under seven minutes left.

The Seminoles use their ground game to take large swaths of time off the clock, so much so, that UTEP never sees the ball again as the Seminoles are content with running out the clock deep in Miner territory and mercifully end the game.

Pam: ...and that should do it. Florida State, the fourth seed in the West Region, easily handles number twenty-nine UTEP 41-0. The Seminoles now travel to Tucson, Arizona to await the winner of Nebraska and Nevada-Las Vegas.

Chris: A very impressive effort by Bobby Bowden's team. They'll be a challenge for any team in this tournament.

Pam: For my partner, Chris Spielman and our entire crew, I'm Pam Ward. Thanks so much for watching. This has been a presentation of ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports. Now, let's go to Reece Davis in Bristol.

Image switches to Reece Davis in the studio, TV behind him shows logos of Wyoming and Texas Tech
Reece: Alright, thanks Pam. Florida State wins impressively and moves on to Tucson.

The first group of games in the tournament are mostly done with some exceptions, most notably, the wild game going on in Lubbock. After two Red Raider field goals put Texas Tech up 39-34, the Cowboys answered right back. Casey Bramlet has matched Kliff Kingsbury throw for throw in this affair. Here, he hooks up with Scottie Vines for their third touchdown of the game to put the Cowboys up 41-39 with about two minutes to go there. The Red Raiders do have the ball and are trying to drive for a game-winning field goal.

Another tight affair has just ended in Oxford, Ohio, where the RedHawks held on to defeat the Connecticut Huskies, 34-24, intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown with :48 seconds left to seal the deal. Miami's reward is to get East number two seed Iowa in Buffalo next week.

Meanwhile, South Florida has outlasted the Chippewas of Central Michigan, 21-13, in Tampa.

We'll let you know what's going on in Lubbock, but right now, it's time to get you ready for game two of our quadruple-header here on ESPN2, going west for Fresno State and New Mexico State.

[JeeberD]

41-0 is all? Hell, that ain't bad at all. Last year we had a three game stretch where we lost to Kentucky 77-17, to Oklahoma 68-0, and to Hawaii 31-6. That's a three game stretch where we got outscored 176-23. So I don't find a 4-1 beating too bad...

Now I guess I gotta root for UNT. Go Mean Green!!!

Oh, and I hope Texas Tech gets their ass handed to them really soon. God how I hate those TT bastards... :mad:

[Wolfpack]

To all: I'm rethinking trying to do a flowing narrative to this dynasty. I'm realizing that it might burn out my creativity a bit too quickly to have to generate a plausible "televised" game and score updating, not to mention, severely slow down what I'm doing, since I can play a batch of games in an evening, but then spend free time over the next several (as was the case with this one) just writing it up.

So, I may "simplify" my narrative and just give score updates at the end of the quarter of the "watched" game as I had intended originally.

Thoughts?

BTW, I've completed play for the 3:30 games except the one being broadcast. Let's just say there are more interesting games in this batch than the first one. :)

[NAIWF]

Whatever makes it easier for you to update works for me ;)

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by NAIWF
Whatever makes it easier for you to update works for me ;)

Agreed

[tucker342]

also agree

[Wolfpack]

Okay, I'm going to go ahead and report finals for the early games, trying out the new "out of town scores" style a bit.

East Region
(8) TCU 40, (25) Memphis 3
Horned Frogs jump to 24-0 halftime lead and never look back

(4) NC State 42, (29) Buffalo 0
Wolfpack blitz the Bulls and cruise into round of 64

(15) Miami (OH) 34, (18) Connecticut 24
RedHawks trail 21-17 going into fourth, but outscore Huskies 17-3 in final stanza

(7) South Florida 21, (26) Central Michigan 13
Chips hang tough, but turn the ball over on their last possession, preventing any chance of tying it up

(10) Marshall 52, (23) Ohio 21
Marshall and Ohio start out lighting up the board, but only Marshall keeps it going for all four quarters

(6) Virginia 59, (27) Navy 14
21-point first quarter and 24-point third quarter send Middies to the bottom

Southeast Region
(8) Wisconsin 34, (25) Duke 10
Badgers struggle for a half with Duke before putting them away

(9) Tennessee 48, (24) Akron 14
Sluggish 7-0 start for Vols before exploding for 34 points in second and third quarters

(4) Penn State 57, (29) Tulsa 7
Over at kickoff, it was 31-7 at the end of the first quarter

(5) Auburn 66, (28) SMU 7
Over when the matchup was announced

(6) Pittsburgh 28, (27) Idaho 7
Panthers slowly, methodically beat the Vandals with a touchdown in each quarter

Midwest Region
(8) LSU 34, (25) Arkansas State 0
Impressive performance by Tigers sends them to round of 64

(4) Notre Dame 49, (29) Eastern Michigan 7
Irish roll, scoring 10+ points each quarter

(5) Virginia Tech 49, (28) Kansas 14
Kansas sticks for a half, trailing 18-7, before Hokies pull away

(7) Arkansas 43, (26) Troy State 0
Hogs go wild, shut out Troy State

(10) Purdue 40, (23) Northwestern 14
Boilers thump conference rivals to move on

(6) West Virginia 60, (27) Louisiana-Monroe 21
'Neers start hot, don't cool off

West Region
(12) Toledo 44, (21) Nevada 19
Rockets and Wolf Pack close for a half, then Toledo blows Nevada out

(7) Boston College 23, (26) Louisiana-Lafayette 0
Eagles give Cajuns an egg for their efforts

(6) Texas Tech 42, (27) Wyoming 41
Best game of the day thus far. Teams score 13 each in first, Raiders outscore Cowboys 10-7 in second and third to lead 33-27. Wyoming manages two touchdowns to two Red Raider field goals in fourth to lead 41-39 (should've gone for two on one touchdown). Red Raiders get last chance, get to Wyoming 1 before settling for a chip-shot 18-yarder to win. Sorry, Jeeber.

(4) Florida State 41, (29) UTEP 0
Miners get early turnover, but that's about all that goes right. FSU racks up four touchdowns including turnover return for TD to cruise to 31-0 halftime lead and walk away with a win. Sorry again, Jeeber.

As noted before, the 3:30 games have proven to be much better affairs. Even a couple that are going extra time (I'm having to make up charts for the situation since the original game never had college overtime charts made up for it).

[tucker342]

Ouch, only two games that were close...

[tucker342]

Oh by the way, GO IOWA:D

[thealmighty]

Wolfpack, thank you for not doing that play-by-play thing forever. It is a good idea, but maybe you can pick a Game-of-the-Week or something.

Good idea, btw. :)

[JeeberD]

Damn those Red Raiders... :mad:

[Wolfpack]

Well, the notion is that there are four games that will be rolled for in detail as the "watched" game while other games go on in the background. I realized that I was going to be reaching a bit for play-by-play rather quickly in order to not sound repetitive or get taxed by the amount that had to be done. So, we go from here with a very simplified arrangement.

At any rate, I'll be putting up the 3:30 games shortly....

[Wolfpack]

NAIWF grabs the remote, changes the channel, and on screen appears Grant Field in Atlanta. It's Georgia Tech against Mississippi State, according to the graphic on the screen.

The Bulldogs won the toss, deferred, so Georgia Tech gets the ball first.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
Tech gets a couple of first downs on the drive before bogging down and punts the ball away.

10:30 1st, game tied 0-0
The Bulldogs are more successful to start. They push into Tech territory before settling for a field goal.

6:50 1st, MSU leads 3-0
Tech has an ugly possession, goes three and out.

4:50 1st, MSU leads 3-0
Bulldogs can't capitalize, getting a first down before punting away.

1:20 1st, MSU leads 3-0
Tech works for a first down before the quarter comes to a close.

End of 1st Quarter
Mississippi State 3, Georgia Tech 0

-------------

How's that? Lacks the detail, but I think still leaves a bit of storytelling. Scoreboard for other games coming up.

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(17) Illinois 7, (16) Central Florida 0
Illini stake early lead on the road

(20) Stanford 0, (13) Northern Illinois 0
A rather dull start in DeKalb

(12) Wake Forest 13, (21) San Diego State 10
Deacs and Aztecs light up the board in the early going

(5) Colorado 10, (28) Kent State 0
Buffs take charge early

(3) Maryland 9, (30) Army 3
Army hanging tough, giving Terps fits

Southeast Region
(17) Southern Miss 0, (16) South Carolina 0
A rip-snoring start in Columbia

(13) Texas A&M 17, (20) San Jose State 0
A&M came to play, SJSU didn't

(15) North Texas 7, (18) Arizona 0
Good start for the Mean Green at home

(13) Oklahoma State 13, (20) Indiana 7
Cowboys and Hoosiers have a nice one going

(22) East Carolina 7, (11) Iowa State 7
Cyclones getting a contest from Pirates early

Midwest Region
(17) Louisville 0, (16) Cincinnati 0
C-USA rivals play defense to start

(13) Kentucky 7, (20) Ball State 0
Wildcats ahead early in Lexington

(12) Clemson 21, (21) Houston 0
Tommy Bowden's kids are having their way

(14) Bowling Green 3, (19) North Carolina 0
Falcons get field goal in first

(22) Western Michigan 7, (11) Minnesota 3
Early surprise in the Metrodome

West Region
(17) New Mexico 7, (16) Tulane 7
Another close 16-17 game going on

(20) UNLV 7, (13) Nebraska 7
This is definitely not the Nebraska teams of old

(10) Washington 7, (23) Vanderbilt 0
Vandy holding their own against the Huskies

(19) New Mexico State 14, (14) Fresno State 0
Impressive start by NMSU, could be the first seed upset of the tourney

(22) Alabama-Birmingham 10, (11) Arizona State 6
Blazers take advantage of sluggish start by ASU

[Wolfpack]

Back to the MSU-Tech game....

15:00 2nd, MSU leads 3-0
Tech scoops another first down before MSU forces a Tech punt. They had a chance at a touchdown on a deep pass, but just missed on the completion.

13:00 2nd, MSU leads 3-0
MSU gets a great punt return that puts them well into Tech territory, but they can't get a first down and settle for a field goal.

11:00 2nd, MSU leads 6-0
Again, Tech can't seem to get things on track. They bump around a bit but once again the punt unit comes on.

7:30 2nd, MSU leads 6-0
Tech's defense has it's best effort so far, busting up MSU for a three-and-out.

5:30 2nd, MSU leads 6-0
The Jackets hit on a bomb play and get a touchdown in very short order. XP is good.

3:50 2nd, GT leads 7-6
Bulldogs scoop a couple of first downs, but ultimately punt away.

0:05 2nd, GT leads 7-6
After a decent return gets them near midfield, Tech puts up a Hail Mary that is intercepted on the last play.

End of 1st half
Georgia Tech 7, Mississippi State 6

Well, as can be seen, this is turning into a lovely defensive struggle (or a snoozefest, depending on your imagination). Neither of these teams are offensive juggernauts, particularly MSU, who in this game are rated just a couple of steps above the worst available. Tech's scoring punch is rated slighly below average. It definitely shows in this contest.

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(17) Illinois 7, (16) Central Florida 0
Illini continue to lead as game becomes defensive struggle

(13) Northern Illinois 3, (20) Stanford 0
NIU is looking very unimpressive

(12) Wake Forest 27, (21) San Diego State 20
Both teams continue to put points on the board, though Wake has stretched it's lead a bit

(5) Colorado 20, (28) Kent State 0
Buffs in firm control of this one

(3) Maryland 23, (30) Army 3
A couple of touchdowns gives the Terps a nice cushion at half

Southeast Region
(16) South Carolina 10, (17) Southern Miss 7
A more interesting second quarter results in a slim lead for the Gamecocks

(13) Texas A&M 20, (20) San Jose State 7
Spartans get on the board and try to stay in the game

(15) North Texas 13, (18) Arizona 6
A field goal fest in the second quarter

(10) Oklahoma State 23, (23) Indiana 7
10 unanswered points gives the Cowboys a good lead at half

(11) Iowa State 21, (22) East Carolina 17
Cyclones get two touchdowns, but can't shake the Pirates

Midwest Region
(16) Cincinnati 7, (17) Louisville 6
Unremarkable contest sees Bearcats getting slim lead

(13) Kentucky 28, (20) Ball State 0
Three touchdown eruption blows open the contest for Wildcats

(12) Clemson 28, (21) Houston 7
Cougars get on the board, but may already be too far down

(14) Bowling Green 10, (19) North Carolina 7
Falcons and Tar Heels in a tight contest

(11) Minnesota 14, (22) Western Michigan 7
Gophers get scoring in the second, take the lead

West Region
(17) New Mexico 14, (16) Tulane 7
Lobos get a touchdown and grab the lead

(13) Nebraska 14, (20) UNLV 10
Huskers are in a tussle in Lincoln, not a good thing

(10) Washington 28, (23) Vanderbilt 0
Huskies light up Vandy D for three TDs in the second

(19) New Mexico State 21, (14) Fresno State 7
NMSU continues to hold a solid lead at halftime

(11) Arizona State 30, (22) Alabama-Birmingham 17
Sun Devils explode in second quarter, outscoring Blazers 24-7

[Wolfpack]

3rd quarter of Mississippi State and Georgia Tech:

15:00 3rd, GT leads 7-6
The Bulldogs get the ball to start the half, but can only manage a first down before punting away.

11:00 3rd, GT leads 7-6
The Jackets do not fare much better to start, though they once again miss on a big touchdown play that could've put them up 14-6.

7:30 3rd, GT leads 7-6
The Bulldogs get a first down on the first play from scrimmage this drive, but then get stuffed on the next three and are forced to punt yet again.[/b]

5:00 3rd, GT leads 7-6
The Jackets get a sustained drive and chew up the clock before they punch it in for a touchdown. XP is good.

0:20 3rd, GT leads 14-6
Bulldogs run a play and the quarter expires.

End of 3rd Quarter
Georgia Tech 14, Mississippi State 6

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(17) Illinois 7, (16) Central Florida 3
Both offenses continue to struggle as UCF scores only points of quarter

(13) Northern Illinois 10, (20) Stanford 3
NIU gets a touchdown lead, which might be enough the way this game is going

(12) Wake Forest 27, (21) San Diego State 23
A quiet quarter after all the first half fireworks leaves SDSU three points closer

(5) Colorado 33, (28) Kent State 7
Colorado keeps rolling along, ready for next round

(3) Maryland 30, (30) Army 3
It's hard to imagine a 30-3 lead being unimpressive, but it seems that way in this game

Southeast Region
(17) Southern Miss 14, (16) South Carolina 13
Eagles jump in front in a close 16-17 game

(18) Arizona 13, (15) North Texas (13)
Wildcats get a touchdown to tie things up in Denton

(10) Oklahoma State 33, (23) Indiana 7
The Cowboys add another 10 and have the game in hand

(11) Iowa State 35, (22) East Carolina 17
Cyclones break away from Pirates, who can't keep up

Midwest Region
(16) Cincinnati 24, (17) Louisville 9
Bearcats surge in the third to take control

(13) Kentucky 35, (20) Ball State 7
Cardinals get points, but Kentucky well in front

(12) Clemson 41, (21) Houston 16
Tiger fans wonder where this team was all year

(14) Bowling Green 17, (19) North Carolina 14
Both teams get a touchdown each and it remains close going to the fourth

(11) Minnesota 24, (22) Western Michigan 14
Gophers get a bit more lead, but it's still not over yet

West Region
(17) New Mexico 24, (16) Tulane 14
Lobos extend the lead, may become one of the first low seeds to advance

(20) UNLV 17, (13) Nebraska 17
The normally polite and supportive Husker crowd is getting restless

(10) Washington 38, (23) Vanderbilt (7)
Huskies begin looking ahead to next round

(14) Fresno State 24, (19) New Mexico State 21
A tremendous third quarter for the Bulldogs and a disastrous one for NMSU results in a change in the lead

(11) Arizona State 37, (22) Alabama-Birmingham 17
Another touchdown for the Sun Devils and the lead is now 20

[Wolfpack]

Fourth quarter between Mississippi State and Georgia Tech...

15:00 4th, GT leads 14-6
Bulldogs resume their possession, are able to get couple of first downs, but once again the offense cannot keep it going and must punt.

11:00 4th, GT leads 14-6
The Yellow Jackets make the Bulldogs pay for their poor offense, striking on a couple of long plays, the last one results in probably a game-sealing touchdown. The XP is good.

8:50 4th, GT leads 21-6
The Bulldogs need and answer and quickly. They don't come up with one and are forced to punt away again after only managing one first down on the drive.

6:45 4th, GT leads 21-6
Tech begins to work at the clock a bit. They get a first down but don't get a second one, but they've given the Bulldogs very little time to make up a 15-point deficit.

3:15 4th, GT leads 21-6
A desperate Bulldog team can't get the quick strike they need and by the time they're even in position to score, the clock has run out on them.

Final Score
Georgia Tech 21, Mississippi State 6

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update
(17) Illinois 14, (16) Central Florida 11 (LATE 4TH)
Illinois added a touchdown to get a 14-3 lead, but the Knights answered with a touchdown and got the two point conversion to close to 14-11. UCF has the ball and is driving for a tying field goal.

(13) Northern Illinois 17, (20) Stanford 16 (LATE 4TH)
The Cardinal wake up in the fourth quarter, getting 13 points to NIU's lone field goal to trail by just one. They have the ball and are looking to take the lead.

(12) Wake Forest 34, (21) San Diego State 23 (FINAL)
A noisy start fades to a quiet finish as the Deacs get a touchdown to put the game out of reach in the fourth. Wake now goes to the sub-regional in West Point to face Colorado.

(5) Colorado 40, (28) Kent State 7 (FINAL)
Buffs finish off with a touchdown by second stringers and move on to face Wake Forest.

(3) Maryland 44, (30) Army 9 (FINAL)
A pair of fourth quarter touchdowns close down the scoring and the worst team in the field is eliminated. Maryland moves to the sub-regional at Rutgers to await the winner of Oregon-Syracuse.

Southeast Regional
(16) South Carolina 23, (17) Southern Miss 14 (FINAL)
10 unanswered fourth quarter points give the Gamecocks the victory. They are rewarded with a game against Southeast #1 Miami in Charlottesville.

(13) Texas A&M 33, (20) San Jose State 17 (FINAL)
The Spartans try to rally, but they are too far down. A&M matches them score for score and advances. The Aggies will now try to contain Penn State. At least the sub-regional is in Houston.

(18) Arizona 20, (15) North Texas 20 (LATE 4TH)
A nip-and-tuck contest goes to the wire as both teams get touchdowns in the fourth. North Texas has the ball and is going for the winning score.

(10) Oklahoma State 46, (23) Indiana 14 (FINAL)
The Cowboys put the finishing touches on an easy win. They now move to the Denton sub-regional and face Florida.

(11) Iowa State 49, (22) East Carolina 17 (FINAL)
ECU's offense never came out of the locker room for the second half and the Cyclones blow them away. ISU goes to Huntington next and gets Pittsburgh.

Midwest Region
(16) Cincinnati 31, (17) Louisville 9 (FINAL)
A horrid day for Louisville concludes as the Bearcats tack on another touchdown in the fourth. Cincinnati's prize: #1 Ohio State at the Glass Bowl in Toledo. Payback for the close loss during the regular season will be extra motivation.

(13) Kentucky 52, (20) Ball State 14 (FINAL)
The Wildcats finish with a flourish and move on to the round of 64. It won't be so easy next week in East Lansing going up against the Irish.

(12) Clemson 62, (21) Houston 21 (FINAL)
The Tigers are merciless, scoring three fourth quarter touchdowns to the delight of the faithful. Next up is Virginia Tech in the East Lansing sub-regional and it's a pretty good bet they won't hang 62 on the Hokies.

(14) Bowling Green 27, (19) North Carolina 24 (LATE 4TH)
A good, close contest is going down to the wire. The Falcons got the first points on a field goal, but the Heels have matched them score for score since then. North Carolina has the ball and is looking to tie it up.

(11) Minnesota 37, (22) Western Michigan 14 (FINAL)
The Gophers score 13 in the fourth to finish off the Broncos and advance. They will play West Virginia in Muncie next round.

West Region
(17) New Mexico 31, (16) Tulane 21 (FINAL)
The Lobos are the first low seed through into the round of 64, matching a Tulane touchdown with one of their own to keep the Wave at arm's reach in the fourth. They may not go much further, though, as they have to take on West #1 Southern California in Reno next week.

(20) UNLV 24, (13) Nebraska 24 (LATE 4TH)
The Nebraska faithful are on their feet as the Huskers first responded to a UNLV touchdown with one of their own to tie it at 24 and now are trying to drive for the winning points.

(10) Washington 41, (23) Vanderbilt 7 (FINAL)
The Huskies quietly finish their disposal of the Commodores and move to the next round in Manhattan, Kansas and Boston College.

(19) New Mexico State 31, (14) Fresno State 31 (LATE 4TH)
In an affair rivaling the Texas Tech-Wyoming game, New Mexico State and Fresno State have traded leads and scores all day. NMSU jumped to a 21-7 halftime lead only to watch the Bulldogs score 17 in the third unanswered. New Mexico State keeps it together and gets a tying field goal after the two teams trade touchdowns early in the fourth. Fresno State does have the ball now and is looking for the winning points.

(11) Arizona State 58, (22) Alabama-Birmingham 24 (FINAL)
The Sun Devils continue their obliteration of the Blazers with 21 in the fourth. ASU now travels to Boulder, where they face lucky first round survivor Texas Tech.

[tucker342]

I like this way a lot more. I hope Nebraska loses

[Lone Star]

Come onnnnnnn, North Texas! I graduated from there in 1994......

[Wolfpack]

Late in the Fourth Quarter...

EAST: (17) Illinois 14, (16) Central Florida 11
The Golden Knights push their way down the field, but Illinois stiffens as the Knights near the Illini 30. Facing fourth and long with 90 seconds left, the Knights trot out the field goal unit. It's going to be a 50+ yard attempt.

Snap down, kick up, and it's...GOOD! A fifty-one yard field goal for Central Florida! It's tied at 17!

However, on the ensuing kickoff, the UCF kick coverage breaks down and Illinois gets a great return back to midfield with 75 second left in the game. The Illini work their way down field with out passes and burning a couple of timeouts. They get to the UCF 25 with only a few seconds left. They bring on their field goal unit. The Illini kicker makes no doubt of it and cleaves the uprights as time expires! Illinois wins! A great win for the Illini, a heartbreaking loss for Central Florida!

Illinois now advances to the East Sub-Regional to face East #1 Georgia.

EAST: (13) Northern Illinois 17, (20) Stanford 16)
A sudden Stanford flurry in the fourth got the Cardinal into position for a potential game-winning drive. The Cardinal have marched down the field against NIU, chewing up clock and moving into field goal range. They have the ball at the NIU 22. However, there's only about 15 seconds left. If they fail here, they'll have to rush to get the field goal unit out there.

The quarterback drops back, looks...fires it to the end zone...caught! Touchdown, Stanford! A 22-yard touchdown strike and Stanford has leaped ahead 22-17! The extra point is up and good! 23-17 Stanford with seconds left!

Stanford kicks off, and NIU tries to make various pitches and laterals on the return, but to no avail as the ball carrier is tackled with time expired and Stanford escapes DeKalb with the win!

SOUTHEAST: (18) Arizona 20, (15) North Texas 20
The Wildcats and Mean Green have fought to a standstill late in the fourth quarter. North Texas gets the ball with under two minutes left. They go on a masterful drive, getting the yards and the time needed to move themselves to the Arizona 17 with twelve seconds left. They have one last shot at the end zone before they'll bring on the field goal unit.

The QB drops back...looks...looks...and throws...out of the back of the end zone! Couldn't find anyone open down field and threw it away. Here comes the field goal unit.

The kicker counts his men, measures off his angle, and sets himself. Snap...ball down...kick is up and it's good! The Mean Green win, 23-20!

Good news and bad news for Mean Green fans. Bad news first. They get to face #2 seed Oklahoma next round. The good news is, they'll be playing in Denton, so North Texas gets full home field advantage. (They're going to need it)

MIDWEST: (14) Bowling Green 27, (19) North Carolina 24
The Tar Heels and Falcons in a close one at Bowling Green. An early field goal is the only difference in the game. UNC has the ball and is looking for the points. They've moved their way down to the Falcon 21 yard line, 14 seconds left on the clock. Time for one more play.

Quarterback takes the snap, falls back...getting pressured...escapes a sack! Fires across his body to the end zone. It is...caught! Touchdown, Carolina! A great play by the quarterback to avoid the sack and get the throw off! The extra point is up and good! Only a few seconds left on the clock for Bowling Green.

The Heels kick away, and easily stuff the Bowling Green return as time runs out. North Carolina wins 31-27!

WEST: (20) UNLV 24, (13) Nebraska 24
A packed stadium in Lincoln has been sitting in disbelief for three hours as their Huskers have been in a tough game with, of all team, Nevada-Las Vegas. UNLV scored to take a 24-17 lead in the fourth before the Huskers answered back to tie. They force the Rebels to punt and they take over with two minutes left.

The Huskers maneuver their way down the field to the UNLV 36. Facing a fourth and long with :31 left, they go for the field goal to take the lead.

Snap, hold is good, kick is up...and it's...NO GOOD! The game stays tied! UNLV has the ball with :25 remaining!

However, the Husker defensive backs break up a pair of pass plays and, not wanting to risk a foolish turnover, the UNLV QB takes a knee and we're heading to overtime!

WEST: (19) New Mexico State 31, (14) Fresno State 31
A wild affair in Fresno, with lead changes and rallies of all sorts has come down to this. Fresno State with the ball at midfield and a 1:45 left. The Bulldogs move the ball down to the NMSU 33, but can't get any further. Fourth down. The Bulldogs gamble on a field goal attempt, but if they miss, they give the Aggies great field position and a minute to work themselves into field goal range.

Snap down, kick up...and it's not going to get there! The score is still tied.

Aggies get their turn. However, they can only manage to get to the Fresno State 41 with :04 left. They send on their field goal unit. This is a really long kick and they'd be fortunate to get it there, let alone make it.

Snap, the kick...it's way short. No chance on that one. This one is going to overtime!

[tucker342]

Wow, lots of great games in this set...

[Wolfpack]

In Overtime

WEST: (20) UNLV 24, (13) Nebraska (24)
UNLV wins the toss and elects to go second.

Nebraska starts at the 25, push their way to the 19, but can't get any further. Fourth down and the Huskers line up for the field goal. Snap, hold, kick is on the way...no good! Pushed it to the right! UNLV gets a huge advantage! They just have to hang on to the ball.

UNLV begins at the 25. Unlike Nebraska, UNLV's offense successfully gets a first down inside the 15. They get to the 10 before the Huskers bear down. The Rebels burn third down moving to the center of the field and trot out the field goal team. This should be the ball game. Snap, spot, kick is up...and GOOD! The Rebels shock Nebraska! The Rebels shock Nebraska! They're moving on to the round of 64!

WEST: (19) New Mexico State 31, (14) Fresno State (31)
Fresno State goes first in the OT.

The Bulldogs start out at the 25. They move the ball to the 18, third down. Quarterback drops back, looks...throws...caught at the 7! He shakes the defender and dives inside the pylon! Touchdown, Fresno State! Great play! The extra point is up and good! New Mexico State now has it's work cut out for it.

The Aggies step up to the 25. They work the ball downfield, picking up a first down. However, the Bulldog defense begins to hold. First down, get a couple of yards. Second down...incomplete! Third down...sack! The Aggies are down to their last chance. Fourth down and long. QB in the shotgun. Gets the snap...looking...looking...throws...batted away! Bulldogs win! Fresno State advances in overtime!

[tucker342]

YES!!!! NEBRASKA LOSES:D

[Wolfpack]

The afternoon games done, the group gathered around the set breaks up for the hourlong dinner break. They've watched six straight hours of football, some good, some bad, some ugly, and some too boring to remember.

As the group re-gathers for the nighttime doubleheader, some in the audience appear to have changed attire a bit as well. Gone is the UTEP shirt worn by JeeberD, replaced by a North Texas shirt. "Gotta root for somebody," he says.

"Hey, man, we'll take anything we can get," says Lone Star, the lone individual in the group who has worn Mean Green material since the start of the day. "It's going to be tough against the Sooners next round. You may have to go get another shirt."

Meanwhile, tucker342 causes a bit of a stir by swapping out his Iowa attire for...Fresno State? "C'mon...you had to like the way they took out the Huskers," he says with a satisfied grin.

NAIWF settles into his now customary spot on the couch, remote in hand, and turns on the TV. The image is a sea of green. Green shirts, green field, strangely designed, mostly green uniforms...and a very obnoxiously contrast of bright orange. The title graphic appears. It's an East Regional first round game between #19 Syracuse and #14 Oregon from Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

[Wolfpack]

Oregon wins the toss and defers to the second half. Syracuse sends out the kick return unit to receive the opening kick....

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
The Orangemen get a pair of first downs on the opening possession before the Duck defense holds. Punt.

11:09 1st, game tied 0-0
The Ducks have better luck on their opening possession, pushing into Syracuse territory. The Orangemen finally stop the Ducks in field goal range. The Ducks send on the kicker who converts the field goal attempt.

7:16 1st, ORE leads 3-0
The lead is very short-lived. On the ensuing kickoff, the Syracuse return man hits a perfect seam, blows through the Oregon special teams, and dusts the kicker before scampering into the end zone. A stunned Autzen Stadium watches as the extra point sails into the net behind the uprights good.

6:56 1st, SYR leads 7-3
The Ducks don't stay down long, though. They methodically march down the field and this time the Syracuse defense can't stop them. The Ducks cap the drive with a touchdown and Autzen Stadium is alive again.

2:28 1st, ORE leads 10-7
The Orangemen work for a couple of first down before the quarter draws to a close, facing third down.

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

Southeast Region
(11) Mississippi 7, (22) Brigham Young 0
An early touchdown pass gets the Rebels on the board first

Midwest Region
(15) Missouri 14, (18) Michigan State 3
Missouri's offense comes out smoking, striking for two touchdowns in the first and the Spartans are in a hole

West Region
(15) Air Force 3, (18) Utah 0
A sluggish start between the two MWC rivals in Colorado Springs

[Wolfpack]

Oregon at Syracuse, 2nd quarter...

15:00 2nd, ORE leads 10-7
The Orangemen fail to convert on third down and have to punt.

14:14 2nd, ORE leads 10-7
A deep throw on first down gets the Ducks into field goal range, but the Orangmen won't let them get any closer. The Ducks settle for a field goal.

11:30 2nd, ORE leads 13-7
The Syracuse kick return nearly gets another touchdown before being run out of bounds near the Oregon 25. The Oregon defense does a marvelous job under pressure and forces the Orangemen to settle for a field goal.

9:47 2nd, ORE leads 13-10
The Ducks embark on a grinding, time-consuming drive, but cannot get into the end zone once again. They get their third field goal of the game, though.

4:25 2nd, ORE leads 16-10
The Orangemen pick up a first down on two plays and then, out of nowhere, connect on a home run touchdown pass due to a breakdown in the Duck secondary. The crowd is once again stunned silent as the extra point puts Syracuse ahead.

3:08 2nd, SYR leads 17-16
Things continue getting frenetic on the field. This time, the Ducks connect on a couple of longish passes that move them deep into Syracuse territory. Autzen Stadium is again getting noisy and this time, the home team doesn't disappoint. They sledgehammer their way into the end zone and retake the lead. Unfortunately, the snap is bobbled on the extra point and the holder makes a hopeless throw to the end zone with no one there.

1:09 2nd, ORE leads 22-17
The flurry of second quarter activity quietly ends as the Orangemen decide to kill the clock and go to the half down five.

End of 2nd Quarter
Oregon 22, Syracuse 17

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

Southeast Region
(11) Mississippi 14, (22) Brigham Young 3
BYU gets on the board, but the Rebels expand their lead

Midwest Region
(15) Missouri 21, (18) Michigan State 13
The Spartans try to rally, but surrender a costly touchdown near halftime

West Region
(15) Air Force 17, (18) Utah 0
Air Force comes alive in the second quarter. Utah, however, doesn't.

[Wolfpack]

Syracuse at Oregon, third quarter

Oregon gets the ball to start the second half.

15:00 3rd, ORE leads 22-17
The Ducks don't start like they finished the first half. They grind out to near midfield, but ultimately punt.

11:10 3rd, ORE leads 22-17
The Orangemen, however, do keep their second quarter scoring momentum going. They take over deep in their territory, but push down the field and into Oregon territory. They then pound their way into the end zone and take the lead. However, the same misfortune that hit Oregon on their last extra point befalls Syracuse as well. The snap is bobbled and before the holder takes two steps, he's buried by Oregon players.

5:19 3rd, SYR leads 23-22
The Ducks get a decent drive going and look to threaten when disaster hits. A bad exchange on a handoff leads to the ball on the ground and a massive pile. The refs spend a minute untangling it and when it's all over, the Orangemen have the football.

2:10 3rd, SYR leads 23-22
The Orangemen immediately make the Ducks pay. First play of the new drive, the defender slips on his coverage and the safety is out of position. It couldn't have been any easier. Six points for Syracuse. This time they do get the extra point. The stunning turn of events has the crowd out of it.

1:41 3rd, SYR leads 30-22
The Ducks are not about to concede, though. One first down, then another. Now they are in Syracuse territory as the third quarter comes to a close.

End of 3rd Quarter
Syracuse 30, Oregon 22

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

Southeast Region
(11) Mississippi 24, (22) Brigham Young 11
The Cougars fight to stay in it, but the Rebels stretch the lead just a little more.

Midwest Region
(15) Missouri 31, (18) Michigan State 13
The Tigers come out to play for the third quarter, but the Spartans apparently stayed in the locker room.

West Region
(15) Air Force 27, (18) Utah 7
The Utes finally break the goose egg, but the Falcons expand their lead.

[Wolfpack]

The fourth quarter from Eugene...

15:00 4th, SYR leads 30-22
The Ducks keep the drive going and ultimately get rewarded. A deep strike gets them first and goal. They break in for the touchdown two plays later.

Trailing 30-28, the Ducks go for two. They line up, snap the ball, and use great blocking to get the running back into the end zone. The game is tied and the crowd is roaring once again.

12:30 4th, game tied 30-30
The Orangemen, though, quiet the crowd a bit as they engineer a march that takes them into Oregon territory. They get to the 39, where they face fourth-and-one. Too far for a field goal, too close for a punt, they go for it. The quarterback takes the snap and tries to lunge forward. He is immediately driven back by a stack of Ducks. The crowd and the Duck bench are sure he didn't make it. The referee signals for the chains. It's streched...it's short! Easily by a foot! The Ducks hold!

8:02 4th, game tied 30-30
The Ducks capitalize immediately, firing a deep ball that is hauled in at the Syracuse 27 before the receiver is knocked out of bounds. However, the Orangemen defense is stalwart and hold on the next three plays to force a semi-long field goal attempt. Snap is down, the kick's away, and it's...no good! Missed to the left. The game remains tied.

6:01 4th, game tied 30-30
Having dodged the bullet, the Orangemen try to get their offense going again. They pick up a first down, but then can't get another one. Still in their own end of the field, they have to punt and hope the defense can get the ball back.

3:24 4th, game tied 30-30
Unfortunately for Syracuse, the defense is not up to the task assigned. The Ducks are on fire in the passing game at this point, shredding the Syracuse secondary and moving the ball into Orangmen territory. They move the ball down to the Syracuse 17 before they have to confront a fourth down. On comes the field goal unit, which has made three field goals today. Good snap, good hold, kick is up, and it is good! No problem on that one! The Ducks have retaken the lead with under a minute left!

0:43 4th, ORE leads 33-30
The Orangemen are desperate. The kickoff doesn't give them very good field position, around their own 30. They get a pass completion over the middle, but the receiver is trying to do too much, burning valuable time. He's hauled down inbounds at the Oregon 45. Syracuse burns its last time out, but there are only seven seconds left. Too far for a field goal, they have to pass it for the end zone. QB is in the shotgun, wide receivers all over the field. He gets the snap, rolls to his right, and heaves it...a bunch of players leap for it...intercepted! The game is over and Oregon wins!

Final Score
Oregon 33, Syracuse 30

---------------

A much better game than the earlier ones, wouldn't you agree? ;)

It was amazing to watch one team and then the other score. In reality, Syracuse's chances to win were poor, since they were on the Close Game table and had deductions from their die roll for time left that would have made it very hard to tie or win. A low number on the Close Game table essentially means a punt or turnover will result.

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard update

Southeast Region
(11) Mississippi 45, (22) Brigham Young 11 (FINAL)
The roof caves in on the Cougars in the fourth. A touchdown early in the quarter is followed by a turnover return for a touchdown that effectively seals the game. The second stringers add an insult-to-injury touchdown late.

Midwest Region
(15) Missouri 52, (18) Michigan State 21 (FINAL)
Just into the fourth, the Spartans get a touchdown and two-point conversion to get to within 10, but can do nothing right after that. The Tigers explode for 21 points in the fourth and bury the Spartans to move on.[/i]

West Region
(15) Air Force 40, (18) Utah 14 (FINAL)
The Zoomies finish a clinical dismantling of the Utes with a touchdown and two field goals in the fourth quarter.

[NAIWF]

And all the disgruntled Syracuse fans shouted, "Damn those Ducks! Damn those Ducks to hell!"

[Wolfpack]

NAIWF, muttering in disgust at the win by Oregon, nearly heaves the remote through the TV set. Fortunately, he gets his emotions checked enough that he just pounds on the remote keys to flip the TV channel to the last football game of the day, Boise State hosting Rutgers.

The Broncos win the toss and decide to take the ball to start the game.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
It's apparent right away that Boise State is the better team. The Broncos have no problem moving the ball downfield on a time-consuming opening drive. A nice pass from the Rutgers 17 results in a touchdown. The extra point is good.

9:23 1st, BSU leads 7-0
Rutgers gets a little bit of offense going on the opening drive, but ultimately bog down near midfield and they punt it away.

5:34 1st, BSU leads 7-0
The Broncos once again slice and dice the Rutgers defense, consuming the remaining time in the first quarter and capping it with yet another touchdown pass on the last play of the quarter. BSU converts the extra point.

End of 1st Quarter
Boise State 14, Rutgers 0

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(9) Colorado State 13, (24) Louisiana Tech 0
Rams get the early jump in Fort Collins

Southeast Region
(14) Hawaii 17, (19) Temple 3
The Warrior offense is lighting things up early

Midwest Region
(9) California 10, (24) Middle Tennessee State 7
Bears and Bucs in a close contest in Berkeley

West Region
(8) UCLA 7, (25) Rice 7
Owls giving the Bruins fits in the early going

(9) Oregon State 28, (24) Utah State 0
The same cannot be said of Utah State and Oregon State

[Wolfpack]

2nd quarter from Boise

15:00 2nd, BSU leads 14-0
The Scarlet Knights get a first down, but go three-and-out after that, punting the ball away.

12:52 2nd, BSU leads 14-0
The Broncos go for the juggular. The quarterback throws up a bomb that his receiver hauls in, while the two Rutgers defenders mistime the jump and take each other out, leaving an easy stroll into the end zone. Touchdown in one play. Extra point is good.

12:26 2nd, BSU leads 21-0
The Rutgers offense continues sputtering. Another short drive results in another punt.

9:35 2nd, BSU leads 21-0
At least the Rutgers defense finally wakes up. The Broncos push their way to midfield, but can't get much further and punt it away.

5:44 2nd, BSU leads 21-0
The Rutgers offense gets a little spark going, picking up a pair of first downs, but ultimately can't cash in on a crucial third down near midfield. Punt.

2:50 2nd, BSU leads 21-0
The downturn in Bronco offensive production is brief, as they consume the remaining time in the quarter and move into field goal range. They convert a field goal as time expires in the half.

End of 2nd Quarter
Boise State 24, Rutgers 0

[JeeberD]

Hooray for UNT!!!

Hooray for Nebraska and NMSU losing!!! Too bad UNM won, though...

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(9) Colorado State 20, (24) Louisiana State 7
Rams keep the Bulldogs at arm's length

Southeast Region
(14) Hawaii 34, (19) Temple 10
Warrior offense is simply on fire in the first half

Midwest Region
(9) California 20, (24) Middle Tennessee State 7
10 unanswered points in the 2nd gives Cal a bit of breathing room

West Region
(8) UCLA 13, (25) Rice 7
Bruins continue to struggle with Owls in LA

(9) Oregon State 41, (24) Utah State 0
Hide the women and children, this could get ugly

[Wolfpack]

2nd Half begins in Boise, Rutgers gets the ball to start

15:00 3rd, BSU leads 24-0
The Rutgers offense continues to get a little bit of work done, but they can never get out of their rut. Yet another punt.

12:02 3rd, BSU leads 24-0
However, the Bronco offense apparently didn't come out of the locker room yet. They go three-and-out, surprisingly.

10:31 3rd, BSU leads 24-0
In this game, it may not matter if the Boise State offense stayed in the locker room. Rutgers gets a pair of first downs, but once again can't get much else. Punt.

8:13 3rd, BSU leads 24-0
The Bronco offense finally comes around. They get together a lightning drive, seemingly trying to make up for the lousy first drive of the half, resulting in a 34-yard touchdown pass to finish. Extra point is good.

6:14 3rd, BSU leads 31-0
Two first downs collected, then punt. Seems to be the Rutgers game plan today.

3:36 3rd, BSU leads 31-0
Having proven they could score anytime they want, the Bronco offense chooses to take this series of downs off. Three-and-out.

2:04 3rd, BSU leads 31-0
Not to be outdone, Rutgers matches three-and-out for three-and-out and punts away (again).

0:41 3rd, BSU leads 31-0
Well, if the offense can't do anything for BSU right now, the special teams will have to do it for them. The Rutgers punt is too short in length and hang time for the coverage. The Bronco return man gets it on the dead run and ten yards later, he's already cleared most of the defenders in front of him. He easily beats the punter and trots into the end zone for a touchdown. Extra point is good.

0:21 3rd, BSU leads 38-0
Rutgers gets a first down on the opening play of the drive and the quarter mercifully comes to a close.

End of the 3rd quarter
Boise State 38, Rutgers 0

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(9) Colorado State 27, (24) Louisiana Tech 7
Rams score lone touchdown of the quarter to stretch lead to 20

Southeast Region
(14) Hawaii 44, (19) Temple 10
Ten unanswered in the third and Hawaii is on cruise control

Midwest Region
(9) California 30, (24) Middle Tennessee State 7
The Bears have scored 20 consecutive points since the start of the second quarter to blow this one open

West Region
(8) UCLA 26, (25) Rice 7
Bruins finally get some offense and get some space

(9) Oregon State 55, (24) Utah State 0
The massacre continues apace

[Wolfpack]

The last quarter in Boise...

15:00 4th, BSU leads 38-0
The Scarlet Knights push their way to midfield before once again hitting a wall. Punt.

12:51 4th, BSU leads 38-0
The Broncos have decided to let the second-stringers play. The new guys struggle the first time out, going three-and-out.

11:29 4th, BSU leads 38-0
Will wonders never cease? The Knights finally get some penetration into Boise State territory. It's an improvement, but they won't get a touchdown for the efforts, not to mention consume large quantities of time for their efforts. They bog down just into the red zone and settle for a field goal to at least erase the shutout.

6:29 4th, BSU leads 38-3
The Bronco second-stringers get together a bit of a drive, but still aren't able to produce points as they get just into Rutgers territory before having to punt.

2:05 4th, BSU leads 38-3
Rutgers finally connects on a bomb play that moves the ball well into Boise State territory. A shoestring tackle prevented the touchdown on the play. It turns out to make a difference as the very brief outburst by Rutgers is short-lived and they settle for their second field goal of the game.

0:27 4th, BSU leads 38-6
The Broncos go ahead and run out the clock with a kneel and the game is over.

Final Score
Boise State 38, Rutgers 6

---------------

Ugh. Not a pretty affair. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt....

However, the games should be better in future rounds as matchups will be much closer.

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(9) Colorado State 33, (24) Louisiana Tech 7
The Rams coast into the round of 64

Southeast Region
(14) Hawaii 47, (19) Temple 10
Hawaii shows a bit of mercy, settling for a lone field goal in the fourth

Midwest Region
(9) California 43, (24) Middle Tennessee State 14
The Bucs finally get a touchdown, but the Bears answer and then some to lock it up for good

West Region
(8) UCLA 39, (25) Rice 14
A good win for UCLA, but the number of field goals (six) has to be a little worrying

(9) Oregon State 62, (24) Utah State 0
The slaughter mercifully comes to an end in Corvallis

[Wolfpack]

NAIWF briefly snaps awake to see the 2 AM SportsCenter is on, recapping some of the day's action. Just about everyone else is asleep in the room or have gone home to their own beds.

Muttering something about "damn ducks" NAIWF clicks the power button on the remote and the TV snaps off.

[Wolfpack]

And with that, the first round is in the books. I'll post the second round pairings shortly. Sometime today I will try to post a schedule of games to choose from. I'm also pondering a way to generate lines and over/unders for the games to better indicate how they might play out.

[Wolfpack]

Round of 64 Pairings

East Regional Bracket

Dix Stadium, Kent State University, Kent, OH
(17) Illinois vs. (1) Georgia
(9) Colorado State vs. (8) Texas Christian

Michie Stadium, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
(20) Stanford vs. (4) NC State
(12) Wake Forest vs. (5) Colorado

UB Stadium, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
(15) Miami (OH) vs. (2) Iowa
(10) Marshall vs (7) South Florida

Rutgers Stadium, Rutgers State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
(14) Oregon vs. (3) Maryland*
(11) Georgia Tech vs. (6) Virginia*

Southeast Region

Scott Stadium, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
(16) South Carolina vs. (1) Miami
(9) Tennessee vs. (8) Wisconsin

Robertson Stadium, University of Houston, Houston, TX
(13) Texas A&M** vs. (4) Penn State
(12) Mississippi vs. (5) Auburn

Fouts Field, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
(15) North Texas** vs. (1) Oklahoma
(10) Oklahoma State* vs. (7) Florida

Marshall Stadium, Marshall University, Huntington, WV
(14) Hawaii vs. (3) Michigan*
(11) Iowa State vs. (6) Pittsburgh*

Midwest Region

Glass Bowl, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
(16) Cincinnati vs. (1) Ohio State*
(9) California vs. (8) Louisiana State

Spartan Stadium, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
(13) Kentucky vs. (4) Notre Dame**
(12) Clemson vs. (5) Virginia

Kinnick Stadium, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
(15) Missouri* vs. (2) Kansas State
(10) Purdue* vs. (7) Arkansas

Ball State Stadium, Ball State University, Muncie, IN
(19) North Carolina vs. (3) Alabama
(11) Minnesota vs. (6) West Virginia*

West Region

Mackay Stadium, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV
(17) New Mexico vs. (1) Southern California
(9) Oregon State vs. (8) UCLA

Arizona Stadium, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
(20) Nevada-Las Vegas vs. (4) Florida State
(12) Toledo vs. (5) Boise State

Wagner Field, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
(15) Air Force vs. (2) Texas
(10) Washington vs. (7) Boston College

Folsom Field, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
(14) Fresno State vs. (3) Washington State
(11) Arizona State vs. (6) Texas Tech

**--Strong home field advantage this game
*--Some home field advantage this game

[tucker342]

We gotta watch the Iowa game:D

[Wolfpack]

Schedule and Lines--Round of 64


12:00 PM
EAST (17) Illinois vs. (1) Georgia UGA -15 o/u 49
EAST (20) Stanford vs. (4) NC State NCS -19 o/u 53
EAST (15) Miami (OH) vs. (2) Iowa IA -27 o/u 67
EAST (14) Oregon vs. (3) Maryland UMD -16 o/u 56
SE (16) South Carolina vs. (1) Miami MIA -22 o/u 50
SE (12) Mississippi vs. (5) Auburn AUB -15 o/u 52
SE (15) North Texas vs. (2) Oklahoma OK -27 o/u 37
SE (14) Michigan vs. (3) Hawaii MI -21 o/u 61
MW (16) Cincinnati vs. (1) Ohio State OSU -18 o/u 46
MW (12) Clemson vs. (5) Virginia Tech VT -15 o/u 49
MW (15) Missouri vs (2) Kansas State KSU -27 o/u 67
MW (19) North Carolina vs. (3) Alabama ALA -26 o/u 46
WEST (10) Washington vs. (7) Boston College Pick em o/u 54

3:30 PM
WEST (9) Oregon State vs. (8) UCLA Pick em o/u 54
WEST (12) Toledo vs. (5) Boise State BSU - 9 o/u 73
WEST (14) Fresno State vs. (3) Washington State WSU -16 o/u 46

7:00 PM
EAST (9) Colorado State vs. (8) Texas Christian TCU - 4 o/u 50
EAST (12) Wake Forest vs. (5) Colorado COL -12 o/u 52
EAST (10) Marshall vs. (7) South Florida USF - 9 o/u 55
EAST (11) Georgia Tech vs. (6) Virginia UVA -10 o/u 44
SE (9) Tennessee vs. (8) Wisconsin WIS - 3 o/u 37
SE (13) Texas A&M vs. (4) Penn State PSU -12 o/u 52
SE (10) Oklahoma State vs. (7) Florida FLA - 5 o/u 59
SE (11) Iowa State vs. (6) Pittsburgh Pick em o/u 46
MW (9) California vs. (8) Louisiana State Pick em o/u 54
MW (13) Kentucky vs. (4) Notre Dame ND -13 o/u 41
MW (10) Purdue vs. (7) Arkansas Pick em o/u 46
MW (11) Minnesota vs. (6) West Virginia WVU - 9 o/u 55
WEST (15) Air Force vs. (2) Texas TEX -19 o/u 53


10:30 PM
WEST (17) New Mexico vs. (1) Southern California USC -44 o/u 54
WEST (20) Nevada-Las Vegas vs. (4) Florida State FSU -37 o/u 57
WEST (11) Arizona State vs. (6) Texas Tech TTU -17 o/u 81


Due to the fact that there are so few contests at 3:30 and 10:30 (both are West region times), the 10:30 game isn't a needed selection if no one wants it.

So, nominations are now open for which games to watch at 12:00, 3:30 and 7:00.

[NAIWF]

I won't be greedy and pick all the games again, but I would like to see Oregon St vs UCLA to whoever makes the pick, hint hint :D

[sterlingice]

(16) Georgia vs. (1) Georgia

Hmm...

I'd like to put in for K-State/Mizzou. I would also like to see both teams destroyed when a Jayhawk-shaped Zeppelin crashes into the stadium.

SI

[Wolfpack]

D'oh! Thanks for catching the double Georgia listing. Actually, I did discover another error. Illinois was originally the 16 seed and UCF was 17, but somehow I reversed them when setting up the TV schedule, so Illinois was 17 and UCF was 16. Fortunately, Illinois won on the road, otherwise I would probably have to replay that matchup with Illinois at home like they should have been.

At any rate, the pairings and schedule have been fixed.

We have now got games selected for 12:00 (Missouri vs. K-State) and 3:30 (Oregon State vs. UCLA). Leaves 7:00 and an option for a 10:30 matchup if anyone wants to see four.

[Swaggs]

can we get WVU-Minn into primetime somehow? :)

[Wolfpack]

Swaggs: done. Minnesota vs. WVU is now the 7:00 game.

Any takers for 10:30? I'll leave it open as an option until 7:00 PM EDT tonight. If no one commits, I'll assume that we can just let the 10:30 games be quick-played by quarter without bothering to watch the details.

[sterlingice]

New Mexico vs USC would only be close if it were played at the Pit.

SI

[thealmighty]

Colorado vs. TCU. #8 against #9. If the rankings were good, this should be a great game.

[thealmighty]

dola...

It says Colorado above, but in the betting thing (lines), it says Colorado State.

[Wolfpack]

Thanks, almighty. It is supposed to be CSU-TCU in the pairings. The schedule/bet line listing is correct.

[tucker342]

Originally posted by sterlingice
Hmm...

I'd like to put in for K-State/Mizzou. I would also like to see both teams destroyed when a Jayhawk-shaped Zeppelin crashes into the stadium.

SI

Damn you beat me to it:D

[Wolfpack]

I see no commits for the 10:30 slot so only three games on the tube today, though the viewing audience will still be in front of the TV for about 11 hours straight.

So, the official lineup for today is:
(15) Missouri vs. (2) Kansas State at 12:00 PM
(9) Oregon State vs. (8) UCLA at 3:30 PM
(11) Minnesota vs. (6) West Virginia at 7:00 PM

I'll have the noontime games played out tonight and hopefully have the results posted soon thereafter.

[tucker342]

bump?

[Thomkal]

Schedule shows Virginia twice-once against Clemson in the Midwest. The other against Georgia Tech in the East. I assume one is Virginia Tech? Just thought you should know :)

[Wolfpack]

Hey guys...sorry about the lack of updates. I got hammered with some kind of bug over the July 4th weekend and only today have really started to feel good all the time. I did complete the first round of games Wed. night and I hope to have those posted this afternoon or this evening to get things going again.

thomkal: I've noted that myself (ugh, little errors everywhere). The Virginia/Georgia Tech game is correct. VaTech is playing Clemson. It will be corrected. (Fortunately, I have the bracket updating in an Excel spreadsheet as the rounds complete, so I don't have those kinds of mistakes in the actual game playing.)

Oh, and as a bit of a teaser while you wait, there has already been a nice upset and there may be a really big upset brewing (it's in the late stages), though it's not going to throw a regional bracket into chaos if it happens.

[tucker342]

Iowa better not lose:)

[Wolfpack]

On with the show...

The FOFC crowd gathers itself around the television yet again, ready for another Saturday of bleary-eyed football watching. In a change, NAIWF doesn't immediately go for the remote. Instead it finds it way into the hands of sterlingice. He flips on the tube and flips the channel to the first afternoon game. An image appears of a stadium decently filled, though there are some gaps here and there. Much of the fans in attendance are wearing gold and black. There is a smattering of silver and purple, as well. The customary graphic appears and it is revealed to be a Midwest Region game. It is #15 Missouri against #2 Kansas State from Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Kansas State won the toss and defers to the second half, Missouri will receive to start.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
Let's start this party with a bang. Opening kickoff, Mizzou returner shakes, jukes, jives, and slices through KSU coverage and scoots into the end zone for a touchdown on the opening kickoff. The Tiger fans in attendance erupt. Extra point is good.

14:40 1st, MIZZ leads 7-0
The Wildcats aren't as fortunate on their opening possession. They manage a first down, but ultimately have to punt the ball away.

11:10 1st, MIZZ leads 7-0
The Tigers keep the momentum going, getting a solid punt return that allows them to navigate into field goal range before the Wildcats bear down. On comes the kicker. Snap, hold, kick is up...no good! A chance to take the early ten point lead goes by the boards.

9:08 1st, MIZZ leads 7-0
The Wildcats answer with a grinding drive that chews up half the remaining quarter. However, they are unable to punch it in and settle for a field goal attempt. Their kicker has better luck and K-State is on the board.

4:36 1st, MIZZ leads 7-0
The Tigers are still rolling on offense. They make a strong, determined drive that pushes well into the Wildcat red zone before facing a third down as time expires in the first.

End of 1st Quarter
Missouri 7, Kansas State 0

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(1) Georgia 7, (17) Illinois 0
Bulldogs take the early lead in Kent, Ohio

(4) NC State 21, (20) Stanford 6
Wolfpack open on fire against the Cardinal

(2) Iowa 14, (15) Miami (OH) 0
You can breath for now tucker...

(3) Maryland 7, (14) Oregon 7
Oregon and Maryland all tied up in New Brunswick

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 20, (16) South Carolina 3
Hurricanes blow through SC early

(12) Mississippi 7, (5) Auburn 0
Rebels get early jump on SEC rivals in Houston

(2) Oklahoma 7, (15) North Texas 0
Sooners grab lead in front of hostile crowd in Denton

(3) Michigan 20, (14) Hawaii 0
Warriors may be overmatched against Michigan

Midwest Region
(1) Ohio State 7, (16) Cincinnati 0
Buckeyes step in front in all-Ohio contest in Toledo

(5) Virginia Tech 7, (12) Clemson 0
Nope, Clemson will not score 62 on Virginia Tech

(3) Alabama 13, (19) North Carolina 0
Tide rolling against the Tar Heels early

West Region
(7) Boston College 7, (10) Washington 0
Eagles get in front in Manhattan

[Wolfpack]

Back to KSU-MIZZOU...

15:00 2nd, MIZZ leads 7-3
Missouri fails to capitalize on its third down to start the quarter as the QB throws the ball out of the end zone. Field goal unit comes on and this time they have no problem getting the points.

14:40 2nd, MIZZ leads 10-3
The Kansas State offense is beginning to establish a pattern of long, time-consuming drives that ultimately bog down in enemy territory. For the second time, the Tiger defense bends, but doesn't break, holding the Wildcats to a field goal.

10:14 2nd, MIZZ leads 10-6
Does lightning strike twice? In this game, it does. On the ensuing kickoff, the Tiger return man gets a pair of great blocks and gets lucky as another block that should have been a penalty wasn't seen by the officials and he scoots through the resulting crease and gets his second KOR for TD in the game. The Tiger faithful are going nuts. Never mind the fact that the kick returner is responsible for 12 of the teams now 17 points.

9:54 2nd, MIZZ leads 17-6
Kansas State continues to grind away, dealing with the gut-punch from the KOR TD as well as they can, but once again, the Wildcats can only answer with three points.

6:36 2nd, MIZZ leads 17-9
Does it happen a third time? No...this time the Tigers have to brind their offense on the field again. The Tigers do manuever for a pair of first downs, but ultimately stall near midfield and punt away.

2:31 2nd, MIZZ leads 17-9
The Tiger punter tries to bury KSU deep, but the ball rolls in for a touchback. The Wildcats come out on offense and carve up the Tigers with quick passes that usually get their players out of bounds, though they do burn a couple of time outs. They've managed to get to the Missouri 20 with a few seconds left and decide to go for three and chip away further at the lead. Snap, hold, kick is up and...good! The teams head to the locker rooms with the Tigers up 5.

End of 2nd Quarter
Missouri 17, Kansas State 12

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(1) Georgia 14, (17) Illinois 0
Bulldogs expand their lead against Illinois

(4) NC State 42, (20) Stanford 6
It's getting ugly at West Point as Wolfpack continue hot play

(2) Iowa 35, (15) Miami (OH) 0
Hawkeyes firing on all cylinders in the second

(14) Oregon 17, (3) Maryland 7
But the Terrapins are in a bit of trouble at halftime

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 26, (16) South Carolina 10
A relatively quiet second quarter in Charlottesville

(12) Mississippi 24, (5) Auburn 0
If it wasn't for Oregon-Maryland, this would easily be the shock of the day right now

(2) Oklahoma 14, (15) North Texas 0
Sooners continue to be methodical against Mean Green

(3) Michigan 34, (14) Hawaii 7
Wolverines continue to flog the Warriors

Midwest Region
(1) Ohio State 14, (16) Cincinnati 6
Tight affair reminescent of regular season meeting continues

(5) Virginia Tech 14, (12) Clemson 0
Hokies expand their lead in the second against Clemson

(3) Alabama 13, (19) North Carolina 7
Tar Heels get on the board and try to make things interesting

West Region
(10) Washington 14, (7) Boston College 14
Huskies strike for two TDs in second before BC responds near halftime

[JeeberD]

Come on UNT!!! You can take the bastards out!!!!!

[tucker342]

If there are games in Iowa City, than why isn't Iowa playing there?

Good to see Iowa dominating:D

[Wolfpack]

tucker: Because Iowa I think was rated slightly lower than Kansas State in the combined computer poll I was using, thus K-State had first dibs on nearest regional. After Texas got the regional in Manhattan as highest #2 seed, Oklahoma went to Denton, which left K-State with Iowa City. As a result, Iowa got shipped out of region to Buffalo. As I noted way back at the start, I used the combined computer poll to set up the seeds, i.e. #1-4 in that poll became #1 seeds, #5-8 became #2 seeds, and so forth. The region the seeds ended up in was dictated by distance to the nearest available sub regional site, which would host two games in the round of 64.

I chose not to use the "pod" system that the NCAA uses now in college basketball because frankly I think it leads to some inequities in that some higher seeds face tougher lower seeds and their supportive audiences because the NCAA wants to have a better crowd (see Mississippi State and Texas, a 3-6 matchup that was played in Dallas in 2001 as an example). Besides, with only two games instead of four at a subregional site (it's not like basketball where a court can be beat on all day without effect), I'd have to continuously juggle some teams around the country to make their next matchups (two different regions at the same subregional in this instance would mean that at least one or both teams would have to go to a different subregional the next week).

As a result, the regions are to a degree regionalized (i.e. Big Ten teams mostly in the Midwest, Pac 10 teams in the West, and so forth), but there are some seeds that don't get to stay in the home region. Iowa just happened to be one of them.

[Wolfpack]

The third quarter from Iowa City

15:00 3rd, MIZZ leads 17-12
K-State gets the ball to start, but are completely ineffective, going three-and-out.

13:36 3rd, MIZZ leads 17-12
The Wildcats get the drive started well, picking up a couple of first downs, but it comes crashing to a halt as the Wildcat defense comes up with a turnover, intercepting the Tigers to kill the drive.

10:51 3rd, MIZZ leads 17-12
The turnover pays almost immediate dividends for KSU as three plays later, they strike for their first touchdown of the game and take the lead. The extra point is good and the Wildcats are up 2.

9:40 3rd, KSU leads 19-17
The Tigers make a strong drive to answer, pushing to the K-State 37 before facing fourth and short. Caught in that ugly in-between-kickers spot on the field, the Tigers go for it. The quarterback hands off but before the running back even gets a step back to the line, he is buried by the K-State defense and the ball goes over on downs!

4:44 3rd, KSU leads 19-17
The Wildcats cannot capitalize this time. As a matter of fact, just as they begin to threaten to score again, the quarterback is dumped and coughs up the ball and the Tigers recover, killing the chance.

1:42 3rd, KSU leads 19-17
Missouri is re-energized by the turnover. They push their way back to midfield as the quarter draws to a close.

End of 3rd Quarter
Kansas State 19, Missouri 17

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(1) Georgia 24, (17) Illinois 7
The Illini break the shutout, but the Bulldogs are pulling away

(4) NC State 52, (20) Stanford 6
Wolfpack continue to roll, looking to Round of 32

(2) Iowa 42, (15) Miami (OH) 7
The RedHawks finally scratch, but they're pretty well scratched up at this point

(14) Oregon 20, (3) Maryland 14
Terps score a TD and hold Ducks to a FG and draw a little closer...

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 33, (16) South Carolina 16
If it wasn't for that 20-point first quarter by Miami, this would have been a very interesting game

(12) Mississippi 31, (5) Auburn 7
The Rebels are in great shape and look like they'll be the first low seed into the Round of 32 in Houston

(2) Oklahoma 17, (15) North Texas 7
The Mean Green get a touchdown and all of Denton is filled with hope as the teams begin the final quarter

(3) Michigan 48, (14) Hawaii 14
Wolverines continue to expand their lead and get ready for next round

Midwest Region
(1) Ohio State 21, (16) Cincinnati 12
Bearcats get a TD, but fail on the two to tie, Buckeyes answer with a TD to keep the Bearcats at bay

(5) Virginia Tech 24, (12) Clemson 0
Last week was apparently a mirage for Tiger fans

(3) Alabama 28, (19) North Carolina 7
'Bama gets a TD early and gets the two pointer to push the lead to 14. Carolina passes on a field goal and goes for it on fourth down, but fails to convert. The Tide tack on another TD to bulge the lead.

West Region
(7) Boston College 31, (10) Washington 17
BC scores on every possession during the third quarter and seizes control of the game

[Wolfpack]

4th and final quarter between Mizzou and KSU

15:00 4th, KSU leads 19-17
Missouri keeps their drive going into K-State territory before stalling out in field goal range. The field goal team comes on to try to put the Tigers ahead again. Snap, hold, kick is BLOCKED! Blocked away and recovered by K-State! The Wildcats retain the lead!

12:44 4th, KSU leads 19-17
The block boosts KSU while seemingly deflates the Tigers. The Wildcats embark on a time-consuming drive that results in KSU bullying its way into the end zone over five minutes later. The extra point is good.

7:20 4th, KSU leads 26-17
The Tigers make an effort to rally. They hit on a pair of long strikes to push deep into K-State territory before being held up in field goal range. The Tigers opt to settle for points and hope they can get the ball back. However, the misfortunes that have been plaguing the kicking game continue to occur and the field goal attempt is missed.

5:00 4th, KSU leads 26-17
In firm control, the Wildcats go for the kill shot. A short gain on the opening play isn't it, but a breakaway run on the next play is, as the running back breaks through a crowded line and stiffs past the linebackers into the secondary where he wins the footrace to the end zone. A bobbled snap that results in a lost extra point is irrelevant at the moment as the Wildcats have a commanding lead with little time left.

3:49 4th, KSU leads 32-17
The Tigers make one more effort. They eek out a first down on the first play from scrimmage, but soon are confronted with a fourth down and long after three straight misfires passing. The quarterback drops back, throws...the receiver dropped it! He might have had the first down, but we'll never know because he dropped it! It goes over on downs!

1:45 4th, KSU leads 32-17
The Wildcat sideline is joyous as the offense trots onto the field and works out the remainder of the clock to finish the game. The Wildcats survive and advance!

Final Score
Kansas State 32, Missouri 17

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(1) Georgia 34, (17) Illinois 14 (FINAL)
Bulldogs dispatch Illini easily, move on to face winner of TCU-Colorado State

(4) NC State 58, (20) Stanford 13 (FINAL)
Game well in hand, Wolfpack throttle back and cruise to win, now awaits winner of Colorado-Wake Forest

(2) Iowa 56, (15) Miami (OH) 7 (FINAL)
Hawkeyes finish off overmatched RedHawks, now meet winner of Marshall and South Florida

(14) Oregon 20, (3) Maryland 17 (LATE 4TH)
Terps take risk by going for field goal over possible touchdown in fourth, but do have the ball with time winding down

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 50, (16) South Carolina 16 (FINAL)
Canes open it up in the fourth and blow SC out, now plays winner of Wisconsin and Tennessee

(12) Mississippi 38, (5) Auburn 7 (FINAL)
It's not so much the upset, but the size of it that's impressive as the #12 Rebels now await the winner of Penn State and A&M

(2) Oklahoma 17, (15) North Texas 7 (FINAL)
A valiant effort by the homestanding Mean Green is unable to score against the Sooners in the fourth and the partisan crowd goes home disappointed while the Sooners go on to play the winner of Florida and Oklahoma State

(3) Michigan 51, (14) Hawaii 14 (FINAL)
Wolverines coast into round of 32, get set to play winner of Pittsburgh and Iowa State

Midwest Region
(1) Ohio State 35, (16) Cincinnati 12 (FINAL)
Bearcats pass on a field goal and go for it on fourth down, only to fail. Buckeyes capitalize twice thereafter to put the game away. OSU now faces winner of LSU and California.

(5) Virginia Tech 34, (12) Clemson 0 (FINAL)
Hokies tack on another 10 in the fourth and shut out Tigers, move on to play winner of Notre Dame and Kentucky

(3) Alabama 42, (14) North Carolina 14 (FINAL)
Heels get a score, but Tide get two of them to finish UNC off, advance to next round and winner of West Virginia and Minnesota

West Region
(7) Boston College 47, (10) Washington 33 (FINAL)
A scorefest in the fourth as the Huskies get sixteen points, but unfortunately cannot close the gap as the Eagles answer every score with one of their own to finish the Huskies and go on to the next round to play the winner of Texas and Air Force

[JeeberD]

Damn... :(

[Lone Star]

Oh well, UNT losing 17-7 to OU in this competition is far better then what would happen in real life.

[JeeberD]

We shall get to see. UNT opens up their season next year at OU.

Going to OU will make it a really tough game, but I think that UNT can hang around with them. UNT has a really good defense, and they usually hang tough with their strong opponents (see 27-0 at UT, 16-10 at TCU, etc). Of course, my view on close scores is skewed since I'm a UTEP fan. To me, losing by less than 30 is a close game...

[Wolfpack]

Late in the fourth quarter...

EAST: (14) Oregon 20, (3) Maryland 17
The Ducks are achingly close to pulling the upset of the tournament to this point. Maryland has the ball and is looking to tie. The Terp offense has been sluggish all day, but on this drive, when they need to, they come alive. They knife down the field on the Ducks and move into Oregon territory. They have the ball at the Oregon 21 with just :12 left. QB drops back...looking...firing! Caught! The receiver lunges for the pylon...! Out of bounds at the two! Four seconds left! On comes the field goal unit. It looks like we'll see overtime. Snap, kick is up, and good! No problem with that one and we're going to overtime!

[Wolfpack]

In overtime...

EAST: (14) Oregon 20, (3) Maryland (20)
Maryland wins the OT toss and gets the Ducks to go first. Oregon gets a first down, but the Terps make great stops and record a sack on third down that drops them back to the 18. Out comes the field goal unit. This will give Oregon the lead. Snap, hold is good, kick is up and...he hooked it! Wide left! Maryland suddenly is in position to win!

The Terrapins get the ball, but as impressive as they were on the game-tying drive, they are equally awful this time around, failing to gain any good yardage at all. They have a 40-yard attempt coming up. For the win...snap, down, kick is up...good! Straight and true! Maryland has come back from a ten-point half time deficit and a six-point fourth quarter deficit to thwart Oregon's upset bid in overtime!

They'll get an ACC rival in the next round, either Virginia or Georgia Tech, which will be played this evening here in New Brunswick.

[Wolfpack]

With the conclusion of the KSU-Mizzou game, NAIWF re-asserts control over the TV. He flips the channel and the image changes to a 30,000-seat stadium filled with fans wearing blue, gold, orange, and black. The announcers intone a welcome to Reno, Nevada where the UCLA Bruins, the eighth seed in the West Region, face conference rival and ninth-seeded Oregon State.

UCLA won the toss and will defer. Oregon State will receive to start the game.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
The Beavers receive the opening kick and do well on their first possession, getting a pair of long gainers that move them quickly into UCLA territory before the Bruin defense hardens. Oregon State ultimately settles for a field goal and the early lead.

12:17 1st, ORST leads 3-0
The Bruins make a concerted effort to answer on their opening drive, smashing their way down the field but ultimately face a fourth and short in Beaver territory. UCLA gambles and goes for it, but the Beavers are up to the task and take the ball from the Bruins on downs.

8:25 1st, ORST leads 3-0
The Beavers make the Bruins pay a price for their gamble as they quickly strike back down the field and roll into the end zone for a touchdown. Extra point is good.

5:32 1st, ORST leads 10-0
The Bruins try to shake off the effects of the last pair of drives and move into OSU territory before again facing a fourth down. This time, discretion wins out and the Bruins settle for three.

2:15 1st, ORST leads 10-3
The Beaver offense is doing well, however. Again they move into UCLA territory. As the quarter expires, they face a challenging third down to keep the drive going.

End of 1st Quarter
Oregon State 10, UCLA 3

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

West Region
(5) Boise State 3, (12) Toledo 0
No fireworks yet between the two high-scoring clubs

(3) Washington State 17, (14) Fresno State 7
Cougars roll out to early lead against Bulldogs

[Wolfpack]

2nd quarter in Reno...

15:00 2nd, ORST leads 10-3
The Beavers fail to convert on third down and on comes the kicking unit for the field goal attempt. Unfortunately, the holder botches the snap, throwing the rhythm of the kicker off and he pushes the attempt, missing the field goal.

14:25 2nd, ORST leads 10-3
Having kept the lead to seven, the Bruins seem content to hammer on the Beavers for a while. They go on a five-and-a-half minute drive that sees them grind their way into OSU territory and into field goal range before they are faced with yet another fourth and short. The Bruins go for it on this one. It's still not a good idea as the Beaver defense rises up and buries the running back behind the line of scrimmage.

8:46 2nd, ORST leads 10-3
As before, the Beavers make the Bruins pay for their risk-taking. OSU goes on its own five-and-a-half minute march, smashing their way back down the field and into the end zone, putting the Bruins into a nice deep hole.

3:17 2nd, ORST leads 17-3
The Bruins try to answer back, but can only get the OSU 40 with under thirty seconds left in the half. Facing fourth down and not wanting to hand the Beavers a decent chance at a Hail Mary, they pooch-kick the Beavers deep into their own territory.

0:18 2nd, ORST leads 17-3
The Beavers, up 17-3, contentedly kill the clock and trot into the locker room.

End of 2nd Quarter
Oregon State 17, UCLA 3

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

West Region
(5) Boise State 10, (12) Toledo 7
What was expected to be a scorefest has turned into somewhat of a defensive struggle

(14) Fresno State 28, (3) Washington State 20
The Bulldogs erupt in the second quarter and have seized the lead in a surprise

[tucker342]

For some reason it doesn't surprise me that UCLA are getting there asses kicked.

[SplitPersonality1]

I don't know how I missed this thread. Great stuff Wolfpack.


Oh Yeah. On Wisconsin!

[Wolfpack]

Resuming OSU-UCLA in the 3rd quarter...

15:00 3rd, ORST leads 17-3
UCLA gets the ball to start the second half and does pretty well with it, at least initially. However, they grind down in the Beaver half of the field and face a fourth and short. The Bruins have their blood up this time and go for it. Unfortunately, the Beavers also have their blood up. Stacked up at the line, no first down.

10:15 3rd, ORST leads 17-3
The Beavers work their way back to the midfield area but can't get a needed third down to get into Bruin territory. Punt.

8:24 3rd, ORST leads 17-3
The Bruins continue to make a habit of long, time-consuming drives, and it's beginning to wear on the Beaver defense. The Bruins work their way into the Red Zone, but the Beavers get a couple of stops and hold UCLA to a field goal.

3:00 3rd, ORST leads 17-6
The Beaver offense gets a pair of first downs, but now face a third down and long as the clock expires in the third quarter.

End of 3rd Quarter
Oregon State 17, UCLA 6

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

West Region
(5) Boise State 27, (12) Toledo 14
Broncos get 17 in the third and seem to have gotten control of the game

(3) Washington State 33, (14) Fresno State 28
Cougars answer Fresno State with thirteen unanswered in the third to regain the lead

[Wolfpack]

Last quarter between Oregon State and UCLA

15:00 4th, ORST leads 17-6
The Beavers cannot get the needed third down as the receiver is brought down a couple of yards short of the marker. OSU punts to pin the Bruins in their own end.

13:55 4th, ORST leads 17-6
The Bruin offense has been tremendous this game, but they've failed at crucial times. However, the relentless hammering the Beavers have taken is getting to them. UCLA strings together a five minute drive that finally bags them a big touchdown. The Bruins decide to go for two, and with momentum clearly switched to them from the touchdown, they easily get the deuce.

8:48 4th, ORST leads 17-14
The Beavers try to stem the tide. They are able to get a deep pass that moves them into Bruin territory, but the UCLA defense stuffs them after that. They send out the field goal unit. Snap, kick...it's no good! Nothing is going right for the Beavers in the second half right now.

4:52 4th, ORST leads 17-14
UCLA almost immediately takes advantage. First play from scrimmage, the Bruin runner breaks through the line and only a shove out of bounds fifty yards later prevents a touchdown. The Beaver defense finally responds and prevents the Bruins from going further, so UCLA sets up a field goal to tie. Snap, hold, kick is up...no good! He missed! Beavers still lead!

3:53 4th, ORST leads 17-14
Unfortunately for OSU, the offense is nowhere to be found at the moment. The Beavers go three-and-out.

2:19 4th, ORST leads 17-14
Having ground down the Beaver defense during the game, the Bruins proceed to dissect it over the next ninety seconds, moving into OSU territory and into the Red Zone before a fourth down forces them to send on the field goal unit. Snap, hold, kick is up...and good! We're tied! It looks like overtime!

0:35 4th, game tied 17-17
No heroics occur on the ensuing kickoff for the Beavers and OSU goes ahead and runs out the clock. Overtime!

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

West Region
(5) Boise State 33, (12) Toledo 28 (LATE 4TH)
Rockets battle back and briefly take lead. Broncos get a touchdown and risk a two-point conversion, but don't get it, so the lead is five late. Rockets are trying to drive to win.

(3) Washington State 54, (14) Fresno State 28 (FINAL)
After a tough contest for three quarters, the Cougars blow out the Bulldogs in the fourth to run away with the contest and advance to the next round against either Arizona State or Texas Tech

[Wolfpack]

Late in the fourth quarter...

WEST: (5) Boise State 33, (12) Toledo 28
The Rockets battled back from a 27-14 deficit to briefly take the lead at 28-27. The Broncos responded with a touchdown, but failed to convert a two-point attempt, so the lead is five. The Rockets, however, cannot get a sustained drive going on their last chance and now have to make a Hail Mary attempt from their own 40 with seconds left.

Quarterback takes the ball from center and rolls out...he heaves it up...knocked away! Knocked away and the game is over! Boise State survives Toledo and will now advance to play the winner of Florida State and UNLV!

[Wolfpack]

In overtime...

WEST: (9) Oregon State 17, (8) UCLA 17
The Bruins win the toss to start and make the Beavers go first. Oregon State manages a first down on their drive, but the Bruins knock them backwards after that and they have to attempt a 33-yard field goal. Snap is good, kick is away...it's good! Oregon State gets the lead for the moment.

UCLA sends the offense out. The offense is still on a roll. They deke and dive their way down the field and inside the Beaver 5 before OSU finally stiffens and they won't allow UCLA into the end zone. The kicker is sent on for a chip-shot 20-yard field goal which he converts with little effort. Double-OT!

This time, the Beavers win the toss and UCLA has to go first. May not have been a good idea. The hot Bruin offense faces a third down at the 18. The QB hands away to the running back, who bursts through the right side and scampers into the end zone for the touchdown! The extra point is added and now the Beavers have a tough row to hoe on their turn.

That row turns out to be too tough for the Beavers as the Bruin defense absolutely smoothers the Beavers on every play, forcing a fourth down and long to stay alive. QB drops back...looks...sacked! Game over! The Bruins have come back to win, 27-20 in double-overtime!

[JeeberD]

Well, at least Boise survived to represent the WAC. Fresno, you have disappointed me.. :(

[Wolfpack]

They gave Wazzou all they wanted for three quarters, but the Cougs overwhelmed them 21-0 in the last quarter.

It's pretty interesting watching the scores as they develop in this game and having to make a decision about whether to go for two instead of an XP or go for six instead of a field goal. There have been some really tough decisions to make in this regard. It isn't quite accurate on that standpoint as you have to make up your mind on strategy for one team before knowing what the outcome of the other team's roll will be, meaning you don't know what the situation precisely is during the quarter, just that making a decision will affect how many points the team does end up with in the quarter. Still an interesting process nonetheless.

And Jeeber, who's your horse now with UNT gone? I wouldn't want to hitch to Boise State after they struggled with Toledo. They'll probably get FSU next round and I don't think they'll survive that one.

[Wolfpack]

With the conclusion of the West regional thriller, Swaggs grabs a hold of the remote and flips the station just in time to see Minnesota's kicker running towards the football

West Virginia won the toss and went ahead and took the ball to start.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
The Mountaineers start with the ball and get a strong drive going before bogging down in Gopher territory. Facing a fourth and short, WVU takes the gamble and goes for it. Unfortunately for them, Minnesota's blood is up and the Gophers smother the fourth down play to force the change of possession.

9:59 1st, game tied 0-0
The Gophers take advantage by moving the ball back the other way before West Virginia finally contains them near their own 20. The Gophers send on the field goal kicking unit. Snap, kick is up...and good! Gophers get the first points of the game.

6:18 1st, MINN leads 3-0
The Mountaineers mount a push to respond, but it peters out near midfield. Punt.

2:48 1st, MINN leads 3-0
Minnesota mounts a decent drive, but face a difficult third down and long as the quarter comes to a close.

End of 1st Quarter
Minnesota 3, West Virginia 0

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(8) Texas Christian 10, (9) Colorado State 0
Horned Frogs get the early jump in Kent, Ohio

(12) Wake Forest 14, (5) Colorado 0
A surprising start to this one to say the least

(7) South Florida 7, (10) Marshall 0
Bulls get ahead against dangerous Herd

(6) Virginia 14, (11) Georgia Tech 10
ACC rivals in a scorefest early

Southeast Region
(9) Tennesssee 7, (8) Wisconsin 3
Close early between Vols and Badgers

(4) Penn State 14, (13) Texas A&M 10
Lions and Aggies seem to have a good one brewing

(7) Florida 17, (10) Oklahoma State 6
Gators get the offense going early in Denton

(6) Pittsburgh 13, (11) Iowa State 10
Good 6-11 battle shaping up here

Midwest Region
(8) LSU 7, (9) California 0
Bayou Bengals get the early lead

(13) Kentucky 7, (4) Notre Dame 7
Wildcats giving the Irish a bit of a tussle in the early going

(10) Purdue 7, (7) Arkansas 7
Boilers and Hawgs going at it in Iowa City

West Region
(2) Texas 10, (15) Air Force 0
Longhorns assert themselves early on

[Wolfpack]

2nd quarter of WVU-Minnesota...

15:00 2nd, MINN leads 3-0
The Gophers are unable to convert the long third down and are forced to punt.

14:26 2nd, MINN leads 3-0
The Mountaineers mount yet another sustained drive. Once again they face a fourth and short deep in Gopher territory. Again they go for it. Again they fail.

9:33 2nd, MINN leads 3-0
Two plays later, disaster strikes for the Gophers. QB drops back for a pass, fires it over the middle and it is...intercepted! The return man is hauled down immediately, but the damage is done. The Mountaineers have great field position and the ball.

8:22 2nd, MINN leads 3-0
The Mountaineers take advantage of the situation, moving the ball effortlessly into the end zone in four plays to take the lead. The extra point is good.

6:36 2nd, WVU leads 7-3
The Gophers try to forge a drive in response, but cannot get past midfield before punting away again.

2:36 2nd, WVU leads 7-3
The Mountaineers manage to engineer a hurry-up drive that gets them well into Gopher territory, but ultimately they settle for a field goal to close the half rather than come away with nothing.

End of 2nd Quarter
West Virginia 10, Minnesota 3

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(9) Colorado State 17, (8) Texas Christian 10
Rams have roared back to take the lead

(12) Wake Forest 27, (5) Colorado 5
That is not a misprint. The Buffs have only managed a field goal and a safety to this point.

(7) South Florida 14, (10) Marshall 7
Bulls continue to keep Herd at arm's length after two

(11) Georgia Tech 17, (6) Virginia 16
Jackets get a touchdown but give up a safety to encapsulate second quarter scoring

Southeast Region
(9) Tennessee 17, (8) Wisconsin 3
Vols get 10 in the second to put Badgers in a hole at the half

(4) Penn State 24, (13) Texas A&M 17
Lions get a bit more breathing room, but A&M is hanging tough in front of the partisan crowd in Houston

(7) Florida 24, (10) Oklahoma State 6
Gators add another touchdown to stretch their lead against Cowboys

(11) Iowa State 17, (6) Pittsburgh 13
Cyclones score only points in the quarter to take the lead at the half

Midwest Region
(8) LSU 14, (9) California 0
Tigers get seven more in the second to assert more control of the game

(4) Notre Dame 14, (13) Kentucky 7
Irish get a touchdown, but the Wildcats just aren't letting them pull away very easily

(10) Purdue 21, (7) Arkansas 17
Boilers strike for a pair of second quarter touchdowns and now have the lead against Razorbacks, who get three back near halftime

West Region
(2) Texas 17, (15) Air Force 0
Longhorns lead comfortably at the half

[Wolfpack]

And with that, I realized I made a serious mistake in the game I played between WVU and Minnesota. I gave West Virginia the ball to start the second half instead of Minnesota, which resulted in a chain of events that, suffice to say, should probably mean I redo the second half properly.

All the other games are complete and okay and wouldn't be affected by this mistake. But, I'm going to have to take some time to redo the second half of the feature game and then post it. Hopefully it'll be this evening or tomorrow when I get around to doing it and posting it. Sorry for the delay.

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by Wolfpack
And Jeeber, who's your horse now with UNT gone? I wouldn't want to hitch to Boise State after they struggled with Toledo. They'll probably get FSU next round and I don't think they'll survive that one.

Good question. I don't think I have a definitive favorite anymore, just a group of teams that I will root for.

Colorado State (where I went to school for a year, and a former WAC team)
Texas (because they're Texas)\
Boise St (WAC team)

There are probably a few other teams that I will root for also, but those are the ones that jump out at me...

[Swaggs]

Also, you have the score at 7-3, when the Mountaineers have scored a TD (+ PAT) and a FG.

By my figgerin', that should be 10-3. :)

[Wolfpack]

By Jove, you're right! It's 10-3 at the half. Will fix.

[Lone Star]

Well, as an alumni I was sad to see UNT lose, but now I'll have to root for TCU. I grew up less then 5 or so miles away, and wished I could have gone there (too expensive, private school).

After that I guess I'll pull for Texas, and then Texas A&M.

[thealmighty]

Lone Star, where did you live...I also grew up less than 5 miles from TCU (though probably long before you).

[Lone Star]

Originally posted by thealmighty
Lone Star, where did you live...I also grew up less than 5 miles from TCU (though probably long before you).
Now that I think about it, it was most likely more then 5 miles but not by a whole lot. I grew up in westside of Ft. Worth, in the area of Western Hills High School, the Weatherford traffic circle, and the southern flight path of B-52's leaving the old Carlswell Air Force Base.

I miss those things, even though they'd cause such a ruckus that sometimes stuff would fall off your shelves as they flew over.

I went to UNT from 1989-1994, but never went to all that many football games. I think I went to 3.....I've been to 2 TCU games. I love the old stadium.

[JeeberD]

TCU's stadium holds nothing but bad memories for me (such as LaDanion Tomlinson rushing for 400 something yards against UTEP one year and then 300 something yards the next year, both times with me in attendance).

I guess I can at least say that I saw a NCAA record being set... :(

[tucker342]

That must have made you very happy:D

It must be tough being a fan of such a crappy football team:D;)

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by tucker342
That must have made you very happy:D

It must be tough being a fan of such a crappy football team:D;)

Damn you're a little bitch.... :D



I got used to UTEP losing a LONG time ago, so it's not so bad anymore. I tend to not get my hopes so high. Though it was kinda tough going from the WAC champs in 2000 to only winning two games the next year. That sucked ass...

[Pumpy Tudors]

To all of you who went to football-playing schools, I hate you.

University of New Orleans, Class of 2002

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by Pumpy Tudors
To all of you who went to football-playing schools, I hate you.

University of New Orleans, Class of 2002

To all of you who went to good football-playing schools, I hate you.

University of Kansas, Class of 2004 (hopefully)

SI

[Pumpy Tudors]

What? Kansas plays football? I guess you're going to tell me that Duke and Temple play football, too. Hey, as a matter of fact, maybe UNO had a team and I just never realized it!

Kansas playing football. That's funny!

[sterlingice]

I think I may be the only person in KU history that has gone to more football games than basketball games.

SI

[tucker342]

Wow, now that's amazing.

[Swaggs]

This is the longest, most boring halftime presentation I have ever seen. Cheap shots on JeeberD, Pumpy, and Sterling...I can see that any time.

I want some Mountaineer football! :)

[Wolfpack]

For Swaggs's sake, here's the third quarter finally...

15:00 3rd, WVU leads 10-3
The Gophers get the ball to start the second half. They have a strong drive going, pushing into WVU territory and on into the Red Zone. However, in trying to elude a sack, the QB coughs up the football and the Mountaineers pounce on it, snuffing out the effort.

10:14 3rd, WVU leads 10-3
The Mountaineers do not capitalize however, as their drive peters out just into Gopher territory and they punt away.

6:54 3rd, WVU leads 10-3
The Gophers again mount a sustained drive that sees them marching into the West Virginia half of the field. This time, however, nothing bad happens and the Gophers are able to pound it into the end zone. The extra point ties things up at 10.

1:45 3rd, game tied 10-10
The Mountaineers get the ball back and manage to work their way to midfield as time expires in the third.

End of 3rd Quarter
Minnesota 10, West Virginia 10

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(9) Colorado State 30, (8) Texas Christian 10
Nothing has gone right for the Frogs since the end of the first quarter

(12) Wake Forest 30, (5) Colorado 5
The nightmarish game for the Buffaloes continues

(7) South Florida 24, (10) Marshall 10
The Bulls gain some breathing room after three

(11) Georgia Tech 27, (6) Virginia 26
A scintillating contest between two ACC rivals looks to go down to the wire

Southeast Region
(9) Tennessee 24, (8) Wisconsin 3
A projected close contest has turned into a surprising romp for the Vols

(4) Penn State 24, (13) Texas A&M 17
A scoreless third means a tense fourth quarter coming up

(7) Florida 27, (10) Oklahoma State 6
A quiet third quarter sees only one field goal for the Gators

(11) Iowa State 31, (6) Pittsburgh 13
Cyclones strike for two touchdowns in third, Panthers are now up against the wall

Midwest Region
(8) LSU 28, (9) California 7
Bears finally get some points, but the Tigers get two TDs in response to put Cal on life support

(4) Notre Dame 20, (13) Kentucky 7
Irish expand their lead but have looked lackluster in this one

(7) Arkansas 31, (10) Purdue 21
The Hawgs break loose in the third, seize control of the game

West Region
(2) Texas 27, (15) Air Force 0
Longhorns on cruise control with game well in hand

[Wolfpack]

Fourth and final quarter between WVU and Minnesota

15:00 4th, game tied 10-10
The Mountaineers push on into Gopher territory. After getting a first down at the 37, the QB hands away to the running back, who plows through the stacked line and suddenly has no one in front of him and coasts into the end zone for the touchdown. The extra point is good.

13:40 4th, WVU leads 17-10
Three plays later, the Gophers are hit with their second turnover of the half, this one costly as it happens in their own end of the field.

12:22 4th, WVU leads 17-10
Once again, the Mountaineers struggle to capitalize on a Gopher mistake, this time pushing to the Red Zone before stalling out and sending on the kicking unit. The kicker has no problem putting it through the uprights.

9:47 4th, WVU leads 20-10
The Gophers come back with a pair of big plays that move them into West Virginia's end of the field, but are unable to pick up a first down after that. The field goal unit is sent on. Snap, hold, kick is up...and good! The Gophers cut the lead to seven.

7:33 4th, WVU leads 20-13
The Mountaineers, however, embark on a game-killing drive in response. They move the ball down the field, chewing up precious time on the clock, until they face fourth and goal at the one. In a risky gamble, the Mountaineers go for the kill shot. Unfortunately they don't make it and turn it over on downs. (note: I have additional die rolls that I make for time and number of plays in a drive and WVU had a 12-play drive, but the game chart said this drive resulted in a PUNT, so this was my narrative explanation for it).

1:36 4th, WVU leads 20-13
Fortunately for the Mountaineers, the defense is easily up to the task as the Gophers cannot pick up a first down and turn the ball back over on downs.

0:48 4th, WVU leads 20-13
The Mountaineers kill the clock and win the game.

Final Score
West Virginia 20, Minnesota 13

-------
Feel better now, Swaggs?

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(9) Colorado State 39, (8) Texas Christian 10 (FINAL)
TCU scored the first ten points of the game, the Rams scored the next 39. Next up for the Rams is East #1 Georgia.

(12) Wake Forest 39, (5) Colorado 12 (FINAL)
Deacs complete disposal of Buffs, now get to meet ACC rival NC State in round of 32

(7) South Florida 31, (10) Marshall 17 (FINAL)
Bulls keep Herd away in fourth, now meet East #3 Maryland

(11) Georgia Tech 34, (6) Virginia 32 (LATE 4TH)
It goes to the wire. Virginia tried to tie it up with a two-point conversion but failed. They have the ball and are making one last push to win.

Southeast Region
(9) Tennessee 34, (8) Wisconsin 24 (FINAL)
Badgers try to rally in the fourth, but the Vols just had too big a lead to overcome. Vols now get Southeast #1 Miami.

(4) Penn State 34, (13) Texas A&M 31 (LATE 4TH)
A&M gambled on a fourth down in the fourth and converted to get a touchdown and now are looking for the tying field goal

(7) Florida 34, (10) Oklahoma State 6 (FINAL)
Gators eliminate Cowboys in convincing fashion, will now face Southeast #2 Oklahoma in next round

(11) Iowa State 51, (6) Pittsburgh 20 (FINAL)
The Cyclone squad that was one of the best early in the year evidently showed up for this contest as they thrash the Panthers. ISU now draws Michigan in Round of 32.

Midwest Region
(8) LSU 48, (9) California 7 (FINAL)
Tigers tack on 20 more in the fourth and roll into the next round to face Midwest top seed Ohio State

(4) Notre Dame 20, (13) Kentucky 7 (FINAL)
A bit of a dull affair as the ND defense strangled the Wildcats and the offense doing enough to win the contest. Irish need to do better as they draw a strong Virginia Tech squad in the next round.

(7) Arkansas 38, (10) Purdue 28 (FINAL)
Boilers get a touchdown early in the fourth, but the Razorbacks get an answering score to keep Purdue down enough to move on to the next round against Kansas State

West Region
(2) Texas 34, (15) Air Force 7 (FINAL)
A dominating performance by Texas enables them to move into the next round where they get to play Boston College

[Swaggs]

Wooohoooo! :)

[Wolfpack]

Late in the fourth quarter...

EAST: (11) Georgia Tech 34, (6) Virginia 32
The Jackets are hanging on for dear life and hoping for the upset against the Cavaliers, but Virginia has a chance for the win. The Cavaliers have pushed into Tech's end and face a fourth down with about a minute left. It'll be a 32-yard field goal attempt to put the Cavs in front. Snap, hold is good, kick is up...and it is good! The Cavaliers take the lead!

The Cavs squib the ensuing kickoff and Tech gets it back to its own 40 with about 30 second remaining. Just enough time to get a couple of plays off. A strike to the sideline gets them to midfield. A second strike goes over the middle and the receiver gets to the Virginia 35 before he's hauled down. Out of timeouts and under 10 seconds left, the Tech QB spikes the ball. It's going to be a 52-yard attempt for the win. Snap, hold, the kick is up...and it is...short! He didn't get enough on it! The Cavaliers win!

SE: (4) Penn State 34, (13) Texas A&M 31
The Aggies, with the support of the partisan Houston crowd have hung tough with Penn State through four quarters of play, though they have not been able to get over the hump. This is their last chance. A&M puts together a great hurry-up drive that gets them to the Penn State 20 where they have a third down with 18 seconds remaining. QB drops back...looks...throws...knocked away at the last second in the end zone! That was a close one for the Lions and a great play by the covering corner! Fourth down and out comes the kicker for a 37-yard attempt with ten seconds left. Snap, kick is up...he pushed it! No good and Penn State is going to hang on and win this one! A valiant effort by Texas A&M but they can't get it done when it counts and Penn State survives and advances here in Houston!

[SplitPersonality1]

To all of you who went to sports-playing schools, I hate you.

MIT, Class of 1988

Well, I suppose there was Club Football and intramural Bowling. :rolleyes:


Darn. With both Wisconsin & Minnesota out, I'm not sure who to support.

[Wolfpack]

Split: leftovers from the Midwest include Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan, and ND. Since you seem to have a preference for Wisconsin and Minnesota, I'm imagining that narrows it down to Iowa State. Not too bad a choice, really. A pretty nasty 11 seed after their takedown of Pittsburgh.

[SplitPersonality1]

Go Iowa State Cyc..acchh.....cough.........

I just can't do it. When you grow up in Minnesota, you just cannot root for anything remotely associated with Iowa.

[tucker342]

Hey, what about the Iowa Hawkeyes?

How can you not root for the Hawkeyes:D

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally posted by tucker342
Hey, what about the Iowa Hawkeyes?

How can you not root for the Hawkeyes:D

How CAN you root for the Hawkeyes? In such a stacked conference, they're always "good," but they're never "good enough."

Then again, thanks to my fiancee, the teams I root for are Memphis and Tulane. :confused:

[Wolfpack]

With the conclusion of the West Virginia game, Swaggs clicks off the TV. All the saddle-sore FOFCers who have been watching since noontime shamble out of the TV room and make their way home. The next day, the FOFCers who have been following the tournament check the Sports page and read up on the late games played out West...

West Region
(1) Southern California 47, (17) New Mexico 17
Trojans jump all over Lobos early, taking 27-10 halftime lead and cruise comfortably in the second half. USC gets to play cross-town archrival UCLA in the next round.

(4) Florida State 58, (20) UNLV 14
Another game that was over by halftime as the Seminoles erupted for 34 points in the opening half, then shut out the Rebels 24-0 in the second half. Florida State takes on Boise State in the Round of 32.

(6) Texas Tech 44, (11) Arizona State 24
The only interesting affair of the evening. Tied after a quarter, the Red Raiders scored 13 unanswered in the second to take a 20-7 lead at the half. The Sun Devils tried to rally, getting the lead down to 27-17 after three, but the Red Raiders close the deal in the fourth to advance. They draw West #3 Washington State for their next opponent.

(It should be noted that I had to re-roll TTU-ASU a couple of times because the first result I had featured Texas Tech winning 86-27, which I thought was just a bit far-fetched. To be fair, I gave Texas Tech the win based on that, but wanted to get a more realistic score, but took a couple of tries to make it happen.)

[Wolfpack]

Round of 32 Pairings

East Regional Bracket

Dix Stadium, Kent State University, Kent, OH
(9) Colorado State vs. (1) Georgia

Michie Stadium, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
(12) Wake Forest vs. (4) NC State

UB Stadium, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
(7) South Florida vs. (2) Iowa

Rutgers Stadium, Rutgers State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
(6) Virginia vs. (3) Maryland

Southeast Region

Scott Stadium, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
(9) Tennessee vs. (1) Miami

Robertson Stadium, University of Houston, Houston, TX
(12) Mississippi vs. (4) Penn State

Fouts Field, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
(7) Florida vs. (2) Oklahoma**

Marshall Stadium, Marshall University, Huntington, WV
(11) Iowa State vs. (3) Michigan*

Midwest Region

Glass Bowl, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
(8) Louisiana State vs. (1) Ohio State**

Spartan Stadium, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
(5) Virginia Tech vs. (4) Notre Dame**

Kinnick Stadium, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
(7) Arkansas vs. (2) Kansas State

Ball State Stadium, Ball State University, Muncie, IN
(6) West Virginia* vs. (3) Alabama

West Region

Mackay Stadium, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV
(8) UCLA vs. (1) Southern California

Arizona Stadium, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
(5) Boise State vs. (4) Florida State

Wagner Field, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
(7) Boston College vs. (2) Texas

Folsom Field, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
(6) Texas Tech vs. (3) Washington State

**--Strong home field advantage this game
*--Some home field advantage this game

[Wolfpack]

Schedule and Lines--Round of 32


3:00 PM
EAST (9) Colorado State vs (1) Georgia UGA -14 o/u 49
EAST (12) Wake Forest vs (4) NC State NCS -13 o/u 52
EAST (7) South Florida vs (2) Iowa IA -16 o/u 56
SE (9) Tennessee vs (1) Miami MIA -19 o/u 46
SE (7) Florida vs (2) Oklahoma OK -24 o/u 55
MW (8) LSU vs (1) Ohio State OSU -12.5 o/u 33
MW (7) Arkansas vs (2) Kansas State KSU -17 o/u 49
WEST (7) Boston College vs (2) Texas TEX -13.5 o/u 49

7:00 PM
EAST (6) Virginia vs (3) Maryland UMD - 4.5 o/u 50
SE (12) Mississippi vs (4) Penn State PSU -17 o/u 53
SE (11) Iowa State vs (3) Michigan MI - 7.5 o/u 55
MW (5) Virginia Tech vs (4) Notre Dame Pick em o/u 34
MW (6) West Virginia vs (3) Alabama ALA -11 o/u 44
WEST (8) UCLA vs (1) Southern California USC -22.5 o/u 58
WEST (5) Boise State vs (4) Florida State FSU - 6.5 o/u 63
WEST (6) Texas Tech vs (3) Washington State Pick em o/u 72


Both time slots are now open for takers on first-come, first-serve basis.

[JeeberD]

Boise vs FSU!!! Or else UT vs BC!

God, I hope WSU kicks the crap out of those damn Techsters... :mad:

[SplitPersonality1]

How about Iowa State vs. Michigan

Go Wolverines!

[Wolfpack]

It's up to Jeeber. If he wants BSU-FSU more, then that overrides Split's request for UM-ISU. If he's willing to compromise, then BC-Texas could be his choice and UM-ISU could be the second game.

[tucker342]

Damn too late again:(

Oh well:D

[Wolfpack]

Sorry, tucker. Guys around here seem to be jumping on the remote today. :) At least it's a good sign that people are paying attention to what I'm doing, so I'm more inclined to do this sort of thing again in the future.

[JeeberD]

Eh, let's go with UT-BC. Boise's gonna get trounced anyways...

[Wolfpack]

Okay, with the deal made, here's the television schedule for this round:

(7) Boston College vs (2) Texas at 3:00 PM
(11) Iowa State vs (3) Michigan at 7:00 PM

I'll get the next round going this evening and hope to have the afternoon games done in the next couple of days.

[Wolfpack]

How about that...300 posts. Make that 301 with this one.

[Swaggs]

I'll be watching WVU on ESPN2. :)

[Wolfpack]

From the worthless statistics department....

I based my lines and over/unders on the average points per quarter a team was expected to score. Here's how it shook out:

*28 of 32 games had a favorite determined
*Against the spread established for the favorite, the favorite went 16-12.
*Notre Dame was the only team to nail its spread exactly (-13)
*Largest upset was Mississippi, which was +15 against Auburn and wound up winning outright by 31 (a +46 versus expectations)

*4 of 32 games were even odds games
*Three of the four games were won by the higher seed

*In the over/under comparison, games went under the listed total in 17 of 32 games
*However, games that went over, went over much higher than games going low went lower, as games going over averaged going over by 15 points, while games that went under were short by 11 points per occurance
*3 games missed the over/under by 1 under, 2 games missed the over/under by 1 over

----------
Just some numbers for the fun of it...discuss if you like.

[tucker342]

If you do it again, you should do a College Basketball one:D

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by tucker342
If you do it again, you should do a College Basketball one:D

Hell yeah!!!

Oh, wait, there are 300 someting D-1 basketball teams. Damn that would be a lot of work....

Oh well, it's for the best, I suppose. UTEP would have lost in the first round again (unless you went with next years rosters, cause the Miners are gonna be bad ass next season!!!!)...

[Wolfpack]

Sorry, I don't think there is a quick-play basketball game, unfortunately.

I've played the Round of 32 (it goes quick when only two games have to be played out) and to give the shakes to some people, some brackets are nice and organized, while others are in a bit of chaos.

And for Jeeber, I have some good news, some bad news, and some worse news.... I'll post the games in a bit and you'll see what I mean.

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by Wolfpack
And for Jeeber, I have some good news, some bad news, and some worse news.... I'll post the games in a bit and you'll see what I mean.

Hmmm....

I'm guessing that Texas won, CSU lost, and that Boise got destroyed...

Am I right?

[Wolfpack]

Nope, not even close, Jeeber.

However, I am on the horns of a dilemma. The original drive-by-drive Quick Play game didn't have anything incorporating kick return and punt return results, thus there would be no way to return a kick or punt for touchdown (it does have a rare plays chart whereby kick returns do turn into fumbles which become touchdowns). I decided to incorporate a die roll that took this aspect of the game into account. If a die roll on a d20 was 1, the return was made for a touchdown. However, I have gone to the NCAA website and looked up the stats and determined that even this low-odds roll is too high. I was giving a 5% chance of return for touchdown on both kicks and punts. It turns out that punts only got returned for touchdown a little over 3% of the time in 2002 and kick returns for touchdown was way down in the noise at only about 0.6%. Up to this point, the 5% chance for touchdown has not altered the outcome of the game. Syracuse had one return for touchdown but didn't win and Missouri had two returns for touchdown and didn't win. However, in one of the games I played last night, the winner benefitted from the 1 in 20 odds to score a touchdown on a return and won by 6.

I'd like opinions on whether I should replay the contest (for neutrality's sake, I'll not say who was involved and who won) with corrections I've made to the die rolls. The other 15 contests will stand since 14 of them were of the quick variety and the other one didn't feature a kick return for touchdown. If the consensus is to redo the game, I'll hold off on posting results until after the game is re-played.

[NAIWF]

If it was a punt return I say keep it since the statistical odds are close enough (3+% to 5%). If it was a kick return I say redo it, since the odds are too far apart to still be considered fair.

[JeeberD]

I would say not to worry about it....


Hmmm, Texas didn't lose, did they? Did Boise pull the upset? Now I'm REALLY curious...

[Wolfpack]

It was a kickoff return and it happened very early in the game. Had it happened later, I'd be more willing to re-do just the portion after the kick return, but since it occurred early, it would make sense to just re-play the whole thing.

So, at this point, the vote is 1-1.

And Jeeber, I ain't tellin' yet. ;)

[sterlingice]

I dunno- it makes it less "pure" but more fun to have extra kickoff returns. I say let it stand.

SI

[NAIWF]

If it makes you work faster, switch my vote and make it 3-0 ;)

[Wolfpack]

So, if NAIWF switches, it's now 3-0. I'll let this sit for a little while longer before making up my mind. If the "keep going" crowd gets another vote, I'll go ahead and move on (on the other hand, if the "do over" vote gets four in a row, I'll do that instead). I had been inclined to do over, but it does sort of defeat the purpose of one chance, single-elimination.

BTW, to more accurately reflect the percentages, kick returns now will be done with three rolls. Have to get 1 or 2 on first roll, 1 or 2 on second roll, and a 13 or less on third roll (which makes it a 0.65% chance of happening) to get kick return for TD. Punt returns have two rolls. 1 or 2 on first and 6 or less on second produces punt return for TD.

It should be noted I have a VB app that rolls multiple dice of varying sides and values (so actually rolling a game isn't that time consuming), though to be true to the spirit of a table top game, I try to use sides and values that normally would exist on a die. I could have a 10000-sided die that results in a TD on a roll of 65 or less, but there is no such thing as a 10000-sided die in real life (though I suppose you could take 5 separate 10-sided dice read as a string instead of a sum and get the same thing).

[Lone Star]

I vote to keep the result. For all we know it would've been returned for a touchdown anyway.

:-)

Now let's see who got hosed!

[Wolfpack]

Very well, we go forward. I'll begin posting scores momentarily.

[Wolfpack]

The FOFC crowd returns for another Saturday of football. Pretty much everyone's in on time as the games start mid-afternoon for once. JeeberD, wearing a Texas baseball hat, a Colorado State t-shirt, and Boise State sweatpants, grabs the remote. Others regard his attire with a curious eye. Jeeber turns on the TV and on the screen appears Wagner Field in Manhattan, Kansas, somewhat filled, mostly with the characteristic burnt orange of the University of Texas Longhorns. The standard graphic appears to tell all it is indeed the Texas Longhorns, the West's #2 seed, playing the seventh seeded Boston College Eagles.

Boston College wins the toss and defers to the second half, so Texas will get the ball first.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
Texas opens the game well, picking up first downs on the first three plays to move into BC territory. The drive continues to work down the field and the Longhorns cap it with a nice touchdown pass to get the early lead. Extra point is good.

11:36 1st, TEX leads 7-0
The lead is very short-lived as the Eagles return man hits his wedge perfectly. 95 yards later, he saunters into the end zone and the game is tied up after the extra point.

11:14 1st, game is tied 7-7
Things worsen for Texas as a great return on the ensuing kickoff is called back on a penalty that sticks them back at their own 10. Next play, the handoff exchange is blown and the ball scrambles back a few yards before a Longhorn lineman falls on it. On 2nd down, the QB drops back into the shotgun. The snap is made when he's not expecting it and the ball sails past him into the end zone. The QB dives on it quickly, though, to keep the damage to a safety.

10:01 1st, BC leads 9-7
The Eagles keep the solid play going, pushing back down the field on the following possession. They get into field goal range but finally bog down. The field goal unit is sent on. The kicker has no trouble with the attempt and everything is going BC's way.

6:16 1st, BC leads 12-7
The Longhorns roar back with a vengeance. Showing no ill effect from the last five minutes, the Texas offense gets a first down and then connects on a home run ball for a touchdown. The extra point is good.

4:22 1st, TEX leads 14-12
The Eagles one-up the Longhorns, answering with a touchdown of their own in one fewer play on their drive.

2:19 1st, BC leads 19-14
The Longhorns work for an answer, picking up a first down, but fail to get another one. As the quarter ends, the punt team has been sent on.

End of the 1st Quarter
Boston College 19, Texas 14

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(1) Georgia 10, (9) Colorado State 3
Bulldogs out to the early lead

(4) NC State 10, (12) Wake Forest 6
Pack has sternest first quarter test thus far

(2) Iowa 14, (7) South Florida 7
Hawkeyes strike for two TDs in the first

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 14, (9) Tennessee 0
Hurricanes all over the Vols in the early going

(2) Oklahoma 13, (7) Florida 0
Sooners come out of the gate very well against Florida

Midwest Region
(1) Ohio State 7, (8) LSU 0
Bucks in a tough one early against the Tigers

(2) Kansas State 17, (7) Arkansas 7
Wildcats rack up the points early and often

[Wolfpack]

Second quarter action in Manhattan...

15:00 2nd, BC leads 19-14
The Longhorns punt the ball away after a disappointing series.

14:51 2nd, BC leads 19-14
The Eagles offense is still rolling, pounding down the field and into Longhorn territory. They get a first and goal, but the Longhorns stiffen to force a fourth down. The Eagles roll the dice and go for it. The QB hands away, the running back struggles forward, and is stopped. The referees say he didn't make it! He didn't make it and Texas holds!

9:16 2nd, BC leads 19-14
The Longhorns take over and immediately hit on a bomb play that changes field position entirely as the receiver strides into BC territory before being shoved out of bounds. Next play, the running back breaks through the line and is caught from behind at the BC 20. The Eagles do finally bear down and force the Longhorns to send on the field goal unit. Snap, hold, kick is up...and good!

6:47 2nd, BC leads 19-17
BC works their way to near midfield, but can't get further and the Eagles punt away.

4:08 2nd, BC leads 19-17
The Longhorns speed up the offense a bit and work their way into BC territory. They get into field goal range but get stuck on a fourth down. They send out the kicker to try to take the lead before halftime. Snap, hold, kick is away...no good! Wide left!

0:55 2nd, BC leads 19-17
Holding the lead, the Eagles are content to kill the clock and end the half.

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(1) Georgia 27, (9) Colorado State 10
Bulldogs rack up 17 in 2nd to expand lead

(4) NC State 17, (12) Wake Forest 13
Deacons won't go away

(2) Iowa 17, (7) South Florida 14
Neither will the Bulls

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 14, (9) Tennessee 7
Vols pass on field goal to try to get a touchdown and succeed

(2) Oklahoma 13, (7) Florida 0
Gators go for the same gamble, but aren't so fortunate

Midwest Region
(1) Ohio State 7, (8) LSU 0
Bucks and Tigers fight to a standstill in the second

(2) Kansas State 27, (7) Arkansas 7
Wildcats get 10 unanswered in the 2nd to open commanding lead

[Wolfpack]

Start of the 2nd half between BC and Texas

15:00 3rd, BC leads 19-17
BC gets the ball first to start the half and they make the most of it. The Eagles carve up the Longhorn offense and utilize a breakaway run to get a touchdown. Extra point is good.

12:10 3rd, BC leads 26-17
Texas cannot find an answer as the offense grinds out to midfield before the Eagles bear down and force them to punt.

7:56 3rd, BC leads 26-17
BC's offense finally cools off as they can only manage to work past their own 35 before having to punt.

5:02 3rd, BC leads 26-17
The Longhorns finally come out of their second half slumber as the offense clicks on all cylinders. They push their way down the field and well into BC territory as the quarter ends.

End of 3rd Quarter
Boston College 26, Texas 17

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(1) Georgia 34, (9) Colorado State 10
Bulldogs seem to be in firm control of this one

(4) NC State 23, (12) Wake Forest 20
Wolfpack having a trying time with the arch-rivals (this is not new, trust me)

(2) Iowa 38, (7) South Florida 14
A nice shot of color returns to tucker's face

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 24, (9) Tennessee 7
Canes get some more breathing space

(2) Oklahoma 20, (7) Florida 0
Sooners continue to shut out the Gators

Midwest Region
(1) Ohio State 14, (8) LSU 0
A defensive struggle continues, with the Buckeye defense pitching the shutout

(2) Kansas State 27, (7) Arkansas 14
Razorbacks get a touchdown closer in the third

[Wolfpack]

4th quarter from Wagner Field

15:00 4th, BC leads 26-17
The Longhorns pick up where they left off in the third and in two plays are in the end zone and have narrowed the gap to two after the extra point.

14:22 4th, BC leads 26-24
The Eagles embark on a long, and more importantly, time-consuming drive that pushes them into the Longhorn end of the field, but a crucial penalty and a sack push them back to the edge of field goal range. They send on the kicker. Snap, hold, kick is up...it's no good! Texas stays five behind!

9:00 4th, BC leads 26-24
Texas battles its way back the other way. It's chewing up clock, but ultimately the drive does yield points as the Longhorns get a field goal and have surged into the lead as a result.

5:03 4th, TEX leads 27-26
The Eagles refuse to crumble. They engineer an excellent drive that gains yardage and drains the clock. With just over a minute, the Eagles stand at the Texas 22. The QB drops back, looks, throws...caught! Touchdown, Eagles! The Eagles have retaken the lead!

0:56 4th, BC leads 33-27
Texas tries to find an answer in the short amount of time left. However, they are only able to get to just inside their own midfield with five seconds left. All that's left is a Hail Mary chance. QB takes the snap and rolls out...waits...heaves it to the end zone...knocked away! Knocked away and the game is over! The Eagles have upset the number two seed in the West, Texas!

Final Score
Boston College 33, Texas 27

---------------

As you might have guessed, this was the game impacted by the kick return for touchdown. Even so, BC had the hot dice and Texas had some rotten luck. The safety was scored on a rare play lookup which normally yields more positive results for the offense.

And Jeeber, of the three pieces of news, I classify this as bad news from your perspective.

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(1) Georgia 41, (9) Colorado State 10 (FINAL)
Bulldogs cruise into the Sweet Sixteen

(4) NC State 30, (12) Wake Forest 20 (FINAL)
It wasn't easy, but insurance TD in fourth seals it for Wolfpack, who will now play East #1 Georgia in Sweet Sixteen

(2) Iowa 45, (7) South Florida 23 (FINAL)
Overwhelming third proves difference-maker and Hawkeyes move on to Sweet Sixteen against winner of Maryland and Virginia

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 24, (9) Tennessee 7 (FINAL)
Hurricanes never really threatened, though looked unimpressive as they move on to face winner of Penn State and Mississippi

(2) Oklahoma 30, (7) Florida 0 (FINAL)
Gators gamble for a touchdown again in fourth and fail, consequently get shut out and Sooners advance with ease to await the winner of Iowa State-Michigan

Midwest Region
(1) Ohio State 14, (8) LSU 0 (FINAL)
It was not pretty, but the Buckeyes shut out LSU to advance to the Sweet Sixteen where they will play either Notre Dame or Virginia Tech

(2) Kansas State 37, (7) Arkansas 21 (FINAL)
Wildcats get 10 in the fourth to keep the Razorbacks safely away and move on to next round to face the winner between Alabama and West Virginia

[tucker342]

I was a little bit scared at half time... but my Hawkeyes came through:D

[Wolfpack]

With a bit of disgust, Jeeber flings his Longhorns cap to the other side of the room. He hands over the remote to SplitPersonality who promptly flips channels and on the screen appears a pretty full stadium populated mostly by blue or yellow clad individuals, a tinge of red here and there. One of the teams warming up on the field is instantly recognized by their dark blue helmets with distinctive yellow "wings". By inference, it's Michigan taking on Iowa State in Huntington, West Virginia.

Iowa State won the toss and deferred, so Michigan receives to start.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
The Wolverines take the opening possession and push their way down the field into Cyclone territory before a couple of setbacks prevent them going any further. They send out the kicker for a longish attempt. Snap, hold, kick is up...but he pulled it and it sails wide.

9:10 1st, game tied 0-0
The Cyclones pick up a first down on the first play, but are held back after that and punt away.

7:19 1st, game tied 0-0
The Wolverines get a solid punt return that puts them in good field position. The offense continues the strong effort from the first drive and this time they plow into the end zone in five plays to get on the board first. Extra point is good.

4:58 1st, MICH leads 7-0
The Cyclone offense finally gets going, working their way into the Michigan half of the field before ultimately facing a third and short as the quarter draws to a close.

End of 1st Quarter
Michigan 7, Iowa State 0

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(3) Maryland 7, (6) Virginia 0
Terps get the early jump on the Cavs

Southeast Region
(4) Penn State 7, (12) Mississippi 0
Nittany Lions up early, but Rebels keep themselves in it

Midwest Resgion
(5) Virginia Tech 7, (4) Notre Dame 0
Hokies get seven in the first...with these two defenses, it may be all they need

(3) Alabama 3, (6) West Virginia 0
A defensive struggle early as only a field goal is mustered in the first

West Region
(1) Southern California 7, (8) UCLA 0
Trojans break in front of cross-town rivals with first quarter touchdown

(5) Boise State 13, (4) Florida State 13
A scorefest early in Tucson

(3) Washington State 7, (6) Texas Tech 3
Another close contest sees Wazzou work their way into the early lead

[Wolfpack]

2nd quarter between Michigan and Iowa State...

15:00 2nd, MICH leads 7-0
Iowa State faces third and short, but fails to pick up the first. The Cyclones play the risk on fourth and short and go for it. Again the Wolverine defense is stout and they fail to get the first.

14:07 2nd, MICH leads 7-0
The Wolverines take advantage, connecting on a long pass to move into Iowa State territory and then utizling the running game to smash their way into the end zone from there. Extra point is good.

11:33 2nd, MICH leads 14-0
Things seem to go from bad to worse for the Cyclones as they navigate near midfield. The QB drops back and goes for a home run touchdown down the sideline, but the ball hangs up in the air, allowing the safety to come over and pick it off before going out of bounds near the Michigan 20.

9:13 2nd, MICH leads 14-0
The Wolverines bludgeon the ISU defense, getting all the way down to inside the Cyclone 5. The Cyclones make a goalline stand, leaving the Wolverines with a fourth down dilemma. Sensing a chance to put the Cyclones away early, the Wolverines go for it. QB hands away to the running back who is met at the line by a batch of ISU defenders. He never had a chance to get to the end zone.

3:59 2nd, MICH leads 14-0
The Cyclones, deep in their own territory and time winding down in the half, execute a masterful two-minute offense that sees them hitting all the passes and getting out of bounds at the needed moments, though they do burn up their timeouts in the process. The result is a nice touchdown pass with under thirty seconds left in the half that gets them on the board. However, the snap is bad on the extra point and they fail to convert.

0:22 2nd, MICH leads 14-6
The QB takes a knee and the Wolverines go to the half with a lead, but the last two possessions seem to have shifted momentum a bit.

End of 2nd Quarter
Michigan 14, Iowa State 6

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(3) Maryland 14, (6) Virginia 7
Continues to be a tight contest between ACC rivals

Southeast Region
(4) Penn State 20, (12) Mississippi 7
Rebels get on the board, but Lions extend the lead to 13

Midwest Region
(5) Virginia Tech 7, (4) Notre Dame 0
Defensive war continues as both offenses are shut out in the second quarter

(3) Alabama 10, (6) West Virginia 0
Mountaineers hanging around, but still haven't put points on the board

West Region
(1) Southern California 17, (8) UCLA 0
Trojans score 10 more in second to enhance their control of the contest

(5) Boise State 30, (4) Florida State 23
The Broncos aren't backing down from the Seminoles and have taken the lead in a contest where defense is clearly lacking

(6) Texas Tech 10, (3) Washington State 7
The Raiders finally get their first touchdown and have the lead at the half

[Wolfpack]

Third quarter between Wolverines and Cyclones...

15:00 3rd, MICH leads 14-6
Cyclones start on offense to begin the half, but the offense didn't come out of the locker room as they go three and out to start.

13:48 3rd, MICH leads 14-6
Wolverines get the ball and proceed to work their way down the field but a sack and penalty for holding shove them back to midfield and forces them to punt.

8:50 3rd, MICH leads 14-6
First play of the new drive, the ISU QB eludes the rush and suddenly breaks free in the secondary, racing down the sideline before being knocked out of bounds well into Michigan territory. The Wolverine defense stiffens after that and the Cyclones have to settle for a field goal attempt, which is converted to draw them a little closer.

7:05 3rd, MICH leads 14-9
The Wolverines respond to the challenge as they march through the ISU defense on the next possession and cap it with a nice touchdown run from 23 yards out to expand the lead again. Extra point is good.

3:09 3rd, MICH leads 21-9
The Cyclones try to answer back. They work themselves out to near midfield and face a crucial third down as the quarter ends.

End of 3rd Quarter
Michigan 21, Iowa State 9

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(6) Virginia 14, (3) Maryland 14
It's all tied up now heading into the fourth

Southeast Region
(4) Penn State 37, (12) Mississippi 7
Lions score 17 unanswered in the third to take firm control of the contest

Midwest Region
(5) Virgnia Tech 7, (4) Notre Dame 0
Hokies continue to hang on to the lead as the defenses are just overwhelming the offenses

(3) Alabama 27, (6) West Virginia 7
WVU gets a TD, but the roof caves in as the Tide tacks on 17 in the third

West Region
(1) Southern California 31, (8) UCLA 14
Bruins pass on field goal in third and get touchdown, but can't make up ground as the Trojans match them score for score

(4) Florida State 37, (5) Boise State 30
Seminoles get two touchdowns in third while blanking the Broncos to roar into the lead

(6) Texas Tech 24, (3) Washington State 14
Raiders pick up two touchdowns in third to expand their lead to ten

[Wolfpack]

Conclusion of Michigan-Iowa State...

15:00 4th, MICH leads 21-9
The Cyclones fail to pick up the needed third down, killing the drive and forcing them to punt it away.

14:18 4th, MICH leads 21-9
Starting deep in their own end, the Wolverines manage to dig themselves out and move to midfield before stalling. Punt.

10:21 4th, MICH leads 21-9
The Cyclones get a good drive going in response, working their way into Michigan territory, but face a fourth down with time winding down and trailing by 12. With little choice, the Cyclones go for it. QB drops back, throws...the receiver dropped it! Had it in his hands and he dropped it! Michigan gets the ball on downs.

5:38 4th, MICH leads 21-9
The Wolverines begin to eat away at the clock, forcing the Cyclones to burn timeouts until the Wolverines are made to punt away after a failed third down.

1:42 4th, MICH leads 21-9
Remarkably for the Cyclones, they get a new lease on life as the return man catches a short, line drive kick on the dead run, blows through the initial coverage, and outruns the punter to make it into the end zone for the touchdown! Extra point is good.

1:19 4th, MICH leads 21-16
The Cyclones line up for an onside kick. Here we go. There's the bounce! Easily taken in by the Wolverines and the Wolverines get the ball!

1:13 4th, MICH leads 21-16
Powerless to stop the clock, the Cyclones can only watch as the Michigan QB kneels on it a couple of times, killing the clock and ending the game.

Final Score
Michigan 21, Iowa State 16

--------------

These kick and punt returns are having all sorts of impacts on my games. BTW, I also had to provision something for onside kicks. Anyone got a clue about how successful those things are? I was guessing about 20%, though I think that's probably way high.

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(3) Maryland 21, (6) Virginia 17 (LATE 4TH)
Terps take the lead again in the fourth, but Virginia has the ball and is looking for the go-ahead score

Southeast Region
(4) Penn State 44, (12) Mississippi 7 (FINAL)
Lions add final TD in fourth, move on to face Miami in the Sweet Sixteen

Midwest Region
(4) Notre Dame 10, (5) Virginia Tech 7 (LATE 4TH)
The Irish break through in the fourth to get 10 points and the lead, but the Hokies have the ball and are pushing for a game-tying field goal

(3) Alabama 37, (6) West Virginia 14 (FINAL)
Tide rolls on, will play Kansas State in the next round

West Region
(1) Southern California 37, (8) UCLA 14 (FINAL)
UCLA tried for six again in fourth, wasn't so lucky this time, not that it mattered as the Trojans easily move on to Sweet Sixteen to play winner of Boise State and FSU

(5) Boise State 47, (4) Florida State 44 (LATE 4TH)
The Bronco offense came to life in the fourth, racking up 17 points and putting Boise State in position to win the biggest game in school history. However, FSU has possession and is driving for a game-tying field goal.

(6) Texas Tech 31, (3) Washington State 21 (FINAL)
A close contest, but the Raiders answer a Cougar score with one of their own and they upset the West #3 to move on and face Longhorn slayers Boston College in the Sweet Sixteen (this is the worse news from Jeeber's perspective).

[Wolfpack]

Late in the fourth quarter

EAST: (3) Maryland 21, (6) Virginia 17
The Terps and Cavaliers have battled their way through four quarters and Maryland now has a four point lead with a few minutes to go.

Virginia gets one last chance with its offense to win the game. The offense does not disappoint on the drive, moving through Maryland defense with relative ease, working their way into Maryland territory. The drive eventually reaches the Maryland 8, time enough for a shot into the end zone. The QB drops back...looking...looking...firing! Caught! Touchdown, Virginia! The QB waited until his receiver broke open in the back of the end zone and the Cavaliers have taken the lead with just three seconds remaining! The extra point is good! Virginia 24, Maryland 21!

The return is anti-climatic as the Cavs squib the kickoff and quickly smother the return. The Cavaliers win and advance to the Sweet Sixteen against Iowa!

MW: (4) Notre Dame 10, (5) Virginia Tech 7
The Hokies had lead much of the game with a solitary first quarter touchdown. The Irish managed to rally in the fourth with 10 points to take the lead. The Hokies now look to tie it up and perhaps force an overtime.

The Hokies manage to work the ball into field goal range, but the Irish defense has hardened and the kick won't be an easy one to tie it up, a 39-yarder. On comes the kicker. Counts off the linemen and marks his angle. Snap, hold, kick is away...no good! It's to the right! Notre Dame gets the ball and they'll escape the Hokies! The Irish advance to Lincoln where they'll play Midwest top seed Ohio State!

WEST: (5) Boise State 47, (4) Florida State 44
It's been a high-scoring affair in this contest. The Broncos managed to get a lead at halftime, but the Seminoles seemingly had momentum on their side after that with 14 third quarter points to take the lead. However, the Broncos showed tremendous resolve, rallying for 17 points in the fourth quarter to retake a slim lead in the dying minutes. FSU is now in possession of the ball with time winding down and looking to tie or win.

The Seminoles have worked the ball into Boise State's end of the field, but now have twelve second remaining. Enough time for a last crack at the end zone. QB drops back...looks...here comes the rush...hit as he throws...! Incomplete! Just missed! The pressure made him throw it before he was ready. Now on comes the kicker for a 42-yard attempt to tie the game and send it to overtime. Snap is good, hold is good, kick is up...NO GOOD! NO GOOD! NO GOOD! WIDE LEFT! Boise State has done it! They've defeated Florida State and moved on to the Sweet Sixteen! Look out, Los Angeles, here come the Boise State Broncos!

(Unfortunately, the Broncos have a monumental task, beating Southern Cal in the Coliseum in the next round...and Jeeber, this is your good news. :) )

[Wolfpack]

Sweet Sixteen Pairings

East Region

Rentschler Field, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT
(4) NC State vs. (1) Georgia
(6) Virginia vs. (2) Iowa

Southeast Region

Orange Bowl, University of Miami, Miami, FL
(4) Penn State vs. (1) Miami**
(3) Michigan vs. (2) Oklahoma

Midwest Region

Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(4) Notre Dame vs. (1) Ohio State
(3) Alabama vs. (2) Kansas State**

West Region

LA Memorial Coliseum, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
(5) Boise State vs. (1) Southern California**
(7) Boston College vs. (6) Texas Tech

**--Strong home field advantage this game
*--Some home field advantage this game

[Wolfpack]

How's everyone liking the ride so far? It's been an interesting project to say the least. Two brackets have the top four seeds advancing, a third had three.

The West, of course, has been the surprise as 2, 3, and 4 all fell in the Round of 32, pretty much guaranteeing USC's path to the Final Four, especially with home field advantage during the regionals.

The other regions are chock-a-block with good teams meaning any of the other twelve teams are possibilities for the Final Four.

Ohio State hasn't looked very impressive offensively thus far and faces a tough pairing with ND, which is similarly defensive-minded and offensively inept. Survive that and a potential matchup with K-State, which has home field advantage in Lincoln, awaits.

Miami has the home field advantage in its regional but has a murderer's row of top flight programs to face, starting with Penn State. Beat them and it's either Michigan or Oklahoma in the regional final.

The East regional is the hardest to predict as all four finalists are solid candidates capable of beating one another. Whoever survives this regional is likely the dark horse going to South Bend, since none will likely have the cache of the other three teams that reach the Final Four, assuming USC does claim the West as expected.

TV schedule and lines to be announced momentarily.

[Wolfpack]

Schedule and Lines--Sweet Sixteen


12:00 PM
EAST (4) NC State vs (1) Georgia UGA - 5 o/u 45
SE (3) Michigan vs (2) Oklahoma OK -13.5 o/u 53.5
MW (3) Alabama vs (2) Kansas State KSU -14.5 o/u 48.5

3:30 PM
WEST (7) Boston College vs (6) Texas Tech TTU - 4.5 o/u 68.5

7:00 PM
EAST (6) Virginia vs (2) Iowa IA - 4 o/u 58
SE (4) Penn State vs (1) Miami MIA - 5.5 o/u 59.5
MW (4) Notre Dame vs (1) Ohio State OSU -11 o/u 31

10:30 PM
WEST (5) Boise State vs (1) Southern California USC -28.5 o/u 68.5


For this round, I'll do at least two games, the first two anyone suggests. The other two slots are purely optional. If people want to see a third or fourth game, they're more than welcome to make the suggestion to do so.

[Butter]

ND and OSU!

[NAIWF]

Michigan/Oklahoma for the other game

[Wolfpack]

Okay, we have the two required games. Michigan/Oklahoma at 12:00, ND/OSU at 7:00. I'll leave it open for consideration whether anyone wants to pick up one or both West regional games until around 7 or 8 tonight. If neither is picked up, we'll do just these two for this round.

Next consideration for everyone's input, BTW, will be whether I do detailed reports of each of the regional finals or do two of them and quick-play the other two.

Obviously, in the Final Four, all games will get the detailed treatment.

[sterlingice]

Woo! Boise St! (I'm not requesting the game since it sounds like a blowout but more an utterance of congratulations)

SI

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by sterlingice
Woo! Boise St! (I'm not requesting the game since it sounds like a blowout but more an utterance of congratulations)

SI

Well I am!

Let's see BSU take out USC!!!


Grrr....if Tech makes it any further... :mad:

Damn Horns and Rams. Guess I gotta stop rooting for teams with hard appendages sticking out of their skulls...

Oh, and I guess I'll go with OU as my second team now... :)

[Wolfpack]

Though I did say 7 or 8, I was too lazy to call the time last night. Therefore, I'll do the BSU-USC game as well. So, we have three games on the docket for this week's viewers:

(3) Michigan vs (2) Oklahoma at 12:00 PM
(4) Notre Dame vs (1) Ohio State at 7:00 PM
(5) Boise State vs (1) Southern California at 10:30 PM (only Jeeber may be awake for this one... :) )

I'll probably have this round done tonight or tomorrow depending on what plans my wife and I have for the weekend. Heck, with luck, this whole tournament should be finished out by the end of next week.

[tucker342]

Go Iowa:D

[JeeberD]

Thanks Wolfpack. I was at work all day yesterday and chimed in first chance that I got...

[Wolfpack]

No problem, Jeeber. Besides, it's your shellacking, we're all just witnesses to it now. ;)

[Wolfpack]

Another Saturday has arrived and the usual suspects have congregated once again around the television. Jeeber has arrived decked out in a Boise State t-shirt, Oklahoma hat, and Boston College sweatpants this time. Others can only shake their heads in wonder. At any rate, NAIWF seizes the remote and flips on the television, which reveals a half-full stadium populated by maroon and white wearing fans on one side and maize and blue wearing ones on the other. The graphic appears, announcing that this is the Southeast regional semi-final between #2 Oklahoma and #3 Michigan at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.

Michigan has won the toss and defers, so Oklahoma will receive to start.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
Oklahoma's first drive is short. Really short. One-play short. The QB drops back to pass, goes for the home run ball, and is intercepted downfield just into Michigan territory.

14:49 1st, game tied 0-0
Michigan works their way down deep into Oklahoma territory, but the Sooners make a goal line stand. Seeing this as a freebie possession, the Wolverines go for it on fourth down. However, the Sooner D is up to the task and stack the running back at the line, holding him out and giving the ball back to Oklahoma.

11:39 1st, game tied 0-0
A great first down run gets the Sooners out of the shadow of their goalposts. On second down, the QB again goes for it all, but this time, his receiver wins the jump ball and is able to outrun the out-of-position safety to the end zone. Extra point is good.

10:34 1st, OK leads 7-0
The Wolverines work for a first down, but a penalty costs them a shot at a second and they are forced to punt.

6:52 1st, OK leads 7-0
The Sooners offense is on a roll as they move through the Wolverine defense with ease, capping the drive with a nice touchdown run from 12 yards out. Tack on the extra point.

3:22 1st, OK leads 14-0
Michigan's offense finally comes around and is making a strong push into Sooner territory as the quarter comes to an end.

End of the 1st Quarter
Oklahoma 14, Michigan 0

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(4) NC State 10, (1) Georgia 7
Wolfpack get early lead in Hartford

Midwest Region
(2) Kansas State 14, (3) Alabama 0
Wildcats all over the Tide at the start

[Wolfpack]

Quarter number two in Miami....

15:00 2nd, OK leads 14-0
The Wolverines maintain their good play, working through the OU defense before finally powering in on a running play from two yards out to get on the scoreboard. XP is good.

13:06 2nd, OK leads 14-7
The Sooners offense seems to have cooled a bit as they struggle for a first down before ultimately having to punt.

10:31 2nd, OK leads 14-7
However, the Wolverines are unable to capitalize on the opportunity presented and ultimately punt away themselves.

7:09 2nd, OK leads 14-7
The return of the punt is a spectacular effort and only a hustling punter knocks the return man out of bounds. However, the Sooner offense continues to sputter and ultimately a field goal attempt is made. The snap is somewhat mishandled, but it is enough to disrupt the kicker's rhythm and he pulls his kick, missing the field goal attempt.

5:26 2nd, OK leads 14-7
The Wolverines mount a rather pedestrian drive from deep in their own end that consumes the remainder of the half. They muster enough to pick up the first down just about every time, but advancing 4 yards at a time will not get them into field goal range by halftime, so a Hail Mary is attempted from the OU 45 which is safely batted down to end the half.

End of the 2nd Quarter
Oklahoma 14, Michigan 7

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(4) NC State 24, (1) Georgia 7
Everything goes right for Wolfpack in the second and suddenly a one seed is on the ropes

Midwest Region
(2) Kansas State 24, (3) Alabama 7
The Tide get on the board, but the Wildcats answer with 10 of their own to extend the lead a little more

[Wolfpack]

Third quarter between Oklahoma and Michigan....

15:00 3rd, OK leads 14-7
The Wolverines receive the kick to start the second half and proceed to do pretty much nothing with it, picking up a first down on the first play but getting stuffed in three plays after that. Punt.

12:53 3rd, OK leads 14-7
The Sooners make the Wolverines pay for the poor start as the offense rips through the defense, culminating in a nice TD pass from 24 yards out. Extra point is good.

9:11 3rd, OK leads 21-7
The Wolverine offense is still non-existent as this time they meagerly go three-and-out.

7:42 3rd, OK leads 21-7
However, the Sooner offense has decided to slum it as well, answering Michigan's three-and-out with one of their own.

6:19 3rd, OK leads 21-7
Michigan's offense finally gets a pair of big plays that move them into longish field goal range, but they are unable to muster a needed first down to keep the drive going. On comes the kicker. Snap, hold, kick is up...no good! Just missed to the right!

3:52 3rd, OK leads 21-7
Oklahoma comes out looking for a knockout punch. They seem to be on their way after a pair of long completions and a nice run moves them to the Michigan 35. Disaster hits, however, as the QB is drilled on a pass attempt and coughs up the football, which the Wolverines pounce on.

2:05 3rd, OK leads 21-7
The Wolverine offense continues to flag and they are unable to do anything with the opportunity presented by the defense. Punt.

0:22 3rd, OK leads 21-7
A decent punt return moves the ball to the OU 35. First play of the new drive, last play of the quarter, Sooner QB drops back and finds his receiver breaking loose on a post over the middle. The toss is perfect, the receiver never breaks stride, and as the clock runs out on the third quarter, the Sooners have perhaps landed the decisive blow. The extra point attempt is blocked, however.

End of 3rd Quarter
Oklahoma 27, Michigan 7

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(4) NC State 31, (1) Georgia 7
Wolfpack add a touchdown in the third and the Bulldogs are in serious trouble now

Midwest Region
(2) Kansas State 38, (3) Alabama 14
Wildcats are putting on a clinic in Lincoln

[Wolfpack]

Final quarter from the Orange Bowl....

15:00 4th, OK leads 27-7
The Wolverines have seemingly hit a wall in the second half as the Sooner defense is refusing to let them cross midfield, resulting in another punt.

11:33 4th, OK leads 27-7
The Sooners look for the coup de grace, pushing effortlessly into the Michigan end of the field. However, the drive comes to a screeching halt as the running back is stripped of the ball as he goes through the line and the Wolverines get yet another turnover.

6:38 4th, OK leads 27-7
Once again, Michigan's offense is unable to do anything with the football and in fairly short order punts away again.

4:37 4th, OK leads 27-7
The game essentially over, the Sooners are content to run the clock. The Wolverines burn up their timeouts, which does force one last punt by Oklahoma.

1:56 4th, OK leads 27-7
The Wolverines work the ball down field a bit, but the game clock runs out long before they are able to threaten to score. The Sooners ease into the regional final where they'll play either Miami or Penn State.

Final Score
Oklahoma 27, Michigan 7

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(4) NC State 31, (1) Georgia 14
The shocking upset is complete as the Bulldogs are only able to get a touchdown back in the fourth. The Wolfpack are through to the East Regional Final against either Iowa or ACC rival Virginia. (Honestly folks, even I was surprised at this result...I may be an NC State fan, but I do have enough of a moral center to not re-roll the results to get the outcome I want to see.)

Midwest Region
(2) Kansas State 55, (3) Alabama 28
With the game in hand, the Wildcats seem content to have some fun in the fourth as the Tide scores two TDs on the second stringers, but the second stringers answer back with a pair of TDs and a field goal to close the scoring. The Wildcats advance to the Midwest Regional Final to await the winner of Ohio State and Notre Dame. With a strong HFA in Lincoln, the Wildcats may be the favorites against even Ohio State.

[Wolfpack]

The gang breaks up after the OU-UM game, taking a dinner break and doing some other things to occupy the time until the 7:00 game comes on. The crowd reconvenes just before the appointed time. Butter_of_69 grabs the remote and flips on the TV. A sudden burst of giddy hysterical laughter escapes from Jeeber as the picture resolves itself, causing others around him to slowly edge away from him a bit. It a scoreboard update of the 3:30 game between BC and Texas Tech.

WEST: (7) Boston College 47, (6) Texas Tech 27
The magical ride of the Eagles continues as BC shuts down Texas Tech's high-powered offense and kept the Raiders at arm's reach most of the game. An 11-point first quarter lead at 17-6 was generally maintained as the Raiders could only trim a point from it over the next two quarters, making the score 30-20 going into the last quarter. The Eagles broke loose again in the fourth and the Raiders could not keep up. BC now awaits the winner of Southern California and Boise State.

[Wolfpack]

Butter_of_69 clicks the buttons on the remote and the scoreboard is replaced by an image of Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska in the waning afternoon sunlight. On the field, two teams, one with a distinctive gray helmet and one with a distinctive gold helmet, are warming up. It's Notre Dame and Ohio State in a Midwest Regional Semi-Final, according to the announcer.

Ohio State wins the toss and elects to take the ball first.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
The Buckeyes start out of the gate in fine fashion. Just three plays into the drive, the QB hands away to the running back, who sweeps around the line, picks up some good blocking, and is suddenly in a foot race for the end zone. He wins the race and just like that the Buckeyes are in front. Extra point is good.

13:26 1st, OSU leads 7-0
Notre Dame tries to provide an answer for the sudden score and does manage to work their way down the field before grinding to a halt near the Ohio State 40 where they face 4th and short. Sensing that perhaps the Buckeyes have finally brought their offense, the Irish risk keeping the drive alive rather than attempting a long field goal or a short punt. However, the QB is stacked up on the option play in the backfield and had no chance to get the first. Ball goes over on downs.

8:30 1st, OSU leads 7-0
The Buckeyes take possession and slice their way down the field and get first and goal inside the ND 5. However the Irish defense rises up to stuff them and force fourth and goal. The Buckeyes feel there is a chance to land an early knockout punch and risk going for it. The QB hands away to the running back, but the Irish D is waiting on him at the line and drags him down just short of the goal line. Another turnover on downs.

3:40 1st, OSU leads 7-0
The Irish offense is still moving the ball well and they advance well into Ohio State's end of the field as the quarter draws to a close.

End of 1st Quarter
Ohio State 7, Notre Dame 0

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(6) Virginia 10, (2) Iowa 3
Cavaliers get up early on Hawkeyes

Southeast Region
(4) Penn State 17, (1) Miami 13
Lions and Hurricanes light it up in the first quarter, with Penn State coming out ahead

[Wolfpack]

Back to OSU-ND in Lincoln....

15:00 2nd, OSU leads 7-0
The Irish are unable to convert a needed third down to keep the drive going. This time they do settle for a field goal, which is converted and the Irish are on the board.

14:21 2nd, OSU leads 7-3
The OSU running game continues to pound on the Irish defense and a long run results in eventually a field goal on this drive.

11:46 2nd, OSU leads 10-3
The Irish try to answer back, but penalties and a big sack make this time-consuming effort result in nothing more than a punt.

5:59 2nd, OSU leads 10-3
The Buckeyes make the Irish pay for their inability to keep pace as the running game gashes the Irish defense before a beautiful play-action fade route results in a 27 yard touchdown. Extra point is good.

3:41 2nd, OSU leads 17-3
A penalty on the kickoff return sets the Irish back into the shadow of their goal posts, and they are only able to muster their way to midfield and a Hail Mary attempt is knocked away to close the half.

End of 2nd Quarter
Ohio State 17, Notre Dame 3

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(6) Virginia 17, (2) Iowa 10
Cavs keep the lead at the half...another upset in the offing in Hartford?

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 20, (4) Penn State 17
Canes strike for the only score of the second quarter to take the lead at halftime

[Wolfpack]

Third quarter between OSU and Notre Dame...

15:00 3rd, OSU leads 17-3
The Irish get the ball to start the half and work their way down into the OSU red zone before the Buckeyes hold them to a fourth down field goal attempt. Snap...it's a fake! Unfortunately, the Buckeyes are all over the holder and he flings a desparate pass towards the end zone that falls harmlessly incomplete.

9:07 3rd, OSU leads 17-3
The Buckeyes come out and have all the appearance of making the Irish pay for the gamble by moving the ball back the other way, but the Irish defense stuffs them just as they reach field goal range. The kicker comes on for a longish attempt. Snap, hold, kick is away...it's no good! A rare miss for the kicker, but it was a pretty long kick to attempt anyway.

4:58 3rd, OSU leads 17-3
Having dodged a bullet, the Irish try to do something with their second chance. It's not to be, though, as they can only manage a first down before having to punt away.

2:10 3rd, OSU leads 17-3
On the ensuing punt, the Buckeye return man moves to one side of the field before reversing it back the other way and suddenly picks up blockers. He reaches the sideline, stiffarms the punter, and high-steps it into the end zone for a touchdown! Extra point is good and the Irish are now in it up to their necks.

1:46 3rd, OSU leads 24-3
The Irish seem to have gotten the offense going again as they move to near midfield as the quarter comes to a close.

End of 3rd Quarter
Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 3

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(6) Virginia 24, (2) Iowa 17
Cavs again answer Iowa score with one of their own to retain lead going into the fourth...breath, tucker, breath....

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 27, (4) Penn State 17
After all the points in the opening quarter, the defenses have taken over, but Miami's has been stronger, shutting out the Lions while the Lions have surrendered a touchdown in each quarter since the first

[Wolfpack]

Last quarter between Buckeyes and Irish....

15:00 4th, OSU leads 24-3
The Irish continue to try to get back in the game, but disaster strikes just a couple of plays into the fourth. The QB rolls out and fires an out to his receiver a few yards downfield. The corner covering makes a beautiful break on the ball and is on a dead run as he intercepts it. There's nothing but green grass in front of him and he glides into the end zone 60 yards later to emphatically drive a nail into the Notre Dame coffin. The snap on the extra point is bobbled and the extra point is blown, but it doesn't matter at this point, probably.

14:07 4th, OSU leads 30-3
The Irish offense is unable to get it going on the next drive and it feebly ends in a punt.

11:14 4th, OSU leads 30-3
The Buckeye offense, on the other hand, gets its first decent drive of the half going as the running game picks up chunks of yardage before the running back breaks off a 48 yard touchdown run that effectively ends the contest. XP is good this time.

8:01 4th, OSU leads 37-3
The Irish are done for at this point. The offense languishes and ends up going three-and-out.

7:00 4th, OSU leads 37-3
The second-stringers come in for OSU and they are able to move the ball down the field, but penalties and blown blocks push them back out of field goal range. Figuring it would be good practice, OSU keeps the offense out for a fourth and long at the ND 45. They get some yards, but don't pick up the first down and turn it over on downs.

1:20 4th, OSU leads 37-3
The Irish make one final attempt for pride to get some more points on the board, but attempts to score at the end of the game fall incomplete in the end zone and the clock runs out. The Buckeyes triumph and now face the difficult task of taking on a very hot Kansas State team in the regional final.

Final Score
Ohio State 37, Notre Dame 3

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(2) Iowa 34, (6) Virginia 24
Trailing into the last quarter, the Hawkeyes put together a tremendous rally that sees them score 17 points while the defense shuts out the Cavaliers and the Hawkeyes escape with the victory. They now draw NC State in the East Regional Final. Congratulations, tucker!...tucker? Anybody got smelling salts or a glass of water to throw in his face?

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 33, (4) Penn State 24
The Hurricanes do just enough in the fourth quarter to keep the Lions at bay and advance to the Southeast Regional Final against second-seeded Oklahoma

[JeeberD]

Wow, what a great day so far. OU wins, TT loses, and Notre Dame got crushed! Hopefully Boise can keep my wonderful day going!!!

[rjolley]

Man, Penn State lost.

Ah well, at least Notre Dame was crushed just like they should be.

[Wolfpack]

With the conclusion of the OSU-ND game, many of the watchers of the FOFC TV have decided to go on home as it's past 10:00 at night. However, JeeberD has the appearance of a man who's just getting warmed up. Decently buzzed from the win by Oklahoma and the loss by Texas Tech, he gleefully grabs the remote and flips to the last game of the evening. The familiar architecture of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum appears. The stadium is jammed to capacity, pretty much all seats taken by people wearing maroon and gold. The announcer intones that this is the West Regional Semi-final between the surprising Boise State Broncos and the West's top seed, the Trojans of Southern Cal.

Southern Cal wins the toss and defers, so Boise State will receive.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
The Broncos get the ball first and are able to pick up a first down on the first play, but the Trojans quickly reorganize and prevent them from a second one. Punt.

12:56 1st, game tied 0-0
The Trojans come out firing on their first possession, knifing through the Bronco defense and the QB connects with his receiver for a 14-yard touchdown to put the Trojans on top. Extra point is good.

8:44 1st, USC leads 7-0
Boise State works its way out to near midfield, but the offense cannot get the job done on third down and the Broncos punt for the second straight possession.

4:47 1st, USC leads 7-0
This time the Bronco D plays well, giving up a first down on third down one time, but not the second, forcing the Trojans to punt. On the second third down, the Trojans just missed on a bomb play down the middle that would have been a touchdown if it wasn't overthrown.

2:03 1st, USC leads 7-0
The Broncos get the offense going at last, pushing their way into Trojan territory as the quarter comes to a close.

End of 1st Quarter
Southern California 7, Boise State 0

(NOTE: since there are no games to update with, I'll just put the entire game narrative into this post)

15:00 2nd, USC leads 7-0
The Broncos get the ball into field goal range before the Trojans hold. The kicker is sent on to get some points. Snap, hold, kick is up...and it's no good! Wide to the right! Boise State remains scoreless.

12:49 2nd, USC leads 7-0
The Trojans embark on a nice, time-eating drive that sees them move back down the field and cap it with the QB's second touchdown pass of the game from 7 yards out. Extra point is good.

8:16 2nd, USC leads 14-0
The Broncos come back firing, hitting on back-to-back deep throws that move them into field goal range, but the Trojans again don't allow them to get to the end zone. The kicker comes out again and this time he makes his kick to get Boise State on the board.

6:05 2nd, USC leads 14-3
The Trojan offense is on a roll, though. Another nice drive is undertaken and once again the Broncos are unable to keep USC out of the end zone, this one a rushing touchdown and the Broncos are in a hole that they might not be able to get out of. Extra point is good.

1:57 2nd, USC leads 21-3
The Broncos are unable to get into scoring position and a futile Hail Mary at the end of the half is knocked down harmlessly to close the half.

End of 2nd Quarter
Southern California 21, Boise State 3

15:00 3rd, USC leads 21-3
USC's offense continues to rack up the yardage, taking the opening possession into Boise State territory before the Broncos finally stiffen up and the Trojans are made to kick a field goal. Snap, hold, kick's on the way...no good! Boise State takes over.

11:26 3rd, USC leads 21-3
The Broncos do their best to try to get back into the contest. They battle down the field and into USC territory. Unfortunately, the QB is sacked dropping back to pass and loses the football, which the Trojans jump on to kill the drive.

7:13 3rd, USC leads 21-3
As if the USC offense needs the help, they proceed to carve up the Broncos and move with ease down the field and the QB registers his third TD pass of the night. The extra point is good and the Broncos hopes are rapidly fading.

3:08 3rd, USC leads 28-3
A great kickoff return gives some hope to the Bronco faithful as the offense manages to work down the field and are threatening to at least get a field goal as the quarter comes to an end.

End of the 3rd Quarter
Southern California 28, Boise State 3

15:00 4th, USC leads 28-3
Two plays into the fourth, the Broncos finally break through, scoring a touchdown on a nifty pass from 21 yards out and the few Bronco fans in attendance (along with Jeeber watching on the TV) cheer loudly. The extra point is good, but are the Broncos too far down to mount a charge?

14:32 4th, USC leads 28-10
Whatever hopes that might have arisen for Boise State are promptly dashed as the USC offense is unstoppable this evening. Another drive, another touchdown. Extra point is good.

10:59 4th, USC leads 35-10
It goes from bad to worse for Boise State as on the first play of the next possession, the Trojans intercept a Bronco pass and get great field position as a result.[/i]

10:48 4th, USC leads 35-10
Surprisingly enough, the Bronco defense rises to the challenge. The Trojans are unable to get a touchdown out of the drive and settle for a fairly short field goal to extend the lead.

8:18 4th, USC leads 38-10
The Broncos make one last strong effort, getting into field goal range before the Trojan defense is able to hold them back. The kicker comes on. Snap, hold, kick is up...he missed it! Just tough luck tonight for the Broncos.

4:37 4th, USC leads 38-10
The Trojans, game firmly in hand, send on the second string and the backups pick up yards and first downs enough to grind out the remainder of the clock. The Trojans move on to the West Regional Final where they have a date with Cinderella, also known as Boston College.

Final Score
Southern California 38, Boise State 10

[Wolfpack]

And so, another Saturday of mind-paralyzing football watching comes to a close for our intrepid viewers. A disappointed JeeberD clicks the remote snapping off the TV and the room descends into darkness. Eight teams remain, just seven games left to see.

[Wolfpack]

Elite Eight Pairings

East Region

Rentschler Field, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT
(4) NC State vs. (2) Iowa

Southeast Region

Orange Bowl, University of Miami, Miami, FL
(2) Oklahoma vs. (1) Miami**

Midwest Region

Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(2) Kansas State** vs. (1) Ohio State

West Region

LA Memorial Coliseum, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
(7) Boston College vs. (1) Southern California**

**--Strong home field advantage this game
*--Some home field advantage this game

[Wolfpack]

Schedule and Lines for Elite Eight


EAST (4) NC State vs (2) Iowa IA -11 o/u 57
SE (2) Oklahoma vs (1) Miami Pick em o/u 64
MW (2) Kansas State vs (1) Ohio State KSU -12 o/u 46
WEST (7) Boston College vs (1) Southern California USC -25.5 o/u 53.5


I'm going to do something different this round of games in terms of choosing who to watch. A minimum of two games will be chosen to be watched. However, the other two are not required viewing if there is no interest. If all four games are selected, then the games will start with the East final, followed by Southeast, then Midwest, then West. If three of four are chosen, then one game will start at noon alone, the 3:30 slot will have one watched and one quick-played game, and the 7:00 slot will be the final game. If only two are selected, then the 3:30 and 7:00 slots will double up.

The selection process is now open on first-come, first-serve basis.

[NAIWF]

Oklahoma/Miami. Stupid Sooners better lose!

[JeeberD]

And the last of the WAC falls. At least someone made it to the Sweet Sixteen.

Go OU! Beat the 'Canes!!!

[Lone Star]

Go BC!!!!!!!!!

Someone's gotta root for the underdog..........

[sterlingice]

KSU-OSU

SI

[tucker342]

Go Iowa!:D

[Wolfpack]

We have our two mandated games, Oklahoma-Miami and Kansas State-Ohio State. I'm going to let this sit for another 24 hours to see if anyone wants the other two games picked up.

I'm currently pondering whether to use a more detailed game to provide more comprehensive game action. I have the general ratings for each team (I have them for all of the teams last year), but I'd still need time to look at the rosters and assign ratings to individual players. Instead of drive-by-drive, this game would do play-by-play and we'd actually have specific real players playing instead of just nameless positions, not to mention stats. I'll likely do this for at least the Final if not the Final Four. Or, if people are so inclined, I could be persuaded to take the time to do it for this round. What do people think?

[Wolfpack]

Bumping this up for the afternoon readers....

[Wolfpack]

No takers for the other two? Surprising. Would've thought that tucker would pick up the NC State-Iowa game. At any rate, here's the official schedule for the next round:


3:30 PM
EAST (4) NC State vs (2) Iowa IA -11 o/u 57
SE (2) Oklahoma vs (1) Miami Pick em o/u 64

7:00 PM
MW (2) Kansas State vs (1) Ohio State KSU -12 o/u 46
WEST (7) Boston College vs (1) Southern California USC -25.5 o/u 53.5


I'll hopefully have this round finished out soon.

[tucker342]

You know, I really should read all of the posts....

[Wolfpack]

Just to let everyone know, I haven't dropped this. I got around to playing the regional finals this weekend and should have those posted sometime today or tonight. To foreshadow a bit, one winner was unimpressive, but coasted, another got a bit lucky on what was in hindsight a bad decision in the fourth quarter, another Final Four team gradually worked their way in, and the last one got in on gobs and gobs of luck. The Final Four matchups are...interesting...to say the least. :)

[Wolfpack]

The FOFC gang gathers once again for Regional Final Saturday. JeeberD is decked out in Sooner attire, which generates some applause as people rib him for finally picking a team and sticking with them. Tucker is dressed out in black, save for the Hawkeye logo smack in the middle of his shirt. He's muttering something about "not having read the entire thread". NAIWF, as he has often done in the past, grabs the remote and starts up the television. The image appears of the Orange Bowl in Miami, filled to capacity with a very partisan crowd rooting for the Hurricanes against the Sooners in the Southeast Regional Final.

Miami wins the toss and defers to the second half, so Oklahoma will start with the ball first.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
The Sooners engineer a good drive to open the game but eventually bog down as they reach field goal range. The kicker is sent on to get some points. Snap, hold, kick is away...no good! Oklahoma doesn't get on the board first.

9:52 1st, game tied 0-0
The Hurricanes begin the game very well themselves, pushing their way into Oklahoma territory. However, the QB makes a bad read on a pass play and is picked off, killing the drive.

4:38 1st, game tied 0-0
The Sooners manage to work their way to a couple of first downs, but penalties kill the drive and they are forced to punt.

1:14 1st, game tied 0-0
The Hurricanes get flagged on the first play from scrimmage, get some yards on the next play, but are facing a long yardage situation on second down as the quarter ends.

End of the 1st Quarter
Oklahoma 0, Miami 0

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Regional Final
(2) Iowa 7, (4) NC State 3
Hawkeyes take the early lead in Hartford

[Wolfpack]

2nd Quarter in Miami...

15:00 2nd, game tied 0-0
'Canes fail to pick up the first down after getting into the hole, so they are forced to punt.

13:55 2nd, game tied 0-0
The Sooner offense is set up by a good return, which they utilize to push into field goal range before Miami's defense holds them up. The kicker comes on. Snap, kick is away...it's good! Oklahoma gets on the board first in the Southeast Regional Final.

10:48 2nd, OU leads 3-0
Miami's response is not long in coming. The offense easily gets chunks of yardage and the drive is capped by a brilliant 47 yard touchdown run by the running back and the crowd is in a frenzy. The extra point is good.

7:30 2nd, MIA leads 7-3
The Sooners are not fazed at all. They immediately embark on another impressive drive which results in a crowd-silencing touchdown pass to get Oklahoma back in the lead. However, Miami gets a break on the extra point as the kick is low and is subsequently blocked by a high jumper in the middle of the line.

3:36 2nd, OU leads 9-7
On the ensuing kickoff, the return man is hit hard and coughs up the football. The Sooners jump on it and have a golden opportunity just before halftime.

3:29 2nd, OU leads 9-7
However, the Hurricane defense is up to the task. They bend but don't break and force OU to settle for a short field goal, minimizing the damage.

1:16 2nd, OU leads 12-7
Miami makes an attempt to move downfield quickly, but nearly gets another turnover. The coach decides it is better to sit on it and regroup at halftime after that.

End of the 2nd Quarter
Oklahoma 12, Miami 7

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Regional Final
(2) Iowa 14, (4) NC State 3
For the first time in the tournament, the Wolfpack is facing real adversity as the Hawkeyes add another touchdown in the second quarter

[JeeberD]

Hell yeah! Come on Sooners, let's finish them off!

[Wolfpack]

Third quarter between OU and Miami...

15:00 3rd, OU leads 12-7
The Hurricanes do very well on their opening drive, working their way down field and into field goal range before the Sooner defense is able to hold. The kicker comes on to close the gap. Snap, hold, kick is away...missed it! Pushed it to the right! OU still leads by 5!

10:48 3rd, OU leads 12-7
The Sooners respond with another solid drive of their own that also sees them reach field goal range. Facing a fourth and short, the Sooner coach goes for it, thinking he has a chance to crack the game open if he can get a touchdown out of this drive. The QB hands away, the running back is hit at the line and tries to lunge forward. The spot is made, the chains come out. It is...short! By half a football! Miami holds and takes over on downs!

6:25 3rd, OU leads 12-7
However, the Hurricanes are unable to capitalize on the momentum as the OU defense prevents them from crossing midfield. Punt.

2:43 3rd, OU leads 12-7
The Sooners try to dig their way out of their end of the field and are having a little bit of success as the quarter ends, but they're still only out to their own 35.

End of 3rd Quarter
Oklahoma 12, Miami 7