2002 117-Team Division I-A Tournament

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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