NCAA 2011 Road To Glory - Nicholas Thomas (Houston)

[MacroGuru]

Funny, I didn't think I would be doing this. My brother kept his diary on his trials and everything with how he went from High School to big time Division 1 football at Georgia and being one of the top linebackers in the nation.

I have some big shoes to fill there, yet not a person knows this.

I remember sitting in the stands watching my brothers games at Georgia and hearing everyone talk about how he was going to be on the best linebackers ever. He was, I was awestruck by it all and was following his footsteps the entire way.

Then it happened, our move to Clarence, New York. It shocked the family, it shocked us. But most of all, it rocked my football foundations. I was enrolled at Timpview back in Utah, they had won four straight State Championships, had barely lost this past year in the game to make it five.

Now I am attending Clarence High School, a Red Devil to beat and I have probably played the best football of my life and we are in the state playoffs yet my phone isn't ringing, I have had some minor interest but nothing like we experienced with Avery. It could be the fact I haven't attended any camps. They just weren't my thing.

We draw Middletown for the first round of the state playoff.


OOC: I had NCAA 2011 generate the names for my players just to have a little touch.

[MacroGuru]

Well not a bad start for the first round of the state playoffs. We squeak this one out 25 - 14

I come out of it rated as a one star potential recruit.

My stats for the game were

• 4 Tackles
  2 Tackles for Loss
  1 Sack

The weird thing were the amount of phone calls my dad and coach received after the game. Looks like some of the coaches were in the stands for the game.

New Mexico State
San Diego State
Marshall
Arkansas State
Baylor
Louisiana Tech

We took names, returned calls and the recruiting process for me is now in full swing. This is definitely what I remember happening for Avery.

[MacroGuru]

Heading into the Quarterfinals against Central Islip we hold them to a shut out.

I have an amazing game but only rate out as a two start.

My stats for the game:

• 11 Tackles
  2 Tackles for Loss
  1 Sack
  1 Fumble Return for TD (55 yards)

The list grows and we have some top ranked teams calling us now:

#20 Arkansas
#25 Houston
California
Northern Illinois
Indiana
Western Michigan

Right now I am liking what I am hearing and so is my dad.

[MacroGuru]

Our semi-final game against Albany. I have turned into a leader on the team and the guys are listening to me and my instinct on the field.

We hold our second shutout of the state championships as we cruise to a 48 - 0 win.

I rate out as a two star recruit again. My stats:

• 3 Tackles

My intangibles this past game helped me. I am on Kickoffs, Kick Returns, Punt, Punt Returns. I shut down any receivers coming into the zone, hurried the QB into throwing an interception and I had quite a few decleaters on my blocks.

The schools took notice as well

Washington
UL Monroe
Wake Forest
Troy
Arkansas State
Illinois

Arkansas State is the first school showing some heated interest in me with being at two of the games and they notified dad they are really wanting me there.

[MacroGuru]

Wow, we have made it to the state championship game. We are playing in the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University.

I thought being in the stands for the SEC games were pretty intense, but being out on the field at a major university and walking onto it is pretty amazing. I don't know if I could describe it.

We play Syosset and it was a rough game. All defense in fact and I was exposed and I think my nerves got the better part of me here. I still played well, but I had a few blown coverages.

We end up winning the state championship 10-3, losing our shutout because of a blown coverage on my end. However our touchdown came as a result of me crushing their running back on their ten yard line and forcing the fumble.

The biggest aspect of this game was our goal line stand as time expired to keep them from sending the game into overtime.

I rated out as a four star recruit after the game.

My stats for this game:

• 7 Tackles
  2 Tackles for Loss
  1 Forced Fumble

The schools that we heard from after the game were pretty intriguing

#21 Florida State
#25 Houston
#8 TCU
#19 Oregon State
#16 Pittsburgh
#12 Georgia Tech

So all ranked teams visiting me and pushing for me. Houston was another team that has visited me twice, I am confused and have a lot of thought of where I want to go.

[MacroGuru]

Well, the phone has rang non stop, the emails and visits have been hectic and then my trips were pretty crazy as well.

The schools who are recruiting me and my place at their school:

New Mexico State - Starter
San Diego State - Starter
Marshall - Second String
Arkansas State - Starter
Baylor - Second String
Louisiana Tech - Starter
#20 Arkansas - Second String
#25 Houston - Starter
California - Second String
Norther Illinois - Starter
Indiana - Starter
Western Michigan - Starter
Washington - Second String
UL Monroe - Starter
Wake Forest - Starter
Troy - Starter
Illinois - Second String
#21 Florida State - Second String
#8 TCU - Third String
#19 Oregon State - Second String
#16 Pittsburgh - Third String
#12 Georgia Tech - Third String

My five official campus visits were to Florida State, TCU, Oregon State, Houston and Arkansas State.

I took some unofficial visits with my dad to California, Washington, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech and Indiana.

Some great schools with great history and prospects were there. I wanted to start, I know I can help a team win, but I also wanted to play for a chance to win something. Houston fit the mold and they showed the most interest in me out of all the schools. I know, weird choice but it fits me.

[MacroGuru]

I arrive at campus and I am informed immediately my favorite number 20 isn't available but thinking about where I am at on the defensive side of the ball and a linebacker to boot, I take the best linebacker number available to me, 52.

Our team is picked to place 1st in CUSA West and our QB Claude Gray is pegged out of the gates as a Heisman hopeful.

I strap it up for our first week of practice..

[MacroGuru]

Practices building up to this game were pretty intense for me, I want to do well starting out. I want to show that the weak spot for Houston is actually one of their strengths.

We are playing against an FCS School, a great way to cut my teeth on division 1 football.

I thought the game was faster during practice, with the first snap here it was actually faster. I ended up getting a tackle on the first series and they go deep on us for a TD.

From then on, we controlled and dominated the game. I racked up a second tackle. Texas State kept me away from the line of scrimmage and blitzing by spreading us out. I was forced into coverage more than I like. I was exposed initially during the second series until we forced the punt.

I was then in lock down the rest of the game forcing their QB to go away from the TE, WR or RB I was covering.

We win this one 45 - 6

My stats for the game were 2 Tackles and 1 Pass Deflection.

[MacroGuru]

I know coach has asked us to ignore the polls but it has always been something I have had interest in, and I am watching it. I apologize for not recording the preseason polls.

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise
4. Texas
5. Oregon
6. Florida
7. TCU
8. Nebraska
9. Iowa
10. Wisconsin
11. Georgia Tech
12. USC
13. Miami
14. Virginia Tech
15. Oklahoma
16. Penn State
17. North Carolina
18. Arkansas
19. Utah
20. Florida State
21. Pittsburgh
22. LSU
23. Houston
24. Oregon State
25. West Virginia

We moved up two spots with our win over Texas State.

[MacroGuru]

Another home game, this time against CUSA opponent UTEP. An instate rival, we are equals in all areas right now although they have a higher offensive output yardage wise than we do.

I go into the game pretty confident thinking I can handle this squad. Boy was I wrong.

They manhandled me pretty much the entire game. It doesn't help that they spread me out and turned me into a CB basically. I was torched over the top twice, and taken away from the run game most of the time because of it.

We ended up posting the win and shutout 27 - 0 but our FS saved us on one drive, getting the pick at our 5 yard line.

My stats for the game were 2 Tackles, 1 Tackle for a loss.

I actually left the game frustrated, I can produce better than I have been.

[MacroGuru]

1. Alabama
2. Boise
3. Texas
4. Oregon
5. Florida
6. TCU
7. Nebraska
8. Wisconsin
9. Ohio State
10. Miami
11. Georgia Tech
12. USC
13. Virginia Tech
14. North Carolina
15. Florida State
16. Arkansas
17. Utah
18. Iowa
19. Penn State
20. Pittsburgh
21. Oklahoma
22. Houston
23. West Virginia
24. Oregon State
25. Fresno State

Ohio State loses to Miami, Oregon State loses as well. We need a convincing win to move us up...undefeated I don't think we move into the top 5 unless we dominate.

[chesapeake]

Yay, Houston! My father-in-law started for them as a juco transfer in the '60s. Good luck with your dynasty. I'll be following along.

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by chesapeake

Yay, Houston! My father-in-law started for them as a juco transfer in the '60s. Good luck with your dynasty. I'll be following along.

Awesome thanks! I took Houston because they were the only ranked team that visited me twice and told me I would be a starter.

[MacroGuru]

My first away game and it is one of the most storied places to play, The Rose Bowl. That's right we are heading out to play UCLA.

The game is a slugfest to start and I am going to have to say the coaches see something in me regarding to coverage because they have me out in it a lot.

We end up grinding it out and then opening it up and winning the game 35 - 7.

My stats for the game were 3 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss and 1 sack.

The sack was a blitz from the outside were I shook off the tackle and caught the QB as he slid up into the pocket.

The tackle for loss was me reading a screen play and working under a block and getting to the running back in behind the line of scrimmage.

[MacroGuru]

1. Alabama
2. Boise
3. Texas
4. Oregon
5. TCU
6. Wisconsin
7. Ohio State
8. Miami
9. Georgia Tech
10. USC
11. Virginia Tech
12. Florida State
13. Arkansas
14. Nebraska
15. Utah
16. Florida
17. Iowa
18. Penn State
19. North Carolina
20. Pittsburgh
21. Oklahoma
22. Houston
23. West Virginia
24. Washington
25. Fresno State

Washington pops into the Top 25 and we dominate UCLA and don't budge...this is not going to be a fun season if we can't move up.

[MacroGuru]

We face one of the worst teams in CUSA and probably the season this week. Coach has pulled me aside knowing I am frustrated with the coverage only schemes for me. He built me up a bit saying they trust me in coverage and that's why they are calling them.

Tulane attacked me this game in the air and on the ground. I was able to shake a lot of the blocks and make some tackles.

We won, but not by what we needed to. Final was 21 - 7.

My stats for the game were 5 tackles. The blitzes that were called for me, Tulane generally went with the audible and ran away from me.

[MacroGuru]

1. Alabama
2. Boise
3. Texas
4. Oregon
5. Wisconsin
6. Ohio State
7. Miami
8. Georgia Tech
9. USC
10. Virginia Tech
11. Florida State
12. Nebraska
13. Utah
14. Florida
15. Iowa
16. Arkansas
17. Penn State
18. North Carolina
19. Oklahoma
20. TCU
21. West Virginia
22. Houston
23. Washington
24. Fresno State
25. Pittsburgh

TCU ends up losing to TCU and Gary Patterson has to be fuming in Ft. Worth. Honestly, I never realized how big football was in Texas until I arrived here.

[MacroGuru]

If you are following along and want to know any other news...just ask and I will let you know.

[BYU 14]

Some updates on BYU here and there

Of course I am disappointed they didn't recruit you!

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

Some updates on BYU here and there

Of course I am disappointed they didn't recruit you!

I will post something here either today before I fly out or when I get back on Thurs AM. I have to fly into Utah for a dumb 1 day training for work.

[MacroGuru]

We have the week off and were told to focus on school and our playbook and be ready for Mississippi State next week.

It was a brutal week for us at practice and school.

I finally took some time to look at a few schools during the week....I wanted BYU to recruit me, they didn't push to hard and I was only in line to walk on and be a 3rd stringer at linebacker.

They sit at 2-3 with wins over AF and USU.

[MacroGuru]

1. Alabama
2. Boise
3. OSU
4. Miami
5. Georgia Tech
6. Virginia Tech
7. Florida State
8. Texas
9. Nebraska
10. Utah
11. Oregon
12. Iowa
13. Wisconsin
14. Arkansas
15. Oklahoma
16. USC
17. North Carolina
18. Stanford
19. Washington
20. Florida
21. West Virginia
22. Houston
23. Michigan State
24. Fresno
25. Penn State


I think the shocker here is TCU dropping out...losing two weeks in a row..this week to CSU kills them and they are out of the hunt of a bowl.

[MacroGuru]

Wow...SEC football from the field level is much different. Way different than the stands. This place was loud, but it really didn't effect us on defense.

I was way nervous for the game and watching the game film the next day you could tell. I was manhandled all game long and didn't do to much. I need to improve my play. It's a good thing they weren't leaning on me or we would have lost.

We end up taking the win at Mississippi State 21 - 14.

My stats for the game were 1 Tackle, 1 Tackle for Loss.

[MacroGuru]

1. Alabama
2. Miami
3. Boise
4. Georgia Tech
5. OSU
6. Texas
7. Nebraska
8. Iowa
9. Florida State
10. Washington
11. Oklahoma
12. USC
13. Virginia Tech
14. West Virginia
15. Utah
16. Florida
17. Houston
18. Central Michigan
19. Notre Dame
20. Fresno
21. Oklahoma State
22. Arkansas
23. Clemson
24. Stanford
25. Missouri

We see Central Michigan, Missouri and Clemson all join the top 25 this week.

[MacroGuru]

Another one of our three rivals, we head to Rice and are picked to win. They give us a little run for our money at the start.

Teams are starting to run away from me, double team me on blocks and spread me out to coverage to keep me away from the plays.

We take Rice easily on this one, 38-14, and I contributed with a 37 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown!

My stats 1 Tackle, 37 yd fumble return TD

[MacroGuru]

1. Miami
2. Georgia Tech
3. Boise
4. Texas
5. OSU
6. Washington
7. Florida State
8. Alabama
9. West Virginia
10. Oklahoma
11. USC
12. Virginia Tech
13. Notre Dame
14. Nebraska
15. Utah
16. Houston
17. Central Michigan
18. Oklahoma State
19. Iowa
20. Mississippi
21. Fresno
22. Michigan
23. Missouri
24. Arkansas
25. Clemson

We had a major top 25 shakeup this week. Alabama drops to 8 with a loss against Ole Miss while Washington jumps to 6 with wins over Nebraska and USC.

[MacroGuru]

We travel to play SMU. We had talks this week of bringing me up to the line of scrimmage more and that SMU will probably try to run at me.

I was excited and performed quite well at practice this week. Coach was going to take the leash off.

We were concerned with SMU as they managed to knock off TCU earlier this season. But going into the game their QB could not do much and we held them to 10 points. We ended up winning the game 24 - 10.

Turned into one of my better games this year.

5 Tackles, 3 Tackles for Loss and 3 Sacks.

[MacroGuru]

1. Miami
2. Georgia Tech
3. Washington
4. Boise
5. Texas
6. OSU
7. West Virginia
8. Florida State
9. Alabama
10. Notre Dame
11. Oklahoma
12. USC
13. Nebraska
14. Houston
15. Utah
16. Central Michigan
17. Iowa
18. Fresno
19. Michigan
20. Arkansas
21. Oklahoma St.
22. Stanford
23. Mississippi
24. Mississippi St.
25. Penn State

[MacroGuru]

Another away game. This time to Memphis where I have family that get to see me play. My aunt and uncle live in Memphis and they will be coming and watching the game. Hopefully we are able to pull the win out and I can make some plays.

Memphis gave us a run for our money. They were up for the game and we didn't know what to do. It was a tough game and took some 4th qtr heroics on our part to win this game.

We end up pulling out the win 24 - 21.

My stats for the game were 3 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss.

[MacroGuru]

1. Washington
2. Miami
3. Georgia Tech
4. Boise
5. Notre Dame
6. OSU
7. Florida State
8. Alabama
9. Oklahoma
10. USC
11. Houston
12. Nebraska
13. Utah
14. Central Michigan
15. Fresno
16. Texas
17. Iowa
18. West Virginia
19. Arkansas
20. Oklahoma St.
21. Penn St
22. Nevada
23. Michigan
24. Clemson
25. Stanford

And the shocker has happened. Washington takes the #1 spot with Miami at #2. Boise is a victim of their WAC schedule. Looking at us we are a victim of our schedule as well, the big name win for us was Miss St.

I do like seeing some of the traditional programs pick it up here this season.

[MacroGuru]

We are set to play UCF this week. It's a bend but don't break weak. We are starting to see hurry up offenses to keep us in disarray and it is working on me.

There is a certain theme here lately to what our offense can drum up in points. We still manage the win, 24 - 11. We need to score more than 24 to make ourselves look good to the voters.

My stats for the game: 2 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss, 1 Sack

[MacroGuru]

1. Washington
2. Notre Dame
3. Georgia Tech
4. Boise
5. OSU
6. Alabama
7. FSU
8. Oklahoma
9. Houston
10. USC
11. Miami
12. Nebraska
13. Central Michigan
14. Utah
15. Fresno
16. Texas
17. Iowa
18. West Virginia
19. Arkansas
20. Oklahoma St.
21. Nevada
22. Penn St.
23. Maryland
24. Michigan
25. Clemson

And we finally crack the top 10. Our schedule is still holding us back but the wins shouldn't.

[MacroGuru]

Another fast paced, spread out the defense type team. They also sit as one of our three rivals.

We control the game from the 2nd qtr on, I say that because Tulsa caught us napping and marched down the field and scored on their first possession.

Again, taking me out into space sucks and combine that with running away from me doesn't give me very many chances to show what I can do.

We end up winning 41 - 7.

My stats for the game: 3 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss.

[MacroGuru]

1. Washington
2. Boise
3. Alabama
4. Houston
5. Notre Dame
6. Miami
7. Georgia Tech
8. USC
9. Utah
10. Central Mich
11. Nebraska
12. OSU
13. Fresno
14. Florida State
15. Iowa
16. Oklahoma
17. Oklahoma St.
18. West Virginia
19. Arkansas
20. Penn St.
21. Texas Tech
22. Clemson
23. Maryland
24. Michigan
25. Texas

It's been weird not seeing Florida in the Top 25. But with the bowl projections out right now it's looking like we might be heading to the Rose Bowl. That will be the case if we win out. I do not know where we will go if a loss happens.

BYU is predicted to go to the Independence bowl, but that can change too.

[MacroGuru]

Another away game in Mississippi, this time against the Golden Eagles. I didn't realize that Conference USA had adopted the spread offense as the primary offense. It's pretty solid, but as a linebacker it sucks to play against. I do not get to do the things I want to. They pretty much dictate where I am going to be on the field.

A bit tougher game than we expected it to be. I end up getting my first interception of the season, which was at the Southern Miss 10 yard line and their WR promptly knocked me down as we landed.

But that is all I was able to generate in our 37 - 20 win.

[MacroGuru]

Right now we are on the cusp of an undefeated season and we are doing facing a ranked Texas Tech team at Lubbock.

What a loud and obnoxious place to play. I have picked up a new nickname playing here in Texas and a lot of the southern teams..they like to call me Yankee, because of me being from New York.

Texas Tech has an amazing QB that is in the Heismann chase right now and he will pick us apart if we are not careful.

We start the game out promptly giving up 14 points to Texas Tech and this game was going the way of a blowout, then we kicked it into gear on the defense to sway the momentum getting an INT for a TD. Then I recover a fumble on the next series and we score. We slug it out in the 4th quarter to pull off the win 26 - 21.

Now we can only hope Washington or Boise lose to get us into the National Championship.

My stats for the game: 7 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss, 1 Fumble Recovery

[MacroGuru]

I apologize for not posting the Week 12 Top 25, coach found out I wasn't focusing on schoolwork as much and clamped down on me...I had to get the GPA the past week.

1. Washington
2. Boise
3. Houston
4. Notre Dame
5. Alabama
6. Central Michigan
7. Nebraska
8. Florida State
9. Oklahoma
10. Miami
11. Georgia Tech
12. West Virginia
13. Fresno
14. Oklahoma St.
15. USC
16. Utah
17. Clemson
18. Iowa
19. Georgia
20. Arkansas
21. Missouri
22. Nevada
23. Mississippi St.
24. Penn St.
25. Michigan

New Mexico Bowl - Colorado vs Hawaii
St. Petersburg Bowl - UCF vs Ole Miss
New Orleans Bowl - UAB vs Mid Tenn State
Las Vegas Bowl - Arizona vs Utah
Poinsetta Bowl - Boston College vs TCU
Hawaii Bowl - SMU vs Louisiana Tech
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - Wisconsin vs Ohio
Meineke Car Care Bowl - Florida State vs Oregon
Emerald Bowl - Fresno State vs Oregon
Music City Bowl - South Carolina vs Virginia Tech
Independence Bowl - BYU vs North Carolina
EagleBank Bowl - Kent State vs Navy
Champs Sports Bowl - Pittsburgh vs Clemson
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl - Rutgers vs Nevada
Holiday Bowl - Missouri vs USC
Brut Sun Bowl - Stanford vs Maryland
Armed Forces Bowl - Southern Miss vs San Diego St.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Tennessee vs UTEP
Texas Bowl - Michigan State vs Texas A&M
Insight Bowl - Texas Tech vs Minnesota
Chic-fil-A Bowl - Georgia vs Miami
Outback Bowl - Florida vs Michigan
Capital One Bowl - Arkansas vs Penn State
Gator Bowl - Auburn vs OSU
Rose Bowl - Iowa vs Houston
Fiesta Bowl - Nebraska vs West Virginia
Alamo Bowl - Oklahoma St vs Oregon St
Orange Bowl - Georgia Tech vs Notre Dame
Sugar Bowl - Alabama vs Central Michigan
GMAC Bowl - Temple vs Texas
AT&T Cotton Bowl - Miss St. vs Oklahoma
Papajohns.com Bowl - North Texas vs Indiana

BCS National Championship Game - Boise St vs Washington

If everything pans out this season it looks like the Non-AQ's really blew the doors off this season with Boise going to the NC, we play in the Rose Bowl and Central Michigan playing in the Sugar....I don't think big brother is two happy right now.

[MacroGuru]

1. Washington
2. Boise St
3. Houston
4. Central Michigan
5. Notre Dame
6. Alabama
7. Nebraska
8. Florida State
9. Oklahoma
10. Miami
11. Georgia Tech
12. West Virginia
13. Oklahoma St.
14. Clemson
15. Iowa
16. Georgia
17. Arkansas
18. Missouri
19. Nevada
20. Mississippi St.
21. Penn St.
22. Michigan
23. Fresno State
24. Stanford
25. Wisconsin

New Mexico Bowl - Ole Miss vs Hawaii
St. Petersburg Bowl - UCF vs Northern Illinois
New Orleans Bowl - UAB vs Mid Tenn State
Las Vegas Bowl - Oregon vs Utah
Poinsetta Bowl - Indiana vs TCU
Hawaii Bowl - SMU vs Kansas State
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - Wisconsin vs Ohio
Meineke Car Care Bowl - Florida State vs Buffalo
Emerald Bowl - Fresno State vs Arizona
Music City Bowl - South Carolina vs Virginia Tech
Independence Bowl - BYU vs North Carolina
EagleBank Bowl - Kent State vs Navy
Champs Sports Bowl - Rutgers vs Clemson
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl - Boston College vs Nevada
Holiday Bowl - Missouri vs Stanford
Brut Sun Bowl - Oregon State vs Maryland
Armed Forces Bowl - Southern Miss vs San Diego St.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Tennessee vs UTEP
Texas Bowl - Michigan State vs Texas A&M
Insight Bowl - Texas Tech vs Minnesota
Chic-fil-A Bowl - Georgia vs Miami
Outback Bowl - Florida vs Penn State
Capital One Bowl - Arkansas vs Iowa
Gator Bowl - Auburn vs OSU
Rose Bowl - Michigan vs Houston
Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Alamo Bowl - Oklahoma St vs USC
Orange Bowl - Georgia Tech vs Central Michigan
Sugar Bowl - Alabama vs Notre Dame
GMAC Bowl - Temple vs Texas
AT&T Cotton Bowl - Miss St. vs Nebraska
Papajohns.com Bowl - North Texas vs Colorado

BCS National Championship Game - Boise St vs Washington


I italicized all the projections that changed. Ours definitely did, to a storied Michigan team where I feel we have a chance...Iowa was a better fit for us, but I think we can do this.

Central Michigan is now looking like they will play in the Orange Bowl.

[MacroGuru]

1. Washington
2. Boise St
3. Houston
4. Central Michigan
5. Notre Dame
6. Alabama
7. Nebraska
8. Florida State
9. Oklahoma
10. Miami
11. Georgia Tech
12. West Virginia
13. Oklahoma St.
14. Clemson
15. Iowa
16. Georgia
17. Arkansas
18. Missouri
19. Nevada
20. Mississippi St.
21. Penn St.
22. Michigan
23. Fresno State
24. Stanford
25. Wisconsin

New Mexico Bowl - Ole Miss vs Hawaii
St. Petersburg Bowl - UCF vs Northern Illinois
New Orleans Bowl - UAB vs Mid Tenn State
Las Vegas Bowl - Oregon vs Utah
Poinsetta Bowl - Colorado vs TCU
Hawaii Bowl - SMU vs Louisiana Tech
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - Wisconsin vs Ohio
Meineke Car Care Bowl - Florida State vs Kansas St
Emerald Bowl - Fresno State vs Arizona
Music City Bowl - South Carolina vs Virginia Tech
Independence Bowl - BYU vs North Carolina
EagleBank Bowl - Kent State vs Navy
Champs Sports Bowl - Rutgers vs Clemson
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl - Boston College vs Nevada
Holiday Bowl - Missouri vs Stanford
Brut Sun Bowl - Oregon State vs Maryland
Armed Forces Bowl - Southern Miss vs San Diego St.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Tennessee vs UTEP
Texas Bowl - Michigan State vs Texas A&M
Insight Bowl - Texas Tech vs Minnesota
Chic-fil-A Bowl - Georgia vs Miami
Outback Bowl - Florida vs Penn State
Capital One Bowl - Arkansas vs Iowa
Gator Bowl - Auburn vs OSU
Rose Bowl - Michigan vs Houston
Fiesta Bowl - Nebraska vs West Virginia
Alamo Bowl - Oklahoma St vs USC
Orange Bowl - Georgia Tech vs Central Michigan
Sugar Bowl - Alabama vs Notre Dame
GMAC Bowl - Temple vs Texas
AT&T Cotton Bowl - Miss St. vs Oklahoma
Papajohns.com Bowl - North Texas vs Colorado

BCS National Championship Game - Boise St vs Washington

Bowls in italics have changed since last week.

We also get the invite to play in the CUSA Championship game this week against Southern Mississippi. Basically, our Rose Bowl hopes are on this game. It's a must win for us.

[MacroGuru]

Well, our road block was here and it was painting out to be that way in the first half as we slugged it out until 30 seconds left and our offense kicked it into gearing scoring a TD going in at the half.

They also came out of the half on fire and we are up promptly 14 - 0. We locked down on defense and held them to a shut out taking the win 27 - 0.

I was active all game, getting to the RB and my receiver not allowing the YAC.

My stats: 6 tackles.

[MacroGuru]

1. Washington
2. Boise St
3. Houston
4. Nebraska
5. Notre Dame
6. Alabama
7. Florida State
8. Miami
9. Clemson
10. West Virginia
11. Central Michigan
12. Oklahoma St.
13. Iowa
14. Oklahoma
15. Georgia
16. Arkansas
17. Missouri
18. Georgia Tech
19. Nevada
20. Mississippi St.
21. Penn St.
22. Michigan
23. Fresno State
24. Stanford
25. Wisconsin

New Mexico Bowl - Ole Miss vs Hawaii
St. Petersburg Bowl - UCF vs Kansas St.
New Orleans Bowl - Southern Miss vs Mid Tenn State
Las Vegas Bowl - Oregon vs Utah
Poinsetta Bowl - Colorado vs TCU
Hawaii Bowl - SMU vs Louisiana Tech
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - Wisconsin vs Central Michigan
Meineke Car Care Bowl - Maryland vs Northern Illinois
Emerald Bowl - Fresno State vs Arizona
Music City Bowl - South Carolina vs North Carolina
Independence Bowl - BYU vs Boston College
EagleBank Bowl - Temple vs Navy
Champs Sports Bowl - Rutgers vs Miami
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl - Kent St vs Nevada
Holiday Bowl - Missouri vs Stanford
Brut Sun Bowl - Oregon State vs Virginia Tech
Armed Forces Bowl - UAB vs San Diego St.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Tennessee vs UTEP
Texas Bowl - Michigan State vs Texas A&M
Insight Bowl - Texas Tech vs Minnesota
Chic-fil-A Bowl - Georgia vs Georgia Tech
Outback Bowl - Florida vs Michigan
Capital One Bowl - Arkansas vs Penn St
Gator Bowl - Auburn vs OSU
Rose Bowl - Iowa vs Houston
Fiesta Bowl - Nebraska vs West Virginia
Alamo Bowl - Oklahoma St vs USC
Orange Bowl - Clemson vs Notre Dame
Sugar Bowl - Alabama vs Florida State
GMAC Bowl - Ohio vs Texas
AT&T Cotton Bowl - Miss St. vs Oklahoma
Papajohns.com Bowl - North Texas vs Indiana

BCS National Championship Game - Boise St vs Washington

Central Michigan played themselves out of a BCS game...how disappointing would that be? BYU is going to face off versus Boston College.

To me the most intriguing games besides ours and the obvious NC game is the Chic-fil-A Bowl where it's going to be nasty, Georgia vs Georgia Tech? Homes divided...I can't wait to see how that one pans out.

[MacroGuru]

Nothing major on my end...

I do end up with

1st Team All CUSA ROLB
Freshman All NCAA ROLB

My final season stats before the bowl game.

40 Tackles
10 Tackles for Loss
17 Assisted Tackles
5 Sacks
1 Int
1 TD
1 Pass Defelction
2 Fumble Recoveries

Washington's QB takes home the Heismann!

[MacroGuru]

New Mexico Bowl - Ole Miss vs Hawaii
St. Petersburg Bowl - UCF vs Kansas St.
New Orleans Bowl - Southern Miss vs Mid Tenn State
Las Vegas Bowl - Oregon vs Utah
Poinsetta Bowl - Colorado vs TCU
Hawaii Bowl - SMU vs Louisiana Tech
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - Wisconsin vs Central Michigan
Meineke Car Care Bowl - Maryland vs Northern Illinois
Emerald Bowl - Fresno State vs Arizona
Music City Bowl - South Carolina vs North Carolina
Independence Bowl - BYU vs Boston College
EagleBank Bowl - Temple vs Navy
Champs Sports Bowl - Rutgers vs Miami
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl - Kent St vs Nevada
Holiday Bowl - Missouri vs Stanford
Brut Sun Bowl - Oregon State vs Virginia Tech
Armed Forces Bowl - UAB vs San Diego St.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Tennessee vs UTEP
Texas Bowl - Michigan State vs Texas A&M
Insight Bowl - Texas Tech vs Minnesota
Chic-fil-A Bowl - Georgia vs Georgia Tech
Outback Bowl - Florida vs Michigan
Capital One Bowl - Arkansas vs Penn St
Gator Bowl - Auburn vs OSU
Rose Bowl - Iowa vs Houston
Fiesta Bowl - Nebraska vs West Virginia
Alamo Bowl - Oklahoma St vs USC
Orange Bowl - Clemson vs Notre Dame
Sugar Bowl - Alabama vs Florida State
GMAC Bowl - Ohio vs Texas
AT&T Cotton Bowl - Miss St. vs Oklahoma
Papajohns.com Bowl - North Texas vs Indiana

BCS National Championship Game - Boise St vs Washington

Winners are marked in bold.

Boise State breaks the BCS with their win over Washington. what a great game!

[MacroGuru]

We have been to the stadium earlier this year so the intimidation factor wasn't there for us. But dang did Iowa exploit us with their play action.

They did what a lot of teams couldn't this year. They ran on us. We were able to stop them though after the first quarter.

We ended up tight going into the 3rd, but the 4th qtr we opened it up and took the lead for good and managed to hold on for the win! 20 - 10

WE WIN THE ROSE BOWL!

Nothing I have experienced, not even the high school state championship we won in New York compared to this. We won one of the oldest bowl games out there and we did it against a "superior" opponent.

[MacroGuru]

Heading into the Sophomore season I am tagged as a Preseason CUSA 2nd Team ROLB.

We are not even ranked in the Top 25 coming into this next season. Hard to blame them because of who we play.

Our schedule for 2012

UCLA
@ LTU
FCS SE
@ UTEP
@ Tulsa
@ Tulane
ECU
@ Navy
Marshall
SMU
@ UAB
RICE

Not that strong of a schedule but there are teams that can beat us. Especially with a new QB this season.

[MacroGuru]

1. Alabama
2. Boise
3. Nebraska
4. Miami
5. Washington
6. Penn St
7. Wisconsin
8. Florida State
9. Clemson
10. West Virginia
11. Oklahoma St
12. Oklahoma
13. OSU
14. Notre Dame
15. Iowa
16. Georgia Tech
17. Arkansas
18. Michigan
19. Miss St
20. Texas
21. Georgia
22. Oregon
23. Missouri
24. Virginia Tech
25. Texas A&M

[MacroGuru]

We welcome UCLA into our house and they are a lot better than last year...On top of that our team is different. We have a new QB, new FS and a new CB on the left side. Our defense is still ranked as a C+ even with the new incoming players.

I am more active on the team playing on all special teams now on top of starting on defense. It allows me to get into a more natural flow of the game.

This game was a back and forth affair up until the final 2 minutes where we were able to pull out a TD and the lead, winning the game 24 - 21.

My stats for the game...6 tackles, 3 tackles for loss.

[MacroGuru]

1. Alabama
2. Boise
3. Nebraska
4. Miami
5. Washington
6. Penn St
7. Wisconsin
8. Florida State
9. Clemson
10. West Virginia
11. Oklahoma St
12. Oklahoma
13. OSU
14. Notre Dame
15. Iowa
16. Georgia Tech
17. Arkansas
18. Michigan
19. Miss St
20. Texas
21. Oregon
22. Missouri
23. Virginia Tech
24. Texas A&M
25. Stanford

I think it's going to be hell to crack the Top 25 this season and even a bigger pain to crack the Top 10. I don't think this team will do it. If the UCLA game is any indicator we will lose 2 to 3 games this season.

BYU wins their first game of the season @ Oregon State.

[MacroGuru]

We head to Louisiana Tech for our first away game for the season. David Keyes our QB needs to pull his head out of his ass and focus on the game. He is worried more about what kind of car he drives or how he looks than playing the game. The team isn't gelling with him to well.

Louisiana Tech gives us a run for our money, destroying our offense. Our saving grace, and not trying to sound conceited was my play and leadership on defense. We end up holding them from the end zone all day long as our offense turned the ball over 7 times. We won 14 - 7, but did not solidify the win until the 4th qtr.

I ended up capturing Player of the Game and CUSA Defensive Player of the Week honors.

My stats: 8 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss, 1 INT, 36 yard fumble return for a TD.

[MacroGuru]

1. Alabama
2. Boise
3. Nebraska
4. Miami
5. Washington
6. Clemson
7. West Virginia
8. Oklahoma St
9. Oklahoma
10. Penn St
11. Michigan
12. Georgia Tech
13. Arkansas
14. Miss St
15. OSU
16. Texas
17. Wisconsin
18. Oregon
19. Notre Dame
20. Missouri
21. Virginia Tech
22. Florida State
23. Texas A&M
24. Stanford
25. Houston

And that is us cracking into the Top 25 on Week 2. We need to dig down as deep as we can and get as close to that top 10. Another game from like that from our offense and we are done for good.

BYU: They lost to Texas in Austin 30 - 14