The Color & Pageantry 2018 All America Team

The Color & Pageantry 2018 All America Team

The Color & Pageantry 

2018 Post Season All America Team

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kyler Murray
QB Oklahoma
Photo/CBS Sports

OFFENSE

QB        Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
              6'1", 218, SO, Ewa Beach, HI (St. Louis)

RB         Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
              5'11", 214, SO, Salem, NJ (Salem)

RB         Darrell Henderson, Memphis
              5'9", 200, JR, Batesville, MS (South Panola)

RB         Travis Etienne, Clemson
              5'10, 200, SO, Jennings, LA (Jennings)

WR        Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
              6'1", 195, SO, Deerfield Beach, FL (Deerfield Beach)

WR        Marquise Brown, Oklahoma
              5'10", 168, JR, Hollywood, FL (Chaminade Madonna)

WR        Rondale Moore, Purdue
               5'9", 175, FR, Louisville, KY (Trinity)

TE          Jace Sternberger,Texas A&M
               6"4", 250, JR, Kingfisher, OK (Kingfisher)

OT         Jonah Williams, Alabama
               6'5", 301, JR, Folsom, CA (Folsom)

OG         Beau Benzschawel, Wisconsin
               6'6", 317, SR, Grafton, WI (Grafton)

OC          Ross Pierschbacher, Alabama
                6'4", 303 SR, Cedar Falls, IA (Cedar Falls)

OG          Michael Dieter, Wisconsin
                6'6", 328, SR, Curtice, OH (Genoa)

OT           Dalton Riser, Kansas State
                6'5", 300, SR, Wiggins, CO (Wiggins)

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Josh Allen
LB Kentucky
Photo/Newsday

DEFENSE

OLB       Josh Allen, Kentucky
               6'5", 260, SR, Montclair, NJ (Montclair)

DE          Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
               6'4", 265, JR, Richmond, VA (Benedictine College Prep)

DT          Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame
               6'7", 305, SR, Shreveport, LA (Evangelical Christian)

DT          Christian Wilkins, Clemson
               6'4", 315, SR, Springfield, MA (Suffield Academy)

DT           Quinnen Williams, Alabama
                6'4", 295, SO, Birmingham, AL, (Wenonah)

DE           Sutton Smith, Northern Illinois
                6'1", 238, SR, St. Charles, MO (Francis Howell)

OLB        Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
                6'6", 241, SR, Stone Mountain, GA (Copiah Lincoln)

LB           Devin Bush, Michigan
                511", 233, JR, Pembroke Pines, FL (Flanagan)

LB           Ben Burr-Kiven, Washington
                6'0", 221, SR, Menlo Park, CA (Sacred Heart Prep)

LB           Devin White, LSU
                6'1", 240, SR, Springhill, LA (North Webster)

CB           Deandre Baker, Georgia
                5'11", 185, SR, Miami, FL (Northwestern)

S              Taylor Rapp, Washington
                6'0", 202, JR, Bellingham, WA (Sehome)

S              Grant Delpit, LSU
                 6'3", 204, SO, Bradenton, FL (IMG Academy)

RV           Deionte Thompson, Alabama
                6'2", 196, JR, Orange, TX (West Orange Stark)

CB           Julian Love, Notre Dame
                5'11", 193, JR, Westchester, IL (Nazereth)

SPECIALISTS

P              Braden Mann,Texas A&M,
                511", 190, JR, Houston, TX (Cy-Fair)

K             Andre Szmyt, Syracuse
                6'1", 190, FR, Vernon Hill, IL (Vernon Hills

PR           Mecole Hardman, Georgia
                5'11", 183, JR, Bowman, GA (Elbert County)

KR          Savon Scarver, Utah State
                5'11", 185, SO, Las Vegas, NV (Centennial)

QUARTERBACKS

Kyler Murray, Oklahoma; Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State; McKenzie Milton, UCF; Will Grier, West Virginia; Gardner Minshew, Washington State; Justin Herbert, Oregon; Trevor Lawrence, Clemson; Trace McSorely, Penn State; D'Eriq King, Houston; Ian Book, Notre Dame; Jarrett Stidham, Auburn; Ryan Finley, North Carolina State; Drew Lock, Missouri; Jake Browning, Washington; Jake Fromm, Georgia; Jordan Love, Utah State; Kellen Mond, Texas A&M; Brett Rypien, Boise State; Adrian Martinez, Nebraska; Sam Ehlinger, Texas; Brent Stockstill, Middle Tennessee; Eric Dungey, Syracuse; David Blough, Purdue; Marcus Maryion, Fresno State; Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State; Alex Bowman, Texas Tech and Nate Stanley, Iowa.

RUNNING BACKS

Benny Snell, Kentucky; Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M; Eno Benjamin, Arizona State; A. J. Dillon, Boston College; Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic; J. K. Dobbins, Ohio State; Myles Gaskin, Washington; Dexter Williams, Notre Dame; Justice Hill, Oklahoma State; Elijah Holyfield, Georgia; Qadree Ollison, Pittsburgh; J. J. Taylor, Arizona; Karan Higdon, Michigan; Adrian Killins, Jr, UCF; David Montgomery, Iowa State; Miles Sanders, Penn State; Anthony McFarland, Maryland; Devine Ozigbo, Nebraska; D'Andre Swift, Georgia; Reggie Corbin, Illinois; Damien Harris, Alabama; Mike Weber, Ohio State; Greg McRae, UCF; Pooka Williams, Kansas; Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma; Tre Sermon, Oklahoma; Alex Barnes, Kansas State; Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt; Jordan Conckrite, South Florida; Travis Homer, Miami; D. J. Knox, Purdue; Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State and A. J. Ouellette, Ohio.

WIDE RECEIVERS

David Sills V, West Virginia; A. J. Brown, Ole Miss;  N'Keal Harry, Arizona State; Andy Isabella, UMass; Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State; JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford; Kelvin Harmon, North Carolina State; Dillon Mitchell, Oregon; Ceedee Lamb, Oklahoma; Laviska Shenault, Colorado; Paris Campbell, Ohio State; Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State; Tamorrion Terry, Florida State; Deebo Samuel, South Carolina; Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Texas; Stanley Morgan, Jr. Nebraska; Antoine Wesley, Texas Tech; Hunter Renfrow, Clemson; Gary Jennings, West Virginia; Kendrick Rogers, Texas A&M; Damonte Coxie, Memphis; Jalen Reagor, Texas Christian; JD Spielman, Nebraska; Alexander Mattison, Boise State; Xavier Ubosi, UAB; Miles Boykin, Notre Dame; Jaylen Waddle, Alabama; James Proche, SMU; Deion Calhoun, Mississippi State; Tyler Johnson, Minnesota; Donvan Peoples-Jones, Michigan; Jamal Custis, Syracuse; Hakeem Butler, Iowa State; Justyn Ross, Clemson; Jaylen Waddle, Alabama and Preston Williams, Colorado State.

TIGHT ENDS

Noah Fant, Iowa; T. J. Hockenson, Iowa; Tommy Sweeney, Boston College; Keenen Brown, North Texas; Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic; Irv Smith, Alabama; Trevon Wesco, West Virginia; Grant Calcatera, Oklahoma; Kaden Smith, Stanford; Daniel Helm, Duke; CalebWilson, UCLA; Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri and Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Micah Hyatt, Clemson; Greg Little, Ole Miss; Ben Powers, Oklahoma; Joe Lowry Ohio; Garrett, Bradbury, North Carolina State; Dustin Woodard, Memphis; Lamont Gaillard, Georgia; Erza Cleveland, Boise State; Dru Samia, Oklahoma; Ross Reynolds, Iowa; Shane Lemieux, Oregon; Andrew Thomas, Georgia; Andre Dillard, Washington State; Michael Jordan, Ohio State; Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon; Cody Ford, Oklahoma; Terone Prescod, North Carolina State; Isaiah Prince, Ohio State; Chris Lindstrom, Boston College; Bunchy Stallings, Kentucky; Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin; Zach Shackleford, Texas; Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin; John Runyan, Michigan; Kaleb McCray, Washington; Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma; Lucas Naing, Texas Christian; Jackson Barton ,Utah; Yodney Cajuste, West Virginia, Walker Little, Stanford; Tre'Vour Wallace Simms, Missouri; Sam Mustipher, Notre Dame; Cohl Cabral, Arizona State; Justin Falcinelli, Clemson and Jordan Johnson, UCF.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Ed Oliver, Houston; Dexter Lawrence, Clemson; Rashan Gary, Michigan; Brian Burns, Florida State; Jachai Polite, Florida; Chase Winovich, Michigan; Jeff Simmons, Mississippi State; Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech; A. J. Epenesa, Iowa; Alton Robinson, Syracuse; Anthony Nelson, Iowa; Dre'Mont Jones, Ohio State; Greg Gaines, Washington; Raekwon Davis, Alabama; Nate Harvey, Appalachian State; Josh Corcoran, Northern Illinois; Chase Young, Ohio State; Nate Harvey, East Carolina; Kenny Willekes, Michigan State; Chase Hansen Utah; Zach Allen, Boston College; Terry Buckner, Missouri; Jonathan Ledbetter, Georgia; Joe Gaziano, Northwestern; Chalres Omenihu, Texas; Austin Bryant, Clemson; Titus Davis, UCF; Yetur Gross Matos, Penn State; Carter Coughlin, Minnesota, Isaiah Buggs,Alabama; Ben Banogu, Texas Christian; Bradlee Anae, Utah; James Lynch, Baylor; Derrick Brown, Auburn; L. J. Collier, Texas Christian; Jonathan Garvin, Miami and Mustafa Johnson, Colorado..

LINEBACKERS

David Woodard, Utah State; David Long, West Virginia; Gary Johnson, Texas; Cameron Smith, USC; James Nachtigal, Army; Mac Wilson, Alabama; Paddy Fisher, Northwestern; Javahn Ferguson, New Mexico State; T..J. Edwards, Wisconsin; Te'Von Coney, Notre Dame; Evan Weaver, California; Deshaun Davis, Auburn; Mohammed Barry, Nebraska; Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma; Khalil Hodge, Buffalo; Colin Schooler, Arizona; De'Jon Harris, Arkansas; Blake Cashman, Minnesota; Tre Watson, Maryland; Cole Holcomb, North Carolina; Joe Dinnen Jr., Kansas; Cale Garrett, Missouri; Dylan Moses, Alabama; Joe Bachie, Michigan State; Markus Bailey, Purdue; Dakota Allen, Texas Tech; Andy Van Ginkel, Wisconsin; Shaquille Quarterman, Miami; Joe Giles-Harris, Duke; Kendall Joseph, Clemson; Troy Dye, Oregon; Justin Phillips, Oklahoma State; Sage Lewis, Florida International; Jordan Kunaszyk, California; Drue Tranquill, Notre Dame; Clay Johnston, Baylor; Merlin Robertson, Arizona State; Tre Lamar, Clemson; Ryan Guthrie, Syracuse; Jeffrey Allison, Fresno State; Kash Daniel, Kentucky and Germaine Pratt, North Carolina State.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Greedy Williams, LSU; Amani Hooker, Iowa; Byron Murphy, Washington; Hamp Cheevers, Boston College; Andre Cisco, Syracuse; Lavert Hill, Michigan; Jonathan Abram, Mississippi State; Richie Grant, UCF; Adrian Frye, Texas Tech; Bryce Hall, Virginia; Jalen Elliott, Notre Dame; CJ Henderson, Florida; Brian Peavy, Iowa State; Demarkus Acy, Missouri; Kris Boyd, Texas; Justus Parker, Texas Tech; Montre Hartage, Northwestern; Justin Lane, Michigan State; Jaquan Johnson, Miami; Tanner Muse, Clemson; Will Harris, Boston College; Justin Thornill, Virginia; Adrian Frye, Texas Tech; Paulson Adebo, Stanford; Joejuan Williams, Vanderbilt; Jaylon Johnson, Utah; Amari Oruwariye, Penn State; Greg Eisworth, Iowa State; Delvon Randall, Temple; Cedarius Rookard, Troy; Wesley Bush, Middle Tennessee; Caden Sterns, Texas; Aashari Crosswell, Arizona State; Andrew Wingard, Wyoming and Ashtyn Davis, California.

PLACEKICKER

Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia; Cole Tracy LSU; Chase McLaughlin, Illinois; Matt Gay, Utah;  Austin Siebert, Oklahoma; Matt Coghlin, Michigan State; Cooper Roth, Wyoming; Jet Toner, Stanford; Seth Small, Texas A&M and Clayton Hatfield, Texas Tech.

PUNTER

Mitch Wishnowsky, Utah; Joseph Charlton, South Carolina; Will Hart, Michigan; James, Smith, Cincinnati; Sterling Hofrichter, Syracuse; Logan Tyler, Florida State; Ryan Stonehouse, Colorado State; Tommy Townsend, Florida and Drew Galitz, Baylor.

KICK RETURNER

De'Vion Warren, Arkansas; Maurice Ffrench, Pittsburgh; Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Iowa; Ty Johnson, Maryland; Joe Reed, Virginia; Deebo Samuel, South Carolina; Jason Huntley, New Mexico State; Tony Pollard, Memphis; Terrence Horne, South Florida; Amare Jones, Tulane; Michael Walker, Boston College and Juanyeh Thomas, Georgia Tech.

PUNT RETURNER

Michael Walker, Boston College; Sean Riley, Syracuse;  Marcus Hayes, New Mexico; Dazz Newsome, North Carolina; Greg Dortch, Wake Forest; Otis Anderson, UCF; Freddie Swain, Florida; Ceedee Lamb, Oklahoma; DJ Matthews, Florida State; Isaiah Wright, Temple; Rodjay Burns, Louisville; JJ Taylor, Arizona; Donavan Peoples-Jones, Michigan; Ronnie Blackmon, Colorado; John Williams, Memphis and JD Spielman, Nebraska.

OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER

Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER

Merlin Robertson, LB, Arizona State

The Light of Life Burns

It's A Wonderful Life

This is without question of of the greatest films of all time, seen mostly around the Christmas holiday season.

There are a multitude of valuable lessons to be learned within the film, some noted in the following linked piece.

But there is much more to be learned, as outlined in a piece from Imprimis titled Frank Capra’s America and Ours. A quote from the writings of John Marini tackles the relativity from Capra's words and principles to those of America, and a man who shared them.

It is hard to think of a better way to describe Frank Capra’s view of the world, and America’s place in fulfilling its purpose, than to turn to another great American who made his living in the world of motion pictures. Ronald Reagan was a friend and admirer of Frank Capra. They were very much alike. The inscription that Reagan had carved on his tombstone could have been written by Capra: “I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there is purpose and worth to each and every life.” Both Capra and Reagan looked to a benevolent and enduring Providence, and the best in man’s nature, as the ultimate grounds of political right. For them, as for Lincoln, America was more than a geographical location or a place where citizens shared a common blood or religion, or belonged to a common culture or tradition. America was a place where an enlightened understanding of “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” had made it possible to establish those principles of civil and religious liberty that gave “purpose and worth to each and every life.”

One of the strongest statements within the film comes nearing the conclusion. It is very simple, but most meaningful:

"Remember no man is a failure who has friends."

Merry Christmas to you all!

Killer Sought

$10K reward offered for info on fatal shooting of 15-year-old Orlando high school student

Completely Corrupt

Investigations now entangle Donald Trump’s White House, campaign, transition, inauguration, charity and business. For Trump, the political, the personal and the deeply personal are all under examination.

Meanwhile, while Hillary Clinton's emails remain missing, it was her who colluded with Russians to influence the outcome of an election and after losing cranked up an investigation on an entirely false premise.

And those poor folks in Haiti are still living in poverty while the Clinton Foundation is milked for cash for personal use.

No wonder folks have lost faith in their government.

It is completely corrupt.

Communist Within

New York mayor calls for end of private property

Imagine for a moment the arrogance.

New York City Mayor Bill de balsio, a self proclaimed communist, wants to dictate the ownership and use of private property. Of course, private property is a central tenant of our founding.

We warned our New York friends about de blasio,but they went ahead and have overwhelmingly elected him anyway:

"DeBlasio is an impostor, an individual who does not share the vision of the founders and has actively fought against the interests of The United States of America. He is an opponent of freedom, and should in no way shape or form find himself anywhere the mayoralship of our beloved NYC."

If people like de blasio have their way and can issue governance over the citizenry in large scale, the light of freedom in our country will vanish and the great experiment of America will land in the ash heap of history.

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

1.      Alabama, 13-0, 1
2.      Clemson, 13-0, 2
3.      Notre Dame, 12-0, 3
4.      Georgia, 11-2, 4
5.      UCF, 12-0, 5
6.      Oklahoma, 12-1, 6
7.      Ohio State, 12-1, 7
8.      Michigan, 10-2, 8
9.      Washington, 10-3, 9
10.    Florida, 9-3, 10
11.    West Virginia, 10-3, 12
12.    Penn State, 9-3, 13
13.    Washington State, 10-2, 14
14.    LSU, 9-3, 15
15.    Texas, 9-4, 11
16.    Syracuse, 9-3, 16
17.    Kentucky, 9-3, 17
18.    Utah, 9-4, 18
19.    Mississippi State, 8-4, 19
20.    Texas A&M, 8-4, 22
21.    Northwestern, 8-5, 21
22.    Missouri, 8-4, 23
23.    Fresno State, 11-2, NR
24.    Oregon, 8-4, 24
25.    Iowa, 8-4, 25

OUT: Boise State (20)

NEXT: Utah State, NC State, Boise State, Army, Cincinnati, Boston College, Stanford, South Carolina, Miami, Iowas State, Memphis, Arizona State, Auburn, Temple, Houston, Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech.

So Long 41

George H. W. Bush was a fine man, the definition of a "statesman" and the type of individual we so desperately miss in the political landscape today. Bush 41 was an extremely decorated individual, laying a strong foundation for him to eventually lead our nation.

His performance as president had some very high moments, especially during his leadership during the Gulf War.  At home, he went against his word and raider taxes, which was not received well from a most of his base, especially us Reaganites.  Overall, 41 was slightly above average as president.

However, his strength in character was something that can and will have lasting value. We will certainly miss George H.W. Bush, and his compassion, patriotic spirit and eagerness to better his fellow man are attributes we hope other will embrace and carry on to future generations.

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.      Alabama, 12-0, 1
2.      Clemson, 12-0, 3
3.      Notre Dame, 12-0, 3
4.      Georgia, 11-1, 5
5.      UCF, 11-0, 6
6.      Oklahoma, 11-1, 7
7.      Ohio State, 11-1, 10
8.      Michigan, 10-2, 4
9.      Washington, 9-3, 13
10.    Florida, 9-3, 14
11.    Texas, 9-3, 11
12.    West Virginia, 8-3, 11
13.    Penn State, 9-3, 15
14.    Washington State, 10-2, 8
15.    LSU, 9-3, 9
16.    Syracuse, 9-3, 18
17.    Kentucky, 9-3, 17
18.    Utah, 9-3, 16
19.    Mississippi State, 8-4, 21
20.    Boise State, 10-2, 20
21.    Northwestern, 8-4, 22
22.    Texas A&M, 8-4, NR
23.    Missouri, 8-4, 24
24.    Oregon, 8-4, NR
25.    Iowa, 8-4, NR

OUT:  Utah State (19), Pittsburgh (23) and Army (25)

NEXT: Utah State, Fresno State, NC State, Army, Miami, Boston College, Iowa State, South Carolina, Stanford, Auburn, Arizona State, Cincinnati, California, Temple, Memphis, Houston, Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech

Orchestrated Downdraft

Money-Supply Growth Falls to 8-Month Low as Mortgage Rates Rise

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.       Alabama, 11-0, 1
2.       Clemson, 11-0, 2
3.       Notre Dame, 11-0, 3
4.       Michigan, 10-1, 4
5.       Georgia, 10-1, 5
6.       UCF, 10-0, 6
7.       Oklahoma, 10-1, 7
8.       Washington State, 10-1, 8
9.       LSU, 9-2, 10
10.     Ohio State, 10-1, 9
11.     Texas, 8-3, 14
12.     West Virginia, 8-2, 11
13.     Washington, 8-3, 15
14.     Florida, 8-3, 17
15.     Penn State, 8-3, 16
16.     Utah, 8-3, 19
17.     Kentucky, 8-3, 22
18.     Syracuse, 8-3, 12
19.     Utah State, 10-1, 13
20.     Boise State, 9-2, 23
21.     Mississippi State, 7-4, 25
22.     Northwestern, 7-4, 24
23.     Pittsburgh, 7-4, NR
24.     Missouri, 7-4, NR
25.     Army, 9-2, NR

OUT:  Iowa State (18), Cincinnati (20) and Boston College (21).

NEXT: Iowa State, N. C. State, Fresno State, Wisconsin, Texas A&M, Iowa, Auburn, Boston College, South Carolina, Stanford, Oklahoma State, Duke, Miami, Cincinnati, Oregon, Virginia, Temple, Troy, California, Arizona State and Houston.

Disgusted

Post-Election Blue Wave: Democrats Have Flipped 2 Senate Seats And A Large Number Of House Seats Since Election Night

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.       Alabama, 10-0, 1
2.       Clemson, 10-0, 2
3.       Notre Dame, 10-0, 3
4.       Michigan, 9-1, 4
5.       Georgia, 9-1, 5
6.       UCF, 9-0, 6
7.       Oklahoma, 9-1, 7
8.       Washington State, 9-1, 8
9.       Ohio State, 9-1, 9
10.     LSU, 8-2, 10
11.     West Virginia, 8-1, 11
12.     Syracuse, 8-2, 13
13.     Utah State, 9-1, 15
14.     Texas 7-3, 16
15.     Washington, 7-3, 18
16.     Penn State, 7-3, 20
17.     Florida, 7-3, 25
18.     Iowa State, 6-3, 22
19.     Utah, 7-3, NR
20.     Cincinnati, 9-1, 24
21.     Boston College, 7-3, 13
22.     Kentucky, 7-3, 12
23.     Boise State, 8-2, NR
24.     Northwestern, 6-4, NR
25.     Mississippi State, 6-4, NR

OUT:  Fresno State (16), North Carolina State (21) and Michigan State (23).

NEXT: North Carolina State, Wisconsin, Army, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Fresno State,Duke, Texas A&M, Auburn, Missouri, South Carolina, Arizona, Oregon, Iowa, Virginia, Georgia Tech,Temple, USF, Stanford, California, Troy and Buffalo.

Voter Loyalty

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.       Alabama, 9-0, 1
2.       Clemson, 9-0, 2
3.       Notre Dame, 9-0, 3
4.       Michigan, 8-1, 4
5.       Georgia, 8-1, 6
6.       UCF, 8-0, 7
7.       Oklahoma, 8-1, 8
8.       Washington State, 8-1, 9
9.       Ohio State, 8-1, 11
10.     LSU, 7-2, 5
11.     West Virginia, 7-1, 12
12.     Kentucky, 7-2, 10
13.     Boston College, 7-2, 20
14.     Syracuse, 7-2, 21
15.     Utah State, 8-1, 17
16.     Texas, 6-3, 16
17.     Fresno State, 8-1, 21
18.     Washington, 7-3, NR
19.     Mississippi State, 6-3, 23
20.     Penn State, 6-3, 14
21.     NC State, 6-2, NR
22.     Iowa State, 5-3 NR
23.     Michigan State, 6-3, NR
24.     Cincinnati, 8-1, NR
25.     Florida, 6-3, 13

OUT: Utah (15), Houston (18), Iowa (19), Texas A&M (24) and Virginia (25).

NEXT: Purdue, Auburn, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Iowa, Texas A&M, South Carolina, Duke, Missouri, Boise State, Utah, Oregon, Army and Texas Tech.

Enough is Enough!

'Enough Is Enough': Mark Levin Rails Against 'Radical' Dems, Media on 'Hannity'

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.       Alabama, 8-0, 1
2.       Clemson, 8-0, 2
3.       Notre Dame, 8-0, 3
4.       Michigan, 7-1, 4
5.       LSU, 7-1, 6
6.       Georgia, 7-1, 8
7.       UCF, 7-0, 7
8.       Oklahoma, 7-1, 10
9.       Washington State, 7-1, 15
10.     Kentucky, 7-1, 12
11.     Ohio State, 7-1, 16
12.     West Virginia, 6-1, 19
13.     Florida, 6-2, 5
14.     Penn State, 6-2, 20
15.     Utah, 6-2, 25
16.     Texas, 6-2, 9
17.     Utah State, 7-1, 21
18.     Houston, 7-1, NR
19.     Iowa, 6-2, 13
20.     Boston College, 6-2, NR
21.     Fresno State, 7-1, NR
22.     Syracuse, 6-2, NR
23.     Mississippi State, 5-3, NR
24.     Texas A&M, 5-3, 11
25.     Virginia, 6-2, NR

OUT: Washington (14), Wisconsin (17), Oregon (18), USF (22), Purdue (23) and North Carolina State (24).

NEXT: Northwestern, Iowa State, South Carolina, Michigan State, NC State, Auburn, Purdue, Washington, Wisconsin, Oregon and Stanford.

You Are Being Replaced

WHY THEY MUST REPLACE YOU by Jim Quinn of The Burning Platform

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.         Alabama, 8-0, 1
2.         Clemson, 7-0, 3
3.         Notre Dame, 7-0, 4
4.         Michigan, 7-18-0, 5
5.         Florida, 6-1, 6
6.         LSU, 7-1, 7
7.         UCF, 8-0, 8
8.         Georgia, 6-1, 9
9.         Texas, 6-1, 10
10.       Oklahoma, 6-1, 11
11.       Texas A&M, 5-2, 13
12.       Kentucky, 6-1, 14
13.       Iowa, 6-1, 16
14.       Washington, 6-2, 17
15.       Washington State, 6-1, 22
16.       Ohio State, 7-1, 2
17.       Wisconsin, 5-2, 18
18.       Oregon, 5-2, 12
19.       West Virginia, 5-1, 20
20.       Penn State, 6-2, 21
21.       Utah State, 6-1, 24
22.       South Florida, 7-0, 25
23.       Purdue, 4-3, NR
24.       North Carolina State, 5-1, 15
25.       Utah, 5-2, NR

OUT: Cincinnati, (19) and Mississippi State (23)

NEXT: Virginia, Stanford, Iowa State, Auburn, Appalachian State, Missouri, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, Colorado, Houston, Mississippi State, Michigan State, Northwestern and Fresno State.

Embracing Control

"Entrepreneus from the Republican-leaning National Federation of Independent Businesses backed in a letter Friday the tax policies of Republican gubernatorial nominee Ron DeSantis."

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.         Alabama, 7-0, 1
2.         Ohio State, 7-0, 3
3.         Clemson, 6-0, 4
4.         Notre Dame, 7-0, 5
5.         Michigan, 6-1, 10
6.         Florida, 6-1, 13
7.         LSU, 6-1, 14
8.         UCF, 6-0, 7
9.         Georgia, 6-1, 2
10.       Texas, 6-1, 11
11.       Oklahoma, 5-1, 12
12.       Oregon, 5-1, 17
13.       Texas A&M, 5-2, 18
14.       Kentucky, 5-1, 19
15.       NC State, 5-0, 22
16.       Iowa, 5-1, 21
17.       Washington, 5-2, 8
18.       Wisconsin, 5-2, 16
19.       Cincinnati, 6-0, 24
20.       West Virginia, 5-1, 6
20.       Penn State, 4-2, 9
21.       Washington State, 5-1, NR
22.       Mississippi State, 4-2, 25
23.       Utah State, 5-1, NR
24.       South Florida, 6-0, NR

OUT: Miami (15), Colorado (20) and Auburn (23).

NEXT: Southern Cal, Colorado, Stanford, Miami, Texas Tech, South Carolina, Houston, Northwestern, Virginia Tech, Duke, Iowa State, Michigan State, Utah, Virginia, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Auburn, Purdue and Boise State.

Leftist Lunacy

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.          Alabama, 6-0. 1
2.          Georgia, 6-0, 2
3.          Ohio State, 6-0, 3
4.          Clemson, 6-0, 4
5.          Notre Dame, 6-0, 5
6.          West Virginia, 6-0, 8
7.          UCF, 5-0, 10
8.          Washington, 5-1, 12
9.          Penn State, 5-1, 13
10.        Michigan, 5-1, 16
11.        Texas, 5-1, 20
12.        Oklahoma, 5-1, 6
13.        Florida, 5-1, 19
14.        LSU, 5-1, 5
15.        Miami, 5-1, 15
16.        Wisconsin, 5-1, 18
17.        Oregon, 4-1, 17
18.        Texas A&M, 4-2, 21
19.        Kentucky, 5-1, 9
20.        Colorado, 5-0, 22
21.        Iowa, 5-1, 25
22.        N. C. State, 5-0, NR
23.        Auburn, 4-2, 11

24.        Cincinnati, 5-0, NR

25.        Mississippi State, 4-2, NR

OUT: Stanford (14), Syracuse (23) and Michigan State (24)

NEXT: Boise State, Southern Cal, South Carolina, South Florida, Utah State and Washington State.

Taste It Radical Dems

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.        Alabama, 5-0, 1
2.        Georgia, 5-0, 2
3.        Ohio State, 5-0, 4
4.        Clemson, 5-0, 3
5.        Notre Dame, 5-0, 7
6.        LSU, 5-0, 6
7.        Oklahoma, 5-0, 5
8.        West Virginia, 4-0, 11
9.        Kentucky, 5-0, 17
10.      UCF, 4-0, 14
11.      Auburn, 4-1, 9
12.      Washington, 4-1, 10
13.      Penn State, 4-1, 15
14.      Stanford, 4-1, 8
15.      Miami, 4-1, 16
16.      Michigan, 4-1, 12
17.      Oregon, 4-1, 18
18.      Wisconsin, 4-1, 19
19.      Florida, 4-1, NR
20.      Texas, 4-1, 20
21.      Texas A&M, 3-2, 22
22.      Colorado, 5-0, NR
23.      Syracuse, 4-1, NR
24.      Michigan State, 3-1, 24
25.      Iowa, 4-1, NR

OUT:  South Carolina (13), Duke (21), Mississippi State (23) and BYU (25).

NEXT: N. C. State, Boise State, Texas Christian, BYU, South Florida, Oklahoma State, Southern Cal, San Diego State, South Carolina, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, California, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Maryland and Washington State.

NEBRASKA ANALYSIS

While there are glimpses of Nebraska looking like the turn of the corner is here, what appears to be losing mindset still needs extracted from much of the team. Nebraska rolled up almost 600 yards of offense, but cold not stop Jeff Brohm's Purdue Boilermakers, who ran out of Lincoln with a 42-28 victory. I thought BTN analyst Matt Millen accurately stated the state of the 'Huskers, noting that Purdue, who looks pretty good, is a year ahead of schedule when compared to Nebraska.  QB Adrian Martinez gives Nebraska a snapshot of a bright future as this young man is stellar, although he is making freshman mistakes. The offensive line played better, but there is much work to be done for Greg Austin. The receivers show signs of greatness, but have yet to put in a total outstanding game as a unit. Some guys are balling out, most notably JD Spieman and Devine Ozigbo on offense and Mo Barry on defense. The defense was horrific, seemingly out of place often. However, the big problem is the lack of discipline on the team, as penalties have just crushed the 'Huskers. It should be noted the officiating was as bad as I have ever seen, even leaving BTN analyst Matt Millen puzzled. After four games, Nebraska is 0-4, and that is absolutely mind boggling, and has not occurred in my lifetime. With the new four game transfer rule, we may see some players leave, and some need to. Some are good people, just not good enough players. Some have great talent, but are not team players and don't have a winning mentality. Penalties are a reflection of the latter. When Nebraska turns the corner, it will be like a watershed event. Nebraska can defeat Wisconsin next week, but the likelihood is Nebraska looks real good in a couple of spurts but folds defensively and gets clubbed. Frost will get this done, but the task at hand is much more difficult than many of us could ever have imagined.

FLORIDA STATE ANALYSIS

All day long, FSU was leaving plays all over the field, and it seemed destined that the once powerful Seminoles would nit find the intestinal fortitude to walk out of Louisville with a victory. But, after an improbable interception by AJ Westbrook (the Cards should have been running out the clock and not throwing the ball), Deondre Francois hit Nyquan Murray (Orlando Oak Ridge) who scampered for the winning score. This was a huge win for Florida State, a must to keep the bowl streak going. For a while, it looked like many of the Seminoles did not care, with Louisville having receivers wide open most of the day and having success running the ball. Offensively, mistakes plagued the 'Noles. On one, play, WR Keith Gavin knocked a Louisville defender into the next area code, which was awesome. But, Gavin stopped to admires his work, while the play was breaking down behind him. This type of selfish play is often expensive. While the tape will once again show dozens of mistakes, a win is a win and FSU can build from it. It should be noted that outside of the penalties, the offensive line continued to show progress. FSU, travels to Miami, and who knows. One thing I know, is I am going down there to win.

They Are Coming For You!

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.       Alabama, 4-0, 1
2.       Georgia, 4-0, 2
3.       Clemson, 4-0, 3
4.       Ohio State, 4-0, 4
5.       Oklahoma, 4-0, 5
6.       LSU, 4-0, 6
7.       Notre Dame, 4-0, 7
8.       Stanford, 4-0, 11
9.       Auburn, 3-1, 8
10.     Washington, 3-1, 9
11.     West Virginia, 3-0, 13
12.     Michigan, 3-1, 16
13.     South Carolina, 3-1, 14
14.     UCF, 3-0, 15
15.     Penn State, 4-0, 17
16.     Miami, 3-1, 20
17.     Kentucky, 4-0, NR
18.     Oregon, 3-1, 19
19.     Wisconsin, 3-1, 25
20.     Texas, 3-1, NR
21.     Duke, 4-0, NR
22.     Texas A&M, 2-2, 23
23.     Mississippi State, 3-1, 10
24.     Michigan State, 3-1, NR
25.     Brigham Young, 3-1, NR

OUT: Virginia Tech, (12), Oklahoma State, (18), Iowa (21), Texas Christian (22) and Boston College (24).

NEXT: Colorado, Texas Tech, NC State, California, Oklahoma State, Boise State, Florida, Syracuse, Iowa, Texas Christian, Southern Cal, Arizona State, San Diego State and Utah.

NEBRASKA ANALYSIS

While most Huskers recognized Scott Frost could not work miracles immediately, they thought the days of getting blasted were in the rear view mirror. That was not the case Saturday at Michigan.  The Wolverines, who after losing the opener at Notre Dame, had played pedestrian football, up until Saturday. On this day, they looked like Alabama, man handling the Huskers on both lines of scrimmage. Yes, Nebraska has been upside down after losing an opening 'work out the kinks" game, then losing to Colorado and then Troy, where they fielded a walk-on third string signal caller. Freshman phenom Adrian Martinez started at quarterback for Nebraska, but he looked hobbled, although it mattered not. Michigan owned the line of scrimmage, and when that is the case, it makes life miserable. The defense was very shaky, the skill position players could not light a spark and the special teams were atrocious. While few expected to win at Michigan, many thought Nebraska would give them a fight. No such luck, and this one is on Frost. He knows it, and it should be noted there is much work to do. Frost commented this may be bottom, and outside of another lopsided loss coming at Ohio State, he may be right. But, this one hurt. Maybe it is the type of game that weeds out those who don't have the stomach for it. Fine with me, as it seems some players don't mind losing all that much. At any rate, Nebraska is 0-3 for the first time since 1945.  Nowhere to go but up.

FLORIDA STATE ANALYSIS

Florida State played much better this week, as I expected, and got a double digit victory against Northern Illinois.  NIU had played some stout defense this year, but was not much of a threat offensively.  The offensive line, the centerpiece of the issues for Florida State in 2018, put in a very solid effort. The play calling was much better, helping to alleviate the pressure the OL was under. Some players started making plays, notably WR's Tre'Shaun Harrison and Tamorrion Terry. With backs against the wall, the Seminoles deserve credit for the performance in this game; however, there is still much work to do. Mistakes and penalties continue to plague the team, noted by a hike over the head of QB Deondre Francois late in the game which could have proven quite costly. There were many defensive breakdowns, which stained an otherwise credible effort. Ricky Aguayo made some big kicks, which helped seal the win, and that is good because he was about to take a seat on the bench.  FSU needs to build on this win, and win at Louisville, who is also on the struggle bus, next weekend. Participation in a bowl game may hinge on it.

Dishonest Brokers of the Leftist Lunatic Fringe.

FBI, DOJ To Defy Trump Order; Redactions Planned As Top 'Deep State' Dems Demand Insubordination

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.      Alabama, 3-0, 1
2.      Georgia, 3-0, 2
3.      Clemson, 3-0, 3
4.      Ohio State, 3-0, 6
5.      Oklahoma, 3-0, 4
6.      LSU, 3-0, 13
7.      Notre Dame, 3-0, 7
8.      Auburn, 2-1, 5
9.      Washington, 2-1, 9
10.    Mississippi State, 3-0, 10
11.    Stanford, 3-0, 11
12.    Virginia Tech, 2-0, 12
13.    West Virginia, 2-0, 14
14.    South Carolina, 1-1, 15
15.    UCF, 2-0, 16
16.    Michigan, 3-0, 17
17.    Penn State, 3-0, 18
18.    Oklahoma State, 3-0, NR
19.    Oregon, 3-0, 20
20.    Miami, 2-1, 22
21.    Iowa, 3-0, 25
22.    Texas Christian, 2-1, 23
23.    Texas A&M, 2-1, NR
24.    Boston College, 3-0, NR
25.    Wisconsin, 2-1, 8

OUT: Boise State (19), Southern Cal (21) and Arizona State (25).

NEXT: Michigan State, Duke, Boise State, Colorado, Kentucky, NC State, California, Brigham Young, Utah and Arizona State.

NEBRASKA ANALYSIS

Everything witnessed in a lost last week that gave great hope for the future was lost in a dismal effort against Troy on Saturday resulting in a home loss. Nebraska had to start Andrew Bunch, a 3rd string quarterback, and while Bunch was surprisingly pedestrian, the loss is not to be pinned on him. Ball control continues to be an issue, and the offensive line was ineffective. Nebraska's special teams are anything but special. It seems Nebraska is pretty good at losing, part of the culture that Scott Frost is working so hard to change. The good news is that signs of progress are visible, and once the tide shifts, good things are immediately in store, If Adrian Martinez is healthy and ready to go, we might see it Saturday at Michigan.

FLORIDA STATE ANALYSIS

You would be hard pressed to find a more pitiful performance than the one turned in by the once proud Seminoles at Syracuse on Saturday. Syracuse has a good quarterback, but he got knocked out in the second quarter, leaving the second string signal caller to direct the ass kicking which took place.  FSU's offensive line is atrocious, lacking any kind of performing depth, thanks to the lackadaisical performance of former coach Jumbo Fisher and his bravado offensive line coach Rick Trickett. Thanks for nothing. Sadly, new coach Willie Taggart is so entrenched in his offensive mindset, he is not calling any plays to utilize areas of talent FSU does have to alleviate the pressure of the porous offensive line. With zeroes on the scoreboard, you might think he would recognize a tendency or two might need to be broken, but he does not see it. The players are beginning to become alarmed at the mind boggling  ineptitude of the offense. The defense is battling, but becomes gassed, and falters. The Seminole faithful are in enraged, and the relationships are deteriorating quickly.  Taggart needs to make offensive adjustments immediately, which should certainly include allowing snaps for backup quarterback James Blackman, who is a better runner than Deondre Francois and can roll out taking some pressure off the failing offensive line. If this keeps up, there is going to be a civil war between the Seminole fans and the administration/coaching staff. #Do Something, and fix it.

Never Forget

The World Trade Center

Islamic terrorists remain committed to killing us. Never forget how evil attacked us on this day.





Have you forgotten?



Windows on the world



Evil spit in our face on the morning of September 11, 2001. As America sought comfort on this horrendous day, most found God watching over us. We had faith, which helped us through the incredible grief. With evil lurking all around us, we found love, courage and faith standing tall in the fire.

Although this is a day of remembrance, we must never forget!

I have not forgotten. Never Forget! Political correctness be damned, we must remain committed to taking out evil wherever it exists, foreign or domestic.




GOD BLESS AMERICA

*PORTIONS REPRINTED FROM 9-11-11 BLOGPOST.

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.     Alabama, 2-0, 2
2.     Georgia, 2-0, 3
3.     Clemson, 2-0, 1
4.     Oklahoma, 2-0, 4
5.     Auburn, 2-0, 5
6.     Ohio State, 2-0, 6
7.     Notre Dame, 2-0, 7
8.     Wisconsin, 2-0, 8
9.     Washington, 2-0, 9
10.   Mississippi State, 2-0, 10
11.   Stanford, 2-0, 11
12.   Virginia Tech, 2-0, 14
13.   LSU, 2-0, 15
14.   West Virginia, 2-0, 16
15.   South Carolina, 1-1, 11
16.   UCF, 2-0, 16
17.   Michigan, 1-1, 18
18.   Penn State, 2-0, 19
19.   Boise State, 2-0, 21
20.   Oregon, 2-0, 23
21.   Southern Cal, 1-1, 13
22.   Miami, 1-1, 25
23.   Texas Christian, 2-0, NR
24.   Arizona State, 2-0, NR
25.   Iowa, 2-0, NR

OUT: Michigan State (20), Florida (22) and Texas A&M (24)

NEXT: Texas A&M, Utah, Duke, Oklahoma State, Michigan State, Maryland, Boston College, Houston, Kentucky, Colorado, Mississippi, South Florida and NC State.

NEBRASKA ANALYSIS

The Huskers got to play a game, and the day gave glimpse of a wonderful future; however, the Cornhuskers blew an eight point lead and lost to Colorado 33-28. The Buffaloes have a strong quarterback and a dynamic receiver the 'Huskers had trouble containing, but it was turnovers that made the difference. Get Nebraska now, because the more experience this young team gets, the more dangerous they will become. Frosh QB Adrian Martinez looked quite special, but he injured his knee and the severity is not presently known. If he is ok, Nebraska will score points a plenty; against just about anybody. With Martinez out, and Tristan Gebbia, who lost the job and transferred, gone, Nebraska will be taken down in octane. The line looked stronger, and the running backs, especially Maurice Washington, looked great. The defense gave up big time yardage, but flew to the ball and recorded half the sacks in one game than the defense recorded all season a year ago. Turnovers remained elusive for this group, but we all saw enough to know the unit is much improved from the idiocy employed in 2017.  Hate to lose this one, and the canceled game would have certainly helped, but the future is quite bright. Especially if Martinez is healthy.

FLORIDA STATE ANALYSIS

The performance of the Florida State Seminoles against Samford at home Saturday night, after having taken a thrashing earlier in the week from Virginia Tech, was nothing short of alarming. Issues that plagued the Seminoles in week one hung around to hamper the effort in week two. The offensive line is very weak, and a quick fix is not on the horizon.  Play calling to alleviate the issue is not taking place, and therefore, it is becoming difficult for the once dynamic Florida State offense. After playing very well as the game went on last week, the Seminole defense look lost against Samford. While the QB at Samford is a very good player, perfect for directing coach Chris Hatcher's offense, what went on defensively for the Seminoles in inexcusable. FSU has plenty of talent, so the troubles FSU is having are beginning to be of concern, as the blame is finding its way to Willie Taggart. I strongly supported the hire of Taggart, but the start to this season has been a disaster and the season is on the precipice of being lost. Given that, it is reasonable to now be questioning the hire. Taggart's mantra is "Do Something."  Well, he had better do something, and quick. Perhaps giving James Blackman a go as signal caller is an option.

Thief's At Heart

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.   Clemson, 1-0, 1
2.   Alabama, 1-0, 2
3.   Georgia, 1-0, 3
4.   Oklahoma, 1-0, 9
5.   Auburn, 1-0, 11
6.   Ohio State, 1-0, 6
7.   Notre Dame, 1-0, 10
8.   Wisconsin, 1-0, 7
9.   Washington, 0-1, 4
10. Mississippi State, 1-0, 14
11. Stanford, 1-0, 16
12. South Carolina, 1-0 18
13. Southern Cal, 1-0, 17
14. Virginia Tech, 1-0, NR
15. LSU, 1-0, NR
16. UCF, 1-0, 20
17. West Virginia, 1-0, 22
18. Michigan, 0-1, 5
19. Penn State, 1-0, 12
20. Michigan State, 1-0, 15
21. Boise State, 1-0, 19
22. Florida, 1-0, 24
23. Oregon, 1-0, 23
24. Texas A&M, 1-0, NR
25. Miami, 0-1, 8

OUT: Florida State (13), Texas (21) and Arizona (25).

NEXT: Texas Christian, Iowa, Utah, Mississippi, Nebraska, Maryland, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Boston College, Texas, Fresno State, Iowa State, N.C. State, Memphis, Florida State and Arkansas State. 

NEBRASKA ANALYSIS

Buzzkill. A complete washout.

FLORIDA STATE ANALYSIS

The debut of new head coach Willie Taggart, on an evening of incredible spirit at DOAK, was a complete disaster. The team was ill prepared, which in itself is stunning.  Play calling, something we considered a strength of Taggart's given what we have observed over the years, was horrendous. The play of the offensive line, was in a word, offensive. No plays were called to take pressure off the group, which underachieved throughout the evening. Sadly, a quick fix up front does not look promising. Repeated screens to our powerful 6'2" 235lb running back Jacques Patrick, who will star in the NFL but ill-suited to out run people on the edge when we have a fleet of scat backs, was highly questionable. While the defense was quite strong after yielding an opening touchdown drive, five turnovers, including a punt blocked for a touchdown, is simply inexcusable. I enthusiastically welcomed the hire of Taggart, but this was a 102 MPH fast ball he just took a strike on, and a couple more like this and he might be heading to the dugout to alter up his resume, because what we witnessed Monday night along with a national television audience, simplly put, will not get it.  DO SOMETHING, and fix this fast.

The Bandit Says Goodbye

Although I knew he was in failing health, I was just so saddened to learn of the passing of Burt Reynolds.

As a kid, like so many, Reynold's portrayal of the Bandit in Smokey and The Bandit was the greatest thing ever. Reynolds racing across country in his Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with his cohort Cletus Snow (played by his good friend Jerry Reed) to bring Coors beer back to Atlanta will still stop me in my tracks if I am searching through the channels.

Reynolds began his wonderful life at Florida State University, where he played running back for the Seminoles. Burt made great friends there, which included Vic Prinzi and Lee Corso.

Reynolds love for Florida State University extended a lifetime. He was great friends with famed coach Bobby Bowden and was an incredibly generous benefactor to both academic and athletic arms of Florida State. Reynolds for many years filmed a halftime segment with the voice of the Seminoles Gene Deckerhoff. Before the likes of ESPN and the internet, these coaches shows were where you found the opportunity to watch game highlights. Reynolds shined doing this show, and we so appreciated him.

Reynolds was an accomplished actor, and while many of his movies were not of critical acclaim, he sure was. Several performances later in his life gave proof of that, but it wasn't anything he really worried about. Even so, he lived quite a Hollywood life, with relationships with several of the finest women in the business.

Never forgotten by Burt was his Florida roots and his entourage of friends. The first time I met Burt was in Tallahassee at an FSU game, where he traveled along with Dom Deluise, Ricardo Montalban, Charles Nelson Reilly, Ann Margaret and others. I ran into him at the Tampa Westshore Holiday Inn, after seeing Vic Prinzi waiting for him. Fortunately, I was in Tallahassee at a game two seasons ago where Burt placed the spear in the ground before the game, an honor bestowed upon a very select few.

Last year, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Smokey and The Bandit," although Pontiac is gone, a Chevrolet Camaro was modified to look like a Pontiac Trans Am and 77 were made. Reynolds participated in the design and rollout, an event in which Burt had Bobby Bowden along as a guest.

 

Tim Linafelt of Seminoles.com recounted a funny old story about Burt today:

"Burt Reynolds used to love to tell the story of how Bobby Bowden knew his name — “Buddy.” It wasn’t until later that he realized Bobby Bowden called everyone Buddy."

This is a tough one. Burt Reynolds is an individual I have great affection for, a cherished member of the Seminole faithful. His advocacy for our beloved Florida State University has always been greatly appreciated. His loyalty to his friends was admired, and his wisecracking sense of humor brought smiles to us all. Smokey and The Bandit will always get us going as we run east bound and down, and we can always thank Burt Reynolds and his gang of friends, most notably Jerry Reed, for that.

RIP Burt Reynolds! Go Seminoles!

Hell, I got to go!

Nebraska Cornhuskers 2018 Preview

  

I can't remember when I have been so wrong in football analysis as I was when I had some excitement when Nebraska hired Mike Riley from Oregon State. I had admired Riley from afar, thinking what a tremendous job he had done with the Beavers, where the facilities and tradition were limited. The thinking is that with vast experience (Riley won a Gold Cup in the CFL and coached the San Diego Chargers in the NFL) he could find success with the resources Nebraska would give him, as he had achieved with so much less. Signs that this hire was a mistake came almost immediately, but it was last season when the thunderclap of a home loss to Northern Illinois stung Husker Nation. Instead of regrouping, the team fell apart down the stretch and thankfully, a coaching change was made with native son Scott Frost hired to lead the Cornhuskers. The events that led to the hiring of Frost were plentiful, but as the landscape is reviewed, it was desperately needed. Somebody tweeted that the troubles of Nebraska painful to Frost while coaching at UCF than they were to Riley who was leading the program. Seems like it. For Frost, Nebraska is home. That red "N" means so much to Nebraskans, and an opportunity to restore this proud program to its rightful level among the nations elite that those in Husker Nation can be proud of once again is a task Frost could not turn away from, and did not. Since his hiring, Frost has done everything right, which certainly appears to include bring his entire coaching staff with him to Lincoln. It is noted a handful, notably Ryan Held and Greg Austin, are former Huskers. Everyone is fired up and ready to being the process of making Nebraska nationally relevant again, as they should be.

OFFENSE


WR Stanley Morgan Jr
Photo/Huskers.com

The offensive style implemented by Mike Riley and his idiotic offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf has been tossed in the circular. It was horrible in 2017, averaging 3.5 yards per play. The running game was hideous,with Nebraska having no runs over 50 yards all year. Frost will be running an up tempo power spread offensive, which seems a great fit for the Big Red moving forward. Frost has had great success with this, as UCF led the nation in scoring a year ago. Frost and OC Troy Walters are starting from scratch. A quarterback battle has kept everyone guessing in fall camp. Redshirt freshman Tristan Gebbia, who was recruited to run Riley's system, has a really good skill set,  leaving some of us to wonder why he got no snaps in 2017. Gebbia is competing with true freshman Adrian Martinez, who Frost recruited to Nebraska hours after accepting the position. Martinez shined in spring and has not dropped off in fall camp, with most favoring Martinez to win the job. Either way, I am quite comfortable with the quality at the position. The receiving core is excellent, led by Stanley Morgan, Jr, a big target who led the team in receptions in '17. A pair of smaller speed guys in JD Spielman and Tyjon Lindsey return and would seem to be in position to flourish in Frost's play calling. Mike Williams, a JUCO transfer from Lake City (FL) Columbia who has great speed, has really impressed an seems poised to start. Backing up the starters are Brian Reimers, Jaevon McQuitty, Kade Warner, Conner Young and true freshman, Andre Hunt and JUCO transfer Jaron Woodyard. Frost loves to utilize the tight end, and there are plenty of quality players at the position. Jack Stoll (9c) is the starter, and may be an honors candidate. Austin Allen and Kurt Rafdal are backups, both considered quality players who may not give way to heralded true freshman Camreron Jurgens. The backfield needed plenty of help, and things have really come together well. Tre Bryant was on track to get back, but his knee was too damaged and he has had to step away from the game. Devine Ozigbo seemed in and out of the doghouse in 2017, but he has some decent skills, and made some big plays down the stretch at Purdue to help win that game. Ozigbo put in work in the offseason, and appears ready to be a steady contributor. JUCO transfer Greg Bell has impressed and will start, and true freshman Maurice Washington, who has "it", will get situational snaps, a threat to hit paydirt any time he touches the ball. True freshman Miles Jones has moved ahead of Mikhale Wilbon, who will seem to have trouble finding time, and Jaylin Bradley, who we thought was the best last year. Up front, Nebraska stunk in 2017, and Coach G has plenty of work to do, but Austin is a great coach and I look for big time improvement. Cole Conrad is not the greatest at center, and some thing Tanner Farmer may move over there. But maybe not, as Conrad is smart and may stick. If so, Farmer will play at guard. Jerald Foster, a quality player, will play left guard. The tackles, Brenden Jaimes  and Matt Farniok, are good. Depth is a concern. Boe Wilson is ready to play at guard. G/C Jon Rairdon, C Hunter Miller, T Matt Sichterman and T Christian Gaylord are solid backups. This offense is diverse, with power and speed, potentially potent and possibly in contention, with an ascending quality of quarterback play, to average 40ppg.

DEFENSE

 DE Luke Gifford
Photo/Zimbio.com

Defensively, Nebraska was horrific in 2017. The issues were many, but perhaps the most puzzling aspect was the reading defensive philosophy employed by DC Bob Diaco, which put Nebraska at a disadvantage. It was ridiculous. New DC Eric Chinander will still utilize a 3-4, but it will be an attacking unit, on which has wrinkles to confuse offenses. Mick Stoltenburg will man the nose spot, but we think he is good for about 20 snaps a game. Damion Daniles and Peyton Newell will back him up. Freedom Akinmoladun has an end spot, with Ben Stille, who led the Huskers in sacks in 2017 as a freshman, manning the opposite side. Khalil Davis, Carlos Davis, Denotre Thomas, Daishon Neal and Chris Walker back up. Luke Gifford when healthy is an outstanding player, who takes an OLB spot. Tyrin Ferguson and Alex Davis are opposite. True freshman Caleb Tanner has looked real good in fall camp and is too talented to redshirt. Guy Thomas is backing up, kind of a tweener in this new scheme, but a talented player. Breon Dixon, an Ole Miss transfer, had a great spring but stalled out a bit in fall camp, but we consider him solid. Inside, a problem area appears to have some answers. Dedrick Young, the teams top returning tackler, has a great offseason ans is primed to excel. Mohammed Barry has fought his way to a starting spot, a locker room leader who is ready to go. JUCO transfer Will Honas, the versatile Colin Miller and legacy player Jacob Weinmaster back up, giving the Big Red quality depth. Lamar Jackson, with all the physical tools, did not play well at corner last year. Like the rest of the defensive, some of it was the scheme. But he must improve, or he will sit down.  Jackson will start the season as the starter at CB, but if the performance is not there, the coaches will not hesitate to sit him. Dicaprio Bootle, a talented sophomore from Miami, really came on last year and is solid at the other corner. Two talented true freshman, Cam Taylor and Braxton Clark (Orlando Dr. Phillips HS) are pushing for time, with Taylor thought of as a future national honors candidate. Eric Lee, Jeremy Stovall , Avery Anderson and Tony Butler are backups. After two knee surgeries, JoJo Domann, who has looked spectacular when healthy, is set to play at SS behind Tre Neal, a UCF grad transfer who has full command of the system and terminology. Neal made some big plays for Chinander and the Knights last year, and his influence on the defensive unit will be invaluable. Marquell Dismuke is stout and ready to go as well. Antonio Reed, a linebacker/safety, will get the start with Aaron Williams, a quality player and team leader with many starts under his belt who is battling injuries, available. JUCO Transfer Deontai Williams is high quality and looking for an opportunity. If things come together, this unit will be very much improved, and with the offense expected to be potent, the defense may be good enough to win the day. It certainly cannot be any worse than the unit was a year ago, and it won't be.  The unit will get better as the season goes on, and will be noticeable in the hunger and spirit fans in Nebraska used to appreciate.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Even with quality players, the Cornhusker special teams seemed to disappoint in 2017. Caleb Lightbourn averaged 42.1 per punt last year, which is certainly decent and grounds for potential B1G honors. Barret Pickering takes over the place kicking duties. The return game has a chance to improve. JD Speilman will again return kickoffs, joined by Jaron Woodyard and the electric Maurice Washington. Spielman and Tyjon Lindsey will handle punt returns.

INTANGIBLES

Some 50 new players are on the team, joining an entirely new coaching staff. Although Frost is a former Husker and familiar with the Nebraska way, this amount of turnover is certain to have some kinks that require working out. However, the schemes are more player friendly, and interaction between the coaches and players since Frost's arrival seem very much improved. They are having fun, competing with each other but forming bonds as brothers and teammates. This is all good! The culture is changing quickly, and everyone has skin in the game. We anticipate the intangibles move promptly in a positive noticeable direction.

HONORS CANDIDATES

While Nebraska will be emerging in 2018 under Scott Frost, there is not a long list of players who are predicted to challenge for national honors. The leading candidate for achieving recognition would be WR Stanley Morgan, Jr. Morgan is certainly worthy, but we wonder how many touches he might get. Same holds true for WR JD Spielman. LB Dedrick Young may make All B1G as m ay G Jerald Foster. Several newcomers will be talked about, but national honors may be too distant at this time.

NEW ARRIVALS

RB Maurice Washington and QB Adrian Martinez
Photo/Nebraska247Sports

Frost did a great job recruiting after getting the job. Tops among the newcomers, primarily due to the importance of the position, is quarterback Adrian Martinez, who will be integral to the success of the team. RB Maurice Washington is a special talent, who may be a game changer right out of the gate. Versatile athlete Miles Jones may get snaps.Receivers Mike Williams, Andre Hunt and Jaron Woodyard will play, and Greg Bell is the top tailback. On defense, UCF graduate transfer Tre Neal is a real important cog in the defensive unit, arriving as a leader with vast knowledge and experience of the defensive scheme Chinander will employ. Caleb Tannor, Braxton Clark, Cam Taylor, Deonati Williams and Will Honas will all figure prominently on the defensive side. We wonder if Moses Bryant, a preferred walkon, will emerge somewhere. These are exciting times.  

FINAL ANALYSIS

If ever there was a perfect candidate for a search for a head football coach for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, that man is favorite son Scott Frost. Spend five minutes with this man, and you will know that he is a principled and caring individual, a humble but intoxicating presence that while demanding the best from those around him, understands that hard work and integrity that take individuals, and teammates, a long way. He is indeed a perfect fit for Nebraska. for even if he does not reach the pinnacle of success all Huskers hope for, he will be leading this team the way Nebraskans want it led, something they all can be proud of. Don't worry, Frost will win and win big, quickly. The schedule in 2018 is difficult. An home opener against Akron should be the ultimate fell good game. Former Big 8 rival Colorado comes in, and although the Buffaloes are not bad, Nebraska should win. Troy, who upset LSU on the road last year, comes to Lincoln, and this game may be a tough one, but the Huskers should win it. Nebraska then travels to Michigan, who finally seems to be built to challenge for a playoff spot. Nebraska may scare Michigan, but this seems too much too early for the Big Red. Purdue, much improved, comes to Lincoln, but the game is the week before a trip to Wisconsin, so this is an example of the old trap game. It might be a tough one, but with so many players fighting for jobs, the Huskers will win it. At Wisconsin is another thing. Nebraska can win it, as Wisconsin sometimes fails to flex their muscle, but the Badgers running game is stout. So we got Nebraska 4-2 traveling to Northwestern, where Nebraska has played well in recent years. The Huskers get that done, and then pound Minnesota in Lincoln in a revenge game. Nebraska is 6-2 going to Ohio State, who is a potential playoff team if they can keep their house clean. Nebraska beats Illinois and is 7-3 before hosting Michigan State. By this time, we have Nebraska clicking, and Michigan State does not play well at Lincoln, so we got Nebraska winning that. The Huskers then travel to Iowa to close the regular season, and the Hawkeyes play well at home. Most will see Nebraska 8-4 at this point, but we again think Nebraska is got it going and we think they take down Iowa. This has Nebraska at 9-3, already sending signals that in 2019 and beyond the Big Red will be back as the Frostification of America sets in.

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