Pro Football - Does Seattle Have Too Many Stars and Not Enough Football Players?

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Whatever bloom was on the Seattle Seahawks football team has officially faded with the soon to be falling leaves of autumn. It was nice while it lasted. Fans were gifted with 4 consecutive National Football Conference West Division titles, a NFC championship and a Super Bowl appearance.

The apex of Seattle's rise to prominence was 2005 when the Seahawks went 13-3, won the NFC Division title, won the NFC championship and played Pittsburgh in Super Bowl 40 (XL for the Roman numeral freaks), losing to the Steelers 21-10.

This year the Hawks started the season with an eye on returning to the Super Bowl and winning, which would have given Mike Holmgren his second Super Bowl victory in his last season before leaving Seattle to take a year off. Holmgren would have gone down as the only NFL head coach to take two different teams to the Super Bowl and win.

Here is what Seahawks have done so far: They traveled to Buffalo and got their tails whipped by the Bills 34-10. They lost 33-30 in overtime in their home opener against San Francisco. They managed to beat St. Louis at home 37-13 (an almost turnaround). They took a bye week. They traveled to New York and got humiliated by the Giants 44-6. They spent last Sunday (10-12-08) losing to Green Bay at home 27-17.

I was at the Green Bay game watching the current mess called the Seattle Seahawks. After Green Bay scored a touchdown to go up 24-10 with approximately 11 minutes left in the 4th quarter, I got up and left with my friend. Thousands of fans literally got up and left with me.

After 50+ years of watching football games, covering football as a sports editor for a daily newspaper and being a lifelong fan, I can tell when players have tanked it in and could not come back and win if their life depended on it. I was right, they eventually lost 27-17.

Whatever magic Seattle has had in the past has gotten up and left the franchise. The Seahawks are terrible right now. They could get better but they will still stink.

Some fans think the Seahawks' demise is because of an inordinate number of injuries to wide receivers or a banged up quarterback Matt Hasselbeck who is probably lucky to be able to get out of a chair at the moment.

The team returned all 11 starters from last year's defensive unit, but someone forgot to tell them that they still have to play again this year. They are not where they need to be, they look dazed and confused, and even All-Pro, lock-down cornerback Marcus Trufant could not stop Green Bay's Greg Jennings from scoring on a 45-yard touchdown pass.

All of which causes me to ask a simple question: Does Seattle have too many stars and not enough football players?

Think about it. There is Walter Jones, arguably the best left tackle in the history of the NFL. There is Matt Hasselbeck, one of the best quarterbacks. There is Lofa Tatupu and Julian Peterson, two of the best linebackers in the NFL. There is Leroy Hill, who many fans think is as good as Tatupu or Peterson, and some think even better. There is Marcus Trufant, a lock-down corner.

At least 5 of these stars have big time contracts, only Leroy Hill, who will become a free agent this year, does not.

Noticeably missing from the 2005 banner team is guard Steve Hutchinson (gone to the Minnesota Vikings in a salary tiff) and running back Shaun Alexander (former NFL Most Valuable Player in 2005 who just signed with the Washington Redskins as a back-up).

It is easy to get caught up in the press clippings and even easier to ease up when you make big money. It takes no talent whatsoever to blow assignments. It takes a lot of talent to stay on top year after year, game after game, and play after play.

No one goes very far without talent, and some players do not go very far with talent. What separates the great players from the good players from the average players?

Consider at least 4 things: 1) Talent. 2) Focus. 3) Consistency. 4) A white heat, deep down burning inside to be the best of the best and ahead of the rest. If you have no idea what I am talking about, watch some game film of Brett Favre (pronounced Farve).

There have been more talented quarterbacks than Brett Favre, but none have been tougher, played harder or gone farther. The statistics tell the story, but there is no measure for Favre's heart, desire and pure joy on a football field. No wonder he cannot stay retired.

The Seahawks might need a little less of the "it's all about me" attitude and a little more of the "we are one" mentality. Teams win games and titles, not individuals. There is no sport that requires so much teamwork to succeed as football.

The Seahawk players-not the coaches or fans-need to decide if they are going to be a team of players with stars, or a team of players that wins.

Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley

Footballshirt Blog

Leicester City FC League One Champions Celebrations! 24/04/09

Leicester City players and staff receiving their medals and the Football League 1 trophy on Friday 24/04/09 after becoming Champions and winning promotion to The Championship. Leicester City FC, League One, Champions, Celebrations, 24/04/09, Football, Soccer, Friday, Winners, Kings, Sport, Walkers Stadium, Matty Fryatt, Steve Howard, Matt Oakley, Captain, Stage, Lap Of Honour, millzi, millzi69, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Premier League, Championship, ITV, ITV1, Sky Sports News, Sky Sports, Mid-Week, Britains Got Talent, Britains Got Leicester, Nigel Pearson, Milan Mandaric, Jack Hobbs, Radio, Tele, TV, Television, Midlands, Wolves, Promoted, Promotion, Crash, Fail, Pass, People, Crowd, Coca Cola, Wives and Girlfriends, WAG, WAGS, Wife, Girlfriend, Wifes & Girlfriends

Thaiboxingsite SHOW SPUR

Kasabian Football Hero

Get the album at Amazon - bit.ly An experiment to create a giant (three stories high!) guitar game controlled with footballs. Football Hero is played by a team of insanely gifted young freestyle footballers. The game is programmed with the Kasabian track Underdog. Download Underdog from iTunes - bit.ly The freestyle footballers are: Paul Wood, Paul Klein, Darryl Stewart, Tom Pett, Lewis Foster & Harry Adcroft - see bit.ly for more info.

I LIKE TO FISHING SHOW SPUR

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa - Game Introductions

See more IGN videos at video.ign.com - Feel the energy of the sports world's biggest stage.

I LIKE TO FISHING SHOW SPUR

gridiron assemblage 20/21

Finally uploaded !!! After so many days !! Damn part !

Thaiboxingsite

Monday Night Football's Memorable Moments

Monday Night Football, because of it being shown in prime time, has long been considered the biggest regular season stage a football player or team can play on. During its thirty-six year stint on ABC, Monday Night Football became the second longest running prime time show in history, behind only 60 Minutes. Throughout its run, Monday Night Football has played host to some of the best and most competitive NFL games ever. Here is a look at some of the more memorable games played, as well as moments relived, on Monday Night Football.

The first Monday Night Football game was played on September 21st, 1970 and pitted the Cleveland Browns against the New York Jets in Cleveland. The Browns won by a score of 31-21 over New York and the rest was history.

During an October 29th, 1973 game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, MNF announcer "Dandy" Don Meredith had been drinking and uttered the infamous phrase "We're in the Mile High City, and I sure am".

On November 27th, 1978 the San Francisco 49ers hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers; earlier in the day San Francisco mayor George Moscone and city superintendent Harvey Milk had been murdered.

During a Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots game on December 8th, 1980, announcer Howard Cosell broke the news to the entire nation that former Beatle John Lennon had been murdered in front of his apartment in New York City.

Midway through the December 5th, 1983 game between the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys, Howard Cosell referred to Redskins receiver Alvin Garret (who is African American) as a "little monkey". The commotion surrounding this event led to Cosell stepping down from Monday Night Football following the 1983 season.

On October 17th, 1983 the Packers and Redskins played the highest scoring game in Monday Night Football history with the Packers winning by a score of 48-47.

One week later, on October 24th, 1983 the New York Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals played to the first and only tie game in Monday Night Football history with score being 20-20 after overtime.

The famous 1985 game between the Redskins and the Giants where Lawrence Taylor sacked Joe Theismann, breaking his leg and ending his career was shown on Monday Night Football.

Later in 1985, Monday Night Football would be the stage where the unbeaten 1985 Chicago Bears, on their way to a Super Bowl Championship, would sustain their only loss of the season to the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins would again make Monday Night Football history the very next year when they were part of the biggest blow out ever on Monday Night Football. The Dolphins played the 10-1 New York Jets but defeated them by a score of 45-3.

On October 17th, 1994 Monday Night Football hosted a duel for the ages. Joe Montana brought his Kansas City Chiefs into a game against the Denver Broncos led by John Elway. The Broncos were trailing 24-21 with 1:29 left in the game when Elway ran the ball into the endzone from four yards out giving his team the lead 28-24. Joe Montana then took his team on a 75 yard drive ending with a touchdown with 8 seconds remaining in the game giving the Chiefs a 31-28 victory.

On October 23rd, 2000 the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets would again participate in a memorable battle. In the 4th quarter the score was 30-7 in favor of the Miami Dolphins. Vinny Testaverde went on to lead the Jets in scoring 23 consecutive 4th quarter points to tie the game up. Then, Jets kicker John Hall kicked an overtime field goal for the victory making it not only the longest 4th quarter comeback in Monday Night Football history, but the second longest in NFL history.

In an October 6th, 2003 game between the Buccaneers and Colts, the Colts overcame a 35-14 deficit with 3:43 remaining to tie the game and then win it in overtime.

On December 22, 2003, the Brett Favre of the Packers dismantled the Oakland Raiders by throwing for four first half touchdowns and 399 yards in the game resulting in a 41-7 victory. This game came one day after Favre's father had passed away.

On December 5th, 2005 the Seahawks shutout of the Eagles by a score of 42-0, tied the mark at the time for largest margin of victory in a Monday Night Football game. The game featured the Seahawks scoring three defensive touchdowns.

Monday Night Football has been host to some of the best games and most memorable moments in NFL history. Though the game is now brought to us by ESPN, football fans every where hope that tradition stays the same.

LIVERPOOL SHIRT HISTORY CHELSEA FOOTBALL SHIRT HISTORY SHOW SPUR

Simply Devine (Sophomore Noel Devine Highlights)

years unofficial Noel Devine (2008) show that a coil on Smokingmusket.com A DougityDog Media & ZproductionZ (intro Featured) collaboration with the most exciting running back in the game also described the object: EDPS www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com Mike Casazza Charleston Daily Mail WVU Sports Blog blogs.dailymail.com check my channel for more than WVU and Noel Devine Videos

Footballshirt Blog Thaiboxingsite

Craps Out at Last Second LSU loses to Ole Miss

LSU Craps out at the last second and let the clock run out before they can kick the game winning field goal.

SHOW SOCCER Footballshirt Blog CHELSEA FOOTBALL SHIRT HISTORY

Freak Accident at Football Match!

A sudden gust of wind pulls out the sign boards on the side of the field and blows them viciously across the pitch, hitting the linesman and a few players!

LIVERPOOL SHIRT HISTORY SHOW SPUR I LIKE TO FISHING

1983 Aberdeen FC - Euro Giants

3-2 v Bayern 5-1 v Waterschei 2-1 v Real Madrid 2-0 v Hamburg

Footballshirt Blog I LIKE TO FISHING SHOW SPUR

General Facts About Free Online Poker Games

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Many people are quite familiar with TV shows that feature people playing poker before a live audience. This is one exciting show for many poker enthusiasts. With the increasing popular of these shows, many people have also turned their attention to playing poker games on-line. The good thing about these games is that they are extremely accessible-you can play at any time of the day. You can also try playing those free online poker games if you are still quite hesitant to use real money. Either way, the experience is both thrilling and exciting. Enormous number of ring games of varying levels is also available. The sizes of tournaments can also lead to overwhelming thousands of dollars worth of entrants.

Firstly, you have to learn the basic and the general information about the virtual world of online poker tournaments. If you are worried about the venue, then try looking one up via the Web and you will be astonished to find the existing 200 poker rooms. The best way to find one is by visiting an on-line poker website. Famous games to date include the Omaha High, Triple Draw and the Five-card Draw. Not only you will find a good poker room online, you will also be able to access hundred and thousands of useful information regarding this game.

Playing free online poker games has a lot of advantages also as compared to real -life game. First of all, you are not required to tip even if you win yourself a hand while at a brick-and-mortar or B&M room. This automatically means more money for you. There isn't any server so you won't be served with a drink which again is an advantage simply because you don't need to tip anyone. Trying these poker games on-line can help your enhance your skills and offers you're the possibility of creating your bankroll. You may also find websites that can provide you're the thrilling experience of playing poker with 'play money'. If you are lucky enough, you may get yourself some free roles that you could convert to real dollars when you win.

When you opt to play free online poker games, you may give yourself a taste of the real game by engaging in smaller games of 01/.02 -.25/.50 This is even more realistic that the other types of poker games. As you play along, remember to be keener and try to capture some of the maneuvers.

Footballshirt Blog

Missouri's Jeremy Maclin prepares for the NFL Draft. Part 3: Training

Take a journey through Missouri Tigers wide receiver Jeremy Maclin's workout sheet, step by step, from the sled pull to the depth drop to the 40-yard dash, culminating with Pro Day in March. From the Columbia Missourian's six-part video series.

CHELSEA FOOTBALL SHIRT HISTORY Footballshirt Blog SHOW SOCCER

Building Cohesiveness and Chemistry in Your Youth Football Team

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Building Chemistry When Coaching Youth Football

The best youth football coaches are not only very good X and O guys and great teachers, they are outstanding at bringing their teams together. One of the best I've seen at doing that is my friend Tony Holland from Baltimore. Tony has been using our system for the last 3 years and has had some amazing results. He has some very unique techniques he uses to bring his teams together. Tony is a voracious learner and has taken some concepts he has used so successfully in his business and applied it to his youth football team to make it better and improve the experience for his kids.

Laying the Foundation of Your Youth Football Team

Like us, Tony divides his team into multiple groups of 5-6 players. We do the same and assign a coach to each group and allow the group to name their little "team". By organizing your team in this way the kids feel more connected. When you are running circuit type drills and take a break, it is much easier calling out each group by name and sending that group to the next station. The kids often take pride in their little group. We've found when doing competitive drills or the fun team building drills from the group, the kids have more fun and effort greater when there is competition between groups. By keeping kids in those smaller groups, the kids connect quicker and deeper which in turn improves their fun and commitment levels.

Laying The Solid Rock Foundation

Tony takes this a step further. Before the season, Tony goes to Walmart and buys a bunch of small smooth round rocks. His team is the Ravens, so Tony spray paints each rock purple and puts Ravens stickers on each rock. After each practice the coach of each of the groups awards a rock to one player in his group who has listened the best and efforted the hardest. Each coach hands out the rock to his group winner before the entire team at the end of each practice. Tony said his kids go nuts over getting these little rocks. He calls the effort the kids put during practice as the foundation (rock) of success for his team. The foundation is built with the help of these strong little rocks that cost Tony less than .25 each.

Lifetime Lessons From Youth Football

These simple and inexpensive rocks are treasured by Tony's players. One player in fact was moving and mentioned to Tony he had put his treasured rocks in a box and made sure he got them to his new house. It was as if these rocks were his most treasured possession. He told Tony "I'm keeping my rocks forever"m which brought a huge and knowing smile to the lips of my buddy Tony. The teams parents even bought in after some initial skepticism and now are all for it after seeing the results.

Just think about this kid, 40 years from now in 2048, this same kid is moving again. He is now 49 years old and loading his belongings into the moving truck. he takes a look at that last small box from the attic. In that box are a few old scrapbooks, some old kids trophies and his little box of treasured rocks from Tony Holland, he got back in 2008. 40 years from now that player will still remember Tony and his lessons on effort, commitment and team work. How many other people are going to remember you 40 years from now? Think about that.

If you are coaching youth football, my good friend Tony is definitely one of the guys you want to emulate if you want those kind of permanent lessons ingrained into your players.

LIVERPOOL SHIRT HISTORY

USC-ND '74 - The Anthony Davis Game

Notre Dame was killing USC 24-0 with a minute left in first half of the 1974 game in Los Angeles. Anthony Davis caught a TD pass to close out the half, then returned the 2nd half kickoff for a touchdown, and USC ran off 55 straight points in 17 minutes. 55-24 final score. Video orignially from www.mothcontrol.com

I LIKE TO FISHING SHOW SPUR Footballshirt Blog

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Will and Carlton's aftermost dance

A memorable scene from the final episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air series. This show is one of the best. Comments and ratings are appreciated.

SHOW SOCCER

Coaching Youth Football - Offensive Line

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The offensive lineman is the unsung hero of any good offense. He is not always recognized as the hero of the game. But without him the backs can't run anywhere. NO line, NO scoring, NO winning. This tells me the better the offensive line the better the team. The offensive line is a team within a team. They have to play as a unit from left end to right end. They can and should help each other. They MUST work together.

The offensive lineman must have the determination and the mental discipline to practice different blocking assignments constantly. His blocks must be correct on every play and that can only be achieved through working hard everyday at practice. There are no shortcuts in this respect. You must practice hard if you want to get better.

Blocking is the key to any offensive game. Good offensive line play is based on a good stance, an explosive start, body control, correct hitting position on contact , delivery of a forceful block and driving your legs. The line must come off the ball as one. Explode with the snap, staying low, make contact, bring forearms and shoulders up and into his man, keeping his legs under himself and moving, driving his man out.

Remember he doesn't have to move the defensive man too far to open up the hole. You might have to move him left or right and you always want to move him back. To do this keep your body square and use short choppy steps.

LIVERPOOL SHIRT HISTORY SHOW SPUR Thaiboxingsite

Best College Football Pump Up Video

For anyone who wants to get pumped up for the upcoming college football season....this is guaranteed to get the blood flowing!!!!!!!

CHELSEA FOOTBALL SHIRT HISTORY

Basics of Football: How to Tackle

In football, the attacks by the mask of an opponent's chest taken, follow-up, pull and lift the hips. Discover how to deal with the help of a soccer coach in this free video on football grounds. Expert: Otis St. Clair Contact: www.showtimesportsacademy.com Bio: Otis St. Clair is a former collegiate wide receiver at Ohio University. He is currently a football manager and Operations Manager at Showtime Sports Academy near Nashville, Tennessee. Filmmaker: Tim Brown

LIVERPOOL SHIRT HISTORY SHOW SOCCER I LIKE TO FISHING

Writing For Writers - The Second Greatest Secret to Writing

Image : http://www.flickr.com

What is the secret of the best writers know that most writers know? 'S with a great hook, with impeccable grammar or writing a great land? Although all these tools are great writers, are not available to write the second biggest secret.

The second greatest mystery is always writing to give their best effort. The great writers never give less than their best effort.

When I was in high school I played football team. We practiced for several weeksbefore the first game was played. Those who gave their best effort during practice usually played their best during a game. Those who gave halfhearted effort during practice usually gave a second rate performance during games.

Oh, there were a few players with enough natural talent to outplay most of their peers, but their skills did not improve during the season. By the end of the season players with less talent who put forth their best effort would many times outplay more talented Players.

What makes football to do with writing? Simply this, whatever a man sow. When a writer discs less its best efforts will never achieve its potential and deceives himself and his readers. Even with talented writers need to improve to become great writers.

* The number

The writers who strive to put forth will continue to grow. They are working on their weaknesses. If you have problems with the other character development, I will readwriters who excel in character development. If they lack in grammar skills they will continue to improve their grammar. Great writers know that constant improvement is necessary for excellence in writing.

By putting his best effort forward every time a poor writer can become a fair writer, a fair writer can become a good writer, and a good writer can become a great writer. Great writers always put forth their best efforts.

Copyright 2010 J-me

Footballshirt Blog SHOW SPUR

Georgia Bulldogs Score video card (2008) Saturday Alright Anti

georgiasports.blogspot.com Watch in "High Quality" It 's so much better. (Of course this is not the official scoreboard video) did last year UGA scoreboard video pre-game, and I worked the entire length of Nickelback's version of Elton John's Saturday Evening's All Right for Fighting. Also, I added more Munson and Scott Howard highlight clips. The audio transition at the beginning is a bit 'risky, but not so bad. I have all the clips I wanted except for the Mikey Hendersoncatch against Bama. UGA vs. LSU Several clips have been added and several Auburn 2007 Blackout highlights. Knowshon Moreno and Matthew Stafford lots of clips and also the party than the Florida Gators. Go Dawgs. College Football, can not come soon enough.

SHOW SOCCER

Football has developed useful skills

Football is the most popular sport in the world with its large stage, the World Cup every four years. Many of the players can be huge celebrity world, where good results during the World Cup. Fans worldwide travel, just to make sure they see their favorite team play. This type of excitement can not be football. Be reproduced by any other sport in the world has a great job building many different skills in young children.These skills can help progress in football, other sports and in life in general.

physical skills that calcium helps children develop some, are speed, quickness, balance, endurance and strength. 'Soccer players have the skills to be able to age the game too young. Players who develop these skills useful when they are young, have a great opportunity to blossom into a star in later life. Many of these children is thatSkills and use them in other sports. The skills acquired in football can translate well in almost all sports. Player of American football, basketball, baseball players and even hockey players can enjoy football at an early age. One of my favorite basketball player of all time, Hakeem Olajuwon grew up, football in Africa. He conducted his great balance and coordination, many years to play football. II believe that every child should grow up in a football game because I think it can help them in future life.

Football can also teach children many life lessons that she looks up, as they get older. Children learn better with others, because when they communicate calcium with his teammates. You want to win, have the opportunity to learn, including children, how to be humble winners and losers did, because they have all the advance workof emotions, to engage with the sport. Also teaches children the value of determination and hard work, successful only because most determined and hard working team. All these skills that children learn at a young age to help shape the future leaders.

I LIKE TO FISHING

John Vaughn Story - 2006 Auburn vs LSU Game - 09/16/06

Visit my site for LSU-Auburn Rivalry www.squidoo.com John Vaughn Story - 2006 Auburn vs LSU Game - 09/16/06

LIVERPOOL SHIRT HISTORY SHOW SPUR

Football Shirts For Football Fans

Image : http://www.flickr.com

It is always good to express your interest in any sport you like through its merchandise. As far as sports are concerned, merchandise definitely plays a significant role in portraying the person as a fan. Many people buy products supporting the player or team of their choice. In football, players are distinguished by the shirts what they wear. The trademark of a team is in its team logo that is printed on the jersey of every player along with their names and numbers that help in distinguishing them from each other. Football fanatics usually buy football shirts of their favorite team so that they can show their support to everyone.

Get The Best Football Shirts. A good sports equipment store will definitely have football shirts for every team that people support. These shirts are generally inexpensive and may be worn at any time of the day. Before, these shirts were made up of heavy materials like cotton. But nowadays you find them made of polyester and nylon, which makes them more comfortable and much lighter to wear. The fabric of the football shirts allows users to enjoy the weather while watching a football match.

When you go to a field for watching a football match, you will meet other fans supporting the same team. Your shirt will help people know which team you are supporting. The shirts are patterned with the trademark colors of the team and their logo is also imprinted on them. If a shirt is meant for a specific football player, then the name of the player is also printed on the back of the shirt, along with his number.

Online outlets available. If you are in a sport equipments store to buy football shirts, you should be able to differentiate between the real one and imitation. To know if the shirts are real or not, you must examine its fabric first. The football shirt must feel silky as well as soft and cloth must have certain shine with it. Then you need to ensure that the color and logo of the shirt is not faded but accurate. Lazy stitching and inapt shapes is a give away for fake logos. Misspelled player's name, wrong number of the player is some obvious sign of fake football shirts. These are some of the glaring mistakes done by fakes intentionally.

The fans need to be careful of buying a fake football shirt if they do not want to be a laughing stock of the community of football fans. For a die-hard soccer enthusiast, football shirt with one's favourite team logo is necessary and one should buy original football shirts and support one's team. While choosing the best football shirts, it is essential to choose quality football accessory stores that offer original clothes and related paraphernalia. One can buy football shirts from the Internet without venturing out from one's home or office. Choose the best online store and get original shirts. Stay away from fakes and get the best stuff from quality football memorabilia and sports good shop.

Footballshirt Blog LIVERPOOL SHIRT HISTORY

How American Football Got Started

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Football points can be scored in many different ways, including catching a pass over the goal line, carrying the ball over the goal line, tackling a football player in his own end zone, or a kicker kicking the football through the goal posts on the opposing side. The football team with the highest score when the game is over is the team that wins the game. American football is also played in other countries outside the United States. Their are National football leagues that are in Sweden, Isreal, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom as well as Mexico, and a few that are in Pacific Island nations. The NFL had a developmental league in Europe from 91-92 and 95-06.

American football history can be found in the early versions of soccer and rugby. Both types of games have origins in different types of football that was played in the UK from the mid 19th century, in which the ball was run over a line or the ball was kicked at the goal. American football as well as soccer is played with 22 players on the field that they play on. Some terms from player positions from soccer are used today in American football such as fullback and halfback.

Rugby and American football do have a few major differences, some of the rule changes were started by Walter Camp who people would call the Father of American Football. Some of the Major changes that Walter Camp made were down and distance and line of scrimmage as well as the rule of down and distance. College coaches like Glen Pop Warner, Amos Alonzo Stagg and Knute Rockne in the late 19th and 20th centuries changed the gameplay by intoducing the forward pass. College football grew in popularity and was the dominant version of football for the first part of the 20th century. College football had a huge national audiences with the football Bowl games. College football had big rivalries as it does today in the United States.

From the year 1892 the origin of professional football can be traced back to, with a $500 contract to play football William "Pudge Heffelfinger played football for the Allegheny Athletic Association playing against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. The american Professional Football started in 1920. The first football game was played in 1920 in Dayton, Ohio on the 3rd of October with the Triangles winning the game by a score of 14-10 against the Columbus Panhandles. Two years later the football league changed the name to National Football League which is known as the NFL and would become the major league of American football. Professional football eventually became a national phenomenon after starting out the sport in the US industrial towns and Midwestern towns. Football after it's NFL Championship Game in 1958 grew in popularity, the game that was known as the "Greatest Game Ever Played. The American Football League also known as the AFL started in 1960 a rival football league to the National Football League, with the pressure it put between the two football leagues before the merger of the two leagues is how the start of the Super Bowl game began. The Super Bowl turned out to be the most watched television event each and every year in the United States.

SHOW SOCCER CHELSEA FOOTBALL SHIRT HISTORY Thaiboxingsite

Flag Football Domination - 10 Ways to Destroy Your Flag Football Opponents

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Spring is here, and with it the long awaited thaw and return of football. But before you stumble blindly into another mediocre flag football experience, check out ten ways to dominate the league this year:

1. The Pitch

If your league calls the ball dead when it hits the ground (and most do), you absolutely must take advantage of the lateral - it can turn a loss of yards into a touchdown. Every play, your players should be thinking pitch.

2. A Powerful Rush

Don't make the mistake of using "leftover" players as rushers. Instead, use your best athletes to rush - it will pay off. A nasty rush can completely neutralize a QB and demoralizes the opposing offense.

3. Adjustments

A flexible team is a winning team. Spend time planning so you're not trying to invent your strategy on the field. Here are some things to develop:

- A plan for an overwhelming rush (releasing blockers, quick passes, pitches)

- A plan for a team that doesn't rush (QB sneaks, two-move routes)

- A dominant defense (zone or man, blitzes, audibles)

- A plan to handle a fast, shifty QB (extra rushers,

4. A Good Playbook

Nine times out of ten a good scheme will beat raw athleticism. You need organization and plays. If you're not inclined (or simply don't have time) to create an entire playbook, try a site like Flag Football Ninja.

5. Simple Rotations

If you have a big team, game-time rotation can become utter chaos. Figure out an efficient, organized way to substitute players through. Avoid team politics by spreading the talent around the rotation instead of having your "starters" out first. A backup squad with no playmakers is useless to put out on the field at almost any point in the game.

6. Defense

Defense wins championships. Generally, teams of 5 or fewer should be playing a man-to-man defense unless the field is small. A zone can work with a bigger team. Every defense will have its weak spots, but giving the QB too much time is unacceptable. So send your rushers as often as you can, and use the blitz aggressively to keep the QB on the run. Also, a zone with completely fall apart if your defenders don't stick to their spots.

7. Timing

This, unfortunately, requires practice. But if your QB can master a handful of routes (or even a couple), throwing just as the receiver cuts, you can build a championship offense. A QB who can pair accuracy and timing can't be stopped.

8. Rhythm

Everyone wants to huck it deep. While there is much to be said for having some long plays in your arsenal, by and large, you will fare much better with shorter, consistent plays. A relentless short game will wear down the defense much more effectively than a few long plays, and successive completions batter the opponents psyche as well.

9. Experiment early

Regardless of how good your scheme is entering the season, you will be better if you adjust after each game. Each team has its own chemistry. Building on the concept of flexibility, try as many plays and schemes as you can early in the season, but by playoff time you should have distilled down what works best for your team. After a few weeks of regular season play, you should know what works and what looked better on paper than on the field.

10. Flag Pulling

Nothing is more important in flag football than being able to pull the flag. Again, nothing is more important in flag football than being able to pull the flag. This sounds dumb, but time and time again, short dump passes turn into touchdowns because of missed pulls.

Try the following:

· Don't Wait Flat-Footed: If you wait for the ball carrier to pass at full speed while you flail and swipe at the flags, you are setting yourself up for disaster. Instead, meet the ball carrier as early as possible, and move with the ball carrier while you pull the flags.

· Get in the Way: Most flag leagues do not allow (much) contact. That is why it can be especially helpful to stand in the way of the ball carrier while trying to pull the flag. They can't bull you over; they have to go around. This slows them down and gives you more time to pull the flag.

· Pursuit: If everyone on your team pursues the play, you will win more games. You'll have fewer breakaways because if one guy misses the flag, another is right there.

Follow these tips, and you'll be on your way to your own championships.

Thaiboxingsite SHOW SPUR SHOW SOCCER

College Football´s Hardest Hits 2009

Enjoy!!!!!

Thaiboxingsite SHOW SOCCER SHOW SPUR

CJ Spiller Tribute

Tribute to #28 CJ Spiller.. Comments from first one- "such an excellent video bruh." "it's a hecka good video" "Incredible video dude.... Hope CJ dominates in the NFL" "One of the best CFB players ever, easily.. no argument." "nice vid crazypaul101! both videos you have done are very nicely put together." "Thanks for a great 4 years CJ, you will be missed. I can't wait to watch you play on Sundays. You're a Big part of the Clemson Family." "best video on youtube hands down" "Incredible video dude... CJ is by far the most Amazing player in College Football... and continues to be underated.... can't wait untill he proves all of those CJ haters wrong...and dominates in the NFL...and wins Rookie of the year...then Cashes that Check...then gives it to the Church... what a awesome person CJ is...and Thank you CJ... God Bless" "Awesome vid." "Thanks CJ for all you have done for Clemson University and we can't wait to watch you play in the NFL." "Nice video, the others are good as well."

Footballshirt Blog

Ohio State Buckeyes 2008 College Football Team Preview

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Ohio State's last two seasons ended in heartbreak with losses in the national title game. Two years ago, Florida routed the Buckeyes, 41-14. Last season, it was another SEC foe, LSU, who stomped Ohio State, 38-24. With almost all starters returning, I expect Ohio State to make another run at the national championship.

Junior running back Chris "Beanie" Wells is coming off a season in which he ran for over 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns. Included in that yardage total is a 222-yard performance against rival Michigan. It stands as the best rushing performance ever for a Buckeye against Michigan. Wells also tallied 146 yards in the BCS National Championship Game against LSU.

Quarterback Todd Boeckman returns for his senior season. With Wells in the backfield and a veteran offensive line protecting him, Boeckman should have little trouble getting the ball to his favorite targets, wide receivers Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. Robiskie led the team last season with 55 catches for 935 yards and 11 touchdowns. Hartline wasn't too far behind Robiskie with 52 receptions of his own. Robiskie and Hartline must stay healthy because Ohio State has no clear third receiving threat at this time.

Defensively, the Buckeyes were nearly invincible last season. Ohio State ranked first nationally in points allowed per game (12.8), passing yards allowed per game (150.2) and total yards per game (233). They were also third nationally in rushing yards allowed per game (82.9).

Ohio State plays a 4-3 defense that gets regular pressure on passing downs and reroutes running plays to the middle where linebacker James Laurinaitis resides. Laurinaitis, a Butkus Award winner, has size, speed and all the intangibles. Outside linebacker Marcus Freeman has been second on the team in tackles (behind Laurinaitis) each of the last two seasons and I can easily see that happening again this season.

Ohio State is deep along the defensive line, which will allow them to keep fresh bodies on the field at all times. The secondary is also very talented with all four starters returning, including Thorpe Award candidate Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins, a senior cornerback, will be joined in the secondary by fellow cornerback Donald Washington and safeties Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell.

Ohio State should see improvement in their kick return coverage this season with the return of Aaron Pettrey, who was injured for a majority of last season. Punter A.J. Trapasso also returns. Trapasso is very skilled at placing kicks inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Ryan Pretorius, an accurate kicker, is also back for his senior season.

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see this team back in the national title game for the third straight year. They have nine starters returning on both sides of the ball, including some All-American candidates. They also have head coach Jim Tressel, who has already won a Division I-A national title.

The defense should be fierce once again, even without Vernon Gholston. If the offense can sustain drives and limit turnovers (Boeckman threw 14 interceptions last season and Wells has a history of fumbling), then I can see Ohio State right back in the national title game in January 2009.

SHOW SPUR CHELSEA FOOTBALL SHIRT HISTORY

The Game-102 {The Rules of the Game} (2/2)

Melanie attends the first Saber Sunbeam meeting of the season, only to learn that unlike the wives, football players "girlfriends" are not considered legitimate and are treated as such by the other wives. On the same day, Derwin attends his first rookie seminar where he is given a lecture about gold diggers, stds and is hazed by the other players. Later that night, Melanie and Derwin attend a party where Melanie, has a conversation with another player and is perceived to be flirting with him. When the player's girlfriend confronts Melanie, she realizes the rules of the game in the pros will take some getting use to.

Footballshirt Blog

East Carolina Purple & Gold song by: Udon Cheek

Free Prizes: www.points2shop.com This is an energizing song for all you East Carolina Pirates fans. Please subscribe,rate,and comment and there will be more videos to come.

I LIKE TO FISHING

The Trap Play - The Giant Killer of Youth Football Plays

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The mistake many of us coaches make is we stop asking questions or doing research once we get a so called answer to a question. Most of us take the easy way out, especially if it validates our preconceived notions. I'm here to tell you there are hundreds if not thousands of very successful youth football teams all across America pulling and trapping all the way down to age 6. I personally coached an age 6-8 team and we pulled and trapped very well. Not as well as Ross LeGrande, Ross is from Ohio and his age 7-8 team was the best looking trapping team I had ever seen. His team was the master of running the off-tackle and blocking back trap. In many of the games I saw of his Championship teams, they ran just 3 plays, the off-tackle, trap and counter and by golly the trap made up about 40% of their snaps.

Many of the guys that e-mail me tell me that the Blocking Back trap out of the Single Wing Offense, what we call "31 Trap", is one of the best if not the best football plays they run. Don S in Maryland averaged nearly 20 yards a carry with it last season for his age 8-10 kids. It is one of my all-time favorite football plays, yet many people think you have to have a bunch of Einsteins on your youth football team to run it. That is simply not true. I've seen film of hundreds of youth teams pulling and trapping well as well as have personally coached 5 different youth football teams that had zero problems doing so. Keep in mind, I'm the offensive line coach and I never played offensive line at any level and we probably practice less than you do.

The trap is a great football play for a whole variety of reasons. In our offense we like to double team block defensive tackles. We rarely have the size or athleticism on our offensive line to move anyone very well one-on-one, so we like to use double team blocks and wedge blocks. Once that defensive tackle starts getting moved backwards with double teams and wedge blocks, he starts coming real hard, real fast and real low, if he doesn't we are going to steam roll him all day. Once he starts coming hard, we just let him come through free and BAMMO he gets clobbered by a pulling guard coming out of nowhere and it usually means a huge gain for us.

SO WHAT DOES THE Defensive Tackle DO NOW? Should he play it slow and get blown back by double team and wedge blocks all day long or should he charge in real low and fast and get blindsided by a pulling guard with a full head of steam, hmmmm, quandry. This has been a great tactic for us when we play a team that has a very dominating defensive tackle that is eating our lunch, we trap him a few times and man oh man does he slow down, the brakes come on. Then when he slows down to "read" the play he gets steamrolled by our double teams and wedge blocks, what's the poor kid to do? He ends up playing tenative and our problem is solved.

Think about it, last season was there a team you faced that had a defensive lineman that was dominating your team? Wouldn't it have been nice to have a series of football plays that would have neuturalized him? I get sick of youth football coaches saying ONE PLAYER beat them, good football coaches figure out ways to stop one player.

Pulling is very simple to teach and is covered with 3 simple coaching points starting on page 218 of the book. Dave Rimington the former Outland Trophy Winner and College Football Hall of Famer said we were teaching it just right, he wouldn't change a thing. Our trap scheme is on page 167 of the book and can be run out of nearly every football play series you run. Don't exclude the trap from what you run at the youth level because you have never run it before or have not taught kids how to trap block in the past. The trap is simple to teach and is a very dangerous football play. The trap works better the better the team you are playing is.

Unlike the reverse the trap hits much quicker and can work against even very fast teams. The reverse has little chance versus very athletic teams that can run plays down. The trap hits quickly and gets the ball upfield much faster than any reverse plays, it is a low risk, high reward play.

Of course one of the caveats is do not needlessly waste football practice time on a bunch of mindless drills, cals and conditioning. Teach the kids how to play football well,how to block and pull perfectly, not be pushup or agility drill champions. The right football practice methodology and priorities along with the right football plays make facing teams that trap well a real nightmare to play.

I LIKE TO FISHING

Football vs. USF Highlights

Wofford College Football vs. USF highlights

SHOW SOCCER SHOW SPUR CHELSEA FOOTBALL SHIRT HISTORY

Billy Wingrove's Learn Freestyle Football

Preview Clip of Learn Freestyle Football DVD featuring Billy Wingrove. DVD shows tips and techniques on how to learn the best football freestyle tricks and when to use them in a game.

Thaiboxingsite SHOW SPUR

Youth Football Quarterback Drills To Improve Your Passing Techniques

I am a former NFL Quarterback, and I have some great quarterback training drills to talk about today. These youth qb drills will help improve mobility, ball security and their response to various situations that come up in the course of a game.

Drill #1. Globetrotter

This is an excellent drill for ball security. Quarterbacks work the football in a circular motion around their head, under their arms, around their waist, around their knees, around each knee, weaving through their legs and finally "playing catch" between their legs.

The coach shout commands of which body part the ball revolves around--usually starting with the head and working downwards. Coaches also shout the command "reverse" which changes the direction the ball is rotating. This should be done numerous times.

The drill concludes with five 'drops'--the quarterback dropping the ball and then grabbing it. This is done with five drops with the power hand and five drops with the off- hand.

Drill #2. Toss sweep and option drill

Set up a line of quarterbacks holding footballs with the coach in the "Running/Pitch Back" position. The coach should be in a position behind and off to the side of the quarterback--where a running back would be receiving a toss sweep or an option pitch.

The quarterback faces away from the coach/running back in a position where he would be taking a snap from center. Quarterback reverses out and executes a toss sweep to the coach. (This simulates either a toss sweep or a quick pitch play.)

You then move to the other side until all have executed the pitch. Then the beginning quarterback again executes the pitch to the coach and all other quarterbacks follow till all have executed a pitch both to the right and to the left.

Now the quarterback executes an option pitch in the same manner. If the type of option your team runs has an inside or outside veer dive fake then this can be simulated in the drill by the quarterback. In the option phase of the drill the coach yells "pitch" and the quarterback breaks down and executes a pitch stepping towards the "pitch" man/coach.

Drill #3. Knee drill

Two quarterbacks start with their right knees on the ground, facing each other ten yards apart. One quarterback has a ball on the ground next to his right leg. The quarterback picks up the ball with his power hand, puts the ball to his ear with his off- hand also on the ball and throws it to his partner quarterback across from him. The partner QB catches the ball, places it on the ground and does exactly the same thing throwing the ball back.

The quarterbacks continue playing catch in this manner while the coach helps them with the finer points of their throwing techniques: leading with the throwing elbow, ball at ear and pointing first with wrist and then index finger upon release of the ball.

Drill #4. Three and Five Step drop and wave drill

Two quarterbacks start (one with a ball) facing each other 15 yards apart. The coach stands about seven yards from the quarterback with the ball. Quarterback with the ball faces the coach in an "under center" position.

The coach gives a command and the quarterback executes a three- step drop with his feet "chopping/firing" on his third plant step. The coach then gives visual directions with his hands (such as improving quarterback focus by keeping eyes forward) and the quarterback executes a wave drill moving right, left, forward and back.

The quarterback with very short choppy steps only moves 2-3 feet in the drill in each direction. The last command by the coach is to "throw" to the partner. The coach then turns around and executes the drill with the partner quarterback.

Key points of emphasis:

Stand tall.




Qb's must make a very quick in his drop and with his foot movement.




Make sure your head is constantly forward the entire time watching the coach. Once completed, the drill can also be executed for a five or seven- step drop.

Drill #5. Boot/Sprint out and throw

Two quarterbacks start (one with a ball) facing each other 10 yards apart but staggered so one quarterback is 15 yards to the right of the quarterback with the ball. The coach stands roughly equidistant between both quarterbacks.

The quarterback with the ball faces forward in an "under center" position. On the coaches' command the quarterback executes a bootleg, faking a handoff to his left, and then bootlegging to his right and throwing the ball to his partner quarterback. The quarterback who just completed the throw returns to his original position. The coach turns around and has the partner quarterback execute the drill.

Once the boot phase is completed the quarterbacks complete the drill using sprint out techniques. Then both quarterbacks move ten yards up field and turn around so they can execute the drill to the left side. This continues until the coach determines a sufficient amount of repetitions have been completed.

Drill #6. Throw on the run drill

Two quarterbacks face each other 15 yards apart with one quarterback having a ball. As the quarterback with the ball begins "running" towards his partner, the partner backpedals. The quarterback with the ball throws the ball to his partner.

As his partner catches the ball he now begins to run forward with the other qbnow back peddling. The qb run and backpedal as they play catch with the football until the coach determines a sufficient amount of repetitions have been completed.

Summary

In all of these drills the coach is working with the qbs on perfecting their techniques in throwing, executing a toss sweep or option pitch and establishing proper footwork. Special attention to the focus of the eyes and footwork in these drills will do a great deal to improve the efficiency and quickness of the qb's.

SHOW SOCCER Thaiboxingsite CHELSEA FOOTBALL SHIRT HISTORY

The Glory Years of the Green and White Michigan State University Football Teams - Part 2

"Biggie" Munn 1947 to 1953 - Two National Championships and the Best Winning Percentage Ever

Clarence "Biggie" Munn was an All-American at Minnesota before replacing Charlie Bachman. Despite getting waxed 55-0 by Michigan in his debut, he quickly logged a 7-2 record in his first of 7 seasons. By 1950 Munn had the Spartan program in the Top 10 nationally with an 8-1 campaign that included victories over No. 3-ranked Michigan and Notre Dame.

He would put together back-to-back 9-0 seasons in 1951 and 1952 to go 18-0 and win two National Championships as well as National Coach of the Year Honors in 1952, beating 3 nationally-ranked opponents-Penn State, Purdue and Notre Dame.

In 1953 he would go 9-1, beat UCLA 28-20 in the Rose Bowl and push his 3-year regular season record to 27-1 and his 4-year mark to 35-2 (a 94% won-loss record).

Munn ran Michigan State's unbeaten streak to 28 games before losing to Purdue 6-0 in 1953. In 7 seasons, his overall record would be 54-9-2 (an 85+% won-loss record, the best ever at Michigan State) and he would produce 18 All-Americans, including the great two-way tackle Don Coleman.

Following his coaching career, the legendary Biggie Munn would serve as MSU's Athletic Director for 18 years, building the Spartans into a nationally prominent program. He was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959.

"Duffy" Daugherty 1954 to 1972 - MSU's Most Popular Coach Wins Two National Championships

Hugh "Duffy" Daugherty became one of the nation's most popular coaches in the history of college football during his 19-year career as the Spartans' mentor. Daugherty was famous for his wit, personality and wisdom.

He became a great interview for sportswriters, coming up with quotes such as, "Football isn't a contact sport, it's a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport" and "A tie is like kissing your sister" and "When you are playing for the national championship, it's not a matter of life and death. It's more important than that."

He was a guard and captain of his Syracuse football team, was an assistant coach to Biggie Munn when Munn coached Syracuse before coming to Michigan State, and followed Munn as his line coach. After being part of Munn's 2 national championship teams, he became head coach.

Daugherty's 1955 team went 9-1 and beat UCLA 17-14 in the Rose Bowl. His greatest teams came in 1965 and 1966 when he went 19-1-1, won 2 Big Ten titles outright and 2 National Championships. His only defeat during the 2 years was a 14-12 loss to UCLA in the 1966 Rose Bowl. He will be forever remembered for his monumental 10-10 tie in the 1966 "Game of the Century" when the No. 2-ranked Spartans faced the No. 1-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

No less than 8 of the players from the 1966 team were chosen in the NFL draft, including defensive end Bubba Smith, linebacker George Webster, halfback Clint Jones, flanker Gene Washington, offensive lineman Jeff Richardson, defensive backs Jim Summers and Charlie Thornhill, and kicker Dick Kenney. Daugherty produced 29 All-Americans.

Daugherty's overall record during 19 years was 109-65-5 (a 63% won-loss percentage).

He was named National Coach of the Year in both 1955 and 1965, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

After the 26-year run of Biggie Munn and Duffy Daugherty with 4 National Championships, the Michigan State football program pretty much went into the dumper.

It is true that after Daugherty, George Perles in 1987 would take the 9-2-1 Spartans to their first Rose Bowl appearance in 21 years, beating Southern California 20-17 to finish No. 8 nationally. Perles was the defensive line coach and defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers "Steel Curtain" defense that led to Super Bowl titles in 1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979.

Despite turning around the MSU football program temporarily, Perles could not even sniff at the success of Biggie Munn and Duffy Daugherty. Since 1987 nothing much has really taken Michigan State back to the national prominence it enjoyed under Munn and Daugherty.

Michigan State's football fortunes are now in the hands of Mark Dantonio, the former defensive coordinator for Ohio State's 2002 National Championship team.

(Editor's Note: This is Part 2 of a 2-Part Series.)

Copyright © 2007 Ed Bagley

CHELSEA FOOTBALL SHIRT HISTORY

The True Rudy Story ( Part 1 )

Rudy is a 1993 film directed by David Anspaugh. It is an account of the life of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger who harbored dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite significant obstacles. It was the first movie the Notre Dame administration allowed shot on campus since "Knute Rockne: All American" in 1940. In 2005 "Rudy" was named one of the best 25 sports movies of the previous 25 years in two polls by ESPN (#24 by a panel of sports experts, and #4 by espn.com users)

SHOW SPUR

(HD) Game 2: Miami Hurricanes highlights vs. Ga. Tech (9.17.09)

Game 2: Miami Hurricanes highlights vs. Ga. Tech. If you want Georgia Tech highlights then make them yourself.

I LIKE TO FISHING

USC Trojans 2008 College Football Team Preview

Image : http://www.flickr.com

USC finished the 2007 campaign with an 11-2 record capped off by a convincing 49-17 win over Illinois in the Rose Bowl. Southern Cal ranked second in the nation in scoring defense, as they allowed just 19 points per game. They also ranked second nationally in total defense, as they allowed only 273.2 yards per game. Two October losses (home against Stanford and at Oregon) ruined their bid for a perfect season and national championship.

This season, the quarterbacking duties will be handled by junior Mark Sanchez. Sanchez won the job in spring over Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain. Sanchez has started just three games coming into this season. The former National Prep Player of the Year threw seven touchdown passes and five interceptions in limited duty last season.

USC possesses a deep corps of talented running backs, including Stafon Johnson, experienced junior C.J. Gable and super sophomore Joe McKnight. Johnson ran for 673 yards on just 98 carries last season for a 6.9-yard average. He also tallied five touchdowns. Fullback Stanley Havili, a solid receiver and blocker, should also help the USC rushing attack.

Vidal Hazleton and Patrick Turner return as the starting wide receivers. This unit needs to improve from last season's performance. They should get help from Damian Williams, another Arkansas transfer, and Ronald Johnson. All-America tight end Fred Davis has gone to the NFL, leaving junior Anthony McCoy to try to fill the huge void left by Davis' departure.

Only one starter returns from last year's offensive line and that is left guard Jeff Byers. The good news is many of the new starters in this group saw extensive playing time last season due to injuries to last year's starters. Center Kristofer O'Dowd played extremely well last season filling in for the injured Matt Spanos. Charles Brown, Zack Heberer and Butch Lewis also received plenty of playing time due to starters' injuries.

Head coach Pete Carroll's specialty is defense. I mentioned some of USC's 2007 defensive accomplishments earlier. This year's group has speed and athleticism at every level and should also put up some impressive numbers.

All-America candidate Rey Maualuga returns at middle linebacker and former Rose Bowl MVP Brian Cushing returns at strong-side linebacker. Kaluka Maiava should be the new starter at weak-side linebacker for a unit that should be among the best in the country.

It gets even better. Coach Carroll believes this year's secondary could be the best he has ever coached. It all starts with 6'4" 225-pound free safety Taylor Mays. Strong safety Kevin Ellison, an All-PAC 10 pick last season, combines with Mays to form what might be the best safety tandem in the nation.

The biggest loss for this defense is the departure of PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year Sedrick Ellis. Ellis, a nose tackle last season, is off to the NFL. Christian Tupou and Averell Spicer have some big shoes to fill in trying to replace Ellis. The rest of the defensive line consists of Fili Moala at the other tackle spot and freshman All-American Everson Griffin and Kyle Moore at the ends.

Both kickers, placekicker David Buehler and punter Greg Woidneck, return after solid 2007 campaigns. Southern Cal should get excellent kick returns from the trio of McKnight, Gable and Ronald Johnson.

In 2008, the Trojans will be trying to win 11 games and make it to a BCS bowl game for the seventh straight season. QB Sanchez will have a lot to do with whether or not USC achieves that goal. USC does have an easier schedule than they had last season. Most of the tough games are at home, including Ohio State, Oregon and Arizona State. I expect USC to once again challenge for a spot in the BCS National Championship Game.

SHOW SOCCER I LIKE TO FISHING SHOW SPUR