Category Archives: College Football

American Athletic Conference Partners With Cure Bowl

April 16, 2014 (Orlando) Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and leaders from the Orlando Sports Foundation (OSF) announced the creation of the Cure Bowl, a postseason NCAA football game with strong ties to charitable organizations working to find a cure for breast cancer. Teams from the American Athletic Conference and the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) will take to the field in the inaugural Cure Bowl set for December 2015 at the newly renovated Citrus Bowl.

Cure Bowl“We were committed to enhancing the Citrus Bowl so we could attract more events to Orlando,” said Mayor Dyer. “Adding another postseason bowl game to the schedule will draw more people to our City benefiting our local economy.”

While most NCAA bowl games make contributions to charity, few include the name of their cause in their title.

“The Cure Bowl is the first of its kind to combine the passions of college football with the importance of supporting breast cancer research,” said Myra Biblowit, President & CEO of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation who took part in the announcement. “The funds raised through this exciting partnership will enable critical research investigations that are bringing us one step closer to finding the cure.”

Alan Gooch has led the volunteer team behind bringing the Cure Bowl to reality since 2008 as Executive Director of OSF. Gooch and OSF will provide management of the event and day-to-day operations of the bowl. “The Orlando Sports Foundation is excited to provide the student athletes of the American Athletic Conference and the Sun Belt Conference an opportunity to play in a post season bowl here in Orlando,” said Gooch. “Partnering with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation gives both organizations a national platform to help fund cancer research at the highest level”.

Commissioners from the American Athletic Conference and Sun Belt Conference were on hand for today’s announcement.

“We are pleased to partner with the Cure Bowl and commend the organizers for their dedication and commitment to such a worthy cause while also supporting youth organizations in Central Florida,” said Mike Aresco, Commissioner of the American Athletic Conference. “By adding the Cure Bowl to our already strong bowl lineup, we continue to meet our goal of providing a competitive game and a desirable destination for our student-athletes, coaches and fans.”

Added Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson, “The Sun Belt Conference and its member universities are enthusiastic about partnering with the Cure Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and the Orlando Sports Foundation. The growth and strength of the Sun Belt Conference continues as evidenced by this announcement. In addition to being an attractive bowl game and a positive step forward for the Sun Belt, the mission of the Cure Bowl is something that everyone should be able to get behind and support. We are honored to participate in an arrangement where a goal of the organization is to put an end to breast cancer.”

The Cure Bowl promises to be more than just a great football game as its goal is to raise community awareness and support for breast cancer research.

“We are seeking a broad base of volunteer and financial support from not only those organizations currently leading the fight against breast cancer, but also from the greater Central Florida community,” said Megan Dowdy, OSF Board President. “This is not just a football game; this is a battle to protect our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, nieces and best friends. Together, we can tackle this!”

According to Florida Sports Foundation President John Webb, “Sports are an extremely important sector to the state’s economy generating $44 billion each year. It is great to welcome the Cure Bowl to the continually growing list of world class events that take place in Florida!”

Final 2012 Blogpoll Top 25

Here is the final BlogPoll Top 25 for 2012 in college football. If you're curious to see how I voted, you can check out my 2012 BlogPoll top 25 final ballot. You can also checkout the weekly analysis of the BlogPoll Top 25.


College Football Rankings 2011

Results for Week 15

# School Points/blog SD Delta
1 Alabama Crimson Tide (35) 24.32 3.89 Arrow_up 1
2 Oregon Ducks 23.57 0.89 Arrow_up 1
3 Texas A&M Aggies 20.41 3.54 Arrow_up 7
4 Georgia Bulldogs 20.35 3.71 Arrow_up 2
5 Stanford Cardinal 20.30 1.86 Arrow_up 2
6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 20.11 4.09 Arrow_down -5
7 Ohio St. Buckeyes (1) 18.08 7.82 Arrow_up 1
8 South Carolina Gamecocks 16.70 3.39 Arrow_up 3
9 Florida Gators 15.32 3.21 Arrow_down -5
10 Florida St. Seminoles 15.27 3.47 Arrow_up 3
11 Clemson Tigers 14.92 3.29 Arrow_up 3
12 Kansas St. Wildcats 14.78 3.27 Arrow_down -7
13 Louisville Cardinals 14.05 3.08 Arrow_up 7
14 LSU Tigers 12.27 3.19 Arrow_down -5
15 Oklahoma Sooners 10.35 2.52 Arrow_down -3
16 Utah State Aggies 8.27 2.97 Arrow_up 2
17 Boise St. Broncos 7.68 3.79 Arrow_up 2
18 Northwestern Wildcats 7.19 3.12 Arrow_up 3
19 Oregon St. Beavers 5.27 3.72 Arrow_down -4
20 San Jose St. Spartans 5.05 3.27 Arrow_up 4
21 Texas Longhorns 4.68 3.36 Arrow_up 6
22 Northern Illinois Huskies 3.97 3.26 Arrow_down -6
23 Vanderbilt Commodores 2.73 3.25 Arrow_up 5
24 Nebraska Cornhuskers 2.73 3.54 Arrow_down -2
25 Baylor Bears 1.81 3.32 Arrow_up 5
Others Receiving Votes: Cincinnati Bearcats | Michigan Wolverines | Oklahoma St. Cowboys | Tulsa Golden Hurricane | UCLA Bruins | Colorado Buffaloes | Arizona Wildcats | Washington St. Cougars | Arkansas St. Red Wolves | Washington Huskies | Arizona St. Sun Devils | Utah Utes | California Golden Bears | USC Trojans | Wisconsin Badgers | Illinois Fighting Illini | Penn St. Nittany Lions | Western Michigan Broncos | Central Michigan Chippewas | Iowa Hawkeyes | Michigan St. Spartans | Kent St. Golden Flashes | Syracuse Orange | Central Florida Knights | BYU Cougars | Mississippi St. Bulldogs | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Mississippi Rebels
Updated: Jan 9, 2013 10:03 AM EST

SB Nation BlogPoll College Football Rankings 2012

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2012 Blogpoll Top 25 – Final Ballot

As many of you know, I am one of the voters in the BlogPoll Top 25. Each week, bloggers across the country representing the various FBS schools get together and put together their own top 25's.

Here at SOX & Dawgs, we are representing the UConn Huskies.

You can check out the ballot I submitted earlier today by clicking on the continue button below if you're on the homepage.


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2012 NCAA Football Rankings – Postseason

AP and USA Today Coaches Polls

Fresh off their resounding win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Discover BCS National Championship game on Monday night, the Alabama Crimson Tide finish the college football season as the No. 1 team in the land.

They are followed by the Oregon Ducks, Ohio State Buckeyes, Notre Dame and Georgia in the AP Poll. In the USA Today Coaches Poll, they are followed by Oregon, Notre Dame, Georgia and the Texas A&M Aggies.

The Louisville Cardinals are the only team from the Big East to finish in the top 25 of both polls (13/13). The Cincinnati Bearcats are among the others receiving votes in the AP Poll but finished No. 22 in the Coaches Poll.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are among the others receiving votes in the Coaches Poll.

To see the final 2012 NCAA Football Rankings – Postseason, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

AP Top 25 USA Today Poll
RK TEAM REC PTS PVS RK TEAM REC PTS PVS
1 Alabama (59) 13-1 1475 2 1 Alabama (56) 13-1 1400 2
2 Oregon 12-1 1358 5 2 Oregon 12-1 1322 3
3 Ohio State 12-0 1302 3 3 Notre Dame 12-1 1253 1
4 Notre Dame 12-1 1288 1 4 Georgia 12-2 1213 5
5 Georgia 12-2 1230 6 5 Texas A&M 11-2 1171 9
5 Texas A&M 11-2 1230 10 6 Stanford 12-2 1167 8
7 Stanford 12-2 1169 8 7 South Carolina 11-2 1064 10
8 South Carolina 11-2 1038 11 8 Florida State 12-2 942 12
9 Florida 11-2 933 4 9 Clemson 11-2 916 13
10 Florida State 12-2 922 13 10 Florida 11-2 886 4
11 Clemson 11-2 889 14 11 Kansas State 11-2 841 6
12 Kansas State 11-2 871 7 12 LSU 10-3 775 7
13 Louisville 11-2 781 22 13 Louisville 11-2 772 18
14 LSU 10-3 756 9 14 Boise State 11-2 633 15
15 Oklahoma 10-3 615 12 15 Oklahoma 10-3 600 11
16 Utah State 11-2 456 18 16 Northwestern 10-3 580 17
17 Northwestern 10-3 443 21 17 Utah State 11-2 444 20
18 Boise State 11-2 419 20 18 Texas 9-4 398 25
19 Texas 9-4 358 NR 19 Oregon State 9-4 366 14
20 Oregon State 9-4 303 15 20 Vanderbilt 9-4 248 NR
21 San Jose State 11-2 243 24 21 San Jose State 11-2 244 24
22 Northern Illinois 12-2 227 16 22 Cincinnati 10-3 186 NR
23 Vanderbilt 9-4 180 NR 23 Nebraska 10-4 175 21
24 Michigan 8-5 147 19 24 Northern Illinois 12-2 156 16
25 Nebraska 10-4 119 23 25 Tulsa 11-3 11 NR
Dropped from rankings: Dropped from rankings:
UCLA 17, Kent State 25 UCLA 19, Michigan 22, Wisconsin 23
Others receiving votes: Others receiving votes
Baylor 95, Penn State 90, Cincinnati 78, Oklahoma State 42, Tulsa 34, UCLA 31, Arkansas State 28, UCF 9, TCU 9, Wisconsin 6, North Dakota State 1 Michigan 101, UCLA 75, Baylor 52, Oklahoma State 36, Wisconsin 18, UCF 15, Arkansas State 13, Arizona State 10, Rutgers 9, Kent State 5, Louisiana Tech 2, Arizona 1, Ohio 1

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Alabama To Wear Nike Football’s Newest Innovation in BCS Title Game

Alabama Nike Pro Combat Hypercool uniforms

Since we (Ian) are clearly not rooting for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish when they take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Discover BCS Championship Game on Monday night, I thought I'd take a moment to show you the uniforms that Alabama will be wearing.

Here's the release from Nike about Alabama's BCS uniforms:

In honor of the BCS National Championship game, the University of Alabama’s historic crimson and white uniforms will debut a new highly innovative, lighter weight Nike Pro Combat Hypercool Uniform chassis that is built for speed.

Alabama Nike Vapor Fly GloveThe Crimson Tide uniforms will be upgraded to include Nike Chain Maille Mesh — a lightweight, ultra-breathable material that emphasizes improved thermoregulation. This new fabrication is incorporated into the back and under the arms of the jersey for exceptional ventilation without sacrificing durability. The white-on-white look, embellished with crimson accents, creates the iconic, bold silhouette for which the Tide is famous.

Alabama will also wear the new Nike Pro Combat Hypercool Speed Top featuring Nike Dri-Fit fabrication that transports moisture and sweat from the skin to the outside of the top, leaving the body cool and dry. Regulated for the weather with increased breathability and a streamlined fit, this revolutionary baselayer top features new innovative venting systems including laser perforation pods in a unique design pattern that help the body regulate temperature. It also features reinforced bonded seams as well as premium mesh underarm gussets for increased thermoregulation.

The full, integrated uniform system also features strategically placed seams, pads and cooling zones that help minimize distraction and optimize protective coverage. Padding without the bulk offers optimal low-profile impact protection, specifically throughout the crucial “hit zone” between the knees and shoulders.

Alabama will also debut the new Nike Vapor Fly Glove featuring seamless Nike Hyperfuse construction on the back of the hand, no-cuff construction to reduce weight and increase grip coverage, next-generation Magnigrip palm material for improved durability and grip, as well as pre-curved fingers for a more natural fit.

Full gallery of Alabama Crimson Tide's BCS uniforms

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photo credit: nike inc

2012 AP All-America Football Teams

The Associated Press has released it's 2012 AP All-America Teams for football and it features 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel and four members of the Alabama Crimson Tide on the first team.

Associated Press (AP)FIRST TEAM

Offense

Quarterback: Johnny Manziel, redshirt freshman, 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Texas A&M

Running back: Montee Ball, senior, 5-11, 215, Wisconsin

Running back: Ka'Deem Carey, sophomore, 5-10, 197, Arizona

Tackle: Luke Joeckel, junior, 6-6, 310, Texas A&M

Tackle: Taylor Lewan, junior, 6-8, 309, Michigan

Guard: Chance Warmack, senior, 6-3, 320, Alabama

Guard: Jonathan Cooper, senior, 6-3, 295, North Carolina

Center: Barrett Jones, senior, 6-5, 302, Alabama

Tight end: Zach Ertz, senior, 6-6, 252, Stanford

Receiver: Marqise Lee, sophomore, 6-0, 195, Southern California

Receiver: Terrance Williams, senior, 6-2, 205, Baylor

All-purpose player: Tavon Austin, senior, 5-9, 171, West Virginia

Kicker: Cairo Santos, junior, 5-8, 160, Tulane

Defense

End: Jadeveon Clowney, sophomore, 6-6, 256, South Carolina

End: Bjoern Werner, junior, 6-4, 255, Florida State

Tackle: Star Lotulelei, senior, 6-4, 320, Utah

Tackle: Will Sutton, junior, 6-1, 267, Arizona State

Linebacker: Manti Te'o, senior, 6-2, 255, Notre Dame

Linebacker: Jarvis Jones, junior, 6-3, 241, Georgia

Linebacker: C.J. Mosley, junior, 6-2, 232, Alabama

Cornerback: Dee Milliner, junior, 6-1, 199, Alabama

Cornerback: Jordan Poyer, sophomore, 6-0, 172, Oregon State

Safety: Phillip Thomas, senior, 6-1, 215, Fresno State

Safety: Matt Elam, junior, 5-10, 202, Florida

Punter: Ryan Allen, senior, 6-2, 215, Louisiana Tech

To see the 2012 AP All-America second and third teams, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

SECOND TEAM

Offense

Quarterback: Collin Klein, senior, Kansas State

Running back: Kenjon Barner, senior, Oregon

Running back: Johnathan Franklin, senior, UCLA

Tackle: D.J. Fluker, junior, Alabama

Tackle: David Yankey, junior, Stanford

Guard: Spencer Long, junior, Nebraska

Guard: Cyril Richardson, junior, Baylor

Center: Dalton Freeman, senior, Clemson

Tight end: Tyler Eifert, senior, Notre Dame

Receiver: Stedman Bailey, junior, West Virginia

Receiver: Quinton Patton, senior, Louisiana Tech

All-purpose player: Jordan Lynch, junior, Northern Illinois

Kicker: Dustin Hopkins, senior, Florida State

Defense

End: Damontre Moore, junior, Texas A&M

End: Stephon Tuitt, sophomore, Notre Dame

Tackle: Johnathan Hankins, junior, Ohio State

Tackle: Kawann Short, senior, Purdue

Linebacker: Kevin Minter, junior, LSU

Linebacker: Anthony Barr, junior, UCLA

Linebacker: Arthur Brown, senior, Kansas State

Cornerback: Johnthan Banks, senior, Mississippi State

Cornerback: Bradley Roby, sophomore, Ohio State

Safety: Eric Reid, junior, LSU

Safety: Tony Jefferson, junior, Oklahoma

Punter: Riley Stephenson, senior, BYU

THIRD TEAM

Offense

Quarterback: A.J. McCarron, junior, Alabama

Running back: Stefphon Jefferson, junior, Nevada

Running back: Giovani Bernard, sophomore, North Carolina

Tackle: Jake Matthews, junior, Texas A&M

Tackle: Eric Fisher, senior, Central Michigan

Guard: Larry Warford, senior, Kentucky

Guard: Xavier Su'a-Filo, sophomore, UCLA

Center: Braxston Cave, senior, Notre Dame

Tight end: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, sophomore, Washington

Receiver: DeAndre Hopkins, junior, Clemson

Receiver: Cobi Hamilton, senior, Arkansas

All-purpose player: Dri Archer, junior, Kent State

Kicker: Caleb Sturgis, senior, Florida

Defense

End: John Simon, senior, Ohio State

End: Sam Montgomery, junior, LSU.

Tackle: Shariff Floyd, junior, Florida

Tackle: Chris Jones, senior, Bowling Green.

Linebacker: Khaseem Greene, senior, Rutgers

Linebacker: Trent Murphy, senior, Stanford

Linebacker: Kyle Van Noy, junior, BYU

Cornerback: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, sophomore, Oregon

Cornerback: Jason Verrett, junior, TCU

Safety: Ed Reynolds, junior, Stanford

Safety: Ty Zimmerman, junior, Kansas State

Punter: Kyle Christy, sophomore, Florida

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Johnny Manziel Wins 2012 Heisman Trophy

2012 Heisman Trophy Winner Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel

77 times, the Heisman Trophy has been awarded to the top player in college football. Not one of those times has it ever been awarded to a freshman.

On Saturday night at the Best Buy Theater in New York City, number 78 went to a freshman.

In 2012, the Heisman Trophy voters awarded the trophy to Texas A&M redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel. Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o finished second in the voting while Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein was third.

He led his his Aggies to a 10-2 mark including 6-2 in the SEC, a conference in which they were playing in for the first time. Manziel threw for 3,419 yards and 24 touchdowns with eight interceptions. He also ran for 1,181 yards and 19 touchdowns.

If he can repeat his performance in 2013, Manziel could be the first person since Archie Griffin (1974-75) to win the trophy twice.

Manziel is the second Heisman Trophy winner from Texas A&M. John David Crow was the first in 1957.

For a full look at the 2012 Heisman Trophy voting totals, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

2012 Heisman Trophy Voting Totals
Name 1st 2nd 3rd Total
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M 474 252 103 2,029
Manti Te'o, Notre Dame 321 309 125 1,706
Collin Klein, Kansas State 60 197 320 894
Marquise Lee, USC 19 33 84 207
Braxton Miller, Ohio State 3 29 77 144
Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina 4 13 23 61
Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois 3 8 27 52
Tavon Austin, West Virginia 6 4 21 47
Kenjon Barner, Oregon 1 12 15 42
Jarvis Jones, Georgia 1 10 18 41

And here is the breakdown of votes by region:

2012 Heisman Trophy Voting Totals By Region
– Manziel Te'o Klein
Far West 325 281 127
Southwest 348 274 220
Midwest 312 315 126
South 399 253 149
Mid-Atlantic 326 272 141
Northeast 319 311 131

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photo credit: getty images

2012 Home Depot College Football Awards Show Results

Home Depot College Football AwardsHere are the results from The 2012 Home Depot College Football Awards show that aired on Thursday night on ESPN.

  • Maxwell Award (Outstanding Player) – Manti Te'o, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  • Dick Butkus Award (Outstanding Linebacker) – Manti Te'o, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  • Outland Trophy (Outstanding Interior Lineman) – Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M Aggies
  • Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year) – Manti Te'o, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  • Davey O’Brien Award (National Quarterback Award) – Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M Aggies
  • Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (Outstanding Sr. QB) – Collin Klein, Kansas State Wildcats
  • Doak Walker Award (National Running back Award) – Montee Ball, Wisconsin Badgers
  • Fred Biletnikoff Award (Outstanding Wide Receiver) – Marqise Lee, USC Trojans
  • Jim Thorpe Award (Outstanding Defensive Back) – Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State Bulldogs
  • John Mackey Award (Outstanding Tight End) – Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  • Lou Groza Award (Collegiate Placekicker Award) – Cairo Santos, Tulane Green Wave
  • Bronko Nagurski Award (Defensive Player of the Year) – Manti Te'o, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  • Ray Guy Award (Outstanding Punter) – Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
  • Vince Lombardi/Rotary Award (Outstanding Lineman) – Manti Te'o, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  • Ted Hendricks Award (Defensive End of the Year Award) – Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina Gamecocks
  • Rimington Trophy (Outstanding Center) – Barrett Jones, Alabama Crimson Tide
  • Walter Camp Player of the Year – Manti Te'o, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  • Home Depot Coach of the Year – Brian Kelly, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2012 Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America Teams

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2012 Walter Camp All-America Teams

Walter Camp Football Foundation

The first college football All-America Team is out and it comes courtesy of the Walter Camp Foundation.

WALTER CAMP ALL-AMERICA TEAMS
First Team Offense
WR – Marqise Lee, USC
WR – Terrance Williams, Baylor
TE – Zach Ertz, Stanford
OL – Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
OL – Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
OL – Chance Warmack, ALABAMA
OL – Taylor Lewan, Michigan
C – Barrett Jones, ALABAMA
QB – Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
RB – Kenjon Barner, Oregon
RB – Montee Ball, Wisconsin
RB – Ka’Deem Carey, Arizona
PK – Dustin Hopkins, Florida State

First Team Defense
DL – Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
DL – Bjoern Werner, Florida State
DL – Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
DL – Star Lotulelei, Utah
LB – Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
LB – Jarvis Jones, Georgia
LB – C.J. Mosley, ALABAMA
DB – Dee Milliner, ALABAMA
DB – Phillip Thomas, Fresno State
DB – Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State
DB – Jordan Poyer, Oregon State
P – Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech
KR – Dri Archer, Kent State

To see the 2012 Walter Camp All-America Second Team, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

Second Team Offense
WR – Stedman Bailey, West Virginia
WR – Tavon Austin, West Virginia
TE – Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
OL – D.J. Fluker, ALABAMA
OL – Zack Martin, Notre Dame
OL – Spencer Long, Nebraska
OL – Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
C – Dalton Freeman, Clemson
QB – Collin Klein, Kansas State
RB – Johnathan Franklin, UCLA
RB – Stefphon Jefferson, Nevada
PK – Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State

Second Team Defense
DL – Will Sutton, Arizona State
DL – Sam Montgomery, LSU
DL – Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame
DL – John Simon, Ohio State
LB – Arthur Brown, Kansas State
LB – Kevin Minter, LSU
LB – Khaseem Greene, Rutgers
DB – Matt Elam, Florida
DB – Eric Reid, LSU
DB – Jason Verrett, TCU
DB – Bradley Roby, Ohio State
P – Kyle Christy, Florida
KR – Duke Johnson, Miami (Fla.)