.....for the fourth time in as many days.
And it doesn't get old. I could watch the second half of this football game every day for the rest of the season and I wouldn't care. It was a very exciting game, full of offense from both teams. I may be biased, but it was the best game of the weekend by far.
Sure, sitting in Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night had its tense moments. The Seminoles were playing from behind for two and a half quarters. It was apparent that the Tigers came to town to show the home team and the rest of the country that it was worthy of the top ten ranking and wouldn't back down from the mountain of a challenge they were facing.
But, alas, the Clemson offensive juggernaut found out what most of Seminole Nation already knew: there are few teams that have the offensive depth and talent to hang with this defensive squad and the coaching staff that guides them. Not only that, but I will take it one step further. With all the talk of the depth and talent on the defensive side of the ball, after four games it is apparent that this offense is scary good. EJ is healthy. The offensive line is (still) healthy. The running game features two possessed running backs. We are four games into the season and we have already matched the rushing TD total from 2011. Manuel is in the Heisman talk, and I feel he has answered any questions about his ability to be the leader of a championship caliber team. He was Charlie Ward-esque in his leadership of the team, and he answered every Clemson punch with a counterpunch of his own.
I've been watching FSU football for 23 years, and this unit matches, in terms of speed and athleticism, those great teams of the 90's. Jimbo Fisher has made his mark on this football team, and it's hard not to look at the Noles and feel that you're watching an SEC-type squad. They answered the first big challenge of the year, and an almost perfect game by the Tigers, in spectacular fashion. Jimbo's team overcame penalties, missed FG's, and two double digit deficits and pulled away in relative ease.
Since my editor (ahem, wife) tells me that I need to keep these blogs shorter, I'll stop here. I still am not ready to put the Seminoles in the BCS title game yet, but I liked what I saw Saturday night. We're 1/3 of the way through the season, still undefeated, and based on the remaining schedule, there are two games that pose the largest challenges. I still worry about that Thursday night game in Blacksburg, but even that matchup looks to be a very winnable game.
I'm ready for that plane flight to Tampa and 2012 Revenge Game #3 on Saturday. If you're going to be there, let's have a beer and celebrate win number five!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
It's FSU Game Day, Y'all!
It's September.
And those of us rabid college football fans, it means one thing. The fastest, most fun four months of the year.
Here in the South, there's Momma, there's church, and there's College Football Season, sometimes not necessarily in that order. College football brings people together (and even forces some apart) like none other this time of the year, and that's the fun of it. Rival school jokes and other shenanigans began yesterday at work, and we don't even play the Lizards for another three months!
My passion for college football, and FSU football in particular, began in a night October game in 1989 win against the Miami Hurricanes, and I haven't looked back to the NFL since. Sure, I follow the Dolphins, my longtime favorite NFL team, and the Jaguars, the hometown team, but that's just so I can carry on conversations with those that prefer the pro game. There's just a different feel at a college football game. Higher energy level in the stadium. More pageantry. The tailgating is more fun. Lee Corso's costumes. Erin Andrews (with apologies to my wife...had to throw that in there).
You know my take on the season. Even though we're playing lower division foe Murray State, I still woke up this morning early with knots in my stomach. Murray State, you say? A team the Noles will beat by five TD's? Yep, that Murray State. This is just what college football does to me. And I love it.
I'm ready. The car was prepped last night. Window flags...check. Drinks and cooler....check. Satellite radio on college football station....check. This will be my first of seven trips to see the Noles play, and hopefully, beat, worthy and not-so-worthy opponents. Whatever the outcome, win or lose, I will have fun. In the end, it's only football. There are fans that aren't fortunate enough to see their team in person because their situation doesn't allow it, so I always keep the "fun" aspect of college football in mind.
This could be a special season for FSU, and I am ready to enjoy every minute of it. Time permitting, I will blog after every game with my thoughts and observations, as well as provide links to stories about the games Seminole fans might be interested in. I look forward to celebrating a successful season with my FSU brethren. You can follow me this football season on Twitter at @noleman95. Hope to see you out there!
Go Noles!
Photo courtesy of Stephen M. Dowell, Orlando Sentinel
And those of us rabid college football fans, it means one thing. The fastest, most fun four months of the year.
Here in the South, there's Momma, there's church, and there's College Football Season, sometimes not necessarily in that order. College football brings people together (and even forces some apart) like none other this time of the year, and that's the fun of it. Rival school jokes and other shenanigans began yesterday at work, and we don't even play the Lizards for another three months!
My passion for college football, and FSU football in particular, began in a night October game in 1989 win against the Miami Hurricanes, and I haven't looked back to the NFL since. Sure, I follow the Dolphins, my longtime favorite NFL team, and the Jaguars, the hometown team, but that's just so I can carry on conversations with those that prefer the pro game. There's just a different feel at a college football game. Higher energy level in the stadium. More pageantry. The tailgating is more fun. Lee Corso's costumes. Erin Andrews (with apologies to my wife...had to throw that in there).
You know my take on the season. Even though we're playing lower division foe Murray State, I still woke up this morning early with knots in my stomach. Murray State, you say? A team the Noles will beat by five TD's? Yep, that Murray State. This is just what college football does to me. And I love it.
I'm ready. The car was prepped last night. Window flags...check. Drinks and cooler....check. Satellite radio on college football station....check. This will be my first of seven trips to see the Noles play, and hopefully, beat, worthy and not-so-worthy opponents. Whatever the outcome, win or lose, I will have fun. In the end, it's only football. There are fans that aren't fortunate enough to see their team in person because their situation doesn't allow it, so I always keep the "fun" aspect of college football in mind.
This could be a special season for FSU, and I am ready to enjoy every minute of it. Time permitting, I will blog after every game with my thoughts and observations, as well as provide links to stories about the games Seminole fans might be interested in. I look forward to celebrating a successful season with my FSU brethren. You can follow me this football season on Twitter at @noleman95. Hope to see you out there!
Go Noles!
Photo courtesy of Stephen M. Dowell, Orlando Sentinel
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Seminole Football: It's a Season of Twos
Now that the reality of the FSU football season is only three days away, it's time for me to take a closer look at the next four months or so ahead of us. When I think of what this FSU team can accomplish in 2012, I get really excited. The Seminoles have a defensive front four (well, really eight or so) that stands to be one of, if not the best, unit in college football this season. The offensive line, while young, is bigger and healthier than it was a year ago. There's talent at running back and, more importantly, at wide receiver. A fifth year senior QB is taking the snaps. Finally, the schedule is favorable.
I will point out now that I am NOT in the crowd that has FSU playing in the BCS title game. An undefeated regular season is likely the only result that will give the Seminoles a spot in that game, as history and the SEC BCS record shows. Based on consecutive four loss seasons, I am not ready to put FSU at 13-0 and in the national title game. I do, however, feel that Jimbo Fisher and his staff have the right mix of talent and leadership to go along with that favorable schedule to put this team "back" on the national stage as a team to be reckoned with. IF this team isn't hit with the injury bug that plagued last year's squad, IF the offensive line indeed can hold its own and create time for Manuel and holes for the running game, IF the defense can avoid the mental lapses in some critical games, the 2012 version of the Seminoles will find themselves in the ACC title game and the Orange Bowl, at the very least. Unfortulately for some of my Seminole faithful, the reality is that only a truly magical season will end up in Miami on January 7th instead of January 1st.
Now, onto the schedule and my predictions for the year.....
Frank, you ask, what's up with the "season of twos?" Well, my answer is this: looking at the schedule, I see the schedule as a series of seven two game seasons. I know you're supposed to look at one game at a time, but hear me out; reviewing the following dyads and ultimately how they play out will determine the outcome of the season. So, here goes......
First two games: Murray State and Savannah State. These two FCS opponents are really just a tune up, a way for the Seminoles to hit someone other than each other. The only goals here for Jimbo and the team is to get out of these games unscathed by injury and get some playing time for reserves.
FSU 2-0.
Second two games: Wake Forest and Clemson. These are the first two ACC matchups, and Seminole Nation doesn't need to be reminded that these two games last year derailed FSU from the ACC title hunt. Losses by identical scores of 35-30 by Seminoles teams playing with key offensive players out due to injury, combined with defensive lapses, gave FSU a three game losing streak and being booted from the Top 25 polls. Look for FSU to have these games circled on the calendar. I feel Wake Forest will be a blowout victory for the Noles, and the Clemson game will end up in a 2-0 ACC start for FSU. The Seminoles defense will put their pride on the line in these two games, and look to reverse the trend of losing to these two pesky foes. Clemson might be the only team in the conference with a better group of receivers than FSU, but it won't be enough this year. Our defense will be wreaking havoc in that backfield, and they won't have an opportunity to get the ball thrown to them. FSU wins this game.
FSU 4-0
Third set of games: USF and NC State. FSU's first two road games of the season match them up against a USF team that beat them in Tallahassee three years ago in Christian Ponder's junior season (and a much less talented Seminoles squad), as well as a Wolfpack team the FSU handled comfortably at home last year in Tallahassee. USF is a team FSU has some payback to give, and the Bulls just don't have the depth on both sides of the ball to pull a victory off. The NC State game has me worried a bit, but I still feel that the 'Noles will, as long as injuries haven't become an issue, win this game comfortably. FSU starts ACC play 3-0.
FSU 6-0
Fourth set of games: Boston College and Miami. FSU returns to Tallahassee October 13th to face the Golden Eagles undefeated and looking to maintain momentum. The Seminoles won last year in Chestnut Hill 38-7, combining a four turnover performance by the defense with a balanced offensive attack. I don't see this ending favorably for the Eagles in another FSU romp. The following week, the 'Noles travel to South Florida to face annual nemesis Miami. In last year's contest, the 'Canes, even with an early monumental statistical lead, couldn't capitalize in the first half. On the FSU side of the ball, they needed a punt return late in the first half by Greg Reid and three Dustin Hopkins field goals to win in Tallahassee by a score of 23-19. The FSU defense allowed two late TD drives in the fourth quarter, but Hopkins' 38 yard FG at the 11:07 mark of the fourth had put the game in FSU's control. This is a rivalry game, and if Al Golden finds a way to have the Hurricanes in decent ACC position by the time this game rolls around, FSU had better pull out all the stops. This game is going to be close, but FSU will come out the victor for the third year in a row, and halfway to another state title.
FSU 8-0
Fifth set of games: Duke and Virginia Tech. Against the Blue Devils, the Seminoles will play their ninth straight game and sixth ACC contest. At this point of the season, the hype and expectations will be off the charts. FSU has never lost to the Blue Devils (in fact, they're the only ACC team that hasn't found a way to beat FSU in football), and I don't expect that trend to change. The Seminoles win this one going away, and if they find themselves with any injury issues, the Duke game is a good week to let those heal. They have a bye week the following weekend before their Thursday night ESPN game in Blacksburg against the Virginia Tech Hokies. For me, the Tech game is the most important of the regular season. FSU will have the national spotlight, it's on the road against a quality ACC opponent. The Hokies have dominated the ACC for the past seven years, including wins over FSU in the 2007 regular season and the 2010 ACC title game. Although the 'Noles will have 11 days and a Duke game to prepare for this, Virginia Tech is the flag bearer of the conference right now. The game is at night on their turf, and they will not go quietly. This is where I feel recent history bites FSU. With all that is at stake on this game, I don't have the confidence that Manuel and the offense will be able to pull off a victory. Virginia Tech wins Part One (hint) at home in a close, hard fought game. The Seminoles lose their first, and only, ACC game of the year, and have nine days to regroup before facing Maryland on the road. Oh, and this also means the national title hopes are over. There's no way a one loss FSU team gets the nod over a one loss SEC team. Just isn't happening.
FSU 9-1
Sixth set of games: Maryland and Florida. Folks, we don't fear the turtle anymore. The Terps were already outgunned in this game, and with the season-ending injury to their starting QB C.J. Brown, it only got worse. FSU scored 41 points in this game last year, and with the Gators looming a week later, Jimbo will want his team focused on an appearance in the ACC championship game. I predict another runaway victory over Maryland and moving on to the home finale against the arch enemy. As a 'Nole, last year's UF game was a fun one to watch. It was also a painful one to watch. The Seminoles offense couldn't garner 100 yards of offense, and needed the complete ineptness of the UF QB's to pull out the victory in Gainesville. That said, a win is a win against the Evil Empire in Hogtown. This year, the Gator defense is every bit as good as it was in 2011, and since the UF QB situation is still unsettled and none of the UF receivers are stepping up their game, we could very well see a repeat of last year's game in Tallahassee. As much as I hate to say it, scoring points on the UF defense is going to be a tall order. I still feel that defenses aside, FSU has the better offensive talent, and is playing this game at home. The Seminoles pull out the victory by ten points, and finish the season at...
FSU 11-1
Final set of games: ACC title game and Orange Bowl. FSU and Virginia Tech will face off again in the ACC title game in December, with FSU pulling out the victory on the neutral field and a BCS Orange Bowl berth on the line. It will be another close game, but the Seminoles will find a way to win the second matchup. In the Orange Bowl, the ACC Champ FSU will face the Louisville Cardinals. No disrespect to Louisville, but FSU crushes them by 30 on their way to a one-loss season, top five ranking, and the loss of Mark Stoops to a head coaching gig somewhere in 2013. But, hey, that's for another blog.....
Final record: FSU 13-1
There you have it, folks! My garnet and gold colored view of the 2012 FSU football season! Go Noles!
I will point out now that I am NOT in the crowd that has FSU playing in the BCS title game. An undefeated regular season is likely the only result that will give the Seminoles a spot in that game, as history and the SEC BCS record shows. Based on consecutive four loss seasons, I am not ready to put FSU at 13-0 and in the national title game. I do, however, feel that Jimbo Fisher and his staff have the right mix of talent and leadership to go along with that favorable schedule to put this team "back" on the national stage as a team to be reckoned with. IF this team isn't hit with the injury bug that plagued last year's squad, IF the offensive line indeed can hold its own and create time for Manuel and holes for the running game, IF the defense can avoid the mental lapses in some critical games, the 2012 version of the Seminoles will find themselves in the ACC title game and the Orange Bowl, at the very least. Unfortulately for some of my Seminole faithful, the reality is that only a truly magical season will end up in Miami on January 7th instead of January 1st.
Now, onto the schedule and my predictions for the year.....
Frank, you ask, what's up with the "season of twos?" Well, my answer is this: looking at the schedule, I see the schedule as a series of seven two game seasons. I know you're supposed to look at one game at a time, but hear me out; reviewing the following dyads and ultimately how they play out will determine the outcome of the season. So, here goes......
First two games: Murray State and Savannah State. These two FCS opponents are really just a tune up, a way for the Seminoles to hit someone other than each other. The only goals here for Jimbo and the team is to get out of these games unscathed by injury and get some playing time for reserves.
FSU 2-0.
Second two games: Wake Forest and Clemson. These are the first two ACC matchups, and Seminole Nation doesn't need to be reminded that these two games last year derailed FSU from the ACC title hunt. Losses by identical scores of 35-30 by Seminoles teams playing with key offensive players out due to injury, combined with defensive lapses, gave FSU a three game losing streak and being booted from the Top 25 polls. Look for FSU to have these games circled on the calendar. I feel Wake Forest will be a blowout victory for the Noles, and the Clemson game will end up in a 2-0 ACC start for FSU. The Seminoles defense will put their pride on the line in these two games, and look to reverse the trend of losing to these two pesky foes. Clemson might be the only team in the conference with a better group of receivers than FSU, but it won't be enough this year. Our defense will be wreaking havoc in that backfield, and they won't have an opportunity to get the ball thrown to them. FSU wins this game.
FSU 4-0
Third set of games: USF and NC State. FSU's first two road games of the season match them up against a USF team that beat them in Tallahassee three years ago in Christian Ponder's junior season (and a much less talented Seminoles squad), as well as a Wolfpack team the FSU handled comfortably at home last year in Tallahassee. USF is a team FSU has some payback to give, and the Bulls just don't have the depth on both sides of the ball to pull a victory off. The NC State game has me worried a bit, but I still feel that the 'Noles will, as long as injuries haven't become an issue, win this game comfortably. FSU starts ACC play 3-0.
FSU 6-0
Fourth set of games: Boston College and Miami. FSU returns to Tallahassee October 13th to face the Golden Eagles undefeated and looking to maintain momentum. The Seminoles won last year in Chestnut Hill 38-7, combining a four turnover performance by the defense with a balanced offensive attack. I don't see this ending favorably for the Eagles in another FSU romp. The following week, the 'Noles travel to South Florida to face annual nemesis Miami. In last year's contest, the 'Canes, even with an early monumental statistical lead, couldn't capitalize in the first half. On the FSU side of the ball, they needed a punt return late in the first half by Greg Reid and three Dustin Hopkins field goals to win in Tallahassee by a score of 23-19. The FSU defense allowed two late TD drives in the fourth quarter, but Hopkins' 38 yard FG at the 11:07 mark of the fourth had put the game in FSU's control. This is a rivalry game, and if Al Golden finds a way to have the Hurricanes in decent ACC position by the time this game rolls around, FSU had better pull out all the stops. This game is going to be close, but FSU will come out the victor for the third year in a row, and halfway to another state title.
FSU 8-0
Fifth set of games: Duke and Virginia Tech. Against the Blue Devils, the Seminoles will play their ninth straight game and sixth ACC contest. At this point of the season, the hype and expectations will be off the charts. FSU has never lost to the Blue Devils (in fact, they're the only ACC team that hasn't found a way to beat FSU in football), and I don't expect that trend to change. The Seminoles win this one going away, and if they find themselves with any injury issues, the Duke game is a good week to let those heal. They have a bye week the following weekend before their Thursday night ESPN game in Blacksburg against the Virginia Tech Hokies. For me, the Tech game is the most important of the regular season. FSU will have the national spotlight, it's on the road against a quality ACC opponent. The Hokies have dominated the ACC for the past seven years, including wins over FSU in the 2007 regular season and the 2010 ACC title game. Although the 'Noles will have 11 days and a Duke game to prepare for this, Virginia Tech is the flag bearer of the conference right now. The game is at night on their turf, and they will not go quietly. This is where I feel recent history bites FSU. With all that is at stake on this game, I don't have the confidence that Manuel and the offense will be able to pull off a victory. Virginia Tech wins Part One (hint) at home in a close, hard fought game. The Seminoles lose their first, and only, ACC game of the year, and have nine days to regroup before facing Maryland on the road. Oh, and this also means the national title hopes are over. There's no way a one loss FSU team gets the nod over a one loss SEC team. Just isn't happening.
FSU 9-1
Sixth set of games: Maryland and Florida. Folks, we don't fear the turtle anymore. The Terps were already outgunned in this game, and with the season-ending injury to their starting QB C.J. Brown, it only got worse. FSU scored 41 points in this game last year, and with the Gators looming a week later, Jimbo will want his team focused on an appearance in the ACC championship game. I predict another runaway victory over Maryland and moving on to the home finale against the arch enemy. As a 'Nole, last year's UF game was a fun one to watch. It was also a painful one to watch. The Seminoles offense couldn't garner 100 yards of offense, and needed the complete ineptness of the UF QB's to pull out the victory in Gainesville. That said, a win is a win against the Evil Empire in Hogtown. This year, the Gator defense is every bit as good as it was in 2011, and since the UF QB situation is still unsettled and none of the UF receivers are stepping up their game, we could very well see a repeat of last year's game in Tallahassee. As much as I hate to say it, scoring points on the UF defense is going to be a tall order. I still feel that defenses aside, FSU has the better offensive talent, and is playing this game at home. The Seminoles pull out the victory by ten points, and finish the season at...
FSU 11-1
Final set of games: ACC title game and Orange Bowl. FSU and Virginia Tech will face off again in the ACC title game in December, with FSU pulling out the victory on the neutral field and a BCS Orange Bowl berth on the line. It will be another close game, but the Seminoles will find a way to win the second matchup. In the Orange Bowl, the ACC Champ FSU will face the Louisville Cardinals. No disrespect to Louisville, but FSU crushes them by 30 on their way to a one-loss season, top five ranking, and the loss of Mark Stoops to a head coaching gig somewhere in 2013. But, hey, that's for another blog.....
Final record: FSU 13-1
There you have it, folks! My garnet and gold colored view of the 2012 FSU football season! Go Noles!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Everyone needs a GG
After the afternoon we just had, I just felt the need to give a shout out to my mother-in-law, GG. (GG's real name is not being disclosed due to privacy reasons) I've (well, actually, most of our friends with kids) determined that everyone needs a GG. In case you were wondering, GG gets her name due to the fact that she is also a great grandmother. I've often told her that she is my FAVORITE mother-in-law, which she appreciates even though she is the ONLY mother-in-law I've ever had. Luckily for me, I get the love right back.
Gotta admit...I am spoiled. This isn't your typical son-in-law/mother-in-law relationship. She is like a mother to me. She cooks for us. A lot. She babysits the kids. A lot. She knows football. FSU football, in particular. She subscribes to Sports Illustrated. Oh, and did I mention she's in her 70's? Even though she has her own place, she still comes over to our house quite a bit. Honestly, I don't know what we'd do without her. She's been a constant part of our daughters' lives since their births. DQ1 and DQ2 (that's Drama Queens 1 and 2, for short) adore their GG. If she came to us tomorrow and wanted to sell the condo and move in with us, I wouldn't hesitate to welcome her as a permanent resident in the justbeingfrank household.
Don't get me wrong, though. She has her faults. Like, the "what happens at GG's stays at GG's" arrangement we deal with when the girls spend the night at her place. Also, she has no problem giving them ice cream after dinner, and then jetting off to her condo, leaving us with sugar laden, hyperactive children at bedtime. I guess that comes with the territory, though. Grandparents earned that right after putting up with us for 18 years. In case you were wondering, this isn't a one way street. I wouldn't feel right about that. For example, just last week, I was at the airport at 2 AM (THANKS, UNITED!) to pick her up on her way back from a trip. I, too, love spoiling her whenever I can.
I know this won't last forever. I know eventually the role of caretaker will be passed on to my wife and I, and we will gladly return the favor. Until then, we will let GG do what she loves to do the most - take care of the ones she loves. She wouldn't have it any other way.
GG, if you find time to read this, I hope you know how much I love you and what you mean to me. You have been the role model for how I'll take care of my kids-in-law one day. Don't ever change.
Love,
Your Favorite Son-in-Law
Gotta admit...I am spoiled. This isn't your typical son-in-law/mother-in-law relationship. She is like a mother to me. She cooks for us. A lot. She babysits the kids. A lot. She knows football. FSU football, in particular. She subscribes to Sports Illustrated. Oh, and did I mention she's in her 70's? Even though she has her own place, she still comes over to our house quite a bit. Honestly, I don't know what we'd do without her. She's been a constant part of our daughters' lives since their births. DQ1 and DQ2 (that's Drama Queens 1 and 2, for short) adore their GG. If she came to us tomorrow and wanted to sell the condo and move in with us, I wouldn't hesitate to welcome her as a permanent resident in the justbeingfrank household.
Don't get me wrong, though. She has her faults. Like, the "what happens at GG's stays at GG's" arrangement we deal with when the girls spend the night at her place. Also, she has no problem giving them ice cream after dinner, and then jetting off to her condo, leaving us with sugar laden, hyperactive children at bedtime. I guess that comes with the territory, though. Grandparents earned that right after putting up with us for 18 years. In case you were wondering, this isn't a one way street. I wouldn't feel right about that. For example, just last week, I was at the airport at 2 AM (THANKS, UNITED!) to pick her up on her way back from a trip. I, too, love spoiling her whenever I can.
I know this won't last forever. I know eventually the role of caretaker will be passed on to my wife and I, and we will gladly return the favor. Until then, we will let GG do what she loves to do the most - take care of the ones she loves. She wouldn't have it any other way.
GG, if you find time to read this, I hope you know how much I love you and what you mean to me. You have been the role model for how I'll take care of my kids-in-law one day. Don't ever change.
Love,
Your Favorite Son-in-Law
Monday, May 14, 2012
FSU to the Big XII: an average Joe's perspective
Well, dear audience (if you're even still out there!), I've fallen off the blog wagon for awhile. So, I felt that what better way to get back to the business of blogging than to chime on on this firestorm of a controversy about whether FSU should join the Big XII?
So, here we go......FSU trustees, contributors and fans have hit an ACC mid-life crisis, and our conference relationship, which seemed just perfect when we were seemingly winning ACC titles and playing for national titles every year, has soured. The ACC is run by Tobacco Road, cares more about basketball then football, and doesn't know how to bargain for a lucrative TV contract. Throw in the "lost decade" of FSU football, characterized by the decline of The Legend That Is Bobby Bowden, no FSU BCS bowl appearances since 2006, and a $2.4 million athletic budget shortfall, and you have the ingredients for a jaded spouse looking elsewhere for partner that can light a long lost spark. For FSU, that new flame is looking more and more like the Big XII.
Huh?
Sorry, Mr. Haggard (FSU Chairman of the Board of Trustees), but you haven't sold this Nole that trading the current spouse, no matter how saggy and wrinkled she might look, for that hot babe from the Midwest is in FSU's best interest. Sure, the monetary prospects might be better (a new Big XII TV deal might net FSU $2.9MM more annually than the contract the ACC just signed, as well as give FSU options for 3rd tier games they don't have with the ACC contract), the football competition better, and inclusion into a college football playoff scenario (assuming FSU actually CAN win a Big XII title, which is an entirely different discussion) more likely, but there are other things to consider.
This is where my Average Joe voice has his say. I don't pretend to know anything more than what I read online and gather from my "sources" on Twitter. My case is from an average fan's perspective, and one that wonders if leaving the ACC, at least right now, for the Big XII really makes sense.
The conference: the Big XII is a football first conference, what FSU is looking for. The ACC has never been a football conference (something FSU knew walking into it when we joined in the early 90's). Even though the Big XII was on shaky ground during realignment activities the last year or so, as long as Texas and Oklahoma say that there's a Big XII, there will be a Big XII. With the addition of West Virginia, it kept its football first mentality intact. The addition of FSU would cement it as the second best conference (SEC, of course), so it'd be a no brainer for the Big XII. However, word of caution, Nole Nation. Remember, I just said the Big XII would clearly be the second best conference in football. Considering FSU hasn't won an ACC title in seven, count them, SEVEN years, and since the ACC is well.....the ACC, we shouldn't expect the road to a mythical national title to get any easier. It becomes HARDER. I point back to the fact that if FSU was still ruling the roost on the ACC football farm, we wouldn't even be having this discussion. And I haven't even mentioned how we've done against the Sooners.....
The environment: a major source of angst among the FSU faithful is the perception that the ACC is anti-FSU. They hate FSU, a result of years of the Noles running roughshod through the football conference and winning national titles at the expense of their teams. The officials are biased against FSU in all sports, not just football (although I would make the argument ACC officials are just incompetent, regardless of participant). The ACC doesn't know how to make money like the other conference in the region, the SEC (but, then again, who the hell can make the money the SEC makes?). It's FSU against the schools of North Carolina and a basketball-first mentality (case in point - the conference is adding Pitt and Syracuse. Not necessarily football powerhouses). What environment does the Big XII offer? It's called Texas. If we feel like we're taking a back seat to Tobacco Road in the ACC, wait till we have to deal with Texas. There's a reason we have the saying "Don't mess with Texas." Remember what I said about Texas the reason the Big XII is still together? What Texas wants, Texas gets. FSU will need to understand they'll still be playing second fiddle to somebody else in the conference.
The fans. Ah, yes, the fans. I've already seen Twitter responses of fans that have stated a move to the Big XII eliminates any travel plans for away games. Away trips to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas are too expensive, can't be driven to by car, and in this fan's humble opinion, just isn't a fit for FSU from a regional perspective. Proximity is a large factor in rivalries, and our footprint in the Southwest is marginal, at best. FSU is a Southeastern school. Not a Southwestern school. I can't do a lot of smack talking in my hometown of Jacksonville, FL with OU and UT fans. They're around, but there just aren't enough of them to make it fun. Moreover, a move to the Big XII eliminates the ability for many FSU fans to travel to away games, and limits the fostering of new rivalries. Sure, the occasional trip to Norman or Austin is exciting, but reality is that we likely won't play them every year, and our regular Big XII opponents aren't going to generate the excitement we think they would. I have season tickets. I've seen the decrease of fan support at Doak. I know it's getting better, but to start over with OK State, Baylor, Kansas, Iowa State, Kansas State and West Virginia as regular opponents for my weekly trips to Tallahassee? Doesn't exactly fire me up. OK State and UWV might generate some buzz on a regular basis.....I guess. Unless the Big XII guarantees me OU or TX every other year as home game, I'm not sold my home football weekends being a significant upgrade over what the ACC has to offer.
FSU's responsibility: I would be remiss if I didn't touch on the lack of football success in Tallahassee in recent years. No ACC titles in seven years is a black eye for FSU football. We are expected to compete for the title every year, not worry about beating Wake Forest. But, that's where we are. The preseason buzz the last couple years still led to relative disappointment at the end of the season, as well as two losses to Oklahoma, one of the Big XII's best teams. We need to dominate the ACC again before we think we're really worthy of jumping into someone else's conference and competing for their title. I feel Jimbo has the ship headed in the right direction, but 2012 is the year he needs to put it all together. If we have another three or four loss season this year, especially with the weak schedule, it really questions the ability of Fisher to live up to the hype that surrounds his program. WIN, baby......
Finally, I will just come out and say it: FSU needs to find a way, any way, to gain admission to the SEC. That's where FSU belongs. Sure, we spurned them when we were independent and looking for a conference. I also know we have a snowball's chance because of the University of Florida. They will block any attempt by FSU to join the SEC. However, I don't see how you can make the argument FSU in the SEC doesn't make sense. It fits from a regional perspective. A football perspective. A sports program perspective. An academic perspective. Personally, I don't know what UF is worried about. Regardless of reality, they'll always feel they're better than us. They'll probably always have the better head-to-head record. Just let us in. We'll play nice. Heck, I'm even open to begging. I won't lie....I want some of that SEC cash. Once we're in, we'll forget all about how much we groveled to get there.
In sum, I feel the FSU Administration, fans and trustees alike should think about all aspects of any divorce proceeding from the ACC at the moment. Furthermore, we should not let the emotions of what we think FSU deserves in a conference partner cloud our judgment. What might look sexy tonight in the glow of realignment possibilities could very well just be an instance where the reality in the morning is that things aren't really much better than it was with the last partner.....and wondering whether ending the relationship was the right idea at all.
So, here we go......FSU trustees, contributors and fans have hit an ACC mid-life crisis, and our conference relationship, which seemed just perfect when we were seemingly winning ACC titles and playing for national titles every year, has soured. The ACC is run by Tobacco Road, cares more about basketball then football, and doesn't know how to bargain for a lucrative TV contract. Throw in the "lost decade" of FSU football, characterized by the decline of The Legend That Is Bobby Bowden, no FSU BCS bowl appearances since 2006, and a $2.4 million athletic budget shortfall, and you have the ingredients for a jaded spouse looking elsewhere for partner that can light a long lost spark. For FSU, that new flame is looking more and more like the Big XII.
Huh?
Sorry, Mr. Haggard (FSU Chairman of the Board of Trustees), but you haven't sold this Nole that trading the current spouse, no matter how saggy and wrinkled she might look, for that hot babe from the Midwest is in FSU's best interest. Sure, the monetary prospects might be better (a new Big XII TV deal might net FSU $2.9MM more annually than the contract the ACC just signed, as well as give FSU options for 3rd tier games they don't have with the ACC contract), the football competition better, and inclusion into a college football playoff scenario (assuming FSU actually CAN win a Big XII title, which is an entirely different discussion) more likely, but there are other things to consider.
This is where my Average Joe voice has his say. I don't pretend to know anything more than what I read online and gather from my "sources" on Twitter. My case is from an average fan's perspective, and one that wonders if leaving the ACC, at least right now, for the Big XII really makes sense.
The conference: the Big XII is a football first conference, what FSU is looking for. The ACC has never been a football conference (something FSU knew walking into it when we joined in the early 90's). Even though the Big XII was on shaky ground during realignment activities the last year or so, as long as Texas and Oklahoma say that there's a Big XII, there will be a Big XII. With the addition of West Virginia, it kept its football first mentality intact. The addition of FSU would cement it as the second best conference (SEC, of course), so it'd be a no brainer for the Big XII. However, word of caution, Nole Nation. Remember, I just said the Big XII would clearly be the second best conference in football. Considering FSU hasn't won an ACC title in seven, count them, SEVEN years, and since the ACC is well.....the ACC, we shouldn't expect the road to a mythical national title to get any easier. It becomes HARDER. I point back to the fact that if FSU was still ruling the roost on the ACC football farm, we wouldn't even be having this discussion. And I haven't even mentioned how we've done against the Sooners.....
The environment: a major source of angst among the FSU faithful is the perception that the ACC is anti-FSU. They hate FSU, a result of years of the Noles running roughshod through the football conference and winning national titles at the expense of their teams. The officials are biased against FSU in all sports, not just football (although I would make the argument ACC officials are just incompetent, regardless of participant). The ACC doesn't know how to make money like the other conference in the region, the SEC (but, then again, who the hell can make the money the SEC makes?). It's FSU against the schools of North Carolina and a basketball-first mentality (case in point - the conference is adding Pitt and Syracuse. Not necessarily football powerhouses). What environment does the Big XII offer? It's called Texas. If we feel like we're taking a back seat to Tobacco Road in the ACC, wait till we have to deal with Texas. There's a reason we have the saying "Don't mess with Texas." Remember what I said about Texas the reason the Big XII is still together? What Texas wants, Texas gets. FSU will need to understand they'll still be playing second fiddle to somebody else in the conference.
The fans. Ah, yes, the fans. I've already seen Twitter responses of fans that have stated a move to the Big XII eliminates any travel plans for away games. Away trips to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas are too expensive, can't be driven to by car, and in this fan's humble opinion, just isn't a fit for FSU from a regional perspective. Proximity is a large factor in rivalries, and our footprint in the Southwest is marginal, at best. FSU is a Southeastern school. Not a Southwestern school. I can't do a lot of smack talking in my hometown of Jacksonville, FL with OU and UT fans. They're around, but there just aren't enough of them to make it fun. Moreover, a move to the Big XII eliminates the ability for many FSU fans to travel to away games, and limits the fostering of new rivalries. Sure, the occasional trip to Norman or Austin is exciting, but reality is that we likely won't play them every year, and our regular Big XII opponents aren't going to generate the excitement we think they would. I have season tickets. I've seen the decrease of fan support at Doak. I know it's getting better, but to start over with OK State, Baylor, Kansas, Iowa State, Kansas State and West Virginia as regular opponents for my weekly trips to Tallahassee? Doesn't exactly fire me up. OK State and UWV might generate some buzz on a regular basis.....I guess. Unless the Big XII guarantees me OU or TX every other year as home game, I'm not sold my home football weekends being a significant upgrade over what the ACC has to offer.
FSU's responsibility: I would be remiss if I didn't touch on the lack of football success in Tallahassee in recent years. No ACC titles in seven years is a black eye for FSU football. We are expected to compete for the title every year, not worry about beating Wake Forest. But, that's where we are. The preseason buzz the last couple years still led to relative disappointment at the end of the season, as well as two losses to Oklahoma, one of the Big XII's best teams. We need to dominate the ACC again before we think we're really worthy of jumping into someone else's conference and competing for their title. I feel Jimbo has the ship headed in the right direction, but 2012 is the year he needs to put it all together. If we have another three or four loss season this year, especially with the weak schedule, it really questions the ability of Fisher to live up to the hype that surrounds his program. WIN, baby......
Finally, I will just come out and say it: FSU needs to find a way, any way, to gain admission to the SEC. That's where FSU belongs. Sure, we spurned them when we were independent and looking for a conference. I also know we have a snowball's chance because of the University of Florida. They will block any attempt by FSU to join the SEC. However, I don't see how you can make the argument FSU in the SEC doesn't make sense. It fits from a regional perspective. A football perspective. A sports program perspective. An academic perspective. Personally, I don't know what UF is worried about. Regardless of reality, they'll always feel they're better than us. They'll probably always have the better head-to-head record. Just let us in. We'll play nice. Heck, I'm even open to begging. I won't lie....I want some of that SEC cash. Once we're in, we'll forget all about how much we groveled to get there.
In sum, I feel the FSU Administration, fans and trustees alike should think about all aspects of any divorce proceeding from the ACC at the moment. Furthermore, we should not let the emotions of what we think FSU deserves in a conference partner cloud our judgment. What might look sexy tonight in the glow of realignment possibilities could very well just be an instance where the reality in the morning is that things aren't really much better than it was with the last partner.....and wondering whether ending the relationship was the right idea at all.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
When Did I Become 'One of the Girls?'
A couple of weeks ago, as I was outside sharing some college drinking stories with a couple of the fellas at a party, the hostess was apparently describing me to those ladies that hadn't gotten to know me yet. Her description? "Frank? Well, you know, he's 'one of the girls...'"
Thankfully, my wife was there to defend my man-honor, and quickly refuted what I can only characterize must have been a term of endearment. At least that's how I'm taking it. When she told me the story, my blood went cold. I can't imagine where anyone could possibly get the idea that I am anything other than a 100%, unadulterated, testosterone-laden, hunk o' man. I mean, c'mon. Fast cars? I drive a Murano. Kinda close...sort of. Movies where guns shoot and things blow up? Aw, yeah. I'm jonesing to see "Act of Valor." Into sports? You betcha. I shot an 88 once in golf. Hit a three pointer in a work league basketball game. Caught a TD pass in city league football.
That should make me a poster child for manliness.....right?
I had to think for a moment. When and how did I send the impression that I have anything other than caveman like instincts and tendencies? Then it dawned on me. The "aha" moment where it all made sense....environment. I am constantly surrounded by women, both at home and work. Now, there are worse things that can happen to a guy, I suppose. But apparently, the estrogen-rich environment in which I find myself 24 hours a day has taken its toll on my man-rep. To wit: the pink and purple shirts. Madonna's "Immaculate Collection" CD. A Knight of the Pink Garter membership in the Phi Mu sorority. Playing Barbies with the three year old. So, yeah, I can see how that might lead someone to wonder if my Y chromosone has lost its way.
So, while I work on finding that balance between showing just the right amount of chest hair and allowing my more sensitive side to flourish, I guess I'll just let folks think what they will. Because, at the end of the day, if my portrayal of a "real man" ultimately influences the kind of guy my girls look for when I allow them to start dating thirty years from now, that may not necessarily be a bad thing.
Thankfully, my wife was there to defend my man-honor, and quickly refuted what I can only characterize must have been a term of endearment. At least that's how I'm taking it. When she told me the story, my blood went cold. I can't imagine where anyone could possibly get the idea that I am anything other than a 100%, unadulterated, testosterone-laden, hunk o' man. I mean, c'mon. Fast cars? I drive a Murano. Kinda close...sort of. Movies where guns shoot and things blow up? Aw, yeah. I'm jonesing to see "Act of Valor." Into sports? You betcha. I shot an 88 once in golf. Hit a three pointer in a work league basketball game. Caught a TD pass in city league football.
That should make me a poster child for manliness.....right?
I had to think for a moment. When and how did I send the impression that I have anything other than caveman like instincts and tendencies? Then it dawned on me. The "aha" moment where it all made sense....environment. I am constantly surrounded by women, both at home and work. Now, there are worse things that can happen to a guy, I suppose. But apparently, the estrogen-rich environment in which I find myself 24 hours a day has taken its toll on my man-rep. To wit: the pink and purple shirts. Madonna's "Immaculate Collection" CD. A Knight of the Pink Garter membership in the Phi Mu sorority. Playing Barbies with the three year old. So, yeah, I can see how that might lead someone to wonder if my Y chromosone has lost its way.
So, while I work on finding that balance between showing just the right amount of chest hair and allowing my more sensitive side to flourish, I guess I'll just let folks think what they will. Because, at the end of the day, if my portrayal of a "real man" ultimately influences the kind of guy my girls look for when I allow them to start dating thirty years from now, that may not necessarily be a bad thing.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Why I hate HGTV
Those that know me should have figured out by now that I don't have an inferiority complex. I firmly believe that if you can't laugh at yourself, just know that someone else is laughing at you. I realize my limitations, and am at peace with that......
.....except when I watch HGTV.
I have never felt more inadequate than when my wife tunes into one of those home renovation shows on that dadgum channel. It's just not fair. It's GQ models with the man-skills of Bob Vila. Where in the heck do they FIND these people? Perfect teeth. Perfect biceps. No beer bellies. Dazzling smiles. Oh, and you need a custom built cabinet and a kitchen reno in 60 minutes? No problem! And who comes up with the names of these shows? "Antonio Treatment?" Sounds like some kind of snobby, high end beauty salon procedure for men with mid-life crises that require them to take on the Antonio Banderas look, not a get-your-power tools-and-whip-up-a-home-improvement-project show.
Let's get one thing straight - I know the difference between a T-square and a mitre saw. I've installed my share of ceiling fans. I can even put together Target shelving units. I have SKILLS. But these guys are ridiculous. I feel sorry for the poor jokers who have to watch helplessly as these HGTV hunks come into their homes with all their tools, tight shirts and effortless ability to transform their once-outdated home into a Parade of Homes model. If you'll notice, all the homeowners' wives have this glazed, dreamy-eyed look on their faces during the entire show. The husbands look constipated. They know.
My wife has tried to assuage my fears. She gives me the "you'll be OK" look and tells me that I'd run circles around them if there was ever a practical need to quote APRs or calculate a simple interest mortgage payment. Of course, as she's saying this, she's got one dreamy eye on Scott McGillivray and his perfect teeth as he remodels somebody's investment property....(sigh).
All I know is that he ain't coming to my house.
.....except when I watch HGTV.
I have never felt more inadequate than when my wife tunes into one of those home renovation shows on that dadgum channel. It's just not fair. It's GQ models with the man-skills of Bob Vila. Where in the heck do they FIND these people? Perfect teeth. Perfect biceps. No beer bellies. Dazzling smiles. Oh, and you need a custom built cabinet and a kitchen reno in 60 minutes? No problem! And who comes up with the names of these shows? "Antonio Treatment?" Sounds like some kind of snobby, high end beauty salon procedure for men with mid-life crises that require them to take on the Antonio Banderas look, not a get-your-power tools-and-whip-up-a-home-improvement-project show.
Let's get one thing straight - I know the difference between a T-square and a mitre saw. I've installed my share of ceiling fans. I can even put together Target shelving units. I have SKILLS. But these guys are ridiculous. I feel sorry for the poor jokers who have to watch helplessly as these HGTV hunks come into their homes with all their tools, tight shirts and effortless ability to transform their once-outdated home into a Parade of Homes model. If you'll notice, all the homeowners' wives have this glazed, dreamy-eyed look on their faces during the entire show. The husbands look constipated. They know.
My wife has tried to assuage my fears. She gives me the "you'll be OK" look and tells me that I'd run circles around them if there was ever a practical need to quote APRs or calculate a simple interest mortgage payment. Of course, as she's saying this, she's got one dreamy eye on Scott McGillivray and his perfect teeth as he remodels somebody's investment property....(sigh).
All I know is that he ain't coming to my house.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Things I Realized Today.....
.....and that made me happy:
- I got to sleep in AND the three year old was having a sleep over at GG's AND the six year old slept in until 8:50. Teacher planning days ROCK!
- Speaking of the six year old, she begins the first step toward my dream of making it big on Broadway....she got into Pine Forest. Drama starts Monday. Literally and figuratively.
- Tebow Time is OVER. Now I can watch *real* QB's play football.....you know, like Joe Flacco and Alex Smith.
- FSU has an opportunity to beat another top five team this weekend. This after losing to TWO (?!) Ivy League teams earlier this year, scoring a combined 24 points in the first halves of those games. In contrast, FSU has scored more than 80 points in consecutive games for the first time in five years with their recent wins against UNC and Maryland. I have a feeling Jimbo Fisher's calling some plays now that football season's over. If FSU can pull off the upset of Duke, that'd be two wins against top five teams in the past week or so. Maybe we'll be one of the schools "receiving votes" if they pull it off. That's the kind of respect we command.
- The Jacksonville Zoo continues to be a fun place to take the kids. Animals. Carousels. Train rides. Birds that pee on your dad's leg. Feeding giraffes. All that fun at a very reasonable price if you become a member. I highly recommend it.
- I still have two days of weekend to enjoy. Teacher planning days ROCK!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
It's 11:11, and I'm......
...trying to blog from my iPhone, which is telling me my browser is no longer supported by Blogger. You'd think for my first blog I would have been more prepared. You know, like, used a a computer. Designed the page. Had a theme. Really tried to WOW my audience. Truth be told, though, I'm having too much fun watching Megadeth on Palladia. Heavy metal is so much more badass on a 50" TV in high def. If only I could crank up the volume and turn the family room into a mosh pit. Dunno...I don't think my wife shares my appreciation of head banging music, not to mention the Louis Gossett, Jr. commercials touting the benefits of short term, $1000 loans. That said, once Metallica hits the stage, I make no promises....speaking of Metallica, my youngest has no idea how close her name came to being Lars. Luckily for her, better sense prevailed.
There you have it. My first blog. A bit off center, but those that know me aren't surprised. Just Being Frank.....
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