Thoughts on the BSU-Oregon game

Boise State's win over the Oregon Ducks will be yet another nationally televised football game that is the talk of college football fans everywhere. Not necessarily because the Broncos "plucked" the Ducks, but due instead to the post-game antics of the Ducks' starting tailback LeGarrette Blount. In spite of the NCAA's 2009 focus on sportsmanship, Blount punched Broncos LB Byron Hout in the face after the game Thursday night. Hout's knees buckled and he fell, but popped right back up with a smile on his face. Blount was literally carried off the field by Oregon coaching staff, Oregon players, and security guards. On his was out Blount tried to fight with BSU fans as well. I suspect he will be suspended for the rest of the season, if not removed from the team altogether. Since Blount is a senior, it really doesn't matter which road is taken. In effect his college football career is likely over. I would be very surprised to see Blount play again.

To the game itself, I was very impressed with the Bronco defense. The first half was an utter embarrassment to the Ducks, who were held to 14 yards of total offense and converted no first downs. The offense, led by phenom sophomore Kellen Moore, opened the game with an impressive 95 yard drive to the Ducks 1 yard line, but failed to even get a field goal out of it. The next drive was similar. There were a lot of first game mistakes made by the Broncos on offense. Kyle Brotzman missed 2 field goals in the first half before making one prior to halftime. The plague of bad snaps and fumbles carried over into the second half for the Broncos. The second half was especially sloppy for the Bronco offense. But that's not all bad. BSU has always been known as an offensive powerhouse. But against Oregon, it was just the opposite. The defense clearly led and supported the team. The offense has a lot of room for improvement. If the offense would have performed at the level I've come to expect, I think the Broncos could have easily doubled the points they put on the board. So I am excited that the BSU offense could play quite badly, yet they still were able to win against a nationally ranked Pac-10 team who was looking to avenge the loss they took last year at the hands of the Broncos. What really has me excited is if that defense is as good as they looked Thursday night, and their offense cleans up all the mistakes, then I really think they can play with the BIG BOYS. BCS buster?? Yeah, I think it's very possible.

Old Time Religion

I ran across a great blog tonight while surfing the web, and the author had recently posted these videos from YouTube. I enjoyed them so much, thought I would do the same. HT: Barbara

Duck Hunting on the Smurf Turf

I absolutely cannot wait for the college football season to begin. It's no secret in my house that I am a college football fanatic. Forget the NFL. Now, particularly dear to my heart are the Boise State Broncos. I grew up near Boise. I remember the Big Sky days when our biggest games were against Montana State and the University of Utah. Now we are in the bigtime. Many, if not most, of you probably think BSU is just an overrated WAC team who never really plays anybody significant. That's fine. But we are still ranked 14th in the nation to start the year, with our biggest test of the season right coming right out of the gates. The Oregon Ducks (rated 16th) will be visiting Boise in a rematch of last year's 37-32 opening day loss to the Broncos. This game should be a battle to the finish, as it is one of only 4 top 25 opening day matchups. My prediction: Boise State--48 Oregon--20

From Shrill to Schilling

Orel Hershiser took up professional poker. Roger Clemens joined the pharmaceutical industry. So what's the latest development in the world of high profile professional baseball pitchers? Apparently Curt Schilling is considering the bull pen. I say "bull" in reference to the late Senator, Edward "BS" Kennedy, whose vacant Senate seat Schilling is considering. I recall Schilling being a conservative, but if his curve ball is as good as it used to be, he may have a shot. I hope he digs his heels in and fights for the seat. Here's the story.

Has this game been rated??

Every once in a while, there comes a game so realistic, so fantastic-yet-close-to-home, so undeniably addictive that you must quit playing it and go tell your friends. That is what I'm doing now. I've been playing this game for 14 straight hours. I'm talking a serious buzz it's given me. Hopefully, I'll have it mastered in the next 24 hours. I mean, I better get it mastered, 'cause I don't think I can handle eating any more lint out of the carpet and I'm too lazy to get up.

For Daniel

I'm just taking a moment to give my friend from north of the border something to read since he is my only faithful reader every day, in spite of my bi-annual posting. Thank you, Daniel.

3 Cheers for Church!

Three Cheers for Church! In a bold attempt to reach the "non-discliples" in the metro Huntsville, Alabama area, pomo Pastor David Thew has punched a new notch in the Bible Belt. After becoming disgusted with 'traditional' missiology, Thew and newly converted friend and brewmaster Don Alan Hawkins joined efforts to utilize the building which houses Olde Towne Brewing Company as their worship center.

According to Thew, Hawkins "brews great beer to the glory of God". I wonder if that glory is manifested before or after the sermon? You might think I'm being silly, but I'm serious! Why can't I find a cool church like that up here in Seattle? I'm tired of latte shops. I want a Pyramid Hefe in a 32 oz pre-chilled beer stein that I can take into worship with me. And who would care if you spilled some on the floor in a brewery? Anyway, I'm in the Seattle area. Maybe Driscoll will help me out.

Object Lesson in Redemption

I was pleasantly surprised on this first day of 2007 to learn that The Discerning Reader has been pulled out of the mud and polished up. It's been a while since I've been to The Discerning Reader (ever since the "controversy" anyway), so I'm probably reporting on something that happened a long, long time ago. Anyway, if you haven't already done so, go check it out.

Bridges to Sandy Creek

Gene Bridges at Triablogue has posted an excellent historical review of the development of the doctrine of predestination amongst the "Calvinistic" and "Bezian" and "Dortian" camps. Now, if only the Anti-Scripturalists in the SBC would read it, all would be well again. Here's the link: More ABC'S for Dr. Caner