Archive for October 24th, 2011

WATERCOOLER CHAT: BCS SURPRISES, TEBOW DEBUT, RANGERS TAKE GAME 4

FOOTBALL

In college football, two surprising match-ups that changed the BCS standings.

First up, it was #7 Wisconsin heading into Michigan State.  Wisconsin has been dominant this season, but many experts thought that they haven’t seen a real test yet.  Michigan State gave them all they could handle, stopping their running attack (somewhat) and even carving up their defense.  However, with the score tied at 31, Michigan State threw a HAIL MARY down the field into a a crowded defense.  They got lucky, as the defense batted down the pass directly to a Michigan State receiver who, while surprised, jumped into the end zone.  And with that, Michigan State practically ended Wisconsin’s National Championship hopes.  Michigan State 37, Wisconsin 31.

And in Oklahoma, the Sooners were expected to destroy yet another opponent.  However, Texas Tech has been rather enigmatic this season.  They can essentially score at will, although their defense is suspect.  Shockingly, the Texas Tech Red Raiders jumped out to a 31-7 lead.  If Oklahoma wanted to catch up, they would need to do it in under a half.  They did make a surging comeback, but their field goal kicker missed two easy field goals to make the comeback even more difficult.  They tried an on-side kick late trailing by 3 with under a minute, but the Red Raiders recovered and pulled off the upset at the Sooners house.  That will also pretty much do it for Oklahoma’s title hopes.  Then again, if they can beat Oklahoma State later this season, they might still have a chance.  Texas Tech 41, Oklahoma 38.

And in the NFL, it was (yet another) debut of Tim Tebow.  Prior to the game at Dolphin stadium, they honored the 2008 Florida Gators National Championship team (of which Tebow was the star).  He accepted the honor, then wanted to prove that he was, in fact, worthy of being an NFL starting quarterback.  The Broncos fell behind 15-0 and couldn’t get anything going.  But, in the 4th quarter, Tebow turned on the jets.  He had 65 rushing yards, and connected for two touchdowns to even the game at 15.  And we were headed to overtime, where Tebow did just enough to get them in field goal range where Matt Prater booted a 52-yarder to win the game.  Tebow does have some magic about him.  Denver 18, Miami 15.

BASEBALL

It was Game 4 of the World Series.  The Cardinals absolutely crushed the Rangers in Game 3, and the Rangers knew they had no choice but to even this up.  Derek Holland took the mound for the Rangers and delivered a masterful performance.  He gave up only 2 hits in 8 innings.  Josh Hamilton gave the Rangers a lead in the first inning with a double that brought in a run, and in the 9th inning Mike Napoli crushed a 3-run shot to left field to give the Rangers a comfortable 4-0 lead, if you can say it’s comfortable vs. a high-scoring Cardinals teams.  And… it would be, as Rangers closer Neftali Feliz came in to keep the Cardinals in check and help the Rangers take Game 4.  Now it’s a best of 3, and if you haven’t watched so far — this is the time to tune in.  Texas 4, St. Louis 0.

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