Alexis Nicole - Infatuation (Music Video) Standard Def

From Richmond, Virginia, Alexis Nicole is a Soul singer/songwriter who has always had an unwavering passion for music. . At the tender age of two, she began singing in church. With a natural affinity for instruments, she learned to play the piano on her own while still in high school. Inspired by artists such as Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Monica, India Arie, and Alicia Keys, Alexis Nicole mixes the soulful sounds of gospel, rhythm and blues, and neo soul to create her own. As a recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Alexis Nicole has studied and received her degree in music business; equipping her with recording engineering techniques, music theory skills, and more. Her first independent album entitled, Im Here, was released in 2008, and her sophomore album Loves Last Stand was released at the end of 2009. Alexis Nicoles newest single Infatuation is currently in rotation in Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio, and as far as the UK. Alexis has performed all over the South & East Coast, and when afforded the opportunity of sharing the stage with Kindred the Family Soul, she was told, You have the talent; just never stop singing. Alexis Nicole has adhered to this advice and continues to be an innovative artist who will always share her gift with the world.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYUSAALCUL8&hl=en

AAMU Fight Song/Lovely Day 2009 MCC

Alabama A&M University playing their fight song,( the best fight song to me) & Lovely Day!!! fav.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpDvAwaYtiM&hl=en

ASU - "Freaky Girl" 2008

ASU - "Freaky Girl" 2008 vs. BCU 2008



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3aJpMooshE&hl=en

ASU Step Show: Omega Psi Phi (Pt. 1)

Part 1 of the crunk men of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity are stepping at the Alabama State University Acadome on 4/12/08.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyNnlXqCEaw&hl=en

UAB Ethics Bowl Team Wins National Championship

BlazerCast for March 15, 2010: The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Ethics Bowl Team has won the national championship. The five-member, UAB team competed against 31 colleges and universities at the National Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl held March 4 in Cincinnati, debating some of today's most difficult ethical issues. They defeated the 2009 national champion Indiana University and the 2008 semifinalist Westminster College to win, along with teams from the University of California Santa Cruz, Carleton College and Weber State University. For more information, please visit: www.uab.edu Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com Become a fan of BlazerCast on Facebook: bit.ly



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZABhSktZvU&hl=en

Alabama State University Band - busted windows

asu in the band room playin busted windows alabama state university band



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYyyW1rVYcY&hl=en

Cinque Cullar Tribe of Judah Even Me... Lord I hear a shower

Tribe of Judah came to my church... They sang me... this song is pretty old, but definately a throwback. I lost my mind on some parts... and also the gentleman in front of me... was getting to excited... excuse the sound effect. The Little boy is only 10....and he is the next Ricky Dillard.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq-czWStNQo&hl=en

Omega Psi Phi

Gamma Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Alabama State University



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOYVOQtFVxw&hl=en

Bernie Madoff and the Reoccurring Paradox of Fraud and Philanthropy

After details of the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme came to light, many observers questioned why someone who had donated so much money to worthy causes would concurrently destroy many charities through his fraudulent actions. Madoff's family foundation had donated over $19 million to various health care, cultural, religious and educational charities. He also contributed about $6 million to lymphoma research. Yet, Madoff's firm, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, was simultaneously orchestrating a massive investment fraud that destroyed a multitude of charitable foundations and resulted in massive losses for many others.

Rather than being a rare occurrence, this odd partnership of corporate wrongdoing and philanthropy has been quite common. The following is a list of ten well known examples:

1. Bernie Ebbers, Founder and former C.E.O. of Worldcom: The man behind Worldcom's financial deception that cost investors about $100 billion was convicted of fraud and conspiracy in 2005. Yet, prior to his convictions, Ebbers had donated over $100 million dollars to various charities, though approximately $35 million of this related to his Worldcom stock, which had achieved great value due to Ebbers' wrongdoing. Ebbers is currently serving a 25 year prison sentence and will not be eligible for release until 2028 when he will be 87 years old.

2. Cliff Baxter, former Vice-Chairman of Enron: Baxter pled guilty to various counts of fraud and conspiracy in connection with the Enron accounting scandal that preceded its bankruptcy. He was known for his generous donations to organizations such as Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society and Sunshine Kids, a charity dedicated to providing activities and trips for young cancer patients. Baxter committed suicide in his car in 2002 in the wake of the Enron debacle. He was 43.

3. Ken Lay, former C.E.O. and Chairman of Enron: Lay was found guilty of ten counts of securities fraud and related charges in 2006 for his role in Enron's accounting scandal. He had donated more than $2.5 million to more than 250 organizations through his family's foundation and was behind Enron's policy of donating 1% of its profits to local charities. Lay died of a heart attack while awaiting sentencing.

4. Dennis Kozlowski, former C.E.O. of Tyco International: In 2005, Kozlowski was convicted of grand larceny, securities fraud and other crimes related to his receipt of $81 million in unauthorized loans and bonuses, improper payments and Tyco's fraudulent financial disclosure. He gave generously to charities, though $106 million of his donations were made with Tyco's money. He is eligible for parole in 2014.

5. Michael Milken, financier known as the junk bond king: Milken was charged with 98 counts of racketeering and securities fraud in 1989. He reached a plea bargain agreement whereby he admitted guilt to six securities violations and was sentenced to ten years in prison. He also paid a $600 million fine. Milken was released after serving just two years behind bars. At the time of his misdeeds, Milken was known as a generous philanthropist. His Foundation of the Milken Families has donated millions of dollars to various causes including $60 million dollars in educator awards and sizable donations to educational institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and charities such as the United Way. His philanthropy has led to a Fortune Magazine cover story calling him "The Man Who Changed Medicine" due to his large health care donations.

6. Richard M. Scrushy, founder and former Chairman and C.E.O. of HealthSouth Corporation: Scrushy was convicted of bribery and mail fraud in connection with payments he made to Alabama's governor in exchange for appointment to the state board that regulated hospitals. He was sentenced to 82 months in federal prison and was fined $2.87 billion. Scrushy co-founded Computer Help for Kids, a charity that collected, refurbished and donated computers to school students and community groups. He also established a ministry to feed African children, though this occurred as he was awaiting trial. Scrushy is appealing his conviction.

7. Lord Conrad Black, former C.E.O. of Hollinger International: Black was convicted of mail fraud and obstruction of justice in 2007 and was sentenced to 78 months in prison. He is currently out on bail pending a Supreme Court review of his case. His Black Family Foundation has donated millions of dollars to charities, including $3.4 million to Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children and significant amounts to various educational institutions.

8. John Rigas, founder and former C.E.O. of Adelphia Communications Corporation and majority owner of the Buffalo Sabres ice hockey team: Rigas was convicted of multiple counts of fraud and tax evasion for concealing $2.3 billion in liabilities from shareholders and making personal use of corporate funds. When these misdeeds were uncovered, many people came forward to provide anecdotes portraying Rigas as a giving person who constantly helped needy neighbors. However, many of Rigas' donations were made with Adelphia funds. At his sentencing, Rigas pled for leniency and noted his charity work. The judge responded by stating, "To be a great philanthropist with other persons' money is not very persuasive." Rigas was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He is scheduled to be released in 2018 when he will be 93 years old.

9. Ivan Boesky, businessman and stock trader: Boesky became famous by amassing a fortune by trading on inside information regarding pending corporate takeovers. He admitted to insider trading through a plea arrangement that involved him testifying against Michael Milken. He was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison and paid a $100 million fine. Boeksy became involved in insider trading schemes even though he had more money than he could spend at the time. Boesky donated $20 million for the Jewish Theological Seminary's library that was named for him.

10. Gary Winnick, founder and former Chairman of Global Crossing Limited: Winnick made over $700 million by selling his shares of Global Crossing shortly before the company collapsed. While the SEC decided not to bring charges against him, shareholders brought a class action lawsuit against Winnick and others alleging fraud. The defendants settled the lawsuit by paying the shareholders $325 million. Winnick, to his credit, also donated $25 million to employees who lost their 401K's as a result of Global Crossing's demise. Through his family foundation, Winnick funded the Winnick Family Clinical Research Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He also donated $40 million for the Simon Wiesenthal Center's international conference center in Jerusalem and funded various scholarships.

Why would all these men who were accused or convicted of fraud or criminal activity also have philanthropy as a common denominator? One key factor is that these businessmen all generated millions of dollars through their actions and had the means to make sizable donations without impacting their standard of living.

Other explanations delve into the psychological realm. For some, making these gifts was a means to attaining greater notoriety. Donations were often publicized and, as in the case of Boesky and Winnick, often led to buildings or scholarships bearing the name of the donor. These businessmen may have simply wanted to draw attention to their generosity. It is also likely that many of these fraud artists also saw charity as a means for offsetting the guilt that they harbored for the harm they had caused investors and others by perpetrating their scams. They felt that if they did something supererogatory with their funds, this would make their ethical transgressions more acceptable.

With respect to Bernie Madoff, I do not believe that he ever set out to create a Ponzi scheme that would ultimately be exposed. It is more likely that his firm was unable to provide the investment returns that Madoff had promised and dipped into other investors' funds rather than admit to clients that he missed expectations. However, instead of replacing these lost funds with excess future gains, the deficit grew larger until it was insurmountable. Thus, Madoff never intended to bankrupt these charities. It was an unintended consequence of his inability to admit failure to his clients and friends. However, regardless of his true motives, the fact remains that Madoff's fraud destroyed many charitable organizations. He now joins these other businessman that have mixed fraud and philanthropy. Welcome to the list, Bernie Madoff.

Alabama State University - Red light special 2008

The alabama state mighty marching hornets playing red light special during the 5th quarter @ the 2008 famu game



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jOogJKnf44&hl=en

Texas Tech Red Raiders Football and Mike Leach

The Red Raiders football team is the representative of Texas Tech University - often referred to simply as "Tech" - in the Big Twelve Conference of the NCAAs. Football has been an integral part of the Texas Tech tradition since 1925, with varying degrees of success. Overall, the program has garnered eleven total conference championships in its history, and maintains a positive record of wins and losses. One of the brightest periods in its history occurred during the prior decade, when the Red Raiders had a winning season during each year between 2001 and 2009. Much of the team's success during that period can be attributed to the coaching of a man who had never suited up for a football game in his life.

The coming of Mike Leach

Mike Leach was hired by Texas Tech in 2000 after the previous coach had left the school. Unlike most college coaches who began their association with coaching by first playing the game in college, Leach had no such experience. He was, however, an excellent student and teacher of the game, with a motivational presence that inspired teams that were often less talented than their opponents to play at a level that belied their real skills. Leach became nothing short of a phenomenon at Texas Tech, as his Red Raiders squads would find ways to compile one winning season after another. During his tenure, he also became the leader among Tech coaches of the past, holding the record for success in the postseason as well: five wins and four losses in the bowl games his teams went to at the end of each of the seasons in which he coached them.

The secret to success

There is no question that Leach's true passion in the game rests in the area of offense. He cut his coaching teeth, so to speak, as an offensive coach at several schools prior to taking the job at Tech, and helped each of those schools to create passing offenses that lit up scoreboards across the nation. His variation on the spread offense has been mimicked by other teams through the years, though few have had the success with it that Leach did. In addition, his ability to turn quarterbacks like Tim Couch into top ranked draft picks has been well documented.

The best example of the speed with which his Tech teams could score occurred during the Insight Bowl game of 2006. At one point in the third quarter of that game, the Minnesota Gophers enjoyed a thirty-one point lead over the Red Raiders. With the little more than a quarter left to them in the game, the Red Raiders stormed back to tie the game by the end of regulation play, then won by a field goal in overtime. That 31 point turnaround is the greatest deficit any team has ever overcome in postseason play.

Leach was suspended at the end of the 2009 season over allegations that he had mistreated one of his players. Though he never disputed the charges, Leach still refused to apologize to the player, resulting in his termination by the university. He is presently in the process of suing Texas Tech for wrongfully firing him.

Colt McCoy & Jordan Shipley University of Texas (UT) Football Teammates, Roommates, & Family Friends

Colt McCoy is best known for his success at playing the quarterback position for the University of Texas (UT) Longhorns based in Austin, Texas. In fact, his success as a college passer was so prolific that he attained benchmarks never before accomplished by anyone including setting the all-time record for most wins by a quarterback with a grand total of 45 over a four year career.

Chief amongst the numerous reasons for the success Colt experienced are his father Brad McCoy who played at UT in his youth and coached Colt in high school and Jordan Shipley who in addition to being a good friend and former roommate to Colt was also his favorite receiver during the four years that the two played together in college. Interestingly there is a link between Brad McCoy and Jordan Shipley that circumvents Colt altogether.

Jordan Shipley has a father named Bob Shipley who served as the high school football coach for his son, the record breaking wide receiver from a small town in central Texas with a population of 1,600 people. Bob Shipley played football at the University of Texas when he was a younger man and during that time he was teammates, friends, and even roommates with Brad McCoy, the man who would eventually become the father of Colt McCoy.

Jordan Shipley and Colt McCoy were born less than a year apart in the mid-1980s and grew up in tiny central Texas cities that are located about an hour and a half apart on opposite sides of the small Texas city of Abilene. Jordan was raised in Rotan, TX (population 1,611) while Colt grew up in Tuscola, TX (population 714) 80 miles south of Rotan.

Interestingly both Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley had fathers that served as their high school football coaches at their respective schools and the two standout players played complimentary offensive positions with Colt being a quarterback and Shipley a wide receiver. Both players went onto become nationally renowned football stars while playing college football together in Austin, Texas which is only a bit more than 200 miles south of where the two boys grew up.

The relationship that Bob Shipley and Brad McCoy formed decades earlier came full circle when their two boys followed in their footsteps and became not only contributing players to the University of Texas Longhorns football program but more importantly good friends. The bond between the McCoy and Shipley families is a unique one that is filled with shared experiences that will likely continue for lifetimes and possibly into future generations.

LSU Rips Ohio State 38-24 to Become First Two-Time BCS Champion - Part 8

It speaks volumes about the state of college football in 2007 when a team gets into the BCS national championship game with two losses. Louisiana State University became the first team to make it with two losses. Ohio State made it with 1 loss.

Should the Tigers have been there? Georgia, Southern Cal, Missouri, West Virginia and Kansas all thought they should have been selected over LSU. Every one of them had it wrong in the end. Any one of them should have replaced Ohio State, not LSU.

The LSU Tigers kicked the snot out of Ohio State for the second year in a row. The Buckeyes started quick and could not even begin to finish what they started. It wasn't even a decent street fight. After going up 10 to zip early on, Ohio State's No. 1-ranked defense gave up 31 straight points to lose 38-24.

Early in the second quarter, LSU blocked an Ohio State field goal attempt before marching for a touchdown, and then intercepted a pass to march for another score. Last year Ohio State started with a 7-0 lead against Florida before suffering an even more lopsided 41-14 loss. The legacy for Ohio State in its 9 bowl games against Southeast Conference teams is terrible, the Buckeyes have yet to win a single, stinking victory.

Ohio State's loss to LSU made it the 3rd team to lose 2 BCS title games. Oklahoma and Florida State have also lost 2 BCS title games. It is not that the Jim Tressel-led Buckeyes cannot win a national championship. They beat Miami 31-24 to win the title in 2002. They just cannot seem to get it done against SEC teams, which are 4-0 in BSC title games, making the SEC the ONLY undefeated conference among the 6 major conferences.

To me the game was a huge disappointment in that it was not competitive for a national championship. One snapshot during the game says it all for me. The television crew pans in on a close-up of 3 Ohio State players conferring about their misery.

I look intently at the numerous stars on their helmets and think to myself, geez Louise, between them they must have more than 100 stars on their helmets. These are for individual efforts in logging a 100-yard rushing game, scoring a touchdown, intercepting a pass, recovering a fumble, or whatever. Who really cares? Stars on helmets cannot block and tackle.

I am thinking, "This must be the brain trust for individual glory at Ohio State." Here these guys are big shots with stars all over their helmets getting the snot kicked out of them on national television in the title game. Good grief. Football is a team sport.

Given their sorry performance, I believe Jim Tressel and the Ohio State glory brigade need to give it a rest before even the stars on their helmets get embarrassed. I do not really give a crap how many stars Jim Laurinaitis has on his helmet. As far as I am concerned, LSU knocked them off.

Having spent the entire college football season doing weekly wrap-ups and numerous articles on statistics few want to believe, I would like to note for the record that Ohio State piled up an 11-1 record by playing not a single top 20 team while LSU played 8 game-time top 20 teams and beat 7 of the them, losing only to Kentucky on the road in triple overtime.

Did LSU deserve to be in the national championship game? Absolutely. Are they the real national champions this year? Absolutely. Bring any other argument to the field and settle it there. Ohio State found out who is this year's top team. Who can say with a straight face that if they played LSU next week, they would put a whipping on them like LSU did on Ohio State?

(Editor's Note: This is the 8th and final article of a series on the 2007 bowl game results.)

Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley

2008 Rose Bowl - Southern California Decimates Penn State For 3rd Consecutive Rose Bowl Win, 38-24

After winning 383 football games and 23 bowl games-both records-Penn State coach Joe Paterno sat quietly in the press box, nursing his hip problems. A camera caught him slowly shaking his head as Southern California went up 31-7 on his Nittany Lions in the BCS Rose Bowl New Year's Day (1-1-09).

No one had to tell the 82-year-old coaching legend and Pennsylvania icon that this was not Happy Valley. The final 38-24 score belied what actually took place-No. 5-ranked USC convincingly decimated a proud and successful No. 6-ranked Penn State team that had come into the BCS Rose Bowl with a Big Ten title and an 11-1 record.

And that is why, more than any other reason, the 83-year-old Penn State coach will be on the sidelines next season, Lord willing and the creek don't rise. JoePa lives to compete. The Saturday afternoon excitement and the feel of autumn wakes him up in the morning and puts him to sleep at night.

Does Joe Paterno think USC is as good as any other team in the country? Only a nascent homer or a fool would say no.

So this needs to be said loud and clear right now: Pete Carroll's University of California Trojans have . . .

1) Won 7 straight Pac-10 Championships, a record.

2) Played in 7 straight BCS Bowl Games, a record.

3) Won 3 consecutive Rose Bowl Games, a record.

4) Won 11 or more games for 7 straight seasons, a record.

5) Won 6 of 7 big games, going 5-0 against Big Ten teams such as Penn State.

6) Won 82 games and lost only 9 since Carroll's 2nd year on the job.

Did they wipe the field with Penn State? Yes. They scored 31 points on 5 straight possessions in the 1st half, the most USC has scored in any of its record 33 Rose Bowl games. The Trojans racked up 27 first downs and 474 yards of offense.

Junior quarterback Mark Sanchez completed 28-of-35 for 413 yards and 4 touchdowns and ran for a 5th touchdown. And guess what? He's thinking of going into the NFL Draft rather than return for his senior year; it's hardly a surprise.

Damian Williams caught a career-high 10 passes for 162 yards and a TD. Ronald Johnson caught 2 TD passes. Kaluka Maiava was the Top Defensive Player, becoming the 3rd straight USC linebacker to win the award.

In its 3rd game this year, USC traveled to Oregon State and lost 27-21. Then the Trojans reeled off 10 straight victories, outscoring opponents 380 to 80 with the No. 1 defense in the country. The Trojans are playing like a national championship team but they are not the national champion this year. Maybe next year.

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Apple Cup Football Game - University of Washington Huskies and Washington State University Cougars

The Apple Cup is the name of the annual intrastate rivalry football game played by Pac Ten Conference rivals the University of Washington Huskies and the Washington State University Cougars. These two colleges have played each other 102 times in the history of the Apple Cup rivalry. Every season the winner of this much anticipated match up gets to go home with the coveted Apple Cup trophy, a traveling trophy that remains with whichever school won the most recent contest.

The University of Washington is located in Seattle, Washington (the largest city in the state). Approximately 285 miles east of Seattle is the city of Pullman, Washington where the main campus of the Washington State University Cougars is located. The specific location of the annual Apple Cup game alternates between Martin Stadium (capacity 35,117) in Pullman and Husky Stadium (capacity 72,500) in Seattle. It takes students about four and a half hours to make the drive from one campus to the other for away football games.

The annual game between the two largest universities in the state takes place on the Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday and marks the final game of the regular season. Prior to the 2007 season the game had historically been played the Saturday before Thanksgiving but due to a lengthening of the college football schedule to 12 games the game Apple Cup game has recently been pushed back to the weekend after Thanksgiving in order to preserve its place as the final regular season game.

The story of how the title Apple Cup came to be associated with this rivalry is actually quite brief. For much of the history of this rivalry that dates back to November of 1900 the instate opponents dubbed this the Governor's Trophy game but that changed in 1962. Beginning with the 1962 match up the name of the annual meeting between the two universities was changed from the Governor's Trophy to the Apple Cup in recognition of the apple orchids and apples that the state of Washington is so well known for.

Although the name change officially occurred in 1962 when college football historians discuss the record these two schools have against one another in the Apple Cup they generally count wins and losses all the way back to the first meeting on November 30, 1900 that ended in a 5-5 tie (a very bizarre final score by modern standards). Over the 102 meetings these programs have had on the grid iron the University of Washington leads the overall series by a count of 65-31-6.

Who Dat Destined For the Distance

Who Dat made perfect and politically correct!

My mother did not know what to name me because I was born in ancient history, years before sonograms. Mom was hoping for a girl. When she first saw me she exclaimed, Who Dat? Before the nickname stuck my father said, Dat's not good. He told my mom "no, no, not Dat. You wanted a girl and I wanted a boy so let's nickname him Bud because this kid is never going to blossom. He will be a bud forever." That stuck so I'm still Bud "Perfect" according to my mom and dad---not too light, not too heavy, but just right and that's was the end of Dat. Dat's good.

The second time I remember hearing Who Dat was when Kurt Warner, a relatively unknown out of nowhere, performed the "Greatest Show on Turf". He was a discounted newcomer to the NFL but went on to win two Super Bowls and MVP awards, NFL Man of the Year and much more and dats Dat.

The Who Dat Nation is the latest Champion brand name dat celebrates the deserving New Orleans Saints' world class team. Who Dat Drew Brees' MVP and Coach Sean Payton's stellar gutsy performance and winning leadership put Dat on the map for the 2010 Super Bowl XLIV and dats Dat.

Great role models and great ideas inspire us to do Dat. So the question is--to be or not to be Dat.

One of the greatest ideas to transform our world was recently announced by Ambassador Tony Hall world renowned authority on global hunger and poverty. The Champions Campaign to the EndPovertyZONE with the help of sports fans and celebrities has a goal to end poverty in this generation. Did you know Dat is possible?

Did you know dat: nearly one half our world lives on less than $2 per day; dat not one of us picked our place of birth; dat there are better ways than charity to transform peoples lives; dat livelihood loans can provide a livelihood for the poor; dat $100 can provide 2 families a year with the dignity of sustaining their families for a lifetime; dat you can make a world of difference to help families reach the EndPovertyZONE; dat you can be inducted to the Hall of Champions to the EndPovertyZONE; dat your ideas can be the "Ticket" to the EndPovertyZone; dat you can learn more how to be a part of the rave wave winning team of Champions; dat you can join sports celebrities around the world in this wave to wash away the scourge of poverty and forge a future of Hope for the hungry half of our world? Now dat is something to rap about!

Dats the What's Dat and Why Dat for Champions.

Imagine being a part of a winning team to end poverty in this genertaion. Imagine being listed in the Hall of Champions to the EndPovetyZONE! Imagine your ideas and help to make it happen! Be there with us in the winning circle of the EndPovertyZONE. Make this dream your dream with us and we will declare you a "Saint"! Dats good! Dats what its all about.

Now you can do Dat and be Dat!

Tiger Walk - Most Popular Football Tradition at Auburn University (AU)

Auburn University (AU), located in Alabama, is known for many things including a rich history of traditions. Perhaps the most popular and cherished tradition at this particular college campus is something current students, alumni, and people local to the area are very familiar with that is known as the Tiger Walk, named after the school mascot which is a tiger.

Auburn usually has six or seven home football games every year that are played in their home football stadium that is named Jordan-Hare Stadium which holds over 87,000 people. The tradition known as the Tiger Walk involves the football players walking from the dorm known as Sewell Hall (a dorm specifically reserved and designed for athletes) to the stadium hours before kickoff. While the football players walk to Jordan-Hare Stadium literally thousands of loyal fans cheer them on in as both a way to show their appreciation and in an effort to get the team pumped up for a strong performance.

The history of the now infamous Tiger Walk dates back to the 1960s when young children would approach football players on their way to the stadium in an effort to collect autographs from their idols. It was former head coach Doug Barfield (head football coach at Auburn from 1976-1980) who is individually credited with encouraging fans to come out and support their players before they arrived at the stadium. Although a number of schools have since taken up some form of this tradition involving cheering on players as they enter the stadium (including SEC rivals the University of Tennessee and the University of Florida) it is Auburn that is credited with developing this popular pregame ritual.

During a typical football season AU usually has about eleven football games on their fall schedule. In addition to the eleven or so games scheduled during the regular season there is potential for as many as two extra games if the team is having a successful season. After the regular season play is completed there is a conference championship game played. As a member of the SEC (Southeastern Conference) West division of the SEC the Auburn Tigers have an opportunity to play in the SEC championship game against the winner of the SEC East if Auburn can win the difficult SEC West. In addition to the SEC Championship game if the Tigers win at least six games the team is bowl eligible which means they will likely be invited to play in a post season bowl game against an opponent from another conference.

The Tiger Walk has become so popular with fans that they emulate it with fewer numbers at road games where the tradition has expanded to cheering on the Auburn Tigers when they walk from the bus into a visiting stadium.

Battle of the Milk Can Football Game Between Boise State University (BSU) & Fresno State University

Of all the odd names for college football games (or for that matter games of any sport) the coveted Battle of the Milk Can has to be arguably the most bizarre name in existence. In this annual rivalry game played between Boise State University (BSU) and Fresno State University the teams of masculine warriors square off in an epic battle to determine who will have the privilege of hoisting the Milk Can Trophy.

Individuals unfamiliar with the notion of playing a football game for something called the Milk Can Trophy would probably guess that the origins of the name must be rooted in some antiqued terminology native to the area. Much to the surprise of folks educating themselves about the limited history of the Battle of the Milk Can is the fact that the unique title began in 2005. Perhaps something as nonsensical as a battle over a can of milk should not be a complete surprise coming from two universities that are named after nonexistent states. When listing the fifty states in the union neither the state of Boise nor the state of Fresno come up.

It should come as no surprise that dairy farmers are behind the naming of the Milk Can Trophy. The Fresno State Bulldogs are located in Fresno, California and the Boise State Broncos are located in Boise, Idaho. It just so happens that California and Idaho are two of the top five dairy producing states in America at numbers one and four respectively. The Bronco Dairy Boosters give money to Boise State and at the same time another dairy organization called the South Valley Dairy Group gives money to Fresno State. The two men responsible for the unforgettable Battle of the Milk Can game title are Roger Fluegel and Dan Van Grouw who have ties to both the schools and dairy funded booster programs previously mentioned.

In what might come as a surprise to outsiders the concept for a Milk Can Trophy game was an instant hit with fans and the football programs themselves. Unfortunately due to administrative issues the inaugural trophy was not ready in time to be awarded to the winner of the 2005 contest (Fresno won 27-7). Every year the winner of the big game has the privilege of keeping the trophy for a year and has the distinct honor of having their team victory engraved on the trophy for posterity. After five seasons now the Boise State Broncos are off to a commanding three win lead after winning the last four contests since losing the inaugural match up.

Final Top 14 Poll For the 2009 College Football Season

Another great college football season has come and gone. Here is my final poll for 2009, and why I rank them where I do. It was my intention to do a Top 25 Poll as I normally do, however, after my 14th pick, I decided that there were too many teams qualifying for the last 11 spots. I decided not to pick the last 11, but rather highlight 3 teams that caught my attention, 2 of whom would never had made anyone's Top 25 Poll except mine.

1) Alabama (14-0) - Can there be any doubt left? I think not. There is a reason why I have had Alabama ranked No. 1 for the last 7 consecutive weeks of the season. Now you know why. The Crimson Tide beat Florida, last year's national champion, 32-13, to win the SEC Conference Championship, and then took down Texas, 37-21, to win Alabama's 8th national championship.

2) Boise State (14-0) - Both the AP Poll and the Coaches' Poll liked Texas No. 2 and Florida No. 3, but not me. They both lost. I think that really good teams that win bowl games should be rewarded, so I like the Boise State Broncos at No. 2, ahead of Texas and Florida. Boise State (13-0) and TCU (12-0) faced off in the first-ever prestigious BCS game as mid-major teams, and were also teams with unbeaten records. Boise State was ranked 6th going in and TCU 3rd; the Broncos won 17-10. Isn't it about time that we started treating mid-major teams as serious contenders, rather than weak sisters?

3) Ohio State (11-2) - Why not? Let's reward top bowl teams who win. I have been on the Buckeyes case for 3 years for playing and losing their last 3 BCS games. The 8th-ranked Buckeyes upset the 7th-ranked Oregon Ducks, 26-17.

4) Florida (13-1) - Florida lost to Alabama 32-13 in the SEC title game, and believe you me, it was not pretty. That said, the Gators stomped an absolute mud hole in 12-0 and unbeaten Cincinnati, 51-24.

5) Texas (13-1) - Fifth seems about right to me. I don't care that Colt McCoy got knocked out of their national championship game. That is Texas' problem, not mine. If they were so dependent upon one player to win, maybe they are not that good of a team.

6) Iowa (11-2) - Came in ranked 10th and upset a high-scoring, 9th-ranked Georgia Tech (11-3) team, 24-14, by playing great defense.

7) Penn State (11-2) - Came in ranked 11th and beat a very good LSU team, 19-17, when the Nittany Lions should have folded like a cheap, K-Mart deck chair. I can't stand Penn State and JoePa because they keep playing cupcake schedules to roll up victories, but I also cannot ignore a quality win, even if it was the first ranked team that Penn State has beaten all year. Penn State held LSU to 9 first downs, forced 3 turnovers, and caused LSU to commit 10 penalties. Again, Penn State won, a host of other teams may be better, but they lost.

8) Nebraska (10-4) - Might be 10-4 but the Cornhuskers were the last team anyone wanted to play at the end of the year. Bo Pelini's boys beat a good Arizona team, 33-zip, to record the only shutout of the 34-game bowl season. My best guess is that Nebraska is going to start kicking the snot out of some players and teams.

9) TCU (12-1) - Loss to Boise State was the Horned Frogs' first loss of the season.

10) Cincinnati (12-1) - Loss to Florida, as bad as it was, was the Bearcats first loss of the season.

11) Oregon (10-3) - Only lost to Boise State and Stanford during the regular season, and beat Oregon State in The Civil War to go to the Rose Bowl and face Ohio State. Had a terrible game against Ohio State, thanks to the Buckeye defense.

12) Virginia Tech (10-3) - Lost to Alabama, Georgia Tech and North Carolina in the regular season, but put a 37-14 whipping on Tennessee in their bowl game. There was not a lot of love for the Volunteers because of their dippy, turncoat coach.

13) Brigham Young (11-2) - Only lost to Florida State and TCU and, more important, ripped apart Oregon State 44-20 in their bowl game. Beating Oregon State by 24 points in a bowl game is no mean feat, no matter what Oregon State's record is.

14) LSU (9-4) - Louisiana State University is the toughest 9-win team in the country. Lost to Florida by 10, at Alabama by 9, at Mississippi by 2, and in their bowl game to Penn State by 2. How many other teams could lose to Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Penn State by a combined 23 points? Answer: None.

Every rating of mine after No. 14 has no real basis in logical argument, which is exactly why I created my own poll, so I could create and cater to my own biased opinion rather than listen to someone else's biased opinion. Besides, I have big grapefruits-the prostate glands of all men grow larger as they get older.

15) Central Michigan (12-2) - I know the Chippewas play in the MAC and went to the GMAC Bowl. They also beat Ohio for the MAC title, beat Troy in the GMAC Bowl, and won 12 games. They joined only 6 other teams to win 12 or more games this season-Alabama (14-0), Boise State (14-0), Texas (13-1), Florida (13-1), TCU (12-1) and Cincinnati (12-1). The Chippewas could be in a lot worse company. I liked Central Michigan's gutsy season.

16) Idaho (8-5) - I don't care if the Vandals are 8-5 and compete in the Western Athletic Conference. Coach Robb Akey won 3 games his first 2 years and was 8-5 this year while winning the Humanitarian Bowl against Bowling Green, 43-42. So what is so special about Idaho that I should rate them as the 16th best team in the nation? Heck, nothing. It is not about the team, it is about the coach, Robb Akey, who chose to risk losing the Humanitarian Bowl by going for the victory on the last play of the game rather than settle for a tie and playing an overtime period. Man, Akey is my kind of guy. Let's shoot for the stars and, if we miss, we might hit the lighting rod on top of the barn. But if we shoot for the lighting rod on top of the barn, we might hit something on the floor of the barn we don't want. After being a doormat for years and years and years, Akey has put Idaho football back on the map. That feat alone deserves high recognition.

17) SMU (8-5) - I am impressed with Southern Methodist University and coach June Jones even more so. Like Idaho, SMU has been a doormat for years. Currently in Conference USA, SMU has gone from 1-11 last year to 8-5 this year and a 45-10 bowl victory over Nevada. SMU is on the rise. June Jones spent 9 years at Hawaii where he went 76-41 with 5 seasons of 9 or more wins, and won 4 of 6 bowl games. SMU got something special when they hired June Jones; now Mustang fans are finding out why.

I have no more picks from 18 through 25. You pick them as you see them. I am all done for the year. I just am not impressed with any of the rest of the teams. Thanks for your continued, loyal readership. I even appreciate the criticism and hate mail because I know you care as much as I do-we just disagree on some things. Be good, and strive to be happy-sports isn't everything in life, it is just one of the important things in life.

Utah Utes - Urban Meyer Breaks the BCS

A lot of things have changed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Bowl Championship Series over the last few years. With teams like Boise State and Texas Christian finally beginning to get their due as legitimate national title contenders, the major conferences with automatic BCS berths seem poised to lose their stranglehold on the championship title. To look at the true origins of the breakdown of that stranglehold, one need only go back to Urban Meyer's time as the coach of the Utah Utes. The Utes play in the Mountain West Conference, one of the smaller NCAA groupings that were not afforded the automatic berth provided to major conference teams when the BCS was first established. As a result, no team from a conference such as the MWC was invited to a BCS game - that is, until Urban Meyer arrived at the University of Utah.

The Utes can play

When Urban arrived at the University of Utah, he was well aware that they already had a proven history of winning football. Since their origins in 1892, the Utes program has been in five separate conferences and won those conferences 24 times. With an overall record of 617 victories and 421 defeats, as well as a twelve and three record in their postseason bowl match-ups - the highest percentage of wins by any college program with a minimum of ten appearances - there was little doubt in Meyer's mind that he was taking over the reins of a program that had a solid foundation on which to build. His public declaration that his Utes team was going to basically play as hard and fast as they could and provide everyone with a show worth watching was a clear sign that he already felt he had the talent in place to compete at any level.

Breaking the BCS mold

The 2003 season's 10-win and 2-loss victory was clear evidence that his beliefs were correct. With the implementation of the fast-paced spread offense attack, the Utes took on all comers, ended up winning the MWC conference title, and finished the campaign by shutting out Southern Mississippi in the Liberty Bowl. The next year's campaign involved nothing less than a repeat of the conference championship, a new Utes record for scoring (544 points on the season), and an undefeated record. With that record, the BCS knew that they could no longer ignore schools like Utah, and invited them to the 2005 Fiesta Bowl where they trounced the Big East's Pittsburgh team by a score of thirty five to seven. That victory, along with the season's overall results, was enough for the AP to rank them at number four in their final poll of the season.

Meyer's two seasons as the Utes' coach had broken new ground with the Bowl Championship Series, as the BCS selection committee was forced to finally acknowledge that top level football was being played in places outside of the traditional power conferences. The Utes themselves would go on to play in another BCS contest in 2009, defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in convincing fashion only one year before the Tide would go on to win a national championship.

Sam Bradford - Right Handed Quarterback From Oklahoma City Played For University of Oklahoma (OU)

Sam Bradford was born in November of 1987 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and grew up idolizing the University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners football team that played down the road in the nearby city of Norman, Oklahoma just 20 miles south of where Sam was raised. As Sam grew into a teenager his dream of someday becoming a player on the OU Sooners football team slowly became an increasingly likely reality as he developed into a deft right handed quarterback.

As a star high school athlete Bradford excelled at three different sports while attending Putnam City North High School in his hometown of Oklahoma City. The three sports that Sam participated in where basketball, golf, and of course football where he was a star right handed quarterback for his high school football team. Sam was enrolled at Putnam City High School from 2002 through 2006 and during that time he made quite a name for himself as a standout athlete in the area.

As a senior in high school in the fall of 2005 Sam tossed 17 touchdown passes and threw for over 2,000 yards. Those statistics were strong but despite those numbers and his impressive 6'4" build Bradford was only considered a mid-level college prospect by top tier college football program standards. Bradford ultimately decided against taking scholarship offers to play for less high profile college football programs and instead chose to follow his dream to one day become the starting quarterback for the University of Oklahoma Sooners.

Sam Bradford enjoyed impeccable timing in terms of when he arrived on the Norman campus and when the job as quarterback for the OU Sooners became available. After beating out five other players for the open position Bradford established himself as the new starting quarterback for the 2007 season as a red shirt freshman. The phrase red shirt freshman refers to the term given to a college athlete who sat out their first year in order to mature and familiarize themselves with the college and athletic system. A red shirt freshman is technically in his second year of college (after attending classes throughout the red shirt year) but is in his first year of competing in competitions/games.

Bradford would go onto become the second college player in the history of the sport to win the coveted Heisman Trophy (recognizing the top college football player) as a sophomore after an outstanding 2008 season that culminated with a disappointing upset to the University of Florida Gators in the national championship game. Bradford has since dealt with shoulder issues but is believed to be fully recovered and expected to be a top NFL quarterback for years to come.

Alabama State University's College of Business

Alabama State University's College of Business



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6fKMYtn_LE&hl=en

Idaho State Number 5 - How Did Those Losers Get In The Top 5 - It's Official - Idaho State Is First

How did those two-time losers USC and Michigan get ahead of Boise State in the final football pole? The top 3 should have been Florida, Boise State, and LSU. And wasn't it Auburn that put Florida to sleep during the season. So it was early in the season. So what? It was in the season.

My top five is now official: Florida, Boise State, LSU, Auburn, and USC.

Oh, what the heck. Unbeaten Boise State is first. My top 5 is now more official: Boise State, Florida, LSU, Auburn, and USC.

Now, don't you feel a lot better?

Darn! I left Oklahoma out. It's Boise State, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, Auburn, and USC. Sorry USC. I still love you.

I just knew the game for the national football championship would be a dud. It often is. Ohio State had laid off so long it looked like they had never played the game. And Florida looked so fresh and full of spunk. God Bless Em'.

And I also felt that the Rose Bowl game would be a downer too. It was. USC came to play and Michigan was just glad to be in the California sun.

Unsurprising to me, a self-made football expert (I'm just kidding. This is Taylor Jones, the hack writer) the other bowl games were terrific, the best I've seen.

And of course, the most exciting was to see that great Oklahoma team, that can beat anybody on a given day, fight for their life in the Fiesta Bowl against spunky and an unbeaten (Ra Ra Hooray!) Boise State University team (an hour-and-a-half or so up the road who has a horrible blue football field).

Wouldn't it have been great to have Boise State play LSU (who could beat the Green Bay Packers) and Florida play Ohio State and then the winners play each other for the national championship?

Darn! I left Oklahoma out again. We have to add two more games requiring each winning team to play twice.

Okay, I've thought his out.

Here is the schedule we should have had:

Oklahoma against Boise State

Auburn against LSU

USC against Michigan

Florida against Ohio State

Boise State would have then played LSU. USC would have played Florida.

Finally, Boise State or LSU would have played Florida for the national championship.

I'm glad we worked that out.

But could it have been even more EXCITING here in Idaho where everyone has GONE CRAZY?

I think Boise has victory parades scheduled up through August.

The End

Mayor Williams - Tip of the Spear in Youngstown, Ohio Revitalization

America - Youngstown, Ohio like so many other boom towns in America contributed its success to the countries hunger for quality steel. Youngstown gained the rank of the third largest steel producer in the country hitting its high water mark during the 1970's. As steel production grew so did the city's population and infrastructure until the day that will live in Ohio history forever: September 19, 1977. The day the last of the steel production the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company closed forever putting 5,000 workers out of a job. The once, "Too big to fail," steel giant had succumbed to what one can only guess were rising operational costs and foreign steel competition.

Furthermore, with the city's entire local economy centered on the production of steel, Youngstown went into a tailspin unable to stop the free fall into poverty, crime, and drugs. For the next twenty odd years, the country as well as many of the residents, had surrendered to the ideology that Youngstown was lost, a mere shadow of its former self with large industries other than service and retail moving into the Valley. Youngstown had little hope for recovery.

What Youngstown needed was a plan of recovery, a strategy to inspire those who had lost hope in the city. Reaching out across generations and bringing the residents together for the common good of the city, the neighborhoods, and families. More importantly, a person to spearhead the effort.

"The residents have been mourning the loss of the steel mills for some twenty years; the time for mourning is over." Mayor Jay Williams said in a recent interview in his modestly furnished, but tasteful office. One might have expected his office to a bit more...reflective of the position, however, the mayor's choice in decor reflected the tastes of someone who is more interested in doing the city's business than impressing. Williams, a native of Youngstown, graduate of the local university, and second term mayor brings to the table experience in the banking industry which gives him a unique perspective on the realities of trying to run a city in today's economic climate.

This in turn led me to the next question, "How is the city specifically able to continue to move in the direction of progress in spite of the economic conditions of the country?" The mayor enthusiastically answered in two parts. "I have met with other city officials from around the country and listened as they talked about budget cuts and how difficult it was becoming," the mayor continued, "However, Youngstown, probably is better equipped to survive these times, as the city has been operating at this difficult level for many years."

In addition to his banking experience, Mayor Williams also spent some time as the Director of the Youngstown Community Development Agency where he and others conceived the plan to transform Youngstown into a thriving community and beacon for new businesses once again.

The mayor's plan "Youngstown 2010" is centered on the reduction of the city as a whole; by removing unoccupied structures to make way for green spaces. What were once cluttered vacant lots will be transformed into city gardens. As I spoke with the mayor about his plan, he convinced me with his contagious enthusiasm and how he has been able to recruit the help of neighborhood committees and organizations in the effort. The mayor, as well as his plan, has been honored by many prestigious awards and is being accepted by other cities and countries around the world as the model of standard for doing what had once been thought impossible; the shrinking of a city while improving the quality of life for all.

Besides the plan to redefine the topography of the city, the mayor shared with me the progress they have made in the one area in the city where, because of the invasion of strip malls and shopping centers have all but been forgotten. Main Street - Downtown. Youngstown has always had something to offer folks of many different tastes in the heart of the city. Nonetheless, today the officials of Youngstown with the cooperation of downtown merchants are making it even more attractive for folks to come and enjoy the day or evening. The mayor shared with me the success of the recent jazz concert attracting some of the biggest names in the business, as he put it, "was a night to remember." There is also the downtown farmer's market offering fresh produce to residents living in the downtown area, the theater, fine art at the Butler Museum of Art, a hockey team, and plenty of parking.

The mayor shared his and city official's labors to perpetuate the growth of new business in the area. One could hardly speak of new business growth in Youngstown without mentioning the Youngstown Business Incubator, which surprisingly is centered on helping technology based businesses get a leg up. Youngstown is quickly becoming a technology center to do business. This is tribute to the hard work and effort of the people of Youngstown. Mayor Williams added Youngstown State University is building a new business school which is due to open in September 2010.

When the interview conversation turned to the subject of business the mayor took on an air of seriousness. I was no longer talking to the man who had only moments before had been smiling as we talked about jazz concerts and farm markets. I was now talking to the man who was absolute about the business of the city. The mayor discussed from a formal posture the details of doing what many of his, as he put it "critics" and supporters thought to be impossible, expand steel in Youngstown. The company the mayor is referring to is V&M Star Steel which is in the midst of breaking ground on $650 million dollar addition attracting attention from Washington with a visit from the President in May. During his visit the president did not miss the opportunity to use the expansion as proof his stimulus was working to kick start the economy. What this expansion means to the valley is 350 jobs which they have already began taking applications.

The mayor gave his time generously as he continued to explain other job opportunities that were about to become reality from companies looking to make Youngstown their home. However, the mayor was candid about other challenges Youngstown faced along its road to recovery, such as stressing the importance of education. Jay Williams has proved to be the mayor of the people.

Nick Saban - A Great College Football Coach Who Might Bring Alabama Back to Greatness

Nick Saban recently became the University of Alabama football coach by signing the richest contract ever awarded to a college football coach.

His 8-year, $32 million deal with the Crimson Tide has a base salary of $225,000 that will be supplemented by a personal services fee of $3.275 to $3.975 million per year. College football supporters are awash with money for winners who they believe can put their team on top.

Saban's deal does not include a buyout clause if he leaves, but it does cap public appearances at 15 per year (for alumni and booster clubs) that are unrelated to endorsements.

The contract also has incentives that could generate another $650,000 for on-field and academic success with his players. One biggie is $200,000 if he reaches the BCS championship game and escalates to $400,000 if Alabama wins.

Saban also gets a country club membership, two cars, a luxury box at Bryant-Denny Stadium and up to 25 hours of yearly flight time for personal travel in a non-commercial plane.

Ah, it is good to be Nick Saban in Alabama today. Now he must win and win big, something he has been able to do at other college coaching positions.

In his only year as head coach at Toledo he took the Rockets from 6-5 to 9-2 and the Mid-American Conference co-championship.

Saban then went to Michigan State and in five seasons turned the Spartans from a mediocre, continual late-season failure into a 9-2 season that included wins over Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State before he resigned in 1999.

A season earlier, MSU knocked off then No. 1 ranked Ohio State 28-24 at Ohio Stadium and routed highly-ranked Notre Dame before folding later in the season.

If the Big 10 was not tough enough, Saban's next stop was another five seasons with the LSU Tigers in the even tougher, nastier Southeastern Conference.

He chalked up a 10-3 mark and an SEC championship in his second year and topped things off with a 13-1 record in his fourth season (2003) that earned the Tigers a second SEC championship with Saban as well as the BCS national championship title after a 21-14 win over the Oklahoma Sooners.

After two average years trying to get the Miami Dolphins of the NFL in gear, he left to become Alabama's new hope. Saban was able to build a defense with the Dolphins but never really got the offense going, suffering his first losing record as a head coach.

Saban's extended family has football connections. His cousin Lou Saban was a two-time All-Big Ten player at Indiana University and later was head coach for the NFL Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots.

Saban played as a defensive back for Don James when James was head coach at Kent State University. James also coached NFL great Jack Lambert and led the Golden Flashes (it may be true) to their only Mid-American Conference title in 1972.

Like Saban, James was a winner. James went on to coach 18 seasons at the University of Washington. He was twice named National College Coach of the Year (1984 and 1991), guided Washington to the National Championship in 1991, took the Huskies to 6 Rose Bowls (winning 4), won the Orange Bowl title in 1985, had a 10-5 bowl game record, and won 22 straight games from 1990 to 1992.

James was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997; Saban will likely be inducted into the same Hall of Fame at some point in the future.

Here is what Saban had to say about James: "Don James was my college coach at Kent State. I guess he had as much of an impact on me as anyone in terms of organization, quality of work, (and) being the best you can be. He's the person that got me (into) coaching."

Saban was a graduate assistant and then defensive assistant for the Kent State University football team.

I have distant connections to Saban and James.

I graduated from Michigan State in 1966 and saw two great years of football before graduating. I remember the 1966 "Game of the Century" between then No. 2 ranked Michigan State and No. 1 ranked Notre dame that ended in a 10-10 tie when Norte Dame decided to settle for a tie rather than go for the victory.

There were 5 All Americans on MSU's 1966 team: fullback Bob Apisa, halfback Clinton Jones, defensive end Charles "Bubba" Smith, wide receiver Gene Washington and rover (linebacker) George Webster.

I remember a game in 1965 when All-American running back Jim Grabowski from Illinois and George Webster were running full steam toward each other and Webster flattened Grabowski. It was one of the greatest tackles I ever witnessed. Grobowski went on the play for the NFL Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.

Football at MSU then turned to crap until Nick Saban arrived and took the Spartans back to prominence. It was one long drought that lasted from 1967 to 1999.

I relocated to Washington State in 1973 and followed the University of Washington Huskies-and Don James-closer than I did Michigan State during those years. Here in Washington Don James is affectionately known as the "Dawgfather" and treated with as much respect as was Don Corleone in The Godfather movie.

You will not meet a better college football coach or person than Don James, he is always about honesty, integrity and doing the right thing.

My expectation is that Nick Saban will bring Alabama football back to its rightful place. I have been a Crimson Tide fan since the day "Joe Willie" Namath walked onto the Alabama campus.

I am also fired up for the football season to start as Michigan State has a new head coach, a guy named Mark Dantonio who is serious about defense and will instill the kind of discipline and winning attitude MSU needs.

The days of the country club atmosphere are over at Michigan State. Players will either get with it or get gone. Dantonio will not accept losing and neither will Saban. Look out SEC, here comes Nick Saban.

Copyright © 2007 Ed Bagley

Mrs. Johnnie Carr - Homegoing Celebration #1

The Revealer Show aired the Homegoing Celebration of Mrs. Johnnie Rebecca Carr at the Acadome at Alabama State University, who passed away on March 1, 2008.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFnpvvKUtGw&hl=en

Rammer Jammer at Alabama LSU 2009

11/7/09 - After a close game against LSU, Alabama pulls away in the 4th quarter and holds LSU's offense to win the game 24 to 15. The student section celebrates by jingling keys, chanting, and singing Rammer Jammer.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpEmymBWvW8&hl=en

Tailgating Essentials

When it comes to the art of tailgating, most back yard barbecue aficionados think they can't be beat. But just how good would they be if they had to hitch up that grill and take it on the road? It takes a special kind of cook and some special preparation to be a true tailgating master.

While the practice of tailgating is most closely associated with football, the truth is that tailgating parties take place at all kinds of events from baseball games to NASCAR races. To aid revelers in their comestible pursuits an entire industry has sprung up catering to support this mobile trade.

Following is a short list of supplies that are a must for all Tailgaters, beginners and old timers alike. Your special needs will either add to or subtract from this list:

- Aluminum foil - for cooking, if needed, and for left over storage
- Binoculars - just in case you are not in the front row
- Camera - to capture those special moments before the action starts
- Can opener - you don't want to be caught without one
- Chairs - even grillers get weary
- Charcoal - for the gasless gang
- Cooking mitt - those utensils can get very hot working over a grill
- Cooking & dining needs - cups, plates, bowls, spatula, tongs, pots and pans
- Cork Screw - just in case you prefer wine to beer
- Grill - Gas or charcoal, without it you lose.

Who wants cold cuts at a tailgate party? But not to worry, there is one company produces a grill that attaches to your trailer hitch and swings out when you want to use it thus eliminating the need to pack and unpack your grill or worry about leaving home without it.

- Insect repellent - to stave off unwanted "creature" discomforts
- Napkins, paper towels, tissues - no one wants to be untidy
- Seat cushions - some of those stadium seats are pretty hard
- Trash bags - always clean up after yourself
- Tables, tablecloths, table weights - weights keep your table from tipping
- Utensils - tongs, spatula, and a large fork for handling the main dish
- Weather protection - sunscreen, layered clothing or an umbrella, you need to check ahead on the weather conditions and be prepared.

JSU Marching Southerners, Band Camp Opening 2008

The Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners open their 2008 camp with the traditional first playing of "Salvation is Created," followed by "Stars Fell on Alabama," "Southerners Special," and "Dixie."



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gfkyLKSaX0&hl=en

BCS Controversy - A Debate Between AQ's and Non-AQ's

The BCS has caused controversy through the sports nation, and with good reason. Two sides have pleaded their case, the automatic qualifiers vs. the non-automatic qualifiers, and proper attention has yet to be applied to the situation. The six BCS conferences continue to hold firm to their automatic bowl selections, while the likes of Boise State, TCU, Utah, BYU, and other top tier non-AQ's attempt to claw their way into the big bowls. Sometimes they've made it, sometimes they haven't. These teams have been required to produce unblemished records, and sometimes that hasn't even been enough. However, should these non-AQ teams have the chance to compete for a national championship, or are they simply inferior teams? Let's look at some key seasons to see if these questions can be answered justifiably.

Season #1 - In 2001, the Brigham Young Cougars entered into their last regular season game with a perfect record. Their next opponent was a hungry Hawaii team, always pumped to beat their old conference team. The Fiesta Bowl had been scouting the Cougars as potential material for their bowl game. This would have been the first time a non-AQ had broken the BCS bubble, yet, it was not to be. Before the BYU vs. Hawaii game had even started, it was announced that BYU would not be accepted to the Fiesta Bowl. BYU was thereafter crushed by the Rainbow Warriors so badly that no one questioned the Fiesta Bowl committee's decision, and maybe rightfully so. However, it is important to note that Luke Staley, BYU's main offensive weapon and that year's Doak Walker award winner had broken his ankle, taking him out of the last two final games of the year. Had Luke Staley remained uninjured, it is possible that BYU would have remained undefeated.

Conclusion: Non-AQ teams have been flirting the BCS bowl games since 2001. BYU may have even been improperly denied their rightful chance to play in the Fiesta Bowl, and considering they were rejected before ever having lost a game simply shows the BCS simply didn't respect their victories. They however had no marquee wins.

Season #2 - In 2004, Urban Meyer led the Utah Utes to a perfect season with Alex Smith at the helm. They beat Texas A&M, Arizona, and Pittsburgh, all of which were members of BCS conferences. Texas A&M would end up winning seven games, beating three ranked opponents on the way. Arizona only won three games but were little challenge for the Utes anyway. Pittsburgh was an eight win team beating the likes of Notre Dame and West Virginia before being humiliated by the Utes 35-7 in the Fiesta Bowl. Come NFL draft time, Alex Smith was the number one pick and Urban Meyer would pack up and head to coach the Florida Gators.

Conclusion: This was the first time a non-AQ team cracked into the BCS picture. However, the Utes were still shunned by being pitted against a Pittsburgh team that was obviously inferior. It was a step in the right direction though, and started to awaken the nation's eyes about the BCS system. Other points worthy of mention is that great coaches and players can indeed be products of non-AQ conferences. Urban Meyer is thought by many to be the best college football coach currently coaching in the entire nation. Alex Smith is also slowly making his mark in the NFL.

Season #3 - Boise State cruised its way to a perfect season in 2006, though it's only BCS victory came against an Oregon State team. However, that Oregon State team won ten games, including a bowl victory against Missouri, and the Beavers were also hammered by the Broncos 42-14. Boise State was then pitted against the mighty Oklahoma Sooners in what was supposed to be a slaughter. But the Broncos stuck with the Sooners the entire contest, and what has been deemed one of the greatest football games of all-time had the underdogs winning 43-42. David had slain Goliath, and the Non-AQ's were 2-0 in BCS bowl games.

Conclusion: Utah's perfect performance was quickly duplicated only two years later by the Broncos. Boise State showed the nation that it would not be a rare occurrence for Non-AQ teams to pitch perfect seasons. They also showed that with the proper preparation, Non-AQ teams can play with the big boys on the big stage.

Season #4 - The Hawaii Warriors fought their way into a BCS bowl game in 2007. Their marquee win was ironically from a non-AQ team, Boise State. They were pitted against a high-octane Georgia team in the Sugar Bowl and were annihilated 42-10.

Conclusion: This was originally thought to be a huge setback for the non-AQ teams. The Warriors were utterly humiliated and the questions arose once more whether or not these non-BCS teams were worthy to play in the big bowls. Non-AQ's dropped to being 2-1 in BCS bowl games.

Season #5 - The setback wouldn't last, as Utah produced another perfect season in 2008, beating the likes of Michigan, Oregon State, #12 TCU, and #14 BYU. Utah was ranked so high they were assured a bid to the Sugar Bowl. However, they were challenged by a very capable and talented Alabama team. The nation was braced for an easy game for the #4 Crimson Tide. But as per usual, the predictions were of little value, and Utah brushed Alabama aside with surprising ease. The final score, 31-17, was actually deceptive as the Utes creamed Alabama both on the offensive and defensive side of the football. Utah ended the season ranked #2 in the nation.

Conclusion: This was the 3rd season straight that non-AQ teams landed a BCS Bowl game. Utah rose questions as to whether a non-AQ team truly can be the best team in the nation as they received 16 first place votes in the AP poll. Non-AQ's now stood at 3-1 against their BCS foes.

Season #6 - In 2010, Boise State and the Mountain Western Conference made a big splash. BYU opened up their season beating #3 ranked Oklahoma, Boise State crushed a very powerful Oregon team, and TCU's defense smothered every offense that confronted them. Utah also played quite well, only losing a close battle to Oregon followed by defeats to TCU and BYU. At the end of the season, TCU, BYU, Boise State, and Utah were all ranked in the top 25. Both TCU and Boise State scored BCS bowl games. The problem was, however, that they were pitted against each other. The BCS, most likely scared their system would once again be exposed as heavily flawed, found a solution by ensuring that neither TCU or Boise State had a chance of beating one of the BCS powerhouses. Boise State won in a close contest.

Conclusion: The BCS is now frightened of the powerful non-AQ teams. Imagine the scenario had TCU beat Florida and Boise State beat Cincinatti. There would had been such an uproar that the BCS would have had no choice but to make some serious changes to their system. Easier to not give the non-AQ's the chance to prove themselves at all.

There you have it. The overall record for the non-AQ's vs. the AQ's in BCS bowl games is 3-1. The non-AQ's continue to question the legitimacy of the current college football system. The Mountain Western Conference has shown itself to be mightier than some of the BCS conferences, with win after win against BCS opponents. Why are non-AQ's continually spurned the chance to prove themselves as the #1 team in the nation?

The non-AQ's received the largest sum of money they've ever received from the BCS after the 2009-2010 season, at a total of 24 million dollars. Four of the BCS conferences received 17.7 million dollars...each. The other two? Even more, at 22.2 million dollars each. That means that eleven conferences are getting roughly the same amount as one BCS conference. Texas Republican Joe Barton probably said it best when he said, "What is the BCS theoretically about? I thought it was about the best teams playing the best teams. This simply acknowledges the reality that's it's not about that, but about revenue sharing. It's an economic cartel." The BCS is obviously not for college players' benefits, but for the benefits of a few selective organizations. It's time the walls came down, and that all schools, no matter what conference, should be given a chance to be #1.

Saban and Miles on Alabama vs. LSU theuniversitytube.com

Visit theuniversitytube.com your source for all college videos. Select your school and watch or upload. The two coaches sound off about the Big game this weekend. Courtesy ESPN



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJSmYPbmwL8&hl=en