Clean Sheet Rankings
Attacking Rankings
Individual Rankings
Kamis, 28 Februari 2013
REAL MADRID | SUBSTITUTES OR FULL TEAM AGAINST FC BARCELONA ?
For those who may not know, there will be another "Clasico" this weekend. Yes, another match between Real Madrid & FC Barcelona on Saturday at 16.00 as part of Round 26 of La Liga.For World Football fans this is a blessing but for these Clubs perhaps it is not. In the Barcelona case, they go in after an exhausting Spanish Cup semi last Tuesday which they lost & were eliminated, plus they are
Earlier exit for Catholic 7?
All indications had the seven non-BCS Catholic schools departing the Big East after the 2013-14 season but there has been rumblings that DePail, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John's, Seton Hall and Villanova may opt to leave at the end of this season.
"I'm hoping in a couple of weeks we'll have that (separation) piece done," DePaul athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto said in a Chicago Tribune story. "Once that piece gets done, the next step is to determine the (start) date, and that would be part of the negotiation of whether it's 2014, or if it's 2015 or if there's a possibility if it could be 2013."
While the seven schools could have its own league schedule next season, the prevailing notion was that they would wait a year to get more teams on board but that is no longer the case.
"Every school is committed to making it happen, whether that's on a super-compressed timeline or a little bit less compressed timeline," Marquette athletic director Larry Williams told the Tribune "Even if it starts next summer, there's still a lot of work to do. If it's going to happen this summer? There are going to be some real, real long days. But I think everybody is committed to doing it."
ESPN is reporting that Butler and Xavier have agreed to join the league, which will keep the Big East name, and Creighton is also expected to join for next season.
On the surface it would seem as if this is more of a basketball issue and it wouldn't impact the football team. However, if all seven schools leave it could increase the likelihood that Louisville and Notre Dame open to jump to the ACC sooner rather than later.
If Louisville and Notre Dame bolt for the ACC next season as well and Rutgers leaves a season early for the Big 10 UConn will be left every further behind in the conference realignment game. Big East holdovers Cincinnati, South Florida and Temple will join Central Florida, Houston, Memphis and Southern Methodist with the possibility of bringing in East Carolina and Tulane later this year rather than in 2014.
"I'm hoping in a couple of weeks we'll have that (separation) piece done," DePaul athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto said in a Chicago Tribune story. "Once that piece gets done, the next step is to determine the (start) date, and that would be part of the negotiation of whether it's 2014, or if it's 2015 or if there's a possibility if it could be 2013."
While the seven schools could have its own league schedule next season, the prevailing notion was that they would wait a year to get more teams on board but that is no longer the case.
"Every school is committed to making it happen, whether that's on a super-compressed timeline or a little bit less compressed timeline," Marquette athletic director Larry Williams told the Tribune "Even if it starts next summer, there's still a lot of work to do. If it's going to happen this summer? There are going to be some real, real long days. But I think everybody is committed to doing it."
ESPN is reporting that Butler and Xavier have agreed to join the league, which will keep the Big East name, and Creighton is also expected to join for next season.
On the surface it would seem as if this is more of a basketball issue and it wouldn't impact the football team. However, if all seven schools leave it could increase the likelihood that Louisville and Notre Dame open to jump to the ACC sooner rather than later.
If Louisville and Notre Dame bolt for the ACC next season as well and Rutgers leaves a season early for the Big 10 UConn will be left every further behind in the conference realignment game. Big East holdovers Cincinnati, South Florida and Temple will join Central Florida, Houston, Memphis and Southern Methodist with the possibility of bringing in East Carolina and Tulane later this year rather than in 2014.
Phooey
The plan all along was to be on campus last night to grab a few pictures and thoughts from old friend Kevin Demoff '99, the St. Louis Rams executive vice president of football operations and chief operating officer, and former safety Tony Pastoors '10, the team's senior assistant of player personnel. The pair were speaking at Floren Varsity House with students interested in pursuing a career in
Recruiting 2014--Justin Nelson
NJ.com reports that Justin Nelson, a 6-2 250 pound DE from DePaul Catholic has verbaled to Rutgers.
Nelson had an offer from UMass.
NJ.com story here.
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Nelson had an offer from UMass.
NJ.com story here.
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Thursday--February 28, 2013
UMass will hold its Pro Day on March 4th at Gillette. Working our for the pro scouts will be Stephane Milhim, Nick Speller, Darren Thellen, Perry McIntyre, Mike Cox, Hafis Williams, Deion Walker and several other players.
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This article by the Orlando Sentinel mentions many Dade County players signed with Northern teams (mentions Lorenzo Woodley signing with the Minutemen) in 2013 and wonders if Miami can regain its former dominance in signing locals.
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Speaking of the NFL draft, the Detroit News has an article on Central Michigan OL Eric Fisher may be a 1st round draft pick. The article has some of Fisher's results from the Combine.
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UMass is not the only school to have cranky professors. An Ohio University prof complains athletics are over-funded while the students are using bad grammar.
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USA Today says the Catholic Seven could break with the Big East as soon as this year.
The NY Times says the Big East is considering selling its name.
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This article by the Orlando Sentinel mentions many Dade County players signed with Northern teams (mentions Lorenzo Woodley signing with the Minutemen) in 2013 and wonders if Miami can regain its former dominance in signing locals.
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Speaking of the NFL draft, the Detroit News has an article on Central Michigan OL Eric Fisher may be a 1st round draft pick. The article has some of Fisher's results from the Combine.
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UMass is not the only school to have cranky professors. An Ohio University prof complains athletics are over-funded while the students are using bad grammar.
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USA Today says the Catholic Seven could break with the Big East as soon as this year.
The NY Times says the Big East is considering selling its name.
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Rabu, 27 Februari 2013
SPANISH CUP RESULT SEMI | SEVILLA FC 2 - AT MADRID 2
Atletico de Madrid drew tonight 2 - 2 with Sevilla FC in the second semi-final of the Spanish Cup ( Copa del Rey ) 2º leg clash & will meet Real Madrid in the Final in May.
Atletico settled all the issues in the first 30 minutes when they managed two goals that put everything uphill. Individual ( & collective ) actions brought on the scoring with the first goal in the 6th min by Diego Costa &
Atletico settled all the issues in the first 30 minutes when they managed two goals that put everything uphill. Individual ( & collective ) actions brought on the scoring with the first goal in the 6th min by Diego Costa &
Former UConn OT re-signs with New York Giants
Will Beatty signed a five-year contract worth a reported $38.75 million with the New York Giants less than two weeks before he would have hit the free-agent market.
Beatty was the 60th overall pick in 2009 after a breakout senior season at UConn. He started four games as a right tackle as a rookie in 2009. The following season he started 10 games at left tackle before a detached retina ended his season. He started 15 games during the 2012 season.
"It’s good to be home,” Beatty said in a post on the Giants' official site. “It’s a great feeling. You could be going through free agency, but when that happens a lot of stuff is going through your mind. That feeling is no longer there. You’re settled in with a great team, a team I love playing for. I know the coaching staff. I’m looking forward to getting back in it and moving forward."
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| Former UConn star Will Beatty was re-signed by New York Giants on Wednesday. (AP photo) |
Beatty was the 60th overall pick in 2009 after a breakout senior season at UConn. He started four games as a right tackle as a rookie in 2009. The following season he started 10 games at left tackle before a detached retina ended his season. He started 15 games during the 2012 season.
"It’s good to be home,” Beatty said in a post on the Giants' official site. “It’s a great feeling. You could be going through free agency, but when that happens a lot of stuff is going through your mind. That feeling is no longer there. You’re settled in with a great team, a team I love playing for. I know the coaching staff. I’m looking forward to getting back in it and moving forward."
Some love for Trevardo Williams following combine
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| Trevardo Williams opened more than a few eyes with an impressive showing at the recently-completed NFL combine. (Associated Press photo) |
Williams led all defensive linemen with a 40-yard time of 4.57 and a 38 inch vertical leap and was also in the top five in the bench press and broad jump.
The report also quotes ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. on Williams
“The one outside linebacker for the 3-4 that you can find later is Trevardo Williams out of Connecticut. He has all the components and capabilities you want in a 3-4 OLB. He was a heck of a player for Connecticut. If you get him in the middle rounds, that’s one heck of a player at that point for that scheme.”
PAIR OF UCONN RECRUITS IN CIAC TOURNAMENT
The CIAC released its boys' basketball pairings today and two members of UConn's incoming freshman class are key members of tournament squads.
Tim Boyle, who will be a quarterback at UConn, leads Xavier into the Class LL tournament. However, the 19th-seeded Falcons did not get an easy draw. Xavier plays at Amity on Mar. 4 with the winner facing third-seeded St. Joseph on Mar. 6.
Tommy Myers led Coventry to a 15-5 regular-season mark and the No. 6 seed in Class S. Coventry hosts Old Saybrook on Mar. 5. Myers, who is one of three tight ends UConn is bringing in, is enjoying a sensational senior season in basketball averaging 24.1 points and 20.3 rebounds. Myers had a 30-30 game recently with 33 points and 31 rebounds in a one-point loss to Granby.
Koop And Football
After hearing from a loyal reader who reminded me about the football part of the story, I hit the library and pulled together a few excerpts from Koop: The Memoirs of America's Family Doctor, the 1993 book by C. Everett Koop '37, the former U.S. Surgeon General who died this week at age 96.
Regarding his high school career Koop wrote:
The teachers encouraged me to try new things. I loved the
Recruiting 2014--Caleb Samuel
FC BARCELONA OFFERS 25M€ FOR AC ROMA DEFENDER MARQUINHOS
According to Italian
paper "Il Corriere dello Sport", FC Barcelona has made a 25M€ offer
for AC Roma Central Defender Marquinhos. This story has been picked up locally by
Spanish Sports media & they add that the Italian Club has rejected the
offer, apart from others like Manchester United whom are interested in their
forward Erik Lamela.
The
interesting news on Marquinhos is that the defender
paper "Il Corriere dello Sport", FC Barcelona has made a 25M€ offer
for AC Roma Central Defender Marquinhos. This story has been picked up locally by
Spanish Sports media & they add that the Italian Club has rejected the
offer, apart from others like Manchester United whom are interested in their
forward Erik Lamela.
The
interesting news on Marquinhos is that the defender
Wednesday--February 27, 2013
Dave Johnson hired as offensive line coach for UMass. Johnson's Cincinnati bio here.
The MassLive article states Coach Molnar will function as his own offensive coordinator in 2013.
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The MAB Daily Blog has a post on the six MAC players invited to the NFL Combine (including Stephane Milhim).
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NIU's AD says the recent change in Big Ten scheduling shouldn't have much affect on the MAC. Note that the link has one of those stupid answer-a-question-to-see-the-rest-of-the-article formats.
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Six Big East schools, including Temple, are upgrading their football facilities. If UMass were ever to be a BCS school, we would have a long way to go.
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Selasa, 26 Februari 2013
SPANISH CUP | COPA DEL REY | SCORE | FC BARCELONA 1 REAL MADRID 3 ( 2-4 AGG )
Real Madrid eliminate FC Barcelona from the Spanish Cup ( Copa del Rey ) after defeating the home side 1 - 3. The overall aggregate score for the home & away semi-final tie ended thus 2 - 4 in favour of Real Madrid.
FC Barcelona started better as Real looked nervous & unsettled. Lionel Messi had a golden chance to score early but missed, & perhaps that was a turning point. Finding their
UConn CBs Gratz, Wreh-Wilson shine at NFL combine
Add cornerbacks Dwayne Gratz and Blidi Wreh-Wilson as members of the 2012 UConn team to open eyes at the NFL scouting combine.
It actually started Monday when Gratz bench pressed 225 pounds 22 times, which tied him for the best mark among cornerbacks.
Gratz ran a 4.47 in the 40 (the unofficial time was reported as 4.35) and Wreh-Wilson did a 4.53.
Wreh-Wilson had the fourth best effort among the cornerbacks in the broad jump (10-8). In the vertical jump Gratz was fifth at his position with a leap of 38-0 while Wreh-Wilson was tied for ninth at 36-0.
Their performances followed up the efforts by Sio Moore and Trevardo Williams.
Moore was in the top five in the bench press (29 reps), 40-yard dash (4.65), vertical jump (38-0) and broad jump (10-7).
Williams had the best showings among the defensive linemen in the 40 (4.57) and vertical (38-0), was third in the broad jump (10-4) and fifth in the bench press (30 reps).
It actually started Monday when Gratz bench pressed 225 pounds 22 times, which tied him for the best mark among cornerbacks.
Gratz ran a 4.47 in the 40 (the unofficial time was reported as 4.35) and Wreh-Wilson did a 4.53.
Wreh-Wilson had the fourth best effort among the cornerbacks in the broad jump (10-8). In the vertical jump Gratz was fifth at his position with a leap of 38-0 while Wreh-Wilson was tied for ninth at 36-0.
Their performances followed up the efforts by Sio Moore and Trevardo Williams.
Moore was in the top five in the bench press (29 reps), 40-yard dash (4.65), vertical jump (38-0) and broad jump (10-7).
Williams had the best showings among the defensive linemen in the 40 (4.57) and vertical (38-0), was third in the broad jump (10-4) and fifth in the bench press (30 reps).
UConn RB Hyppolite released from hospital
UConn senior running back Martin Hyppolite was released from Portsmouth (N.H.) Regional Hospital last night according to a spokesman at UConn.
Hyppolite was injured in a two-car accident which resulted in the death of a New Hampshire judge on Saturday. Hyppolite was a passenger in the car driven by Ryan Merchant.
Merchant's car collided nearly head on with one driven by Bruce Larson. The 74-year-old Larson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hyppolite returned home after being discharged from the hospital and he could be on campus in the next day or two.
Hyppolite saw time at both tailback and fullback during the 2012 season and he had 69 yards rushing with 50 coming on a touchdown run against Buffalo.
Hyppolite was injured in a two-car accident which resulted in the death of a New Hampshire judge on Saturday. Hyppolite was a passenger in the car driven by Ryan Merchant.
Merchant's car collided nearly head on with one driven by Bruce Larson. The 74-year-old Larson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hyppolite returned home after being discharged from the hospital and he could be on campus in the next day or two.
Hyppolite saw time at both tailback and fullback during the 2012 season and he had 69 yards rushing with 50 coming on a touchdown run against Buffalo.
Ball Security Refresher Course
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It's all Ball Security these days! Perhaps you need a refresher course! |
Thanks to Chris at Smart Football for giving me a refresher course with this article link he provided. After reading the article I realized, "I was wrong! There is a better way to hold on to the football!" Let me show you the old way that I learned from a national championship coach (who is wrong too, lol):
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.I have two hands on the football in the picture above and this is not awful, but I have both an upward force and a downward force on the football. Tyrone Willingham has a RB video that talks about the instability created by having your arms work against each other with the football in the middle. Below is the way that LSU RB Coach Frank Wilson describes from the above article link that I believe is the best way to hold onto the football:
Besides the superior picture quality of my new laptop vs. my old laptop, the new method has some advantages over the old method. First, both of my arms are working to press the ball upward against my chest. This helps to keep the football tighter to my chest (Fundamental #3). Second, and even more importantly, this method helps to keep my wrist above my elbow (Fundamental #2) unlike the previous picture where my top hand is pushing my wrist down to where it is almost below my elbow. I re-did the video and added the corrections.
This link should allow you to download this video. To download any Google Drive file from this website, go to the top left of the page, click on File then on Download.
Fundamentals of Ball Security:
1. Two Finger Claw
2. Wrist Above Elbow
3. Ball Tight to Chest
4. Tuck Elbow In
5. Opposite Hand Over Football on Contact
6. Keep Pads Low
2. Wrist Above Elbow
3. Ball Tight to Chest
4. Tuck Elbow In
5. Opposite Hand Over Football on Contact
6. Keep Pads Low
This Sports Science video with Rudi Johnson has MMA guys trying to knock out the football in an old-fashioned gauntlet drill. To see how they do actually knock the ball out, go to the 7:00 mark.
A True Friend of Football
John Clayton
(Dartmouth photo)
Re-reading the obit for John Clayton '51 in today's local daily, two paragraphs are particularly worth reproducing here:
In 1947, John graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., where he excelled at football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, John headed to Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. A standout quarterback for the Big Green, “Johnny”
POSSIBLE REAL MADRID STARTING 11 LINE-UP | SPANISH CUP 2 º LEG SEMI
This line-up comes out of the Real Madrid website, the possible starting 11 line-up against FC Barcelona in tonight's Spanish Cup ( Copa del Rey) 2º leg return semi-final. Seeing that it does come from the "horse's mouth" makes me wonder even more if Coach Mourinho isn´t hiding a card or two up his sleeve. Seems too early & public to have this information circling around before the "Clasico".
Going With the Flow
Teddy Reed(Courtesy of Dartmouth)
This one caught me by surprise although I might have seen it coming. Graduating senior defensive lineman Teddy Reed has taken his game from the gridiron to the Dartmouth lacrosse field. In addition to his football prowess, the 6-foot-4, 280-pound defenseman was an All-Eastern Massachusettslax all-star and All-Cape Ann League lacrosse player. Check out his
Recruiting 2014--Eric Gallo
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| Gallo #68 / Bill Frazier image |
Scout.com reports UMass has offered to Eric Gallo, a 6-3 280 pound OG from Council Rock South in PA.
Scout.com page here.
UMass is Gallo's first offer.
Tuesday--February 26, 2013
Militarytimes.com looks at Navy joining the Big East (mentions UMass).
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UMass 2011 recruit Jarvis Bentley is currently attending Itawamba Community College in Mississippi.
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Stephane Milhim's results from the NFL Combine.
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The ACC released its 2013 schedule. The league plays two MAC teams CMU and Ball State. In addition, unlike the Big Ten, most ACC teams will play a FCS team. Boston College will play Villanova.
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MassLive has a story about Doug Clark and his success in Mexico.
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Eagles blog "BC Interruption" has more on Addazio's statement that he intends "to build a fence around Massachusetts".
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UMass 2011 recruit Jarvis Bentley is currently attending Itawamba Community College in Mississippi.
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Stephane Milhim's results from the NFL Combine.
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The ACC released its 2013 schedule. The league plays two MAC teams CMU and Ball State. In addition, unlike the Big Ten, most ACC teams will play a FCS team. Boston College will play Villanova.
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MassLive has a story about Doug Clark and his success in Mexico.
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Eagles blog "BC Interruption" has more on Addazio's statement that he intends "to build a fence around Massachusetts".
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Senin, 25 Februari 2013
Sio Moore continues to help his draft stock
It would be harder to find too many players who have helped themselves more in the eyes of the NFL scouts since the college season ended that former UConn linebacker Sio Moore.
Moore used impressive showings at both practice and on game day at the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl. Add in what he accomplished in the last couple of days in Indianapolis at the NFL combine, and it is clear that Moore's star is clearly on the rise.
It started yesterday when he was second among the linebackers with 29 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press. Today he finished in the top five in three different categories among the linebackers. Moore was third with a 38 inch vertical leap, fourth with a broad jump of 10-7 and fifth with a 40-yard time of 4.65.
Moore's performance compares favorably with what Lavonte David did in 2012. Both are 6-1 although Moore weighed 12 pounds more, his arms where more than two inches longer and he had bigger hands as well. They ran the same time in the 40 while Moore had the slight edge in the vertical jump (38-0 to 36-8) and broad jump (10-7 to 9-11) with Sio easily outdistancing David in the bench press (29 to 19). David had the edge in the 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. David went 58th overall and had 139 tackles as a rookie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tomorrow it is time for former UConn cornerbacks Dwayne Gratz and Blidi Wreh-Wilson to run for the scouts. Gratz was tops about cornerbacks in the bench press as he did 225 points a total of 22 times while Wreh-Wilson did 14 reps on the bench press.
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| Former UConn linebacker Sio Moore had an impressive couple of days at the NFL combine (Associated Press photo) |
It started yesterday when he was second among the linebackers with 29 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press. Today he finished in the top five in three different categories among the linebackers. Moore was third with a 38 inch vertical leap, fourth with a broad jump of 10-7 and fifth with a 40-yard time of 4.65.
Moore's performance compares favorably with what Lavonte David did in 2012. Both are 6-1 although Moore weighed 12 pounds more, his arms where more than two inches longer and he had bigger hands as well. They ran the same time in the 40 while Moore had the slight edge in the vertical jump (38-0 to 36-8) and broad jump (10-7 to 9-11) with Sio easily outdistancing David in the bench press (29 to 19). David had the edge in the 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. David went 58th overall and had 139 tackles as a rookie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tomorrow it is time for former UConn cornerbacks Dwayne Gratz and Blidi Wreh-Wilson to run for the scouts. Gratz was tops about cornerbacks in the bench press as he did 225 points a total of 22 times while Wreh-Wilson did 14 reps on the bench press.
LEVANTE 0 OSASUNA 2 | SPANISH FOOTBALL - LIGA - MONDAY NIGHT SCORE
Last scheduled match of Round 25 of La Liga in the now regular Monday Night Football game. Spanish Football Clubs Levante & Osasuna fought it out in a competitive encounter with the main action happening in the latter part of the clash. The final score went to Osasuna winning 0 - 2 & giving the latter three valuable points to lift them up the classification ladder & out - for now - from the
Trevardo Williams continues to impress at NFL combine
NFL scouts are starting to figure out what Big East left offensive tackles have known for a few years which is that Trevardo Williams is one dynamic athlete.
I thought UConn's all-time sacks leader might be somewhat limited in the running and agility drills today at the NFL combine due to the ankle injury he suffered during a Senior Bowl practice. My bad.
Williams has already posted the top mark for defensive linemen in the 40-yard dash with a 4.57 and also was No. 1 at his position with a 38-inch vertical leap. He also placed third in the broad jump with a distance of 10-4. Williams also benched 225 pounds a total of 30 times which was the fifth best among the defensive linemen.
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| Former UConn defensive end had a strong showing at the NFL combine on Friday (Photo courtesy of Associated Press) |
Williams has already posted the top mark for defensive linemen in the 40-yard dash with a 4.57 and also was No. 1 at his position with a 38-inch vertical leap. He also placed third in the broad jump with a distance of 10-4. Williams also benched 225 pounds a total of 30 times which was the fifth best among the defensive linemen.
Report: UConn RB Hyppolite stable after car accident
UConn running back Martin Hyppolite was a passenger in a car involved in a fatal accident on Saturday in New Hampshire.
According to a story in the Manchester Union Leader, New Hampshire judge Bruce Larson of Durham, N.H. was driving west on Rt. 4 in a 2000 Buick around 9 a.m. on Saturday when 2004 Chrysler Sebring driven by Ryan Merchant of Wakefield, Mass. collided nearly head on Larson's vehicle.
The 74-year-old Larson was pronounced dead at the scene. Merchant was listed in critical condition and according to the Union-Leader, Hyppolite was a passenger in Merchant's car and is in stable condition in Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
Hyppolite, a redshirt senior who saw time at both tailback and fullback as a junior, carried the ball 19 times for 69 yards during the 2012 with 50 of them coming on a touchdown run against Buffalo. He also had a 10-yard reception against North Carolina State.
According to a story in the Manchester Union Leader, New Hampshire judge Bruce Larson of Durham, N.H. was driving west on Rt. 4 in a 2000 Buick around 9 a.m. on Saturday when 2004 Chrysler Sebring driven by Ryan Merchant of Wakefield, Mass. collided nearly head on Larson's vehicle.
The 74-year-old Larson was pronounced dead at the scene. Merchant was listed in critical condition and according to the Union-Leader, Hyppolite was a passenger in Merchant's car and is in stable condition in Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
Hyppolite, a redshirt senior who saw time at both tailback and fullback as a junior, carried the ball 19 times for 69 yards during the 2012 with 50 of them coming on a touchdown run against Buffalo. He also had a 10-yard reception against North Carolina State.
Super Showing
Snapped this quick shot of Memorial Field on Thursday.
Several spring teams have used the field for practice.
•
A sweet letter to the editor in our local daily newspaper under the headline, Super Bowl Treat at Richmond School:
The Richmond Middle School Student Council along with the rest of the school would like to sincerely thank Dartmouth football running back Cody Patch and quarterback
Recruiting 2014--Tyler Burke
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| image credit unknown |
Burke's ESPN page here.
Rivals page here.
This December 2012 article features Burke.
This article from November 2012 also features him.
Yahoo Sports has a highlight video here.
Burke also holds offers from North Carolina State, Maryland, Temple and Rutgers.
Monday--February 25, 2013
Matty V. has another story on Kellen Pagel's switch to baseball (pay wall).
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The UMass Daily Collegian has a story about Victor Cruz's visit to campus for the Dayton game.
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The addition of Jimmie Reid to the Iowa staff may mean more Hawkeye recruiting effort in New England and Virginia.
I don't know if you caught it, but new BC coach Addazio said he's "building a fence" around Massachusetts for Boston College recruiting.
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Pete Lembo thinks Ball State could replace NIU as the top team in the MAC next year.
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Another column on the the Big East-ESPN TV deal.
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An Oklahoma newspaper says the NCAA's new recruiting proposals will make recruiting even crazier.
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The UMass Daily Collegian has a story about Victor Cruz's visit to campus for the Dayton game.
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The addition of Jimmie Reid to the Iowa staff may mean more Hawkeye recruiting effort in New England and Virginia.
I don't know if you caught it, but new BC coach Addazio said he's "building a fence" around Massachusetts for Boston College recruiting.
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Pete Lembo thinks Ball State could replace NIU as the top team in the MAC next year.
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Another column on the the Big East-ESPN TV deal.
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An Oklahoma newspaper says the NCAA's new recruiting proposals will make recruiting even crazier.
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SPANISH CUP | FC BARCELONA POSSIBLE STARTING 11 LINE-UP
Atmosphere building up at Barcelona as the 2º leg of the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) semi-final against Real Madrid is just a day away. The tie is open as the 1º leg home game finished in a 1 - 1 draw.
While Real Madrid contemplates their starting 11 line-up on whether Kaka starts in place of Di Maria, Barcelona has its own thinking to do as well. The loss in Champions League against AC Milan
While Real Madrid contemplates their starting 11 line-up on whether Kaka starts in place of Di Maria, Barcelona has its own thinking to do as well. The loss in Champions League against AC Milan
Minggu, 24 Februari 2013
Pasqualoni excited about UConn's pro prospects
A sat down with Paul Pasqualoni a couple of days ago for another story I am working on but was able to address of couple of topics with him beginning with what he hopes emerges out of four former Huskies taking part in the NFL combine.
The workouts have already started as defensive end Trevardo Williams and linebacker Sio Moore did 30 and 29 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press today. Tomorrow morning they will have the chance to run and jump in front of representatives from every NFL team. Cornerbacks Dwayne Gratz and Blidi Wreh-Wilson will go through drills with the other defensive backs on Tuesday.
"I would say that Sio in the all-star games, he upped his stock," Pasqualoni said. "Now at the combine it will be a matter of how well he tests, how well he interviews, what they think his football knowledge is. It will be the same thing with Blidi, Dwayne and Trevardo. I am hoping they all when they have their pro day here can be healthy and have a real good day."
Although I have seen mentions of UConn's pro day being on March 20, Pasqualoni confirmed that it is indeed on the 27th and he is hoping to see the entire 2012 senior class take part in the event.
I asked Pasqualoni for an update on Masters since I haven't heard much about him and his recovery from the injury.
"To my knowledge, he is probably not 100 percent yet but I would suspect that by the time he gets to his pro day here in a few weeks, if he is not 100 percent he will be almost 100 percent," Pasqualoni said.
Speaking of injuries, Pasqualoni said he has yet to hear from the NCAA regarding defensive end Teddy Jennings' bid to receive a sixth year of eligibility.
"I haven't heard but expect to hear pretty soon," Pasqualoni said.
Pretty soon means that UConn will know before the Huskies start spring practice on March 11. Jennings has been considered to be more of a long shot to receive the sixth year of eligibility than was offensive tackle Jimmy Bennett, who was granted the extra season earlier this month.
Finally, Pasqualoni discussed the importance of events like the Junior Day that UConn held earlier this month.
The workouts have already started as defensive end Trevardo Williams and linebacker Sio Moore did 30 and 29 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press today. Tomorrow morning they will have the chance to run and jump in front of representatives from every NFL team. Cornerbacks Dwayne Gratz and Blidi Wreh-Wilson will go through drills with the other defensive backs on Tuesday.
"I would say that Sio in the all-star games, he upped his stock," Pasqualoni said. "Now at the combine it will be a matter of how well he tests, how well he interviews, what they think his football knowledge is. It will be the same thing with Blidi, Dwayne and Trevardo. I am hoping they all when they have their pro day here can be healthy and have a real good day."
Although I have seen mentions of UConn's pro day being on March 20, Pasqualoni confirmed that it is indeed on the 27th and he is hoping to see the entire 2012 senior class take part in the event.
"I would hope they are all here," Pasqualoni said. "My request to them, I can’t make it mandatory but my advice to them is that they are all here and they all go through it so that the pro scouts from the teams that are here can get some information on all of them. If they are not in category of being a drafted player then at least from the free-agent standpoint all the teams have the information and maybe they would be given consideration to be free agents which is still an opportunity to be in somebody’s pro camp and make a team. I would think every senior, not every senior, but 95 percent would want to experience that."
Eight seniors were selected to play in postseason all-star games. Gratz, Wreh-Wilson and Moore played in the Senior Bowl. Williams was supposed to play in the Senior Bowl but hurt his ankle early on in the process. Moore impressed at the East-West Shrine Game which helped him earn a spot in the Senior Bowl when Williams was unable to play. Linebacker Jory Johnson and tight end Ryan Griffin played in the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic while receivers Michael Smith and Nick Williams played in the Texas vs. The Nation and Casino Del Sol games respectively. If senior offensive guard Adam Masters not suffered a season-ending ankle injury in a loss to Syracuse, it seems likely he would have been selected to play in an all-star game as well.
Eight seniors were selected to play in postseason all-star games. Gratz, Wreh-Wilson and Moore played in the Senior Bowl. Williams was supposed to play in the Senior Bowl but hurt his ankle early on in the process. Moore impressed at the East-West Shrine Game which helped him earn a spot in the Senior Bowl when Williams was unable to play. Linebacker Jory Johnson and tight end Ryan Griffin played in the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic while receivers Michael Smith and Nick Williams played in the Texas vs. The Nation and Casino Del Sol games respectively. If senior offensive guard Adam Masters not suffered a season-ending ankle injury in a loss to Syracuse, it seems likely he would have been selected to play in an all-star game as well.
I asked Pasqualoni for an update on Masters since I haven't heard much about him and his recovery from the injury.
"To my knowledge, he is probably not 100 percent yet but I would suspect that by the time he gets to his pro day here in a few weeks, if he is not 100 percent he will be almost 100 percent," Pasqualoni said.
Speaking of injuries, Pasqualoni said he has yet to hear from the NCAA regarding defensive end Teddy Jennings' bid to receive a sixth year of eligibility.
"I haven't heard but expect to hear pretty soon," Pasqualoni said.
Pretty soon means that UConn will know before the Huskies start spring practice on March 11. Jennings has been considered to be more of a long shot to receive the sixth year of eligibility than was offensive tackle Jimmy Bennett, who was granted the extra season earlier this month.
Finally, Pasqualoni discussed the importance of events like the Junior Day that UConn held earlier this month.
"The junior days are really important because they are an unofficial visit but you are trying to give them a pretty comprehensive overview of the school so on our junior day," Pasqualoni said. "Getting these kids here at this time of the year with as accelerated as recruiting is really pretty vital to having a successful recruiting season."
Former Huskies off to strong starts at NFL combine
While tomorrow is the chance for Sio Moore and Trevardo Williams to show what they can do in front of the NFL scouts (although Williams' bum ankle figures to limit his work), the two former UConn stars got a head start with strong showings in the bench press.
Williams, who is working out with the defensive linemen even though he figures to be an outside linebacker at the next level, had 30 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press which ties him for the fifth most among defensive linemen. Southern Methodist's Margus Hunt and Missouri Southern's Brandon Williams led the way with 38 reps. They were followed Illinois' Akeem Spence (37) and Mississippi State's Josh Boyd (32). Williams was one of eight defensive linemen to do the 225 pounds 30 times. Meriden's John Jenkins, out of the University of Georgia, was included in that group. What makes the performance of UConn's career sack leader all the more impressive is that he weighed in at 241 points and the four people ahead of him go 277, 335, 307 and 310 pounds.
Moore has 29 reps, the second most among the linebackers trailing only Georgia's Cornelius Washington. Moore weighed in at 245 pounds and coming off strong showings at the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl (where he ironically replaced an injured Williams) has him moving up the draft boards.
Cornerbacks Dwayne Gratz (who measured in at 5-11, 201 pounds) and Blidi Wreh-Wilson (6-1. 195) will be part of the final group of athletes who do through drills on Tuesday.
A pair of other Connecticut natives have done pretty well at the combine as well.
Stratford's Mark Harrison out of Rutgers had the fourth best vertical jump of 38.5 inches out of the wide receivers, was fifth in the broad jump (10 feet, 9 inches), was seventh with 17 reps on the bench press and 11th with a 40-yard time of 4.46. He also is one of the bigger receivers as he measured in at 6-3 and 231 pounds. Florida tight end Jordan Reed out of New London didn't do too many drills but his 40 time of 4.72 was the seventh best out of the tight end group.
The NFL Network's live coverage of the combine begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
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| Former UConn defensive stars Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Sio Moore and Trevardo Williams (shown during UConn's media day in August) are all hoping to impress during NFL combine. (Photo by AP's Jessica Hill) |
Moore has 29 reps, the second most among the linebackers trailing only Georgia's Cornelius Washington. Moore weighed in at 245 pounds and coming off strong showings at the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl (where he ironically replaced an injured Williams) has him moving up the draft boards.
Cornerbacks Dwayne Gratz (who measured in at 5-11, 201 pounds) and Blidi Wreh-Wilson (6-1. 195) will be part of the final group of athletes who do through drills on Tuesday.
A pair of other Connecticut natives have done pretty well at the combine as well.
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| Former Bunnell High and Rutgers star Mark Harrison opened some eyes with his performance at the NFL combine (photo courtesy of Associated Press) |
The NFL Network's live coverage of the combine begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
SPANISH FOOTBALL LIGA | ROUND 25 SUNDAY GAMES SCORES
Spanish Liga action with four Round 25 Sunday matches scheduled. Here is a brief run-down of events, final scores & the goalscorers.
Madrid Club Rayo Vallecano had their 4th straight home ground unbeaten run ended after going down 1 - 2 to Valladolid. Match that played an ironic twist on Rayo player Amat when his own goal put Valladolid ahead in the 71st min & then he equalized with a 45 mts
Madrid Club Rayo Vallecano had their 4th straight home ground unbeaten run ended after going down 1 - 2 to Valladolid. Match that played an ironic twist on Rayo player Amat when his own goal put Valladolid ahead in the 71st min & then he equalized with a 45 mts
The Unofficial List
With the addition of tight end Blake Orvis, this is the best guess of the recruiting class. As always, heights, weights and perhaps most significantly, positions, are speculative. Whether a new name means another name should be dropped is unknown and likely will remain unknown until the official announcement of the class in late spring. In the meantime this is the best guess at who is headed
MANCHESTER CITY 40M GBP MOVE ON FALCAO ?
There is more news coming out of England regarding Atletico de Madrid Colombian forward Falcao. According to the "Mirror.com" Manchester City has began moves to tempt Falcao & convince Atletico de Madrid with a 40M GBP offer to get the forward over to Manchester.The Club under Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain ( ex FC Barcelona Football Director ) wishes to place his Club in the front row of
FC BARCELONA - REAL MADRID | COMING UP 2º LEG SPANISH CUP SEMI-FINAL
Next Tuesday we will live another "Clasico" of Spanish Soccer between FC Barcelona & Real Madrid. The occasion is the 2º leg return match of the Spanish Cup semi-final at "Camp Nou" ( Barcelona ). The first leg semi at the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium" ended in a 1 - 1 draw with goals from Cesc Fabregas for Barça & Varane for Real Madrid.The next couple of days we will be getting more & more media
Sunday--February 24, 2013
Had a good time at the UMass basketball game yesterday. UMass won. Victor Cruz was in the house tossing t-shirts to the crowd. I got to talk with some other UMass football fans about this year's recruiting. Also in the lobby were a gaggle of UMass football recruits.
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As you know, Jimmie Reid got hired at Iowa. Kirk Ferentz, the head coach at Iowa, was also HC at Maine from 1990-92. In an interview, someone asks him how the UMass-Maine series went when Ferentz was there.
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Harry Plumer of MassLive has a story about Cruz's visit. Victor thinks things look bright in both football and basketball.
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CBS Sports says the Big East and ESPN have agreed to a TV package through 2019-20.
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Boston.com mentions Cruz's contract negotiations with the Giants.
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This article from SB Nation has news from the NFL combine, but the most interesting reading is explanations of the combine drills, such as the Bench Press.
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As you know, Jimmie Reid got hired at Iowa. Kirk Ferentz, the head coach at Iowa, was also HC at Maine from 1990-92. In an interview, someone asks him how the UMass-Maine series went when Ferentz was there.
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Harry Plumer of MassLive has a story about Cruz's visit. Victor thinks things look bright in both football and basketball.
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CBS Sports says the Big East and ESPN have agreed to a TV package through 2019-20.
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Boston.com mentions Cruz's contract negotiations with the Giants.
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This article from SB Nation has news from the NFL combine, but the most interesting reading is explanations of the combine drills, such as the Bench Press.
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ANZHI MAKING A MOVE ON VALENCIA CF RAMI
According the Spanish Sports media, French International & Valencia CF defender Rami could be experiencing his last days at Valencia CF. The Russian Football transfer market is open & Russia Club Anzhi has approached the defender to sign.Anzhi wants to find a class defender to fill the place left open by Samba who transferred to English Premier League Club Queens Park Rangers.
The contract
The contract
Sabtu, 23 Februari 2013
SPANISH FOOTBALL ROUND 25 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS
Four games scheduled today of Round 25 of La Liga. Here are all the final scores & the goalscorers.
Real Mallorca lost 1 - 3 to Madrid Club Getafe. The home side got themselves ahead in the 24th min via Giovani & here is were their good play ended. Getafe took over with an equalizer from Diego Castro with a penalty "panenka style", followed by two goal from Colunga in the 82 nd min & 85 th
Real Mallorca lost 1 - 3 to Madrid Club Getafe. The home side got themselves ahead in the 24th min via Giovani & here is were their good play ended. Getafe took over with an equalizer from Diego Castro with a penalty "panenka style", followed by two goal from Colunga in the 82 nd min & 85 th
Add Another TE
Various Twitter feeds – including his own – are reporting that Blake Orvis, a 6-foot-3 or (6-4, 225) pound (or 235) tight end from Boone HS in Orlando, Fla. is headed Dartmouth way. Find a story on him here on the "Cane Insider." From that story:
As a prospect, he has the size you look for at 6-foot-4 and 225-pounds. He has great hands and can block well. When he goes after a ball, the
Recruiting 2014-- Thomas Holley II
I've blogged about Thomas Holley, a 6-4 280 pound DT from Brooklyn, NY before.
The NY Post has an article featuring Holley.
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The NY Post has an article featuring Holley.
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Recruiting 2014--Noah Beh II
I've blogged about Noah Beh before.
The Patriot News has a recruiting post on the Pennsylvania lineman who is up to eight offers.
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The Patriot News has a recruiting post on the Pennsylvania lineman who is up to eight offers.
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Saturday--February 23, 2013
Nick Underhill of MassLive has an article with Stephane Milhim on his selection to the NFL Combine. Go Stephane! It would be great to have another UMass player in the pros.
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Former UMass QB Kellen Pagel has joined the UMass baseball team. That's also great news. Kellen will still be a Minuteman. With two seasons of eligibility, he has the time adjust to the sport and hopefully make a contribution (and have some fun).
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Matty V. has a blog post that Victor Cruz will attend today's hoops game with Dayton. So will Mrs Blog and I.
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This article mentions Jimmie Reid coaching linebackers for Iowa. The Hawkeyes have Reid's bio up.
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Another article mentions UMass in connection with the Big East.
USA Today says the Big East will sign with ESPN.
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| MassLive Image |
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Matty V. has a blog post that Victor Cruz will attend today's hoops game with Dayton. So will Mrs Blog and I.
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This article mentions Jimmie Reid coaching linebackers for Iowa. The Hawkeyes have Reid's bio up.
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Another article mentions UMass in connection with the Big East.
USA Today says the Big East will sign with ESPN.
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REAL MADRID | NEXT SEASON SIGNING RUMOURS
Interesting email received from Jessi (Indonesia) asking me which players are Real Madrid looking at for next season. As Jessi, I imagine many others maybe a bit confused with all the names being written in all the diverse Sports papers & blogs. Thus the email gives me a great opportunity to put up a post that I hope may help summarize the current state of things at Real Madrid.
Firstly, I
Firstly, I
FC BARCELONA EYES TOTTENHAM GOALIE LORIS ?
FC Barcelona keeps scouting the European Football market for a goalkeeper that will be the substitute for departing Victor Valdes. Weeks back the name Ter Segen of German Club Borussia Monchengladbach was cited as the chosen player & accompanied with a rumoured pre-agreement.Seems things may be not so clear as Barcelona based Spanish Sports daily "Sport" writes today that Tottenham Hotspurs
Jumat, 22 Februari 2013
SPANISH FOOTBALL - ROUND 25 FRIDAY RESULT | AT.BILBAO 1 - REAL SOCIEDAD 3
Round 25 of the Spanish League kicked -off with the habitual Friday Night match. A special game as it was the anticipated & big "Basque Region" derby between Athletic Club Bilbao & Real Sociedad ( city of San Sebastian ). This "derby" is always special & even more when played at Bilbao in the "Cathedral of Spanish Football" the "San Mames Stadium". The followers of both sides get on well &
ATLETICO DE MADRID EUROPA LEAGUE ELIMINATION A BLESSING
The reigning Europa League Champions Spanish Football Club Atletico de Madrid was knocked out of the competition yesterday by Russian Club Rubin Kazan going down 2 -1 on aggregate. Unexpected result - in my opinion - as Atletico is a better team than Kazan, & heart felt because the fans & players feel the elimination.
Important players like Ramadel Falcao commented that he received the
Important players like Ramadel Falcao commented that he received the
Watch and Listen Closely
Incoming offensive lineman Mike Langman of Naperville North (Ill.) is featured in this "signing day" video. Introductory remarks note that the 6-5, 275-pound Langman had "numerous opportunities to play at BCS schools," (one of which made a late run at him and actually offered a scholarship while he was on his Dartmouth visit). The video is a little fuzzy and the sound could be cleaner but listen
Friday--February 22, 2013
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Dear Minutemen,
As the New Year begins, I’d like to recap some of the best “UMass Moments” from 2012, and to thank and honor all the Minutemen who had a part in them.
-Alumni Victor Cruz and James Ihedigbo meeting in Super Bowl XLVII
-Marcel Shipp’s induction into the UMass Hall of Fame
-1ST ANNUAL SPRING FLING
Captain’s Breakfast – 21 former captains attended.
Alumni Game - 33 Alums played in the game, over 100 attended.
Post-Game UMass Football Family Reunion – over 300 active players, alumni, coaches, staff and families attended.
-550+ Community Service Hours performed in the Spring Semester by UMass Football Players.
-Awarded CHAMPS Cup Community Service Category for leading all UMass Athletics team in community service hours.
-Bob Foote’s $500,000 contribution to the new Football Training Facility.
-11th Annual UMass Football Golf Classic had 92 golfers participate.
-UMass Football Experience, which was a string of summer camps held on campus and at Gillette Stadium for boys of all ages with over 500 participants.
-First Home Game at Gillette with Alumni Tunnel against Indiana University.
-First Win as a FBS School against the University of Akron on November 10th, 2012.
-Perry McIntyre, Darren Thellen, and Colter Johnson first All-MAC football players.
-Re-instituting the “lost” tradition of awarding Varsity Letters.
-7 Minutemen active on NFL rosters.
-4 Minuteman active on CFL rosters.
-11 New Graduates! Four in May, Nicholas Gottshall, Jesse Julmiste
Sean O'Connor, and Caleb Violette; seven in December, DJ Adeoba, Julian Colarusso, Quinton Sales, Darren Thellen, Jeremy Horne, Tyler Holmes, Charles Thompson.
SAVE THE DATE
The 2nd ANNUAL SPRING FLING will be on Saturday, April 20, 2013.
Many more details to follow during the coming weeks…we do plan on playing the Alumni Game again this year, due to the amount of interest we have received over the last several months. Just like last year, please RSVP your intentions so we can plan accordingly!
Go UMass!
Charley Molnar, Head Football Coach
University of Massachusetts
The second MINUTEMAN UPDATE highlights Massachusetts
great, Phil Roland, ‘75 BS, ‘77 MS.
Phil played Runningback for Coach MacPherson from 1971 to 1974. After his playing days were over, he began his career as a football coach at UMass, first serving as a Graduate Assistant for the 1975 season and the Runningbacks Coach for the ‘76 season. After that, Phil moved on to the New England Patriots as a Quality Control Coach for the 1977 season, and his last stop was at Maine Central Institute as an Assistant in 1978. While at MCI, Phil was offered a job with Honeywell and it was then he began his business career. He stayed at Honeywell for 5 years before taking a job at ABB for another 5 years.
In 1986, Phil became owner and President of Aquest Corporation, a successful environmental engineering firm based in Somers, CT. In his spare time, he is the Head Lacrosse Coach at Wilbraham & Monson Academy.
Phil sums up his life this way: “Everything I have was because I received a football scholarship to UMass”.
Phil is married to 1976 UMass graduate Linda. They have three grown sons, Matthew who graduated from Colby where he played varsity lacrosse, Andrew, another Colby grad who played varsity football and Steve, a Springfield College grad who played varsity lacrosse,
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ESPN says sources saying the Big East is close the to a TV deal with ESPN. If UMass should get a Big East offer now, or in the future, when the league expands, the media $$ would make a big difference in UMass Sports. Current Big East members may lament the decline in revenue now that the Catholic Seven have left, but it would be a godsend for the Minutemen.
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The New England Patriots Report has an update on the NFL Combine including a paragraph about Stephane Milhim.
The Dayton Daily News has a paragraph on the MAC players in the NFL combine (at end of linked article).
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NJ.com report that John Mara hopes Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are Giants for a long time.
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Phil Steele has UMass as #109 in FBS in defensive YPG vs offensive YPG. In the Minutemen's case it was four BCS games and a lack of offense than with the defense.
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Kamis, 21 Februari 2013
Second half stats
It's been a busy couple of months for me which has unfortunately meant that posts around these parts have been minimal and basically limited to weekly stat updates. Hopefully my proverbial calender is now a bit clearer so for the first time we can get back to actually providing some analysis.
I'm going to start with a quick one - just something that came together while looking at some other data. I've calculated the expected goals (xG) for every player in the league (regressed using league conversion rates) for the first 19 weeks of the season and then the gameweeks since. I'm not generally a fan of arbitrary cut off points but the one advantage of using the 19 game mark is that, generally, this will mean that each team has played each other once. Individual circumstances may apply to specific players (such as a change in club, or change in position) but as a general point I believe the 19:19 split is useful.
With that then, here's the data plotting players' xG for GW1-19 on the x axis against their xG for GW20+ on the y axis. Those on the left of the line have 'performed' better in the second half of the year, while those on the right have seen their production decline. It should be noted here that these numbers are player time adjusted.
I guess the first thing that jumps out is that no one has really exploded since the halfway point in the year (or vice versa) which suggests that their is a strong element of predictability to these stats - a point which should give us faith for future projections. We do however have a couple of players to highlight:
Demba Ba - it's hardly mind blowing to suggest that Ba's value has fallen since his move to Chelsea, mostly due to the lack of guaranteed playing time, but we can see hear that his average production has also fallen; from an elite forward to just another warm body. I can only think that his vast ownership (22%) is due to a high number of dead teams, but if you're among that group, please act accordingly.
Marouane Fellani - I didn't expect to see the Belgian's name on this list, but looking closer at the stats, it's possible that he is one of those dangerous players who we collectively assume can be plugged into a team for the remainder of the year, when in reality better value can be found elsewhere. His data is still fine (10 SiB since GW20) but in context with other midfield options (Walcott 22, Michu 15, Puncheon 14 and Nolan 12) he doesn't quite look like the no-brainer option he once was. It would likely be foolish to part ways now, with Norwich and Reading on deck, but after that Everton face Arsenal, City, Stoke and Spurs, which together with this decline in stat production should make Fellaini owners at least browse the other available options.
Wayne Rooney - Rooney was one the reasons I ran these numbers, and having planned to bring him in this week, it's somewhat concerning to see him fall on the wrong side of the line. Saying that, I think we have a real issue of small sample size here, given that the English front man has only played 3.5 games during the "second half" of the season (scoring three goals in the process). Still, seven SiB in that period doesn't compare favorably with the likes of Suarez (22), van Persie (17) or even someone like Benteke (20), even when adjusting for playing time. As a stand alone factor this wouldn't be enough to stop me investing here yet together with his doubtful status for this week, followed by the off week in GW29, this doesn't look a great investment to make right now. Instead, he should probably be targeted as someone to look to whenever United's double gameweek falls.
Sergio Aguero - The Argentine was the other player I was targeting this week and wanted to check on, and he fares better here than his Manchester rival. It's been a stop-start season for Aguero, whose 9 goal haul feels like a disappointment, despite only racking up 16 starts to date. Mancini gave a typically - and somewhat tired - "changes will be made" speech after the poor performance against Southampton, though he followed that with a ringing endorsement of Aguero after his brace against Leeds so I don't think there's any legitimate worry that playing time is going to be a major concern here. With Aguero also set to miss out in GW29 there's an argument to be made for holding off here too, though I'd be okay plugging the Argentine in for two weeks then assessing if you can afford to bench him later.
Gareth Bale - Bale has been simply outstanding of late, leading all midfielders in shots with 36 in the second half, despite playing one or two games less than his rivals. His first half efforts were good enough to push him close to the top of the scoring charts anyway, and with his increased statistical production, there's good reason to believe he may well end up at the very top come season end. The upcoming games are good rather than great, but given his successful run of late has come during a number of away games and a game against the Champions-in-waiting, we should be fairly confident he can succeed in all but the toughest of fixtures.
Frank Lampard - The chart supports Lampard's return to fantasy relevance quite nicely, though it also serves as a reminder that while Lampard's points production has been elite, the underlying stats - while much improved - aren't sufficient to suddenly catapult him back to elite status. That said, with a steep, though manageable price tag, he remains worth a look over the aforementioned Fellaini or even Michu, given the differential potential on offer.
EUROPA LEAGUE | ATLETICO ELIMINATED - LEVANTE CONTINUES
Europa League competition tonight with two Spanish Football Clubs in action, one was eliminated & the other went through onto the next round. Here is a brief summary with the final scores & goalscorers.
The reigning Europa League Champions Atletico de Madrid were eliminated by Ruben Kazan. The Spaniards won 0 - 1 but paid for their 1º leg game "sins" as they could not turn around the two away
The reigning Europa League Champions Atletico de Madrid were eliminated by Ruben Kazan. The Spaniards won 0 - 1 but paid for their 1º leg game "sins" as they could not turn around the two away
MANCHESTER CITY PUTS SEVILLA FC JESUS NAVAS ON LIST FOR NEXT SEASON
Every year around this time Sevilla FC & Spanish International winger JESUS NAVAS gets his name on the habitual signing rumour mill. If it not Real Madrid, its FC Barcelona or Atletico de Madrid, its natural as the player is a quick, skilful & an exceptional winger.This time around from England & from the newspaper "Daily Mail" come the news that Manchester City has the Spanish Football Player on
NFL combine underway
The NFL Combine is kicking into full gear today with offensive linemen, tight ends and special teamers getting measured for height, weight, wing span, hand size etc. etc. etc. in Indianapolis.
While UConn's Ryan Griffin did not get an invite to the combine, former New London High star Jordan Reed out of Florida is among the tight ends at the event. The running and agility tests will be conducted on Saturday for that group.
Former UConn stars Sio Moore and Trevardo Williams are part of the third group as they will have measurements done on Saturday and will go through drills on Monday. Former Huskies Dwayne Gratz and Blidi Wreh-Wilson will have measurements done on Sunday with Tuesday the day for them to go through the agility drills.
NFL.com have posted grades for NFL draft prospects. Wreh-Wilson is the No. 8 rated cornerback with a 77.2 grade and Sio Moore is the No. 11 outside linebacker with a mark of 68.4 while Williams and Gratz check in with grades of 66.1 and 62.1 respectively. Then again, when you click on the link for Big East prospects they include West Virginia as a Big East school so keep that in mind when considering these ratings.
While UConn's Ryan Griffin did not get an invite to the combine, former New London High star Jordan Reed out of Florida is among the tight ends at the event. The running and agility tests will be conducted on Saturday for that group.
Former UConn stars Sio Moore and Trevardo Williams are part of the third group as they will have measurements done on Saturday and will go through drills on Monday. Former Huskies Dwayne Gratz and Blidi Wreh-Wilson will have measurements done on Sunday with Tuesday the day for them to go through the agility drills.
NFL.com have posted grades for NFL draft prospects. Wreh-Wilson is the No. 8 rated cornerback with a 77.2 grade and Sio Moore is the No. 11 outside linebacker with a mark of 68.4 while Williams and Gratz check in with grades of 66.1 and 62.1 respectively. Then again, when you click on the link for Big East prospects they include West Virginia as a Big East school so keep that in mind when considering these ratings.
Sad News
The local paper brings news this morning of the passing of former Dartmouth football standout John Clayton '51, at age 83. From a 2008 story about the 1948 team written by former Dartmouth SID Jack DeGange:
John Clayton, a sophomore from Chelmsford, Mass., would win the quarterback job over highly regarded classmates Bob McCraney and Gil (Ace) Mueller after Sullivan - the QB in 1946 and 1947 -
John Clayton, a sophomore from Chelmsford, Mass., would win the quarterback job over highly regarded classmates Bob McCraney and Gil (Ace) Mueller after Sullivan - the QB in 1946 and 1947 -
Recruiting 2014--D'Cota Dixon
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| Sentinel Image |
Orlando Sentinel article here.
Rivals page here.
This article from October 2012 also features Dixon.
Highligh videos are available from Hudl.com
Besides UMass, Dixon holds offers from Louisville, West Virginia, Ball State, North Carolina and Vanderbilt.
Thursday- February 21, 2013
The MAC football website has an article on the seven league players invited to the NFL Combine.
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Sports Illustrated says the Big East will likely remain ahead of the Mountain West
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A Bleacher Report writer says the Giants must let Victor Cruz go.
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UMass starts a three game series with Colorado next year. The Buffaloes are proposing a $170 million upgrade to their facilities.
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The Miami Dolphins look at their 2012 rookies including Josh Samuda.
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UPDATE: Our favorite newspaper is up for sale again. Maybe it's future owners will change it's persistently sour view of UMass athletics. I've traveled quite a bit and there is no other state in the Union where the dominate newspaper is "anti" the flagship state university's athletics.
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Sports Illustrated says the Big East will likely remain ahead of the Mountain West
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A Bleacher Report writer says the Giants must let Victor Cruz go.
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UMass starts a three game series with Colorado next year. The Buffaloes are proposing a $170 million upgrade to their facilities.
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The Miami Dolphins look at their 2012 rookies including Josh Samuda.
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UPDATE: Our favorite newspaper is up for sale again. Maybe it's future owners will change it's persistently sour view of UMass athletics. I've traveled quite a bit and there is no other state in the Union where the dominate newspaper is "anti" the flagship state university's athletics.
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Rabu, 20 Februari 2013
REAL MADRID RETURNS WITH "SPANISH FLAVOUR" PROMISE
Presidential election time coming up soon at Real Madrid & that means lots of promises & fanfare. Today Spanish Sports paper "AS" talks about current President Florentino Perez & his long-time desire to make the team more "Spanish", that is, less foreign players & more local product. Its an idea that comes up every election time & never really gets done.
This time around Perez has in mind a
This time around Perez has in mind a
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULT | AC MILAN 2 FC BARCELONA 0
Champions League continued tonight with the last Spanish Football representative FC BARCELONA visiting "San Siro Stadium" to play AC MILAN. The result is a bit of a shock as the Italians won 2 - 0 & take over to Barcelona a very nice couple of goals.
Milan planned their strategy well. Wait for Barcelona, defend well & when given the chance attack to fish up front. They managed to put in
Milan planned their strategy well. Wait for Barcelona, defend well & when given the chance attack to fish up front. They managed to put in
CARLO ANCELOTTI GIVES HIS VERBAL OK TO REAL MADRID ?
French Paper "Le Parisen" reports that Paris St Germain Italian Coach Carlos Ancelotti has give a verbal OK to Coach REAL MADRID. The Italian has been on the Real Madrid agenda many times in the past & is an "old" desire of Real Madrid President Florentino Perez who has returned to look for the PSG Coach.However, this is not confirmed 100% & there are other names being rumoured at this moment.
Title Town?
Click photo to supersize.
In the hallway of the football offices at Floren Varsity House are team photos of all 17 of Dartmouth's Ivy League championship teams. That's the most in Ivy history – and you'll notice there's room for more ;-)
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The Princeton football blog talked with coach Bob Surace about star tailback Chuck Dibilio, who missed last year with a stroke after running for 1,068
Recruiting 2014--D.J. Gillins
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| 247 Sports image |
SB Nation story here.
Gillins verbaled to Texas Tech in December, but another article says that isn't set in stone.
Rivals page here.
ESPN page here.
Some Junior highlight video here.
Besides UMass, Gillins holds offers from North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Florida International and Troy.
Wednesday--February 20, 2013
UMass OL Stephane Milhim will be taking part in the NFL Combine. Stories from the UMass website and from MassLive.
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A Kentucky blog has 20 questions about Neal Brown.
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NESN has an article about who is the greatest QB in Detroit Lions history (includes Greg Landry).
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The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" has a story on why the MAC needs a better TV contract. Diversification of the league would add to the MAC's TV desirably. Adding Army would help. The league could have "MAC Challenge" games with teams from other non-BCS leagues. For example, instead of a Thursday night game with Northern Illinois vs Central Michigan, how about Northern Illinois against Florida International?
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Cincinnati makes a bid to join the ACC.
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The Hartford Courant says NBC's TV deal might be best for the Bit East.
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OT, but my old school at UMass, the Isenberg School of Business, has an innovative (and cheaper) online Masters Degree program.
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A Kentucky blog has 20 questions about Neal Brown.
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NESN has an article about who is the greatest QB in Detroit Lions history (includes Greg Landry).
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" has a story on why the MAC needs a better TV contract. Diversification of the league would add to the MAC's TV desirably. Adding Army would help. The league could have "MAC Challenge" games with teams from other non-BCS leagues. For example, instead of a Thursday night game with Northern Illinois vs Central Michigan, how about Northern Illinois against Florida International?
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Cincinnati makes a bid to join the ACC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hartford Courant says NBC's TV deal might be best for the Bit East.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OT, but my old school at UMass, the Isenberg School of Business, has an innovative (and cheaper) online Masters Degree program.
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FC BARCELONA - AC MILAN MUCH MORE IN COMMON
What have all these Football Players in common?
Bojan Krkic.
Ronaldinho.
Patrick Kluivert.
Winston Bogarde.
Michael Reiziger.
Ronaldo.
Rivaldo.
Ibrahimovic.
Other names
Dugarry, Van Bommel, Maxi López, Zambrotta, Davids & Albertini
As Spanish Sports paper "Marca" points out today, all are have had played ( Bojan currently playing ) at FC Barcelona & AC Milan. Both Clubs have obviously
Bojan Krkic.
Ronaldinho.
Patrick Kluivert.
Winston Bogarde.
Michael Reiziger.
Ronaldo.
Rivaldo.
Ibrahimovic.
Other names
Dugarry, Van Bommel, Maxi López, Zambrotta, Davids & Albertini
As Spanish Sports paper "Marca" points out today, all are have had played ( Bojan currently playing ) at FC Barcelona & AC Milan. Both Clubs have obviously
Reuni Mengharu Biru Dalam Sepakbola
Semua pandangan mata hanya tertuju pada satu sosok saat Real Madrid menjamu Manchester United pada Leg 1 Perdelapan Final Liga Champions 2012 - 2013.
Bukan ke sosok Jose Mourinho, figur pelatih hebat yang santer diberitakan bersahabat dengan Sir Alex Ferguson dan menjadi salahsatu kandidat kuat penerus Fergie.
Bukan pula ke sosok David De Gea, kiper muda brilian yang digadang-gadang sebagai penerus Iker Casillas.
Semuanya menatap penuh pada sosok Cristiano Ronaldo.
Yah...sejak hengkang dari MU pada 2009, CR7 tidak pernah sekalipun bertemu dengam klub yang membesarkannya itu dalam sebuah laga resmi.
Maka sangat wajar jika pemberitaan tentang reuni CR7 dengan MU menjadi bumbu laga kedua team yang memang layak ditonton.
Bagaimana penampilan CR7 melawan eks klub yang diakuinya memilik tempat spesial di hati itu?
Apa yang akan dilakukannya untuk melewati Patrice Evra dan Rio Ferdinand yang sudah sangat mengenalnya dalam beratus-ratus sesi latihan di MU?
Seperti apa reaksi CR7 bila ia mencetak gol ke MU?
Dan momen itu pun tiba saat di pertengahan babak pertama CR7 mencetak gol untuk menyamakan kedudukan menjadi 1-1 (MU unggul terlebih dahulu lewat gol Danny Welbeck).
Penonton bersorak tetapi tidak ada perayaan berlebihan dari CR7.
Dia hanya berlari kecil sambil menolak secara halus pelukan selamat dari rekan-rekannya yang akan merayakan gol. So dramatic.
Momen dramatis selama 90 menit dimalam itu akhirnya diakhiri dengan pemandangan CR7 berbincang , akrab dengan "ayahnya" Sir Fergie sambil menyusuri jalan keluar lapangan.
Demikianlah, sepakbola kerap melahirkan drama-drama yang mengharu biru khususnya bila berbicara mengenai reuni pesepakbola dengan klub yang melekat di hatinya.
Publik tentu tidak akan pernah melupakan bagaimana Batistuta yang selama 9 tahun berkostum Fiorentina (1991 - 2000) dan mendapatkan perhargaan berupa julukan Batigol dan patung kebesaran harus memasukkan bola ke gawang klub tercintanya itu saat AS Roma, klub yang mengantarkan impiannya meraih scudetto, berhadapan dengan Fiorentina.
Tidak ada perayaan saat Batistuta menghujam gawang Fiorentina dengan gol, momen yang selanjutnya terjadi justru berupa pemandangan Batistuta menangis setelah gol itu !!
Sungguh menguras emosi melihat momen mengharu biru tersebut.
Lalu perhatikan juga saat Andriy Shevchenko kembali dari Chelsea sebagai pemain pinjaman pada musim 2008 -2009, meski tidak setajam sebelumnya, penghormatan tetap diberikan Milanisti bagi salahsatu penyerang terbaik dalam sejarah Milan itu.
Reuni pesepakbola dengan bekas klubnya tidak selalu memunculkan pemandangan "manis".
Lihatlah yang dialami Luis Figo dan Ronaldo Luiz Nazario Da Lima.
Hengkang dari Barcelona dan kemudian kembali merumput di Nou Camp dengan balutan kostum musuh abadi Real Madrid memicu perlakuan tidak pantas dari penonton
Yang paling diingat tentu bagaimana saat Luis Figo dalam sebuah eksekusi tendangan penjuru Madrid vs Barcelona mendapatkan lemparan kepala babi.
Unpredictable...tidak terduga...itulah yang terjadi dengan setiap reuni dalam sepakbola.
Musim 2012 -2013 masih menyisakan sejumlah partai yang berpotensi memunculkan drama mengharu biru.
Simak bagaimana perlakukan Interisti saat menyaksikan Balotelli dengan seragam Milan berusaha membobol gawang Samir Handanovic.
Lalu lihat pula upaya pembuktian Bojan Krkic, pemuda alumnus La Masia yang sempat menyandang predikat "the next Messi" saat Milan bersua Barcelona.
Nantikan sepak terjang Lukas Podolski saat Arsenal menghadapi Bayern Muenchen yang meminangnya usai Piala Dunia 2006 untuk hanya menjadi penonton aksi Klose dan Luca Toni dari bangku cadangan.
Sepakbola memang punya magis tersendiri sebagai olahraga paling populer di dunia.
Termasuk magis reuni pesepakbola dengan bekas klub nya.
Bukan ke sosok Jose Mourinho, figur pelatih hebat yang santer diberitakan bersahabat dengan Sir Alex Ferguson dan menjadi salahsatu kandidat kuat penerus Fergie.
Bukan pula ke sosok David De Gea, kiper muda brilian yang digadang-gadang sebagai penerus Iker Casillas.
Semuanya menatap penuh pada sosok Cristiano Ronaldo.
Yah...sejak hengkang dari MU pada 2009, CR7 tidak pernah sekalipun bertemu dengam klub yang membesarkannya itu dalam sebuah laga resmi.
Maka sangat wajar jika pemberitaan tentang reuni CR7 dengan MU menjadi bumbu laga kedua team yang memang layak ditonton.
Bagaimana penampilan CR7 melawan eks klub yang diakuinya memilik tempat spesial di hati itu?
Apa yang akan dilakukannya untuk melewati Patrice Evra dan Rio Ferdinand yang sudah sangat mengenalnya dalam beratus-ratus sesi latihan di MU?
Seperti apa reaksi CR7 bila ia mencetak gol ke MU?
Dan momen itu pun tiba saat di pertengahan babak pertama CR7 mencetak gol untuk menyamakan kedudukan menjadi 1-1 (MU unggul terlebih dahulu lewat gol Danny Welbeck).
Penonton bersorak tetapi tidak ada perayaan berlebihan dari CR7.
Dia hanya berlari kecil sambil menolak secara halus pelukan selamat dari rekan-rekannya yang akan merayakan gol. So dramatic.
Momen dramatis selama 90 menit dimalam itu akhirnya diakhiri dengan pemandangan CR7 berbincang , akrab dengan "ayahnya" Sir Fergie sambil menyusuri jalan keluar lapangan.
Demikianlah, sepakbola kerap melahirkan drama-drama yang mengharu biru khususnya bila berbicara mengenai reuni pesepakbola dengan klub yang melekat di hatinya.
Publik tentu tidak akan pernah melupakan bagaimana Batistuta yang selama 9 tahun berkostum Fiorentina (1991 - 2000) dan mendapatkan perhargaan berupa julukan Batigol dan patung kebesaran harus memasukkan bola ke gawang klub tercintanya itu saat AS Roma, klub yang mengantarkan impiannya meraih scudetto, berhadapan dengan Fiorentina.
Tidak ada perayaan saat Batistuta menghujam gawang Fiorentina dengan gol, momen yang selanjutnya terjadi justru berupa pemandangan Batistuta menangis setelah gol itu !!
Sungguh menguras emosi melihat momen mengharu biru tersebut.
Lalu perhatikan juga saat Andriy Shevchenko kembali dari Chelsea sebagai pemain pinjaman pada musim 2008 -2009, meski tidak setajam sebelumnya, penghormatan tetap diberikan Milanisti bagi salahsatu penyerang terbaik dalam sejarah Milan itu.
Reuni pesepakbola dengan bekas klubnya tidak selalu memunculkan pemandangan "manis".
Lihatlah yang dialami Luis Figo dan Ronaldo Luiz Nazario Da Lima.
Hengkang dari Barcelona dan kemudian kembali merumput di Nou Camp dengan balutan kostum musuh abadi Real Madrid memicu perlakuan tidak pantas dari penonton
Yang paling diingat tentu bagaimana saat Luis Figo dalam sebuah eksekusi tendangan penjuru Madrid vs Barcelona mendapatkan lemparan kepala babi.
Unpredictable...tidak terduga...itulah yang terjadi dengan setiap reuni dalam sepakbola.
Musim 2012 -2013 masih menyisakan sejumlah partai yang berpotensi memunculkan drama mengharu biru.
Simak bagaimana perlakukan Interisti saat menyaksikan Balotelli dengan seragam Milan berusaha membobol gawang Samir Handanovic.
Lalu lihat pula upaya pembuktian Bojan Krkic, pemuda alumnus La Masia yang sempat menyandang predikat "the next Messi" saat Milan bersua Barcelona.
Nantikan sepak terjang Lukas Podolski saat Arsenal menghadapi Bayern Muenchen yang meminangnya usai Piala Dunia 2006 untuk hanya menjadi penonton aksi Klose dan Luca Toni dari bangku cadangan.
Sepakbola memang punya magis tersendiri sebagai olahraga paling populer di dunia.
Termasuk magis reuni pesepakbola dengan bekas klub nya.
Selasa, 19 Februari 2013
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