So I was on vacation, and my family decided to hit the links. On our way back from Myrtle Beach, we decided to take the I-20 route through Augusta, Georgia to Atlanta. We stopped in Augusta to play at a course on the Fort Gordon Army Base. If we could we would have played at Augusta National, but that wasn't meant to be. We had already played one round in Myrtle Beach where I shot an 83, and as a +.8 handicap that wasn't what I was hoping for. I hadn't really played much since the end of high school season, so my goal was to beat 80.
The start was not ideal for me. I made a poor bogey on the first leaving it just short on my approach into the green, and then missing about a five footer for par. On the second I stumbled and pushed my drive into the trees, then hit a punch fade about 60 yards out on the long par four. I hit my approach just over the pin, but with little play I wasn't sure on the distance and hit it about 30 feet past, then the inevitable, a three putt. Number three is a par five, that dog legs to the left, with bunkers on both sides. I hit a poor second shot, then a bad approach, and then a three putt bogey.
I was able to turn this bad start around though. I missed a short par putt on the fourth, but made a par on the fifth and sixth. I hit a ball in the water on the seventh, then stuck my approach to about 10 feet, but missed the par putt which led to a bogey. But finished par-par to shoot a 42 on the front.
The back started with a bogey on the tenth due to leaving myself in a tough spot just off the green. But the eleventh was good for me. I stuck a 130 yard shot about four feet passed the hole to make a birdie. Then on the next I stuck a four iron to about four feet, but missed it. Then I made another bogey due to bad positioning into the green. Then another poor chip to make it back to back bogies. After these two bogies I realized I needed to play the last four one-under to break 80.
The fifteenth is an island green, that is designed like the seventeenth at TPC Sawgrass. I stuck one to about eight feet and made a clutch birdie to give me some life. I had never really found my game during our vacation, but I could definitely tell it was back when I made a birdie there. But I lost a little of it on the sixteenth.
I hit two good shots on the long par five, but then hit a heavy six-iron and put it in the pond. I settled for a double bogey, and now had to birdie out to break 80.
The seventeenth is a long par three, where I hit a five iron just right of the pin, knowing I had to birdie. I got up to the green and found my ball about fifteen feet right of the pin. All I was thinking was make this and go to the eighteenth looking for a birdie. Even though this wasn't a tournament, I felt the pressure, and rose to the occasion and drained it. Now all I needed was birdie on the par five eighteenth.
I had been having issues with blocking my drives to the right, and that crept in on the last when I put it deep into the trees. When I got to my ball, I found a similar situation as Phil in the Masters on the thirteenth. I had a clear shot through the trees. I couldn't go for it, but I could get out. I hit a poor second shot off the heal and it faded a little too much, but I got up to my ball with a shot. As I got to my ball in a pile of leaves, I knew I had to stick this close and just give myself a putt at it. I did exactly that, and stuck it to about eight feet. I knew the break, just slight to the left and I couldn't leave it short. I rolled it well, and when I looked up I thought it was in. But you can't wish putts in, and this one just wasn't perfect and grazed the right edge, just rolling past.
The 80 I shot, wasn't what I was hoping for, but it made me stronger, and showed me that I can really go low if I put all my effort into it.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
10 of top 25 unbeaten so far, who will be last one standing?
There are currently 10 unbeaten teams in the top 25 of men's college basketball. Which team will be the last one standing? Or will there be more than one?
Arizona (#1), Syracuse (#2), Ohio State (#3), Wisconsin (#4), Villanova (#8), Wichita State (#11), Oregon (#13), Iowa State (#17), Massachusetts (#22), and Missouri (#23) are the 10 teams. Arizona and Iowa State both squeaked out nail biters late this past week to stay unbeaten. Michigan who was originally ranked inside the top-10 almost took down Arizona, but fell 72-70. And Iowa State just inched past in-state rival Iowa with a late game charge to win 85-82. We know one thing not all of these teams will be undefeated at the end of the regular season.
Ohio State and Wisconsin will face each other once this season, and possibly in the Big Ten Championship. Ohio State will also face #5 ranked Michigan State twice, and #25 ranked Iowa twice. Wisconsin gets the Spartans once, but they do get Iowa twice. With a strong Big Ten schedule, oen of these two will surely go down.
Arizona and Oregon get the pleasure of playing each other twice, so at least one of them won't remain unbeaten. #20 Colorado is also on each of their schedules. Only once for Oregon, but twice for Arizona.
Villanova and Syracuse face off on December 28th, which should be a good battle early in the season for both of those teams. Syracuse will be the favorite, but with Villanova already taking down Iowa and Kansas, they aren't to be messed around with.
The Wichita State Shockers do not have a currently ranked team on their remaining schedule, so look for the Shockers to continue their momentum from last years tourney charge throughout the 2013-2014 season. The same is the case for the Massachusetts Minutemen who do not face a ranked opponent for the rest of the this season.
But for schools like Massachusetts, it is similar to college football teams like Northern Illinois and Fresno State. Both of them were undefeated throughout most of their season, but got no credit for that and were ranked behind teams with up to three losses. So, they won't get much competition throughout their season, and will have to prove themselves in the tournament come March.
This season is shaping up to be good one for college basketball, and I can not wait until March for all of the suspense.
Arizona (#1), Syracuse (#2), Ohio State (#3), Wisconsin (#4), Villanova (#8), Wichita State (#11), Oregon (#13), Iowa State (#17), Massachusetts (#22), and Missouri (#23) are the 10 teams. Arizona and Iowa State both squeaked out nail biters late this past week to stay unbeaten. Michigan who was originally ranked inside the top-10 almost took down Arizona, but fell 72-70. And Iowa State just inched past in-state rival Iowa with a late game charge to win 85-82. We know one thing not all of these teams will be undefeated at the end of the regular season.
Ohio State and Wisconsin will face each other once this season, and possibly in the Big Ten Championship. Ohio State will also face #5 ranked Michigan State twice, and #25 ranked Iowa twice. Wisconsin gets the Spartans once, but they do get Iowa twice. With a strong Big Ten schedule, oen of these two will surely go down.
Arizona and Oregon get the pleasure of playing each other twice, so at least one of them won't remain unbeaten. #20 Colorado is also on each of their schedules. Only once for Oregon, but twice for Arizona.
Villanova and Syracuse face off on December 28th, which should be a good battle early in the season for both of those teams. Syracuse will be the favorite, but with Villanova already taking down Iowa and Kansas, they aren't to be messed around with.
The Wichita State Shockers do not have a currently ranked team on their remaining schedule, so look for the Shockers to continue their momentum from last years tourney charge throughout the 2013-2014 season. The same is the case for the Massachusetts Minutemen who do not face a ranked opponent for the rest of the this season.
But for schools like Massachusetts, it is similar to college football teams like Northern Illinois and Fresno State. Both of them were undefeated throughout most of their season, but got no credit for that and were ranked behind teams with up to three losses. So, they won't get much competition throughout their season, and will have to prove themselves in the tournament come March.
This season is shaping up to be good one for college basketball, and I can not wait until March for all of the suspense.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Sergio finally gets into the winners circle
It has been a tough season for Sergio Garcia with out any wins, and all of his issues with the media.
Garcia finally got a win at the Thailand Golf Championship. He outlasted Henrik Stenson down the stretch to win by four. This was special for Garcia with his girlfriend Katharina Boehm on the bag. She caddied for him the whole week, and was right there to celebrate the win with him right as it concluded. Garcia also finished second the week before at the Nedbank World Challenge. So as a fan it is good to see him play well at the end of the season, and shows hope for next year after this struggling season.
Sergio showed some sparks being in contention at the Players Championship, even with the distractions of the media. Sergio put three balls in the water on the 17th (island hole) at TPC Sawgrass, which led to a quadruple bogey. Then doubled the last for a horrid finish, and to give Tiger the win. Sergio faced great ridicule from the press that week, after he blamed his playing partner Tiger Woods for the gallery cheering while he was hitting. It was very easy for almighty Tiger to turn the media on Sergio, and make him sound like a big whiner. Sergio took a lot of bad talk from the media and put up with a lot to get through the week, and all the frustration came out on the last few holes. This disappointing finish summed up Sergio's season, and later led to him saying a racially offensive comment towards Tiger. But Sergio apologized many times to Tiger and tried to make things right. The fans supported him throughout, and understood that he made a mistake. This season couldn't have finished better after all the struggles.
Sergio had a poor season, but finished a bang. His up and down season never got to the level that we expect, but with a win at the end, good things are expected to come in 2014.
Tournament information can be found at: http://www.thailandgolfchampionship.com/new/en/home/index.php
Garcia finally got a win at the Thailand Golf Championship. He outlasted Henrik Stenson down the stretch to win by four. This was special for Garcia with his girlfriend Katharina Boehm on the bag. She caddied for him the whole week, and was right there to celebrate the win with him right as it concluded. Garcia also finished second the week before at the Nedbank World Challenge. So as a fan it is good to see him play well at the end of the season, and shows hope for next year after this struggling season.
Sergio showed some sparks being in contention at the Players Championship, even with the distractions of the media. Sergio put three balls in the water on the 17th (island hole) at TPC Sawgrass, which led to a quadruple bogey. Then doubled the last for a horrid finish, and to give Tiger the win. Sergio faced great ridicule from the press that week, after he blamed his playing partner Tiger Woods for the gallery cheering while he was hitting. It was very easy for almighty Tiger to turn the media on Sergio, and make him sound like a big whiner. Sergio took a lot of bad talk from the media and put up with a lot to get through the week, and all the frustration came out on the last few holes. This disappointing finish summed up Sergio's season, and later led to him saying a racially offensive comment towards Tiger. But Sergio apologized many times to Tiger and tried to make things right. The fans supported him throughout, and understood that he made a mistake. This season couldn't have finished better after all the struggles.
Sergio had a poor season, but finished a bang. His up and down season never got to the level that we expect, but with a win at the end, good things are expected to come in 2014.
Tournament information can be found at: http://www.thailandgolfchampionship.com/new/en/home/index.php
Tough start for the Wolverines, what's instore?
After starting this season ranked 9th in the nation, and one spot in front of bitter rival Ohio State, the Michigan Wolverines could not imagine a more disappointing start. They are currently 6-4 with three of their losses coming to currently ranked opponents (#17 Iowa State, #8 Duke, and #9 Arizona). Their other loss came to the Charlotte 49ers. At least all of their losses have been close, not what they want to hear right now. This program is in a rebuilding year after losing Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr., who led the Wolverines to a NCAA Championship appearance. Their is still plenty of time to revive this season, but their schedule doesn't get easier. They will play multiple ranked opponents more than once to finish the rest of their season, as they have to get through the tough Big Ten.
Michigan's last game was against the #1 ranked Arizona Wildcats. They lost a close battle 72-70, which showed that maybe Michigan is worth what they were once ranked. But nevertheless, no loss looks good on a record. Glenn Robinson III was a big factor in the fight putting up 20 points. Robinson was also a big factor last year in their late season charge throughout the tourney. Other Wolverines who had big nights were Caris LeVert and Nik Stauskas who put up 15 and 14 points. Stauskas also added 6 rebounds to his night. Spike Albrecht, who is known for his three-point shooting after last years tourney charge, shot 3 of 4 from beyond the mark to put up 10 points on his own. Michigan knew they had to shoot to have a chance against the undefeated Wildcats. They shot 50% from the field, and 47% from beyond. They also made 14 of 17 from the line. This outshot the Wildcats from three land and from the field. The Wildcats did have a higher percentage from the line making 14 of 15. There's the two shots they lost right there. But even though it was a tough lost this did give the Wolverines some inspiration that they can play with anyone.
They will play the Buckeyes this season, and they are currently ranked inside the top 5. They will also play Wisconsin and Michigan State, who are also ranked inside the top 5. Iowa is also on their schedule, and they are currently ranked. With this tough of a schedule it provides Michigan an opportunity to prove themselves. We will see if that is what happens.
Michigan Basketball information can be found at: http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/
Michigan's last game was against the #1 ranked Arizona Wildcats. They lost a close battle 72-70, which showed that maybe Michigan is worth what they were once ranked. But nevertheless, no loss looks good on a record. Glenn Robinson III was a big factor in the fight putting up 20 points. Robinson was also a big factor last year in their late season charge throughout the tourney. Other Wolverines who had big nights were Caris LeVert and Nik Stauskas who put up 15 and 14 points. Stauskas also added 6 rebounds to his night. Spike Albrecht, who is known for his three-point shooting after last years tourney charge, shot 3 of 4 from beyond the mark to put up 10 points on his own. Michigan knew they had to shoot to have a chance against the undefeated Wildcats. They shot 50% from the field, and 47% from beyond. They also made 14 of 17 from the line. This outshot the Wildcats from three land and from the field. The Wildcats did have a higher percentage from the line making 14 of 15. There's the two shots they lost right there. But even though it was a tough lost this did give the Wolverines some inspiration that they can play with anyone.
They will play the Buckeyes this season, and they are currently ranked inside the top 5. They will also play Wisconsin and Michigan State, who are also ranked inside the top 5. Iowa is also on their schedule, and they are currently ranked. With this tough of a schedule it provides Michigan an opportunity to prove themselves. We will see if that is what happens.
Michigan Basketball information can be found at: http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/
Is State finally better than Iowa at a sport?
2013 basketball has been huge for the state of Iowa this year. With both Iowa and ISU being ranked, the CyHawk trophy was up for some real stakes. The two schools played at the Hilton Coliseum Friday, and boy was it something special.
Iowa State who has always come behind Iowa when it comes to intrastate competitions, was the victor in this tough match Friday night. The Clones were down by ten late in the first half, but battled back to outscore the Hawks 85-82. Dustin Hogue, Melvin Ejim, and Georges Niang led the Clones with big nights. Hogue had a double-double with 16 rebounds and 12 points. Ejim put up 22 points and Niang put up 24 to count for almost 70% of their points. Off the bench, Naz long added 13 points to the cause. DeAndre Kane had 9 assists for the Clones, and he continues his campaign for the Bob Cousy award, even though he only put up 5 points. The Cyclones had a big night all around, and were able to outlast the rival Hawkeyes.
The Hawkeyes fell just short, with desperation shots not falling late. Leading the Hawkeyes was star Aaron White with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Roy Devyn Marble put up 19 for the Hawks, and 6 assists. Off the bench Cedar Rapids native Jarrod Uthoff scored 12 points and had 5 rebounds. The Hawkeyes put up a good fight to the higher ranked Clones, but suffered their second loss of the season. The season won't get easier for the Hawks with a tough Big Ten schedule upcoming, but this is still one of their best years for the program. This season shows a lot of potential for them, and shows a bright future for the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball program.
The Clones, or "Clowns" as the Hawkeye faithful likes to call them proved to be stronger at home. The comeback late in the game showed a great amount of potential for this years team. After the past couple years' tourney surprises the Cyclones are looking for a good season this year. With an 8-0 start, that's just what the Clones have. They have a tough Big Twelve schedule coming up with two games against three different Big 12 opponents. But with two wins already against ranked opponents, the Clones don't seem to be intimidated by anyone. They rank 2nd in the nation for points scored in a game, averaging over 90 points per game. They are ranked 6th in rebounds per game, averaging almost 45 rebounds a game. And to finish it off they are also ranked 2nd in assists per game, with almost twenty a game. All three of these statistics show that the Clones are passing, scoring, and playing like a team which are very good qualities to have.
So, with all of this information one could argue that the Iowa State Cyclones are finally better than the Iowa Hawkeyes when it comes to a form of athletics. This is just the start of a long season, but for the Cyclone faithful it is a very happy sight. The Hawkeye fans have always made a big deal about how much better Iowa is when it comes to athletics, but there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Clones. After Friday, it's time to be proud to be a Cyclone.
Boxscore of Iowa-Iowa State game can be found at: http://espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=400498300
Iowa State who has always come behind Iowa when it comes to intrastate competitions, was the victor in this tough match Friday night. The Clones were down by ten late in the first half, but battled back to outscore the Hawks 85-82. Dustin Hogue, Melvin Ejim, and Georges Niang led the Clones with big nights. Hogue had a double-double with 16 rebounds and 12 points. Ejim put up 22 points and Niang put up 24 to count for almost 70% of their points. Off the bench, Naz long added 13 points to the cause. DeAndre Kane had 9 assists for the Clones, and he continues his campaign for the Bob Cousy award, even though he only put up 5 points. The Cyclones had a big night all around, and were able to outlast the rival Hawkeyes.
The Hawkeyes fell just short, with desperation shots not falling late. Leading the Hawkeyes was star Aaron White with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Roy Devyn Marble put up 19 for the Hawks, and 6 assists. Off the bench Cedar Rapids native Jarrod Uthoff scored 12 points and had 5 rebounds. The Hawkeyes put up a good fight to the higher ranked Clones, but suffered their second loss of the season. The season won't get easier for the Hawks with a tough Big Ten schedule upcoming, but this is still one of their best years for the program. This season shows a lot of potential for them, and shows a bright future for the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball program.
The Clones, or "Clowns" as the Hawkeye faithful likes to call them proved to be stronger at home. The comeback late in the game showed a great amount of potential for this years team. After the past couple years' tourney surprises the Cyclones are looking for a good season this year. With an 8-0 start, that's just what the Clones have. They have a tough Big Twelve schedule coming up with two games against three different Big 12 opponents. But with two wins already against ranked opponents, the Clones don't seem to be intimidated by anyone. They rank 2nd in the nation for points scored in a game, averaging over 90 points per game. They are ranked 6th in rebounds per game, averaging almost 45 rebounds a game. And to finish it off they are also ranked 2nd in assists per game, with almost twenty a game. All three of these statistics show that the Clones are passing, scoring, and playing like a team which are very good qualities to have.
So, with all of this information one could argue that the Iowa State Cyclones are finally better than the Iowa Hawkeyes when it comes to a form of athletics. This is just the start of a long season, but for the Cyclone faithful it is a very happy sight. The Hawkeye fans have always made a big deal about how much better Iowa is when it comes to athletics, but there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Clones. After Friday, it's time to be proud to be a Cyclone.
Boxscore of Iowa-Iowa State game can be found at: http://espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=400498300
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Zach takes down Tiger
Zach Johnson takes down Tiger in exuberating fashion. Tiger doesn't lose often, and rarely to Iowans.
Tiger wasn't looking like the man to beat after his Friday 62, and he was beat. Zach who had led off and on through out the tournament, was able to just pass Tiger at the very end, and even in a playoff. He was able to beat Tiger on the first hole of the playoff, but the exciting part was getting there.
Zach found himself trailing by one after both him and Tiger birdied the 16th. He was able to make birdie on the 17th to tie it up with one hole to play, a golfers dream. One hole, you and Tiger. After Tiger just missed the water, all Zach had to do was find the green and make par and force Tiger to get up and down. He wanted a tougher route. Zach hit his second shot into the water, so he was hitting his fourth into the green. This wasn't going to effect him though, he hit a perfect shot literally to hole out and save par. To put the pressure on Tiger to get up and down to force the playoff. Tiger rarely let's us down, and he had no issue getting up and down. In the playoff Zach two putted to force Tiger to make a five footer to continue the playoff. Like I said Tiger rarely let's us down, he did, and missed. Giving Zach the win.
Now Tiger or Zach don't need the money. But that was a costly miss. It cost him the win and $500,000. But Tiger and Zach are friends and I don't think he'll lose much sleep. There were some players that would have hoped for better weeks than this though.
The young gun, Jordan Spieth finished tied for second to last with Lee Westwood. Both of these players are expected to have big 2014 seasons.
Dustin Johnson finished in last place at 11 over. He to is expected to have a big 2014 season, so let's hope this was just an off week for him.
As the weekend closes, more great golf was added to the end of the season even though we are so close to the end of the season.
Tiger wasn't looking like the man to beat after his Friday 62, and he was beat. Zach who had led off and on through out the tournament, was able to just pass Tiger at the very end, and even in a playoff. He was able to beat Tiger on the first hole of the playoff, but the exciting part was getting there.
Zach found himself trailing by one after both him and Tiger birdied the 16th. He was able to make birdie on the 17th to tie it up with one hole to play, a golfers dream. One hole, you and Tiger. After Tiger just missed the water, all Zach had to do was find the green and make par and force Tiger to get up and down. He wanted a tougher route. Zach hit his second shot into the water, so he was hitting his fourth into the green. This wasn't going to effect him though, he hit a perfect shot literally to hole out and save par. To put the pressure on Tiger to get up and down to force the playoff. Tiger rarely let's us down, and he had no issue getting up and down. In the playoff Zach two putted to force Tiger to make a five footer to continue the playoff. Like I said Tiger rarely let's us down, he did, and missed. Giving Zach the win.
Now Tiger or Zach don't need the money. But that was a costly miss. It cost him the win and $500,000. But Tiger and Zach are friends and I don't think he'll lose much sleep. There were some players that would have hoped for better weeks than this though.
The young gun, Jordan Spieth finished tied for second to last with Lee Westwood. Both of these players are expected to have big 2014 seasons.
Dustin Johnson finished in last place at 11 over. He to is expected to have a big 2014 season, so let's hope this was just an off week for him.
As the weekend closes, more great golf was added to the end of the season even though we are so close to the end of the season.
Bye Bye Buckeyes
After winning 24 straight games, all Thee Ohio State Buckeyes had to do was win a 25th, and they would be in the National Championship. It couldn't be that hard for the great coach Urban Meyer, or for the genius scrambler of Braxton Miller, or even for the dynamic running of Carlos Hyde. I mean, these guys should be able to blow out Michigan State, defenses don't win games, the option-spread and high powered offenses do. The Spartans who just have the best defense in the nation shouldn't match up to thee great Buckeyes.
Wrong. (As a Michigan fan, I get great pleasure in writing this), thee Buckeyes were out muscled by the Spartans and lost 34-24, and any hopes of playing in the National Championship were erased. They won't even be playing in a BCS bowl, the humble Spartans are though. With a win over thee Buckeyes, Sparty earned a trip into the Rose Bowl. Braxton Miller also lost any chance he had of winning the Heisman Trophy. They are given to winners, he is a loser. That will be given to Jameis Winston because he knows how to win. So, what's in-store for thee almighty Buckeyes, a non important bowl game, and next year. The National Championship will await the Auburn Tigers and the Florida State Seminoles. Both getting big wins over ranked opponents this weekend.
Florida State faced #20 Duke and easily won 45-7. This won them the ACC Championship and a trip to the National Championship. Auburn had a tougher game, but was able to run for over 500 yards and beat #5 Mizzou 59-42 with a couple late touchdowns to squeak out a win. This got the Tigers of Auburn a SEC Championship and a trip to Pasadena as well. Most fans of college football figured there needed to be a SEC team in the National Championship, and with thee Buckeyes losing. One got in. There will be much hype about this game because Auburn is full of surprises and knows how to squeak out wins. While the Seminoles had a perfect regular season, and had no issues winning against ranked opponents. Either way, all I can say is that I am glad thee Buckeyes are not there.
Wrong. (As a Michigan fan, I get great pleasure in writing this), thee Buckeyes were out muscled by the Spartans and lost 34-24, and any hopes of playing in the National Championship were erased. They won't even be playing in a BCS bowl, the humble Spartans are though. With a win over thee Buckeyes, Sparty earned a trip into the Rose Bowl. Braxton Miller also lost any chance he had of winning the Heisman Trophy. They are given to winners, he is a loser. That will be given to Jameis Winston because he knows how to win. So, what's in-store for thee almighty Buckeyes, a non important bowl game, and next year. The National Championship will await the Auburn Tigers and the Florida State Seminoles. Both getting big wins over ranked opponents this weekend.
Florida State faced #20 Duke and easily won 45-7. This won them the ACC Championship and a trip to the National Championship. Auburn had a tougher game, but was able to run for over 500 yards and beat #5 Mizzou 59-42 with a couple late touchdowns to squeak out a win. This got the Tigers of Auburn a SEC Championship and a trip to Pasadena as well. Most fans of college football figured there needed to be a SEC team in the National Championship, and with thee Buckeyes losing. One got in. There will be much hype about this game because Auburn is full of surprises and knows how to squeak out wins. While the Seminoles had a perfect regular season, and had no issues winning against ranked opponents. Either way, all I can say is that I am glad thee Buckeyes are not there.
Bye Bye Bama
Wow what a finish, and so long Alabama as the dominant power in college football. As a fan of college football I get much pleasure in writing this.
Alabama has won the last two BCS Championships and was well on their way to win a third, until the unbelievable happened. Auburn had scored two straight touchdowns to tie the game at 21-21, and then Bama took the lead at 28-21. Then with :32 left Auburn tied it up at 28-28. So the game was destined to go into overtime. But the almighty Nick Saban decided to try to get into field goal position, and did with hardly any of a second left on the clock. He faced a tough decision whether to kick a 57 yard field goal, or to attempt a hail mary. He decided to kick, and could not have imagined the outcome. The kicker left it a few yards short, and Auburn sent a returner to field it if this happened. Then the unbelievable happened. It was returned for 108 yards and a touchdown to win it all.
With the top 3 teams playing in heavy hearted rivalry games, something crazy was going to happen. Earlier that day, the #2 Florida State Seminoles took care of their instate rival Florida without any issue. But it wasn't as easy for the #3 Ohio State Buckeyes. They played the Michigan Wolverines in what is arguably the longest and biggest rivalry in college athletics. Michigan, who had been having a very disappointing season, showed up for their last regular season game as the team we thought we would see this season. They led for a good part of the game, and came back from a two touchdown deficit late in the fourth to leave an extra point to tie it. Or an extra two to win. And they put it all on the line, win or loss, on one three yard play. They were not successful, and lost to the bitter rivaled Buckeyes 42-41. So after that excitement, all the anticipation led up to Auburn-Alabama, the Iron Bowl.
Rivalry Week proved it's name and worth in 2013. When it comes to rivalries all you can hope for are upsets and a little excitement, we were not disappointed. With the win, Auburn gets to play in the SEC championship, and potentially a chance to play in the National Championship. They will play #5 Missouri Saturday. Ohio State faces the number one defense in the #10 Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Championship. And finally, the #1 Florida State Seminoles face #20 Duke in the ACC Championship. Whoever plays in the National Championship will be decided by these three games. After rivalry week it will be hard to improve on the level of excitement, but it is set up to answer the call.
Box Score and Stats of the Iron Bowl can be found at: http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=333340002
Alabama has won the last two BCS Championships and was well on their way to win a third, until the unbelievable happened. Auburn had scored two straight touchdowns to tie the game at 21-21, and then Bama took the lead at 28-21. Then with :32 left Auburn tied it up at 28-28. So the game was destined to go into overtime. But the almighty Nick Saban decided to try to get into field goal position, and did with hardly any of a second left on the clock. He faced a tough decision whether to kick a 57 yard field goal, or to attempt a hail mary. He decided to kick, and could not have imagined the outcome. The kicker left it a few yards short, and Auburn sent a returner to field it if this happened. Then the unbelievable happened. It was returned for 108 yards and a touchdown to win it all.
With the top 3 teams playing in heavy hearted rivalry games, something crazy was going to happen. Earlier that day, the #2 Florida State Seminoles took care of their instate rival Florida without any issue. But it wasn't as easy for the #3 Ohio State Buckeyes. They played the Michigan Wolverines in what is arguably the longest and biggest rivalry in college athletics. Michigan, who had been having a very disappointing season, showed up for their last regular season game as the team we thought we would see this season. They led for a good part of the game, and came back from a two touchdown deficit late in the fourth to leave an extra point to tie it. Or an extra two to win. And they put it all on the line, win or loss, on one three yard play. They were not successful, and lost to the bitter rivaled Buckeyes 42-41. So after that excitement, all the anticipation led up to Auburn-Alabama, the Iron Bowl.
Rivalry Week proved it's name and worth in 2013. When it comes to rivalries all you can hope for are upsets and a little excitement, we were not disappointed. With the win, Auburn gets to play in the SEC championship, and potentially a chance to play in the National Championship. They will play #5 Missouri Saturday. Ohio State faces the number one defense in the #10 Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Championship. And finally, the #1 Florida State Seminoles face #20 Duke in the ACC Championship. Whoever plays in the National Championship will be decided by these three games. After rivalry week it will be hard to improve on the level of excitement, but it is set up to answer the call.
Box Score and Stats of the Iron Bowl can be found at: http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=333340002
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