2002 117-Team Division I-A Tournament

[Wolfpack]

tucker: Because Iowa I think was rated slightly lower than Kansas State in the combined computer poll I was using, thus K-State had first dibs on nearest regional. After Texas got the regional in Manhattan as highest #2 seed, Oklahoma went to Denton, which left K-State with Iowa City. As a result, Iowa got shipped out of region to Buffalo. As I noted way back at the start, I used the combined computer poll to set up the seeds, i.e. #1-4 in that poll became #1 seeds, #5-8 became #2 seeds, and so forth. The region the seeds ended up in was dictated by distance to the nearest available sub regional site, which would host two games in the round of 64.

I chose not to use the "pod" system that the NCAA uses now in college basketball because frankly I think it leads to some inequities in that some higher seeds face tougher lower seeds and their supportive audiences because the NCAA wants to have a better crowd (see Mississippi State and Texas, a 3-6 matchup that was played in Dallas in 2001 as an example). Besides, with only two games instead of four at a subregional site (it's not like basketball where a court can be beat on all day without effect), I'd have to continuously juggle some teams around the country to make their next matchups (two different regions at the same subregional in this instance would mean that at least one or both teams would have to go to a different subregional the next week).

As a result, the regions are to a degree regionalized (i.e. Big Ten teams mostly in the Midwest, Pac 10 teams in the West, and so forth), but there are some seeds that don't get to stay in the home region. Iowa just happened to be one of them.

[Wolfpack]

The third quarter from Iowa City

15:00 3rd, MIZZ leads 17-12
K-State gets the ball to start, but are completely ineffective, going three-and-out.

13:36 3rd, MIZZ leads 17-12
The Wildcats get the drive started well, picking up a couple of first downs, but it comes crashing to a halt as the Wildcat defense comes up with a turnover, intercepting the Tigers to kill the drive.

10:51 3rd, MIZZ leads 17-12
The turnover pays almost immediate dividends for KSU as three plays later, they strike for their first touchdown of the game and take the lead. The extra point is good and the Wildcats are up 2.

9:40 3rd, KSU leads 19-17
The Tigers make a strong drive to answer, pushing to the K-State 37 before facing fourth and short. Caught in that ugly in-between-kickers spot on the field, the Tigers go for it. The quarterback hands off but before the running back even gets a step back to the line, he is buried by the K-State defense and the ball goes over on downs!

4:44 3rd, KSU leads 19-17
The Wildcats cannot capitalize this time. As a matter of fact, just as they begin to threaten to score again, the quarterback is dumped and coughs up the ball and the Tigers recover, killing the chance.

1:42 3rd, KSU leads 19-17
Missouri is re-energized by the turnover. They push their way back to midfield as the quarter draws to a close.

End of 3rd Quarter
Kansas State 19, Missouri 17

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(1) Georgia 24, (17) Illinois 7
The Illini break the shutout, but the Bulldogs are pulling away

(4) NC State 52, (20) Stanford 6
Wolfpack continue to roll, looking to Round of 32

(2) Iowa 42, (15) Miami (OH) 7
The RedHawks finally scratch, but they're pretty well scratched up at this point

(14) Oregon 20, (3) Maryland 14
Terps score a TD and hold Ducks to a FG and draw a little closer...

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 33, (16) South Carolina 16
If it wasn't for that 20-point first quarter by Miami, this would have been a very interesting game

(12) Mississippi 31, (5) Auburn 7
The Rebels are in great shape and look like they'll be the first low seed into the Round of 32 in Houston

(2) Oklahoma 17, (15) North Texas 7
The Mean Green get a touchdown and all of Denton is filled with hope as the teams begin the final quarter

(3) Michigan 48, (14) Hawaii 14
Wolverines continue to expand their lead and get ready for next round

Midwest Region
(1) Ohio State 21, (16) Cincinnati 12
Bearcats get a TD, but fail on the two to tie, Buckeyes answer with a TD to keep the Bearcats at bay

(5) Virginia Tech 24, (12) Clemson 0
Last week was apparently a mirage for Tiger fans

(3) Alabama 28, (19) North Carolina 7
'Bama gets a TD early and gets the two pointer to push the lead to 14. Carolina passes on a field goal and goes for it on fourth down, but fails to convert. The Tide tack on another TD to bulge the lead.

West Region
(7) Boston College 31, (10) Washington 17
BC scores on every possession during the third quarter and seizes control of the game

[Wolfpack]

4th and final quarter between Mizzou and KSU

15:00 4th, KSU leads 19-17
Missouri keeps their drive going into K-State territory before stalling out in field goal range. The field goal team comes on to try to put the Tigers ahead again. Snap, hold, kick is BLOCKED! Blocked away and recovered by K-State! The Wildcats retain the lead!

12:44 4th, KSU leads 19-17
The block boosts KSU while seemingly deflates the Tigers. The Wildcats embark on a time-consuming drive that results in KSU bullying its way into the end zone over five minutes later. The extra point is good.

7:20 4th, KSU leads 26-17
The Tigers make an effort to rally. They hit on a pair of long strikes to push deep into K-State territory before being held up in field goal range. The Tigers opt to settle for points and hope they can get the ball back. However, the misfortunes that have been plaguing the kicking game continue to occur and the field goal attempt is missed.

5:00 4th, KSU leads 26-17
In firm control, the Wildcats go for the kill shot. A short gain on the opening play isn't it, but a breakaway run on the next play is, as the running back breaks through a crowded line and stiffs past the linebackers into the secondary where he wins the footrace to the end zone. A bobbled snap that results in a lost extra point is irrelevant at the moment as the Wildcats have a commanding lead with little time left.

3:49 4th, KSU leads 32-17
The Tigers make one more effort. They eek out a first down on the first play from scrimmage, but soon are confronted with a fourth down and long after three straight misfires passing. The quarterback drops back, throws...the receiver dropped it! He might have had the first down, but we'll never know because he dropped it! It goes over on downs!

1:45 4th, KSU leads 32-17
The Wildcat sideline is joyous as the offense trots onto the field and works out the remainder of the clock to finish the game. The Wildcats survive and advance!

Final Score
Kansas State 32, Missouri 17

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(1) Georgia 34, (17) Illinois 14 (FINAL)
Bulldogs dispatch Illini easily, move on to face winner of TCU-Colorado State

(4) NC State 58, (20) Stanford 13 (FINAL)
Game well in hand, Wolfpack throttle back and cruise to win, now awaits winner of Colorado-Wake Forest

(2) Iowa 56, (15) Miami (OH) 7 (FINAL)
Hawkeyes finish off overmatched RedHawks, now meet winner of Marshall and South Florida

(14) Oregon 20, (3) Maryland 17 (LATE 4TH)
Terps take risk by going for field goal over possible touchdown in fourth, but do have the ball with time winding down

Southeast Region
(1) Miami 50, (16) South Carolina 16 (FINAL)
Canes open it up in the fourth and blow SC out, now plays winner of Wisconsin and Tennessee

(12) Mississippi 38, (5) Auburn 7 (FINAL)
It's not so much the upset, but the size of it that's impressive as the #12 Rebels now await the winner of Penn State and A&M

(2) Oklahoma 17, (15) North Texas 7 (FINAL)
A valiant effort by the homestanding Mean Green is unable to score against the Sooners in the fourth and the partisan crowd goes home disappointed while the Sooners go on to play the winner of Florida and Oklahoma State

(3) Michigan 51, (14) Hawaii 14 (FINAL)
Wolverines coast into round of 32, get set to play winner of Pittsburgh and Iowa State

Midwest Region
(1) Ohio State 35, (16) Cincinnati 12 (FINAL)
Bearcats pass on a field goal and go for it on fourth down, only to fail. Buckeyes capitalize twice thereafter to put the game away. OSU now faces winner of LSU and California.

(5) Virginia Tech 34, (12) Clemson 0 (FINAL)
Hokies tack on another 10 in the fourth and shut out Tigers, move on to play winner of Notre Dame and Kentucky

(3) Alabama 42, (14) North Carolina 14 (FINAL)
Heels get a score, but Tide get two of them to finish UNC off, advance to next round and winner of West Virginia and Minnesota

West Region
(7) Boston College 47, (10) Washington 33 (FINAL)
A scorefest in the fourth as the Huskies get sixteen points, but unfortunately cannot close the gap as the Eagles answer every score with one of their own to finish the Huskies and go on to the next round to play the winner of Texas and Air Force

[JeeberD]

Damn...

[Lone Star]

Oh well, UNT losing 17-7 to OU in this competition is far better then what would happen in real life.

[JeeberD]

We shall get to see. UNT opens up their season next year at OU.

Going to OU will make it a really tough game, but I think that UNT can hang around with them. UNT has a really good defense, and they usually hang tough with their strong opponents (see 27-0 at UT, 16-10 at TCU, etc). Of course, my view on close scores is skewed since I'm a UTEP fan. To me, losing by less than 30 is a close game...

[Wolfpack]

Late in the fourth quarter...

EAST: (14) Oregon 20, (3) Maryland 17
The Ducks are achingly close to pulling the upset of the tournament to this point. Maryland has the ball and is looking to tie. The Terp offense has been sluggish all day, but on this drive, when they need to, they come alive. They knife down the field on the Ducks and move into Oregon territory. They have the ball at the Oregon 21 with just :12 left. QB drops back...looking...firing! Caught! The receiver lunges for the pylon...! Out of bounds at the two! Four seconds left! On comes the field goal unit. It looks like we'll see overtime. Snap, kick is up, and good! No problem with that one and we're going to overtime!

[Wolfpack]

In overtime...

EAST: (14) Oregon 20, (3) Maryland (20)
Maryland wins the OT toss and gets the Ducks to go first. Oregon gets a first down, but the Terps make great stops and record a sack on third down that drops them back to the 18. Out comes the field goal unit. This will give Oregon the lead. Snap, hold is good, kick is up and...he hooked it! Wide left! Maryland suddenly is in position to win!

The Terrapins get the ball, but as impressive as they were on the game-tying drive, they are equally awful this time around, failing to gain any good yardage at all. They have a 40-yard attempt coming up. For the win...snap, down, kick is up...good! Straight and true! Maryland has come back from a ten-point half time deficit and a six-point fourth quarter deficit to thwart Oregon's upset bid in overtime!

They'll get an ACC rival in the next round, either Virginia or Georgia Tech, which will be played this evening here in New Brunswick.

[Wolfpack]

With the conclusion of the KSU-Mizzou game, NAIWF re-asserts control over the TV. He flips the channel and the image changes to a 30,000-seat stadium filled with fans wearing blue, gold, orange, and black. The announcers intone a welcome to Reno, Nevada where the UCLA Bruins, the eighth seed in the West Region, face conference rival and ninth-seeded Oregon State.

UCLA won the toss and will defer. Oregon State will receive to start the game.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
The Beavers receive the opening kick and do well on their first possession, getting a pair of long gainers that move them quickly into UCLA territory before the Bruin defense hardens. Oregon State ultimately settles for a field goal and the early lead.

12:17 1st, ORST leads 3-0
The Bruins make a concerted effort to answer on their opening drive, smashing their way down the field but ultimately face a fourth and short in Beaver territory. UCLA gambles and goes for it, but the Beavers are up to the task and take the ball from the Bruins on downs.

8:25 1st, ORST leads 3-0
The Beavers make the Bruins pay a price for their gamble as they quickly strike back down the field and roll into the end zone for a touchdown. Extra point is good.

5:32 1st, ORST leads 10-0
The Bruins try to shake off the effects of the last pair of drives and move into OSU territory before again facing a fourth down. This time, discretion wins out and the Bruins settle for three.

2:15 1st, ORST leads 10-3
The Beaver offense is doing well, however. Again they move into UCLA territory. As the quarter expires, they face a challenging third down to keep the drive going.

End of 1st Quarter
Oregon State 10, UCLA 3

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

West Region
(5) Boise State 3, (12) Toledo 0
No fireworks yet between the two high-scoring clubs

(3) Washington State 17, (14) Fresno State 7
Cougars roll out to early lead against Bulldogs

[Wolfpack]

2nd quarter in Reno...

15:00 2nd, ORST leads 10-3
The Beavers fail to convert on third down and on comes the kicking unit for the field goal attempt. Unfortunately, the holder botches the snap, throwing the rhythm of the kicker off and he pushes the attempt, missing the field goal.

14:25 2nd, ORST leads 10-3
Having kept the lead to seven, the Bruins seem content to hammer on the Beavers for a while. They go on a five-and-a-half minute drive that sees them grind their way into OSU territory and into field goal range before they are faced with yet another fourth and short. The Bruins go for it on this one. It's still not a good idea as the Beaver defense rises up and buries the running back behind the line of scrimmage.

8:46 2nd, ORST leads 10-3
As before, the Beavers make the Bruins pay for their risk-taking. OSU goes on its own five-and-a-half minute march, smashing their way back down the field and into the end zone, putting the Bruins into a nice deep hole.

3:17 2nd, ORST leads 17-3
The Bruins try to answer back, but can only get the OSU 40 with under thirty seconds left in the half. Facing fourth down and not wanting to hand the Beavers a decent chance at a Hail Mary, they pooch-kick the Beavers deep into their own territory.

0:18 2nd, ORST leads 17-3
The Beavers, up 17-3, contentedly kill the clock and trot into the locker room.

End of 2nd Quarter
Oregon State 17, UCLA 3

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

West Region
(5) Boise State 10, (12) Toledo 7
What was expected to be a scorefest has turned into somewhat of a defensive struggle

(14) Fresno State 28, (3) Washington State 20
The Bulldogs erupt in the second quarter and have seized the lead in a surprise

[tucker342]

For some reason it doesn't surprise me that UCLA are getting there asses kicked.

[SplitPersonality1]

I don't know how I missed this thread. Great stuff Wolfpack.


Oh Yeah. On Wisconsin!

[Wolfpack]

Resuming OSU-UCLA in the 3rd quarter...

15:00 3rd, ORST leads 17-3
UCLA gets the ball to start the second half and does pretty well with it, at least initially. However, they grind down in the Beaver half of the field and face a fourth and short. The Bruins have their blood up this time and go for it. Unfortunately, the Beavers also have their blood up. Stacked up at the line, no first down.

10:15 3rd, ORST leads 17-3
The Beavers work their way back to the midfield area but can't get a needed third down to get into Bruin territory. Punt.

8:24 3rd, ORST leads 17-3
The Bruins continue to make a habit of long, time-consuming drives, and it's beginning to wear on the Beaver defense. The Bruins work their way into the Red Zone, but the Beavers get a couple of stops and hold UCLA to a field goal.

3:00 3rd, ORST leads 17-6
The Beaver offense gets a pair of first downs, but now face a third down and long as the clock expires in the third quarter.

End of 3rd Quarter
Oregon State 17, UCLA 6

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

West Region
(5) Boise State 27, (12) Toledo 14
Broncos get 17 in the third and seem to have gotten control of the game

(3) Washington State 33, (14) Fresno State 28
Cougars answer Fresno State with thirteen unanswered in the third to regain the lead

[Wolfpack]

Last quarter between Oregon State and UCLA

15:00 4th, ORST leads 17-6
The Beavers cannot get the needed third down as the receiver is brought down a couple of yards short of the marker. OSU punts to pin the Bruins in their own end.

13:55 4th, ORST leads 17-6
The Bruin offense has been tremendous this game, but they've failed at crucial times. However, the relentless hammering the Beavers have taken is getting to them. UCLA strings together a five minute drive that finally bags them a big touchdown. The Bruins decide to go for two, and with momentum clearly switched to them from the touchdown, they easily get the deuce.

8:48 4th, ORST leads 17-14
The Beavers try to stem the tide. They are able to get a deep pass that moves them into Bruin territory, but the UCLA defense stuffs them after that. They send out the field goal unit. Snap, kick...it's no good! Nothing is going right for the Beavers in the second half right now.

4:52 4th, ORST leads 17-14
UCLA almost immediately takes advantage. First play from scrimmage, the Bruin runner breaks through the line and only a shove out of bounds fifty yards later prevents a touchdown. The Beaver defense finally responds and prevents the Bruins from going further, so UCLA sets up a field goal to tie. Snap, hold, kick is up...no good! He missed! Beavers still lead!

3:53 4th, ORST leads 17-14
Unfortunately for OSU, the offense is nowhere to be found at the moment. The Beavers go three-and-out.

2:19 4th, ORST leads 17-14
Having ground down the Beaver defense during the game, the Bruins proceed to dissect it over the next ninety seconds, moving into OSU territory and into the Red Zone before a fourth down forces them to send on the field goal unit. Snap, hold, kick is up...and good! We're tied! It looks like overtime!

0:35 4th, game tied 17-17
No heroics occur on the ensuing kickoff for the Beavers and OSU goes ahead and runs out the clock. Overtime!

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

West Region
(5) Boise State 33, (12) Toledo 28 (LATE 4TH)
Rockets battle back and briefly take lead. Broncos get a touchdown and risk a two-point conversion, but don't get it, so the lead is five late. Rockets are trying to drive to win.

(3) Washington State 54, (14) Fresno State 28 (FINAL)
After a tough contest for three quarters, the Cougars blow out the Bulldogs in the fourth to run away with the contest and advance to the next round against either Arizona State or Texas Tech

[Wolfpack]

Late in the fourth quarter...

WEST: (5) Boise State 33, (12) Toledo 28
The Rockets battled back from a 27-14 deficit to briefly take the lead at 28-27. The Broncos responded with a touchdown, but failed to convert a two-point attempt, so the lead is five. The Rockets, however, cannot get a sustained drive going on their last chance and now have to make a Hail Mary attempt from their own 40 with seconds left.

Quarterback takes the ball from center and rolls out...he heaves it up...knocked away! Knocked away and the game is over! Boise State survives Toledo and will now advance to play the winner of Florida State and UNLV!

[Wolfpack]

In overtime...

WEST: (9) Oregon State 17, (8) UCLA 17
The Bruins win the toss to start and make the Beavers go first. Oregon State manages a first down on their drive, but the Bruins knock them backwards after that and they have to attempt a 33-yard field goal. Snap is good, kick is away...it's good! Oregon State gets the lead for the moment.

UCLA sends the offense out. The offense is still on a roll. They deke and dive their way down the field and inside the Beaver 5 before OSU finally stiffens and they won't allow UCLA into the end zone. The kicker is sent on for a chip-shot 20-yard field goal which he converts with little effort. Double-OT!

This time, the Beavers win the toss and UCLA has to go first. May not have been a good idea. The hot Bruin offense faces a third down at the 18. The QB hands away to the running back, who bursts through the right side and scampers into the end zone for the touchdown! The extra point is added and now the Beavers have a tough row to hoe on their turn.

That row turns out to be too tough for the Beavers as the Bruin defense absolutely smoothers the Beavers on every play, forcing a fourth down and long to stay alive. QB drops back...looks...sacked! Game over! The Bruins have come back to win, 27-20 in double-overtime!

[JeeberD]

Well, at least Boise survived to represent the WAC. Fresno, you have disappointed me..

[Wolfpack]

They gave Wazzou all they wanted for three quarters, but the Cougs overwhelmed them 21-0 in the last quarter.

It's pretty interesting watching the scores as they develop in this game and having to make a decision about whether to go for two instead of an XP or go for six instead of a field goal. There have been some really tough decisions to make in this regard. It isn't quite accurate on that standpoint as you have to make up your mind on strategy for one team before knowing what the outcome of the other team's roll will be, meaning you don't know what the situation precisely is during the quarter, just that making a decision will affect how many points the team does end up with in the quarter. Still an interesting process nonetheless.

And Jeeber, who's your horse now with UNT gone? I wouldn't want to hitch to Boise State after they struggled with Toledo. They'll probably get FSU next round and I don't think they'll survive that one.

[Wolfpack]

With the conclusion of the West regional thriller, Swaggs grabs a hold of the remote and flips the station just in time to see Minnesota's kicker running towards the football

West Virginia won the toss and went ahead and took the ball to start.

15:00 1st, game tied 0-0
The Mountaineers start with the ball and get a strong drive going before bogging down in Gopher territory. Facing a fourth and short, WVU takes the gamble and goes for it. Unfortunately for them, Minnesota's blood is up and the Gophers smother the fourth down play to force the change of possession.

9:59 1st, game tied 0-0
The Gophers take advantage by moving the ball back the other way before West Virginia finally contains them near their own 20. The Gophers send on the field goal kicking unit. Snap, kick is up...and good! Gophers get the first points of the game.

6:18 1st, MINN leads 3-0
The Mountaineers mount a push to respond, but it peters out near midfield. Punt.

2:48 1st, MINN leads 3-0
Minnesota mounts a decent drive, but face a difficult third down and long as the quarter comes to a close.

End of 1st Quarter
Minnesota 3, West Virginia 0

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(8) Texas Christian 10, (9) Colorado State 0
Horned Frogs get the early jump in Kent, Ohio

(12) Wake Forest 14, (5) Colorado 0
A surprising start to this one to say the least

(7) South Florida 7, (10) Marshall 0
Bulls get ahead against dangerous Herd

(6) Virginia 14, (11) Georgia Tech 10
ACC rivals in a scorefest early

Southeast Region
(9) Tennesssee 7, (8) Wisconsin 3
Close early between Vols and Badgers

(4) Penn State 14, (13) Texas A&M 10
Lions and Aggies seem to have a good one brewing

(7) Florida 17, (10) Oklahoma State 6
Gators get the offense going early in Denton

(6) Pittsburgh 13, (11) Iowa State 10
Good 6-11 battle shaping up here

Midwest Region
(8) LSU 7, (9) California 0
Bayou Bengals get the early lead

(13) Kentucky 7, (4) Notre Dame 7
Wildcats giving the Irish a bit of a tussle in the early going

(10) Purdue 7, (7) Arkansas 7
Boilers and Hawgs going at it in Iowa City

West Region
(2) Texas 10, (15) Air Force 0
Longhorns assert themselves early on

[Wolfpack]

2nd quarter of WVU-Minnesota...

15:00 2nd, MINN leads 3-0
The Gophers are unable to convert the long third down and are forced to punt.

14:26 2nd, MINN leads 3-0
The Mountaineers mount yet another sustained drive. Once again they face a fourth and short deep in Gopher territory. Again they go for it. Again they fail.

9:33 2nd, MINN leads 3-0
Two plays later, disaster strikes for the Gophers. QB drops back for a pass, fires it over the middle and it is...intercepted! The return man is hauled down immediately, but the damage is done. The Mountaineers have great field position and the ball.

8:22 2nd, MINN leads 3-0
The Mountaineers take advantage of the situation, moving the ball effortlessly into the end zone in four plays to take the lead. The extra point is good.

6:36 2nd, WVU leads 7-3
The Gophers try to forge a drive in response, but cannot get past midfield before punting away again.

2:36 2nd, WVU leads 7-3
The Mountaineers manage to engineer a hurry-up drive that gets them well into Gopher territory, but ultimately they settle for a field goal to close the half rather than come away with nothing.

End of 2nd Quarter
West Virginia 10, Minnesota 3

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(9) Colorado State 17, (8) Texas Christian 10
Rams have roared back to take the lead

(12) Wake Forest 27, (5) Colorado 5
That is not a misprint. The Buffs have only managed a field goal and a safety to this point.

(7) South Florida 14, (10) Marshall 7
Bulls continue to keep Herd at arm's length after two

(11) Georgia Tech 17, (6) Virginia 16
Jackets get a touchdown but give up a safety to encapsulate second quarter scoring

Southeast Region
(9) Tennessee 17, (8) Wisconsin 3
Vols get 10 in the second to put Badgers in a hole at the half

(4) Penn State 24, (13) Texas A&M 17
Lions get a bit more breathing room, but A&M is hanging tough in front of the partisan crowd in Houston

(7) Florida 24, (10) Oklahoma State 6
Gators add another touchdown to stretch their lead against Cowboys

(11) Iowa State 17, (6) Pittsburgh 13
Cyclones score only points in the quarter to take the lead at the half

Midwest Region
(8) LSU 14, (9) California 0
Tigers get seven more in the second to assert more control of the game

(4) Notre Dame 14, (13) Kentucky 7
Irish get a touchdown, but the Wildcats just aren't letting them pull away very easily

(10) Purdue 21, (7) Arkansas 17
Boilers strike for a pair of second quarter touchdowns and now have the lead against Razorbacks, who get three back near halftime

West Region
(2) Texas 17, (15) Air Force 0
Longhorns lead comfortably at the half

[Wolfpack]

And with that, I realized I made a serious mistake in the game I played between WVU and Minnesota. I gave West Virginia the ball to start the second half instead of Minnesota, which resulted in a chain of events that, suffice to say, should probably mean I redo the second half properly.

All the other games are complete and okay and wouldn't be affected by this mistake. But, I'm going to have to take some time to redo the second half of the feature game and then post it. Hopefully it'll be this evening or tomorrow when I get around to doing it and posting it. Sorry for the delay.

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by Wolfpack
And Jeeber, who's your horse now with UNT gone? I wouldn't want to hitch to Boise State after they struggled with Toledo. They'll probably get FSU next round and I don't think they'll survive that one.

Good question. I don't think I have a definitive favorite anymore, just a group of teams that I will root for.

Colorado State (where I went to school for a year, and a former WAC team)
Texas (because they're Texas)\
Boise St (WAC team)

There are probably a few other teams that I will root for also, but those are the ones that jump out at me...

[Swaggs]

Also, you have the score at 7-3, when the Mountaineers have scored a TD (+ PAT) and a FG.

By my figgerin', that should be 10-3.

[Wolfpack]

By Jove, you're right! It's 10-3 at the half. Will fix.

[Lone Star]

Well, as an alumni I was sad to see UNT lose, but now I'll have to root for TCU. I grew up less then 5 or so miles away, and wished I could have gone there (too expensive, private school).

After that I guess I'll pull for Texas, and then Texas A&M.

[thealmighty]

Lone Star, where did you live...I also grew up less than 5 miles from TCU (though probably long before you).

[Lone Star]

Originally posted by thealmighty
Lone Star, where did you live...I also grew up less than 5 miles from TCU (though probably long before you).

Now that I think about it, it was most likely more then 5 miles but not by a whole lot. I grew up in westside of Ft. Worth, in the area of Western Hills High School, the Weatherford traffic circle, and the southern flight path of B-52's leaving the old Carlswell Air Force Base.

I miss those things, even though they'd cause such a ruckus that sometimes stuff would fall off your shelves as they flew over.

I went to UNT from 1989-1994, but never went to all that many football games. I think I went to 3.....I've been to 2 TCU games. I love the old stadium.

[JeeberD]

TCU's stadium holds nothing but bad memories for me (such as LaDanion Tomlinson rushing for 400 something yards against UTEP one year and then 300 something yards the next year, both times with me in attendance).

I guess I can at least say that I saw a NCAA record being set...

[tucker342]

That must have made you very happy

It must be tough being a fan of such a crappy football team

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by tucker342
That must have made you very happy

It must be tough being a fan of such a crappy football team

Damn you're a little bitch....



I got used to UTEP losing a LONG time ago, so it's not so bad anymore. I tend to not get my hopes so high. Though it was kinda tough going from the WAC champs in 2000 to only winning two games the next year. That sucked ass...

[Pumpy Tudors]

To all of you who went to football-playing schools, I hate you.

University of New Orleans, Class of 2002

[sterlingice]

Originally posted by Pumpy Tudors
To all of you who went to football-playing schools, I hate you.

University of New Orleans, Class of 2002

To all of you who went to good football-playing schools, I hate you.

University of Kansas, Class of 2004 (hopefully)

SI

[Pumpy Tudors]

What? Kansas plays football? I guess you're going to tell me that Duke and Temple play football, too. Hey, as a matter of fact, maybe UNO had a team and I just never realized it!

Kansas playing football. That's funny!

[sterlingice]

I think I may be the only person in KU history that has gone to more football games than basketball games.

SI

[tucker342]

Wow, now that's amazing.

[Swaggs]

This is the longest, most boring halftime presentation I have ever seen. Cheap shots on JeeberD, Pumpy, and Sterling...I can see that any time.

I want some Mountaineer football!

[Wolfpack]

For Swaggs's sake, here's the third quarter finally...

15:00 3rd, WVU leads 10-3
The Gophers get the ball to start the second half. They have a strong drive going, pushing into WVU territory and on into the Red Zone. However, in trying to elude a sack, the QB coughs up the football and the Mountaineers pounce on it, snuffing out the effort.

10:14 3rd, WVU leads 10-3
The Mountaineers do not capitalize however, as their drive peters out just into Gopher territory and they punt away.

6:54 3rd, WVU leads 10-3
The Gophers again mount a sustained drive that sees them marching into the West Virginia half of the field. This time, however, nothing bad happens and the Gophers are able to pound it into the end zone. The extra point ties things up at 10.

1:45 3rd, game tied 10-10
The Mountaineers get the ball back and manage to work their way to midfield as time expires in the third.

End of 3rd Quarter
Minnesota 10, West Virginia 10

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(9) Colorado State 30, (8) Texas Christian 10
Nothing has gone right for the Frogs since the end of the first quarter

(12) Wake Forest 30, (5) Colorado 5
The nightmarish game for the Buffaloes continues

(7) South Florida 24, (10) Marshall 10
The Bulls gain some breathing room after three

(11) Georgia Tech 27, (6) Virginia 26
A scintillating contest between two ACC rivals looks to go down to the wire

Southeast Region
(9) Tennessee 24, (8) Wisconsin 3
A projected close contest has turned into a surprising romp for the Vols

(4) Penn State 24, (13) Texas A&M 17
A scoreless third means a tense fourth quarter coming up

(7) Florida 27, (10) Oklahoma State 6
A quiet third quarter sees only one field goal for the Gators

(11) Iowa State 31, (6) Pittsburgh 13
Cyclones strike for two touchdowns in third, Panthers are now up against the wall

Midwest Region
(8) LSU 28, (9) California 7
Bears finally get some points, but the Tigers get two TDs in response to put Cal on life support

(4) Notre Dame 20, (13) Kentucky 7
Irish expand their lead but have looked lackluster in this one

(7) Arkansas 31, (10) Purdue 21
The Hawgs break loose in the third, seize control of the game

West Region
(2) Texas 27, (15) Air Force 0
Longhorns on cruise control with game well in hand

[Wolfpack]

Fourth and final quarter between WVU and Minnesota

15:00 4th, game tied 10-10
The Mountaineers push on into Gopher territory. After getting a first down at the 37, the QB hands away to the running back, who plows through the stacked line and suddenly has no one in front of him and coasts into the end zone for the touchdown. The extra point is good.

13:40 4th, WVU leads 17-10
Three plays later, the Gophers are hit with their second turnover of the half, this one costly as it happens in their own end of the field.

12:22 4th, WVU leads 17-10
Once again, the Mountaineers struggle to capitalize on a Gopher mistake, this time pushing to the Red Zone before stalling out and sending on the kicking unit. The kicker has no problem putting it through the uprights.

9:47 4th, WVU leads 20-10
The Gophers come back with a pair of big plays that move them into West Virginia's end of the field, but are unable to pick up a first down after that. The field goal unit is sent on. Snap, hold, kick is up...and good! The Gophers cut the lead to seven.

7:33 4th, WVU leads 20-13
The Mountaineers, however, embark on a game-killing drive in response. They move the ball down the field, chewing up precious time on the clock, until they face fourth and goal at the one. In a risky gamble, the Mountaineers go for the kill shot. Unfortunately they don't make it and turn it over on downs. (note: I have additional die rolls that I make for time and number of plays in a drive and WVU had a 12-play drive, but the game chart said this drive resulted in a PUNT, so this was my narrative explanation for it).

1:36 4th, WVU leads 20-13
Fortunately for the Mountaineers, the defense is easily up to the task as the Gophers cannot pick up a first down and turn the ball back over on downs.

0:48 4th, WVU leads 20-13
The Mountaineers kill the clock and win the game.

Final Score
West Virginia 20, Minnesota 13

-------
Feel better now, Swaggs?

[Wolfpack]

Scoreboard Update

East Region
(9) Colorado State 39, (8) Texas Christian 10 (FINAL)
TCU scored the first ten points of the game, the Rams scored the next 39. Next up for the Rams is East #1 Georgia.

(12) Wake Forest 39, (5) Colorado 12 (FINAL)
Deacs complete disposal of Buffs, now get to meet ACC rival NC State in round of 32

(7) South Florida 31, (10) Marshall 17 (FINAL)
Bulls keep Herd away in fourth, now meet East #3 Maryland

(11) Georgia Tech 34, (6) Virginia 32 (LATE 4TH)
It goes to the wire. Virginia tried to tie it up with a two-point conversion but failed. They have the ball and are making one last push to win.

Southeast Region
(9) Tennessee 34, (8) Wisconsin 24 (FINAL)
Badgers try to rally in the fourth, but the Vols just had too big a lead to overcome. Vols now get Southeast #1 Miami.

(4) Penn State 34, (13) Texas A&M 31 (LATE 4TH)
A&M gambled on a fourth down in the fourth and converted to get a touchdown and now are looking for the tying field goal

(7) Florida 34, (10) Oklahoma State 6 (FINAL)
Gators eliminate Cowboys in convincing fashion, will now face Southeast #2 Oklahoma in next round

(11) Iowa State 51, (6) Pittsburgh 20 (FINAL)
The Cyclone squad that was one of the best early in the year evidently showed up for this contest as they thrash the Panthers. ISU now draws Michigan in Round of 32.

Midwest Region
(8) LSU 48, (9) California 7 (FINAL)
Tigers tack on 20 more in the fourth and roll into the next round to face Midwest top seed Ohio State

(4) Notre Dame 20, (13) Kentucky 7 (FINAL)
A bit of a dull affair as the ND defense strangled the Wildcats and the offense doing enough to win the contest. Irish need to do better as they draw a strong Virginia Tech squad in the next round.

(7) Arkansas 38, (10) Purdue 28 (FINAL)
Boilers get a touchdown early in the fourth, but the Razorbacks get an answering score to keep Purdue down enough to move on to the next round against Kansas State

West Region
(2) Texas 34, (15) Air Force 7 (FINAL)
A dominating performance by Texas enables them to move into the next round where they get to play Boston College

[Swaggs]

Wooohoooo!

[Wolfpack]

Late in the fourth quarter...

EAST: (11) Georgia Tech 34, (6) Virginia 32
The Jackets are hanging on for dear life and hoping for the upset against the Cavaliers, but Virginia has a chance for the win. The Cavaliers have pushed into Tech's end and face a fourth down with about a minute left. It'll be a 32-yard field goal attempt to put the Cavs in front. Snap, hold is good, kick is up...and it is good! The Cavaliers take the lead!

The Cavs squib the ensuing kickoff and Tech gets it back to its own 40 with about 30 second remaining. Just enough time to get a couple of plays off. A strike to the sideline gets them to midfield. A second strike goes over the middle and the receiver gets to the Virginia 35 before he's hauled down. Out of timeouts and under 10 seconds left, the Tech QB spikes the ball. It's going to be a 52-yard attempt for the win. Snap, hold, the kick is up...and it is...short! He didn't get enough on it! The Cavaliers win!

SE: (4) Penn State 34, (13) Texas A&M 31
The Aggies, with the support of the partisan Houston crowd have hung tough with Penn State through four quarters of play, though they have not been able to get over the hump. This is their last chance. A&M puts together a great hurry-up drive that gets them to the Penn State 20 where they have a third down with 18 seconds remaining. QB drops back...looks...throws...knocked away at the last second in the end zone! That was a close one for the Lions and a great play by the covering corner! Fourth down and out comes the kicker for a 37-yard attempt with ten seconds left. Snap, kick is up...he pushed it! No good and Penn State is going to hang on and win this one! A valiant effort by Texas A&M but they can't get it done when it counts and Penn State survives and advances here in Houston!