Rule Day - I Love to Be the Underdog!

Let me start out by saying I will be the first to admit that I don't like Michigan.  I didn't grow up there.  I don't like Ohio State either.  I just think that Michigan is rated way too high every year (kind of like Notre Dame - you guessed it.  I don't like them either - especially now that they are transitioning to the ACC - sort of)... they fail to produce W's.  They are one of few teams who lose and move up in the ranks. 

Now, despite constantly cheering against certain teams, I do love a good close game.  What I don't love is a game where officiating significantly impacts a close game.  At the end of the day, a team can't blame a bad call on losing a game (if it's that close of a game).  But it's frustrating to watch, there is no doubt about it.

The officials did totally blow it on Saturday though.  After Michigan effing ran the ball down the field and tore my heart out scored in the 4th quarter, regaining the lead, Akron got the ball back.  They got down to Michigan's 1 yard line (or 2 yard line).  The officials called a review and failed to add 9 crucial seconds back on the clock.  NINE seconds is huge in football.  They went from 1st and goal on the 1 to 3rd and 1 on the 2, which isn't a big deal - it was the right call, but they were owed 9 seconds.  The game announcers questioned, the NCAA rulebook confirmed (see Section 12-5).  They ended up running out of downs, but it was unfortunate.

If I were a Michigan fan (and again, I am far from that), it's not a feel-good win.  It's not even really a W in my book... more of a L.  But congrats(?) for barely squeaking by Akron.  

Well the 2013 football season has finally kicked off!  It is truly the most wonderful time of the year!

With the new season we are designating a topic for each day. Tuesday will be know as play book Tuesday and we will highlight a rule and explanation for the game.  You will be able to impress others with your extensive knowledge of the game!

So the UNC/USC game on Thursday night was delayed during the time of play due to lighting.  This brought up the question what is the official ruling on this issue of inclement weather?  After investigating, we discovered a couple of very interesting things in regard to the ruling.

According to the NCAA 2013-2014 Football rules and interpretations book, college facilities are encouraged to have a inclement weather plan.   In regards to lighting, the NCAA suggests that the school designate a lighting/ weather monitor for the duration of the game. Schools are encouraged to monitor the weather through local and national weather services the week of the game and to be aware of any possible weather issues during the time of play.  The monitor is to watch and listen for lighting accompanied by thunder within 30 second rule (named "The 30 second rule" - pretty self explanatory).

This 30 second rule is based on the idea that the storm is around 6 miles away and giving around 30 minutes before arriving to the area of play.  This is to allow the fans to safely get to a covered  area.  The delay of game will terminate after the last sound of lightning followed by thunder has pasted the 30 minute mark and the storm is a safe distance away. This 30 minute rule can be can can be adjusted at night because lighting can be seen farther away in the evening. Once the monitor gives the go for the game to resume, the play clock is to start at the time of play when the game was called.  It is also stated that is up to the schools and it's facilities to have a plan and a policy in regards to weather.  This plan is different for every school.  We emailed our beloved schools and are eagerly awaiting their response in regards to their set policies :).

In September 2011, several games were delayed in regards to weather.  The Western Michigan at Michigan game was called to delay of the game due to weather in the third quarter.  After a long delay, it was agreed by both teams to call the game.  Michigan was the proclaimed winner of the game.

-Erin

What Lasts Longer than Johnny Football's Suspension?

Here are the top 5 things which last longer than Johnny Manziel's lame suspension:

5.  The lifespan of a Super Tampon (from insertion to disposal)
4.  Tim Tebow's Patriot Career
3.  The amount of time it took for Lee Corso to not pick Clemson to win
2.  The amount of time it took for Kirk Herbstreit's bad hair color to process
1.  A premature ejaculator


Either find some evidence or just don't suspend the prick.

© TMZ

21 days...

21 days until National Signing Day, where the top football prospects sign with their school of choice!  Exciting times! 

Before I get started, congrats, Erin, and the rest of the Alabama family for the big win.  That was amazing how you guys looked like a bunch of pro's and Notre Dame looked like a Pee Wee team.  Perhaps they will drop out of the top 10 (since they clearly haven't transitioned from Boys II Men).

Let us bid them adieu with a little tune:

Although we've come
To the end of the road
Still I can't let go
It's unnatural
You belong... not in any BCS Bowl game... ever.

You have one of the top Running Back prospects, though, in Greg Bryant, so good luck with that.  And the ACC (a little bitter about that half-move though).

And before I forget, let me remind you, and Erin, that Clemson did beat LSU, who beat Alabama.  Just saying...

Did anyone watch the high school prospects game a week or two ago?  That was neat.  And it was exciting to see some of the players commit live on tv.  I thought for sure when Ebenezer Ogundeko, who was picking between Florida, Clemson, and Syracuse, began his selection with "University of..." that Florida was clearly the choice he was going to make... But when he said, "University of Clemson," my jaw dropped.  My first thought was WTF is a University of Clemson? YAY.  Quickly followed by a, "I wonder if he can even spell Clemson." ... Surely he will be on Academic Probation in no time.

It's interesting how many players still have a list of 20 schools from which they are selecting.  Surely they waive the application fee for college football students.

Stay tuned for news about commits, decommits (yes it happens for those of you who aren't familiar... we lost Robert Nkemdiche, who maybe turn my friendship with Erin south if he ends up going to Alabama... I'm shallow like that) and any other exciting facts or news.
-Natalie

Roll tide!!!!


RMFT!!!! For my girls!!

Enough said

Erin

Hello girls!

OMG! So many emotions!  An idea coming to a head and the excitement of a huge BCS championship game lingering tonight.  I am overwhelmed with emotion and I even hesitated about blogging today in fear of "jinxing" the game.  ( I once sat in a bathroom an entire game believing it was the only way for a win- it worked by the way)  This irrational feeling lead me to the question "What is it about the game of football that can lead to such bazaar behavior?". Football fans love the game because of the deep emotion it brings within us.  The thrill of a touchdown, the excitement of a blocked kick, the gut wrenching feel of an interception by the opposite team, the rush of a win in the last two seconds of the game or the agony of defeat in a 0-12 season.  Football is a lot like life from day to day.  You aren't quite sure what will happen next but you don't give up hope it will turn out for the best.  Sometimes you are on top and sometimes you fall -hell, sometimes you just have to pray for a hail mary! But no matter what, there is always hope for the next chance to win.  Girls, the drama of football is intoxicating and like a good glass of wine you go back for more.

So cheers to a great game!

Erin

Kick-off

Happy New Year (and a very happy one it is, thanks to Clemson's win over LSU)!

Now the the college football season is winding down, Erin and I are finally kicking off our Big Baby project that has been in fruition through much of this 2012-2013 Football season - Fan Girls.

What started it all - too many bottles of much wine one night and a deep discussion of why there are too few females who appreciate (and I mean really appreciate) football.  There are a lot of football-loving ladies out there, and we don't claim to be bigger fans than anyone else, but we do love the sport and everything about the sport and feel that more gals out there would love it more if they really understood what it was all about.  Our goal is to educate those who want to know and to discuss with those who are already in the know.

Why launch this in the offseason?  Well it's not the off-season if you're an Alabama fan, like Erin is.  Her season is good for another few days.  Not to mention how fun it is to follow recruiting...

-Natalie