THIS WEEK'S PIGSKIN RUMINATIONS


After last Wednesday's big Cardinal victory, I was psyched and ready for more football fun this weekend. Here are some of my thoughts and observations:

*On Friday night I attended the national marquee matchup of of Louisville Trinity versus Cincinnati St. X at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. It was a very entertaining game, with Trinity beating the favored St. X, 17-6. Trinity's Jordan Whiting is a truly outstanding linebacker. Next year he will be playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but I wish that he had signed with the 'Ville. He could have been a hometown hero.

On Saturday my second favorite college team, the Navy Midshipmen, defeated Rutgers, 23-21. John McCain was on hand to cheer on Navy, his alma mater. Under most circumstances I would hate to see a Big East team go down, but this was an exceptional situation. Go Navy!

The Colts and Bengals both lost heartbreakers today. Boo to that. However, the bright spot is that former U of L great Sam Madison made some key defensive plays for the New York Giants to secure their victory over the Bengals. I've always enjoyed Sam Madison. He brings great credit to the Louisville football legacy.

Speaking of former 'Ville greats, I was driving along tonight and heard Ray Buchanan hosting a national sports show for Fox Sports Radio. He sounded good. As you will recall, Ray played defensive back for Louisville from 1989 to 1992, and then had an outstanding career with the NFL's Colts, Falcons and Raiders. His brother is current U of L starting safety Bobby Buchanan, number 34. Like his brother, Bobby is a hard-hitting assasin on defense.

Tonight's Sunday night game features the Green Bay Packers against the Dallas Cowboys. I dig the Packers because they have three former 'Ville stars on their roster: Starting offensive lineman Jason Spitz, QB Brian Brohm and offensive lineman Breno Giacomini. I must pull for any NFL team that has that many former Cards on the roster.

Don't forget: This Friday night, the U-Conn Huskies come to town. Get your popcorn ready. It's high time for a Papa John's butt whipping. Go Cards!

VICTORY!


It was a splendid, impressive win for the Louisville Cardinals tonight, as they smothered the Kansas State Wildcats 38-29 in a nationally televised game on ESPN 2. A few initial thoughts:

*It was a breakout performance by Victor Anderson. The redshirt freshman running back from Louisville St. Xavier was unstoppable. Future defenses had better beware.

*Brock Bolen was also impressive. He is a work horse, and he is very tough for most defenders to bring down without assistance.

*The receivers are coming along very nicely. Doug Beaumont has emerged as the go-to guy. I love the way he plays. He has a great attitude. I also dig Josh Chichester. He had a couple of drops tonight, but some key receptions as well. As he gets more experience, he will be hard for opposing defenses to handle.

*Woodny Turenne is finally starting to show why he was so highly touted as a phenom coming out of junior college. His two interceptions tonight will cause the talented Kansas State QB to have nightmares about Turenne's stingy defensive attitude.

*Eric Wood is, without question, a stud of a center. He is the anchor of the Cardinals' offensive line, and everything starts with him. He has become a beloved Cardinal who will always be remembered for his grit and determination to win.

*Right after the final gun tonight, Tom Jurich was out on the field congratulating our coach for a job well done. Let's stay on board with Coach K. This was an impressive performance on national television. The tide may finally be turning our way.

Next up: The UConn Huskies come to Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Let's rock the house. It's time for a little payback for last year's unjust debacle.

THE SUPER BOWL SHUFFLE


Here is one of my all-time favorite musical productions. When it was created, it was the first of its kind. The Super Bowl Shuffle was performed by the Chicago Bears prior to their colossal 46-10 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots on January 26, 1986. Many people think that the 1985 Chicago Bears were the best team in NFL history. Those Bears were good, and they knew it.

Please pay particular attention to number 55 in the video. That's Otis Wilson, one of the great linebackers to have played at the University of Louisville. I saw him play in college many times. I met Otis Wilson once, long ago, and he was perhaps the most physically imposing man that I have ever met. We had much in common.

The video is pure fun and bravado. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJNC3dgreaU

NAVY v. BALL STATE

     The Navy Midshipmen will be coming to Muncie tonight to play Ball State in football, and your humble Meatbe will be there in attendance.  Several hundred Midshipmen have been granted special leave from Annapolis to attend the game, and Brendan will be among them.  I can't wait to see my son.  He won't be back in Indiana again until Thanksgiving.  

     The game, which begins at 7:00, will be nationally televised on ESPN.  Check it out if you have the opportunity.  I understand that they are expecting around 30,000 fans to attend, and I feel confident that there will be a strong contingent of Navy fans there making their presence known.  It should be an interesting spectacle. Look for me in the stands;  I'll be in blue.

     Go Navy!