GMAC Bowl: Ball St. vs. Tulsa

January 6, 2009 * 8:00 * ESPN

You can call this one the redemption bowl. After a perfect regular season – 12-0 – it appeared the Ball St. Cardinals going bowling undefeated was a mere formality. Winners of the MAC West – think the Big 12 South of the BCS Buster schools – they were expected to roll over the East representative, Buffalo…until headman Turner Gill’s Bulls played spoiler. Ball State’s junior signal caller Nate Davis completed 31-of-48 passes for 351 yards but couldn’t overcome five Cardinal turnovers. Davis, who says he will return for his senior campaign, saw his completion rate leap by 10 percent from his sophomore season (56.4 percent to 55.9). He’s always had the arm and he really put it all together in 2008. The junior has benefited from a more balanced offense with the emergence of tailback MiQuale Lewis, who rumbled for a school-record 1,701 yards and 22 touchdowns. Donte Love, whose football career was ended early this year, will be up in the coach’s box for the game. Also keep an eye on freshman free safety Sean Baker, who is the most talented defender on either side.

Tulsa saw their chance at perfection rubbed away much earlier in the season when they went into Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks of the SEC. The Golden Hurricane lost the next one as well at Houston, but recovered to win their next two and advance to the Conference USA Championship, which they played host to. Like Ball St., Tulsa was a prohibitive favorite – after all, they were 6-0 on their home field, where they averaged 60 points per game. That explosive offense was shutdown by the East Carolina Pirates and, like the Cards, the ‘Canes fell short of their goal. They will look to bounce back behind the big right arm of senior quarterback Doug Johnson. Johnson had to wait his turn behind Paul Smith, but made the most of his lone season at the helm, throwing 43 touchdown passes this season. He may not have the fastball Davis has, but not many in college football throw a prettier deep ball. When they look to stretch the field, the go-to man has been Brennan Marion who averaged an eye-popping 25.9 yards per catch on his 43 receptions. Tulsa also has balance as Tarrion Adams turned in his second straight 1,000-yard season.

Conference USA is 3-2 thus far in the bowl season, while the MAC needs Ball St. to come though. If they don’t, the mid-major conference out of the Midwest will be winless this bowl season – not exactly the way to garner national respect. Not only will the Cardinals represent the MAC, they will bring home the first ever bowl victory in the program’s history behind the arm of Davis and an improved defense.

CFI Prediction: Ball St. 38, Tulsa 28

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Ball St.)

TULSA'S HOLLOWAY WINS 2008 FEDEX ORANGE BOWL COURAGE AWARD

DALLAS (FWAA) - Tulsa's Wilson Holloway is the winner of the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. Holloway, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman from Oklahoma City, has battled cancer since last spring, when a softball-sized mass was discovered in his chest.

Holloway will be presented the award at the BCS Championship Game on Jan. 8 in Miami. He will also be honored that day at the Football Writers Association of America's annual awards breakfast.

"I don't think anyone sets their goal at the beginning of the year that, 'Boy, I hope I win the Courage Award,'" said Tulsa co-offensive coordinator Herb Hand. "But ... I can't think of a better guy to get it. On top of that, once he whips this cancer, he'll be a tremendous player for us and he'll be an inspiration to a bunch of people."

After Holloway was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, he underwent chemotherapy treatment throughout the spring and returned to play for the Golden Hurricane this season on special teams and in a reserve role.

Last October, however, tests on a swollen lymph node showed the cancer had returned. He began a treatment cycle that included two rounds of chemotherapy with three-week breaks between, followed by five straight days of treatment during which he was sequestered in the hospital.

Despite the cancer, Holloway played in six games - including one game (Oct. 26 vs. Central Florida) after he had begun treatment. When he began losing his hair, his fellow offensive linemen shaved their heads. Hand did, as well.

His coaches and teammates say through it all, Holloway has remained optimistic and determined.

"The natural thing a person asks in that situation is, 'Why me?'" Hand said. "Whether Wilson has ever asked himself that or not, you'd never know just because of the way he's handled it. He's shown an unbelievable courage and a great spirit and attitude."

"There's a light on the other side," Holloway told the Tulsa World. "I'm keeping an upbeat, positive spirit about it. God doesn't put anything on us that we can't handle. That's the one reason that I've been so calm about it."

"We're extremely proud of Wilson's courage and his faith," Tulsa coach Todd Graham said. "His example to our team has been absolutely outstanding. We're so excited for him to be honored this way with the Courage Award. It's an unbelievable reflection on such a great human being. He's been a tremendous example to everyone on how to face adversity and that's with an unbelievable faith and determination. He's got a spirit that is extremely unique and has been an inspiration to our team."

For the third straight year, the Football Writers Association of America and the FedEx Orange Bowl announced a weekly nominee during the season. A blue-ribbon panel determined the winner from all of the nominees.

The Courage Award was created by ESPN The Magazine's senior writer Gene Wojciechowski, also a FWAA member. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship.

Previous winners of the FWAA's Courage Award are Navy's Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson's Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis' Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State's Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo's William Bratton (2002).

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Orange Bowl Committee is a not-for-profit, 333-member, primarily-volunteer organization. It is a self-sustaining, independent organization that supports and produces activities and events that enhance the image, economy and culture of South Florida. In addition to the 75th edition of the Orange Bowl Festival, which features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the FedEx Orange Bowl on January 1, the Orange Bowl Committee will host the 2009 FedEx BCS Championship Game on January 8. For more information on the 2008-09 Orange Bowl Festival and its events, including promotional and volunteer opportunities, visit orangebowl.org.

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,000 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game day operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America team.

For more information in the FedEx Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award visit the FWAA website at footballwriters.com.

The O'Brien completes on-the-road Fan Vote campaign in week thirteen

FORT WORTH, Texas (November 17, 2008) - On Saturday, November 22, the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) will wrap-up its on-the-road campaign visiting its 13 Semifinalists' campuses. The O'Brien will travel to the state of Oklahoma to visit Semifinalists Sam Bradford and David Johnson, the final two stops on this year's on-the-road tour. College football enthusiasts and fans alike are encouraged to stop by The O'Brien displays and cast their vote for their favorite Semifinalist. Fans who vote will also have the opportunity to be entered into the "Defend Your Pride. Vote The O'Brien Sweepstakes," for a chance to win a trip to the 2009 O'Brien Awards Dinner. The display will open prior to kickoff and continue through the first quarter of each game.

The O'Brien on-the-road tour has collected votes throughout the Semifinalist period which concludes after this weekend's visits when The O'Brien announces its three Finalists on November 24. Finalists will be selected by The O'Brien Selection Committee, comprised of journalists, broadcasters, commentators and former winners, with 5% of the overall voting tally coming directly from the Fan Vote. Fans who are not able to cast a vote in person are encouraged to register and vote at www.VoteOBrien.org.

Saturday, November 22 (Week 13 Visits)
Alphabetical by last name

* Sam Bradford
Texas Tech at Oklahoma

* David Johnson
Tulane at Tulsa

About The O'Brien Fan Vote
Fans can now register and vote for The O'Brien Fan Vote online at www.VoteOBrien.org to show their support for their favorite Semifinalist. The Fan Vote will count as 5% in determining the Finalists and Winner. The 2008 Winner will be announced during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show airing December 11 on ESPN. The recipient will be honored February 16, 2009, at the 32nd Annual Davey O'Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

Fans can download an interactive "widget" featuring a voting link and the ability to post and share on Web sites, social networks and blogs by clicking here.

Fans can also show their support by adding The O'Brien Facebook application to their Facebook Profile. The new application can be found by searching O'Brien Fan Vote and clicking the applications tab or by clicking here.

BCS Busters - Players of the Week

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

WR Jimmy Young, TCU
The sophomore wide out broke out for the Horned Frogs last Saturday with five receptions for 226 yards and three touchdowns. All three touchdowns went for at least 39 yards, with his longest reception of the day (65 yards) setting up yet another score. Young’s 226 yards set a school record and is the best receiving performance by a Mountain West player this season.

Honorable Mention: Levi Brown, QB, Troy:
40-of-50 passing, 391 yards, two touchdowns

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

S James Lockett, Tulsa
Whether he was blitzing or dropping back in coverage, Lockett was making plays in Tulsa’s 49-19 win over Central Florida. The junior recorded three of the Golden Hurricane’s nine sacks and a pair of forced fumbles, each of which led to a Tulsa touchdown.

Honorable Mention: Jorrick Calvin, DB, Troy: nine tackles, two TFLs, interception in end zone

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

K Kevin Goessling, Fresno St.
Goessling’s 58-yard field goal as time expired won the game for the Bulldogs 30-28 over Utah St. It was the freshman’s third field goal of the day.

Honorable Mention: Mike Salerno, K, Northern Illinois: game-tying & game-winning FGs

Photo Credit: TCU Athletics Media Relations

BCS Buster Watch - Week Nine

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 8-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 9
Associated Press: 10
Last Week: BYE
The Utes begin a difficult November stretch that includes visits from TCU and BYU, a pair of ranked, one-loss Mountain West foes.
Up Next: 11/1: @ New Mexico; 11/6: vs. TCU

2. TCU Horned Frogs (4)
Record: 7-1 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 12
Associated Press: 12
Last Week: Won vs. Wyoming 54-7
What separates TCU from the rest of the BCS Busters is their ability to play defense, led by linebacker Jason Phillips (9.5 tackles for a loss) and defensive end Jerry Hughes (12 sacks).
Next: 11/1: @ UNLV; 11/6: @ Utah

3. Boise St. Broncos (2)
Record: 7-0 (3-0)
Coaches Poll: 11
Associated Press: 11
Last Week: Won @ San Jose St. 33-16
In freshman quarterback Kellen Moore, senior tailback Ian Johnson and sophomore tailback Jeremy Avery, the Broncos possess one of the most balanced offenses, regardless of conference.
Next: 11/1: @ New Mexico St.; 11/8: Utah St.

4. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3)
Record: 8-0 (5-0)
Coaches Poll: 18
Associated Press: 19
Last Week: Won vs. UCF 49-19
The defense stepped up after giving up 19 second quarter points, pitching a shutout after halftime (held UCF to 38 total yards in the second half).
Next: 11/1: @ Arkansas; 11/8: BYE

5. BYU Cougars (2)
Record: 7-1 (3-1)
Coaches Poll: 17
Associated Press: 17
Last Week: Won vs. UNLV 42-35
After allowing just 61 points through six games, the BYU defense has given up 67 points in the last two games. They need to buckle down.
Up Next: 11/1: @ Colorado St.; 11/8: San Diego St.

Photo Credit: TCU Athletics Media Relations

BCS Buster Watch - Week Eight

1. Utah Utes (1)
Record: 8-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 12
Associated Press: 12
Last Week: Won vs. Colorado St. 49-16
Brian Johnson tossed two first half touchdowns, while his backup Corbin Louks put his ability to run the ball on display (five carries, 109 yards).
Up Next: 10/25: BYE; 11/1: @ New Mexico

2. Boise St. Broncos (3)
Record: 6-0 (2-0)
Coaches Poll: 13
Associated Press: 13
Last Week: Won vs. Hawaii 27-7
The Broncos intercepted five Hawaii passes on the day, led by sophomore cornerback Brandyn Thompson who had three of them. It couldn’t just be the blue turf at Bronco Stadium, could it?
Next: 10/24: @ San Jose St.; 11/1: @ NM St.

3. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4)
Record: 7-0 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 19
Associated Press: 22
Last Week: Won vs. UTEP 77-35
The combination of David Johnson (434 yards, five touchdowns) to Brennan Marion (233 yards, three touchdowns) is the best you’ve never seen.
Next: 10/26: vs. UCF; 11/1: @ Arkansas

4. TCU Horned Frogs (NR)
Record: 7-1 (4-0)
Coaches Poll: 15
Associated Press: 15
Last Week: Won @ BYU 32-7
The Horned Frogs defense was nothing short of brilliant, stifling the BYU attack (297 yards of total offense). For the first time all year BYU’s Max Hall did not throw a touchdown pass.
Next: 10/25: vs. Wyoming; 11/1: @ UNLV

5. BYU Cougars (2)
Record: 6-1 (2-1)
Coaches Poll: 17
Associated Press: 18
Last Week: Lost @ TCU 32-7
The Cougars gained just 28 yards on 23 carries (0.8 yards per carry), while their defense couldn’t slow down TCU’s attack (240 yards, 4.7 YPC).
Up Next: 10/25: vs. UNLV; 11/1: @ Colorado St.

Photo Credit: Walt Beazley, The University of Tulsa