Five Good Questions with . . . Wendell Barnhouse about the TCU Horned Frogs

Stiles Points is previewing various "small schools" who can possibly make some loud noise come bowl season ala Boise State last season....Wendell Barnhouse of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram responded to my five questions about the TCU Horned Frogs.....

Q1. First off, what can you tell me about head coach Gary Patterson? He has been at TCU for 6 years with a 54-20 record. But is he is defensive or offensive minded coach? How come he has never taken a bigger job?
Patterson is a firebrand-type coach, emotional and animated on the sidelines. So far, that has been a positive more than a negative. Ever since the Southwest Conference disbanded and TCU was not included in the Big 12, the school has had a chip on its shoulder (particularly in regard to football). Patterson fits perfectly in that mind set. His background is in defense and the signature of his TCU teams has been speed on the defensive side of the ball. Patterson seems to be content at TCU; it appeared the Kansas State job would be a food fit (he’s from Kansas) but he never campaigned for that job. Unless and until TCU reaches a BCS bowl, Patterson doesn’t believe his work is finished.

Q2. Every preview magazine has TCU's defense as the best in the Mountain West conference. Who should we keep an eye on? Are there any NFL potential first or second rounders on that defense?
Senior defensive end Tommy Blake (photo - left) is considered the top defensive player in the Mountain West. He’s a disruptive force who could be in line for some post-season awards if he plays like he has the last two years. Chase Ortiz, a senior, book ends the defensive line. He and Blake could be the best DE duo in the nation. Blake and Ortiz probably will be gone on the first day of the NFL Draft. As mentioned earlier, TCU’s defense is all about speed. Defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas’ 4-2-5 alignment basically is four linemen with seven LBs ... or seven DBs, depending on the situation. The players in the back seven can all run and hit.

Q3. How does TCU's offense look this year?
The Frogs must replace Jeff Ballard at QB. All he did was win 90 percent of his starts. Ballard was tough and efficient. His replacement will be either sophomore Marcus Jackson or red shirt freshman Andy Dalton. TCU wants its QB to manage the game and avoid mistakes. The offense relies on its running game; junior Aaron Brown averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season and should be the work horse. TCU’s receivers are solid and the offensive line has three returning starters.

Q4. On September 8th the Horned Frogs play at Texas. Is there any chance for TCU to pull the upset? What must they do if they want to win this game?
TCU can win this game, but it will be a huge challenge. The Frogs have defeated Oklahoma and Texas Tech recently but winning in Austin against a top 10 team might be a stretch. TCU would have a better chance if it had a veteran QB. To beat Texas, the Frogs’ defense needs to rattle UT quarterback Colt McCoy and force some game-changing turnovers.

Q5. TCU beat Oklahoma a few years back, but what must they do to be nationally recognized? How are the football facilities?
Like Al Davis says, “Just win, baby.” TCU has more football history and more of a national name than Boise State. It’s logical that if TCU could go undefeated and win a BCS bowl, it would get as much or perhaps more attention than Boise State did last year. What TCU has done the last six years is amazing and comendable (particularly when you look at the lean years in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The lack of national recognition comes from not winning a meaningful bowl game.

Over the past decade, TCU’s football facilities have improved greatly. Weight rooms, football offices, an indoor practice facility (named for former Frog great Sam Baugh and opened this past spring) indicate the school’s commitment to football. Amon Carter Stadium needs a facelift and that’s next on the “to do” list.

I want to thank Wendell for his time....it is much appreciated...on Monday, my interview with sports columnist Bill Livingston of the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer and his thoughts about the AFC North...

College Football at its Best - Michigan Wolverines

The last feature in the College Football at its Best series is the Michigan Wolverines.....the editor of the blog M Go Blog was gracious enough to respond to my questions....however, in a little twist today, I too am going to give my responses being that Michigan is my favorite team....I usually try to stay unbiased on this blog, but today I am going to have a little fun too....

M Go Blog

Q1. What is Michigan football most known for - the winged helmets, The Victors, or The Big House and why?
MGoBlog: Uh... wow. I have no idea. I think we can eliminate the Big House. It's a big fricking stadium, yes, but there are many stadiums close enough to it that it's probably not the biggest deal of the three. Now you are forcing me to choose between the helmets and the fight song and I'm not sure if I like this anymore. I... ah. The fight song? Sorry, helmets.
Rstiles: Honestly, they are known for all three which is why the Wolverines are one of the most unique football programs in the country....ultimately, I would have to say The Victors....even John Phillip Souza ranked The Victors as the greatest fight song in the country....

Q2. What is the greatest Michigan football game that you have seen whether it be in-person or on television?
MGoBlog: In terms of how riveting and amazing the game was probably the 2005 Rose Bowl against Texas. Which you will not that we lost. A true freshman slinging four touchdowns, Vince Young blooming, and a 37 yard field goal that ticked off the inside of Ernest Shazor's elbow but still went through the uprights. It was a hell of a game.
Rstiles: I have been attending Michigan games with my father for the last 15 years....I was there for the Kordell Stewart Hail Mary and when Woodson brought the punt back against Ohio State....however, the best game that I saw was in 1997 when Michigan went to play at number 1 Penn State....it was a late afternoon game in November and it was drizzling and cold....I sat in a small pocket of Michigan fans and watched as the Wolverines dismantled Penn State 34-8...at the end of the game, the players came over and acknowledged the fans....it was so great to be singing The Victors and knowing that we had a chance to be #1 when the new polls came out....

Q3. Who do you hate more as a rival - Ohio State or Michigan State?
MGoBlog: Ohio State. Michigan State is a big rival in basketball and hockey, but they've never been good enough to be a serious rival in football. It's just not that exciting to beat them. You hate losing to them, but that's not enough.
Rstiles: I live in Ohio....that says it all.....I hate Ohio State with a passion!!....95% of the Ohio State fans are the most arrogant, pompous, drunken fans in the nation....what is this crap with "The" Ohio State University....it's a freakin state school - but they act like it's Yale or Harvard....OSU fans and their coach think the college football world revolves around Columbus.....that is why I hate Ohio State....I believe the people who live in Michigan don't truly understand the hatred of this rivalry.....if Michigan loses to Ohio State, it's no big deal....the Michigan fans need to start taking this rivalry more serious because the Ohio State people certainly are....I was at the The Game two years ago in Ann Arbor when Michigan choked and lost the game in the last 30 seconds....when I was leaving Michigan Stadium, I literally wanted to puke when I saw Michigan fans tailgating and laughing after the game.....I'm not saying burn the town or verbally abuse your opponent (like they do in Columbus), but there should have been more disappointment and disgust with the Michigan fans....at that time we just lost to our rival for the second straight year and it just seemed like no big deal to many Michigan fans....

Q4. Since 1970, who are the five greatest players to wear a Michigan uniform and why?
MGoBlog: 1. Charles Woodson (photo) - As the only defensive player to ever win the Heisman he beats out...
2. Desmond Howard - Who also has a Heisman.
3. Anthony Carter - Convinced Bo to throw the ball some.
4. Braylon Edwards - Seriously under consideration as Michigan's best wide receiver ever. I still think Carter beats him out.
5. Tyrone Wheatley - I don't know how his professional career collapsed so abruptly, but God he was huge and fast and just ran past and through and over people.

Rstiles: 1. Charles Woodson - he may be the best player to ever wear a Michigan uniform...he did everything - defense, offense, special teams.....
2. Braylon Edwards - he was the best wide receiver ever at Michigan....yes I know Anthony Carter was special, but Edwards could take over a game....just ask Michigan State....
3. Desmond Howard (photo) - he was Mr. Excitement.....but he will always be remembered for striking the Heisman pose in front of the Ohio State fans after bringing a punt back for a touchdown....
4. Rick Leach - he was Michigan’s first true quarterback under Bo.....Bo loved the kid and even trusted him to throw a few times during the game....
5. Jim Harbaugh - he was the toughest son of a bitch ever...plus, he hated Ohio State.....Jim Tressel would not be 5-1 against Michigan if Harbaugh was the quarterback.....

Q5. Make your case why Michigan football, as a whole, is the best football program in the country?
MGoBlog: Michigan has a fairly easy time of this: more wins than any other team, the highest winning percentage in college football, the largest stadium, best and most recognizable fight song, best and most recognizable helmets, and so forth and so on etc etc. It probably isn't the best in terms of on-field results, if we're being honest with ourselves, but Michigan is the old school power that has maintained its winning form the most consistently over the past thirty years.
Rstiles: Michigan is one of probably the top 5-7 programs in the country.....Michigan does not have that arrogance like Ohio State and their plastic fake head coach who thinks everything is the best in Columbus.....Michigan is built on tradition and at times, it hurts the football program because they are too worried about showing class....I don’t want the Wolverines to be arrogant like in C-bus, but they lack that nasty streak that some programs have such as Southern Cal or the hey days at The U.....I’m not saying Michigan should recruit thugs, but they lack that bad ass mentality where they strike fear in an opponent....in the end, Michigan is about doing things the right way....it's about success....it's about toughness....and there wasn't any tougher son of a bitch than Bo....."Those Who Stay Will Be Champions"....

College Football at its Best - Florida State Seminoles

Today Stiles Points gets a little tag team action as Jerry (JScott) and Ralph (Nafselon) give their views about the Florida State Seminoles as part of the College Football at its Best series.....Jerry is a 24-years-old and has been blogging at various sites while Ralph is 30-years-old and been blogging for a year.....if you want the lowdown on the Noles, check out their site.....

Tomahawk Nation

Q1. What is your opinion about Florida State using the Seminole as its mascot?
JScott: Let me preface this answer by stating I'm a Caucasian Male so I can't really speak for Native Americans, but I think our School's use of the Mascot is done in a respectful and historical manner. If I were a Native American, I would feel proud that my heritage is being displayed in such an honorable way. I know it's only a Mascot, but when a young kid asks his father/mother where the Mascot originated from, it gives a continuing legacy to the culture that is being a
Native American. I could understand the frustrations of protesters of the use of the Mascot if Florida State only used the "Seminole" as an athletic symbol. That clearly isn't the case when you step foot on Florida State's Campus. There are several Statue's erected to explain the
significance of the Seminole Tribe and its connection to Florida State University students, staff, and educators.

nafselon: I'm on the fence. The University has always had the blessing of the Seminole tribe and they have a great working relationship. At the same time, I think certain elements, whether it be the chop or something else, might be examined more closely in the future if problems arise.
I do think the University should continue to be proactive in maintaining good relationships with the tribe and continue to pay honor to their heritage.

Q2. What is the greatest Florida State football game that you have seen - whether it be in-person or on television? Explain the game and why it was so great.
JScott: Admittedly the game was on Television for me (We used to eat at my grandmothers house every Thanksgiving, so FSU-UF games were always a Television Tradition for me and my father): Florida State 31 Florida 31 .... "The Choke at Doak" It was one of the greatest fourth quarter comebacks I have ever witnessed. Who am I kidding, it was hands down the GREATEST FSU game I had ever seen to date. The Gators beat the living hell out of us for the entire first three quarters and led us by 28 points at the start of the 4th quarter. However, my Seminoles scored 28 points in the final quarter to tie the game 31-31 (Back then there was NO Overtime). Me and my father just looked at each other in amazement as to what we had just witnessed. We wanted Bobby to go for the win, but we knew the team had tried to hard for gimmick plays. I will never ever forget that game. Who would have thought Danny Kanell could have led such an attack.

nafselon: Probably the 1998 Florida-FSU game which is also known as "the Outzen game". As it turned out the winner of the game was going to go to the BCS Championship. It was probably the loudest Doak crowd in recent memory and frankly, Florida was the better team on paper, so in some ways it was an upset. I remember the FSU defense holding Florida to 0-of-11 on third downs, something that NEVER happens to a Spurrier-coached team. Peter Warrick and Travis Minor had excellent days. It was one of my favorite and most memorable days in Tallahassee.

Q3. Who are the Seminoles most hated rival - Miami, Florida, or Virginia Tech?
JScott: Hands DOWN it's the Florida Gators from Gainesville. It's an absolute Non-Contest. I rarely hung around arrogant Hurricane fans growing up, but boy did I grow up with some of the Rowdiest Gator fans alive. My Buddy actually got an Albert (UF's Mascot) tattooed on his lower calf (of course the artist forgot to FILL IN the EYE, hah). Aside from the Fan-to-Fan Rivalry growing up, you just knew that there was going to be a great display of passion (aka fights) on the field (before-during and after FSU-UF games). I mean, you couldn't have further extremes in terms of coaching as you did with UF and FSU growing up. You had Steve Spurrier who was a whiny SOAB, but did he ever have a game plan (and a killer instinct). Bobby on the other hand, was the good ole boy southerner who could do no wrong. I think the Stadiums being right on Campus add a little flair to the Rivalry. Most of all though, it has to be the distance between the schools. Gainesville is what, an hour away, "spitting distance" as we like to call it. Over the years, Florida players and Florida State players have gone to great lengths to prank the opposing in State University. Florida players used to put LIVE gators in the Noles Locker room (whether that's a tall tale, I'll never know, but it would be enough to piss me off, figuratively and literally). Anyway, UF is HANDS DOWN, Florida State's absolute most HATED Rival.

nafselon: Virginia Tech? FSU's most hated rival is Florida. FSU's most intense rival is Miami. I'll explain. Florida fans suck, I mean they are just a bunch of clowns and they could win the next 20 football and basketball national titles and they'd still be a bunch of clowns. Look at how they turned on Billy Donovan when he decided (and later reneged) on going to the Magic. They weren't any "thank yous" and good lucks" for the coach that led that sullen basketball program to the promise land. Instead they insulted him, his family and his integrity (the latter is certainly questionable, but still). Spurrier left because they had the nerve to criticise him after an 11-2 season with a BCS Bowl victory! So they are a bunch of thankless jackasses. They will turn on Urban Meyer too, you watch.

Now onto Miami. I don't hate Miami. I see Miami and FSU much like feuding brothers. I respect the Hurricanes success on the field. I respect their bravado, it's well-earned. I think when FSU and Miami get together on the field you're going to see a high-intensity, high-quality contest that drives both teams to the brink. I've been disappointed by Miami on several occasions, but usually the Hurricanes went on to win the national title afterwards so I can't hate them. The programs truly mirror each other in terms of talent they recruit, speed, etc. When Miami isn't playing FSU, I root for Miami, when Miami is good, college football is better for it. I expect Randy Shannon to do a good job there if he can get over a few hurdles.

Q4. Since 1970, who are the five greatest players to wear a Florida State uniform?
JScott: Warrick Dunn - he's my favorite All-Time Nole. Just the way he carried himself on the field and off the field, the way he would look tackled and then break away for a 60+ yard gain, and he just has a great (sad) life story. He should definitely write a book one day, if he hasn't already.

Charlie Ward (photo) - One of the most spectacular Quarterbacks I have ever seen play the collegiate game. A class act in society, head strong, and a delight to watch play. Winning the Heisman also doesn't hurt. It's a shame he didn't play NFL ball.

Peter Warrick - My goodness was he a freak-of-nature. The way he reversed fields was Barry Sanders like. I'll never forget his performance in the Sugar Bowl. I can't believe his career in the NFL was wasted by the Bengals.

Deion "Neon Deion" Sanders - He basically gave birth to the Warrick Dunn's, Charlie Ward's and Peter Warrick's of Florida State. Those guys had to come to FSU because of Prime Time. He was/is a great performer. I remember making my mom take me to a local Barbeque Shack to get his autograph (only he left EARLY).

Snoop Minnis - I'll let everyone clean off their computer screens .... the logical pick would have been Chris Weinke, Derrick Brooks, or Anquan Boldin, but Snoop Minnis to me (the fan) was an absolute joy to watch play the game. He was like our watered down version of Marvin Harrison. Honorable Mention for me: Greg Jones, Andre Cooper, Kendyll Pope, Sam McGrew (Wakulla Bias), Matt Friar.

nafselon: Charlie Ward: First Heisman winner, QB of first national title team. Great leader, always been a great representative of the University.

Chris Weinke: Second Heisman winner, QB of second national title team. An individual with great heart. He battled back from a major neck injury to win 24 of his final 26 games when he didn't have to. He had already invested his money from baseball in real estate and could've sat back and left the contact sports to someone younger.

Ron Simmons: Probably the first great dominating defensive player in the University. He set the stage for Odell Haggins and Corey Simon and the other great nose guard/defensive tackles. He was also the first black WCW pro wrestling heavyweight champion. Can't put a price on that.

Deion Sanders (photo): Ask 100 different people and get 100 different opinions on Deion. But he was a great showman, a great talent and he brought that swagger to the program that started the ride of 14 straight seasons in the top 5.

Q5. Make your case why Florida State football, as a whole, is the best football program in the country?
JScott: It's impossible for me to make that case. Mainly because FSU is not the best football program in the country. It's not even the best football program in the state of Florida (Miami owns that right with all of the Nat'l Titles and NFL Pro's they have produced and I would argue that Florida falls in right behind Miami. I have 52 reasons to support that cause). I would argue with anyone, that Florida has the BEST COLLECTIVE FOOTBALL PROGRAMS in the country. They may not always walk the "straight and narrow path", but they more than hold their own against out-of-state competition.

nafselon: I would have to agree with JScott on this subject.

I want to thank Jerry and Ralph....it is much appreciated...tomorrow the Michigan Wolverines will be the last team featured in the series...