Friday, September 28, 2012

Illinois - 9/22/12

Where do I begin? We just took down the entire town of Houston in the last 2 weeks. Can you believe it? I am still on cloud 9 and I hope the cloud # 9 never comes down. The offense was clicking, the special teams unit was on fire and the defense made great improvements. How can the college football world not be excited for a team like La Tech? This is what dreams and hard work are made of. Matt always tells me his goal is to go one for one and only concentrate on that one kick, but I am having a real hard time taking one game at a time. I keep looking at all of this teams possibilities. Come on College Football Dad, reel yourself in. You know the rules! Get back in your corner with your box of wine and get yourself ready for Illinois. This is one of those games that I really hate as I am not a very good TV viewer when La Tech is on.
I would much rather watch the game in person and Matt kick through my camera lens. I don't know that much about Illinois. They do play in the Big Ten and they are in a town where the bubbles always flow. Oops, that should be Champaign not Champagne! The Illinois agriculture students decided to finally start practicing safe sex. They are putting warning signs on all animals that bite and kick. Now that is funny! They have the Grange Rock that honors Red Grange that all of the players touch as they make their way to the field and their fight song is called Oskee Wow Wow! What does that even mean? I spoke to Matt a few times this week. He was pretty excited about how the week had gone. The practices were intense and everyone was focused on Illinois. They watched a lot of film as Illinois has some speed coming in from the wings. He said he had kicked the ball well with team and he felt good. CT wants him to continue to pin the ball in the left corner. It can be risky and there is always a possibility of it going out of bounds if it is not placed perfectly. They worked on some different on-sides kicks in case the situation presented it's self. I know you have to be prepared with a variety of kicks, but let's just kick it.
Matt called Friday morning and said the team would be departing around 1:30 and he would send us a text when they landed. They watched some of the ULM/Baylor game after their meetings. My Saturday would consist of getting things ready for our at home tailgate and watching a little football up until game time. Janet's aunt & uncle (David & Barbara) along with my oldest son Tyler and his friend Max would be watching the game. Tyler & Max had tickets to go see their Bucs play Jerry's Boys and drove up from Austin. On the menu would be Italian Beef on pretzel slider rolls, sweet/spicy jalapeno cream cheese dip, hummus & Papa Murphy's pizza. Adult beverages would consist of beer, red wine and margarita's. Here we go, let's get this party started! Matt kicks off and we pin Illinois at their 17 yard line.
Illinois runs 4 plays and fumbles as QG recovers the fumble at the Tech 24 yard line. Tech runs 3 plays as RA comes into punt. Illinois runs 3 plays and they have to punt. Tech takes over at our 27 yard line and after 2 plays CC is sacked and fumbles the ball. Illinois takes over at our 18 yard line and runs 2 plays and scores a TD. Oh no! This is not supposed to happen. Tech takes over and after 8 plays CC hits DJB for 27 yards and a touchdown. Matt connects on the PAT and we are tied at 7 - 7. Matt kicks off and our attempt to pin the ball left results in an out of bounds kick at the 1 yard line. Why do we do this? Try to hit the hash and not in between the hash and the corner. I just don't understand the logic in this. Illinois runs 2 plays as SR intercepts the pass and we take over at Illinois 45 yard line.
Tech runs 3 plays as TK scampers in from 9 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT and just like that we go 14 - 7. Matt kickoff to the end zone and Illinois brings it out as we stop the on the 22 yard line. Illinois runs 8 plays as RP forces a fumble and VD recovers at the Illinois 23 yard line. Tech runs 4 plays as TK runs it in from 5 yards out and we have another TD. Tech is now up 21 - 7. This is what I am talking about! Matt kicks off and it is another touch back. Illinois runs one play as the first quarter comes to an end with the score 21 - 0. Illinois runs 4 plays as they connect on a 26 yard FG. Tech takes over and runs 3 plays as RA comes into punt. Illinois runs 13 plays and scores from 1 yard out. Tech is still up 21 - 17. Tech takes the kickoff and runs 3 plays and RA comes into punt. Illinois runs 4 plays as the half comes to an end with Tech up 21 - 17.
Wow. This is a whole lot closer than I thought it would be. We need to come out blazing at the start of the 3rd quarter. Tech takes the kickoff and on the 2nd play CC hits QP on a 78 yard bomb and just like that we score. Matt connects on the PAT and it is 28 -17. Now that is a fast start. Matt kicks off and we have another touch back. Illinois runs 3 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at our 27 yard line. We run 9 plays and CC connects with QP for a 21 yard touchdown pass. Matt connects with the PAT and Tech is up 35 - 17. Just awesome! Matt kicks off and we stop Illinois at the 18 yard line. Illinois runs 9 plays and we stop them on 4th down and take over the ball at our 49 yard line.
Tech runs 3 plays and RA comes into punt and Tech recovers the Illinois fumble in the end zone and we score again. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 42 - 17. Holy cow! Where did all of this come from. These guys are exciting to watch. Matt kicks off and we stop Illinois at their 29 yard line. Illinois runs 2 plays as they fumble and AM recovers the fumble at the Illinois 25 yard line. Woo Hoo! Tech runs 6 plays and Matt Nelson comes in and connects on a 32 yard FG. Oh Happy Dance! Way to go @mnels33! The first FG of the season is right down the middle. I am going to have to confess. When I am watching the game on the computer or the TV I can not watch Matt kick. I have to go in the other room and wait for a "It's good!" or a "Woo Hoo" from my wife. If I don't here anything then it is almost time for a drawer change.
It is easy for me at a game I am at as I watch Matt through the lens of my camera and either by his reaction or the crowd I know if it is good our not. Sorry for the confession in the middle of the game, but I could not hold back any longer. Matt kicks off for another touch back. Illinois runs 3 plays and punts. Tech takes the ball our 33 and we run 1 play as the 3rd quarter comes to an end with Tech up 45 - 17. Tech starts the 4th quarter with 4 plays as TK fumbles the ball as Illinois recovers at our 41 yard line. Oh no! it looks like TK hurt his knee pretty bad. Oh don't let it be!Illinois runs 1 play and they fumble and Tech has the ball. Tech runs 5 plays as CC connects with MW for a 38 yard touchdown pass. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is up 52 - 17. Really?
Are you kidding me? Matt kicks off and we have our famous squib kick which is another one I do not understand. Come on coach. Let's put the nail in to coffin. We do not need to give them a short field at this time. Please! Illinois runs 10 plays and scores on a 1 yard run. That makes the score 52 - 24. Tech takes the kickoff and runs 3 plays and RA comes into punt. Illinois runs 7 plays as their 4th down attempt is stopped and Tech takes over. We run 1 play and it is game over. Tech Wins! Tech Wins! Happy Dance and another glass of red win. This is so awesome! Where is this team going to take me next? Wow! Just Wow! Sorry for the excitement, but this is crazy good! Matt called after the game. He was very excited with the win and very excited with a FG opportunity.
He told me he was glad I was not at this game watching his warm ups. He said the wind was crazy and he was attempting kicks from everywhere and the wind was killing the kicks. He was glad the wind died down at game time. He said he was going to talk to CT as they need to move the line he is kicking on when they want a pin left. He said it is very risky and it showed tonight. I asked him about TK and he said it did not look good and he was on crutches. I sure hated to hear that! He said most of the team was out on the field eating their after game meal before they headed to the plane. He said the campus at Illinois was awesome! We said our goodbyes and I tried to digest this amazing start by this team. I think we have something very special going on here and I am glad I am on their coat tails. Matt does not like me to talk about these things, but Matt Nelson just set the all time La Tech records for the most PAT's made and the most PAT's attempted. Congrats and I think that is awesome!
I will leave Illinois here and turn my focus on Virginia. I don't know much about Virginia. They are in the ACC and they call their jumbo tron Hoo Vision. What? Is this because the play Horton hear's a Hoo at half time? Is has to be true! They go by the Cavaliers, but the students refer to them as the Wahoo's or the Hoo's. That is crazy! The Virginia Hoo's! Ha Ha! I feel really good about this team and this game. If we continue to move the ball with our offense, or defense steps up and we avoid the turnover we will leave Charlottesville with a victory. I will end my Illinois journey here. A special thanks to Mr. Tom Morris for allowing me to use his awesome picture in my blog. What a blast it was and we are so blessed to have the honor to watch Matt and this team. I appreciate all of those who are following my journey. I can't wait to share my thoughts with everyone as the season goes on.
It is such a blast to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and this Bulldog team. I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are at that time and sometimes I get a little carried away. I am very passionate about La Tech football! I am just a College Football Fan and I Love College Football. Until our paths cross again have a blessed week! College Football Dad!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Rice - 9/15/12

Wow! I am finally recovering from the U of H game. That was a long game! I think I have a few flat spots on my back side though. Those benches were hard or maybe it was extra weight that I need to lose creating those flat spots. I was very impressed with our offense and the consistency we had. I am concerned with our defense and we need to improve greatly during practice this week. We don't want to be in a slug fest going toe to toe on every offensive possession. When we get up we need to keep the pressure on them defensively so our offense can go and blow without someone always breathing down our necks.
I will give our defense another week and I hope to see improvement. I know we have the talent to dominate and I hope our coaches get the schemes down pat. I am looking forward to the Rice game. Matt was very honored that his picture is on the Rice ticket. That is way too cool! Onward to Rice we go. Is this white rice, brown rice or wild rice? I am not sure, but how do you come up with a school name of Rice? This is a vegetable not a school. I need to check this Rice thing out. It looks like Rice was founded in 1891 by American business tycoon William Marsh Rice as the
William Marsh Rice Institute for the Advancement for Letters, Science and Art. Letters, really? Rice was poisoned in a conspiracy: Rice's lawyer prepared a false will in which he would be the benefactor. However, the lawyer was convicted and the school did not open until 1912. In 1960 The Rice Institute was formally re designated as Rice University. I guess all of that makes since. I was going to call a personal foul if the school was named after a vegetable. All kidding aside Rice is a very elite school with very high academics. I talked to Matt everyday this week.
He was kicking the ball very well. His leg felt great and was very excited to be back at home playing at the Joe. He said that the emotions of the team were running high and the seniors have really taken over as the leaders of the team. He did tell me that he was selected the special teams player of the week for the Houston game. Congratulations Matt Nelson! I thought that was pretty cool. He said that David & Josh have been doing great with the snap and hold and that all of their timing is pretty spot on. They have a slick fake on the books if the timing is right and a few crazy on-sides as well.
Your timing and the surprise factor has got to be perfect for any of those to work. Just kick it! If you are on Twitter check out @FakeMattNelson. Whoever is doing this is awesome! We made our way over to Ruston Friday afternoon. My parents had already arrived the day before. Once we made our way into Ruston we dropped our stuff off at the hotel and headed over to Matt's house to load up the tail gate stuff. I have more stuff this year than I did last year. I told myself I was going to cut back, but I guess I did not listen. We got the tents, grills and tables setup and let everything else in the suburban. There was a chance of rain overnight and I did not want everything to get soaked.
Now it was time to open an adult beverage and get the festivities rolling. What awesome weather! I just hope the rain stays away. Mr. Harper stopped by for a few minutes and we got to visit with him for a little while. That was awesome. After a few more adult beverages we loaded up and headed to WOW for a few wings. They have the biggest wings! I think those things are on steroids. They are pretty darn good! We make our way back to the hotel to watch a little college football and cap the night off with a nice bottle of red wine. I will sleep well tonight. Before I know it 6:00 AM is upon me and college game day is about to begin.
I dug out my lucky green drawers and I was ready. Everyone got ready and we pulled out of the hotel at 7:23 AM, iced up the coolers and headed to the Joe. We unloaded everything and got the tailgate area setup. Its really here! College Game Day at The Joe! The bloody mary's are poured and this weather is amazing. The flat top is heated, the bacon is sizzling and the eggs are just about right. Breakfast tacos were on the menu this morning. Man, those things are good. We had a phone call from Dan "The Man" Matthiesen who is now on the equipment staff at Georgia State.
He always came by for breakfast and he wanted to know when it would be ready. Dan you are awesome and best of luck at Georgia State! Most of our tailgate neighbors have arrived. We got to visit with Andrew and Lisa. Then Bradly, Bryan and Dusty all stopped by. It is awesome to be able to hang out with them. I finally got the flat top cleaned up and put back in the suburban. We are trying to keep more things in the suburban in case we get a down pour. I think it is time for one more bloody mary. Our menu today would consist of teriyaki infused pork loin sliders served on these
cool pretzel rolls covered with cheesy green chile sauce and a loaded baked potato salad. We also had bacon wrapped meatballs and pulled pork stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon. The grill is lit and the cooking begins. Alaskan Amber is my grill beer of choice to start out with. Mr. Harper drove up and dropped off his ice chest and the Bobby and Julie arrive at their tailgate spot right next to ours. Then Mr. Hamm came by. It is just like old times. This is just awesome! Dave and Jane came by and visited as well as the Garlands. Ross the awesome owner of Maxwell's Market came by to see what we were cooking.
Then he came back to make a presentation to my dad. Last year when Bradly was selling the La Tech magnetic bracelets my dad paid for Ross's as he did not have is wallet with him. So Ross paid my dad back with a framed $20 bill and a autograph! How cool is that? Wow! We have met so many great people. The cooking begins and the beer is flowing. My wife and mom have done a super job setting up the tailgate area and keeping things flowing. Many thanks! Janet's mom and dad arrive and Uncle David arrives shortly after. It is so cool to have so many family members and friends here to support Matt and this football team.
The pork is done and resting, the cheesy green chile sauce is simmering and the peppers and meatballs are next up on the grill.One tradition that we always do before everyone eats is to make a sampler plate for a few of our tailgate neighbors to sample. Janet is the sample runner. Bradly's group had wings and burgers and Ross had red beans and rice with andouille stuffed mini pork chops. We are surrounded by many great cooks. The dinner bell has sounded and the feast is on. I must say it was pretty tasty. The dishes are cleaned and we here the seirns as the team has arrived. We make our way over to watch them walk in the stadium.
I see Matt all decked out with a Tech tie. I give him a big hug and told him I loved him and go have some fun. His game face was on and you can just tell. We head back to the tailgate area for a few more adult beverages and Mr. Rust has arrived. It was awesome to get to visit with him again. It's about 5:00 so I head in to catch a little of Matt's warm ups. He looks like he is kicking the ball well. I am so ready for this game to start. Let's kick some Rice butt! Let the games begin and let's get this party started. Matt kicks off into the end zone and we have another touch back. Rice runs 3 plays and punts. Tech takes over on our 23 and on the 2nd play CC hits QP on a 65 yard bomb. Matt connects on the PAT and just like that Tech is up 7 - 0. Matt kicks off into the endzone for another touch back. Rice runs 7 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at our 21 yard line and runs 11 plays and scores on a 14 yard pass from CC to HL. Matt connects on the PAT and we our up 14 - 0. Matt kicks off to the end zone and rice brings it out and is smacked at the 14 yard line. Rice runs 3 plays and fumbles. Tech recovers at the Rice 23 yard line. Tech runs 3 plays and CC connects with MW for another touchdown. Matt connects on the PAT. We are slapped with a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty and Matt will kickoff from the 20 yard line. That is going to hurt. Matt kicks off and we stop rice on the 24 yard line. Now that is what I am talking about.
That is just like having a touch back. Rice runs 3 plays and punts. Tech runs 4 plays and we fumble into the end zone and Rice takes over at the 20 yard line. Rice runs 3 plays and the 1st quarter comes to an end with Tech up 21 - 0. This is fun! The 2nd quarter starts with Rice running 8 plays and puts it in the end zone for a touchdown. Rice kicks off and Tech runs 10 plays as KD scampers in from 1 yard out and Matt connects on the PAT. Rice is penalized with a personal foul so Matt will kick off from the 50 yard line. They attempt an on-sides kick and Rice recovers at the 34 yard line. Rice runs 4 plays and fumbles the ball. Tech recovers at our 44 yard line. We run 3 plays and RA punts the ball and we down it at the 6 yard line. Rice runs 5 plays and scores a touchdown. Tech takes the ball at the 25 yard line and runs 8 plays as KD runs it in from 8 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is up 35 - 14. Wow! Matt kicks off and we pin Rice at their 20 yard line. Rice runs 6 plays and connects on a 57 yard FG. Very Nice! The half comes to an end with Tech up 35 - 17. Looks like it is going to be another long game with all of the points being scored.
Tech starts the 3rd quarter with a 12 play drive as CC connects with QP for a 12 yard score. Matt connects on the PAT. Wow! Matt kicks off and we stop Rice at the 18 yard line. Rice runs 17 plays and scores. The PAT is no good! Tech runs 5 plays and RA comes into punt. Rice runs 4 plays as the 3rd quarter comes to an end. Rice starts the 4th quarter running 1 play and they punt. Tech takes over at our 50 yard line and we run 4 plays as KD scoots in from 9 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT and we our up 49 - 23. Double Wow! Matt kicks off with another touch back. Rice runs 15 plays and scores a touchdown. Rice attempts an on-sides kick and we recover at the Rice 47 yard line. Tech runs 8 plays as HL scores from 6 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT. Tech is now up 56 - 30. Matt kicks off and we stop Rice at the 21 yard line. Rice runs 11 plays and scores. They attempt another on-sides kick and we recover at the Rice 47 yard line. We run 3 plays as the time expires in the 4th quarter. Tech wins 56 - 37. What a game! Our offense looks awesome, our special teams cover team was spectacular and our defense played better. This is incredible! In the last 2 weeks we just took down the entire city of Houston. This calls for a Happy Dance! Don't watch as I have clue what I am doing. We make our way over to the field house and visit with Matt.
He was very excited with the win. He said he hit the ball well and he had one PAT that got tipped. He had several kids come up and get his autograph. There was one kid who brought Matt a bulldog to sign and he wanted him to sign it on his foot. I thought that was pretty cool. We let Matt go shower as we made our way back to the tailgate spot for a few adult beverages as we celebrate this victory. Matt & Kasie came over to the tailgate to visit with everyone. Some of our tailgate neighbors were still there and they got Matt to sign their game tickets. We loaded up as much as we could in the suburban and left the rest to take down in the morning. It was pretty late but we were starved and Matt wanted to eat something. We made our way to El Jarrito and they were gracious enough to let us in at 11:00. We said our goodbyes and headed back to the hotel to catch up on all of the football action from the day. My mom and dad got an early start as they had an 11 hour drive back to Florida.
We met Matt at his house to unload what we already had loaded and he helped us take the tents down and unload the 2nd load. Matt had to go to church so we headed back to North Dallas around 10:30. Wow what a weekend! We are so blessed to get to do this. Illinois is up next. I don't know much about them except they are in the Big Ten. Dick Butkus and Red Grange played there.They have some crazy game day traditions. They do some sort of Block I's card stunts in the student section. The crowd gets into it when the cards create and orange and blue foaming beer mug and everyone hollers "chug, chug, chug" as it empties. Really? That is crazy! I feel good about this game and I think Tech will come away with a victory. I will end my Rice journey here.
What a blast it was and we are so blessed to have the honor to watch Matt and this team. I appreciate all of those who are following my journey. I can't wait to share my thoughts with everyone as the season goes on. It is such a blast to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and this Bulldog team. I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are at that time and sometimes I get a little carried away. I am very passionate about La Tech Football. I am just a College Football Fan and I love College Football. Until our paths cross again have a blessed week. College Football Dad!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Houston - 9/08/12

Can I say Happy Dance? It is time for the Greatest Game in the world to begin. College Football is right here, right now! I am not sure why, but I am like a little kid getting ready to go in a candy store when football season starts. I am not sure what flavor my game day deodorant will be this year, but I am sure it will be a mix of grass, leather and sweat. :) I am stocked up on drawers this year. I just hope I make sure to take extras on the road trips. As I get older my mind can get distracted. My first game blog was supposed to be for the Texas A&M game, but Thunderstorm Isaac was headed to Shreveport and the powers to be decided
that in the best interest of the teams and the fans to postpone the game and move it to October 13th. I threw a penalty flag on that one. You have to be kidding me. I guess the Aggie cheerleaders did not want to get wet! Football is meant to be played in the elements! It is just part of the game. At least for those teams who play in a real football stadium without the aid of a dome. The Southern Miss game last year was played in a monsoon with many portions of the field covered in water. Come on man! This is College Football! We had
family travel to Shreveport from Florida and Missouri to watch the game before it was postponed. I am not going to let a thunderstorm stop me, so we headed to Shreveport early Thursday AM to meet up with everyone. Our tailgate would still be on that is for sure. We spoke with Matt on our way over and the team was free on Thursday so Matt and Ryan Allen came over to join us. We hooked up with everyone at the hotel and then headed to Maxwell's Market to pick up all of our tailgate grub. Ross was there as he always is and helped us pick out several items. Matt and Ryan signed one of their schedule posters and gave it to Ross.
He got a kick out of that. We picked out enough stuff to fill up two bags and headed out. We had hoped to go to Independence Stadium and setup the tent and get our tailgate on, but instead we headed back to the hotel at the racetrack. The hotel had a conference room setup for us to have our indoor tailgate. We spread out the grub and got our adult beverages flowing. It was great to have Matt and Ryan there. It really felt like there was going to be a football game. Matt and Ryan both said that these elements can be a nightmare for the kicking units, but they were prepared to play.
They had worked so hard over the summer and at camp and then the postponement of the game sort of took the wind out of their sails. Now they will have to work on a new game plan for Houston and start watching film on Friday. Later that evening we drove over to the stadium at kickoff time and there was a little drizzle and a slight wind. Oh well! What are you going to do except enjoy the moment of what should of been. We did find a little joint in Shreveport to eat dinner at. It was called Herby-K's. They are known for their Shrimp Buster and it was awesome.
Thanks to Ross at Maxwell's Market for the recommendation. After dinner we drove by the stadium again and it was still a slight rain with the exception that it was pretty foggy. We headed back to the hotel and Matt and Ryan headed back to Ruston. Even though the game was not played we still had a blast hanging out in Shreveport. Friday morning we headed back to North Dallas and would get things ready to watch a ton of college football. Many thanks to all of the family members who made their way to Shreveport even though no game was played. Now I have to wait a whole week for the opening kickoff in Houston.
Time had better fly or I am going to be a basket case. I spoke with Matt several times during the week and he said practices were going great. His timing with David and Josh had been spot on. They have a few trick plays if the situation presents it's self. I guess they have something for every game if needed. He said most of kickoff's for Houston were going to be pinned left or sky center. I am not sure why we have to play these games. Just kick the ball down the middle. Now you see why it takes multiple pairs of drawers to get through a game. If any of you are on Twitter you need to check out @FakeMattNelson. I am not sure who is doing this, but it is hilarious and I wish I would of come up with it. Finally Friday afternoon got here and we started our journey down to Houston.
We stayed at Janet's parents in Spring. Friday night college football and a little red wine was where it was at. Saturday morning was on top of me and I was ready for my first beer to kick the season off. My beer of choice was Alaskan Amber. It is an awesome beer! We had 11 family members meetup at noon and we started our caravan down to South Houston. Several others would meet us down at our tailgate spot. The cash parking lot was about 3 blocks from the stadium so that made it nice. There was several La Tech tailgates already rocking when we got there.
The tent is up, the snacks are out and the adult beverages are flowing! Now this is what I am talking about! College Football at it's finest is upon us. Tom Morris and Dwayne Woodard came by and we got to visit for a little bit. That was pretty cool! Around 4:00 we took the tent down and headed to the alumni tailgate for some burgers. They had a great location and the weather was awesome. There was some little wind out of the north, but other than that it was perfect. We made our way over to the stadium at 5:30 and went in to watch Matt warm up.
He was really kicking the ball well. One of his kickoffs hit the goal posts and he hit a couple of 60 plus yard FG's. He looks like he is jacked and ready to get this thing started. We were sitting right next to where the team entered the field. You could tell emotions were running high as they waited to run on the field. Here we go! La Tech is going to kickoff! Matt kicks it 7 yards deep and Houston elects to run it out and we nail them at the 8 yard line. That is a great start! Houston runs 6 plays and fumbles on the 36 yard line. La Tech takes over and runs 3 plays and TK scores.
Matt kicks the PAT and we are on the board. Here we go! Matt kicks off and we have a touch back. Houston runs 4 plays and punts. La Tech takes over at the Houston 42 yard line. La Tech runs 5 plays and TK scores again. The PAT is good. Matt kicks off and we have another touch back. Houston runs 14 plays and kicks a 30 yard FG. Tech takes the ball at the 27 yard line and we run 3 plays and RA comes in to punt. Houston runs 10 plays and we hold them to a 42 yard FG. Tech runs 5 plays as the 1st quarter comes to an end with Tech up 14 to 6.
Three plays later and CC hits JG for a touchdown. The PAT is good and we are up 21 to 6. This is awesome! Matt now is kicking north into a decent wind and it goes out of bounds at the 2 yard line. What just happened? When you kick to these corners this is what can happen. Let's kick it down the middle and if it drifts left then we a golden. This is exactly why I wear multiple pairs drawers! Houston runs 4 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at our 20 yard line and we run 6 plays and RA comes in to punt. Houston takes over at their 2 yard line and runs 3 plays and has to punt.
Tech takes over at our 25 yard line and we run 7 plays and RA comes in to punt. Houston takes over at their 19 yard line and runs 9 plays and a TD is scored. The score is Tech 21 - Houston 13. Houston kicks off and we start at our 17 yard line. We run 8 plays and go for a 4th and 9 yards to go at Houston's 33 yard line and come up short. Here we go again! I know there is some wind but kick the 50 yard FG and try to get some points. TF is going to put me back on my blood pressure medicine. Houston takes over at their 31 yard line and runs 8 plays and another TD is scored.
I am not liking this. Houston kicks off and we run 4 plays and RA comes in to punt and the half comes to an end with Tech up 21 -20. The 3rd quarter starts and we run 4 plays starting at our 25 yard line and RA comes in to punt. Houston runs 4 plays and they have to punt. Tech takes over at our 1 yard line and we run 4 plays as TK scampers 59 yards for a TD. The PAT is good! I like this! Matt kicks off and we have our first sky kick of the season. The ball did hit the ground but we were not in position to recover it. It really would not made a difference as we were off sides. Houston starts at their 33 yard line and runs 10 plays as they fall short on their 4th down attempt. Tech taks over at our 42 yard line and runs 10 plays as KD takes in in from 2 yards out. The PAT is good! Matt kicks off and Houston takes over at their 26 yard line and scores on a 74 yard pass play.
This is not good! What happened to our defense? Tech takes over at our 25 yard line and we run 10 plays as RH scoots in from 2 yards out. The PAT is good! Way to go Mr. Holley! Matt kicks off and we have another touch back. Houston runs 10 plays and fails at a 4th and 6 at our 12 yard line. Tech takes over and runs 2 plays as the 3rd quarter comes to an end. Tech is up 42 to 27. The 4th quarter starts as we run 4 plays and RA comes in to punt. Houston takes over at their 20 yard line and runs 2 plays and we have a fumble. Tech recovers at Houston's 14 yard line and HL takes in in for a touchdown. The PAT is good! Matt connects on a another kick for a touch back. Houston runs 12 plays and scores a TD. The 2 point conversion is good. Tech is up 49 to 35 with 9:36 to go in the 4th quarter. This is a lot of points! Tech runs 8 plays and CC hooks up with RPS for a 14 yard TD pass. The PAT is good! Way to go Mr. Stuart! Matt kicks off and we have another touch back.
Houston runs 9 plays and scores. Can this game hurry up and end? Houston attempts an on-sides kick and we recover at Houston's 48 yard line. We run 5 plays to the Houston 35 yard line. It's 4th down and we punt. Are you kidding me? It is a 52 yard FG with a tad of wind behind you. Let's go up by 3 scores! Just do it! I am not sure if this was a TF or MT decision, but in my opinion it was the wrong one. Houston takes over at their 20 yard line and runs 12 plays and scores. What is happening here? Houston kicks the on-sides kick and recovers it. They were penalized as the ball only traveled 9 yards and that is illegal touching. Tech takes over and takes a knee as we finally win this shootout 56 to 49! I am exhausted! This has to be the longest game I have ever attended. My observations from the game were that we have an awesome offense and our defense has some work to do. I thought David, Josh and Matt all worked well together in their first live game. I understand we want to be up tempo, but towards the end of the game we were snapping the ball with 10 seconds on the clock.
You have to run the thing down further if you are trying to manage the clock. You have to take chances on long FG's. Your kicker has a strong leg! The officials were horrible and we had way too many booth reviews. Other than that I am darn proud of this football team and what a great way to start the season off with a win on the road, no turnover's and no sacks. We met Matt at the bus and got to visit with him for a little bit before they headed back to Ruston. Over all he was pleased with his performance. He said his leg still felt good and sure could use an ice bath. He said the kick out of bounds in the 2nd quarter was all him as he over kicked the ball and got a little to high on it. Their game plan was still to pin the ball in the left corners and these things are going to happen when you are playing darts with the kick offs. We had a lot of family at the game so everyone got to spend a little time with Matt. Matt boarded the bus and we headed back to the parking lot. I know this is going to be a long night/morning as I know when I get to my in-laws house that it will take me several glasses of red wine to calm down.
Many thanks to all of our family members who attended the game. I would like to give a very special thanks to Ann Smith and Gary Wiley for taking the time to come to the game as well. Everyone's support of Matt and the Bulldogs is greatly appreciated. It was also great visiting with the Harper's and Garland's. Rice is next and I can't wait to get to Ruston. Our first tailgate of the season is finally here. We will set up Friday evening and will be ready to go early Saturday morning. We are in tailgate spot #52. Stop by and say hello. I don't know much about Rice. They used to have a band called "The Mob" which used to run on to the field from their seats and no one was dressed the same. I am not sure if they do it the same way but in the old says they were hilarious. Their mascot is an owl and in 1917 students from Texas A&M stole the mascot. Rice hired a private detective to go to College Station to find the missing mascot. When the detective had recovered the mascot he sent a coded telegram to the school that "Sammy is fairly well and would like to see his parents at 11:00".
The Rice mascot now had a name. The mascot was named Sammy. This can not be true! That has to be made up. I will end the Houston journey here. Some of the pictures used in my blog were taken by Mr. Tom Morris. I appreciate him letting me use them. What a blast it was and we are so blessed to have the honor to watch Matt and this team. I appreciate all of those who are following my journey. I can't wait to share my thoughts with everyone this season. It is such a blast to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and this Bulldog team. I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are at that time and sometimes I get a little carried away. I am very passionate about La Tech football. I am just a College Football fan and I love College Football. Until our paths cross again have a blessed week. College Football Dad!