UNLV - 10/6/12

I am not sure I am going to be able to contain myself this week. Wow! What is next? We just knocked the "Hoo" out the "Horton Hears a Hoo" team. Take that you big bad ACC team! You know who we are now! This is crazy good! I am being taken on this journey that looks like it has no end. So far "Knock on Wood" my lucky green drawers are working and this team is rolling over anybody and anything. Hanging out on cloud 9 is sort of cool. I think I might be hear for a long time. Now I need to prepare my self for the "Sin City" team. They have won 1 game over Air Force and have lost 4 other games. I was looking at the UNLV athletic site and

I read that since Nevada is the 36th state that the #36 can only be worn by a player who is from Nevada. How strange is that? Their mascot is named Rebecca and she has a mustache. I guess the old saying "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" applies here as I do not want to know why she has a mustache. If we play our game and step up on defense I see no problem in getting a W in this game. I was pretty pumped on Monday when they announced that Matt was the Special Teams Player of the Week in the WAC. That is awesome Matt and well deserved. I spoke to Matt several times during the week.

He said he feels great and has really fine tuned the amount of times he kicks during the week. He is kicking the ball really well and his timing with JC and DG is really clicking. He said the team is really focused and taking one day at a time and one game at a time. They continue to work on pining the tail on the donkey in the left corner and they have a few interesting specialty kicks if the situation presents it's self. I think the kicking game gets too complicated sometimes. Just kick it and if they bring it out your coverage team should be there to stop them before the 25 yard line. We would make our way over to Ruston Friday afternoon.

My parents (John & Carol) were coming in from Florida again and they will be attending the next 3 games. We dropped our stuff off at the hotel and then headed to Matt's house to load the tailgate stuff up. Then we made our way to tailgate spot #52 and set the tents up. The tables are set up and the chairs are in place and now my ice chest is ready for me to grab an adult beverage. No where in america can you tailgate this close to the stadium. This is just awesome! We had a few more adult beverages and the we headed to El Jarrito so I could get my Queso Fundido fix.

Man that stuff is addicting! We made our way back to the hotel to watch a little football and finish the night off with a good bottle of red wine. I had a hard time sleeping as I could not stop thinking about how awesome the football weather was going to be tomorrow. This is my kind of weather and my shorts will be on. We loaded the gang up and headed to the stadium at 8:30 AM. We unloaded all of the ice chests and the totes full of supplies. We covered the tables with red and blue and the flag was flying. The bar is setup and the Bloody Mary's are being served. Our menu was simple with burgers and dogs, but I would be experimenting with bacon wrapped tater tots and bacon wrapped smoked sausage.

Everything is good wrapped in bacon! Andrew and his gang had the smoker going with ribs and chicken and Bobby and his gang had fried catfish and jambalaya cooking away. We really do have some awesome tailgate neighbors. We always have awesome people (Mr. Harper, Mr. Hamm, Mr. Barclay, Mr. Rust, Mrs. Toni, Mr. & Mrs. Garland and a few I am forgetting) come by and visit and we always enjoy visiting with everyone. The grill is lit and the beer is flowing. Mr. Harper presented me with a chefs jacket last year and I always have it hanging in the tent. Bobby brought his chefs jacket this week and hung it in his tent.

The next thing I knew he had his chefs jacket on and he said it was game on. So I put mine on and the cooking games have begun. This is awesome! Janet's parents (Meggie & Papaw) and her Aunt & Uncle (David & Barbara) arrive and the the crew is all here. The grill is doing it's thing and the tailgating is in full swing. The cool thing about the tailgate scene is that everyone let's you sample their grub and fried catfish, jambalaya and the ribs were all amazing! We have some awesome cooks around us. The burgers and dogs are done and the chowing down begins. The next thing we know we hear the sirens and that means one thing.

The team is arriving! We made our way over to tailgate alley and here they come. Matt heads our direction and I give him a big hug and I told him to go have fun. I got a high five from RH and VC. This is awesome! It's time for a few more adult beverages and a little more time with family and friends and then it is time to head into the stadium. I must admit it is pretty chilly but the shorts are staying with me. I got to see Matt kick a few balls and he looked like he was kicking the ball well. The wind looked like it was swirling a bit.

It's game time so let's get this party started. UNLV kicks off and Tech starts at their 26 yard line. We run 10 plays and Matt comes in and nails a 27 yard FG. The streak continues! Matt kicks off and we stop UNLV at their 18 yard line. UNLV runs 9 plays and scores on a 33 yard pass play and UNLV is up 7 - 3. Tech takes over at the 26 yard line and runs 13 plays and Matt comes in and connects on a 33 yard FG. That is awesome Matt! We do need some TD's though, but I will take points at anytime. Matt kicks off and UNLV heads up the field with a 56 yard return.

It looked like Matt might have just got enough of him to trip him up and save a TD. UNLV runs 2 plays and it is a fumble. Tech takes over at our 38 yard line and runs 10 plays as CC hits QP on a 6 yard pass play. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is up 13 - 7. Here we go! Matt kicks off and we stop UNLV at their 24 yard line. UNLV runs 3 plays and punts and it is blocked. What? A inadvertent whistle from the stands caused him take his time kicking the ball. You have to be kidding me! What a joke! UNLV gets to punt it again and guess what! It is blocked again. I have never witnessed 2 back to back punt blocks on 2 consecutive plays. Awesome guys! Tech takes over at the UNLV 9 yard line and RH runs it in for a TD. Matt connects on the PAT and just like that Tech is up 20 - 7! Wow! Matt kicks off and we stop UNLV at their 23 yard line. UNLV runs 3 plays and the 1st quarter comes to an end. I like what I am seeing. The 2nd quarter starts with UNLV running 9 plays and they go for it on 4th down the the Tech defense shuts them down and takes over at our 2 yard line.

Tech runs 10 plays and KD scampers in from 1 yard out and scores. Matt Nelson comes in and connects on the PAT. Tech is now up 27 - 7. Matt kicks off and we stop UNLV at their 12 yard line. That is what I am talking about. UNLV runs 7 plays and scores on a 27 yard pass play. This is not good! Tech takes the kickoff and KD returns it to our 37 yard line. Tech runs 6 plays and RA punts the ball 54 yards for a touch back. UNLV runs 10 plays and connects on a 25 yard FG and Tech is now up 27 - 17.

Tech starts on their 37 yard line and marches down the field trying to get a quick score before the half comes to an end. We take our last time out at the 15 second mark and CC runs 7 yards to the 19 yard line and before we can spike the ball time has run out and CT sent the FG team out at the same time so we would of had too many players on the field. The half comes to an end and we do not get any points. What just happened here? You don't run the ball in this situation.

You still had time to try a pass in the end zone and if that was not good you have a chance at a FG. I just don't understand. I put the blame on the coaching staff. You should have told CC exactly what you wanted him to do. You practice plays like this during the week and I know they are in your playbook. The 3rd quarter begins as Matt kicks off and we stop UNLV at their 33 yard line. UNLV runs 6 plays and scores on a 46 yard pass play. What are we doing? Tech is now up 27 - 24.

Our defense needs to step up now! Tech takes the kickoff and we start at our 34 yard line. Tech runs 8 plays as KD runs it in from 10 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 34 - 27. This is what I needed! Matt kicks off and we stop UNLV at their 34 yard line. UNLV runs 6 plays and we stop them on their 4th and 11 attempt. Tech takes over at our 45 yard line and we run 7 plays as Matt Nelson comes in and connects on a 43 yard FG. Are you kidding me? You rock @mnels33! Tech is now up 37 - 24. Matt kicks off and we stop UNLV at their 23 yard line.

UNLV runs 3 plays and punts the ball out of bounds at our 40 yard line. Tech runs 6 plays as KD takes it in from 15 yards out and Matt connects on the PAT. Tech is now up 44 - 27! Let's keep this going! Matt kicks off and we stop UNLV at their 18 yard line. UNLV runs 10 plays and we stop them as they go for it on 4th and 3 at our 28 yard line. Tech takes over and we run 1 play and the 3rd quarter comes to an end. I am feeling pretty good right now. I have to admit that I did have to recruit the assistance of a blanket for the 4th quarter. My legs were a little numb. I tried to hang on!

Tech starts the 4th quarter running 3 plays and RA comes in to punt. UNLV takes over at their 18 yard line. UNLV runs 3 plays and JJ intercepts the ball. Tech takes over at the UNLV 49 yard line and runs 7 plays as KD scoots in from 7 yards out and Matt connects on the PAT. This is what I am talking about! Matt kicks off and we stop UNLV at their 22 yard line. UNLV runs 3 plays and punts the ball. Tech takes over at our 21 yard line and runs 3 plays and RA comes in to punt. UNLV takes over at their 35 yard line and runs 6 plays as Tech stops UNLV on their 4th down attempt.

Tech takes over at their 45 yard line and runs 8 plays as HL takes it in from 17 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT and now Tech is up 58 - 24! This is amazing! Matt kicks off and UNLV returns it to their 41 yard line. UNLV runs 6 plays and scores on a 13 yard pass play. UNLV kicks off and Tech starts this drive at our 38 yard line. We run 3 plays and the game is over! Tech Wins! Tech Wins! Tech Wins 58 - 31! Wow! This is incredible! This teams amazes me more every game. I am very proud of this team. I am at a loss for words right now.

Cloud #9 and I are floating pretty high right now. We made our way up to the field house and waited for Matt to come out. Matt had already dressed out before he came out. You could tell he was pretty stoked about the game. I gave him a big hug and told him congrats. He said the ball feels so good coming off his foot right now. I asked him about tripping up #18 on the kick off return and said that was the most non athletic move he has ever made. He said he just happened to grab part of his foot enough to trip him up.

I told him it did not matter as they did not score. He laughed. He talked to the rest of the family and then he headed over to the tailgate area with us to hangout for a bit. Mr. Rust was there as well as Andrew and Bobby's group. Matt got to visit with them as well as we watched the end of the FSU - NC State game. Matt said he was starved so we headed to Chili's to get something to eat. Then it was off to the hotel and we would end the night with a nice bottle of red wine. What a day and what a win! Sunday morning came way to early. We met Matt over at the tailgate area at 9:30 AM.

He wanted to help us take down the tents and get all of the tailgate stuff back to his house. It is always a chore, but it is well worth it having almost everything already here in Ruston. We said our goodbyes as we were headed back to North Dallas and Matt was headed to church. I am exhausted, but I am so glad I get to watch Matt and this team perform. These are amazing young men playing a game I love! Knock on wood, as Matt is still perfect for the season. 7 for 7 on FG's and 35 for 35 on PAT's for a total of 56 points. He is 36 points away from breaking Josh Scobee's career scoring record for a kicker and he is 41 points away from breaking Troy Edwards record as the overall career scoring leader at La Tech. That is pretty amazing to me and what an honor it is to watch Matt play. Always 1 for 1 @mnels33. The maroon Aggies from somewhere in Texas are up next. This game will be played in Shreveport at 8:15 PM on ESPNU. This game was already supposed to have been played, but a weather disturbance postponed the game until now.

This is a warning to all East Texas and NW Louisiana residents. Now is the time to cut down all of your stumps as the Aggie followers will be traveling with all of their sheep and goats on their way to Shreveport. Stump breaking is only allowed in College Station so beware. I have to throw in one Aggie joke. There were three Aggies huddled around each other at a local bar. All of a sudden, they jumped up and yelled, "Yeah, 45! 45!" The bartender goes down to them and asks, "45? What are you guys so excited about?" One of the Aggies speaks up: "We just finished a jigsaw puzzle. The box said 2 to 3 years, and we did it in 45 days!" Now that is funny right there! I am excited about being at this game. This will be a test for us and I think we will be up for the challenge. With 2 top 25 teams and the game on national television excitement will be in the air. Is it time to head to Shreveport yet?

I am ready. Bring on the Aggies! I will leave the UNLV game here. A special thanks to Donny Crowe, Tom Morris and Louisiana Tech University for the use of a couple of photos in this blog. They were awesome photos! What a blast it was and we are so blessed to have the honor to watch Matt Nelson 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 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!

San Jose State 10/29/11

I think I have finally recovered this week and I am getting back to normal after my week prior in New Orleans. What an incredible win we had at Utah State. I am very proud of the guys and I know they put their heart and soul into that win! Even though it was very difficult for me to know what was going on during the game I am so glad we got another road win over a very good football team. I still was not super excited with some of our clock management and some of our play calling. That is just me! I am sure some people worship our play callers, but I still don't understand. When you have a coach who gets off the bus at home games and walks by himself and not with the team needs to be reminded the there is no "I" in TEAM! I need to move on before I get all lathered up again. It is time to get my mind right for the head dress wearing, spear throwing Spartans from San Jose.

Since these spear chucker's are fresh off of a win over the hula girls, they are going to flying pretty high when they arrive Ruston. Don't they know it is homecoming weekend and we schedule teams we can beat on homecoming? I personally feel like our guys are peaking at the right time. I really feel good about this game. So Spartacus get ready to take a butt woopin in Ruston. I did get to talk to Matt a few times this week. He felt good except his back was in knots. I told him he needed a good massage from the legal places. He thought that was funny! He said he was kicking the ball good in his workouts and with the team. JC was going to be snapping again. He said the team had a lot of focus and the energy/emotions were pretty high. I did not ask about any strange kicks this time because the practice them every week. He said they might go for more hang time instead of distance this game.

This would allow the kick coverage more time to get down field I guess. Overall Matt was excited and was ready for game time! We made our way over from North Dallas late Friday afternoon. My parents (John & Carol) were coming over from The Villages, FL for the game as well as Janet's parents (Bob & Margaret) from Spring, TX and her Uncle David from Murphy, TX. We met my parents at Matt's house and loaded up the tailgate stuff and headed to the stadium to setup. That is my favorite part is getting it ready and enjoying a nice adult beverage. We decided to eat at El Jarrito for dinner. This was a pretty happening place and the margaritas were 2 for 1. You can't beat that! The food was ok and I would go back again. After dinner we headed back to the Fairfield Inn. After a nice bottle of red wine it was time to call it a night.

The morning came early and after a few cups of coffee and a nice visit with Mr. Garland it was time to head to the stadium. What a great day for football! Chile Dawgs and Frito Pies were on our menu for the day. Since the game was early I was not fixing breakfast. My breakfast of choice was a good ole spicy bloody mary. I wish more people were here early to tailgate. It is such an awesome environment. Kicking back with family and friends does not get any better. Mr Harper was bringing his wife (Betty) to the game. I had never met her before so I was excited for the opportunity. Mr. Rust and Mr. Hamm hung out with us as well. The chile is heating up, the beer is cold, the dawgs are on the grill, the frito's are singing "sauce me", the world famous cheese ball is waiting and the brownies are in need of some Blue Bell. I knew I forgot something!

The weather is perfect today! Food is served and man does it hit the spot. This is some mighty fine tailgate food with some might fine people! We hear the sirens and know the team is close by. We head over and get in line so I can get my head nod. This is my indicator that all is well and I can have a few more cold beers. It is game time and I am heading in to find my seat. The family is already in the stadium. They like to go watch Matt warm up. Up Up and away! The kickoff is away and this game is underway! Both teams have to punt on their first possession. SJSU then throws the ball for a very nice CB interception. Tech takes over at the SJSU 20. After a 1st down we run 3 plays and Matt comes in and boots a 25 yard FG. I like it! The kickoff is away and it is in the end zone for a touch back. Where have you been all of my like? Awesome kick! SJSU comes back with a TD and SJSU is up 7 - 3. On our next possession we rack up 45 yards in penalties.

What are we doing? Tech punts and the 1st quarter comes to an end with SJSU up 7 - 3. There is still plenty of time, no worries! The 2nd quarter starts off with a bang as Tech scores on a RC 21 yard run making the score 10 - 7 Tech. Now we are talking. SJSU scores next on a 60 yard bomb and then Tech matches it with much more with a 90 yard bigger bomb to QP. Wow! The PAT is good and Tech is up 17 - 14. On Tech's next possession Tech gets down to the SJSU 8 yard line and Matt comes in for a 26 yard chip shot. I am behind my camera lens and it is no good! What just happened? This is not normal. I don't know if he hit the ground first or the spot was off or what. I guess I will find out after the game. Matt will be one hot cracker! SJSU throws an interception JJ returns it to the SJSU 13 with 51 seconds on the clock.

We run 3 plays with a nice little pass to QP and the half comes to an end with Tech up 24 - 14. I am liking this! The offense is moving the ball and our defense is playing well. We start the 3rd quarter with a 12 play drive and LC pounds the ball in from the 1 yard line. The PAT is good and Tech is up 31 - 14! Wow! Let's go Dawgs! On SJSU's first play in the 3rd quarter JD intercepts the pass and takes it to the house. The PAT is good and Tech is up 38 - 14. This is awesome! SJSU scores late in the 3rd quarter and fails on a 2 point conversion and the 3rd quarter comes to an end with Tech up 38 - 22. Let's go defense! This is our game! The 4th quarter starts off punting back in forth and at the 3:18 mark SJSU scores and fails at another 2 point conversion.

Tech is up 38 - 28. Let's run this clock out! Oh yes we did! We just won this ball game! Can you believe it? I am so happy for these guys! This is so awesome! I did not go to the field house after the game. I knew Matt would be very excited with the win, but personally he will be beating himself up inside. Sometimes you just have to get it out of your system by yourself. I went back to the tailgate spot and celebrated with a ice cold Blue Moon! I tried to pickup somethings before everyone else made it back over. When Matt arrived I got a big hug and a smile. You could tell he was excited! I told him great game and what a huge win. You know me! I had to ask what happened! He said it does not matter if it was a bad spot, a bad snap or a fat wedge that it will always be on him.

I left it at that and he said he would watch film tomorrow and he will get it corrected. That young man get it! He is so far ahead of me in his mental thinking. Thank goodness he got that part from his mother. We took off to Chili's to go pig-out and celebrate this great win. We finished off our night with a nice bottle of wine and this guy was hitting the sack. Sunday morning came early and we made our way back to the tailgate area to load up the stuff and take it back to Matt's. My parents were staying in Ruston Sunday night. They went to church with Matt and then cooked him and his roommates steak, mac-n-cheese and roasted new potatoes for dinner that night.

I wish I could of stayed for that meal but the dogs were calling and work was around the corner. I don't say this enough, but I want to thank all of my family members who make their way from several hundred miles to come to the home games every Saturday! It really means a lot to us and we are very grateful for all of the support! Bulldogs you played your heart and soul out and came away with a great victory. I am very proud of each one of you. Everyone played fantastic! Stand-up and rise Bulldog Nation. We have a WAC Championship to go get. PS: Mr. Rust, I have your cooler! The Battle of the Bone is staring us in the face. Nobody takes our bone! Let's get this straight from the beginning! Pat Hill is an awesome coach and will have his team ready. Fresno St is going to be a tough game.

It is a 9:30 central time game on ESPNU. Fresno St has some offensive weapons. I know our defense will be ready to attack. Our players will be ready for whatever is thrown at them! There is only one real Bulldog and that belongs to La Tech! Let's bring this bone back home baby! Best of luck Saturday night Dawgs! Make us proud! It is such a blast to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and the Bulldog team! I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are at that moment. I don’t intend to ruffle any feathers or hurt anyone, but I am very passionate about La Tech Football! Everything I say comes from beneath my feathers! I am just a College Football Fan! Don’t forget to listen to my friends at Bleed Tech Blue on ESPN 97.7 every Tuesday night at 6:00PM.

May your Football Season be filled with many Football Victories, Sunny Smiles, Sandy Dreams and Travel Your Way! May your Football Season be filled with many Football Victories, Sunny Smiles, Sandy Dreams and Travel Your Way! Until our paths cross again, have a blessed week! College Football Dad!