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!

Virginia - 9/29/12

Where do I go from here? We just took the wind out of the windy city. Well, we were close to the windy city. What is this team going to do next? It is hard for me to concentrate wondering what journey this team is going to take me on in the future. Our offense is on fire, our special teams units are containing the returns and our defense is improving every week. The college football world has got to like the smell of a possible BCS Buster! I need to bottle this stuff up and sell it as a new fragrance. Matt tells me all of the time we take one game at a time, he takes one kick at a time and I need to focus on only that game they are getting ready to play. Do you know how hard that is to do? I am trying really hard! I am excited about the Virginia game. Janet and I are going to make the trip to Charlottesville. We are going to Baltimore for a couple of days and will catch the Ravens game on Thursday night and the Orioles game on Friday night. Then it

will be an early morning drive to Charlottesville. It should be a blast. I have watched Virginia play a few times on TV but I really don't know that much about them. They play in the ACC and they are in a town that Charlotte's Web originated in. I know they have a hard time figuring out what to call themselves. Sometimes they go by the Cavaliers, the Wahoos, the Hoos, the V-men, the Virginians or the Old Dominion. What is this all about? Come on man, figure it out! How can you call yourself the Hoos? They even call their jumbo-tron the Hoo Vision. Really? Is this where Horton Hears a Hoo is from? My favorite quote from Horton Hears a Hoo is "In my world everyone is a pony, and they all eat rainbows, and poop butterflies." You gotta love it! I talked to Matt a couple of times early in the week. He was super excited that we were coming to the Virginia game. He was kicking the ball really well and the team was practicing really well. He thinks they have a real good game plan and that they can beat Virginia. CT still wants him play the pin the tail on the donkey in the left corner.

I guess I understand, but I really don't. They worked on their specialty kicks as they were not sure what schemes they would show on kickoffs. Just kick the ball! Tuesday afternoon as I was finishing up work projects I got a call from Janet. It was the phone call that you never want to get. Janet informed me that her Grandmother (Nino) had just passed away. Oh no! How Janet going to handle this? How were we going to tell Matt and Tyler? How would this affect Matt while he is preparing for Virginia? They were both very close to her in their own way. Nino was a huge fan of La Tech football. She never attended a game and watched very few of the games on TV, but she did have a lot of pictures of Matt that she would show everybody who came to visit her. I talked to both boys and though they were very sad they handled the call very well. Matt had talked to CT and CD and they wanted him to attend the funeral if it was on Thursday. If not they wanted him to fly out with the team on Friday and we were ok with that. Janet's mom and uncle were able to get everything set up and the funeral would be late Thursday afternoon. Matt let the coaches know and they told him to head to Dallas Thursday morning and to be back early Friday

morning. They felt it was important for him to have closure and then prepare himself for the game on Saturday. They know he is mentally strong and with his faith it will carry him through. Tyler came in Wednesday afternoon and Matt made it over around noon on Thursday. This was going to be a very tough day, but this family is strong and we will make it through it. Visitation was at 3 PM and the funeral was at 4 PM. It was a beautiful service as we celebrated the awesome life of Nino. The Pastor stated in his message that Nino liked and talked about two things and that was the Bible & Louisiana Tech Football. All of those at the service got a chucke out of that. Nino we love you and you will be missed. We know you are in heaven watching down on all of us. We said our goodbyes to Tyler & Matt as they would not be going to the cemetery. We felt it was best for them to have as much time to get back to Ruston and Austin and not have to worry about being in a rush. I know Matt & Tyler will be strong. We felt it was best to cancel the rest of our trip to the Virginia game. It would have been an awesome trip, but family during these times are far more important. We had a lot of family (Meggie, Papaw, Mike, Melynda, Mikayla, John, Janet, David, Barbara and the 4 dogs Roxie, Cubby, Abe and McCoy) together for the game and we were going to have a big party watching the Dawgs take on the Hoo's. We all hung out at Janet's aunt & uncle's (David & Barbara) house Saturday as we awaited the 2:30 kickoff. The snacks were out, the beer was flowing, the red wine was flowing and even the vodka was flowing as

we all got our game faces on. Janet's brother (Mike) had his computer already hooked up on the wide screen as this game was on ESPN3. David had chairs set up everywhere. This way we had a front row and a back row. The only problem is that no one wanted the front row. We have a lot of nervous watchers who can't sit still like me. It's game time! Matt kicks off and we stop them at their 22 yard line. Virginia runs 5 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at our 11 yard line and we run 3 plays and punt. I think each team is testing each other out. Virginia takes over at our 36 yard line and runs 2 plays and scores a TD. Tech starts at our 28 yard line and run 8 plays as Matt Nelson comes in and drills a 31 yard FG. Now that's what I am talking about. As usual I have to go in the other room as he kicks and wait for the family to say woo hoo or it is good. Virginia now leads 7 - 3. Matt kicks off and we stop Virginia at their 22 yard line. Virginia runs 9 plays

and scores another touchdown. Really? What are we doing? Tech starts on our 39 yard line and run 8 plays as CC hits PRS for a 3 yard strike. Matt connects on the PAT and Virginia leads 14 - 10. Matt kicks off and we stop Virginia at the 10 yard line. Virginia runs 3 plays as the 1st quarter comes to an end. The 2nd quarter starts with Virginia running 2 plays and scores another TD. Virginia is now up 21 - 10. What are we doing guys? Tech takes the ball on our 16 yard line and we run 3 plays and punt. What? Virginia takes over at their 41 yard line and runs 13 plays and connects on a 35 yard FG. This is not looking good! Virginia kicks off and DJB runs it back 94 yards to the Virginia 3 yard line. That was sweet. Tech runs 4 plays and cannot get the ball as we go for it on 4th down. We had the ball on the one foot line. When you don't go under center in this position you are at a huge disadvantage from the get go. Go under center! Come on man! Never give up the points! You have to kick the FG here! Virginia takes over on

downs and runs 6 plays as QG intercepts the ball and is tackled at the Virginia 25. Tech runs 2 plays and RH scores from 16 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT and Virginia now leads 24 - 17. Let's go! Matt kicks off to the end zone and Virginia brings it out to the 20 yard line. Virginia runs 3 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at our 40 yard line and runs 10 plays and Matt Nelson comes in and drills a 40 yard FG as the family told me it was good. Just awesome Matt! Man, I hope I don't need a drawer change after this game. I did not bring any extras! We kick off and the 2nd quarter come to an end with Virginia leading 24 - 20. Wow! We need to come out fast and furious in the 3rd quarter. Tech starts the 3rd quarter at our 27 yard line. We run 14 plays as RH scoots in from 11 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech now leads 27 - 24. I like this. Let's keep this up. Matt kicks off and we stop Virginia at their 10 yard line. Virginia runs 3 plays and punts. Tech takes over at the Virginia 50 yard line and runs 4 plays as RA comes into punt. Virginia starts at

their 35 yard line and runs 4 plays as DC intercepts the ball and returns it to the Virginia 43 yard line. Happy Dance! Tech runs  4 plays as CC runs it in from 14 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is up 34 - 24. Way to go guys! Matt kicks off and we stop Virginia at their 20 yard line. Virginia runs 2 plays and CH intercepts the ball and takes it to the house for a touchdown! Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 41 - 24! Are you kidding me? Someone please pinch me! Matt kicks off for a touch back. Virginia runs 10 plays and attempts a 39 yard FG and it is no good. Tech takes over at our 22 yard line and runs 3 plays as the 3rd quarter comes to an end. Just incredible! It's time defense! Tech runs 5 plays and it is 3rd and 14 at the Virginia 28 and Matt comes in and drills a 45 yard FG as the family gave me the signal from the other room. Oh my, I am about to have a problem! Way to go Matt! Tech is now up 44 - 24. We can do this! Matt kicks off and Virginia returns it to their 30 yard line.

 Virginia runs 14 plays and scores a TD. Tech takes over at 25 yard line and runs 5 plays and RA comes on to punt. I have faith! Virginia takes over at their 12 yard line and runs 7 plays and scores another TD. Are you kidding me? What are we doing? Tech takes the kick off and we start at our 26 yard line. We run 3 plays as Virginia uses all 3 of their time outs and it is 4th down and we send out our punt team and let the clock run down and we call time out. We then send our offense back in like we are going to go for it and Virginia has a penalty called on them for 12 players on the field. Are you kidding me? This gives us a 1st down and we can run the clock out! Holy Cow! Tech Wins! Tech Wins! I am in shock and I am in need of a glass of red wine! We are 4 - 0! Hugs and high fives are going on right now as everyone is celebrating. I bet David & Barbara's neighbors are wondering what is going on. I am out of breath! I am so happy for this team and all of the fans. The college football world knows who we are now. Matt called as they were waiting to board the bus.

You could tell he was excited. He said this was a huge win for this team. They would enjoy this win tonight and then start getting ready for UNLV on Sunday. He said his 40 yard FG was closer than he wanted it to be. He said he nailed the 45 yard FG and he said he almost lost it after that kick as he knew that Nino was watching down on him. That about did it for me as we had shed enough tears already this week. We talked a little bit more as we had him on the speaker so everyone could say their congrats. Matt said CT gave him a big hug after the game and told him his Great Grandmother would be very proud of him. We said our goodbyes and started our victory celebration. Then I get this tweet from Matt while he was on the bus. "It's cool to know that my Great Grandma got to see me kick today! I know she was watching over me. RIPNino!" Don't do this to me. Now I have really lost it. Matt you amaze me more every day. Actually both Matt & Tyler amaze me more every day. Their mom has done an awesome job raising these two fine young men. More tears! Our celebration meal was about to get started and the pork tenderloins were on the grill.

It was time for some more pork tenderloin sliders on these awesome pretzel rolls all topped with a homemade white queso with hatch green chiles! Red wine was a flowing! Janet's mom (Meggie) was the dog whisper after the game. She had all 3 on the couch  the dogs did not want to make Meggie mad while she had her glass of red wine! :) We celebrated the rest of the evening and then sung Happy Birthday to Uncle David and ate snicker doodle cupcakes. His birthday is actually on Monday. Happy Birthday David! Then it was time for our goodbyes. What an awesome day! Our time together today with family during this time was truly needed! We celebrated Nino's life and we celebrated another Tech victory. To the Graves and Stiles family I am truly sorry for your loss. Nino was an awesome lady and she will never be forgotten. She is in heaven now getting everything organized. Love you all! I will leave the Virginia game here. A truly spectacular performance today by this awesome team! I can't wait to see where you take us next. Matt hates when I bring these things up but I think they are awesome. After the 14 points he scored today I am told he moved into 2nd on career points scored by a kicker behind Josh Scobee and 4th career all-time scoring at La Tech. We also received notice that Matt is a Semifinalist for the William V Campbell Trophy this week. I am just amazed. UNLV is up next. They are 1 - 4 and return to Ruston for the first time since 1993. I know they are from Sin City, but that is about it.

There mascot is named Hey Reb (Rebecca). What is up with that? It has a cool mustache. At one time they used to have an awesome basketball team. They call themselves the Runnin Rebels. I bet they will be running their Rebel ass back to the Sin City when we get done with them! I feel good about this game and I feel like Tech will score a ton of points on UNLV. It's time to get my tailgate on. See ya in Ruston! A special thanks to Donny Crowe and Louisiana Tech University for the use of the photos in this blog. They are awesome photos. 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! RIP Nino!

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!

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!