San Jose State - 11/24/12

I don't know where to start. I just rode this amazing roller coaster and then got to the grand finale where you hold your hands up and the roller coaster stopped! Why? We were at the grand finale! I just went from the thrill of seeing Matt Nelson walk down tailgate alley for the last time to the high of seeing him introduced as a senior as we walked on the field with him. Then we had a big dip in the road as we go down 27 - 3 in the 3rd quarter. Then I get to experience the dogs claw back with 5 seconds on the clock as Matt Nelson comes in to tie the game and send it into overtime. Even though I was in the tunnel during the kick once I heard the fans erupt I knew I had just experienced a College Football Orgasm. I am not sure I can say that word, but I am going to any way. My emotions after that kick were higher than any other play that I can recall while Matt has been playing at La Tech. We had about 10 minutes to enjoy the moment and then the overtime started and before I knew it Utah State was celebrating on the field with an OT win and a share of the WAC Championship. This could not be! We had set ourselves up so perfectly. I just went from a College Football Orgasm to Erectile Dysfunction in a matter of 15 minutes. Is that even possible? I need to see a shrink! I am still excited for the opportunity that Matt and this team had. Our never quit attitude has always been there and it showed even more during this game. I am very proud of these young men and I will never forget the ending in regulation.

Even though we did not win "Thank You" for letting me experience it. Now it is time for me to get my mind right for San Jose State. For us to even have a chance at sharing the WAC Championship we have to win this game on the road and we have to have Idaho beat Utah State. Stranger things have happened but I do not feel good about Idaho beating Utah State. The more games you win the better chance you have a securing a better bowl game. We win the game at San Jose State and let things take care of themselves. I spoken to Matt several times during the week. He has put the emotional loss to Utah State behind him and feels like the rest of the team has as well. He has kicked the ball really well and is confident about the game against San Jose State. He said the team has been very focused and all of the team practices have gone well. He said that they have worked on several specialty kicks and he felt like they would use some of them. He was not looking forward to the long flight, but would most likely watch a couple of movies and sleep. Since we are going to a bowl game Janet and I decided not to go to San Jose for Matt's last college game before the bowl game. With it being Thanksgiving week we decide to drive over early Thanksgiving morning and fix a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for the guys. (Matt, RP, Ray, David, Ty, Vince, Hunter, Darby and anyone else who needed a meal) Earlier in the week my oldest son (Tyler) drove up from Austin on Tuesday evening and hung out with us until we left early Thursday morning.

We had a blast visiting our favorite after hours watering holes and watching his mom tell crazy adult beverage stories. :) We would not be able to spend Thanksgiving with Tyler this year as he had tickets to go see UT play TCU in Austin. It was good to spend time with him while he was there and he will be missed on Thanksgiving. Early Thursday morning we loaded up all of the food along with the dogs and made our way over to Ruston. We hit Matt's house at 10:00 AM and after we got the dogs settled we started to get everything unloaded and set up. The guys had practice and then a team meal at 1:00 PM. We set dinner time at 5:00 PM so this gave us a chance to get things organized and start cooking for these amazing guys. On the menu was 3 fried turkey breasts, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, fresh green beans, dressing, rolls, pecan pie and pumpkin pie. We were able to cook everything somewhat ahead time and put the food in large containers wrapped in foil so we could keep it warm in the oven. The guys wanted 3 different types of fried turkey breast so I injected one with blended up pickled jalapeños, olive oil and lemon juice (RP's dads recipe) another with jalapeño creole butter and the last one with crystal hot sauce and melted butter. I think experimentation is always good when playing with food. We spent the afternoon watching football as the turkey breast fried and Janet got the rest of the meal put together. I sliced each turkey flavor and sent out a sample for the guys to try.

It was pretty funny as the overall consensus was the crystal hot sauce and melted butted concoction was the winner. I would have to agree. It was pretty amazing! Janet got everything setup in the dining room and told the guys it was ready to go. By the way Janet did one heck of a job getting everything ready to go at the same time. Thank You! I had never seen plates piled up so high. You can go back for 2nd's & 3rd's. :) Once everyone got a plate we headed outside to the big table and Ray the said the blessing as everyone held hands. I think it is so awesome that prayer is involved in these young mens lives. After several trips back for food the guys started to peter out, but promised they would eat more. We still had a ton of food left and the guys would be traveling, but it would be there when they returned. The evening was capped off with pie and watching the UT - TCU game and then it was time for bed for me. It was an awesome day for me and I was so honored and blessed to get to hang out with these guys and play with a little food. The morning came early for me as I had 120 kolaches to make before everyone woke up. I made 2 pans of 60 so it would cook a little easier. Thank you smoke alarm for not going off. A few weekends back some grease had spilled in the oven and at 425 degrees we had a smoked filled house and smoked kolaches. It was all good! I had everything ready to go at 10:30 and it did not take long and the kolaches started to disappear.

Vince came over and made sure that there were not too many left overs. :) Janet and I started cleaning up everything as the guys had to get ready to head to the field house. What an amazing 24 hours! These guys are amazing. We said our goodbyes and wished them all luck and onward to North Dallas we headed. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to cook for the guys and just hangout. Thank You for including us. We took it easy Friday night and looked forward to watching some college football on Saturday as we waited for the 9:30 CST kickoff in San Jose. I might need to go find a parking lot and set up a tent until kickoff. I tried to hold off as long as I could but I was in great need of an adult beverage and I started probably earlier than I should, but I told myself I would pace myself. Yea right! The kickoff had arrived and I was ready to get this party started. The game was on ESPN 2 so this made it really cool. Matt kicks off and SJSU will start on their 29 yard line. SJSU runs 7 plays and kicks a 45 yard FG and leads 3 - 0. La Tech takes the kickoff and will start at our 25 yard line. Tech runs 4 plays and RA comes in to punt. SJSU will start at their 12 yard line and runs 8 plays as they connect on a 42 yard pass play for a TD. SJSU is up 10 - 0. No Way! I know we watched film on these guys. Tech takes the kickoff and will start at our 16 yard line. We run 8 plays and RA comes in to punt. We need you offense! SJSU starts on their 2 yard line and runs 3 plays and they have to punt.

Tech starts on their 49 yard line and runs 6 plays as KD runs it in from 8 yards out. Matt comes in for the PAT and it is no good. This did not really happen did it? I went into the other room like I normally do and I come back and it is missed. The replay looks like the snap was good and it was hard for me to tell on the hold, but the ball was pulled left and bounced off of the left upright. It is time for me to change to a different color of drawers and drink a glass of white wine. I prefer red wine, but I will do whatever it takes to get some good karma. These green things and red wine are not working right now. SJSU is up 10 - 6. Matt kicks off with a sky kick and SJSU calls a fair catch. CT, why are we doing this? SJSU starts the drive on their 26 yard line and runs 5 plays as the 1st quarter comes to an end. I am already nervous and I am not sure I have enough red wine in my box! The 2nd quarter starts with SJSU running 5 plays and they score on an 18 yard pass play. SJSU is now up 17 - 6. No! This is not happening! Tech takes the kickoff as DJB runs 32 yards to the Tech 41 yard line. Tech runs 3 plays and RA comes in to punt. He nails it 55 yards and it is downed on the SJSU 14 yard line. SJSU runs 1 play as LL intercepts the ball and Tech has the ball on the 50 yard line. Tech runs 7 plays as Matt comes in for 32 yard FG and it is a fake. Matt acts like he is kicking and DG pitches the ball to ML for a TD. Are you kidding me? I was not expecting that. Matt comes in and connects on the PAT. SJSU leads 17 - 13. That was cool! Matt kicks another sky kick and SJSU calls a fai catch. Really! Why are we doing this?

SJSU starts on their 24 yard line and runs 8 plays as SJSU scores a TD on a 1 yard run. SJSU is now up 24 - 13. Tech takes the kickoff and starts their drive on the Tech 14 yard line. Tech runs 9 plays as CC hits QP on a 52 yard bomb. Matt connects on the PAT and SJSU is up 24 - 20. Let's do this. Matt kicks off and SJSU fumbles the ball as CN recovers the ball. Hoo Ya! Tech runs 5 plays as CC runs it in from 1 yard out. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is up 27 - 24. This is what I am talking about! Matt kicks off and the half comes to an end. Wow! Just wow! Red wine where are? I need you now! SJSU kicks off for the start of the 3rd quarter. Tech starts their drive on our 20 yard line. We run 12 plays as Matt Nelson comes in and drills a 29 yard FG. Tech is now up 30 - 24. Good job Nelly! Matt kicks another sky kick and SJSU returns if 37 yards to their 43 yard line. I will never understand why we do these things. SJSU runs 9 plays and runs it in from 4 yards out and is now up 31 - 30. SJSU kicks a sky kick and ML returns it to the Tech 44 yard line. The special teams coaches must have drank out of the same cup. Tech runs 5 plays as CC hits MW on a 33 yard bomb. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 37 - 31. Come on guys! Let's close this thing out! Matt kicks off and SJSU will start on their 29 yard line. SJSU runs 3 plays and scores on a 32 yard run play and takes the lead 38 - 37. Not good! SJSU kicks off and Tech will start on their 16 yard line. We run 3 plays and RA comes in to punt.

SJSU will start on their 29 yard line and runs 4 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at our 40 yard line and runs 2 plays as CC throws an interception. SJSU runs 7 plays and the 3rd quarter comes to an end. Oh my! This is going to get the best of me. The 4th quarter starts with SJSU running 3 plays as they score a TD. SJSU is now up 45 - 37. Tech takes the kickoff and will start on their 24 yard line and we run 8 plays as CC hits QP on a 10 yard pass play. CC stays in as they go for 2 points and the pass is incomplete. SJSU is up 45 - 43. Matt kicks off and SJSU will start their drive on their 37 yard line. SJSU runs 8 plays and scores on a 26 yard pass play and is now up 52 - 43. No, No, No! Tech takes the kickoff and and runs 8 plays as CC throws an interception. No! SJSU runs 6 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at our 23 yard line and runs 3 plays and CC throws another pick. SJSU runs 2 plays and the game is over. SJSU wins 52 - 43. What just happened? Why? This is not the same team that I am used to watching. What has changed? I just don't understand! I am going to go sit in the corner with a glass of red wine and try to figure this thing out. My dogs think I am crazy, but I don't care. Where did I go wrong? I know some of the blame has to go on me. I did not watch Matt's kicks and I did not have the right drawers on. I feel really bad for the guys. They deserve more and I know they gave it their all, but darn! How could we lose our last 2 games? It just does not seem right. Matt called right before they were getting on the bus. You could tell he was very upset with the loss.

He really did not want to talk and I understood. He said it hurts and it sucks! This team is too good for this loss. It will take a while for me to let this game go! He did tell me that they had to bus to Oakland because San Jose had a noise ordnance that went into affect at 11:00 PM so they could not fly out of there. They would have to fly out of Oakland instead. He said they should get back into Ruston around 9:00 AM. Flying back in from the west coast is not fun. Once they got back they had off until Thursday at 6:00 PM and they had to be back for a team meeting. Matt, RP, David and Ray were heading to Austin as soon as they got back in. They were going to stay at RP's dads house and Matt would get to spend some time with Tyler as well. I am still in shock! I would of never thought this would of happened. I know we are going to be playing in a bowl game, but I sure hated to end WAC play like this. I hope with the guys having a few days off that they can get their mind right when they return on Thursday. I will leave the San Jose State game alone. I don't know who we are playing next so I will wait for my next blog when the bowl game is in place. The upcoming week will be interesting as the championship games are played and we see how everything plays out. What a season it has been so far. I am exhausted! More red wine please!

I would like to give a special thanks to Mr. Tom Morris for the use of his photos and video in this blog. He is an amazing photographer. What a blast it is and we are so blessed to have the honor to watch Matt Nelson and this La Tech football team. I appreciate all of those who are following my journey. It is such a blast to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and this Bulldog team. I write for the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are at that time. 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!

Texas State - 11/10/12

I am not sure I have totally recovered from the UTSA game. I had mixed emotions going into the game and I think I am still mixed up. I pulled the ultimate no no in college football and that was leaving the stands before the game was over and taking my emotions and let them take me away from what was the most important thing and that was to be there to support Matt and the Bulldog football team. I am ashamed of myself and after several sleepless nights I have decided to turn my leaf from the back to the front. I am turning over a new leaf and I will be there for Matt and this team no matter what happens. I did not say the leaf thing would be pretty, but I had to do it. I will stand proud through thick and thin and we will do this together. I know I let Matt Nelson down along with my family and all of our friends.

I promise you will see a new CFD and I apologize to those who my actions affected. Wow! Can you believe we are 8 -1? This is fantastic and I am very proud of the fight, determination and the never give up attitude that this team has. It is now time for me to get my mind right for the want-a-be hill country Bobcats. Texas State is stuck right in the middle of Austin and San Antonio. Matt has kicked in Bobcat stadium before in a high school playoff game. They are one of the biggest party schools in the nation. My understanding is that some of the professors teach class during the keg parties and even help float the keg. That sounds like some great learning material as they earn their degree. :)

We have a lot of family and a lot of new family coming to the game. Since Matt and Kasie's announced engagement we have new family members who live in the San Antonio area who will be joining our tailgate. Matt and Tyler have several friends who have graduated from Texas State who will be joining us as well. I have not tailgated at Texas State before so this will be uncharted waters. It should be a blast. I spoke with Matt several times this week. After several film sessions with CT it looks like they have found a few tweaks that needed to be made. There were just a couple of things that Matt was doing different from the beginning of the season. When you kick as many PAT's and kickoffs that Matt has sometimes you need a tune-up.

Matt said the little adjustments made all the difference in the world. He has kicked the ball well with team and when charting with CT. He sounded pretty excited. He said the team is excited about the Texas State game and knows they have to take one game at a time. Nothing else matters except the game at hand. You take care of business and move on. They did work on some kicks down the middle, but for the most part they were still focused on the left corner. They worked on squib kicks and sky kicks along with a few on-sides kicks. He said you never know what schemes they will show us. Matt said he was pretty excited that Tyler (older brother) was going to bring some Torchy's Taco's for some of the guys at the hotel in Austin on Friday night.

We loaded the suburban and started our journey to San Marcos Friday morning. Janet's brother (Mike) had told us about this Chinese resturant that served awesome hamburgers in Waco that we needed to try. The place is called Kitok and it is a hole in the wall resturant in a rough looking part of town, but we went in anyway. We had the lip locker burger and oriental fries and I was very impressed. I am not saying it is the best burger I have ever had, but it was pretty darn good. We were actually staying in Schertz which is in between San Antonio and New Braunfels. Janet's parents were staying there as well. Once we hit Schertz we had to make a Spec's run to load up the ice chest with a few craft beers.

We unloaded at the hotel and met Janet's parents and then it was red/white wine time. After dinner at Garcia's it was time to wind down with some college football and get ready for Saturday. We all met for breakfast and then headed to my favorite HEB to grab some more groceries before we headed up to San Marcos. We had a meeting time of 10:45 in San Marcos so we could all caravan into the parking lot together. On the way up we stopped at Buc-ee's for Ice and $2.99 gas and we ran into Kasie, Heidi (Kasie's mom), Todd (Kasie's step dad) and Bodean (friend). We got to visit for a few minutes before heading to our meeting spot. Bodean was dressed in a full attire officials uniform. It was pretty cool.

We met at exit 206 off of I-35. Tyler was already there with a couple of his friends. Then Heidi's sister (Cindy & CJ) pulled up. Janet's brother (Mike & Melynda) were next and then it was Todd's mom & dad (Todd & Martha). It looks like all that were meeting for the caravan have arrived and it was time to head to the stadium. Were they had us park we were about a 5 to 10 minute walk to the stadium. The weather was great and it was time to setup. Once everything was setup and unloaded it was time to partake in an adult beverage. Everyone had brought snacks and goodies. We had drunk gummy bears, wings of many flavors, bacon wrapped smokies, Meggie's famous cheese ball, jalapeno cheddar summer sausage, desserts and many other things to nibble on.

We were cooking jambalaya (Ms. Toni's recipe) with the help of Bobby Cockrell in my new 4 gallon jambalaya pot. I was going in naked on this as I have never cooked in this pot nor have I cooked this much. I was game for it though. I am pretty sure we can pull this off. I did have to use a phone a friend card because the amount of liquids were the key to success. I called Bobby who tailgates next to us in Ruston and he was driving back to Shreveport from New Orleans. We talked about it for a bit and then he called one of his son's who was at home and he took a picture of his recipe with the liquid measurements on it a sent the photo to my phone. That was a life saver! Some of Tyler's friends (Ramsey, Dennis, Josh and Whitney) all showed up.

This was going to be awesome. It was a blast getting to visit with everyone and it looks like this family new and old can party with the best of them. I started the fire so we could get the pot hot. Martha was my sous chef and we started off by browning off the chicken, then the sausage and then the veggies. Once that was done we added the other ingredients and threw everything back in the pot with what I hope was the right amount of liquid for 4 pounds of rice. Once we got it to a rolling boil we added the rice. We need the rice to crack or we will have crunchy or mushy rice. Once the rice was added we brought it back to a rolling boil, turned the heat down and prayed that it was all going to work out. After a few more beers it was time to take a peek and I about fainted.

It looked pretty sweet. I tested the rice and it was just perfect. I guess if you follow instructions you can do something correct. The dinner bell wrung, the french bread is sliced and dinner was served. Based on the returns for additional bowls I took it that it must taste pretty good. We had a few more guests show up (Mike Mill's family,  Cade Glasgow and his dad, my sister (Cathy) and her family David & Barbara and Joe & Julie Trevino) and it was good to visit with them before we headed into the stadium. This is the first time that I had been back in the stadium since they made all of the upgrades with the suites and I was very impressed. Wow! La Tech has a lot of people here and the wind is blowing like crazy. Let's get this game started.

Matt kicks off and it is a touch back. Texas State runs 10 plays and scores a TD. Tech takes the ball on our 24 yard line and run 12 plays as CC hits RPS for a TD pass and Matt connects on the PAT. The score is tied 7 - 7. Matt kicks off and we have another touch back. Texas State runs 5 plays and connects on a 55 yard bomb and scores a TD. I am not liking this! Tech takes the ball on our 25 yard line and run 4 plays as RA comes in to punt. Texas State runs 3 plays and punts. Tech takes over at our 44 yard line and runs 9 plays as CC hits KD on a 14 yard pass for a TD. Matt connects on the PAT and we are tied 14 - 14. Matt kicks off to the goal line and Texas State runs it back for 65 yards to our 35 yard line. What just happened? Texas State runs 2 plays and the 1st quarter comes to an end.

Way too close! Texas State runs 2 plays and scores a TD. What are we doing? Tech takes the kick off at our 25 yard line and we run 10 plays as KD takes it in from 4 yards out and Matt connects on the PAT. The score is tied 21 - 21. Texas State starts from their 23 yard line and runs 3 plays and they have to punt. Tech takes the ball on our 45 yard line and runs 7 plays as KD takes it in from 1 yard out. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is up 28 - 21. Matt kicks off and Texas State starts from their 42 yard line and runs 4 plays and scores on a 47 yard pass play. The PAT is blocked. Tech takes the kick off and runs 10 plays as KD takes it in from 13 yards out for a TD. Matt comes in for the PAT and the snap is way to high to attempt a kick and Matt blocks as David runs.

The 2 point conversion is no good. I don't need this to happen. Matt kicks off and Texas State runs 6 plays and scores a TD. We are tied 34 - 34. This is not supposed to be happening. Tech takes the ball on our 25 yard line and we run 4 plays as CC hits DJB on a 49 yard bomb for a TD. Matt connects on the PAT. Matt kicks off and Texas State runs 3 plays and attempts a 56 yard FG and it is no good. The 1st half comes to an end with Tech up 41 - 34. That is a lot of 1st half points. I think we might need a new defensive scheme for the 2nd half. Tech takes the kickoff as we start on our 25 yard line and we run 14 plays as KD takes it in from 16 yards out for a TD. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is up 48 - 34. Now that is what I talking about.

Matt kicks off and Texas State runs 11 plays and fails on a 4th down attempt. Tech takes over on our 11 yard line as we run 5 plays and RA comes in to punt. Texas State starts at their 30 yard line and runs 4 plays and scores a TD. Tech is up 48 - 41. There is way too much time left for this to be happening. Tech takes the kick off and runs 3 plays and RA comes in to punt. Texas State runs 5 plays and the 3rd quarter comes to an end. Texas State starts the 4th quarter and runs 1 play and scores a TD. The game is now tied 48 - 48. We can not let the home team back in this game! Tech takes the kickoff and runs 6 plays as RH takes it in from 6 yards out and Matt Nelson connects on the PAT.

Tech is now up 55 - 48. Matt kicks off for another touch back and Texas State will start on their 25 yard line. Texas State runs 3 plays and has to punt. Tech runs 3 plays and RA has to punt. Texas State runs 3 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over on their 15 yard line and runs 11 plays as CC runs it in from 1 yard out. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 62 - 48. We are now at a combined 110 points. That is crazy! Matt kicks off for another touch back. Texas State runs 12 plays and scores a TD. Tech takes the kickoff and takes a knee on 3 plays and we escape 62 - 55. What a game for our offense, but we need to look at our defensive schemes. Our coaches did not watch film on Texas State prior to us playing them from the looks of the score.

I know a win is a win and that is what goes in the standings. If we keep letting teams run all over us we are going to have problems in future games. We made our way over to the buses and waited for Matt and the team to come out. I gave Matt a hug and told him I was very proud of him. He gave his mom a game ball. Matt just broke Josh Scobee's all time scoring record for kickers at La Tech. Josh's record was 339 points and Matt finished the night off with 8 points in the game and 342 career points. He needs 3 points in the Utah State game to become La Tech's all time leading scorer. Who would of ever thought that would of happened! He had lots of necks to hug as we had over 40 people there to watch the game. We got to talk to RH and VC. They are great guys! I talked to Matt about the failed 2 point conversion and he said he never could of kicked it so he just tried to find someone to block. He said it should go in the stats as a failed 2 point conversion and not a missed PAT since he never attempted a kick. I told him that as stupid as the WAC officials are that you will probably get a missed PAT. He said the wind was blowing so many different directions.

It was very tough to kick out there. He said the student section talked a lot of smack as he kicked that direction. We had a text from Kasie and it looks like our tailgate spot was missing many items. We told Matt goodbye as he had to get on the bus and made our way over to the tailgate spot. As we were walking back we stopped at the porta potty and sitting there on the ground was a nice crisp $100 bill. We inspected it a little closer and sure enough it was real. It was my lucky day! Once we got to the tailgate spot we noticed how many things we were missing. My entire ice chest with beer was missing. Janet's dad's ice chest was missing along with a couple of chairs. Kasie's mom was missing their reclining chairs and the ice chest that was in their truck had everything taken along with several 1/2 gallons of booze.

This is just crazy! I am so used to leaving stuff out in Ruston that I do not even think twice about putting stuff up when we tailgate at other stadiums. It looks like someone drove by with a truck and just loaded up. It is very sad that these things happen, but what are you going to do except smile and look forward to tomorrow. We loaded up the rest of our items and visited with Tyler for a bit before we headed back to the hotel. I was in need of a glass of red wine and I needed to go back through the game in my head. We met Janet's mom for breakfast and then loaded up and headed back to Austin. What a weekend with family and friends and what a game. Yes, it is another W! A tough W, but a W.

I just want to take a moment and thank everyone who came to the game to support this Bulldog team and the awesome support of Matt. Words can not express our gratitude. We are so blessed with amazing family, amazing new family and amazing friends. Thank You! I am so glad that Tyler got to go to the game and that we got to hang out together. It was amazing! I am very proud of this football team and this amazing journey they are taking me. Next week we play Utah State. They are the Blue Aggies from another mother. This will be our 3rd Aggie team to play us this year. That has to be some kind of record. They are a very good football team and we are going to have our hands full with their QB if he runs a lot. It will also be Senior Day. This is a day that will be filled with emotions for sure.

I am not sure I really want this day to come, but these seniors and Matt deserve everything that they have done. It is an amazing group of young men who I will never forget. I am not sure what I am going to do when I know Matt has kicked his last kick at Joe Aillet stadium. I guess I will just have to wait until that moment. I have a good friend of mine Jeremy Lee and his wife coming to the game from Dothan and look forward to spending some time with them. My parents will be coming back in from Florida as well. I will leave the Texas State game alone. I promise that I will not let my emotions get the best of me and I will enjoy this amazing journey. Matt you rock my world! No let's go kick some Blue Aggie rear end! What a blast it is and we are so blessed to have the honor to watch Matt Nelson and this La Tech football 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!

New Mexico State - 10/27/12

Where do I begin? Our train is still steaming down the tracks at full speed. My mind is going crazy replaying these 70 points we put up on the Potato Heads. How do you do that? It was such an awesome game and I am so proud of this team. These guys believe in each other and they believe in this coaching staff. I am super pumped to see where this team is going to take me next. I look forward to the journey and thank you for the trail that you have made. Great win against Idaho guys. It is time to move on to the Maroon Aggies from another mother. I am not sure how many Aggie schools there are in division 1 football, but we have 3 of them on the schedule this year. I wonder how many teams get so lucky. If you are an Aggie you are subject to stupid Aggie jokes right? This is one of my favorites. Q: Why did the Aggies run out of ice on the sidelines? A: The trainer lost the recipe. HaHa! That is pretty stupid funny! The last part of their fight song still cracks me up. We'll win this game or we will know the reason why! And when we win this game we'll buy a keg of booze, and we'll drink it to the Aggies 'till we wobble in our shoes. I guess you will know the reason why and that will be a beat down by the baddest dawgs in the land. :) I spoke with Matt several times during the week. Practices have gone well and he was kicking the ball well. Because he is kicking the ball so many times during the game they were going to limit the amount of kicks he took during the week. My leg would of already fallen off. He said the team was very focused on their game plan for New Mexico State. The team and special team meetings have been full of energy. We are still going to try and pin the tail on the donkey in the left corner on kickoffs. He said they have a couple of different on-sides they practiced during the week. He said the guys at the house (MN, RH, RA & RPS) all got pumpkins and they had a carving party. Some of them were pretty good. Matt carved the Tech logo in his. I am not sure how he did that as he has a hard time with knifes especially when he is eating. :) I really hate the day of a game that I am not going to attend. It seams to drag on forever. Janet's mom & dad came up from Spring on Friday night and they were going to stay with us over the weekend. Bob's (Janet's dad) sister Betty Sue is turning 80 on Halloween and we were going to a early birthday celebration at Janet's cousins (Kim & Nick) house. They served some awesome barbecue from Red Hot & Blue and their potato salad was to die for. Happy Birthday Betty Sue! We watched a little football and then it was time to head to the house so I could get ready for the game. I have to prepare myself for these watching parties. I am normally a mess as I wait for game time to start. Janet's aunt & uncle (David & Barbara) were coming over as well to watch the game. We signed up for ESPN Game Plan for the day. I am not sure how I am going to watch the game as Janet and I normally sit in different rooms when we watch the game. I am always about trying new things so this should be interesting. It is almost game time and my red wine is in my hand. Here we go! Let's get this party started. Matt kicks off to the goal lie and NMS brings it out to their 32 yard line. NMS runs 3 plays and punts. Tech takes over at their 28 yard line and runs 12 plays and Matt comes in to kick a 40 yard FG. I head to the next room and wait for a it's good and I get a high snap and it is no good. What is going on? This is not supposed to happen. More red wine please. NMS takes over and runs 3 plays and has to punt again.

Tech takes over at the NMS 50 yard line and runs 10 plays as KD runs it in from 2 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT. Tech is up 7 - 0. Let's bring it guys! Matt kicks off and we stop NMS at their 23 yard line. NMS runs 5 plays and they have to punt. Tech starts at their 13 yard line and we run 3 plays as RA comes in to punt. Did he come in to punt or what? He just bombed it 85 yards. I don't think I have ever seen a punt that long. Heck of a punt RA. NMS starts from their 2 yard line and runs 6 plays as the 1st quarter comes to an end. NMS starts the 2nd quarter 2 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at their 20 yard line and we run 16 plays and Matt comes in to kick a 23 yard FG. I moved to a different room and waited for the all clear sign and I get a nope. It is no good. What in the world is going on? This is not Matt! I think I am going to puke. I get my glass of red wine and I head to the patio. Wow! NMS takes over at their 20 yard line and runs 5 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at their 25 yard line and runs 7 plays and Matt comes in to kick a 37 yard FG. I stayed on the patio and listened and I got a no good. I am going to cry and puke! Something has to be going on. This is crazy! What am I doing wrong? I have already changed clothes twice since the game has started, but whatever I am doing is not working. I feel so bad for Matt as he has had an awesome season going on so far. It is time for a new streak. CFD get your head back into the game. No one wants to listen to your "What is going on BS". NMS takes over at their 20 yard line and runs 5 plays and has to punt. Tech takes the ball on their 4 yard line and we run 4 plays and RA comes in to punt. NMS starts on their 8 yard line and runs 1 play as the 1st half comes to an end. Tech is up 7 - 0. I don't know what to do! Where is this high powered offense? Our FG team is killing me! Our defense is doing what they are supposed to. Why is this happening to me? Ome on drawers, don't fail me now! My box of red wine and I need to have some deep conversations! The 3rd quarter starts and Tech starts on their 24 yard line and runs 3 plays and RA comes in to punt. This is not what I wanted to see. NMS starts on their 34 yard line and runs 6 plays and fumbles as VC recovers the ball at our 43 yard line. That is what I am talking about. Tech runs 5 plays and CC hits MW on a 44 yard bomb and Tech scores a TD. Matt comes in and connects with the PAT. Game on! Matt kicks off and we stop NMS at their 29 yard line. NMS runs 6 plays and fumbles the ball and it is recovered by AT at our 37 yard line. Keep it up guys! Tech run 3 plays and RA comes in to punt. NMS starts at their 28 yard line and runs 1 play as CB intercepts the ball. Now we have to do something with this turnover. Tech starts this drive at the NMS 28 yard line and we run 5 plays as CC runs it in from 2 yards out and we have another TD. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is up 21 - 0. Let's go guys! Let's take this thing to the house! Matt kicks off and Tech stops NMS at their 25 yard line. NMS runs 5 plays and has to punt. Tech take over at their 14 yard line and we run 9 plays as the 3rd quarter comes to an end. The 4th quarter starts off with Tech running 5 plays as we go for it on 4th and goal and come up short. NMS takes over at their 1 yard line and runs 8 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at their 17 yard line and runs 1 play as RH takes it 83 yards for a TD. Way to go Ray! Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 28 - 0. Woo Hoo! Matt kicks off and we stop NMS at their 41 yard line. Something has to be going on with the kick coverage team. Something is just not right. NMS runs 5 plays and scores a TD on a 19 yard pass play. Tech is up 28 - 7. Tech takes the kickoff and this drive will start at our 25 yard line. Tech runs 6 plays and RA comes in to punt. NMS starts at their 20 yard line and runs 4 plays scores a TD on a 67 yard bomb. Tech is now up 28 - 14. Come on guys! Don't let this happen! Tech takes the kickoff and runs 2 plays as time disappears and Tech wins 28 - 14. I am exhausted and mentally drained. A win is a win, but this one was not very pretty. Is there a such thing as an ugly win? I think I just witnessed the Perfect Storm and it just happened in Las Cruces! My stomach hurts and I feel like I let Matt down by not doing something right. What am I going to say to him when I talk to him? Will he even call after the game? How is he dealing with this? Before I know it the phone rings and it is Matt. Janet answers and they talk about the game. I had to step out on the patio and readjust my thought process. Janet handed me the phone after he asked her if I was too embarrassed to talk to him. I told him I was not embarrassed at all. Sometimes stuff just happens.

He started off the conversation with "that was not a good day at the office". He said he had no chance at the 1st FG. The 2nd FG he felt like it went off of his toe and faded right. The 3rd FG he thought was right over the right upright and he thought it was good and the referee said no good. He would have to watch film after church and break everything down with CT. He said he was thankful for the win and I will go back to Ruston and start getting ready for UTSA. I will start a new streak and I will get better. I told him I was very proud of him and thanks for keeping me grounded and upright. We said our goodbyes and the team headed back to Ruston. Matt is as strong mentally as they come. I know he is not happy with his performance and he feels like he let his teammates and fans down, but things happen for a reason and you learn from them and you move forward. I did not sleep very well! I kept reliving the nope and the no good. It is over CFD! You can not play the game again! Leave it alone! Sunday afternoon Matt called after he and CT watched film. As he told me Saturday night the 1st one he had no chance. He did hit the 2nd one off of his toe and the 3rd one he hit well. It was just not where he needed it to go. They looked at his steps and form and nothing looked out of whack. CT told Matt they were still going to limit his kicks with the team. They would spend more time after practice on the real field with JC and DG working on the snap and hold. Matt said that Marty Kent (Tech kicker 94-97), Kevin Goessling (Prior Fresno State kicker) and Josh Scobee all reached out to him. He said Josh told him to keep his head high and he was too good of a kicker to let something like this get you down. He told Matt his Sr year that he missed 2 FG's against Texas El Paso and then he missed 3 FG's against Hawaii the week after. It just happens. He said he was only 21 for 31 his Sr. season. He also told Matt that he set a new franchise record for Jacksonville with 20 consecutive FG's on Sunday, but he did kick a kickoff out of bounds and during the press conference all they wanted to talk about was his kick out of bounds. Go figure! I thought it was cool that they all reached out to Matt. That was awesome! UTSA is up next! I lived in San Antonio for 6 years and I am familiar with the school, but not the football program. They had just started the football program as we were moving to North Dallas. Larry Cooker is their coach and they are called the Roadrunners. Their mascot is named Rowdy the Roadrunner. They have been called the Roadrunners since 1977 when the students voted on the two mascot contenders. It was between the Roadrunners and the Armadillos. Can you imagine having road kill as your mascot. I can't wait for Saturday to get here. We have lot's of family coming to the UTSA game. My aunt Donna and my cousin Heather with her family (Rob, Mackenzie & Mikaela) are all coming up from Florida. My sister Cathy and her family (Wes, Parker & Peyton) are coming up from Houston and as always my parents John & Carol, Janet's parents Bob & Margaret along with Janet's aunt & uncle David and Barbara will all be in attendance. Thanks to all of you for your support for Matt and this awesome football team. I will leave New Mexico State alone. It was a win, but a very tough win and game for me. This will be a super tough week for me mentally. Matt Nelson is strong and he will only get better. I love you man! Now go kick some Roadrunner's rear end. A special thanks to Tom Morris for the use of the photo and video in this blog. What a blast it is and we are so blessed to have the honor to watch Matt Nelson and the La Tech football 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 football 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!

Idaho - 10-20-12

I am still recovering from this war that we just fought. I know Matt takes one game and one kick at a time and that is what his focus is, but on this one I can't. I can not let it go. I know I should be thinking about Idaho now, but this track meet is still running around in my head. We came so close and the recovered on-sides kick got us right where we needed to be. CC's pass to RH was just perfect and the 50/50 2 point play just did not go our way. CFD let this thing go! I need to get this "Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda" out of my thought process. Go get your Mr. Potato Head out, sit on the floor and get your mind right for the Spuds.

I am still damn proud of this never quit and never give up team. I need to uncover some dirt on these potato head people. What is a Vandal? They say don't use your dictionary to find Idaho's definition of a Vandal. No, Idaho's student-athletes go by a name earned nearly a century ago by a basketball team coached by Hec Edmundson, whose teams played defense with such intensity and ferocity that sports writers said they "vandalized"  their opponents. Really? That can not be the real reason they are called Vandals. I guess that is what can happen when you live in Moscow. We are the ones who are going to cause damage and destruction.

The potato heads will feel vandalized when we get finished with them. That nickname needs to go back in the ground and grow some more. I talked to Matt a couple of times during the week. He said he felt good and his nasal pressure was starting to calm down. He said he was kicking the ball well and was trying to limit his amount of kicks during the week so he can continue to stay fresh during the game. They continued to work on the left corner for kickoffs and he played around with some new on-sides kicks. I asked Matt if they were truly focused on Idaho and he said that is all they are focused on. He said the coaches do a great job keeping them focused on the game at hand and nothing else.

He said the practices have been intense but very focused. We made our way to Ruston late Friday afternoon. We met my parents at the hotel and then headed to Matt's to gather all of the tailgate stuff and then headed to our tailgate spot. After all of the tents and tables were set up it was time to kick back and enjoy a few adult beverages. I am ready for this team to move me forward to another victory. After some grub at WOW and a nice bottle of red wine we called it a evening. We made our way to the stadium around 8:30 so we could get everything setup for an awesome day of tailgating and watching these Bulldogs take care of business.

After everything was setup it was now time for the Bloody Mary bar to open up and I was ready. On our menu today was a baked potato bar, chopped beef stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon, Earl Campbell Hot Links and chicken & poblano peppers with queso sausages. The potatoes were on the grill and the family and friends have arrived. What an awesome day! Bobby had made it in and his tailgate tents were set up. He was making Red Beans & Rice in this awesome Jambalaya pot ( I want one) and Bradly & Bryan were doing ribs and crayfish bread. The food is cooked and the adult beverages are flowing.

I don't know what it is, but after cooking I am never hungry  I am always thirsty though. I did get to sample Bobby's red beans & rice and it was to die for. Then Bryan brought over some crawfish bread and it was amazing. After all of that Bradly brought over some ribs and some more of this awesome crawfish bread. Man was it good! We really do have great tailgate neighbors. Is it game time yet? We see the band make their way down to tailgate alley and we know the team is close to arriving. We see the buses and make or way over to watch the team make their way to the field.

We see Matt and I give Matt a big bear hug and told him to go have fun. After a few more adult beverages we make our way over to the stadium. It's game time so let's get this part started. Matt kicks off and Idaho fumbles and Tech recovers the ball at the 1 yard line. Are you kidding me? KD takes the hand off and takes it in from 1 yard out. Matt connects on the PAT and just like that Tech is up 7 - 0. Matt kicks off and we stop Idaho at their 12 yard line. Idaho runs 3 plays and has to punt. Tech takes over at their 34 and runs 5 plays as KN runs it in from 2 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT. Matt kicks off we stop Idaho at the 26 yard line.

Idaho runs 2 plays and scores on a 58 yard pass play. Tech takes the kickoff and runs 9 plays as RH takes it in from 5 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 21 - 7. Matt kicks off and Idaho takes it to the house for a 92 yard touchdown. What just happened? Tech takes the kickoff and starts at their 25 yard line.Tech runs 5 plays as KD runs it in from 1 yard out. Matt connects on the PAT and just like that Tech is up 28 - 14. Matt kicks off and hold Idaho to their 14 yard line. Idaho runs 5 plays and has to punt. Tech starts at their 15 and runs 10 playes as CC hits QP for a 20 TD pass. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 35 -14.

Matt kicks off and Idaho runs 2 plays as the 1 st quarter comes to an end. Wow! I am out of breath and we have 3 quarters left. The 2nd quarter starts as Idaho runs 1 play and has to punt. Tech starts at their 26 yard line and runs 5 plays as CC hits MW for a 36 yard TD. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 42 - 14. Holy Cow! Matt kicks off and we have a touch back. Idaho runs 3 plays and has to punt. Tech starts at their 45 yard line runs 6 plays as KD takes it in form 7 yards out. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 49 - 14. I am exhausted! Matt kicks off and Idaho starts this drive on their 23 yard line.

Idaho runs 7 plays and Tech stops them on their 4th down and 21 yard attempt. Tech takes over at their 21 yard line and runs 8 plays as RH fumbles and Idaho runs it back 84 yards before the ball is knocked out by QP at the 1 yard line. Idaho runs 1 play and scores a TD. Tech is now up 49 - 21. Tech takes the kick off and this drive starts at their 39 yard line and runs 3 plays as KD takes it in from 2 yards out for a TD. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 56 - 21. Matt kicks off and Idaho starts on their 18 yard line. Idaho runs 2 plays and LL intercepts the ball. Tech runs 4 plays and Matt Nelson comes in to kick a 43 yard FG and it is no good.

I am not sure what happened. Janet said it looked like it barely missed left. Idaho takes over and runs 1 play as the half come to an end. Tech is up 56 - 21. This is just incredible! Where is this team going to take us next. How do you score 56 points in one half? Tech starts the 3rd quarter with the ball and runs 10 plays and does not convert on a 4th down play. Idaho takes over at their 27 yard line and runs 9 plays and they fail at their 4th down attempt. Tech takes over at their 20 yard line and runs 5 plays as KD runs it in from 20 yards out and score a TD.

Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 63 - 21. Score more points! Matt kicks off and Idaho will start at their 21 yard line. Idaho runs 4 plays and fumbles the ball as Tech recovers the ball. Tech starts at the Idaho 44 yard line and runs 7 plays as ZG runs it in from 3 yards out for a TD. Matt connects on the PAT and Tech is now up 70 - 21. Wow! This is a lot of points. Matt kicks off and Idaho will start at their 23 yard line. Idaho runs 3 plays and punts, Tech runs 3 plays and fumbles and Idaho runs 2 plays and Tech intercepts as the 3rd quarter comes to an end. I am in need of some oxygen!

Idaho scores a TD in the 4th quarter as we exchange possessions the rest of the 4th quarter as Tech wins 70 -28. What a game! That is a ton of points! This offense is amazing! This team is amazing! KD is a beast! RH is a beast! CC is a machine! RA is a weapon! MN is amazing! What else can I say? We made our way to the field house to see Matt. We got to talk to RA and VC before Matt came out. Matt had several family members and friends there so it took him a while give each person a hug and thank them for coming to the game. I got a hug and asked a couple of questions like I was some reporter. I need to refrain from those questions and wait until later but sometimes I can not hold back.

He said his leg still felt good but he knew later in the night he would be sore. An ice bath on Sunday would cure any soreness and put him back on the road to recovery. I asked him about his missed FG and he said he hit the ball well. It went a couple of feet left of the left upright. He would have to wait to watch film on Sunday, but if he had to guess is that his plant foot was probably straight at the left upright instead of being pointed more towards the center of the upright. We made our way back over to the tailgate spot. Earlier in the day we met a young man who plays soccer and wants to be a kicker and he wanted to meet Matt. We told him and his family that Matt would be with us after the game and their son could meet Matt.

He was waiting for us when we got there and Matt introduced himself to him and they talked soccer and football for a little bit and then Matt held the ball for him as he kicked some balls in the parking lot. It was really pretty cool to see and Matt loves to help these kids in anyway he can. I was very proud of Matt. We picked up a few things and then headed to Chili's for a late night dinner. I sure wish Ruston had more of a late night restaurant choice. It seems like everyone closes right after the game. After dinner we headed back to the hotel. It had been a long exciting day and this kid was tired. My parents were heading back to Florida early and we were going to meet Matt at the tailgate spot at 9:30 for take down and then store it back at Matt's house.

We say our goodbyes and head back to North Dallas. My reflections of the game are awesome. I am just on the ride and I am waiting to see where this team takes me next. They play hard until the bitter end and they execute when they are called upon. I am very proud of each and everyone of them. I will leave the potato head game here. It is time for me to get my mind right for the maroon Aggies of another mother. New Mexico State in Las Cruses is up next. I am not sure how many point we will score, but I do like our chances of coming away with another Tech victory. I always think their fight song is hilarious. Their fight song goes like this: Aggies, Oh Aggies! The hills send back the cry, we're here to do or die! Aggies, Oh Aggies! We'll win this game or know the reasons why! And when we win this game, we'll buy a keg of booze, and we'll drink it to the Aggies till we wobble in our shoes! I have a feeling that you will know the reason why!

That is an awesome fight song. A special thanks to Donny Crowe, Louisiana Tech University and Tom Morris for the use of some of the photos used in this blog. What a blast it is and we are so blessed to have the honor to watch Matt Nelson and this La Tech 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 football 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!