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!

Let's Get This Party Started! 8/28/12

The smell of college football is in the air. Why did you take so long to get here? I am looking forward to the season starting, but I know in the end I will not want it to be over. As Matt starts his senior season my emotions will be out of whack, but the good thing is that I am fully stocked with plenty of drawers for the season. Let's get this party started! Camp is over and game week has begun so I thought. Due to Hurricane Issac our game against Texas A&M has been moved to October 13th. Really? WTH? This is not even going to be close to what I went through at the Southern Miss game last year. I understand the safety of the fans and the players, but come on man. Outdoor sports are meant to be played in the elements. The only way I am going to be happy about this decision is if we can somehow get this game played in Ruston.

Matt went into camp this year in awesome condition. His off season and summer workouts have been very precise and structured thanks to Damon Harrington. Matt has told me all along that you don't go into camp looking to get in shape. You go into camp in your very best shape. That is why we work so hard in the off season. He has limited his kicks during camp so he can keep his leg fresh for the season. Matt said that this team is going to do things very special this year. The team chemistry is right where it needs to be. He roomed with Ryan Allen again this year at camp.

Matt said this special teams unit is very talented. I feel like we are going to do great things on the field this season. We will be ready when called upon. Matt said the practices and scrimmages have been intense yet the team is very focused on their goals. One of the biggest obstacles I see is the timing and chemistry with the deep snapper and the holder. This will be Matt's 4th holder at La Tech and the trust and bond has to be spot on. Josh, David & Matt have worked very hard over the summer and during camp to get everything down pat. Most of the summer (1 to 2 days a week) they were on the field at 6:00 AM working on their timing. All of this was done on their own to try to get better. Matt told me that things are really starting to click and he can not wait for the opening kickoff.

He has really been kicking the ball well with good pop off of the ball. When Matt helped Matt Stover with his kicking camp over the summer he got to spend a little time with Matt and they worked on a few things and it has really helped with keeping his shoulders in the right alignment. I am really excited for this team and the first game can not get here soon enough. Janet and I along with other family members made our way over to Ruston in the middle of August. Matt & Kasie graduated on August 16th and what a special moment this was for us. Watching these 2 young adults achieve what they have is truly a blessing. Kasie graduated with a degree in Biology and Matt graduated with his finance degree in 3 years. He is currently working on his MBA.

I am not sure how you do this and play football along with his community service participation. It is just awesome. It was so cool to watch Matt walk across the stage to get his diploma and honor his friend TD22 with his pin on his gown. It truly brought tears to my eyes. After graduation was over we got to hang out with Kasie's family for a bit and take pictures of the 2 graduates. There was not a whole lot of time to celebrate as Matt had practice that evening. Once practice was over we would go grab something to eat.

In between meetings and walk thru on Friday we got to spend a little time with Matt. Janet and I were excited about getting to watch practice. With the team still in an open practice we got to get pretty close to the field as in on the sideline. It was so cool to get to listen to the coaches as they ran through all of the different plays. When theses guys hit they hit. I never played football myself but if I got hit like that I am sure I would not get back up. There were a few fights during the scrimmage and that is just going to happen as emotions were running very high.

As practice was coming to an end they were sending balls through the jugs machine for the punt returners to catch and return. What I did not understand was that they were practicing on a field with no light and it was pretty dark. I guess it is a way to focus on catching the ball even in no light conditions. Practice was over and Matt had to go check in at the cafeteria and then it was off to WOW for some wings with Josh, Janet, Matt & Kasie. Matt showed me his schedule for Saturday and I was amazed how little time they do have in a day. Saturday morning we headed to Shreveport to meet Janet's parents and give a little money to the casino. Saturday afternoon we headed to Independence Stadium to watch practice and then visit with the players at the meet & greet.

Practice was cut short as there was lightening in the area. They had the meet & greet setup with name plates for the players and it made it easy as we went through the line. I had a few things to get signed and was a total blast talking to the players and coaches. Every player I spoke with was very gracious and thanked us for being there. It was really awesome. We told Matt goodbye and headed back to the casino. What an awesome few days it was. I always feel comfortable in Ruston. Now it is time to get my game face on as the opening kickoff is staring me in the face. NOT! Now I have to wait until the U of H game on September 8th. I am not happy, but what are you going to do. It is what it is! On a side note Matt informed us this week that he is La Tech's National Collegiate Scholar Athlete nominee for 2012. Are you kidding me? What an awesome honor just to be a nominee! If selected to the final 16 he would be awarded 18K in scholarship money to apply to his MBA classes. That would be sweet and I am very proud of his dedication to football, school and his community. Quin Harris was a finalist in 2008. Matt you rock man! Some of the photos in my blog were taken by Mr. Tom Morris and I appreciate him letting me use them. He does an awesome job with his photography.

I can't wait to share my thoughts with everyone this season. I appreciate those who are following my journey. It is such a blast and an honor to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and the Bulldog team. I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are at that moment 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!

Reflections & The Golden Ticket 2/9/12

I sit here and wonder what it is going to be like without football. The bowl games are over and the Super Bowl just passed me by. The Spring game is too far away and I don't want to even thing about how far away the start of the 2012 season is. I think I would like to be a bear right now. I can go into hibernation and wake up and football is here again! That would be sweet! 2011 was such an awesome season. I would of never in my wildest dreams imagined our season would of finished like it did. I have so many great memories from the Spring game to the final whistle. My reflections of the season will start with the Southern Miss game. I guess water was the word of the day! Since this game was a 9:00 CST start, I thought for sure the rain would give us a break before kickoff. I was wrong as we got hammered with around 10" of rain. I got to do two firsts at the opening game of the season. I had to make a trip to Walmart and buy new drawers since I did not pack any. Hanging loose was not on my agenda and tailgate in our hotel room.

When we arrived at the stadium and saw the field I had to look twice. It looked like there was a lake on the field. How are they going to play this game? I watched Matt take warm ups and they had him kicking out of large bodies of water. It looked like an explosion shot out of a sand trap. This is going to be interesting! The game started on time with multiple ponds all over the field. I will call this game the game of missed opportunities. We get the ball on their 14 yard line and go for it on 4th and 1 instead of taking the 3 points. You guessed it, Southern Miss takes possession of the ball. Then with 3 minutes left in the first half, 4th and 18 on their 34 yard line we decide with 7 seconds left on the play clock to send in the FG team. You can't do that with 7 seconds. We get slapped with a delay of game penalty and the punting team comes on. We played a great game overall, but with the final score Southern Miss 19 to 17 we left too many missed opportunities on the field.

I still believe you have to take points when they are there to be taken. In this game they could of changed th outcome of the game. One cool memory for me was watching Matt come out during half and nail 2 FG's from 51 and 56 yards each. This is where the FG would of been before the penalty and after. You can not tell me Matt is not focused and mentally tough. Our first home game was against Central Arkansas. This meant family and the first tailgate of the season. I got a new flat top griddle during the off season and breakfast and lunch would be cooked the old school way. This game was a game of wild plays, long bombs and two defenses who did not want to be on the field. I got to witness my first OT game and La Tech wins 48 to 42. It was not supposed to happen this way, but a win is a win! Our defense made an incredible block of their FG attempt in OT. This opened up the door for us to take it either way. Our next game was against U of H. We had lots of family come in for this game. I was looking forward to this game the most.

A top 25 team coming to Ruston was where it was at. Fajitas were on the grill and game time was here. We pulled all stops out in the first 3 quarters with a fake FD that led to a TD and Matt connecting on a 47 yard FG into the wind. Tech goes into the 4th quarter with a 34 - 14 lead. Then the circus brought in a roller coaster and we go from the top to the bottom as CK leads U of H to 21 unanswered points and defeats Tech 35 - 34. Oh the highs and lows are very painful. Onward to Cow Bell University we go. Mississippi State was our next opponent. Anytime you plat an SEC team it is going to be a tough game. We go back in forth in this game. The offensive play calling is suspect towards the end of the game. We go to our 2nd OT game of the season and the Cow Bells win 26 - 20. Matt connects on FG's of 43 and 28 yards. Another game of missed opportunities. Looking back at our season after 4 games we could really be 4 - 0 instead of 1 - 3. The Hula girls come to town next.

The team will be sporting their red uniforms. This game got ugly early with each team having a PAT blocked and then the 22 minute referee fiasco that completely changed the game. Tech was never in this game as the skirts win easily 44 - 26. Next we head to the potato state to take on the Vandals. My brother made his way over from Portland to attended the game. Tech dominated the game with a strong defense and an incredible punting exhibition. Matt connected on another FG as Tech wins 24 - 11. This was an awesome road win and we really needed it. We travel to take on the Blue Aggies next. I had to follow the game on game tracker as I was traveling back to Dallas from New Orleans. Tech was up 7 - 0 when I boarded the plane and when I landed we were down 14 - 17. As I made my way from the airport to the house, Tech scored a TD and a FG and held on to beat Utah State 24 - 17. Wow! 2 wins in a row and 2 wins back to back on the road.

San Jose State comes to Ruston next. The excitement is in the air with the possibility of winning 3 straight games. Frito pies and chili dogs were on the tailgate menu for this cool crisp day. Tech started out slow, but came on strong to close the first half out at 24 - 14. Each team scored 2 TD's in the 2nd half and Tech wins it's 3rd straight WAC game and is in good position to challenge for the WAC title. Matt had another FG in this game. Off to the west coast we go to take on the fake Bulldogs for Fresno. Fresno is a tough place to win at. Tech starts off early and often as Tech goes into half up 34 -7. I think I was pretty numb at that point as normal teams don't do this to Fresno State. We gave up a couple of late TD's and roll on to victory 41 - 21. That is 4 straight wins and 3 straight road wins. Matt made 3 FG's during the game. Next up we travel to Oxford for an out of conference game against Ole Miss. We had about 20 people going to the game. We got to test drive some BBQ in Memphis and tailgate in the Grove. It was a chilly and very windy day.

No matter who they are, all SEC teams are tough especially at home. With a TD and couple of missed FG's by both teams Matt comes in with no time on the clock and nails a 43 yard FG into the same nasty wind to send Tech into the half with a 10 - 7 lead. Can I say it was a major momentum shift? Tech scores 2 more TD's and Matt connects on another FG into the same crazy wind and Tech wins 27 -7. At this point I am thinking we have something very special going on and I know we still have more football to go. Can you believe that is 5 wins in a row and 4 on the road. We have also become bowl eligible. Oh My! Off we go to Reno to tackle the Wolf Pack. Nevada is always tough to play at home. Nevada scores first and goes into half up 7 - 0. We exchange a couple of FG's as Matt connects from 29 yards out. Nevada scores another TD and FG and goes into the 4th quarter up 20 - 3. Midway through the 4th quarter Tech runs off 3 straight TD's and with 51 seconds left we are up on Nevada 24 - 21.

The defense holds strong and Tech wins 24 - 21 and a possible share of the WAC Championship. This is pretty exciting as we have now won 6 straight games and 5 straight on the road. New Mexico State is next on our schedule. A lot of family and friends would be in town as we celebrate Thanksgiving. Gumbo was the tailgate food for this game. We started cooking early as we knew the wind and rain would hit just a little after noon. Mother Nature did not fail us as she was right on time. With a constant down pour the Tech offense exploded for a 23 - 0 halftime lead. You sort of had this feeling that good things were getting ready to happen. Matt made a 33 yard FG in the first half. The second half was no different as we blew out New Mexico State with a 44 - 0 win. With a Nevada loss to Utah State that made us the outright WAC Champion and on top of that the Poinsettia Bowl selected us to play in their bowl in San Diego. I told you we got the GOLDEN TICKET!

Can you believe this? Being on the field in the rain celebrating with Matt and all of the players, family and fans is something I will never forget. Watching Matt hold the WAC Championship trophy and that big smile brought tears to my eyes. When you work hard and believe, you can accomplish anything you want! What an awesome season and it was so special to spend it with all of our family and friends! Matt Nelson you Rock! San Diego here we come! We made our plans for San Diego and we are ready to go. The team would arrive San Diego on Saturday, December 17th, Janet & I, John & Carol (mom & dad), Meggie & Papaw (Janet's mom & dad), Cathy, Wes, Parker & Peyton (my sister and her family) and David & Barbara (Janet's aunt & uncle) all made our way to San Diego on December 18th. The game was on December 21st so we would have plenty of time to visit with Matt and explore San Diego. We all arrived around the same time. We were staying at the team hotel which was very close to the airport.

Before we went to the hotel we found a Trader Joe's and loaded up with snacks and adult beverages. Their 2 Buck Chuck is pretty good stuff. One of the other things we found were these Kettle Corn cookies. If I did not have to share them I would have eaten the whole bag. Darn those things were good. Matt had practice today and then the team went to the zoo. After he returned from the zoo we were already at the hotel. He was sporting his new warm ups and his new Nike shoes. He said they got other shirts, sweat shirt, a watch, a gift card to Best Buy and they get to keep their jersey. I thought that was pretty sweet. He said he was going to use his gift card to buy a Keurig single cup coffee maker and a Kindle Fire. What a great reward for an awesome season. Matt had free time from 4:30PM to 1:00AM so a few of us went to the hospital to visit with Vince Cano and see how he was doing. His gall bladder had flared up and he had surgery earlier that day. I think Vince was pretty excited that Matt came to visit and check on his good buddy. We visited with Vince for about an hour and then headed out to get something to eat.

We were looking for a diner and we found one called Brian's. Once we got seated and got our menu we soon discovered that we were in a very friendly diner. We decided to wing it and the food was actually pretty good. The entertainment was not so good! We made our way back to the hotel and visited with Matt before it was lights out for me. It was awesome getting to spend a little time with Matt during this awesome event.  Monday we went to watch practice. It was really cool getting up close and watching the team go through various plays. After practice was over the team went to Sea World and we headed to Hodad's in Ocean Beach. If you watch Diners, Drive-ins and Dives you will recognize this place as one of Guy's favorites. It is a hole in the wall that serves awesome burgers. I was so stoked we did this and the food was outstanding! We made our way back to the hotel and caught up with Matt. He wanted to run out to Torrey Pines and look around. We looked around the pro shop and the had an observation deck that you could see several hole and the pacific ocean in the background.

It was pretty awesome! We made it back to the hotel and caught up with the rest of the family and we all went to dinner. It was cool getting everyone together and celebrating this time with Matt. Tuesday morning we caught the bus from the hotel and went to the USS Midway. Both teams would be there along with the bands. The bands had a battle of the bands and it was so loud on the 2nd deck of the carrier. Shortly after that both teams arrived and then the line formed to get our food and find a seat. It was so crowded. Both teams had players speak along with the head coaches. It was really well done! After everything was done the team left and we toured the flight deck. This thing was huge! What an awesome experience! Matt had special teams meeting this afternoon so we were just going to take it easy back at the hotel. My dad had some friends in San Diego so we went to dinner with them. We had some great Italian food. We caught up with Matt for just a minute when we returned. He had to be in his room by 10:00PM.

It is game day! It is time to get my game face on. We started early this morning with a quick drive to Point Loma to visit the Carrillo National Monument and the historic lighthouse. The views were breathtaking. Then we made our way to the Coronado Brewery for our pre-game lunch with the rest of the family. The beer was good and cold and the food was awesome. I will visit this place again. There happened to be a liquor store right next door. We loaded up our ice chest with Alaskan Amber and headed to Jack Murphy Stadium. (Qualcomm Stadium) After paying $20 to park we headed as close to the stadium as we could and got to park on the 2nd row. We were also very close to where the La Tech fans would enter the stadium. After a few adult beverages and chill time we ran in to Mr. Harper, his wife and daughter. Shortly after that Mr. Rust found us and then it was back to the adult beverages. All of the family went into the stadium to see the team warm up. Mr. Rust and I celebrated this awesome ride as this was his last game to have a Dawg in the fight.

This would be Dusty's last game an he was so proud of Dusty's accomplishments at Tech. We made our way into the stadium. It was awesome! Janet had given Mr. Rust her ticket so he could sit by me during the game. We don't sit well together during the games. The pre game was awesome and I am ready for some football. TCU kicks off and Tech runs off 5 plays and punts. TCU sputters as well and punts the ball back to Tech. Tech drives the ball down to the TCU 4 yard line and Matt comes in and drills a 23 yard FG. Hoo Ya! That was pretty. The first quarter comes to an end with Tech up 3 - 0. TCU starts the 2nd quarter off with a 25 yard FG and we are tied at 3 - 3. Tech marches down the field and scores a quick TD and the PAT is good. Tech is up 10 -3. TCU sputters again and punts the ball. Tech drives down and sets up Matt for a 43 yard FD and he killed the ball as it just sailed left of the posts. I felt so bad. He made such a good connection on the ball. TCU takes over and still has to punt the ball back to us. CC drives the team down the field and throws an INT. TCU take the ball and ponds it in for a TD. We are tied at 10 - 10 as the half ends. Both teams have had their share of mistakes, but we are still in this game. TCU takes the ball to start the 3rd quarter and drives down and scores. Tech takes the ball and marches down the field and HL scampers 2 yards and scores.

The PAT is good and we are all tied at 17 -17. We exchange punts and then CC finds MW for a 61 yard bomb. The PAT is good and we are up 24 -17. I can smell a victory. Let's do this! The 3rd quarter comes to an end with Tech in the lead. The 4th quarter starts with a long drive by TCU and we are tied at 24. Tech goes 4 and out and TCU throws a 42 yard bomb with 6 minutes to go in the game. TCU now leads 31 - 24. We still have time. Tech takes the ball and runs 3 plays and we have to punt. TCU takes the ball at the 3:33 mark and runs out the clock. Oh we were so close! I am still proud of our performance. We hung very tough with a top 15 program and the winner of last years Rose Bowl. I would say our program is on the right track. We made our way over to the buses to see Matt. This was going to be quite a task as the TSA was right there making the players and coaches go through a make shift security line. I guess they were going right to the plane and they had to take off before 11:00PM due to a noise law/curfew.

If they did not make it they would have to wait until tomorrow. Matt finally made his way through security and I got a big hug. I told him I was very proud of him and to enjoy the moment. He told me that the FG he missed was one the best foot to ball contacts he has made. The ball just drifted left. We said our goodbyes and made our way back to the car. We celebrated our awesome season with a few more adult beverages. Mr. Rust made his way back over to our tailgate area. We gave him a big hug. I am not sure how I will feel when Matt plays his last game at Tech. I have on more year to go and I really don't want to think about it. We headed back to the hotel and grabbed some food before calling it a night. We were a little slow in the morning. We had an early afternoon flight back to North Dallas. All I can say is WOW! What a ride! What a performance by this team this year. This group of guys fought hard and they fought hard for each other. I am so proud of all of them.I know Matt did not have the season he wanted. Kicking is a funny game! Matt will grow from this. I think his senior season will be his best.

He is mentally sound and is leg strong. He will be working with his kicking instructor during the spring and over the summer. He will refine the little things he needs to do so that he is ready for the season. He also has his mentors CB, JS and MS who have been there for Matt whenever he has had a need. We are so grateful for them! We are very proud of Matt being selected to the 2nd team All WAC and to the 1st tam All WAC Academic team. These are awesome accomplishments! Matt has also been approved by the Dean for graduate school and will be taking concurrent classes towards his MBA. Matt will graduate with a finance degree this summer and should complete his MBA at the end of the Spring in 2013. This will be an awesome accomplishment in 4 years! We are so proud of you Matt. I need to take a moment and thank everyone all of the support we have had over the past year. We are so blessed to have such amazing family and friends. We have made so many new friends at Tech and we thank you for all of your support! So many of us who would not normally get together very often have been brought together by this awesome game they call football.

We can not thank you enough! Again we are very blessed! From Dad to Matt: Where do I begin? You have taken me places that I have never dreamed of going. You have made me laugh and you have made me cry. You are such an amazing person and your will and determination gives me hope that I one day will understand how to live life to the fullest. Your commitment to your lord, your family, your coaches and most importantly to your teams is so amazing! Thanks for the memories, the guidance, the phone calls, the love and for just being you. I can't wait to see what you bring to the table next season. I love you man! I will leave my reflections of this season here. Thanks so much to those who have followed my journey. I am so blessed to be able to capture these moments and share them with you. I want to send out special prayers to the Duplessis family and the La Tech family. We were saddened by the loss of Tyrone. Things like this make us ask why? Why Lord did this happen? Even though God has a plan for us it is still tough to swallow. Matt was very upset when he found out and then realized that he needed to be there for his teammates and make sure they were all ok.

Tyrone and Matt came in with the same recruiting class and they were pretty close. CD asked Matt to be there when the family arrived and even though he did not know what to say when he first saw Mr. Duplessis he knew that a hug would say the right thing. Matt along with some coaches and players spent some time with the family before they departed the field house that evening. Matt said he was going to New Orleans for the funeral. He wants to be there for Tyrone. Tyrone thanks for the memories! RIP #22 on 2/2/12. My next blog will happen during Spring camp and during the Spring game. It is such a blast to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and the Bulldog team! I might not say the right things, but I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are during that time.I don't intend to hurt anyone's feelings, but I am very passionate about La Tech Football. Thank you so much to Mr. Tom Morris with La Tech Sport Pix for allowing me to use some of his photos for this blog. Thanks to Matt Lange for uses of the #22 avatar, May your Football Season be filled with many Football Victories, Sunny Smiles, Sandy Dreams and Travel Your Way! Until or paths cross again, have a blessed week! College Football Dad!

Nevada 11/19/11

What a great feeling! We have a golden ticket in our hand. We are bowl eligible baby! I will feel more comfortable with the 7th win for sure! There is no telling where this team is going to take us. Right now I am loving this journey. Nevada is next on our list! I want to beat this team so bad. It is time someone puts these punks in their place and I think it is our time. I am not saying it is going to be easy, but I have a good feeling. They have a great home record and the early forecast looks like it could snow on game day. I always look at the opposing teams athletic website the week of the game. There is always interesting tidbits and weirdness to find. The Nevada Wolf Pack, one of only two teams nationally to use the designation (North Carolina State is the other though they use Woflpack as one word while Nevada uses to words with a capital "P"), has been using the Wolf Pack designation since the early 1920s. In the early 1900s they were called the Sagebrush's. How would like to play a team with a Sagebrush on their helmet? They have two mascots! One named Wolfie Jr and the other is named Alphie. Wolfie Sr must of quit. Don't they know that two is a couple, not a Pack. They really have no clue who are what they want to be. Every time I spoke to Matt he was like a kid in the candy store. He was so excited to go to Reno. Not only was there a pep in his step there was a pep in his conversations with me. I eve have extra pep!

I guess it is contagious. He was concerned about the wind and would deal with the cold temperature. He said he was making good contact with the ball. The snaps and holds have been great all week. He said the team has been jacked all week. All of the practices have been intense and they are only focused on Nevada! Take care of one game at a time and the rewards will come later. He said CD told them that no hand warmers would be allowed on the field. They would have heaters on the sidelines. I remember in 2009 that DD unplugged all of the heaters. Looking at the news Thursday it looks like Reno has wild fires and heavy wind forecast'ed Thursday & Friday. I hope everyone is safe and they get the fires under control before the team arrives! Game Day is here! What am I going to do for 9 hours? Maybe I should of slept in some. I am already nervous about watching the game on the computer. I have not told Matt this yet, but since my trip back from New Orleans during the Utah State game that I have wore the same shirt for all road games. It is just a plain old plaid button down and I wear m La Tech shirt underneath. I said what the heck after the Utah State game and now my lucky road shirt carried me through the road victories and I will be wearing it during the Nevada game. I guess it is my good luck charm. I know I can be a little weird! Janet and I are setup in separate rooms with our own computer. She has already warned me that I cannot use her closet when Matt kicks.

That will be ok! I have other options. As I wait for the game to start I poured a Shiner Cheer. You never know about seasonal beers, but this was actually pretty good. It is time for the kickoff and Nevada is kicking off to us. We run 3 plays and punt! Don't do this to me! Nevada runs 12 plays and we force them to punt. Way to go defense! We run 5 plays and punt again. Nevada takes the ball and rattles off 10 plays and scores on a 20 yard pass play. The PAT is good and Tech is down 7 - 0. This is not the start I thought we would have. Tech starts the 2nd quarter and we punt again. Offense we need you today! Nevada takes the ball and after 3 plays CF fumbles the ball and JC recovers. I hope this is the spark that this team needs. We run 3 plays and punt again. Please don't let this happen! Back and forth a punting we go and the half comes to an end with Nevada up 7 - 0. Thank you defense for keeping us in this game. The score could of been much worse. I need to slow down on the adult beverages. This day has a long ways to go. Matt will kickoff as the 3rd quarter begins. The kickoff goes to the 3 yard line and the return goes to the 31. We cannot allow this type of return. With the height on the ball our coverage should be able to stop them inside the 20. Nevada runs off 11 plays and kicks a 19 yard FG. That puts Nevada up 10 -0. Tech takes the kickoff and we run off 11 plays and Matt comes in for a 29 yard FG. I make my way around to the kitchen and Janet hollers it is good! I hope this jump starts our offense. Nevada is up 10 -3. Nevada takes the kickoff and runs 6 plays and kicks a 24 yard FG. This is not good! Come on Dawgs! Let's kick this thing in gear! We run 3 plays and punt as the 3th quarter comes to an end. Nevada takes the ball at the start of the 4th quarter and Nevada runs 9 plays and scores on a 4 yard scamper.

The PAT is good and Nevada is up 20 -3. I am not feeling good about this. I still have faith, but 3 scores in one quarter will be tough. Tech takes the ball and runs 11 plays and CC hits QP on a 9 yard TD and Matt sends the PAT through and Nevada is up 20 - 10. Let's go defense! Let's take one series at a time! The kickoff is away and the defense holds Nevada to 3 plays and they punt. That is what I am talking about! Tech takes over and after 6 plays CC hit MW with a 14 yard strike and scores. Are you kidding me? The PAT is up and Nevada is only up 20 -17. Matt kicks off and Nevada takes the ball at the 5:50 mark. Let's go defense! Nevada runs 7 plays and we force them to punt. I have a feeling! Tech takes over at the 2:29 mark on our own 8 yard line. Oh lord please be with this team! CC throws a couple of quick passes and we are faced with a 3rd & 12 and CC throws an out pass to HL and he scampers for 23 yards and we move the chains! CC then hits QP for 35 yards and then hits JJ for 25 yards. Oh please let this happen! HL for 3 yards and then it is a 8 and strike to TI and we score The PAT is good. The PAT was so important as that meant they have to score a TD. I am on my knees in the kitchen. I am in shock and I am afraid to watch the last 51 seconds. The kickoff is away and down to the 3. The coverage team comes up big and JC makes the tackle at the 21. Oh defense it is your time to shine! Nevada runs 6 plays and AC comes up with a huge sack with a 10 yard loss and the gun goes off. We won! We won! What a comeback by this team. I get off of the floor and get my computer. The team is going nuts on the field! This is so incredible! I am speechless! Janet and I stand in the kitchen and we have to pinch each other. Is this real? We have the real golden ticket and the WAC Championship is in our control! I am numb, excited and need a drawer change! The dogs are barking and think we are crazy! Oh my gosh! I need a glass of red wine! Congratulations text are coming in! The phones are ringing! Facebook and Twitter are smoking! I think we need to go outside and spray champagne on each other! Stay excited but calm down! We still have more business at hand. Let's enjoy this very special moment and then go do what we do!

Matt called Janet and the tears of joy were flowing! He was overwhelmed with excitement. He said the first person he hugged was HL, then MB, then TB and finally his mental mentor TG. He could not believe it! He said all week that the were so focused and then everything started clicking. He said he burnt the leg hairs off of his left leg. Standing to close to the heater was not a good thing. He also said his left big toe was numb or frozen most of the game. He said that some of the Nevada fans that were still left lined up where they had to walk to the locker room and dropped so many "F" bombs at the team. He thought to himself that yes indeed we are #1. He said he kicked the ball so pure and his placements on kickoffs were placed where CT wanted them. We hugged through the phone and said our goodbyes. What a special moment! We called and talked to our oldest son Tyler. He was so proud of Matt! We talked to family most of the evening and even though it was long distance we discussed the game like we were all there. I am so proud of this team and I am sitting in the back of the plane waiting to see where their next journey will take me. Everybody did their part and rose to the occasion when they were called upon! Oh I do not want to lose this feeling and I need to find a bottle to put it in! Great win guys! Let's get home safely and enjoy this win! The next day it is time to focus on the fake Aggies! There is only one true Aggie team and they are from Texas! New Mexico State has been a roller coaster team this year. I am not sure what they will bring to Ruston. They have nothing to lose and that can be very scary! I feel certain that our coaching staff will have them grounded during the week and then turn them lose on Saturday.

Winning is contagious and that is something that you do not want to stop feeling! I will leave my Nevada journey here! What a ride it was! I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels wherever you may be going! Make sure you get enough to eat, take a nap and eat some more! We will be spending Thanksgiving in Ruston with Matt and many family member traveling from all over the states. This is the first time we have done this in Ruston and we are looking forward to spending time with Matt and all of the family. Best of luck with New Mexico State Dawgs! Stay focused and your reward will be waiting for you! Best of luck to RA as he is one of the 3 finalist for the Ray Guy Award! Bring it home RA! For all of those traveling to Ruston please be safe in your travels. It is such a blast to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and the Bulldog team! I might not say the right things, but I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are during the week and during the game. I don't intend to hurt anyone's feelings, but I am very passionate about La Tech Football. My opinions on the coaches and their coaching abilities are only mine and no one else's. Thank you so much to Mr. Tom Morris with La Tech Sports Pix for allowing me to use some of his photos for this blog. Don't forget to listen to J Ford and Chris Keagle with Bleed Tech Blue on ESPN 97.7 FM every Tuesday night at 6:00 PM. May your Football Season be filled with many Football Victories, Sunny Smiles, Sandy Dreams and Travel Your Way! Until our paths cross again, have a blessed week! College Football Dad!

Fresno State 11/5/11

I don't know what to say! I am almost speechless! I know that is hard to imagine that I am speechless, but 3 straight wins is incredible! Our latest win over the spear chucker's was just amazing! Our guys played with so much heart and determination. Makes me want to stand up and pound my chest! There are so many positive things going on right now and I really think that the players really believe in each other. Everyone stepped up and did their part. I am very proud of them all. Wow! Before I know it the Battle of the Bone will be right in front of me. I do not like Fresno State. They stole our mascot name and they associated our Bulldog in their graveyard. Has anyone told them that we are the one and only Bulldog. I hope we kick these no good Shih Tzu's down to the cellar of the MWC. No offense to Shih Tzu owners, but these guys don't even deserve to be in the same classification as the all mighty Bulldogs! I am not looking forward to this week. I really dislike road games that I am not going to. Not only is the week long, but the day of the game is even longer.

I spoke with Matt everyday this week. He said that the director of the FCA for Northwest Louisiana contacted him to see if he would introduce Matt Stover at the dinner that he was going to speak at in Ruston on November, 7th. Matt said he would and would be honored. He had to come up with a 3 to 5 minute speech about Matt Stover and his accomplishments at Tech, in the NFL and how he has reached out to him with guidance on the field and in life. This was really cool! Matt did have to get permission from CD as he would have to miss practice that Monday night as they started preparation for Ole Miss. CD told him absolutely you can do this! Matt was really stoked, but knew his main focus was on Fresno State. Overall he said he is kicking the ball good in warm ups and with the team. They work everyday on the snap timing and the placement of the ball. Anytime there is any deviation then the ball is not going to be where his foot is and this can cause all sorts of problems. That is why they say practice makes perfect!

For whatever reason his back has still been stiff during the day so they are going to try to get him good and stretched before he boards the plane for the long flight to Fresno. He said that he and Colby have a ton of finance homework to do and that should pass a lot of the time. He said the team has so much focus right now and they know they are so close to their golden ticket. They understand that they cannot look back at the past and cannot look forward to the future. They have to deal with what is in front of them today. In my opinion we have a very special group of guys on this team. I told Matt before he got on the plane good luck and always be 1 for 1. I don't worry about his mental toughness. He developed that all on his own. Oh no! Saturday is here and have 16 hours until kickoff. How am I going to juggle this at home tailgate thing all day? I guess I am going to have to drink a lot of water so I can dilute some of these adult beverages. Pacing myself will be very important today. Maybe I need to start a 1000 piece puzzle!

Not! Thank goodness the time changes tomorrow and we get an extra hour. I will need all of the help I can get. The OSU/KSU has been a good game. The Tide and LSPOO are giving the kickers of the world bad kicking JuJu! Where is 9:30 at? This is torture for me! I got my camera out so I could test taking pictures of the screen. This did not work. I was hoping I could just take pictures of Matt on the screen like I was at a home game and the crowd would tell me if it was good our not. I decided that I was going to try the closet approach on FG's & PAT's. My wife and I would be watching the game in separate rooms and if I went to her closet that by her reaction I would know if it was good. I know I am crazy and I will look back at this as one of the stupider superstitious things I have done. Oh well if it works then I am ok with it. It is 9:30 and the team is on the screen. I am ready for some Bulldog football! FSU kicks off and we go 3 and out and punt. Not the start I was looking for. FSU goes 3 and out and punts. Ok, we are now back to square one.

Tech takes the ball and after a quick first down and a 45 yard bomb to QP Tech scores. In the closet I go and the PAT is good. Matt kicks off and FSU runs 4 plays and punts, Tech runs 3 plays and punts. Now back to FSU and they run 3 plays and punt. The defense is playing lights out. Tech takes the ball and runs 5 plays with a MW 22 yard pass to QP for a TD. Off to the closet I go as the PAT is good. It is too early to feel good, but I have a good feeling! No U of H this time! The first quarter comes to an end with Tech up 14 - 0. We start the 2nd quarter as Tech runs 5 plays and Matt sets up for a 26 yard FG. They give me time to get in place and it is good. Tech is up 17 - 0. Hoo Ya! FSU you takes the kickoff and runs 8 plays and scores. Tech still leads 17 - 7. Did this really just happen? Alright it is our time. Tech runs 5 plays and LC scampers 53 yards for a TD. The PAT is good and Tech is up 24 - 7. I need a quick adult beverage and a drawer check. I have a good feeling, but I am still a nervous wreck!

FSU takes the kickoff and runs 5 plays and punts. Then it is CC throwing 75 yards to MW for a TD! Are you kidding me? The PAT is good and Tech is up 31 - 7. Happy Dance! Matt kicks off and FSU fumbles and we recover. My dogs think I ma nuts! We go 3 and out and Matt comes in for a 48 yard FG. I run to the closet and Janet said it was right. I fell to my knees. I know kickers don't make everything, but I want a perfect game for Matt. I need to gain my composure. Janet said he looked like he did not strike it well and it just stayed right the whole time. Maybe I need to stand on the patio instead of the closet! FSU takes over and runs 8 plays. They fail on 4th down and we take over on downs! Defense! Way to go! Tech takes over and runs 4 plays and Matt comes in for a 40 yard FG. I made my way slowly to the closet and Janet started clapping and screaming yes! I knew it was good! I told her not to yell so loud as the neighbors were going to think something else was going on. I was so glad that Matt came back after the miss and drilled the 40 yard FG. The 2nd quarter comes to an end with Tech up 34 - 7. I am worn out and need to slow down on my adult beverage intake!

 Wow! This is so awesome! I have been here and have done this before with the U of H game, but I feel really good about where we are at. Tech kicks off and we hold FSU to a 3 and out. Looking good so far! Tech comes out hot and after 7 plays CC hits RC on a 6 yard pass and Tech scores. I got brave this time and stayed put in my big brown chair as Matt connects with the PAT. Now we need to go for the kill. FSU goes on to score 2 more TD's and Tech wins 41 - 21. I am dancing on the patio! The dogs are confused and the Bulldogs have won another road game. How cool is this? I don't know what to say! I know it is late, but I am going to celebrate. I have an extra hour to play with tomorrow! Matt calls his mom after the game and he was pumped. He was so glad they beat Fresno State. They worked hard all week and everything paid off. He said he caught his 48 yard FG a little thin and it kept pushing right. He was disappointed that he missed, but wanted to celebrate the win with the team. He said the plane ride would be a whole lot sweeter with this huge win. He said when FSU fumbled the ball on his kickoff that he went into the pile and this FSU player kept punching him. The ref grabbed the guy and said he is the kicker, what do you think you are accomplishing? Matt thought that was pretty funny! I am sure there are things that go on in a pile that is pretty crazy. It was time to get on the bus so he had to go. All I can say is WOW! It will be a while before I can go to sleep. I am so proud of all of these guys. I don't have anything bad to say about the play calling except that we need to play with the same intensity in all 4 quarters.

I don't care if we score 60 points we need to be in attack mode. La Tech Football is on the rise and we need to keep our foot down and do not let them get up. I am so stoked! Great win Bulldogs! I hope next week goes by fast. I am going to be working in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Then we will head over to Mississippi late Friday.  It is going to be a long drive, but I am looking forward to whooping up on some SEC butt! Ole Piss has lost their last 12 SEC games and their coach is gone at the end of the year. No better time than to beat these black bears. Black bear? I was reading up on their traditions and their mascot is a black bear that they named Rebel in 2010. What is up with that? I thought you wore a flag! The other thing that is strange is that they say the University of Mississippi is buildings, trees and people. Ole Miss is mood, emotion and personality. One is physical and the other is spiritual. One is tangible and the other is intangible. Sounds like to me that someone was smoking some funny stuff when they came up with this weirdness. Seriously, who comes up with this stuff? I will leave my excitement for next week here. For all of those traveling to Oxford please be safe in your travels. It is such a blast to follow Matt Nelson through his eyes and the Bulldog team! I might not say the right things, but I write from the bottom of my heart and what my feelings are during the week and during the game. I don't intend to hurt anyone's feelings, but I am very passionate about La Tech Football. My opinions on the coaches and their coaching abilities are only mine and no one else's. Many thanks to Mr. Tom Morris with La Tech Sports Pix for allowing me to use some of his photos for this blog. Don't forget to listen to J Ford and Chris Keagle with Bleed Tech Blue on ESPN 97.7 FM every Tuesday night at 6:00 PM. May your Football Season be filled with many Football Victories, Sunny Smiles, Sandy Dreams and Travel Your Way! Until our paths cross again, have a blessed week! College Football Dad!