Super Bowl Update

It's all about the advent around here. My mum put out her beautiful advent calendar today. Every morning the niece opens a door to find a piece of the nativity and a treat.

The niece opening the first door this morning. She found an angel and a chocolate.

This is what it will look like on Christmas Eve.

Some are a little long so I put a shorter book the following day so the niece could finish the previous book. I tried to alternate the fun with the more faith-building so there is a good mix. The niece loves to read and open presents so I think she will enjoy this.

Thanks for stopping by today. If you have time, stop by my other blog, The Vintage Sheet Blog, I'm doing a little gift guide and giveaway link up party.

Today's story looks at how banged up the offensive line (above, Lamar Higgins photo) is going into Saturday's game. You can read it HERE.

One of the big keys to Troy's season not being successful is the injuries, and that's been overshadowed by the turnovers, yards given up, inability to overcome adversity, etc. It's been especially apparent, injury-wise, on the offensive line, and the story explains it.

But, for the most part, coach John Schlarman's unit has done well under the circumstances. Last year, Troy had a strong, veteran OL with a junior, sophomore and three seniors and that had just as much to do with great offensive success as veteran wide receivers did.

If Kyle Wilborn hadn't gotten hurt again, and he's been playing with a bum shoulder and knee for most of the year, and still hasn't given up a sack, then Troy would be having more success offensively. Wilborn didn't play against WKU and is likely out against ASU. The guy has just had the worst injury luck, but you wouldn't know it as he's played through it all. With Troy going into last week's game at just 3-7, it was probably best just to sit it out.

Channel 4 News video: Alastair Campbell slams 'putrid press. Correspondent Andy Davies reports on what the former Tony Blair press guru said on Wednesday to Lord Justice Leveson's inquiry on media hacking and ethics.He also reports on complaints about lax action by the official media watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office's (ICO) by a former high-ranking official there, Alec Owens, even

Dear friends,

In the wide realm of the retail world Renee's is not a big store. Marlene and I are the only "employees." We don't sell electronic devices. We don't buy "off-price" merchandise to mark up and then offer you a "sale." We don't do much advertising. I'm happy if I have time and energy to publish an email once a month!


We DO offer quality, value and a pleasant shopping experience with us, people you know. And we know you, too! At Renee's you will find items I personally chose with you in mind: apparel, jewelry, accessories I think you will enjoy and appreciate for years to come.


Our customers (you) are like family. When your loved ones come in and choose a gift for you, we can make an educated guess about your preferences, colors and sizes. (We also have wish lists you can fill out to help us.) Both the giver and receiver benefit, and Renee's does, too. This fortuitous exchange is heartening, as it ensures Renee's future existence, even in a time when big box stores and Chinese-made products seem to be winning.


In that regard, I want to tell you about Lori, a friend of a friend who created some mittens we just received. Lori makes felted wool mittens from old sweaters, and lines them with soft fleece. When I saw her photos I immediately recognized that THIS is what you, my friends and customers, would appreciate. I asked her to send seven pairs.

Yesterday I tore open the box when it arrived. The mittens were even better in person than they looked in the photos. They may not be the least expensive mittens in town, but I can guarantee you will notice quality, recognize value, and immediately think "love and care" when you try them on.


I don't know Lori, the woman who made the mittens, personally, but I do remember when her first husband tragically passed away about fifteen years ago in a farming accident. Although this unfortunate calamity doesn't affect you much, rest assured that these mittens were made by a real person, someone like you who has experienced life's joys and sorrows. Since that heartbreaking time Lori has remarried and is taking care of the ones she loves. She is working at her craft, using her time and talents to the best of her ability, and helping to support her family, just like all of us.


Lori's story brings home what is important in life, especially during this holiday season: people. I hope anyone who darkens our door this season will recognize that everything at Renee's is hand picked with love and care, and chosen with real people in mind!

Thank you for your support. I know I will see many of you this holiday season, and I am grateful. I love my work, I love my customers (you!), and I look forward to offering you and your loved ones special items that become "favorites" for many years to come!

With love,

Renee

Troy quarterback Corey Robinson apologized for his remarks about officials after Troy's loss to Western Kentucky.

Robinson had a test Monday, so we didn't get to see him for the media day, but the comments appear on the school's athletics web site.

“For me personally, my emotions ran high last week, and I said some things about the officiating that I shouldn't have said after the game,” Robinson said. “I am a better person than that, and I deeply apologize to the Sun Belt, Commissioner Waters, the officials, Western Kentucky University and certainly Troy University, my teammates and coaches.”

By Money Mike


Well it's always difficult when you hear that an athlete has to put an end to his career due to injuries, but stuff like this happens. Sounders goalkeeper Terry Boss has been forced to retire due to multiple concussions he suffered here in Seattle and with the Puerto Rican national team. Over his three years here with the Seattle Sounders, I gotta say this year was the year he impressed me the most. Getting W's in the U.S. Open Cup against the Kitsap Pumas and the Los Angeles Galaxy and two very big wins in the CONCACAF Champions League against Comunicaciones and Monterrey.


A look back at Terry Boss's career:

When you take a look at his career, you can see that he hasn't done much, he hasn't played many league matches. During his collegiate offseason, he played 9 matches for the Cascade Surge, 2 with the Vermont Voltage and 2 with the Fort Wayne Fever in the USL Premier Development League where college players can go play during their offseason. He began his professional career in 2005 with the Charlotte Eagles where he again made only 2 appearances. He then spent the next two seasons with the Puerto Rico Islanders, but yet again, he made only two appearances, however his stay with the Islanders helped him qualify for the Puerto Rican national team. He returned to Charlotte for two more seasons and made 20 appearances with them from 2008-2009 and was named USL2 goalkeeper of the year. After failing to make an appearance for the New York Red Bulls, Boss joined the Seattle Sounders halfway through the 2009 season. He made his first and only MLS appearance for the Sounders on April 22, 2010 against FC Dallas, coming on as a substitute for Kasey Keller. He capped 7 times for the Puerto Rican national team from 2008-2011. His last cap was where he suffered that season ending concussion which now turned out to be career ending.

This is what Terry Boss said on Facebook following his trip to the doctors:

After repeat concussions, and many appointments with concussion specialist, the doctors have told me that I have to retire. Although its sad news, it's difficult not to also feel very blessed. By Gods grace I have been fortunate to play the sport I love for a living for the last eight years. Ive met so many great people along the way, and i get to end my career with one of the best organizations in the world and the best fans anywhere. A big thank you to everybody who made my time in Seattle so special and to everybody else who helped me along the way!

Saw a pretty good basketball game tonight in Troy, as the Trojans beat East Tennessee State 79-71. You can read my game story HERE. (above, that's Daronte Clark, Alan Jones and Emil Jones)

ETSU whooped Troy 10 days ago, but Will Weathers didn't play. This time, I thought Don Maestri had an excellent game plan and his players executed it to perfection. Sounds like he's got a good group of guys that believe in each other. That doesn't guarantee wins, but anyone who watches this team will know that they gave it their all.

Justin Wright scored 15 - he's dealing with some back pain. Weathers had 14 and 7 assists. The team's most versatile player may be Emil Jones, who is playing the 3 and 4 positions with Steven Cunningham still injured. Jones hit a few FT-line jumpers, a three and got some rebounds and put-backs. He's only 6-foot-3 and about 190. Wright is very versatile as well, and bigger than Jones, but the back problems limit him.

If Troy's main 3-point shooters - R.J. Scott, Alan Jones and Daronte Clark - had been especially on, then the score would have been worse. Tim Owens isn't a big scoring threat, but did get 9, 5 of which came from the free throw line, and played solid defense.

ETSU is a pretty good team - longer and bigger than Troy - but Troy outcoached and outplayed the Bucs tonight. Saturday night at 7 p.m. - while I'll be writing from Jonesboro - you need to be at Trojan Arena to see Troy play Miami-Ohio.

Miami may be the best team to come to Trojan Arena this year. I got home tonight and turned on ESPN, and it was showing highlights of Miami vs. Cincinnati - a close loss, and Miami barely lost to highly-ranked Xavier.

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Football-wise, and yes, there's still some stuff to write about. HERE is a story on redshirt freshmen right tackle Terrence Jones.

Jones has been pretty solid this year. The only sacks I can remember him giving up were two against FIU. He and Zach Johnson look to be four-year starters on the offensive line.

By Korz206

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By Kshell

After days of debating and meetings the Washington State Cougars finally decided it was time to end the Paul Wulff era in Pullman. This is a tough day for Cougar fans as Wulff is a former player for them. In fact he was on the 1988 team that defeated the Huskies and won a bowl game.  Wulff took over a tough situation as his previous coach Bill Doba left him with practically nothing and it showed his first two years. At the end of the year Wulff was fired in year four which saw his starting quarterback Jeff Tuel go down. Wulff promised a bowl game this year and fell two games shy as he went 4-8 on the season. For his career at Washington State Wulff went 9-40, 6-40 vs D-1 schools and 4-32 in conference play. The pressure was on to fire Wulff despite the players support and love for their coach. Now the Cougars will be looking at their head coach since Mike Price left them weeks prior to their Rose Bowl game.

When Wulff took over the Cougars program he inherited a mess which reflected in his record. His first two years on the job he went just 3-22(1-17 in conference). The Cougars lost by 30 plus points seven times in 2008, 40 plus points five times and 50 plus points four times and lost by 63 points to California and 69 points to USC. That year was a success to the Cougars despite finishing 2-11(1-8) because they defeated the Huskies. In 2009 the results stayed the same as Wulff struggled through a 1-11 season(0-9) while getting shutout in the conference. During 2009 the Cougars lost by 30 plus points seven times, 40 plus points two times. During his third year the Cougars improved but still only went 2-10(1-8) which put the pressure on Wulff this year. After starting off 3-1 the Cougars finished the year losing seven of their last eight games finishing 4-8(2-6). The Cougars have had some close losses the past two years losing by less than seven points four times in the past two years. Ultimately as a coach your job is to win and Wulff has recruited decently meaning the next coach will inherit a team that should go to a bowl game.

Fair or not Wulff will be linked with such duds as Tyrone Willingham. Willingham in four years at Washington went 11-37(6-29) which was previously seen as the worst era in conference history. Wulff ended up beating that mark going 9-40(4-32). Both took over programs in bad shape and left the program stocked with more talent than they arrived. Both were surly with the media and often didn't share much. The difference is the players cared for Wulff while the players at Washington absolutely hated Willingham. Willingham was also at a better school which has more advantages so his failures have no excuses unlike Wulff. Steve Sarkisian took over Willingham's mess and in three short years has the Huskies going to their second straight bowl game. The Cougars are hoping for the same as they'll gain back a healthy Jeff Tuel plus other nice players. Are the Cougars ready to take the Pac-12 by storm? no they aren't. Are they at least ready to go to a bowl game for the first time since 2003? yes they are. They still aren't an overly talented bunch but there is a enough pieces in the passing game for a pass happy coach(Mike Leach) to succeed in year one. Wulff did the dirty work but ultimately wasn't ever going to be the guy to take them over the top.

In conclusion, as a Husky fan I'm sad that Paul Wulff has been fired. No in reality this is a tough day as he was an alum who played for the Cougars. Cougar fans so wanted him to succeed unlike any other coach because the Cougars was his #1 job he was never going to leave them ever. The problem is the fans and maybe administration let that cloud their judgement that a football coaches job is to win games. Wulff didn't win enough games and he'll most likely never be a head coach on any level again. Wulff coached his alma mater but in the end these four years went as terribly as they possibly could have for Wulff and Cougar nation. The Cougars will now look to embrace their new head coach as their rivals prepare for their next bowl opponent. Maybe next year the Cougars will be preparing for their next bowl opponent although Wulff won't be there to see it unfold.

By Kshell

For the third straight season the Washington Huskies(7-5,5-4) defeated their cross state rivals the Washington State Cougars(4-8,2-6) in the 104th meeting of the Apple Cup. The Huskies who are headed towards another bowl game for the second straight season while the Cougars are missing a bowl game for the eighth straight season. The Huskies were led by three touchdown passes by Keith Price who returned from injury. Price also passed Cody Pickett to become the all-time single season touchdown leader in Huskies history. The Huskies also saw two true freshman made their apple cup debuts pretty special especially Kasen Williams who caught two of Price's three touchdown passes. The Huskies under Steve Sarkisian have yet to trail in a single Apple Cup in three years improve to 3-0 in the Sarkisian era in this game.

The Huskies won the coin toss and chose to receive to begin the game. After the Cougars stopped the Huskies on a third and one they took over possession on their own 21 yard like after a Keil Rasp 46 yard punt. That is when the Cougars went backwards first with a false start then with an intentional grounding. After a short pass that went for nothing the Cougars were facing a third and 26 which Marshall Lobbestael completed well short of the first down. Punting from their own 20 yard line the Huskies tried to block the punt. The Huskies backup linebacker Thomas Tutogi blocked the punt which went high into the air as Jesse Callier caught the punt on the two yard line and walked into the endzone to give the Huskies an early 7-0 lead over their rival the Cougars. That was the Huskies first blocked punt since the 2006 Apple Cup when Chris Stevens blocked the punt.

The Huskies offense would stall due to a costly penalty while the defense led by Alameda Ta'amu continued to stop the Cougars. After a poor punt the Huskies took over possession on their own 45 yard line. The Cougars immediately jumped offsides giving the Huskies a first and five at midfield. Lining up in a "wildcat" formation Callier took the direct handoff then ran 30 yards down to the Cougars 20 yard line. After Price threw an incompletion, Chris Polk who had a big game last year rushing for 284 yards would rush for just four yards this time. That would set up a pretty big third and six from the 16 yard line. That is when Price would hit Kasen Williams on the back shoulder as Williams caught the touchdown with both feet down .It was an incredible pass and catch for two guys who will be playing in two more apple cups together. That touchdown pass gave the Huskies a 14-0 lead over the Cougars heading into the second quarter.

The next two series saw two huge swings in momentum. First for the Cougars their offense finally got going but Ricky Galvin fumbled on the Huskies 23 yard line. Then with a chance to put the Cougars away the Huskies went on a nice eight play drive which started off with Price completing his first three passes for 45 yards down to the Cougars 31 then Polk ran for 11 more to the Cougars 20 yard line. That is when the Huskies offense stalled key by a huge third down drop by Austin Seferian-Jenkins which was especially painful after Erik Folk missed a 37 yard field goal as the Huskies still only remained up 14-0.

With the momentum now wearing Crimson the Cougars finally took advantage going on a 13 play, 80 yard drive which saw them convert three separate third downs. Facing a third and eight from their own 22 Lobbestael hit Marques Wilson for a gain of 12 yards. Later in the drive from the Huskies 31 facing a third and nine Lobbestael threw a designed screen to Galvin for a gain of 19 yards to offset the Huskies pass rush down to the 12 yard line. Facing a third and four from the six yard line to avoid the pressure Lobbestael ran it in for the touchdown but the Cougars were called for a holding taking the score off the board. Facing a third and 14 from the 16 Lobbestael fired one in there to Jarred Karstetter for the 16 yard touchdown to pull the game within 14-7.

The Cougars feeding off that momentum then three and outed the Huskies powerful offense getting the ball back. From their own 34 yard line the Cougars actually started to run the ball some. Carl Winston had back to back runs of four yards setting up a third and two which Galvin ran for three yards to their own 45 yard line. After a six yard pass by Lobbestael he then ran for six yards to the Huskies 43 yard line. Lobbestael then would have back to back completions for 27 yards to the Huskies 16 yard line. Lobbestael like he did the previous series would hit Wilson for a 16 yard touchdown to tie up the game at 14-14 with just a little over two minutes left in the half.

The Cougars tried to squib kick it as Tutogi caught the ball and ran it 14 yards to their own 39 yard line. Polk would rush for two yards then Price would hit Jermaine Kearse for a gain of nine yards to the 50 yard line. After a short run by Price he would hit Devin Aguilar for a gain of eight yards to the Cougars 41 yard line. Facing a third and one the Huskies gave it to Polk for a gain of two yards. On the next play Price would hit Williams on a crossing route in which Williams leaped the defender to gain an extra six yards. Williams on the play would go for 18 yards to the Cougars 21 yard line. Price on the ensuing play would scramble out of pressure to his left to find Williams who turned his defender around for the touchdown. With that touchdown pass Price had tied Cody Pickett's single season touchdown record with 28. For Williams that was his first of many multiple touchdown games of his career. More importantly the Huskies took a 21-14 lead heading into halftime against the Cougars while stealing back momentum.

The Cougars began the second half with the ball on their own 14 yard line. The Cougars would go on a nine play drive stalling on the Huskies 43 yard line. Facing a third and one from the Huskies 43 Lobbestael threw an incomplete pass. Cougars head coach Paul Wulff decided to punt the ball to the Huskies pinning them on their own three yard line. The Huskies would move the ball so they could punt and pin the Cougars after Ta'amu recorded his second sack of the game. Taking back over on their own 40 yard line Price went to work. Price in the shotgun would play action pass to a wide open Seferian-Jenkins for a gain of 20 yards to the Cougars 40 yard line. On the next play Price would hit Kearse over the middle for another gain of 18 yards to the Cougars 22 yard line both on play action passes. Polk then went in motion wide left as Price hit him on the fade pass for the 22 yard touchdown pass. For Price that was the record setter as he just passed Pickett for most touchdown passes in a single season for Huskies history. For Polk that was his fourth receiving touchdown of the season all on fade passes. More importantly the Huskies had a 28-14 lead at that point.

The Cougars would immediately respond to the score as Galvin ran back the kick 37 yards to their own 38 yard line. After a run that went for no gain Lobbestael would complete a pass for nine yards then the Huskies committed a 15 yard penalty giving the Cougars the ball on the Huskies 38 yard line. The Cougars put the ball in their best playmakers hands as Lobbestael threw a bubble screen to the right to Wilson as Wilson broke a tackle and scampered for a 38 yard touchdown to pull the Cougars within seven points. Not to be overshadowed by Williams but Wilson also caught his second touchdown pass of the game. The Huskies offense would go three and out as Nick Montana briefly made an appearance. The Huskies defense would then three and out the Cougars. The Huskies offense go on a seven play drive accounting for 40 yards as the drive ended with Folk making a 46 yard field goal to give the Huskies a 31-21 lead with 13 minutes left in the game.

After both teams traded punts with 10 minutes to go in the game is when the Huskies finally pulled away. Facing a second and 10 from their own 47 the Cougars called a double pass which Lobbestael threw the ball to the receiver on a bubble screen who threw the ball back to Lobbestael. The Huskies didn't bite at all as Lobbestael threw the ball to Wilson who was covered well by Desmond Trufant, Trufant then batted the ball to safety Sean Parker who intercepted the pass. Parker ran 23 yards to the Huskies 31 yard line where the offense took over. Price was scrambling found an open Seferian-Jenkins who rumbled 31 yards to the Cougars 38 yard line. That is when Chris Polk would take over the ball game who up until that point was quiet. Polk would rush for nine yards then facing a third and one would rush for two more yards. The Huskies committed a costly penalty making it second and 20 from the Cougars 37 yard line. Polk took the sweep 34 yards down to the Cougars three yard line and was horse collared for a two yard penalty. Two plays later Polk would rush for the touchdown giving him 11 for the season as the Huskies took a commanding 38-21 lead.

The Huskies won this game 38-21 over the Cougars as they head to their second straight bowl game. For the Cougars they were led by senior Lobbestael who was 29-42(69.0%) for 344 yards(8.2 YPA) passing with three touchdowns and one interception. His main receivers were Wilson who had seven receptions for 108 yards with two touchdowns. Karstetter had nine receptions for 82 yards with a touchdown.

For the winners the Huskies were led by Keith Price who was 21-29(72.4%) for 291 yards(10.0 YPA) with three touchdowns and no interceptions. As usual Price spread the ball around as his leading receiver was freshman Kasen Williams who had five receptions for 74 yards with two touchdowns. Another true freshman played well in Austin Seferian-Jenkins who had four receptions for 62 yards. Senior Jermaine Kearse had five receptions for 62 yards. Kevin Smith had two for 39 yards while Polk had two for 36 yards with a touchdown. Speaking of Polk he carried the ball 22 times for 100 yards(4.5 YPC) and a rushing touchdown. Jesse Callier who scored that touchdown on the blocked punt also had four carries for 44 yards(11.0 YPC) while catching a pass. The Huskies defense recorded a season high seven sacks led by Ta'amu and Josh Shirley. The Huskies held the Cougars to just 38 yards rushing on 29 attempts.

All in all, this was a tale of two programs going in opposite direction. For the second straight apple cup Cougar fans don't know if this was Wulff's last game as Cougars head coach. For the Huskies for the second straight apple cup they are playing in another game after this. Chris Polk in three career apple cups never lost to the Cougars while rushing for over 100 yards with a touchdown in each game. The Huskies also showed with Price, Williams and Seferian-Jenkins all who have eligibility for the next two seasons after this year that the Huskies should continue to dominate this rivalry for a while. This was a good win for the Huskies as they needed some momentum heading into their bowl game(most likely the Alamo Bowl) like they did last year. For Sarkisian beating your rivals is a good way to maintain friends at Montlake. For these seniors who as freshman lost to the Cougars to go 0-12 these past three years must have felt great.

Observations:

- The Huskies sure are a much different team with a healthy Keith Price vs when he isn't healthy or not even playing. The Cougars came into this game with the focus of stopping Chris Polk and while they didn't totally stop him they definately contained him. Which meant this game was up to Price to hit passes which he did. Price was 21-29 for 291 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Price was on fire throughout the game and once Sarkisian let him air it out in the second half the Huskies offense wasn't going to be stopped. Price like he typically does spread the ball around the field completing passes to seven different receivers during this game. Playing in his first career Apple Cup Price appears headed to be another Cougar killer much like Jake Locker, Cody Pickett, Brock Huard and Marques Tuiasosopo was.

For the year Price who heading into the season was the big question mark had a fantastic season. Price completed 67.4%(school record is 65%) of his passes this season for 2,625(8.1 YPA) yards on the season. He threw for 29 touchdowns(new school record) to only 11 interceptions on the year. He has a QB rating of 107.5 for the season and this year had a QB rating over 100 in six of his 11 starts. He only had a QB rating under 80 just twice this season. Price who has had an incredible season proved the future at Montlake is bright as he is just a sophomore.

- For senior Co-Captain Jermaine Kearse this has been a tough season for him. He was Jake Locker's favorite receiver and with Sarkisian bringing in Kasen Williams and Kevin Smith that ate into Kearse's numbers. Factor in the Huskies having a tight end, Polk catches passes plus Aguilar and James Johnson returning to health that made for a trying season for Kearse. Kearse numbers wise had his worst season since he was a freshman. He did bounce back against the Cougars who has always destroyed with five catches for 62 yards including an 18 yard reception in which he stiff armed the defender. For the year Kearse finished with 42 receptions for 501 yards with six receiving touchdowns and he also rushed for a touchdown as well.

-  Speaking of Kasen Williams a star has emerged this past month for the Huskies. The heralded five star recruit from Skyline high school struggled out of the gate for the Huskies. In his first six career games Williams had just 12 receptions for 97 yards with two touchdowns. Not really taking the college football scene by storm like everyone had hoped well Williams has since turned it around. Including his latest effort of five receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns Williams has been the Huskies most consistent receiver of late. In the Huskies past five games Williams has 21 receptions for 311 yards with four touchdowns. For the season Williams finished with 33 receptions for 408 yards and tied the team high with six touchdown receptions. Not to mention he handled punt returns all season long averaging seven yards per return and more importantly didn't have a single fumble all year long. Williams with two seniors graduating looks to be the guy next season. He could turn into another Williams who used to torment the Cougars in the Apple Cup. Williams is a star on the rise that is for sure and look for him to have a breakout season next year.

- The Cougars offensive line features four senior starters. That is scary for the Cougars as the Huskies defensive line just absolutely dominated them. The Huskies recorded a season high 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. The Huskies were led by senior co-captain Alameda Ta'amu who was a force all game long much like last year in the Holiday Bowl. Everytime Lobbestael went back to pass he was dropped even if he completed the pass. The Huskies played true freshman Danny Shelton most of the game alongside Ta'amu which really helped Josh Shirley who is also a freshman get in on Lobbestael practically every single play. The Huskies defensive line put the Cougars in several third and long situations where they could bring the blitz. The Cougars offense couldn't overcome the Huskies defensive line which proved to be too dominant for the Cougars.

- For Chris Polk he didn't have a great game like last year but he still had a solid game. Polk ran for 4.5 YPC as he rushed for 100 yards with a touchdown. He also had 36 yards receiving with a receiving touchdown on the game too. Polk has been dynamic all season long in the passing game. The Cougars were set to shutdown Polk and while facing eight man boxes all game long he still found a way to rush for 100 yards. Heading into the fourth quarter he had just 11 carries for 48 yards, in the fourth quarter he had 11 carries for 52 yards with the back breaking touchdown. In his career in the apple cup now Polk has ran for 514 yards(6.8 YPC) with four rushing touchdowns. He has also caught six passes for 70 yards with a touchdown. He has dominated the Cougars and since he is a redshirt junior I'm sure most Cougars are hoping that is the last time they ever have to see him again.

For the season Polk ran for 1,341 yards(5.1 YPC) with 11 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 324 yards with four touchdowns. All three are career highs for Polk as he proved he is a complete running back who can pound you but beat you through the passing game. There is a good chance Polk leaves after this year as he has no reason to come back other than breaking Napoleon Kaufman's career rushing record(he needs 200 in the bowl game to beat him). Polk has been  a terrific Husky and will be on the short list of Husky great running backs.

- Will this be the last time we see Paul Wulff? Wulff is currently having meetings on whether he'll come back or not. Wulff in four seasons with the Cougars is 9-40 as head coach, 6-40 against D-1 teams and 4-32 in conference. He inherited a mess and the team is improving. Still to go 4-8 in your fourth season and that doubling your previous career high shows you need to be let go.

As for Sarkisian he is back over .500 once again as he is 19-18 as head coach for the Huskies. He took over a program that went 0-12 and has led the Huskies to a bowl game in two of his three seasons. The Huskies lost Jake Locker to the top 10 of the NFL draft yet the offense including the quarterback play improved. Nobody has ever questioned Sarkisian's offense but going forward his defense needs to play more like they did in the Apple Cup. Sarkisian has never trailed in three career wins over the Cougars while Wulff has never had a lead against the Huskies in regulation in four career apple cup games.

In conclusion, the Huskies have done something the Cougars have never done which is win three straight apple cup games. The Huskies improved their series lead to 67-31-6 over the Cougars which has been as one sided as a rivalry can possibly be. The Huskies had plenty of guys step up who won't be on next years roster while also having several younger guys contribute as well. Now the goal for the Huskies is to win back to back bowl games for the first time since winning the Rose Bowl back to back years in the 1990 and 1991 seasons. The Huskies haven't won eight games in a season since 2001 so there is still plenty of goals to be abtained in this next bowl game. For the Cougars they completed the worst four year stretch in conference history as Wulff saw his team lose 40 games(average of 10 a season). The Cougars seniors like seniors prior to them will never know what a bowl game feels like. For the Huskies seniors this win has to feel great to be a part of 0-12 then to see the program rebuild the way it has is pretty special. The Huskies sitll have plenty of goals left on their season but at least they are back to beating the Cougars on a regular basis.

Above, one of candidate Scott Fortune's very effective videos I posted on the blog last year from his documentary about the social and economic problems associated with gerrymandering in perhaps the worst drawn congressional district in the country, FL-3, home of Rep. Corrine Brown. http://youtu.be/m2l4WUZ_lcEThe FL redistricting story you NEVER saw in the Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel, or on local

Covering two sports here. Football, as the Trojans prepare for the last game of the season but get ready for an offseason where they need to put in the hard work and change their attitudes for the better if they want to erase the sting of this season.

Story HERE.

Obviously, it's been a long year, but there is reason for optimism IF the returning players have a good offseason, focus on team, and the new recruits buy in.

Basketball-wise, Trojans back at home Tuesday night against ETSU. I wrote THIS STORY on Will Weathers and R.J. Scott. They knew each other before Troy and both started their careers at Troy. Now, they're two of the top players on the team.

Troy's basketball team is really struggling with injuries. Justin Wright, a forward, is one of the team's better players, but he's got a back injury that he is trying to play through. He is supposed to see a specialist this week. Steven Cunningham has missed the last two games with an injury and still hasn't been cleared to play. That's two of the better rebounders.

But this team has a lot of grit and is looking to avenge a loss to ETSU earlier this year. That game, Troy was without Weathers, who is still battling a sprained ankle. He led Troy's win at Southern Utah basically playing on one foot.

Woohoo! Roger Federer beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 for a record sixth title in the ATP World Tour Finals.This marks Roger's 70th title in his career. Simply amazing. Well done, Fed!

It looked for a moment like Tsonga might repeat his come-from-behind Wimbledon victory over Fed after taking the second set tie break, but Fed reclaimed dominance in the third. Federer really was a cut above everyone else this week. He never lost a match, looked fresher than the three higher and (much younger) seeds and was just his usually elegant and awesome self. It's really been an amazing end of the year for, Roger. You're making 30 look like the new 20, FedEx! Thanks for that!

Now Fed can go relax with his lovely wife and kids, Murray and Djokovic can recover from their physical problems, and Rafa can go play some MORE tennis this weekend in the Davis Cup Final for Spain against Argentina and hopefully regain some mental edge with some victories there. Vamos!

Hinds, Miss. Community College quarterback Deon Anthony recently committed to Troy.

Anthony, 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, visited Troy officially for the FAU game. He earned an offer not long after that.

"I like the team and I like the coaching staff," Anthony said. "The offense is similar to what we ran (at Hinds) and it would be a good fit. I feel like (the coaches) want me to come in and change the program, and I feel like I can do that."

Anthony, who will enroll in January for spring practice as a junior, is aware that current starter Corey Robinson will also be a junior in 2012, but said he would get a fair shot to compete for the job.

"They want me to come in and push him, but if I don't win the job, they said they can use me at receiver or in some quarterback packages," Anthony said. "I feel like there will still be a place for me on the offense."

Anthony played high school ball in New Iberia, La., and threw for more than 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns and topped 500 yards rushing with nine touchdowns.

He had recruiting interest from Southern Miss, Memphis and Delta State.

**** (Star count is the highest rated I could find the commitment listed on all of the recruiting sites - rivals, scout, ESPN, 247sports.com)

HIGH SCHOOL
***Brandon Silvers (QB, Gulf Shores, Ala.)
**Brandon Burks (RB, Daleville, Ala.)
**Cody Core (WR, Auburn, Ala.)
***Bobby Walker (WR, Fruit Cove, Fla.)
***Brandon Brooks (WR, Jacksonville, Fla.)
Michael Lindsey (WR, Elba, Ala.)
Antonio Garcia (OL, Riverdale, Ga.)
***Luke Lawrence (OL, Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Mitchell Roland (LB, Auburn, Ala.)
***Shaquille Beverly (DB, Jacksonville, Fla.)
JaQuadrian Lewis (DB, Fitzgerald, Ga.)
JUNIOR COLLEGE
Deon Anthony (QB/ATH, Hinds, Miss. CC(
Chris Hawkins (OL, Hutchinson, Kan. CC)
**Brandon Timmons (DE, Northwest Miss. CC)

Some stuff from coaches on preparing for this last week and next year as myself and a writer from the Montgomery Advertiser had our weekly sit-downs with coaches and players.

Head coach Larry Blakeney wasn't happy, to put it nicely, that Corey Robinson's quotes about the officiating appeared in the paper. I reminded him that I gave him two chances to retract his comments, but even then, I'm not sure it sunk in too well.

"I’ll say this, he was upset, he’s a competitor and if he said anything negative about the officials, he was wrong," Blakeney said. "Wrong."

Blakeney, on using this game to prepare for offseason momentum:

"I ain’t worried about no offseason right now," Blakeney said. "I’m worried about trying to find a way to win a game or go up there and not get embarrassed or whatever. We’re beat to death. I know those guys are going to try, but they’re not exactly on top of the world. You understand?

"We’re going to try to get ready to take that trip. We’ve won up there before, and there’s no reason we can’t win up there this year, but they have a very, very good football team. Very good. They’re undefeated in our league. They look like they’re at a different speed than all the guys I’ve seen them play on field. They’re tackling better than anybody in our league right now. Against ULL and Middle and FIU and all the teams that I’ve seen them defend, they’ve gotten after it. They look like a different speed. We’ll have to counteract some of that with something, whatever that is."

Defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell, on addressing needs for next season: "We’ve got to get some more bodies in here. We’ve got to go recruit and get some guys to come in and help us, JUCO and high school alike, you see where we’re at on people, we’re depleted on having guys to play. We thought going into the year that we were going to be better with numbers and we ended up having guys that didn’t make it and you’re back in the same boat where you’re thin on numbers and it’s tough to play a 12-game season and be good game in and game out."

Depth in front four? "Always, we’ve got to address that and address depth on the back end in the secondary because we’re down to the same thing we are up front. We’ve got to get some guys in and we’re out looking for those guys right now so hopefully it’ll happen."

"We’re going to try to sign some linebackers and what-not, but that’s the two main areas, there and the defensive line."

Offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield on this week's game and getting ready for 2012: "Right now to be honest, I’m more excited about getting ready to play this week. In the offseason, we’ll take a look at guys, we’ll bring in some other guys, we’ve had good recruiting up to this point. We do have some guys returning, we are losing some guys who are pretty good for us. James Brown will be gone, Zach Swindall at center has been really good for us and probably played beyond what we thought he would do. Those are some really big losses for us.

"I am excited about the young guys coming into their own, some guys have played in 10, 11 games, the more reps they get, the more practice, the better they’ll get."

When TNT's 'Lady Law' knocks, open the door! HBB faves The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles return tonight to amuse and delight us -and boy do we need it!The Closer's 7th season continues tonight with the first of the five last episodes in the series on TNT tonight at 9 p.m., as we begin to suffer premature Kyra Sedgwick withdrawal."Thank you."The repeat is at 11 p.m.As most of you who follow the show

If you are on Facebook, you have seen the daily posts this month --"Today I am thankful for..." etc.  I have not participated in this, however, today I will share one.

My brother-in-law Andrew reached out to me this morning and to Hope For The Warriors®.  A close friend's son was severely wounded overseas and has just been sent to one of the medical centers in the Washington, D.C. area.  Andrew reached out to me personally, hoping that we would be able to help this family.

At this point, this family is in so much pain emotionally, I am sure that they do not fully understand what their needs will be.  I quickly e-mailed several staff members in our northern Virginia office.  These staff members regularly visit the medical centers and this family is now on their list of people to visit on their next visit.

On my own, I can pray for this Marine and his family.  But today, I am thankful that I have an entire organization to call when our military families need help. 

I cannot protect our young service members from these tragic events.  However, when something does occur, I do not have to feel helpless.  I know who I can turn to and get help for this military family.  If you are reading this, then you do not need to feel helpless either.  To learn more about how we support military families, visit the Hope For The Warriors® website.

It was a short work week last week, but we still had time to get together as a company for our annual Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone brought their favorite dish to share; we had dips, homemade stuffing, different potatoes, corn bread muffins, and a variety of desserts. People brought their kids and significant others so it felt like a real Thanksgiving. We definitely set the bar high for next year because the food and turnout this year was impressive!

Pulled chicken & pork with sauce



The Council on Foreign Relations video: Counterterrorism and Homeland Security: Does the United States Have the Right Strategy? September 12, 2011.Thom Shanker of the N.Y. Times is the panel moderator, with Henry A. Crumpton, Frances "Fran" Fragos Townsend, and John F. Lehman as featured guests. I highly recommend watching the entire video at one time when you have no distractions. In particular,

Clear your calendar and make room for an extra-special event at Renee's on Sat., Dec. 10 at 11 am. You won't want to miss this Holidate with your girlfriends!










Renee's is hosting a mini-seminar with professional stylists to help you determine your body shape and choose clothing with that in mind! This team of three image consultants from Holobi will be on hand to help you define your image, refine your clothing choices, and assist you in building a wardrobe that fits your shape and lifestyle.



Every body is a precious gem, no matter your shape or age. When you are wearing the right fit for your body shape, you will look and feel brilliant. Which body shape are you? Lisa, Lori and Linda will explain the four shapes: Diamond (small waist), ruby (slender hips and thighs), emerald (symmetry of shoulders, waist and hips) or sapphire (small upper torso), and provide tips and tricks for dressing your individual shape. Fill out your wish list with new knowledge about items that fit your shape, lifestyle and personality!



Come meet Lisa, Lori and Linda on Dec. 10. Mini seminar starts at 11 am sharp. Seating is limited; please R.S.V.P. Call 425-252-2230 or email reneesclothing@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing you!

USHSR's 2011 Conference in New York Cityhttp://youtu.be/2mNwnP_fvuMEven while High Speed Rail advocates met in New York recently to discuss their hopes and dreams for the service in the Northeast Corridor, Adam Nagourney of the N.Y. Times has just revealed even more troubling financial details about the possible coming boondoggle with California's San Francisco-to-Anaheim Bullet Train, which I

Figure the basketball team deserves a post of their own.

Trojans flew out to Southern Utah by way of Las Vegas and pulled off a win over a SU team that was 4-2. That's not an easy trip to make and come out with a win, but good for the Trojans for doing just that.

Troy (2-3) is at home Tuesday night at 7 p.m. against East Tennessee State.

Recap on TroyTrojans.com HERE. Box score HERE.

Believe it or not, Chris Pickett was eventually called for a face mask on this play (AP photo). Pretty sure both were guilty, but the fact was that Troy should have had Rainey for a loss of about 5-7 on the play instead of what it ended up being.

But that's how it went for the Trojans. WKU lined up and just physically whipped Troy's tail. They didn't do anything tricky. Troy just wasn't physical enough to stop it. That's the story of Troy's season. They just aren't good this year. Most will be back next year. They can get bigger and stronger. But this year, just not very good. No other way to explain 3-8.

Troy players felt like they didn't get any help from the refs. One drive in particular - Troy was down 16, driving, but a hold and 2 unsportsmanlike conduct penalties were called. The second, after Troy had went from 2nd and 20 to 3rd and 1, was called on Corey Robinson and looked questionable. Sure, Robinson's a fiery kid, but I doubt he'd be talking trash to the opposing sideline DOWN 16.

You can read Robinson's comments on the officiating in THIS GAME STORY.

Bear in mind that Robinson said this unprovoked, and I gave him 2 chances to take it back. Good thing Roger Goodell's not the commissioner of the Sun Belt, but you have to feel his frustration. The game was chippy all around, but it was Troy who was getting called for the personal fouls. Meanwhile, after one chippy session where Sun Belt refs threw no flags, WKU linebacker Andrew Jackson took his helmet off, during a drive. Nothing - no call. Troy scored on the drive, so eventually no big deal.

Chris Anderson was called for celebrating a touchdown, but he saluted after scoring, so that appeared legit. You can't do that when the rules are stated like they are.

But when you're good and you're at home, you get the calls. Troy was once good, and got most of those calls. Remember that crazy "disconcerting signals" call last year for Troy against UL-Lafayette?

Read THIS NOTEBOOK as well.

Plenty of injuries, of course from WKU pretty much beating up the Trojans physically. Kanorris Davis with a dislocated ankle, and he's out for the year but should be ready for next year. Kyle Wilborn didn't play, and probably won't play next week for what Blakeney called "the worst shoulder in the history of football" (just bad luck with shoulder injuries). His replacement, Jimbo Arnold, hurt his foot. Even the kicker, Michael Taylor, has a hamstring injury and had to leave the game. Jimmie Anderson (ankle) and John Robles (concussion) were forced out as well.

Not sure of their statuses for the finale at Arkansas State.

Speaking of WKU, why isn't Willie Taggart getting mentioned for all those head coaching jobs like Hugh Freeze and Mark Hudspeth? WKU hammered ULL, but because of geographics, ULL is going bowling and WKU may not be. WKU should have beaten Arkansas State, but got stuffed on a late drive with the lead and allowed ASU to drive the field and score.

No one wants to play WKU. They aren't fancy, but they will line up and wear you down. It's like Alabama and LSU does to all those teams in the SEC, though their talent is at a much higher level compared to the rest of their conference. Not quite sure how WKU will do when Bobby Rainey graduates, but most of the team is back next year and they'll be even bigger and stronger.

In my opinion, Willie Taggart is the Sun Belt Coach of the Year. Bobby Rainey is the Player of the Year/Offensive Player of the Year, and I'd have to look at stats, but Andrew Jackson is probably the league's Defensive Player of the Year.

***Eric Thomas and Chandler Worthy are really, really good players. Thomas' 1-handed catch was 10X better than the one he had vs. North Texas and Worthy made a great catch and run for a TD. Chris Anderson looked good as a receiver on his TD catch, and Corey Johnson, though he still hasn't found the end zone, is finding his niche at the Y-WR. Troy needs a few more playmakers at WR and should get that with the anticipated return of Jamel Johnson and Chip Reeves, plus some WR commits that look impressive.