SB Nation User Blog: grahamfiller10

Armchair Quarterbacking With The Rivalry, Esq - Iowa v. Penn State

grahamfiller10 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:00:18 -0000

Matchup - 9-0 Penn State @ 5-4 Iowa

Date - November 9, 2008

Game Score and Time - PSU 23, Iowa 21, 0:42 mark of the 4rd quarter

Capsule - Ricky Stanzi was having a Tom Bradyesque 2nd half, with 127 yards passing and two touchdown drives against the Big 10's best defense, but the Nittany Lions held a slim lead in the closing minute. Thanks to the now infamous pass interference penalty on 3rd and 15 and some clutch throws by Stanzi, the Hawkeyes were only a field goal away from pulling a huge upset.

Down - 3rd and 6, ball rests at the Penn State 25.

Play Call - Iowa's play calling, always conservative under Ferentz, lends itself to these situations, one would think, but the options here are numerous. Dive middle for no gain to set up a 41 yard field goal by Daniel Murray on a windy day...Run off tackle with Greene (like they did all year so successfully) for a possible first down or to avoid any chance for turnovers...Roll out Stanzi to give him the throwaway option or a safe, short pass...But I mean, God Almighty, don't throw the ball down the field or take a sack while sitting on the Upset of the Year, you can't take risks...Plus the Penn State defense has spent the entire drive in the Iowa backfield hurrying Stanzi. Some helpful stats to consider:

Stanzi's stats so far: 14-24, 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 3 Sacks

Greene's stats: 28 carries, 117 yards

Iowa's 3rd down conversion at home % in 2008? 7th in the conference.

Penn State's road passing defense in 2008? 1st in the conference.

Murray's stats up to this point in 2008? 1 for 3, with a long of 44 against Maine. No attempts since a miss v Pitt.

Discussion of what actually happened in the Comment section...Like you don't know...

Poll

What play do you run?

Armchair Quarterbacking With The Rivalry, Esq - Purdue v. NW

grahamfiller10 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:49:16 -0000

Matchup - 2-4 Purdue @ 5-1 Northwestern

Date - October 18, 2008

Game Score and Time - NW 27, Purdue 12, 2:45 mark of the 3rd quarter

Capsule - Northwestern scored three second quarter touchdowns to take a lead, but the game was bogging down into a mix of incomplete passes and punts. The Boilermakers had benched an ineffective Curtis Painter in the second quarter only to watch backup Joey Elliot promptly separate his shoulder. Northwestern had been unable to pressure Painter all day, but a sack on 2nd down forced Purdue into a third and long deep in their own territory.

Down - 3rd and 18, ball rests at the Purdue 10

Play Call - If you follow Purdue football, you already know what happened, but for the rest of us, the situation begs some interesting questions. Do you go conservative and hand the ball off, conceding possession to a Northwestern offense that has been slowed in the second half? Do you put the ball in the hands of Painter, who has already been pulled from the game and doesn't look to be improving? Do you take a chance downfield because hell, you're 2-4 and one more NW score puts the game out of reach? Some relevant stats to consider before deciding...

Purdue's 3rd down conversion % in October 2008? 9th in the conference.

Purdue's 3rd down conversion % during away games? 9th.

Painter's passing percentage up to this point? 15 for 25, sacked once, no picks.

Longest Pass Plays for Purdue at this point in the game? 28 yards, 24 yards.

Quarterback Rating of Purdue's QB's during October? 11th.

Northwestern's Scoring Efficiency so far in this game? 10 possessions, 5 scoring drives.

Discussion of what actually happened in the Comment section...

Poll

What play do you run here?

Top 10 SEC-Big Ten Games of the Last Decade: #1 - Florida v Ohio State, 2007 BCS National Championship Game

grahamfiller10 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:05:54 -0000

Top 10 SEC-Big Ten Games of the Last Decade: #1 - Florida v Ohio State, 2007 BCS National Championship Game

And we close our countdown with the game that birthed the SECSPEED myth, the 2007 National Title matchup between Florida and Ohio State. With some assistance from Sam of WWAHT and Year2, Team Speed Kills aptly breaks down the pre-game hype and the fallout from Florida's dismantling of the highly favored Buckeyes.

Here is the final list of all the games...

#1 -- Florida v Ohio State, 2007 BCS Title Game
#2 -- Michigan v Alabama, 2000 Orange Bowl
#3 -- LSU v Illinois, 2002 Sugar Bowl
#4 -- Michigan v Florida, 2008 Capital One Bowl
#5 -- South Carolina v Ohio State, 2002 Outback Bowl
#6 -- Iowa v LSU, 2005 Capital One Bowl
#7 -- Georgia v Purdue, 2000 Outback Bowl
#8 -- Michigan State v Florida, 2000 Citrus Bowl
#9 -- Florida v Iowa, 2006 Outback Bowl
#10 -- Wisconsin v Arkansas, 2007 Capital One Bowl

11 Things I Want To See In the Big 10 During 2009, Part 4 (Shawshank Edition)

grahamfiller10 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:21:03 -0000

#2 - I want some fireworks from the passing game

I guess there were relevant reasons for 2008's less than spectacular conference-wide performance in the passing game: Upheaval at the quarterback position, some great running backs, three disappointing veterans (Painter, Lewis, Boeckman)...But my oh my, the only cohesive passing game in the whole damn conference was in Happy Valley. Overall, Big 10 QB's combined for the least number of 2000 yard passers since 2004.

#1 - I want the conference games to be so extraordinary that I am inclined to celebrate like Andy Dufresne when he escapes from Shawshank

I guess I've always been one of those guys who LOVES the token noon Iowa-Illinois game that ESPN tries to bury on ESPN2 with Pam Ward and Ray Bentley. There is no hype, there aren't fun graphics to look at, I mute the volume for obvious reasons...But it's like I have a stock ticker in the back of my brain that's constantly running some combination of these messages:

"You are watching Big 10 football on a Saturday afternoon...You are watching Big 10 football on a Saturday afternoon...Why don't you get a beer...Oh, you have one already...My your life is nice..."

And those games didn't usually disappoint last year...Sure, Purdue let me down more than a deadbeat dad ("the checks in the mail, I promise, and we'll get ice cream next week"), but Northwestern, Michigan State, Minnesota, Iowa...They put on some memorable performances...On a sidenote, my favorite Shawshank lines...

"I wish I could tell you that Andy fought the good fight, and the Sisters let him be. I wish I could tell you that - but prison is no fairy-tale world."
"I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don't want to know. Some things are best left unsaid. I'd like to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it can't be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it."
"I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."
"I guess I just miss my friend."
"I'd like to think that the last thing that went through his head, other than that bullet, was to wonder how the hell Andy Dufresne ever got the best of him."

See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3...

11 Things I Want To See In the Big 10 During 2009, Part 3

grahamfiller10 — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:37:00 -0000

#4 - I want to watch a UM-OSU game where I reasonably believe that Michigan can win

In law, there are standards and tests that legislation or crimes are held up to determine their validity. The reasonable person standard, foreseeability of harm, etc. The above title is my standard for this years Rivalry showdown in Ann Arbor. I'm not asking for a victory or a close game. I just want to believe, for a brief second before kickoff, that Michigan can pull off an upset. Because that's what a rivalry game is about, right? "Throw out the records"..."Anything can happen"...etc...But I haven't truly believed that; even in 2006 when Michigan was undefeated and the apocalypseNOWundefeatedholyshit#1v2BO IS WATCHING FROM HEAVEN game was upon us...Michigan was injured and listless in '07 and in '08, yeah right.

#3 - I want the Big 10's best to continue thumbing the hit stick like a nervous gamer

Good god, 2008 was a fantastic year for Sportscenter-level smashing. Shonn Greene, crushing defenders all year, especially here at the 0:13 mark (listen to the lady say OMYGOD). Shonn Greene visiting lala land at the 2:20 mark. Sam McGuffie being told by Ohio State's kickoff team that, um yeahh, maybe you should probably not play in the Big 10 (2:22 mark). Terrelle Pryor and Chris Wells stiff arming the hell out of the entire Michigan State defense. Brian Hoyer leaving the same game due to fogginess from this hit at 5:05. Brian Hoyer getting face punched against Penn State.

Every time I turned around, someone was getting lit up. Who will be the killers this year?

See Part 1, Part 2....and the final installment coming next week...

11 Things I Want To See In the Big 10 During 2009, Part 2

grahamfiller10 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:21:43 -0000

#8 - I want RichRod's Spread to succeed spectacularly

Because this offense can be so sexy. Why do I love the RichRod Spread? It's different - we're not used to seeing fullback dives utilized effectively or the option attack at a major school. Last year's struggles were well documented as the Wolverines possessed the Big 10's worst offense...(And if you need slightly more detail about the horror, here's an early season assessment)

Tate Forcier's Spring Game performance shows an 18 year old who is more confident and prepared than anyone who called signals for the Wolverines in 2008 and as most everyone in the blogosphere believes, a decent quarterback will make a 100% improvement to the Spread scheme. One thing to mention - the players at West Virginia were no scrubs. Pat White just got drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft, Steve Slaton is a starting halfback for the Houston Texans, Owen Schmitt will start at fullback for the Seattle Seahawks this year...So yeah, the system worked, but the skill players were exceptional. Running back Brandon Minor looks to be a stud in the making, while the WR's weren't given enough substantive opportunites to show their skill last year.

#7 - I want Iowa fans to alienate another Big 10 fanbase

Minnesota...Just Northwestern...Penn State...Who's next?

That's just me, running your ass over...

Originally my money was on Wisconsin. All the signs are there. Not only do Badger take their football way too seriously, the state is full of decent, loyal, down to earth humans who won't be able to put up with the vile insults if Iowa wins this year in Madison. But BHGP rebuffed that idea...so I guess we will see which lucky Big 10 school gets pulled into a yearlong scuffle full of mesage board attacks and "55-0"ish insults by those incendiary Iowa fans. Nothing like a good ol' rivalry started out of thin air.

#6 - I want Northwestern to sell out Ryan Field

LTP brought this up over and over, as does every Northwestern hater, but it's sad to see 30k people attend Ryan field for a team that will be ranked in the Top 20 this year. We all know the reasons for the lack of fans (smaller school, students are from all over the country, not a huge Chicago fan base, more of an academic tradition). Will another 9 or 10 win season begin pulling the masses in? Do the masses exist?

#5 - I want people to stop talking about how the Big 10 sucks

For two reasons.

First, every conference had their ups and downs last year. The Big 12 spent the entire year being feted before people discovered Big 12 defenses were less than solid. The SEC's 2008 rep was salvaged with a 5-2 bowl record, not to mention big bowl wins over Texas Tech and Georgia Tech. But disappointing regular seasons by Georgia and Auburn showed a SEC lacking the depth we've become accustomed to.

Second, it's such a passe statement/argument to make because frankly, arguing over conference supremacy is a product of the screwed up BCS system anyways. Sure, it's a recruiting tool and a handy argument to pull out when visiting friends in other parts of the country...And it makes for editorial filling space when a Big 10 team shows up undefeated in the middle of the season, just in time for idiot columnists pull their tired cliches out of the bag. But it's worthless. Win your conference, win your out of conference games, welcome to the National Championship game. Except Boise State or Utah. Sorry.

See Part 1 here...and stay turned for the final installment...

11 Things I Want To See In the Big 10 During 2009, Part 1

grahamfiller10 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:39:25 -0000

I am not a Big 10 homer. I will not recite statistics ad nauseam about how Big 10 football is somehow "better" than other conferences. I am not particularly worried about how the Big 10 stacks up against other conferences, only to the effect that I would like Big 10 success so I can continue to watch quality football. Frankly, I just really love drinking a beer every fall and watching some solid matchups between storied Midwestern programs...and Indiana. So if you can, take this as a non-comprehensive list of things that would make my (and possibly your) Big 10 football viewing experience even more grand than usual in 2009.

#11 - I want the MAC to be shown some respect this summer

Because if Big 10 teams fail to do this, things could get ugly early. I sort of jumped on the "Wow...all those MAC losses are piling up to look pretty damn ugly" bandwagon last year. Truthfully though, an 11-4 record (with two of those losses coming from Indiana and the "transitioning" RichRod team picking up another) really wasn't cause for much concern. But this year, two of the MAC's heavy hitters (Central, Western) feature veteran quarterbacks and explosive offenses. Both of these teams play key early games against Big 10 teams with inexperienced signalcallers. Check out the following:

September 5

Western Michigan @ Michigan

Northern Illinois @ Wisconsin

September 12

Central Michigan @ Michigan State

Western Michigan @ Indiana

The Central game is taking on a life of its own in Mid-Michigan, as memories of the 1992-93 upsets spur Chippewa fans into thinking about repeating the feat. The Western opener will be a quick litmus test on RichRods Spread in year 2 and the effectiveness of new d-co Greg Robinson versus one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Tim Hiller. The MAC will never be confused with the Mountain West, but these are far from favorable matchups for any of the Big 10 schools involved. (As a side note, hopefully a new coach and a couple years of losing will trigger some kind of rebirth in Oxford for my Redhawks...)

#10 - I want to see another Big 10 team punch OSU in the mouth

And everyone else does too. Even Buckeye fans. Law Buck, although upset after the PSU loss last year, was so enamored by the hitting and intensity of the game that he sort of shrugged his shoulders and went on his merry way. In 2007, Juice Williams led one of the most memorable drives of the decade to beat OSU, a glorious 9 minutes of option run smash mouth football. This years Buckeye schedule features a couple teams capable of granting my request, most noticeably the November dates with Iowa and Penn State.

11 Warriors acknowledged that yes, everyone knows how to beat Ohio State (stop the run, diversify your offensive scheme). But hell, with a 47-9 conference record since 2002, it takes a lot to accomplish this goal. So thank you '08 Penn State for creating an OSU beatdown memory and let's hope for another one.

#9 - I want another year of heartwarming puff pieces ala Shonn Greene '08.

Last year's preseason hyped stories mostly fell flat. Javon Ringer's Heisman hopes were dashed early, OSU got murdered in SoCal...and then the hook we at The Rivalry were hanging our hat on for mucho hits (PSU in the MNC game) got knocked down when the Spread HD popped its loss cherry against Iowa...

The man.

So what story never let us down? My man Shonn Greene. Hold on, let me start my "Keith Jackson from the Gatorade commercials" voice..."After a year away from football moving furniture, this rugged bulldozer known as Shonn Greene has taken the Big 10 by storm, busting highlight reel runs and thrusting himself into the Heisman race." I love those stories. Who's going to be the guy this year? Who will be the BMOC? Early contenders:

- Pat Fitzgerald...Probably 6-0 starting out, if they pull out some big wins against MSU or Iowa, a possible top 20 ranking...the campus hero, leading his inspired troops to victory

- Minnesota fans...Finally freed from the confines of the Dome, they witness big wins over Greg Paulus and California on their way to avenge last years blowout from hated Iowa...maybe some video of the bathroom stall sexscapade of Iowa fans, followed by interviews on the burgeoning rivalry between the Gophers and Hawkeyes

- Juice Williams...2008 was so disappointing, this is where he brings winning ways back to Champaign-Urbana...shouldered the blame for '08, now has improved and wants to lead the Illini...will need some video of Zook calling him a soldier, a warrior, a real team player and saying he loves him like a brother...

Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3...feel free to leave suggestions for things you want to see...

Top 10 SEC-Big Ten Games of the Last Decade: #2 - Michigan v Alabama, 2000 Orange Bowl

grahamfiller10 — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:37:36 -0000

The Hype and the Players

I had no idea Tom Brady would end up as the face of American football, but in 1999 I knew that a) #8 Michigan was throwing more than ever in my short lifetime and b) the man behind all those attempts threw a damn good ball. Supported by veterans like Rob Renes, Steve Hutchinson, and David Teeeeerrell (if you don't know the infamous David Terrell dorm party story, you are probably better off), this would have been a national championship team if not for two mid-season losses to Michigan State and Illinois. Lloyd Carr defeated ND, Penn State, and Ohio State...and then found ways to lose to Illinois and MSU. A weird season overall, but another victory over John Cooper's Bucks found the Maize and Blue in the 2000 Orange Bowl against a loaded Alabama Crimson Tide squad.

The SEC champion and fifth ranked Crimson Tide, fresh off victories over Florida and Auburn, relied heavily on running back Shaun Alexander and a defense that had steadily improved over the year. The only thing slowing the dominant Alexander was a mid-season ankle injury and it seemed he was at full strength when the Orange Bowl rolled around. If you stopped Alexander, coach Mike Dubose would turn to play action with quarterback Andrew Zow, a somewhat forgettable signalcaller who was steady, but definitely unspectacular throughout the season.

Two of the elite programs in college football, some future NFL offensive superstars, no dominant defenses...I think we all knew where this was going.

Game Recap: First Half

The Wolverines looked overmatched early, as Alabama's aggressive defense teed off on Michigan receivers and the slow Brady. Remember, this was a Michigan team running out of the Shotgun primarily, and the 'Bama defenders blitzed early and often, not fearing the running game or Anthony Thomas. A couple of stops and two methodical drives punctuated by Alexander touchdowns put Carr's squad in a 14-0 hole.

David Terrell, soon to be a huge NFL bust, had prospered under the new pass happy Michigan offense, catching 60 balls for almost 1000 yards during the season. He was a hugely important part of the passing game, using great hands to catch comeback routes in traffic and quickness to get open against anyone. After running a perfect seam route for a touchdown catch before the half, Terrell began to take over the game from his wide receiver position in the third quarter.

Game Recap: Second Half and OT

The third quarter was one of the best periods of football I've ever watched. Terrell couldn't be stopped - the 'Bama defensive backs consistently whiffed when trying to tackle him and Terrell got separation on any of the DB's assigned to cover him. The statistics say it well enough: 35 points (an Orange Bowl record), a scintilating Freddie Milons punt return for a TD, two more Terrell touchdowns, another Alexander touchdown on a run where he ran over and through the Michigan defense. The game began to resemble the late rounds of a boxing match as each team threw their best punches, trying desperately to finish the other with a knockout blow. At the end of the quarter, the game was all knotted up at 28.

Michigan had come back from two 14 point deficits, nothing new for a team that played 9 games decided by a touchdown or less. This game would not be any different. Brady sat back behind another great Michigan offensive line and picked apart the weary 'Bama secondary. And just when you thought Michigan would take the lead, they inexplicably blew opportunities. A-Train Anthony Thomas fumbled while diving into the endzone, wasting one of the best catches of the year, a falling back stretched out leap by Marquise Walker at the Alabama 2. Then Carr, who had abandoned the run by now, decided to put the ball in Brady's hands with two minutes left and 40 yards to get into field goal range. Brady cooly drove the Wolverines down the field with dump offs to his tight end Aaron Shea and darts to his wide receivers. A last second field goal try from Hayden Epstein was blocked, sending the game into overtime.

The Wolverines scored on the first play of OT and Zow countered with a TD pass on a rollout to tie the ga....Oh wait a minute. Alabama's kicker, Ryan Pflugner, blew the extra point right and the Wolverines had secured themselves a huge comeback victory.

Aftermath

Brady: An impressive 369 yards passing from the future Mr. Bundchen; showed his penchant for tossing perfect spirals when given time to throw.

Shaun Alexander: SEC player of the year, obviously NFL ready, 161 yards on 25 carries.

Other Stars: 'Bama - Chris Samuels, solid NFL offensive tackle; Milons, WR/Kick Returner. University of Michigan - Hutchinson, Renes, Jeff Backus, Ian Gold, Dhani Jones.

Whoops: Alabama was ranked #3 to start the next season and somehow ended up 3-8, including losses to Southern Miss and Central Florida.

At Least We Can Beat the SEC: Since 1990, Michigan has went 6-2 against the SEC, with victories over Mississippi, Florida twice, Auburn, Alabama, and Arkansas.

Here are the countdown games so far...

#3 - LSU v Illinois, 2002 Sugar Bowl

#4 -- Michigan v Florida, 2008 Capital One Bowl

#5 -- South Carolina v Ohio State, 2002 Outback Bowl

#6 -- Iowa v LSU, 2005 Capital One Bowl

#7 -- Georgia v Purdue, 2000 Outback Bowl

#8 -- Michigan State v Florida, 2000 Citrus Bowl

#9 -- Florida v Iowa, 2006 Outback Bowl

#10 -- Wisconsin v Arkansas, 2007 Capital One Bowl

Evaluating the Mechanics of Big Ten Running Backs - Evan Royster

grahamfiller10 — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:56:17 -0000

Combine a unique running style with great leg drive and what do you get? The Big 10's best tailback in a conference fond of great running games. Evan Royster's solid presence was a tremendous boon to the Spread HD last year. Let's take a look at this talented, high IQ runner to see where his success comes from.

Evan Royster (Penn State)

Backfield Technique (A): Backfield technique is especially important in the Spread HD because of the subtle fakes and play actions required - Royster does them all admirably. He doesn't get to the handoff too quickly or rush his motion out of the pivot. Keeps his head up and doesn't force Clark to reach out too far to hand the ball off. Doesn't waste motion in the backfield either. Carries out fakes well, crouching his body to give the impression of a running play. Better blocker than Shonn Greene, comfortable hitting people on QB draws or cutting LB's on passing plays.
Hitting the Hole (A-): The second best attribute for Royster is his patience. On designed traps or misdirections, he refuses to run up the backs of his blockers or bounce around ala Barry Sanders. The touchdown against Michigan is a great example of what moving your feet constantly gets you. Has great shiftiness too (ah so cliched)...Will lean into a hole and then naturally shift out, ensuring a couple more yards as the defender recalibrates the angle of attack.
Taking on Tacklers (A+): Not a huge fan of running over tacklers. Gets hit and does an effective shiver that either 1) makes the tackler slide off him or 2) allows an avoidance of a big hit, instead diving forward for 2-3 extra yards. This shiver shows tremendous maturity - not only does he lessen the impact of constant hits, but he avoids negative yardage.
In the Open Field (B): You know, I spent the entire 2008 season thinking Royster was 5'9'' and 180 lbs....And now I've been alerted to the fact that he is actually 6'1''' and 215 lbs. My mistake was perpetuated by the bending and weaving he does when running, instead of a more straight up style ala Adrian Peterson. Royster is not an overly flashy runner, patiently waiting for blockers during screen passes and rarely slowing momentum to juke defensive backs. Does not try spectacular cuts in the open field or try to jump over DB's. Does not have breakaway speed, sprinter speed like Marcus Thigpen of Indiana from last year.

Overall: A

[Editors Note: I completed this evaluation using film from here and here and here...and here]

Big Ten Report Card

Dan Herron (A-)

Evan Royster (A)

Do Fans Bear Responsibility For Steroid Era? No.

grahamfiller10 — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:52:16 -0000

While watching the College World Series today, the announcers began discussing steroid use in the Major Leagues and the announcer said something I have heard over and over but only today did the complete foolishness of it strike me. He said (in reference to the steroid use):

"Of course all the fans are complicit in this thing too. We were cheering and buying tickets. So there is blame to go around"

Now, I learned some logic at law school, and maybe not enough, but frankly I don't see how one single fan could be blamed for being complicit in the steroid era. So if someone could explain to me the logic behind this oft repeated statement, I would appreciate it.

I have spent a couple minutes trying to determine my liability for the Steroid Era. I was born in 1983 and always rooted for the Cubs and Tigers (I'm from Michigan, I had to have an NL team). I went to games at old Tiger Stadium where the obese Cecil Fielder used to hit 470 foot home runs. I bought the occasional baseball hat and read the Chicago Tribune because my dad said it was the only real paper in America. I went to my first Cubs game when I was 16ish and Sammy was chasing Mark McGwire and when he hit #50 something, the ballpark exploded like nothing I had ever seen. My friend was slow to get out of those antiquated bathrooms and came up the steps when Sammy was rounding third - he asked me "Did I miss something?" I didn't know anything about steroids until Barry Bonds starting hitting home runs and his head visibly expanded.

So, BCB being the pre-eminent place on SBN to discuss steroids right now, I ask: What is my liabilty for the Steroid Era? Damn right I was in the stands cheering, but what's the connection? Here are the reasons I have heard for fans being complicit:

Chicks dig the long ball..Guys do too. We all love it so much we forced players to juice. Sorry!
We turned a "blind eye" to steroid use which was so obvious.
We didn't demand proper drug testing.

Graham Filler

The Rivalry Esq

http://www.rivalryesq.com/