SB Nation User Blog: wizardimps

What if Sam McGuffie came to UT?

wizardimps — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:12:25 -0000

MGoBlog is reporting that freshman running back Sam McGuffie is probably leaving Michigan after their disastrous season.

This Michigan Daily article about him says that among other things, he's homesick for Texas (I assume that means the state, not our university). He may not play this week due to a death in the family, which is bringing him back to Texas. He went to school at Cy-Fair in Houston. According to the article he picked UM over Notre Dame, Southern Cal, A&M, and Florida.

"I miss Texas," McGuffie said. "When you’re born and raised in Texas, of course you’re going to miss Texas. I miss my family most of all. I miss my friends, my best friend. You know, it’s just like any other kid would miss their family and their friends and just being in their own bed, in their own warm bed, watching cartoons or whatever on Saturday mornings."

After the 2006 season, the Houston Chronicle named him Houston-area offensive MVP, just behind another talented Houston-area running back who got all-around MVP, a guy named Fozzy Whitaker.

He misses Texas, and I hope he doesn't want to be an Aggie after this year's team. Wonder if Mack would give him a call if he decides to transfer?

My tour inside the Athletic Center (plus Mack's office)

wizardimps — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:04:29 -0000

Update: added new location for trophy room video

Had a cool first-time experience this weekend: I toured the athletic center, saw all the trophy rooms, and stopped by Mack Brown's office to take some pictures. Thought BON might be interested. Links at the bottom if you don't want to read.

I drove up from Houston to see the Baylor game this weekend, my once-a-year game. Afterwards I hung around to check out the new construction. On my way out, I walked through the gate and around the bleachers in the south end zone, and saw a bunch of people going in and out of the Moncreif/Neuhaus Athletic Center. I don't know if it was usually like that but a lot of players friends and family members were wandering around inside, some with name tags and others without, all toting cameras and shooting pictures like tourists. So I walked in with them, figuring at worst someone would kick me out. I spent the next couple hours checking the place out and taking pictures, which I'll now share with y'all.

On the bottom floor were lots of trophy cases with mementos of Texas' past glories, including conference championships, bowl trophies, inspirational posters, pictures of All-Americans and Academic All-Americans, and SWC/Big 12 stuff. I went upstairs, and in the stairwell were all the teams we play this year with more inspirational sayings, ending with "Earn the Right" to play in the Big 12 Championship. Somewhere in there I passed Mack Brown, who was greeting some family members of a player.

Upstairs are the coaches offices, with blown-up covers from national magazines with the UT football team or players on the cover (plus VY's Xbox cover) on the walls and more posters. I even found one featuring the Burnt Orange Nation.

I stopped in the Trophy Room and there were 2 Heismans, 4 National Championship crystal footballs (3 awarded after the fact), 3 Outlands, 2 Lombardis, a shared case holding all of Earl's and Ricky's stuff, a case for Derrick Johnson/Vince Young/Michael Huff, and lots more. Wow.

I saw Mack Brown's office, and there were people inside. I asked permission to come inside and take pictures, and whoever was leading the group said it was OK, so I snapped a bunch of shots in there. Holy crap you wouldn't believe what he's got in there. Rings, balls, caps, photos, books, and a big-ass fish tank. After that I made my way to the Players' Lounge, with four big screen projection TVs, home theater chairs, a pool table, and a big wall with helmets for all of the NFL players who are or were in the pros.

On the way out I passed a set of horns on the wall right next to the door that the team exits on their way into the stadium. Above the horns reads "Don't Mess With Texas".

At no time did I go anywhere I wasn't supposed to, I never went into any room where there weren't any people, and did ask permission to go into Mack's office. I simply played another tourist just like all the other people there.

The pictures can be found at http://sports.webshots.com/album/568564239UKNvmv and start with some general fun shots at the game and the stadium. Feel free to leave comments!

Here's a video panorama of the newly-refurbished stadium: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtLPtI3nyD4

Here's a video tour of the big trophy room: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-457219115889394537

Lou Holtz: "I just love me some Colt McCoy!"

wizardimps — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:46:23 -0000

Check this one out, from Lou Holtz talking on ESPN about Tebow vs McCoy in the Heisman race. Didn't realize the camera was still on:

“You’re talking about one game. One damn game,” Holtz said, adding of McCoy, “The guy was not — the guy was not a good quarterback last year. He was very disappointing. We’re talking about the best quarterback. Not who had the best day. Not who’s played the weakest damn schedule. Who in the hell has Texas played until they played Oklahoma?”

Maybe they ought to judge the Heisman based on this year's performance and not last year's. I dunno, it's just a thought.

http://www.collegefootballtalk.com/2008/10/13/espns-lou-holtz-apologizes-for-anti-mccoy-tirade/