Happy new year’s game

The FCS national championship is all but moved to January.

As mentioned earlier this week, the Championship Subdivision has been looking to move its championship game to the day before the BCS title game. The 2010 championship game will be played on Jan. 5, 2011, according to Trading Markets, via the Chattanooga Times.

“It has been approved at this point, it’s set, and what’s happening tomorrow is just the presentation of the updated proposal,” Leech said.

Beginning in 2010, the playoffs will expand from 16 to 20 teams and thus require an extra round of games. They will begin as they do now, a week after the regular season ends. The semifinals will be played on that third weekend in December and then the title game will be played between Dec. 29 and the BCS title game, depending on ESPN’s schedule, Leech said.

This is huge for the FCS, but I’m not sure how much it’s going to help individual teams. Sure, there will be more exposure ONE day a year, but that will not change the image of the subdivision when the national championship game is still played in front of relatively tame crowds in Tennessee.

It appears that the powers that be in Chattanooga aren’t too happy about the move.

For the Greater Chattanooga Sports and Events Committee, which coordinates the event, the primary issue with expansion was keeping the game and game-week activities from taking place right around Christmas, which would create staffing problems and likely affect ticket sales.

“The thing that we absolutely wanted to avoid (playing around Christmas), we avoided,” Sports Committee president Merrill Eckstein said. “One of the advantages would be a ‘National Championship Week,’ if ESPN promoted it that way. It could end up giving us a heck of a national TV audience and we could do well at the gate as well.

If it doesn’t work out in Chattanooga, I say move the game somewhere else. Obviously it’s going to have to be in the South or a dome – Georgia Dome, perhaps? That might be a bit excessive considering the record national championship attendance in Chatty hasn’t been more than 30,000… just a thought though.

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Rivals has Anthony Gurley as one of its top 10 transfers.

This athletic wing was the only Wake Forest player to transfer following the death of former Wake coach Skip Prosser in July 2007. Gurley chose to move close to his home in Boston. The former four-star recruit had scholarship offers from a number of ACC schools coming out of high school. He’ll add some scoring punch – he averaged 6.4 ppg in 14.5 mpg in his lone year at Wake – and new Minutemen coach Derek Kellogg already has said he expects him to be one of the top defenders in the nation.

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The Boston Herald had an article on the UMass hockey team.

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Gary Parrish wants UMass to lose in the 2K Sports Classic.

There is no guarantee the Blue Devils and Bruins will meet in the championship of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer, but it’s clearly the game that would be the most interesting. Nothing against UMass, Michigan or Southern Illinois, but I’m sure the folks at the Gazelle Group will appreciate it if those schools all play well but fail to advance to the title game. It’s Duke-UCLA or bust!

Good show

Almost two weeks after UMass pissed off (some of) the sporting press at the Celtics game, it made up for it at Alumni Weekend.

Bruce Dowd, a columnist for CAA Today, wrote a column about the UMass/Richmond game, and, even in a loss, UMass came out smelling like roses.

I guess it pays off to feed sportswriters well.

I have to mention that Jason Yellin and his staff at UMass went out of their way to make me feel welcome, especially considering the last-minute notice. They run a first-class operation there. I have been to just about every press box in the CAA and a few FBS ones, too, such as Virginia, Maryland and Navy. Never, and I mean NEVER have I seen a food spread like these guys put out.

Dowd was also impressed with the overall feel of the scene – including the tailgate, which I wouldn’t have believed had I not seen it with my own eyes.

I had a blast again cruising the tailgating and interacting with the fans. I feel sorry for those who don’t know what they are missing when they sit at home on their couches flipping channels. Nothing compares to the atmosphere and smells of a beautiful fall afternoon at a football game.

I must say that UMass has done an excellent job building interest in the football team. My freshman year (2001) you couldn’t pay students to wake up and head down to McGuirk. Now, only seven years later, the place is packed, the parking lot is full, and UMass football games are an event rather than a two hour contest.

Kudos to the Athletic Department and the fans.

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Speaking of football, the Daily Collegian had an article on Bryant’s propensity to blitz.

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The Collegian also had its Hockey East power rankings.

UMass is ranked No. 6.

A nine-day break didn’t slow the Minutemen down against Rensselaer Tuesday night in Troy, N.Y. UMass put up six goals and goaltender Dan Meyers made 24 saves in his first-career shutout following a 40-save effort against North Dakota.

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Ptah Myers, a former standout for the UMass men’s soccer team, was resigned by the Philadelphia Kixx of the MISL.

Myers returns to the KiXX for his fifth season, all with the KiXX, after being signed as a free agent out of UMASS. The Columbus, OH native ranked third on the KiXX in three-point goals (4), two-points goals (15), goals (19), blocks (28), and points (50) during the 2007-08 season. Myers was a member of the U.S. National Futsal Team that competed in the CONCACAF FIFA World Cup in Brazil this summer along with KiXX captain and recent signing Pat Morris.

I tried to figure out Myers’ stat line, but I have no idea what the hell 2PGs and 3PGs are. I’m guessing its two-point goals and three-point goals, but I have no idea. Either way, he has a lot of 2PGs.

Atta boy.

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Ed Pasque has been hired as associate commissioner for governance and external affairs of the Atlantic 10/

Shipped to the Pats?

Marcel Shipp, a former standout running back for the UMass football team, was mentioned among possible free agents the New England Patriots could use to fill their need for a backup running back.

The Boston Herald had the article.

But if Morris’ knee injury turns out to be significant, it’s hard to know which direction Belichick will head. Unsigned free agents include Mike Anderson, Kevan Barlow, Mike Bell, Tatum Bell, Derrick Blaylock, Zack Crockett, Ron Dayne, Vernand Morency and UMass product Marcel Shipp.

Shipp last saw action for the Arizona Cardinals during the 2007 season when he rushed for more than 40 yards and one touchdown. There’s a good amount of talent on that list, and you have to think the Pats picking up Shipp is a long shot.

Here’s hoping for small miracles. Maybe the Pats will take a chance on a local boy.

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Andrew Merritt, a former Collegian editor, had an article on Merrimack and got some quotes from Toot.

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Looks like UMass lost the Jordan Williams recruiting race to Maryland.

Maryland won out over such schools as St. John’s, Providence and Marquette of the Big East, Indiana of the Big 10 and UMass and Xavier of the Atlantic 10.

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The Collegian had an article on Donnie Moorhouse, the announcer for the UMass hockey team.

The rivalry goes on

The Northeastern/UMass rivalry continues this weekend, and the Daily Collegian has an article on the

Northeastern head coach Rocky Hager (Courtesy/CAAsports.com)

hostory between the two teams.

The paper leaves out some stuff in regards to Coach Brown’s sudden departure from Northeastern, but it still got some good quotes from Liam Coen. Hopefully Liam has a better game this weekend in Boston – the Delaware performance wasn’t at all what we’re used to.

“Obviously there is some history there and we just got to keep our emotions in check and just go out and play another game,” senior quarterback Liam Coen said.

Coen also added that the bitterness between the teams has died down in the past few years, and that to him it’s just another game.

“It’s another business trip, and we’ve got to go out and try to take care of business and play a good football team,” Coen said.

I’m glad the paper left out some of the controversial stuff between Brown and Northeastern – most of us already know about it and have seen the drama run its course. Since leaving the Huskies behind, Brown has gone 4-0 against them.

Even Northeastern’s student paper – which has all the right to slam Brown – touches it a little, but pretty much lets the past stay where it is. However, it does call the rivalry “The Don Brown Bowl.”

UMass spoke with Brown about its head coaching vacancy, and Brown breached his contract and left to take the head coaching job in Amherst (but we won’t get into that mess). An entire roster of student athletes found their fate hanging in the balance, not knowing who they’d be playing for.

… and then:

The annual game between Northeastern and UMass became known as the ‘Don Brown Bowl.’ So far, UMass has been on the winning end of the first four contests. Many students that knew of the rivalry have graduated. The underclassmen who attend Saturday’s game (Parsons Field, noon) will see it as a cross-state conference match-up and nothing more. But it is so much more.

The column goes on the mention how this is the last game the seniors that Brown recruited at Northeastern will have against their former coach.

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Andrew Merritt, a former Collegian editor, has his breakdown of Hockey East.

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The field hockey team is still ranked in the Top 25.

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From the Philadelphia Daily News about tonights Celtics game:

Comcast-Spectacor president Peter Luukko, a UMass alumnus and a member of the board for the school’s sports management program, will be in the Mullins Center tonight. He donated tickets for 100 students and has invited the other members of the board as guests.

Do you hear an Esho, Esho…?

Derek Kellogg picked up a forward from the 2010 class.

Max Esho, from Baltimore, has given a “commitment” to UMass, according to ESPN.

According to Scout, Esho is a three-star recruit and was getting looks from the likes of Providence and Saint Joseph’s. ESPN is also saying that the trim forward has some pretty “raw” basketball abilities.

Esho has some very clear physical potential, although his basketball skills are still very raw. He has very long arms, good size, and athleticism. He can get above the rim easily and run the court with long strides, although his heavy feet make him a slow leaper and limit his lateral quickness.

The NBE Basketball Report had a small writeup on him after a basketball tournament – seems like the kid is going to have to bulk up before he graduates next year.

Esho is a very long big man that can block shots and pick steals, as well as grab most rebounds that come anywhere near him.  He is a pretty tough force in the paint, but could use more strength to create a little more space to make it easier on the glass for him.

Scout has Esho and another skinny big man – Raphiel Putney – as the only two offers UMass has made to the 2010 class. Putney reportedly has “high interest” in UMass and visited in early September. I’m wondering why no one else is going after this kid.

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The Bud Orne Rink, in Marblehead, is going to use “a full set of hockey boards” from the Mullins Center, which were donated via an anonymous donor.

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The Atlantic 10 announced its national television schedule, and UMass is getting a lot of run time.

Bitter Sweet Symphony

That was ugly, unexpected – and awesome.

Courtney Robinson (Courtesy CAAsports.com)

UMass finally played some defense, and its offense virtually disappeared. Well, I guess putting up more than 400 yards isn’t terrible, but the turnovers we’re unacceptable.

Either way, it’s a win against Delaware, and I’ll take it ugly or not.

In all the articles written about this game, one quote seems to get lost. Coach Brown saying he essentially wants another shot at Texas Tech is just awesome coach-speak.

We responded well to the Texas Tech loss and I’d like another shot at them.

Coach, just between me and you, but I’d be just fine if UMass never played the Red Raiders again. I’m pretty sure Kansas State feels the same way after last weekend.

Speaking of excellent quotes, here’s one from the Philadelphia Inquirer:

“We just lost to a better football team today,” Delaware coach K.C. Keeler said. “This was a huge game for both of us, but they showed they were better and came out on top.”

Now there’s Northeastern on the docket, and UMass may very well have its work cut out. The Huskies are actually ranked ahead of the Maroon and White in the CAA, but obviously the season is still very young.

Also, UMass’ Josh Jennings was named one of the conference’s Players of the Week.

As always, check out THE UMass Football Blog for more information on the Maroon and White. Frank has some images up from the Delaware game.

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The UMass hockey team beat down the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds.

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The Atlantic 10 baseball championships are going to be held at Fifth Third Field in Dayton.

Defensive respect?

Delaware Head Coach K.C. Keeler (Courtesy/CAAsports.com)

Despite the fact that the UMass football team has been embarrassed on defense this season – Delaware’s football team isn’t taking it lightly.

K.C. Keeler, the Blue Hens’ coach, told DelawareOnline that he still has the utmost respect for UMass’ defensive abilities.

“They still have talent up there,” Keeler said Monday. “It’s all juniors and seniors [among UMass defensive starters]. They played kind of a battle royal with James Madison, where they were going at each other back and forth. Sometimes those things happen, and, obviously, playing one of the most prolific offenses in I-A [Texas Tech].

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Two days of hockey news in a row?

Something’s wrong here.

Thomas Pock, a former standout for the UMass hockey team, has been claimed off waivers by the New York Islanders. Looks like Tommy – who played for the Rangers – doesn’t even have to pack with this transaction.

A native of Klagenfurt, Austria, Pock was originally signed by the Rangers as an undrafted free agent after playing four seasons at the University of Massachusetts. Over the course of four seasons with Massachusetts, Pock played in 130 games and scored 44 goals and 58 assists for 102 points. He was named to the 2002-03 Hockey East Second All-Star Team, the 2003-04 Hockey East First All-Star Team and the NCAA All-Tournament teams in 2003 and 2004.

Here’s the release from the Islanders’ Web site.

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The Republican had an article on the UMass hockey team.

No hockey love

The UMass hockey team isn’t getting much respect in the first Hockey East poll.

The Minutemen are selected to finish No. 6 – just above its little brother (UMass-Lowell) from the East.

1.	Boston College (6)	86
2.	Boston University (3)	80
3.	New Hampshire	78
4.	Northeastern	62
5.	Vermont	58
6.	Massachusetts	48
7.	UMass Lowell	46
8.	Providence	34
9.	Maine	28
10.	Merrimack	20

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George Karl spoke out about the Marcus Camby trade that happened earlier this year.

“What transpired doesn’t make basketball sense and never will,” Karl said of the Camby trade. “But the world of basketball has grown into being bigger than just basketball. A young coach, if he can’t accept there’s going to be financial decisions in the world of basketball, he’s crazy.”

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The Daily Collegian is touting the field hockey team as the best fall squad.

Lasme cut

Stephane Lasme was waived by the Miami Heat.

This is unfortunate and took me a bit by surprise. I thought Lasme had a guaranteed contract with Miami, and would at least be on the roster for the rest of this upcoming season.

I’m interested to see where the big man goes next.

Lasme has the ability to be a useful defender in the NBA, but his lack of offense has probably made him an expendable commodity. I hope another team will give him a chance, but with the recent inclusion of 2008 draftees, Lasme might see his next action overseas.

Best of luck to you Steph.

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The Portland Seadogs had a brief on Mike Kostka, a former UMass hockey player.

“Kostka served as a team captain for his college team, and was amongst the team leaders in plus/minus rating and scoring. He has good ability on the power play, having led all NCAA defensemen in that category in his career.”

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ESPN had an open chat with Bill Curry, the coach for Georgia State – a future member of the CAA.

He discussed the quality of the conference but failed to mention UMass.

It is excellent. Five schools were in the final 16 last year, Delaware is always good, and JMU recently won it all. Maine and New Hampshire are tough and Hofstra is making progress. Virtually all the schools have been playing well recently, Richmond being another example I forgot to mention.

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The Daily Collegian had several articles on the UMass/Holy Cross football game.

Williams on campus

Hope the weather is alright in Amherst – Jordan Williams is in town.

The highly touted power forward came to visit UMass, according to the Springfield Republican. Williams has been talked about around here for about a year. Travis Ford started the recruiting process, and Coach Kellogg is staying on top of it.

Despite the proximity of UMass, Williams’ father said the family does not know much about the school or program.

“All we have heard is hearsay, but everything we have heard is good,” LeRon Williams said Thursday. “We’ve spoken to coach Kellogg on the phone a couple of times.

Scout is saying that UMass has made an offer, and so far we’re up against Xavier, Maryland, Saint John’s, URI, Providence, Notre Dame and Fordham.

Some big names on that list – hopefully he enjoys his stay in Amherst.

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Inside Lacrosse had its recruiting recap for men’s and women’s lacrosse, and UMass had top recruits on both lists.

Here’s women’s lax, and here’s the men.

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The Trenton Devils of the ECHL have signed David Leaderer, a former UMass hockey player.

Leaderer, now 22, recently graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Mass., where he was twice named a member of the Hockey East All-Academic Team.

He scored 11 goals and had 22 assists with the Minutemen, and clocked 110 penalty minutes in 149 games.