Dr Z

RALEIGH - N.C. State quarterback Marcus Stone was reviewing the game film of the Wolfpack's opener against Appalachian State on Monday when he turned to coach Chuck Amato."I stunk," Stone said.Amato smiled later in describing the conversation. Granted, Stone passed for a meager 36 yards Saturday in the Pack's 23-10 victory. And, yes, the junior was 0-for-3 in the second half, with an early interception."He's so critical of himself," Amato said. "I thought Marcus did a good job. He did much better than he had a year ago. He stayed in the pocket a lot more. We're pleased."Amato credited Stone with what he called perhaps the game's biggest play. With the Pack leading 16-7 in the second quarter, tailback Toney Baker fumbled on a screen pass and ASU defensive back Jeremy Wiggins scooped up the ball at the NCSU 45. Wiggins, on the fly, dashed 31 yards before being tackled by Stone.Moments later, State safety Miguel Scott picked off a Trey Elder pass at the NCSU 2. The Mountaineers came away empty."He made a touchdown-saving tackle," Amato said of Stone's hustling hit. "That play was huge."But what Stone did not make was any huge plays in the passing game. He threw 13 times, completing seven, and the longest gain was 14 yards to flanker Darrell Blackman on a screen play that clicked for a touchdown.State's 36 passing yards were its fewest in a game since the 1999 opener against South Carolina, played in a raging rainstorm. Of the 109 Division I-A teams that played last week, only Navy had fewer passing yards (six).Asked after the game about passing just three times in the second half, Stone shrugged."We were up and it was the coaches' decision -- they just wanted to manage the clock running the ball," Stone said. "It doesn't matter to me. I'm going with what the coaches say and whatever it takes to win, that's my biggest [thing]."Stone said he "felt pretty good" about his performance in the opener, about his decision-making. He did run six times for 21 yards, including a 12-yard scramble for a first down, but said he didn't feel the urge to tuck the ball and bolt at the first hint of defensive pressure in the pocket."I've still got more improvement to do," he said. "I'm not satisfied with my game play and I probably never will be."Amato said Stone had thrown the deep ball with more precision in preseason practice than he did last season, when he started the last six games. But ASU's cornerbacks, Amato noted, played off State's receivers with the intent of taking away any deep inside routes.So the Pack conservatively ran Andre Brown and Baker. Brown rushed for 125 yards and Baker added 43 as State controlled the ball for more than 33 minutes."We didn't want to hurt ourselves," Amato said.The Pack was without senior wideout Lamart Barrett, out with a strained hamstring. Wide receiver Geron James, a redshirt freshman, was held out of the opener. Amato said it was not injury-related but would offer no other specifics on James.This week, the Pack will be facing an Akron defense that limited Penn State to 76 rushing yards Saturday in the Zips' 34-16 loss. Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli did throw effectively, closing 16-of-32 for 206 yards, with touchdown throws of 42, 14 and 20 yards."I'm not so sure that wasn't Penn State's plan," Amato said of the Nittany Lions' passing.As for the Zips' offense, the Lions were stingy, giving up 33 rushing yards and 225 yards total, forcing three turnovers.Akron's quarterback, senior Luke Getsy, threw for 3,455 yards and 23 touchdowns last season as the Zips won the Mid-American Conference title. In the Motor City Bowl against Memphis, he was 34-of-59 for 455 yards and four TDs, albeit in a 38-31 loss.The Zips are capable of some big numbers. The Pack might have to throw a lot more on Saturday.Is Amato concerned?"There's no doubt you've got to be able to throw," he said. "But a concern? No. Not at all."PACK NOTES: Barrett is listed as probable for the Akron game. Senior cornerback A.J. Davis is questionable after suffering a hamstring injury in the opener.Center Luke Lathan (concussion) and linebacker Ernest Jones (knee) are probable after missing the opener.Staff writer Chip Alexander can be reached at 829-8945 or chipa@newsobserver.com.for source (click here)

For all the diehards that sat in the rain to cheer the Zips onThere are a few more PSU ones, click through them and see.

Couldn't find an email address. I got a phone number:WBNX Channel 55 (WB) | (440) 843-5555 | Email Unknown | http://www.wbnx.com /Zipboy, can you help with the email?Is it even possible for them to pick it up?Do any Wolfpack (or Zip) fans know if it is being picked up by a local station in their area?

ESPNU is channel 609 on DirecTVand channel 148 on Dish NetworkThis way you can help out the bartender.

Browns 2006: Frye the Guy in ClevelandBy TOM WITHERSAP Sports WriterCLEVELAND (AP) -- They made for an unlikely couple during the offseason, the scrappy quarterback from rural Ohio and his more celebrated sidekick, the brazen tight end with Hall of Fame pedigree.Charlie Frye and Kellen Winslow were inseparable, like brothers.They played golf and video games, talking major trash the whole time. They lifted weights during the day and attended Cavaliers games at night. They broke down film and ate lunch together.They connected, becoming best buddies off the field.The Browns need Frye and Winslow to make a stronger connection on it.Because if Cleveland, just 36-76 with one playoff appearance since returning to the NFL in 1999, is to improve on its 6-10 record in the Browns' second year under coach Romeo Crennel, the Frye-to-Winslow hookup (and wide receiver Braylon Edwards' comeback from knee surgery) may hold the key.This winter, Frye was handed the reins to an offense that scored an NFL-low 132 points in 2005. The former third-round pick from Akron went 2-3 in five late-season starts, but now the pressure is greater and so are the stakes."I'm ready," Frye said.The Browns are banking on it. They've invested heavily in the 25-year-old from Willard, Ohio, who as a youngster taped a poster of his idol, former Cleveland quarterback Bernie Kosar, to his bedroom wall.Frye had moments of brilliance and blunder during his five-game audition. He showed a natural ability to duck the pass rush, though sometimes his scrambles led him to more trouble. However, Browns general manager Phil Savage liked the potential and positives he saw in Frye, and his strong belief in him as Cleveland's offensive leader prompted the Browns to trade veteran Trent Dilfer."We are going down a path with Charlie and we are trying to build a team around him rather than through him," said Savage, who has overhauled Cleveland's roster in two years. "Now, obviously there are going to be times in games where we are going to need him to make a play for us. We think he's capable of doing that."Frye, with Winslow pushing him hard, spent the winter and spring getting stronger. One of the knocks has been his arm strength, and he added about 15 pounds of muscle.Just as important, he's acting like its his team.Outwardly, Frye's confidence has grown. He handles interviews like a seasoned veteran, and during practices he appears more relaxed as he interacts with teammates."He's got a year under his belt now, he's made a few starts. He has a better understanding of what's expected," said offensive guard Joe Andruzzi. "He's very calm, cool and collected. Charlie's coming along."Winslow's maturity has been even more dramatic.Fifteen months ago, his promising career nearly ended before it began when he was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. During training camp, Winslow revealed that his injuries were more extensive that previously known, and that he knows he'll never be 100 percent.That's OK."If I'm 90 percent, I hate to be brash," he said. "But I think my 90 percent is better than every tight end out there."He may be right. At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Winslow is capable of outrunning cornerbacks and safeties (most linebackers have no chance). He's also strong enough to break tackles and turn routine gains into long ones.Frye plans to get him the ball whenever he can."He can play receiver, tight end, line him up in the backfield," Frye said. "He'll provide a lot of mismatches. Not just for him, but other guys. If you split him out wide, who's going to go out there? A corner? A safety or linebacker? So it's going to cause maybe some confusion on the defense, but he'll open up the playbook for us."Edwards will, too. His speedy recovery from reconstructive knee surgery in January has helped offset the loss of free agent center LeCharles Bentley, who tore a knee tendon on the first 11-on-11 play of training camp.Edwards wasn't expected to be game ready until mid-October, but he'll start Sunday's opener against New Orleans. Frye clicked with Dennis Northcutt during camp and Joe Jurevicius is a sure-handed third-down option who caught 10 TDs last season for the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks.Bentley's loss is a big blow to the running game, which ranked 25th overall in '05. Reuben Droughns rushed for 1,232 yards in his first season with Cleveland, but the Browns scored an AFC-low four TDs on the ground.Rookie Jerome Harrison had an impressive exhibition season and will provide a nice change of pace.Only two defenses were worse against the run than Cleveland's, but it has been bolstered by the addition of huge nose tackle Ted Washington and linebacker Willie McGinest. Cornerback Gary Baxter needs to shake the injury bug after missing 11 games last season and this preseason.In their first year in a 3-4 alignment, the Browns failed to pressure quarterbacks last season, recording a league low 23 sacks. Rookie linebacker Kamerion Wimbley emerged as the club's best pass rusher in the preseason.Keeping the heat off Frye will be a bigger priority for the Browns. He seems up for the challenge of being a full-time starter, and he'd better be, because as of now, there is no veteran quarterback as a safety net.Winslow is confident Frye's ready."Nothing can shake Charlie," he said. "No pressure can shake Charlie."for source (click here)

Really? So when Wolfe ran all over #4 (at the time) ranked in the country "big" ten team Michigan last year what's the excuse???He averaged 8.7 yards on 17 carries for 148 yardsJust lucky against a big ten defense you say?How about another "big" ten team?How do you like 245 yards on a big ten defense?Yeah, your right, he just played some bad defenses. Stay tuned for some more...Like I said all week, the Zips faced better running teams last year than PSU.Penn State had only 76 yards rushing, and 42 of that came on a reverseHunt finished with 36. Incase you were wondering how Wolfe would fair against that nasty OSU defense,he had 171 yards rushing and 114 yards receiving yesterday.

Preseason is preseason. Save your critism of Frye for the regular season.The line is not very good and the Bears defense may be one of the best in the league.Excuses? yes.To address the question of who will be the better pro Frye or Getsy, who will Getsy be playing for as a pro?Then I can answer that. And what decides a "better pro," biggest contract, wins, yardage, super bowl rings...?With not knowing any of your answers, I'll take the odds and say Frye. He is the starting QB of an NFL team.There are only 32 of those in the world, and Charlie is one of those (for now). Getsy is a LONG way from that.

Football tailgaters will face new rulesDrinking to be banned outside Beaver Stadium during gameBy Adam SmeltzUNIVERSITY PARK -- Penn State will impose a limited drinking ban at tailgate parties outside Beaver Stadium, the administration announced Wednesday.The ban will be in effect only when football games are under way, not before the kickoff or after the final whistle, university officials said. They called it a proactive measure meant to rein in fans who show up only to party and drink in tailgating lots."State College has a big drinking problem, and we can't do a lot to influence five-cent beer specials in town," university spokesman Bill Mahon said. "But there are areas we can influence, and this is something we can implement."For the full story and link click here

What? There is a 30% chance of no rain Saturday !!! Hour by hour for game time

Welcome to the board, check out a previous post

Crud You are right. This might be the best point about the game yet (on either side). Why did you bring that up?...now I'm all depressed.

Could Superman be getting some competition?

That must be one nagging foot injury DH has??? :(What's wrong with Matt?(edit) I'll answer my own question. This is from a Ravens discussion board,so consider the source: dislocated shoulder.

I used to write countless emails to the , I stopped because nothing has ever changed.I know most of you saw this, but I'll repost for the newbies.This was back in the early Owens days, one of my emails got printed in the , a friend cut it out and gave it to me. PS you can rip on anybody at the , nothing will change.

I heard he got fired a long time ago. He just keeps showing up and doing his "cut and paste" job without a paycheck.They even used his situation in a movie.Remember? Has anyone seen his stapler?

Preseason is preseason, I wouldn't worry about him this early.I bet he comes out blazin against the mighty Saints.I remember last year, all the Steeler fans were concerned that Ben didn't get his offense in the endzone the whole preseason. The line stinks, but you can count on Chuck.

Nice. Thanks for the post. I missed that the first time.I'll be at Happy Valley, but won't be able to make it to NC.

Really? So when Wolfe ran all over #4 (at the time) ranked in the country "big" ten team Michigan last year what's the excuse???He averaged 8.7 yards on 17 carries for 148 yardsJust lucky against a big ten defense you say?How about another "big" ten team?How do you like 245 yards on a big ten defense?Yeah, your right, he just played some bad defenses. Stay tuned for some more...

Don't forget, the game is on ESPN2.

Thanks for stopping by and giving us your opinion (good work) I can agree with a lot of what you say until you got to the turnovers.JD's team will not play that sloppy (7 turnovers!?!?!). That last Akron team you saw is not this one.Hopefully the funniest statement will be the one you made about pulling the starters in the second????Good luck to you :cheers:Head: 31-17 PSU scores a late TD with their STARTERS.Heart: 21-20 Zips pick one off late and take some knees.Either way, take the Zips and the points.Hopefully the weather forecast changes

HmmmmThey were #1 and #2 in the COUNTRY in yards per game Both teams rushing offense had more yards than Penn States didDeAngelo was #1 in the country in rushing, Wolfe was # 5 DeAngelo was drafted 27th overallPS And both of them ran all over us. We need to stop PSU's run game and make the inexperienced QB make mistakes.

If I heard it right. It is just one business, no houses. Fences would not hurt this business.Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

I heard Illinois is going to unloosen that tie around his neck and let out all the hot air.

Life without Lelie leaves big questions in DenverBy ARNIE STAPLETON - AP Sports Writer 2006-08-24 03:19 DENVER (AP) -Now that recalcitrant receiver Ashley Lelie is no longer their problem, the Denver Broncos will spend the next several months answering two key questions:-Are they better without him?-Are they better off without him?``It's tough to know right now,'' Denver defensive end Courtney Brown said. ``Time will tell us and him.''The NFL's leader in yards per catch the last two seasons could have provided the Broncos with a high-octane trio by teaming with former Pro Bowl receivers Rod Smith and Javon Walker.Lelie wanted nothing to do with such an arrangement and skipped all the Broncos' offseason workouts, piling up hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and lost bonus money rather than report to a team he felt misused his talents and never gave him the chance to be a featured pass-catcher.In a three-way trade with Atlanta and Washington that sent Lelie to the Falcons and running back T.J. Duckett to the Redskins, the Broncos got the equivalent value of a 2007 third-round draft pick, based on a points system used by NFL teams.The arrangement with the Redskins opens the door for multiple alternatives involving the teams' draft picks - they could swap picks in the first round, for example - and the exact compensation won't be determined until next offseason.The impact of Lelie's departure should be felt much, much sooner, especially if Walker's return from a severe knee injury that cost him almost all of last season doesn't go as planned or if the 36-year-old Smith finally starts to show his age in his 12th NFL season.Because behind those two starters are a motley crew of largely unknown or unproven players:-Darius Watts, whose penchant for dropped passes often outshines his sensational skills.-David Kircus, who was cut four times by the Detroit Lions and spent the offseason making sandwiches at a Subway shop for $15 an hour.-Rookies Brandon Marshall and Domenik Hixon, both of whom are injured.-Charlie Adams, traded to Dallas last week only to return to Denver when the Cowboys said he failed his physical.-David Terrell, a former first-round draft pick who played in one game last year and had no catches.-Todd Devoe, who caught nine passes last season.-And Brian Clark, an undrafted free agent.The Broncos' brass didn't want to discuss Lelie's departure Wednesday. General manager Ted Sundquist didn't return a message and coach Mike Shanahan said he'll address the situation at a later time.``Once it's finished and once the papers are signed, I'll be more than happy to answer any questions,'' Shanahan said after practice.Aside from a running tally of daily $14,000 fines amassed by the AWOL receiver that some teammates kept in the locker room, Lelie's name was hardly mentioned by the players during training camp.``You wanted something to happen for him. You don't want guys to sit in football limbo,'' fullback Kyle Johnson said. ``He's doing all right. The Denver Broncos are going to maximize the situation as best they can, as they historically do.''Lelie is going to Atlanta as the No. 3 receiver, same as he was in Denver, but it appears he'll have an easier time unseating Michael Jenkins or Roddy White than he would have of leapfrogging Smith and Walker.So, who will be better off, Lelie for getting his wish, or the Broncos, for granting it?``Let's be honest. If a player has a certain amount of leverage and a franchise has a certain amount of leverage, the franchise has superior leverage in the situation,'' Johnson said. ``He did get something that he wanted. He got a change of scenery. To expect to miss an entire camp and come in as a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver on any franchise in the NFL is a large order.``What he got is a chance to have a good year somewhere else as a No. 3. He could have done that here, but he chose to go somewhere else. You hope it works out well for the Denver Broncos and Ashley Lelie.'

Start a newspaper called the Akron Tribune. On the week of a home game, write articles about players and coaches of the Akron team.Run some articles on the oponent. Hell even tell people where the game is and what time it isMaybe write about how the tailgate experience at the Rubber Bowl is pretty cool.Tell them about the "family" atmosphere that has been created. You know, INFORM the people.The day after the game, print results of the game on the front page. Do an article on the front of the sports section.On away games. I assume you go to them anyway since your a fan, write an article on the game.Do you have one of those digital cameras? If not get one at Best Buy, shouldn't break your budget too much ($100).Take a few photos of the action at the game and include them in your articles. Take a few of people tailgating too.You might want to include how inexpensive it is to attend the games. You know, a real bang for your buck.Make your paper, the AKRON Tribune, about AKRON sports. THAT WILL GET PEOPLE EXCITED !!!If you can't afford to start your own paper, do flyers instead and pass them out. Just date a chick from Kinkos or something.