Bishop Media Sports Network
Blazing Fire
By: JJ Lanier
GeorgiaSportsEdition.com news services
It’s difficult in any sport to finish a season undefeated. Sure, with a shorter schedule and in certain cases, a large discrepancy in talent, it does take place in football more often than others. Still, that doesn’t take away from a team accomplishing it; there’s a reason why the ‘72 Dolphins are still popping champagne 46 years later.
When it comes to Valdosta State’s national title this past season, I’m not sure what I’m more impressed by, the fact they were able to finish the season undefeated, or the sheer dominance they displayed in etching their names in history.
There are two types of dominating feats. The first is when you see something unexpected, calmly nod your head in approval, and mumble “Huh, that was pretty cool.” The second takes place when the act is so nonviolently vicious that you scrunch your face, look away from the carnage, and yell “DAMN”. Valdosta’s season was the second.
Over the course of the season Valdosta State averaged 52 points and scored less than 47 only once. That was time was when they put up a measly 30 points in the national semifinal game.
Now, you may be saying to yourself “Hey, scoring lots a of points is terrific, but if the Blazers couldn’t stop anyone, all it proves is they’re a smaller version of a Big 12 team.”
Well, their defense allowed an average of only 22 points per game. For all us mathematicians out there, that makes the average margin of victory 30 points for the entire season.
And believe it or not, that margin is actually a little skewed because they won their last two games by 6 and 2 points. Take away those games and it’s even more dominating.
To have an offense put up the type of numbers they did, which in turn increases the number of offensive possessions the opposing team receives, only allowing 22 points a game is pretty incredible.
It’s not like they didn’t play anyone either. In 5 out of the 14 games they played, and three out of their last five, their opponents tasted defeat for the first time.
All of this just intensified the difficulty Valdosta State faced in actually finishing their miraculous season off with a national title.
Sports history is filled with teams that couldn’t finish an undefeated regular season off with a title; the ‘08 New England Patriots and ‘15 Kentucky Wildcats immediately come to mind.
To have a group of 18-22 year old kids stay that focused and be able to perform at that high of a level week in and week may be the most underrated part of their accomplishment.
As the bowl season winds down and an FBS champion is crowned there will be a lot of talk about where that particular team ranks among the greats, especially if it winds up being Alabama or Clemson.
There will be a lot of discussions about which conferences performed more admirably in the bowl games, as well as debates about whether or not to expand the playoffs to eight teams; all worthy topics.
It’s a shame though there won’t be more made of this Valdosta State Blazers team. A team picked in the preseason to finish fifth in their conference, yet steamrolled through an undefeated season on their way to a national championship; their fourth in the last sixteen years.
A team that broke records on a school, conference, and national level. The one team that made me look up and say “Damn!”
Brave Silence
By: TJ Hartnett
GeorgiaSportsEdition.com news services
The MLB Winter Meetings are always an exciting time in the baseball offseason. Each teams’ front office in close proximity and free agents’ representation present too. The chance for trades and signings is high.
This year’s meetings saw some movement, with the likes of Joe Kelly, Charlie Morton, Ian Kinsler, and Andrew McCutchen signing with new teams. Edwin Encarnacion, Ivan Nova, and Carlos Santana being traded (Santana was moved twice).
The Atlanta Braves, however, remained quiet, with their only transaction being one of deduction after the Baltimore Orioles claimed Rio Ruiz off of waivers.
The lack of moves is surprising only in relation to the amount of times Atlanta was mentioned in relation to trades or free agents. It seemed like every day the Braves were name-dropped, be that as a potential trade partner with the Marlins for JT Realmuto or as a destination for a free agent like Michael Brantley.
However, the Meetings ended (Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos actually left early to attend a Liberty Media meeting in Denver) and no triggers were pulled on any front.
It’s easy to look at what the Braves have and haven’t done and be worried. The signings of both Josh Donaldson and Brian McCann made for an exciting Monday, but the three things the Braves really needed to address – a front-line starter, bullpen help, and a starting catcher – remain on Atlanta’s to-do list as the new year draws closer.
However, just because the Winter Meetings have ended without those holes being filled, there is no reason to panic. After all, despite a few big moves there is a lot left to do in the offseason for many teams and several free agents. The two big fish that are Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are still swimming around the pool, for example.
JT Realmuto is a still a Marlin, though that is still likely to change before Spring Training. That being said, the news regarding a trade with Atlanta is contradictory: on Saturday, the Braves were reported as frontrunners to land the All-Star catcher, followed by a report just a few hours later that Atlanta was no longer pursuing a trade for him. Believe what you will, but just because the Braves didn’t make a move doesn’t mean that they no longer can.
The same goes for filling a corner outfield spot. While McCutchen could have been a fit, there are other outfielders that might serve Atlanta well.
The biggest issue caused by Cutch’s deal with Philly was actually how much he was paid – $50 million for a 3-year contract. That obviously doesn’t hurt the Braves’ wallet directly, but the former NL MVP is on the downslope of his career. Thus, signing for that average annual value drives up the cost of younger outfielders like Brantley and AJ Pollock.
Unless the Braves want to pony up for those guys, a trade, like the rumored trade for the Tigers’ Nick Castellano, might be the road Anthopoulos could choose to take.
There’s also the possibility of a reunion with Nick Markakis, who will be cheaper than the aforementioned outfielders even after his All-Star campaign in 2018.
While he shouldn’t be expected to repeat that production, he was an integral part of Atlanta’s clubhouse last season, so he would still be welcome there.
The point is, there are still plenty of options, not just in the outfield but on the mound as well. Patrick Corbin has been signed, but Dallas Keuchel remains a free agent; Corey Kluber and Madison Bumgarner have not been traded; relief pitchers can come from nearly anywhere (there’s also Craig Kimbrel, but if his rumored asking price of 6 years, $100 million plus is to be believed, he’s not coming back to Atlanta).
The Winter Meetings may be over, but the Braves’ offseason is far from it.
Jason Bishop Show with Kipp Branch December 15
Blazing Toward A Championship
By: Kipp Branch
GeorgiaSportsEdition.com news services
Valdosta State is a three-time national champion in football. Ferris State is seeking its first national title in football after making the title game for the first time. Ferris State lost in the semifinals twice in 1985 and 2016.
The two undefeated teams meet at 4 p.m. Saturday in McKinney, Texas, for the NCAA Division II Championship.
Ferris State is led by Ferris quarterback Jayru Campbell, who is one of the nine finalists for the 2018 Harlon Hill Trophy, presented to Division’s II top player. A dual-threat quarterback, Campbell is responsible for 47 touchdowns.
Campbell had some issues in high school that cost him a football scholarship to Michigan State University. Hel led Garden City Community College to a JUCO National Championship in 2016 before signing with Ferris State.
Campbell made first team All- American for the Bulldogs this fall. The Bulldogs hold the nation’s best record (60-7) over the past five years in Division II football.
Ferris has a talented roster that has some NFL prospects. The offense averages almost 40 points per game, which ranks in the top 20 nationally. The Bulldogs have had impressive playoff wins against Ouachita Baptist and Minnesota State and an impressive regular season win against Grand Valley State who finished 10-2 on the season.
Valdosta State, which was picked in the middle of the pack in the Gulf South Conference preseason poll, has taken the country by storm. The Blazers have gone undefeated and are averaging 52.2 points per game, which is the best in the country in Division II. The Blazers can score points in bunches and that puts a lot of pressure on opponents to match and forces turnovers.
Sophomore Rogan Wells leads the Blazers at QB. Wells was named second team All- American this fall.
Offensive Lineman Jeremy King, LaVonne Gauthney and DB Ravarius Rivers we named to the All-American squad also with King being named first team. Red Shirt Freshman Jamar Thompkins leads the Blazers with 1,257 yards rushing on the season.
The Blazers are peaking at the right time of the year, as they have put 66, 61, and 30 points on the board in their three playoff wins over Bowie State, Lenoir-Rhyne, and Notre Dame College (Ohio).
Third year head coach Kerwin Bell will probably win many national coach of the year honors once the season is complete.
The Bulldogs are currently a school all-time best and nation-leading 15-0 overall this season and claimed the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Championship with an 8-0 mark.
The Blazers are currently 13-0 this season and won the Gulf South Conference (GSC) with an 8-0 mark. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
Saturday’s game will be carried live nationally by ESPNU and the Watch ESPN app at 4PM.
Prediction: I think the two QB’s put on an offensive clinic for each school. Both are finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy. You may need a calculator to keep up with total offense in this contest. I think the Blazers championship experience could end up being a huge factor in the contest.
Valdosta State wins late 51-45 and the Blazers bring their 4th National Title back to Winnersville, USA or Title Town or whatever term you want to coin.
Valdosta is a city that produces champions. Here is something opposing coaches in the Gulf South Conference may not want to hear and that is win or lose on Saturday; Blazer QB Rogan Wells still has two years of eligibility left at VSU. The Blazers are set for a couple of years and will be in the championship mix.
If the Blazers score 21 points or more in the championship game Saturday, they will surpass 700 points on the season. Incredible statistic.
Owls Back To Sleep
By: Kenneth Harrison Jr.
GeorgiaSportsEdition.com news services
The Kennesaw State Owls football team saw their season come to an end earlier this month. The Owls finished the regular season 10-1 and ranked No. 2 in the FCS Coaches Poll. The only loss was to an FBS team, Georgia State.
KSU did not receive much respect for their great season because they were the No. 4 seed in the Playoffs. They lost to No. 5 South Dakota State (10-2) 27-17 in the quarterfinals.
The Owls have only been playing football since 2015 and they are becoming a powerhouse at the FCS level. Despite that, attendance has been declining since the program’s inception.
“I’m passionate about this school and I don’t know why you wouldn’t be. … We got 35,000 students,” coach Brian Bohannon said. “Let see if we can get a couple thousand to come to the game. Let’s raise some heck and have some fun. Let’s see if we can help the Owls win. We’ve got over a million people in this community. Let’s see if we can get a couple thousand to come to the game.”
While attendance was announced at 3,242, there were clearly no more than 1,000 fans actually in the stands.
The Owls lost the season opener to Georgia State 24-20. KSU held a three-point lead with 2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter before the Panthers scored the winning touchdown.
After that game, they reeled off 10 consecutive wins against other FCS competition. They dominated their opponents and won their games by double digits except for the season finale.
The scores against non-conference competition were 49-10 at Tennessee Tech, 62-13 versus Alabama State, 70-13 versus Clarke Atlanta and 24-10 over Samford.
They also breezed through Big South conference opponents beating Presbyterian 56-0, Gardner-Webb 56-17, Charleston Southern 38-10, Campbell 49-0 and Monmouth 51-14. They won the conference title for the second year in a row.
The season finale was against No.6 Jacksonville State. The game was a classic, going to five overtimes. They defeated the Gamecocks 60-52.
Kennesaw State runs the triple option so they have a powerful rushing attack. The leader of the team is quarterback Chandler Burks. Burks rushed for 905 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also threw for 1,043 yards, 10 TD’s and completed 57% of his passes.
Senior running back Darnell Holland ran for 949 yards with an amazing 11.9 yards per carry average. He finished the season with 9 touchdowns. Shaquil Terry was the third leading rusher with 576 yards, 5 TD’s and averaged 7.4 ypc.
KSU had a bye in the opening round of the playoffs so their first game was in the second round against Wofford. They are two of the best rushing offenses in the country and it was a tough game. KSU beat the Terriers 13-10. The win put Kennesaw State at 24 wins in their last 26 games.
The season ended in the quarterfinals for the second year in a row. I really hoped they would win this game because they would have played North Dakota State in the next round.
The Bison have been a juggernaut for the last seven years. That would have been a good way to really see where the Owls stack up against elite competition.
The season was very successful and the goal in 2019 is to advance further in the playoffs.
Bitter Sweet Sugar Bowl
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It isn’t the big-name bowl game Georgia players and their fans were hoping for when the season began, but it is an opportunity to end an otherwise successful season on a high note.
On the surface, you don’t get much larger than Georgia and Texas, when it comes to football. Both programs are about as historic as you get and have some of the most devoted fans in the country.
However, as we all know, wins aren’t based on popularity, or how crazy one’s fan base can be, but what happens on the field.
In this particular case, the matchup on the field doesn’t live up to the hype with the names.
Texas is a good football team. Tom Herman has done a good job leading the Longhorns to their conference title game in only his second year. And yes, the Big 12 is a good conference. Texas is “good”; Georgia is excellent.
The obvious matchup where Georgia holds a sizable advantage is when the Bulldogs offense is on the field. Coming from the Big 12, Texas is as allergic to playing defense as Kevin Hart is to hosting the Oscars.
Outside of the LSU game, the only time they failed to put up at least 27 points, Georgia hasn’t had difficulty scoring.
I’m not saying Georgia should be licking their chops like me at a Chinese buffet, but they should be able to gorge themselves on as many points as I do pieces of General Tso’s chicken.
No, the interesting matchup- albeit it one that will probably have no bearing on the game’s actual outcome- is Texas’ offense against Georgia’s defense.
If there is any part of the Longhorns team that could be considered excellent, it’s their offense.
Sam Ehlinger is a legitimate college quarterback and Texas can score in bunches. They’ve had a rough few games, but they are a challenge to keep down.
That said, they haven’t played a defense nearly as physical and quick as Georgia’s. I’m sure Texas will put some points on the board, but I can’t imagine them scoring anywhere close to enough to make this a game.
I know there has been a lot of chatter about whether or not Georgia will be mentally prepared, since they’re not in the playoffs; a sure sign that nobody truly thinks Texas is the better team.
In some cases, I could see that taking place, but I just don’t see that happening here. There may be a little bit of an emotional letdown, but there is enough experience on this team to manage those emotions. I don’t think it’ll be an issue.
It’s a fun talking point for shows that have copious amounts of time to fill between now and New Year’s Day, but that’s about all.
One thing I will point out before I end this nauseating tribute to everything good about Georgia football, is while this isn’t a playoff matchup this year, don’t be surprised if it is one within the next few.
Georgia is obviously up there as one of the strongest programs in the country and playoffs appearances are now expected. Texas isn’t quite there yet, but they’re on the right track and showing signs that they will be, sooner rather than later.
It may not be the game either team wanted, or the exciting matchup we all were hoping for. It just might be a preview of things to come; one where our expectations meet reality.
Kicking It Big
By: TJ Hartnett
GeorgiaSportsEdition.com news services
The Hawks have been in Atlanta for half a century and haven’t won a single NBA Championship. The Falcons have been in Atlanta for 52 years and haven’t won a single Super Bowl. The Braves have been in Atlanta the same amount of time and have one World Series Championship to their credit, 23 years ago.
The city of Atlanta broke through seasons and years of futility and heartbreak and was delivered a second championship by Atlanta United, who defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0 to win the MLS Cup. It was their second year of existence.
It is a triumph in so many ways for the team and for the city. Aside from the brevity of the club’s tenure in the league and ending of Atlanta’s championship drought, there was the passion with which the state’s capital embraced a new professional sports franchise. This is no easy feat for a town where pro sports come in a distant second to college athletics.
But the fans showed up for Atlanta United since the beginning, with Mercedes Benz Stadium housing six of the seven best-attended regular season games in MLS history, not to mention setting a new MLS All-Star Game attendance record this past summer. They did that again,breaking the previous attendance record for an MLS Cup Finals game – by over10,000.
As with any major championship, there were story lines aplenty. Among the biggest going into the match was the imminent departure of United’s Coach Tata Martino.
Martino announced that he would not be renewing his contract following the season’s conclusion (he’s been strongly linked with the Mexican National Team’s vacant head coach position).
It also seems somewhat likely that it was the final match for Miguel Almiron, the young star who finished second in the MLS MVP voting this year. He left the match in stoppage time and the goodbye seemed to mean a little more than a usual sendoff, unofficially confirming the rumors that he’ll be making the move to Europe.
The man Almiron finished behind in that MVP vote, Josef Martinez, scored Atlanta’s first goal in the 39th minute of the game.
It couldn’t have been written better. Martinez has been the face of this team, a superstar who led the league in scoring, bringing constant energy to the club and the city of Atlanta since its inception. He added another trophy to his mantle;the MLS Cup MVP went home with him as well.
There was also the story of Michael Parkhurst, who in four previous attempts in an MLS Finals match failed to come away with the big win. He was brought to Atlanta to be a leader and was made the club’s first-ever captain. He led them to that elusive win, feeding the ball to Martinez for that first goal.
Veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan played a starring role in United’s victory on Saturday as well, making several stellar saves, including a gasp-inducing save on what would have been the equalizer in the 43rd minute.
Franco Escobar doubled the score in the 54th minute and the Five Stripes cruised to a well-deserved and exciting victory in front of a hometown crowd that may still be celebrating in the streets as you read this.
Atlanta has suffered its fair share of heartbreak. Arguably several shares of heartbreak when it comes to pro sports, but the newest kid on the block did not disappoint when it came time to shine on the big stage.
It’s a cathartic moment for the city and one that can only cause an already thriving fanbase to grow. Atlanta will never stop being a football town but it may find the term “football” to be a little more encompassing now.
Jason Bishop Show With Kipp Branch December 8
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Luck Of The Irish
By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Championship Saturday in College Football started and ended with questions regarding who would be in the top four when the college football playoff starts on December 29th. The semi-final matchups would in the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl to determine who will play for the National Championship the following week.
Going into Championship Saturday you had Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Georgia holding the top four spots. Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia all had to participate in conference championship games.
Notre Dame got to sit on the couch with a bye while everyone else in contention for a playoff spot Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and even UCF had to win to stay alive in the playoff hunt.
Are conference championship games even needed anymore is the question? Alabama didn’t win the SEC in 2017 or even make the SEC championship game, but got selected as a playoff team and ended up winning the national championship.
The goal of the playoff is to select the best four teams correct? At least I thought it was. I just don’t think we are talking apples to apples unless Notre Dame is made to join a football conference.
Yes, the Irish play basketball in the ACC, but get the easy way out during football season by being an independent. Do you think an undefeated BYU playing Notre Dame’s schedule would have been selected as one of the top four teams in the country? Let me answer that for you, absolutely not.
Championship Saturday looked like this:
Clemson played a five loss Pitt team in the ACC title game and blew them out while Notre Dame sat home and was given a playoff spot. Now we get an ACC title game in Dallas with ND and Clemson in the Cotton Bowl. Clemson will beat ND by three TD’s.
Oklahoma played a three loss Texas team in the Big 12 title game and won by 12.
Ohio State played a four loss Northwestern team in the Big 10 title game and won by 21.
Then you had #1 Alabama and #4 Georgia in an epic SEC title game that Alabama, who was regarded by many as the greatest college football team ever, had to rally to overcome a 4th quarter deficit to pull out the game 35-28.
All of this went down as Notre Dame sits at the house with a bye and punches a ticket into the playoff.
Oklahoma, Georgia, and Ohio State are all better football teams than Notre Dame, but yet Georgia and Ohio State get left out all because Notre Dame gets the easy way out because they beat a six loss Vandy team 22-17, six loss Pitt team 19-14, and a seven loss USC team 24-17.
Don’t forget the Irish beat Michigan 24-17, a team Ohio State hung 62 points on the last week of the regular season. Georgia beat Vanderbilt 41-13, and Clemson beat Pitt 42-10.
The solutions are simple:
- Make Notre Dame commit to joining the ACC in football and win a conference championship game.
- Do away with conference title games all together and level the playing field with Notre Dame.
- Have an 8, 16, or 32 team playoff like all other college football divisions, and crown a real champion.
Georgia and Ohio State would be undefeated playing Notre Dame’s 2018 schedule. The playoff committee always says the goal is to get the four best teams, but it failed miserably in 2018. Notre Dame may not even be the best football team in Indiana.
So, we are stuck with Notre Dame with their weak slate. So, in 2018 we have the top 3 and Notre Dame.
Address the Notre Dame elephant in the room. The football playoff committee needs scrap this system for a true playoff like everyone else does or make Notre Dame join a conference.
There may be 3-4 teams in the SEC that would beat Notre Dame. Politics won the day on the playoff selection committee.
Georgia Southern Eagles Bowl Preview
By: Mike Anthony
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Georgia Southern will make a return to bowl season for the first time since 2015 as the Eagles found out they are headed to the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Ala.
The Eagles (9-3) will face another group of Eagles in the Dec. 15 contest as their opponent will be Eastern Michigan (7-5) out of the Mid-American Conference.
Georgia Southern’s only previous bowl appearance also came against a MAC team as the Eagles stormed past 2015 MAC champion Bowling Green in the GoDaddy Bowl.
“It’s an honor and a blessing to be able to play in the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl,” Georgia Southern coach Chad Lunsford said. “A bowl game is hard to get to and it’s a reward for our players, staff and fans. We’ve had a great season, but to be able to have the opportunity to pick up a 10th win against a great opponent in Eastern Michigan is something we won’t take lightly.”
Georgia Southern is one of five Sun Belt Conference teams heading to the postseason.
An official statement by the conference on Sunday placed Sun Belt champion Appalachian State in the New Orleans Bowl against Middle Tennessee State (Conference USA), Louisiana in the Cure Bowl against Tulane (American), Troy in the Dollar General Bowl against Buffalo (MAC) and Arkansas State in the Arizona Bowl against Nevada (Mountain West).
Georgia Southern didn’t learn of its exact postseason location or opponent until Sunday, but had spent the last week on the practice field in preparation for whatever bowl season had in store for it.
It served as an extra week of learning and scrimmaging for younger players while offering some banged up regular contributors a few much-needed days of taking things easy.
“Honestly, I would have rather had it not been an off week,” GSU quarterback Shai Werts said. “I think we would have all rather been playing Saturday (in the Sun Belt championship game). But it was good for some guys to get some rest. Now we just ramp it back up and get ready for Eastern Michigan.”
The ‘other’ Eagles from Ypsilanti, Michigan don’t have quite the record as Georgia Southern, but have had plenty of highlights that make them deserving of a bowl game and a tough opponent for Southern.
Eastern Michigan beat a Purdue squad that handed Ohio State its only loss of the season and dropped tough overtime contests to a then-ranked San Diego State and MAC champion Northern Illinois.
EMU is similar to Georgia Southern in that much of its success has come when a sometimes-shaky offense has shown up to compliment what is usually a very steady defense.
One bright spot for Georgia Southern — EMU’s roughest day on defense all season came at the hands of option-heavy Army as the Black Knights ran for 289 yards in a 37-22 victory.
Georgia Southern will ship out to Montgomery on Tuesday, Dec. 11 where the team will continue to practice while also taking part in multiple events hosted by the Camellia Bowl and the city of Montgomery.
