Wyoming came in to Amon G. Carter Stadium on Saturday with a three-game winning streak and one of the country's best defenses. But the TCU defense outshines Wyoming, dominating the Cowboys' offensive line and sacking freshman Karsten Sween five times. And the offense did what it needed to do to score against Wyoming, stretching the field with long pass plays to help the running game. Lonta Hobbs and Aaron Brown each gained more than 60 yards to help the Frogs win their first conference game of the season.
Final: TCU 26, Wyoming 3
Up next for the Frogs: Saturday at UNLV
Monday, October 30, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
the mtn offers Web broadcasts
If fans can't see their favorite Mountain West Conference team on the mtn., they are not completely out of luck. Certain games will be available via streaming video for $14.95. Among the games Webcast live this week is TCU vs. Wyoming in Fort Worth. I can't decide what I think about paying to watch games on the Internet. Until technology improves, it seems like a pretty rotten idea to spend 15 bucks to watch anything on the Web. Then, there's the small screen with which to contend. Even laptops would be a little awkward, despite their portability.
Metroplex fans of the Frogs would not have to worry about the pitfalls of Webcasts had MWC Commissioner Craig Thompson been realistic about the issues related to television exposure with the new TV contract. I don't think Thompson was lying when he said the mtn. would be available in markets throughout the league in September. And I think he really believed it when he assured Frogs fans they would be able to watch their team on the new network by the time Wyoming was to arrive in town.
But although markets continue to add the mtn., it still is not available in Fort Worth except via the Internet. At best, this makes Thompson idealistic. At worst, he's showing off incompetence to anyone willing to pay attention. His unraveling won't even cost you 15 bucks.
Unfortunately, no one cares enough to pay attention.
Metroplex fans of the Frogs would not have to worry about the pitfalls of Webcasts had MWC Commissioner Craig Thompson been realistic about the issues related to television exposure with the new TV contract. I don't think Thompson was lying when he said the mtn. would be available in markets throughout the league in September. And I think he really believed it when he assured Frogs fans they would be able to watch their team on the new network by the time Wyoming was to arrive in town.
But although markets continue to add the mtn., it still is not available in Fort Worth except via the Internet. At best, this makes Thompson idealistic. At worst, he's showing off incompetence to anyone willing to pay attention. His unraveling won't even cost you 15 bucks.
Unfortunately, no one cares enough to pay attention.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Graceland appropriate shrine for Elvis
A trip to Memphis, Tenn., is incomplete -- at least a first trip -- without a visit to Elvis' former home, Graceland. I say former home because he's dead. He has been, in fact, since 1977. But the personality of the King will forever be preserved in the gaudy home frequented by countless Elvis aficionados from throughout the world. To be sure, things at Graceland are overdone. But Elvis was the king of flashiness, a trait evident throughout his mansion. From the mirrored ceilings to the Jungle Room to the shrines to his career elsewhere, Elvis' home was all about excess.
But that's part of the fun. Few would pay the price of admission if Graceland were just like any other large home. Fans of Elvis' would come regardless of the home's contents. But without his lavish tastes, Elvis would not have earned the following he did. People are drawn to charismatic entertainers such as the King for many reasons they cannot express. Maybe they want the fame or the money or the power. I don't know the answer, either. But Elvis had all three, and throngs of loyal fans continue to prop him up as a demi-god. A trip to Graceland does nothing but confirm this.
Update: After several tries, I have successfully loaded a picture. This one needs no explanation.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
TCU at Army
The Frogs look to break a two-game slide Saturday when they travel to West Point, N.Y., to face Army. TCU is healthier than it was Oct. 5. Quarterback Jeff Ballard and running back Aaron Brown will return to provide a spark to an offense whose weaknesses were exposed in consecutive losses to BYU and Utah. Although not a conference game, Saturday's contest is important for the Frogs as they look to get into the Mountain West race. A win will give them the necessary momentum for the Oct. 28 resumption of the conference schedule.
McMurry wins by dropping nickname
McMurry University in Abilene has discovered a creative way to garner support in the fight over college mascots. When the NCAA said it had to jettison the "Indian" as its symbol, McMurry announced it would have no nickname. The mascot will disappear, too.
The NCAA is on a mission to eliminate all American Indian nicknames unless teams acquire permission to use them. Typically, universities have picked similar-sounding nicknames when shamed into dropping the politically incorrect monikers. For example, St. John's adopted the Red Storm after losing Redmen. Sometimes, universities stray completely from the reservation. Stanford University dropped "Indians" more than 30 years ago and settled on the Tree, I mean Cardinal, in 1981.
The NCAA's prohibition of the American Indian as a team symbol is all about the puzzling obsession with not wanting to offend. The NCAA needs to get over it. In life -- and especially sports -- people do things all the time that are not fair. Maybe they even make fun of someone.
McMurry deserves praise for standing up to the big, bad NCAA. A small Methodist university in Abilene, Texas, was never going to beat such an imposing presence. But by refusing to back down, McMurry has won the respect of fans who didn't even know it existed. The schools with more clout thinking of bowing to the heavy-handed NCAA can learn something here.
But don't expect them to pay too much attention. They don't want to be offensive.
The NCAA is on a mission to eliminate all American Indian nicknames unless teams acquire permission to use them. Typically, universities have picked similar-sounding nicknames when shamed into dropping the politically incorrect monikers. For example, St. John's adopted the Red Storm after losing Redmen. Sometimes, universities stray completely from the reservation. Stanford University dropped "Indians" more than 30 years ago and settled on the Tree, I mean Cardinal, in 1981.
The NCAA's prohibition of the American Indian as a team symbol is all about the puzzling obsession with not wanting to offend. The NCAA needs to get over it. In life -- and especially sports -- people do things all the time that are not fair. Maybe they even make fun of someone.
McMurry deserves praise for standing up to the big, bad NCAA. A small Methodist university in Abilene, Texas, was never going to beat such an imposing presence. But by refusing to back down, McMurry has won the respect of fans who didn't even know it existed. The schools with more clout thinking of bowing to the heavy-handed NCAA can learn something here.
But don't expect them to pay too much attention. They don't want to be offensive.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
No more fun, kids!
A school in Attleboro, Mass., has banned fun. Well, only indirectly. Willett Elementary School has outlawed tag and touch football, two of the most dangerous games children have enjoyed for generations. It seems that school officials are worried about lawsuits. What's next on the list, four square? Seems logical. We wouldn't want a poor kid hit in the face with a rubber ball.
In all seriousness, the more appropriate question is what will happen when administrators at Willett and others across the country realize such rules prevent children from working off energy that, if left to fester, will drive their teachers crazy. Young students need to run around. That's why recess is a part of lower grades. This is just common sense, of which administrators at Willett and other schools that have banned tag need a serious injection.
In all seriousness, the more appropriate question is what will happen when administrators at Willett and others across the country realize such rules prevent children from working off energy that, if left to fester, will drive their teachers crazy. Young students need to run around. That's why recess is a part of lower grades. This is just common sense, of which administrators at Willett and other schools that have banned tag need a serious injection.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
New travel section
Friday, October 13, 2006
Wright decision
President Bush today signed a law that gives North Texans more choice when considering which of the region's two major airports to use. The president's signature will lead to the end of the Wright Amendment, which restricts flights from Love Field to destinations in a handful of states. The law, passed in 1979, was a compromise struck by former House Speaker Jim Wright of Fort Worth intended to help Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport grow and allow Dallas Love Field to remain open. D/FW was in its formative stages and probably needed a boost. But for years now, the region has shown an ability to support two airports.
Only recently, when Dallas-based Southwest Airlines began actively working for the amendment's repeal, did anything substantial happen. In reaching this deal, Dallas and Fort Worth actually cooperated -- with each other and D/FW, American Airlines and SWA. The result of this long-sought cooperation was the ability of passengers to fly from Dallas anywhere Southwest goes if they first connect in a state accessible under the Wright Amendment. The North Texas congressional delegation also deserves praise for embracing the proposal.
The problem for SWA and travelers looking for cheaper flights into and out of the Metroplex is the Wright Amendment will not disappear for eight years. Until then, connections will be required if passengers want to get from Dallas to spots not in the nine states where nonstop flights are allowed.
But such is life in a political world. Southwest fought hard to first chip away at the fallacy that unrestricted flights from Love Field would ruin the Tarrant County (Fort Worth and vicinity) economy. Then, the airline and Dallas-area officials miraculously agreed with their western neighbors to work for a mutually beneficial solution to a problem.
All sides deserve credit for not allowing negotiations to crumble, especially considering the years of tough talk by the law's proponents, who vowed it was necessary to protect Tarrant County. While the new law is not without its drawbacks, Southwest and the traveling public have to be declared winners in this.
The airline received what it wanted: unrestricted access from its flagship airport. Sure, it will take almost a decade to materialize, but when the time has elapsed, everyone, including the western half of the Metroplex, will be better off. They'll have the low fares to prove it.
Only recently, when Dallas-based Southwest Airlines began actively working for the amendment's repeal, did anything substantial happen. In reaching this deal, Dallas and Fort Worth actually cooperated -- with each other and D/FW, American Airlines and SWA. The result of this long-sought cooperation was the ability of passengers to fly from Dallas anywhere Southwest goes if they first connect in a state accessible under the Wright Amendment. The North Texas congressional delegation also deserves praise for embracing the proposal.
The problem for SWA and travelers looking for cheaper flights into and out of the Metroplex is the Wright Amendment will not disappear for eight years. Until then, connections will be required if passengers want to get from Dallas to spots not in the nine states where nonstop flights are allowed.
But such is life in a political world. Southwest fought hard to first chip away at the fallacy that unrestricted flights from Love Field would ruin the Tarrant County (Fort Worth and vicinity) economy. Then, the airline and Dallas-area officials miraculously agreed with their western neighbors to work for a mutually beneficial solution to a problem.
All sides deserve credit for not allowing negotiations to crumble, especially considering the years of tough talk by the law's proponents, who vowed it was necessary to protect Tarrant County. While the new law is not without its drawbacks, Southwest and the traveling public have to be declared winners in this.
The airline received what it wanted: unrestricted access from its flagship airport. Sure, it will take almost a decade to materialize, but when the time has elapsed, everyone, including the western half of the Metroplex, will be better off. They'll have the low fares to prove it.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Finally ... some cool weather
Cooler weather has arrived in North Texas. Temperatures in the 60s today and a forecast low in the mid-40s tonight have me thinking about fall. We've had a few fall-like days, but closer we get to the end of October, the more tolerable it becomes outside. Cooler days -- it won't get cold for a few more weeks -- remind my new favorite spot to vacation: Lake Tahoe. My wife and I spent our honeymoon there in May, and the combination of cool weather and breathtaking scenery instantly moved it to the top of my list of most desirable places to visit. Sure, the honeymoon part helped make it great, but I cannot think of a more magnificent spot in the United States.
Put that down ... for just a few minutes
With the rise of hand-held communications devices such as BlackBerrys and other PDAs, one thing has become clear to me: We need a lesson in basic meeting etiquette. At the movies, they tell us to silence our cell phones. When phones ring at meetings, the courteous walk outside to answer them.
With the BlackBerry, what is acceptable during a class or meeting is somewhat murky. Since the device is silent, owners seem to believe they are not disrupting the flow of discussion by checking their e-mail. Here's a thought: It's rude. Unfortunately, respect for other people's time is unfashionable in an age when we want to know instantly what's going on at the office or why the plumber hasn't shown up to fix the toilet.
As the BlackBerry further penetrates American culture -- if you don't think it will, remember how many college students had cell phones just 10 years ago -- a lesson in common decency would benefit everyone.
With the BlackBerry, what is acceptable during a class or meeting is somewhat murky. Since the device is silent, owners seem to believe they are not disrupting the flow of discussion by checking their e-mail. Here's a thought: It's rude. Unfortunately, respect for other people's time is unfashionable in an age when we want to know instantly what's going on at the office or why the plumber hasn't shown up to fix the toilet.
As the BlackBerry further penetrates American culture -- if you don't think it will, remember how many college students had cell phones just 10 years ago -- a lesson in common decency would benefit everyone.
Hope remains after 0-2 start
The Frogs will take the field Oct. 21 against Army looking to rebound from a disappointing start in conference. Losing their first two, however, is not as traumatic as many fans believe. BYU and Utah are going to be at the top of the Mountain West at the end of the year. If the Frogs can get healthy and solve their offensive woes, they will likely finish high, too. The Army game, although a non-conference contest, will determine how quickly TCU can expect to return to form. Falling to 3-3 going into the Wyoming game could be disastrous.
The Army game will be televised on ESPNU, only slightly more available to fans than the mtn., but that's another story.
The Army game will be televised on ESPNU, only slightly more available to fans than the mtn., but that's another story.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Still no mtn. to climb
The Wyoming Cowboys are coming to town in less than a month, and TCU fans in Fort Worth still have no mtn. to climb. TCU is to make it's debut on the mtn., the Mountain West's sleek new network on Oct. 28, but the league still is showing a complete lack of negotiating skill. The two major satellite providers and most cable providers have yet to be persuaded by the idealistic bunch in Colorado.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Frogs face challenge in Utah
The Frogs need to put the BYU game behind them to avoid being beaten by Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday. TCU lost 31-17 last Thursday, ending the nation's longest winning streak at 13. It's tough to know exactly what to expect from Utah after Boise State easily handled the Utes, 36-3 Saturday.
Unfortunately for the Frogs, they will likely lose out on a conference title if they don't bounce back from last week's disappointment. They need to forget about falling out of the top 25, concentrating on executing when they reach the red zone. The advantage they enjoy is tailback Lonta Hobbs, out for nearly a year and a half with various injuries, will be even more prepared to play than last week, when the senior delivered in key situations. Hobbs gave the Frogs the spark they needed, but mistakes in other areas cost them the chance to remain unbeaten.
Unfortunately for the Frogs, they will likely lose out on a conference title if they don't bounce back from last week's disappointment. They need to forget about falling out of the top 25, concentrating on executing when they reach the red zone. The advantage they enjoy is tailback Lonta Hobbs, out for nearly a year and a half with various injuries, will be even more prepared to play than last week, when the senior delivered in key situations. Hobbs gave the Frogs the spark they needed, but mistakes in other areas cost them the chance to remain unbeaten.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
