Half-hearted NFL football week two

Week two of the NFL preseason is here. Time for the starters to put in a full quarter-and-a-half of work!

Former Boise State player Kimo von Oelhoffen did not make it out of week one, getting cut by the Philadelphia Eagles for having old knees. Who's going to tell stories about the 1970's at team dinner? Andy Reid made a big mistake.

Here are the best Bronco-related games of the weekend:

Tonight: 

Oakland at Tennessee, 6:00pm, FOX
Chris Carr seeks revenge against his old team by returning the opening kickoff, playing a few downs on defense, and taking a nap on the bench for the third and fourth quarters.

Saturday:

Dallas at Denver, 7:00pm
Orlando Scandrick was impressive in his Cowboys' debut. Ryan Clady was not in his first start for Denver. Needless to say that Woody Paige will be watching with bated breath.

Green Bay at San Francisco, 7:00pm
Korey Hall and Daryn Colledge continue their futile quest to boost Aaron Rodgers' confidence and make him feel like the team is much better off with him rather than Brett Favre.

 Chicago at Seattle, 7:00pm
Seahawks TE Jeb Putzier is battling for playing time at tight end. Fortunately, the good Bears linebackers will be on the field far less than the bad Bears linebackers.

Clady strong, Scandrick fast in Madden 09

The latest version of Madden was released on Tuesday, much to the dismay of our social calendar. Seriously, between Boise State football and video games, we're booked for the next few months.

While each year brings new features to the game (Cris Collinsworth, anyone?), the updated rosters get people talking just as much as anything else. An 85 overall rating for Matt Leinart? Please. At least it appears that the Madden folks have the numbers right for Boise State's two newest NFL stars.

Ryan Clady

• Overall: 79
• Morale: 95
• Acceleration: 85
• Strength: 87
• Runblock: 80
• Passblock: 88
  

Orlando Scandrick

• Overall: 73
• Speed: 97
• Acceleration: 97
• Awareness: 42
• Man coverage: 79
  
• Zone coverage: 78

Madden lists Clady's catching ability as a 45. They must not have seen the Idaho game.

Player ratings [IGN.com]
Fastest players in Madden [List After List]

Clady's first game as a pro does not please Woody Paige

In NFL preseason games over the weekend, several former Boise State players saw action, much to Woody Paige's chagrin.

First round pick Ryan Clady had a harsh introduction to the NFL against the Mario Williams and the Houston Texans. From the Denver Post (via Scott Slant), here is Woody Paige's take on Clady's performance. Note: we do not place much credence in anything Woody Paige has ever said.

"Ryan Clady, the No. 1 pick, became the first Broncos' rookie to start the opening exhibition at left tackle, and he looked every bit of it. Clady played the entire first half and was flattened like a dry-cleaned starched shirt in the beginning, and often. He was overmatched against Texans defensive end Mario Williams (the former No. 1 pick overall). He will need help." 

Well, we're sure Boise State would take him back if that would help matters any.

The Post's game recap was a little more balanced in its perspective of the Clady/Williams matchup, which probably just goes to show that Woody Paige does not know how to objectively watch football.

Left tackle Ryan Clady got a rookie baptism from the Texans' star defensive end, Mario Williams. There were times when Williams knocked Clady back into his own backfield, but the Broncos' first-round draft choice did compete and gave Cutler time to throw on the touchdown drive.

Fortunately, other Boise State alumni had better luck than Clady, especially Orlando Scandrick and Jeb Putzier. Scandrick had three tackles, one sack, and two kickoff returns in a Cowboys loss. Putzier caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Seneca Wallace in a Seahawks win.

Tonight, ESPN will have Korey Hall, Daryn Colledge, and the Packers...oh, and enough Brett Favre news to choke a horse. Let's hope the scrimmage runs long.

NFL preseason weekend: Scandrick vs. Naanee and more

There are plenty of Boise State players on NFL rosters this offseason (see our list for AFC and NFC), so there are plenty of reasons to cozy up to Rich Eisen and the NFL Network all weekend. Gerald Alexander and the Lions played last night (Alexander had one tackle), and there is a full slate of games over the next few days. Here are the top games to watch.

1. Cowboys vs. Chargers, Sunday 8:00pm
   Romo vs. Rivers. Tomlinson vs. Ware. Owens vs. Cromartie. Scandrick vs. Naanee? You can forget those first three matchups. It is preseason, remember? The Scandrick-Naanee battle will be the fun one to watch. Both former Boise State standouts should see significant playing time in this first preseason game, and there is a good chance that they might line up across from one another. Who will get the better of whom? Will they chat about the Boise Fanci Freez? Will the Hard Knocks cameras pick up on this?
   
   
2. Broncos vs. Texans, Sunday 6:00pm
   Ryan Clady will get his first taste of NFL action against Mario Williams and a whole bunch of Mario Williams' back-ups.
   
   
3. Cincinnati vs. Green Bay, Monday 6:00pm, ESPN
   Do you think the ESPN crew will talk much about Brett Favre? Only all the time! Try to cut through the Favre love shower to get your eye on Daryn Colledge and Korey Hall. The two former Bronco stars will still give you a reason to watch the Packer offense even though it does include more Aaron Rodgers than you might want.
   
   
4. 49ers vs. Raiders, Saturday  8:00pm
   Drisan James (Oakland) and Jerard Rabb (San Fran) are both battling for roster spots on their respective teams, and they'll need to make their mark early in the preseason to earn their shot. How about a re-creation of the Fiesta Bowl hook-and-ladder? We doubt Jared Zabransky is busy.
   

Tuesday: Links with predictions

Story of the day:

RB Ian Johnson tops in the WAC? [ESPN.com]

ESPN's Graham Watson posed an interesting question on her blog yesterday: Is Ian Johnson the WAC's best running back? If Watson knows, then she's not telling as her story politely skirted the issue with open-ended statements, facts, and Johnson quotes.

But is he the best running back in a stacked WAC?

"I've seen a lot of these guys and you look at (Nevada's Luke) Lippincott and all the guys from La Tech and even the guys from Fresno, these guys are very different running backs from myself," Johnson said during WAC Media Days last week.

Johnson was the best running back in the WAC during his glory year in 2006 and was even considered a darkhorse for the Heisman Trophy. But those numbers trailed off last season as Johnson was plagued with injuries.

We live in a black-and-white world, so this article, with all its grayness and ambiguity, was hard to deal with. The answer, in our opinion, is clear: Ian Johnson is not the WAC's best running back. He lost that title last year when he struggled with injuries and effectiveness. Let the angry emails fly.

Remember, Johnson was not very good at times last year, and Bronco Nation openly questioned what was wrong with him. Sure, he is saying all the right things and doing all the right things this offseason, and to be honest, we are confident that he will regain the mantle of WAC's top running back this season. But in the meantime, we feel he is no longer the top dog.

There, Graham Watson. We said it.

Other links:

Dan Gore cut by Dolphins [Scott Slant]

We guess Miami liked losing last year more than they thought

Utah State bringing down Utah's schedule [ESPN.com]
The Aggies get replaced by Notre Dame. Boise State would do the same if it could.

Another vote for Kellen Moore [Bleacher Report]
Bush Hamdan not available for comment.

Rivals' countdown reaches No. 3 [Rivals.com]
USC and Georgia still to come--most likely in that order.

Recap of rule changes [Rivals.com]
Clock changes may shorten games from 3 hours, 45 minutes to 3 hours, 40 minutes.

Monday: Links with experience

Story of the day:

WAC coaches favor, ignore early signing period  [Statesman]

Much has been made of the proposal of an early signing period for college football. Strangely enough, even the WAC seems interested

"I'm 100 percent for it," Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley said. "You would save some money so you don't have to keep seeing guys and babysit and prevent the negative recruiting that comes after a commitment. It would prevent (other) schools from getting in and trying to confuse and manipulate."

The news is strange considering that there have been hardly any early commitments in the conference outside of the nine from Boise State. What difference would an early signing period make then? Do WAC schools enjoy not meeting deadlines? Are they in a rush to be turned down? Are they hoping impressionable high school kids would be more akin to bad decisions earlier in the year?

Of course, not everyone is thrilled about an early signing period, although the issue with this particular program might be its anathema to recruiting in general.

"I still like to evaluate kids during their senior year," Utah State coach Brent Guy said. "I want to see a guy get better from his junior to senior year and keep improving. I wouldn't use it."

Adding, "I hardly use the one we have now!"

Other links:

Clady's contract worth $17.5 million [AP]
$11.5 in guarantees, one wild night at Six Flags Denver.

BSU schedule featured on Wiz of Odds [Wizard of Odds]
Complete with predictable Ian Johnson age joke.

NFL-caliber Boise State QBs [BNN]
Forget who's starting! Who's third-string NFL material?

Fresno State wants to go to the BCS [Honolulu Advertiser]
Aw, they're jealous.

Oregon suspends starting linebacker [Yahoo! Sports]
Nate Potter breathes sigh of relief.

LaTech loses four players [ESPN.com]
Suspension, academics, transferring, indifference to LaTech football.

WAC has work to do [Statesman]
Breaking news: Idaho not pulling its weight.

Ryan Clady signs with Broncos, has newfound riches

  
Former Boise State OT Ryan Clady has signed with the Denver Broncos, according to the Idaho Statesman.

The deal is believed to be worth $20 million over six years and was completed in time for the Boise State star to join the team’s first workout.

Last year's 12th overall pick, RB Marshawn Lynch, received a five-year, $19 million deal.

Training camp for the Broncos (the Denver ones) began today.

Denver Broncos sign Clady [Statesman]

New Mexico State media stumps for Tadman

Yesterday, we joked about including Marty Tadman in the discussion for preseason WAC defensive player of the year. The New Mexico State media? Not joking.

The preseason picks for offensive and defensive players of the year should be announced later today. We voted for Chase Holbrook for offensive player of the year and Boise State's Marty Tadman for defensive player of the year.

Here's a close-up image of their selection.

Tadman lost to Hawaii's Solomon Elimimian, who is still an active player.

Preseason Football Poll Update [Bleed Crimson]

Update: This was not a typo. These guys actually voted for Marty Tadman.

Dinwiddie takes over in Winnipeg

Out with Kevin Glenn; in with Ryan Dinwiddie.

Last year's East Division most oustanding player, Glenn has fallen from grace in Winnipeg rather swiftly, and Dinwiddie is in the right place at the right time. Dinwiddie will get the start on Thursday for the Blue Bombers, and even if it takes him awhile to get settled, it sounds like Winnipeg will not be going back to Glenn any time soon.

Head coach Doug Berry said Thursday's game isn't a one-game trial for Dinwiddie, either. He's the No. 1 quarterback until further notice.

Winnipeg is 0-4, and much of the blame is being placed on Glenn's shoulders.

  "I don't think I've played perfect football up until now," he said.

You think? To be specific, Glenn has played the worst football in the CFL. His efficiency rating is 65.9, which is worst in the league. He has thrown eight interceptions, which is worst in the league. Dinwiddie will be a revelation by comparison.

Reaction from Winnipeg fans has been highly encouraging. An OBNUG reader and Winnipeg resident, who alerted us to the story, is thrilled to have Dinwiddie starting, and judging by the Blue Bomber message boards, other fans are looking forward to a change under center, too.

listen to Ryan Dinwiddie. hes confident, he's a field general, his attitude seems to be contagious, heck just listening to RD there, makes me cant wait until thursday. God i hope its nice out

...and...

this might be the spark they need.

GO DINWIDDIE GO!

Now if we could only get Brock Forsey in the backfield.

Dinwiddie takes helm [Winnipeg Sun]
Bombers message board [BlueBombers.com]

Going camping: Broncos in the pros Part II (NFC edition)

image courtesy of Inside the Iggles

Before we get into the NFC part of our training camp preview, allow us the following aside.

Remember the days when the Chicago Bears used to be a bastion for BSU alumni? Both Brock Forsey and Ryan Dinwiddie were once on the roster, but neither were able to stick. Timing is everything. Today, the Bears are struggling to find both a go-to running back and a reason not to have Rex Grossman any more. What we wouldn't pay to rip a hole in the space-time continuum and have Forsey and Dinwiddie get one more shot.

Without further ado, here are the Boise State players on NFC training camp rosters. (The AFC list can be found here.)

S Quintin Mikell, Philadelphia Eagles
Other Philadelphia Eagles safeties: Sean Considine, Quintin Demps, J.R. Reed, Marcus Paschal
Camp starts: Monday (rookies), Thursday (veterans), Bethlehem PA
Link: Rockford Register: Take that, Sean Considine!

Outlook: Mikell's strong effort in place of Considine last year has him atop the depth chart going into training camp. Mikell doesn't get the same local love as other successful BSU players, but he has quietly put together a fine career. More importantly, we are finally able to remember which one is Quintin and which one is David.

DT Kimo von Oelhoffen, Philadelphia Eagles
Other Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackles: Brodrick Bunkley, Dan Klecko, Trevor Laws, Mike Patterson, Montae Reagor
Camp starts: Monday (rookies), Thursday (veterans), Bethlehem PA
Link: Bleacher Report: not everyone's a Kimo fan.

Outlook: Yes, von Oelhoffen is old. Yes, von Oelhoffen recorded only two tackles last year. But von Oelhoffen is an NFL veteran with experience, and he makes Andy Reid look thin by association. Therefore, Kimo stays. At least until the first round of cuts. Then he's probably gone.


CB Orlando Scandrick, Dallas Cowboys
Other Dallas Cowboys cornerbacks: Terence Newman, Adam Jones, Mike Jenkins, Anthony Henry, Alan Ball, Quincy Butler, Tyler Everett, Evan Oglesby, Jerron Wishom
Camp starts: Thursday, Oxnard CA
Link: Dallas Morning News: Scandrick switched agent to get contract done

Outlook: Scandrick will find a place on the Cowboys, even though their secondary is loaded. Fortunately, Newman is injury-prone, Jones is stripper-prone, and Henry is bound to be moved to safety, so there may be opportunity for Scandrick to move up and make an impact. At any rate, special teams will be glad to have him.

FB Korey Hall, Green Bay Packers
Other Green Bay Packers fullbacks: John Kuhn, Corey White, Ryan Powdrell
Camp starts: 7/27, Green Bay WI
Link: Press-Gazette: plenty of depth at fullback

Outlook: Hall was very impressive in his rookie season last year, yet the Packers still come into camp with four fullbacks on the roster. Four! Kuhn and Hall were last season's starters and did a fine job, so who knows why Powdrell and White are present. Looks like Hall will have to earn his job again, which shouldn't be a problem.

OG Daryn Colledge, Green Bay Packers
Other Green Bay Packers tackles: Ryan Keenan, Cameron Stephenson, Josh Sitton, Jason Spitz, Junius Coston
Camp starts: 7/27, Green Bay WI
Link: Press-Gazette: Packers are favorites, guards are competitive

Outlook: Colledge started most of the season last year after being in and out of the starting lineup his rookie season. He'll again be battling Spitz and Coston for a starting spot, but he seems to be getting better every year so a starting spot should be expected.

S Gerald Alexander, Detroit Lions
Other Detroit Lions safeties: Dwight Smith, Greg Blue, Daniel Bullocks, Kalvin Pearson
Camp starts: Wednesday, Allen Park MI
Link: Michigan Live: Alexander versus Bullocks at strong safety

Outlook: Alexander probably surprised many people with his ascension to a starting rookie safety with the Lions. He looks to have a bright future with the team. And, yes, that may be the only time that "bright future" is mentioned in regards to the Detroit Lions.

WR Jerard Rabb, San Francisco 49ers
Other San Francisco 49ers receivers: Bryant Johnson, Ashley Lelie, Arnaz Battle, Isaac Bruce, Cameron Colvin, Jason Hill, Robert Jordan, Josh Morgan, Dominique Zeigler
Camp starts: 7/24, Santa Clara CA
Link: 49ers website: big battle for final roster spot

Outlook: Rabb stuck with the practice squad last season, and he'll have his work cut out for him to make the roster this summer. The 49ers are full of medium-tier wide receivers, so Rabb will at least have a good shot at breaking through. Plus, with Mike Martz as O-coordinator, the 49ers could very well be in 5-WR sets fairly often.

TE Jeb Putzier, Seattle Seahawks
Other Seattle Seahawks tight ends: John Carlson, Will Heller, Zac Alcorn, Joe Newton
Camp starts: 7/22, 7/24, Kirkland WA
Link: Sporting News: Carlson outplayed by vets

Outlook: Putzier has experience on his side in the battle for starting tight end. Though the Seahawks might like to see rookie Carlson get the job, Putzier and Heller may be better options to start the season. At any rate, there will be probably be ample TE rotating, so Putzier should see the field often.

Going camping: Broncos in the NFL, Part I (AFC edition)

NFL training camps kick off next week, and there are a good variety of former Boise State players dotting rosters across the country. Today, we'll take a look at the AFC. Tomorrow, we'll tackle the NFC. Saturday, we'll re-order the rosters in Madden 08 according to our personal biases. We have a lot of work to do.

T Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos
Other Denver Broncos tackles on the roster: Ryan Harris, PJ Alexander, Erik Pears, Tyler Polumbus
Camp starts: 7/24, Englewood CO
Link: Denver Post: contract negotiations could won't be done soon

Outlook: Clady should be a fixture in Denver for years, and he seems to already have the city wrapped around his finger. The only question will be when he signs his contract. Holding out for a bit probably won't cost him a starting spot, but it will be enough to elicit a Woody Paige column or two. "Kids these days have no respect for the game! Bllllaaaarrrrrgggghh!" You tell 'em, Woody!

T Dan Gore, Miami Dolphins
Other Miami Dolphins tackles: Vernon Carey, Jake Long, Daren Heerspink (Portland State rookie), Julius Wilson
Camp starts: 7/26, Davie FL
Link: Sun-Sentinel blog: Gore's versatility could increase his value

Outlook: Gore will be given every opportunity to make the team. Such is life in the post 1-15 era of the Miami Dolphins. If anything was a strength of the team last year, it might have been the offensive line, but that doesn't mean there is no room for Gore. The depth at tackle is rather shallow (Heerspink's a Portland State rookie, Wilson has big arms), so we're picking Gore to stick on the opening week roster.

TE Derek Schouman, Buffalo Bills
Other Buffalo Bills tight ends: Robert Royal, Courtney Anderson, Derek Fine (rookie), Tim Massaquoi
Camp starts: 7/25, Rochester NY
Link: BuffaloBills.com: Schouman and Trent Edwards have chemistry

Outlook: Schoumann played the dreaded H-back role last year, which is usually where tight ends go to die. However, he survived, and the Bills are willing to slide him back to a true tight end this season. He has NFL vets Royal and Anderson to contend with, as well as fourth round pick Fine, but potential injuries and the low ceilings of Royal and Anderson should be enough to keep Schoumann solidly into the #3 TE role.


CB/KR Chris Carr, Tennessee Titans
Other Tennessee Titans cornerbacks: Reynaldo Hill, Cortland Finnegan, Eric King, Nick Harper, Marquice Hill, Cary Williams, Shirdonya Mitchell
Camp starts: 7/25, Nashville TN
Link: Tennessean: Carr will answer kick return question

Outlook: Carr is the new Pac-Man Jones in Tennessee, sans Atari nickname. The kick return duties should be his (sorry, Chris Johnson; actually, no we're not). The real question mark will be where Carr fits in the Titans' secondary. Will he be content being a dime back the rest of his career? Will facing Vince Young in practice be better than facing Andrew Walter?

WR Legedu Naanee, San Diego Chargers
Other San Diego Chargers receivers: Chris Chambers, Eric Parker, Vincent Jackson, Buster Davis, Mark Jones, Kassim Osgood, Malcolm Floyd, Billy Pittman, Gary Banks, Marco Thomas
Camp starts: Sunday (rookies), 7/24 (veterans), San Diego CA
Link: Pro Football Weekly: back to wide receiver for Naanee

Outlook: Naanee received encouraging news this summer when he was switched from a TE/WR hybrid to a full-time wideout. And good for him; he has the ability to be a good pro receiver. However, the Chargers are pretty stacked at the position, so Naanee may be no better than a 3rd or 4th option. Of course, he can play so many positions on the team (WR, TE, QB, Phillip Rivers' wingman) that San Diego can't afford not to keep him around.

WR Drisan James, Oakland Raiders
Other Oakland Raiders receivers: Javon Walker, Ronald Curry, Drew Carter, Todd Watkins, Will Buchanon, Marcel Reece, Jonathan Holland, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Chris McFoy, Chaz Schilens, Arman Shields
Camp starts: 7/24, Napa Valley CA
Link: MVN: Raider WR competition will be fierce

Outlook: James has yet to make much noise in the league, but at least he is getting opportunities. The Raiders, though they signed Walker in the offseason, could always use a hard-working receiver, and James could certainly be that. Yet we get the feeling like he might be better off in the CFL or starting a garage band with Jared Zabransky. We guess there's no reason why he couldn't do both.

Monday: Links with passion

Story of the day:

Scandrick tries humility on for size [Fort Worth Star-Telegram]

Former Boise State CB Orlando Scandrick has his work cut out for him if he wants to be in the Cowboys' secondary come opening week. As such, O.S. is taking a slightly different approach to things than usual.

(Scandrick) admitted that he could have been "a little more humble" in college. His approach was much different during his first Cowboys minicamp, when veterans such as Anthony Henry said they were impressed as much by his attitude as they were by his speed.

From what we hear, Scandrick has been very impressive in his time with Dallas. The Cowboys have one of the deeper secondaries in the league, but we would be surprised if Scandrick doesn't find somewhere to contribute, whether it be in dime packages or on special teams.

The story also gives some insight into why Scandrick may have fallen into the fifth round despite Mel Kiper's second round projection.

Scandrick can think of only one reason for the dropoff: a vague reference to "major character concerns" on his NFL.com draft profile.

Interesting. We had no idea Robb Akey had access to NFL.com draft profiles.

Other links:

Re-working WAC BCS payouts [Fresno Beehive]

"Should Idaho go to a BCS game..." Let us stop you there.

BSU-Fresno a bigger game than Ohio State-Michigan? [Red Zone Report]
 We don't know. Both rivalries seem kind of lopsided if you ask us.

BSU football players to play softball for charity [Statesman]
The Bronco coaching staff has yet to announce a starting pitcher.

ESPN's Boise State preview [ESPN.com]
At last, our ESPN Insider subscription starts paying for itself.

The WAC is not getting any less WAC-ish [Fresno Beehive]
Benson against expansion, realignment, and having nine competitive teams.

Jerard Rabb interview [Press-Democrat]
The MAC has a new logo [MAC Report Online]

Thursday: Links with consistency

Story of the day:

Statue Left not in Steelers playbook [Press-Tribune]

The Pittsburgh Steelers cut former BSU quarterback Jared Zabransky on Wednesday, just five months after picking him up as a free agent. The Steelers' drafting of former Oregon QB Dennis Dixon spelled Zabransky's doom. Dixon is a one-of-a-kind clipboard holder.

Now the question is where will "Z" land next? The way we see it, he has plenty of options.

• Another NFL team. Zabransky could take the place of an injured third-stringer during the preseason. Or he could start for the Vikings pretty much tomorrow.
• The CFL. Canadian football is like graduate school for Boise State players.
• The Boise Burn. The Burn have never turned down a former Boise State quarterback (Nick Lomax, take heart).
• Ryan Clady's entourage. Perhaps Clady needs an NCAA Football 2008 playing partner.
• An area Pioneer Title. Brock Forsey should know some people.

The story is a little bittersweet for us, not because we are Zabranksy fans (it's complicated), but rather because Zabranksy getting signed by the Steelers was one of our first posts on this site. OBNUG has officially lasted longer than Zabransky's Steeler career. We never thought we would say those words until at least after the first preseason game.


Other links:

Warriors - Brennan = suckiness [the Big Lead]
Replacing a Heisman candidate is hard. Will Tyler Graunke be dying the Hawaiin islands into his hair?

Bronco coaches courting a 15-year-old [Sammamish Review]
There is no age limit on success...obviously.

Who says BSU has too much money? [Warrior Quotes]
Hawaii's athletic budget trumps Broncos by several hundred C-notes

A Marty Tadman video? [YouTube courtesy of Bronco fan Heath]
We know how we're spending our three-day weekend

Boise State is a six-touchdown favorite over Idaho State [Scott Slant]
Yet somehow, we still like those odds.

OBNUG Hall of Fame: Dinwiddie inducted

Congratulations to Ryan Dinwiddie on his induction into the OBNUG Hall of Fame. Dinwiddie's three quarters of fire and brimstone on the Fresno State secondary was never in doubt of induction, ending up with over 90 percent of the vote. Special thanks to David Carr for providing the nine percent of no votes.

Dinwiddie joins Marty Tadman's Fiesta Bowl as the second inductee into the Hall of Fame. Next week, we will have the third candidate for induction, so stay tuned.

Thursday: Links with Anger

Story of the day:

SEC talks about early recruiting season [Dave's Blog]

The SEC wants an early signing day, and what the SEC wants, the SEC gets. From ESPN.com:

The coaches voted by a 9-3 count Wednesday at the SEC spring meetings to add an early signing day in late November. This 24-hour period for prospects to sign early would fall on the Monday before the contact period begins, which during a normal year would come during the week of Thanksgiving.

The measure now moves on for approval by the conference's athletic directors and presidents before being sponsored on a national level. Why not fix the BCS while you're at it, SEC?

Other links:

Orlando Scandrick interview [Scout.com]
Fascinating read if you have a scout.com membership. We don't.

Quinton Jones roughriding it in the CFL [Leader-Post]
We hear that is the best place to roughride.

Hawkins' unique approach to recruiting [Daily Camera]
What doesn't Hawk have a unique approach to?

Fresno State wins Commissioner's Cup [Dailey's Bottom Line]
Is that similar to a WAC football championship? It isn't? Oh, that's what we thought.

Washington State releases top QB prospect [ESPN.com]
Steer clear of Moscow, young man!

HOF: Tadman's Fiesta Bowl falls short

The people have spoken, and they do not feel the same way we do about Marty Tadman.

Tadman's Fiesta Bowl performance was the first nominee for the OBNUG Hall of Fame, a shoo-in as far as we were concerned, but he failed to earn the required 70 percent of the vote for induction, falling two percent short at 68 percent.

Were it up to us, Tadman would have been a sure-fire inductee, and he probably would have the Hall of Fame named after him. However, we value the opinion of our readers, and we appreciate you guys letting us know what you think. The OBNUG Hall of Fame will, apparently, be the toughest ticket in town.

Thanks to the hundreds who voted. We'll have the second OBNUG Hall of Fame nominee for you next week.

Wednesday: Links with youth

Story of the day:

Scandrick outperforms expectations, first round picks [FOX Sports.com]

The rave reviews on former Boise State CB Orlando Scandrick in the Dallas Cowboys' minicamp continue to flood in. This time, FOX Sports' John Czarnecki tells us that Scandrick was the best rookie corner in camp.

Scandrick, a fifth-round pick from Boise State, out-played Mike Jenkins in a recent mini-camp.

Jenkins was a first-round pick by the Cowboys. Maybe now the local media will stop asking Scandrick if he regrets turning pro early.

Other links:

Boise State rebuilding? Hardly [Bleacher Report]
Who do people think BSU is? Hawaii?

You can't put a price on blue turf [Idaho Statesman]
But $817,000 sounds about right.

BCS or playoffs? There is only one right answer [ESPN.com]
Forde says playoffs, freedom. Maisel says BCS, slavery.

Not everyone likes blue turf [Fight Fight BSU]
Hawaii's new TV contract [Honolulu Advertiser]

Monday: Links with pectorals

Story of the day:

BSU chosen to research turf injuries [Int'l Herald Tribune]

Always at the forefront of turf-related news, Boise State University has been commissioned by the NFL to investigate turf-related injuries.

The (research) could provide the NFL with some of the most comprehensive information available on how and why turf-related injuries occur, and if changes in footwear or artificial turf could result in fewer injuries for NFL players. The NFL gave Boise State researchers a $115,000 grant last year for the project.

Our best solution for turf-related injuries is to plant grass. Problem solved. Now, go spend that $115,000 on Dairy Queen kiosks.

Other links:

Greg Graham closes in on extension [Idaho Press-Tribune]
The contract might include bonuses for successful inbound plays.

Idaho high school kids hit the combine [Scout.com]

No word yet on if Robb Akey cared to attend.

Mark Schlabach's post-spring Top 25 [ESPN.com]
Fresno State and Oregon crack the top 25. Boise State waits for when it matters.

Alex Guerrero interview [Fight, Fight, BSU]

Do all former Boise State players end up in the CFL at some point?

Webcams are becoming new recruiting tool [Int'l Herald Tribune]
Yeah, for recruiting nerds.

Tadman in Jets minicamp

Marty Tadman has found his shot in the NFL.

New York's Lower Hudson Journal reports that Tadman was invited to the New York Jets' minicamp this past weekend, where he participated in drills with a large list of undrafted free agents and rookie picks. Former Boise State offensive lineman Tad Miller was also in camp with the Jets.

We'll bring you more information as we get it.

Mini camp full roster [LoHud Journal]
Notes from rookie camp [Jets Blog]

An open letter to the NFL

Dear NFL,

You are a sporting mecca, a world power, a bastion of all that is great about commercialism, success, and propriety. But you are nothing without Marty Tadman.

The former Boise State safety deserves to be a member of your league as much as Ed Hochuli deserves to be drug-tested. Tadman would make a great NFL player. He is tough, smart, dependable, omniscient, tattooed, self-healing, bondable, and awesome. He won't make it rain at strip clubs, and he won't fight dogs for sport. He will, however, always be in the right place at the right time, and he might convert teammates to Christianity.

Still, Tadman sits at home with no offer.

We know this issue is not simply a matter of economics and roster spots. To be sure, we went through the current list of your safeties, and we found the results to be lacking in quality, production, and name recognition. Here are a few:

Hamza Abdullah, Denver Broncos
Twenty-three times Abdullah has appeared in an NFL game; zero times has he intercepted a pass. Also, his last name makes him sound like a genie.

Jordan Babineaux, Seattle Seahawks
In four years, Babineaux has failed to stick in the Seahawks' starting lineup, which is like a 12-year-old having a hard time sticking in fourth grade.

Oliver Celestin, Arizona Cardinals
Celestin's longevity in the league has allowed him to play in 48 career games. At least we think he played in them. He only has 56 career tackles.

Glenn Earl, Houston Texans
Earl did not play in 2007, but the Texans must have been sold on his three interceptions in 31 games. Either that, or they liked the fact that he has two first names.

Vernon Fox, Washington Redskins
For his career, Fox averages 0.85 tackles per game. Great for annual yield on a US Bank checking account; bad for NFL safety.

Eric Smith, New York Jets
Looking at Smith's career stat sheet is like looking in the wallet of hobo. Two career interceptions, one career return yard, zero career sacks, lint.

Cameron Worrell, Miami Dolphins
Worrell has exactly one pass defensed in his five-year career, which is one more than what we have.

We know Marty Tadman can do better because he has done better. In addition to being a demon on special teams and an asset in the return game, here are Tadman's defensive stats from his senior year.

Marty Tadman: 93 total tackles, 57 solo, 36 assists, 2.5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 10 passes defensed, 1 FR, 1 TD, grew a third arm once just for fun

Without a doubt, Tadman belongs in your league, NFL. You have enough issues to worry about between the personal conduct policy, Chad Johnson, rookie contracts, globalization, and long hair.

A lack of Marty Tadman doesn't belong on that list.

Sincerely,
OBNUG