Taming the Wolves

Let's give a round of applause to the University of Tulsa's defense this past weekend. They played near perfection. In fact, the opposition didn't gain a single yard.

Hopefully you realize they were off last Saturday. The coaches and players were resting up for the inaugural game in the renovated H.A. Chapman Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm. If you want to catch the action, you better get out to the stadium. No TV for this contest.

The opposition is the New Mexico Lobos. Contrary to unpopular belief, a lobo is not just a tall, gawky looking WNBA player. Lobo means wolf in Spanish.

Back on point. The Lobos visit Skelly Field with a 1-2 record. Two quick losses again Texas Christian and Texas A&M spelled doom early. A rebound victory last weekend against the perennial underachieving Arizona Wildcats momentarily righted the ship.

In other words, New Mexico isn't a college powerhouse, but they are frisky. TU better not look past New Mexico toward the big showdown with the University of Central Arkansas. And yes, that is a joke. Don't believe me; check out UCA's official sports web site.

The Lobos have experimented with three quarterbacks so far this year. None look to be on par with Dave "The Collector" Johnson.

The primary ball carrier for NM is Rodney Ferguson. The senior should be no match for his counterparts. He receives the bulk of the carries. A quick lead from the Golden Hurricane could take him out of the game completely.

When the Lobos quarterback Donovan Porterie drops back to pass, he'll look for Chris Hernandez. He has size (6'3''), but TU should be able to focus on taking him out of synch. Perhaps a well timed hit by Roy Roberts, legally of course, could shake his confidence.

Even if the Lobos give a spirited effort and rack up a few points, TU will score more. No one questioned Dave Johnson's passing ability prior to the season. Questions surfaced about leadership and the ability to step in for a legend.

Not only have those non-questions been answered, they've been obliterated. Two games, nine touchdowns. No one is ready to crown no. 5 yet, but you better place the order for the jewels.

An Obsession

The question at TU for the past few years has been defense. More specifically, does the Hurricane have enough defense to seal the deal?

After a rough first half against UAB, they tightened up and slammed the door shut in the second. The goal should be less than 20 points this week. Can they achieve this? You better grab on before the Express leaves you behind.

Let's get something straight. No one, and I mean no one, loves sports coverage more than me. I'm the guy who reads five preseason magazines even though they contain much of the same information. Sports radio, check (although it's also getting repetitive).

You've heard about the guys who watch ESPN News. Have you ever seen someone watch the ESPN News cycle four times in a row just in case he missed something? Right here.

I'm explaining this infatuation for a reason. Some times our sports media can go a little overboard. Yes, surprising indeed.

The list of candidates is a long one. Let me offer a player football fans in this area can easily identify with. Vince Young.

Since Pop Warner, he has been placed on a pedestal. In college, his game was revered. He single-handedly led an under-coached Texas Longhorn team over Oklahoma and USC to win a BCS National Title. NFL pundits said he would revolutionize the way they play the game.

The Tennessee Titans drafted him third overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. The kid (he's only 25) had life by the onions.

Here is where the media overstepped its invisible boundary. After his rookie season in the NFL, he contemplated quitting football.

It was an unfathomable move. It outrages gray-haired, overweight, journalists across the nation. How could a talented kid throw it all away? Why is he a quitter?

Fine. You want to bash his lack of passing accuracy -- go for it. You feel as though his heart isn't where it should be -- great, break your story.

Fast forward to a week ago. He left his home after a victory. After the game his leadership and desire to play football were once again questioned by the media. Next thing you know I'm reading about his therapist's revelations.

Did we really need to read how he mentioned suicide several times in private sessions? Is that our business? How exactly is this related to football? The line was crossed about ten yards back.

I've made as many "VY flinging poop off his hand jokes" as anybody. Question a man's heart, ability and commitment. Fine. But leave his personal life struggles where they belong. Behind closed doors (or on a couch in this case).

On a lighter note. I do not care who Tony Romo, Tom Brady or any other quarterback is dating, unless of course it will affect his fantasy stats thereby causing me grief in my league. Otherwise, leave it to TMZ and Ryan Seacrest. Out.