Michael Oher
January 3, 2009
Over the holidays I did a bit of traveling. So, I picked up Michael Lewis’s book, The Blind Side. I was already familiar with Lewis, after a friend lent me a copy of his book, Moneyball.
The main figure is Michael Oher. He is one of thirteen children born to a mother addicted to crack. He pretty much raised himself in the streets of Memphis, Tennessee. He was adopted by a wealthy Memphis family and given a chance at Briarcrest Christian High School.
Oher only started playing football seriously in his junior year of high school. At that time he was six five, 350 pounds and could run the 40 in 4.9 seconds.
Oher was just passed along in school. He had a measured IQ of 80. But with proper instruction he was able to achieve the Dean’s List at Ole Miss.
Oher now six six, 325 pounds plays left tackle. Left tackle has become one of the most important positions in the NFL, because of its responsibility to protect the quarterback from defensive players he can’t see coming, aka the blind side.
Ole Miss defeated Texas Tech in the 2008 Cotton Bowl, 47-34. Michael Oher looks forward to the NFL Draft.
The Blind Side is a compelling story. Oher will be a dominant force in the league. However, he easily could have ended up dead in the streets of Memphis.
Lewis’s overview of NFL strategy was eye opening. It has changed the way I look at the game. Overall, this was a great read.
Kentucky High School Football
December 16, 2008
I attended the Kentucky Class 6A State Championship on Saturday, December 13 at Papa John Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. Trinity Shamrocks faced Simon Kenton Pioneers. An old college buddy is currently the Defensive Line/Tight Ends Coach for Simon Kenton.
It was a match-up of David v. Goliath. Trinity is a powerhouse winning state three years in a row. Simon Kenton started the season 3-4 and finished the year winning 7 in a row. Trinity beat Simon Kenton 48-0, winning their 4th straight Championship, 7th of the last 8 years and number 19 in total.
This is what the Simon Kenton Pioneers Coach had to same about the Rocks, “Their offense is incredible,” Pioneers coach Jeff Marksberry said of the Shamrocks. “They’re a well-oiled machine offensively. They go and go and go and go, and it’s something you can’t duplicate in practice. … They’re so skilled, so technical, so fast. They do a fantastic job.” courier-journal.com
Photo by Michael Clevinger of The Courier-Journal
EKU Football 2009 Schedule
October 15, 2008
Eastern Kentucky University released their 2009 football schedule. EKU will play 3 non-conference games, including, Indiana and Kentucky. The UK game will not be until November 7. The Colonels host Western Carolina on November 14. Eastern will play 5 games at home, including their Homecoming game on October 17 against UT Martin. I am personally looking forward to the home game v. Tennessee State. I sure hope they bring their band.
Eastern v. Western
September 6, 2008
The Battle of the Bluegrass is coming to an end Saturday night. EKU and WKU will square off for the last time on the gridiron. The Hilltoppers will be moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly I-A) and EKU is remaining in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA). The Sun Belt Conference has a rule that doesn’t allow Western to play road or neutral site games against a team in a lower division. The teams have been going head-to-head since 1914. The Hilltoppers lead the series 47-34-3.
It is real sad to see this rivalry ending. The history and tradition between the Colonels and Hilltoppers runs deep. It has been an exciting matchup over the years for players, coaches and fans. It will be hard to see it all end.
Greg Stotelmyer, a Western alum and now converted Colonel (EKU sports play-by-play man for several years) said it best, “I hate that the series is ending. It shouldn’t end. Alabama should play Auburn. Michigan should play Michigan State. Eastern should play Western.” www.kentucky.com - Mark Story
(EKU Archives)
(photo by Chris Radcliffe)
