Bleacher Report - Articles by David Funk

FSD History Flashback: Nov. 16, 1957

David Funk — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:20:00 -0500

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Hello, I'm David Funk, and welcome to this edition of FSD History Flashback for November 16. Today's FSD History Flashback talks about one of the most impressive record-breaking winning streaks that came to an end.

On November 16, 1957 in Norman, Oklahoma, the defending college football champion Oklahoma Sooners hosted Notre Dame in what turned out to be the end of one of the most impressive feats in sports history. Oklahoma had a 47-game win streak going into the contest against the team that was the last to defeat them.

Fighting Irish coach Terry Brennan brought his team to town against Bud Wilkinson's Sooners in a nationally televised game in "living color". Both teams were highly motivated for this game as Brennan was under fire for having a 2-8 season the year before. They came into the game with two straight losses against Navy and Michigan which knocked them out of the polls.

The Sooners were trying to win their third title in a row, and were still very disappointed that Notre Dame QB Paul Hornung won the Heisman Trophy the year before for a losing team. The Sooners went undefeated, and felt running back Tommy McDonald should have won it. Also, the Sooners fell out of the top spot in the polls, and were eager to regain that by beating Notre Dame here. So the stage was set for a great game in Norman as over 62,000 fans came out for the game.

In the opening quarter of the game, the Sooners got an early turnover as Notre Dame's Pat Doyle fumbled and Oklahoma's Dick Corbitt recovered at the Irish 34-yard line. But the Sooners lost five yards on three plays, and were forced to punt.

Then, the Sooners forced the Irish to punt as they could not advance the ball down the field. Oklahoma drove the ball down to the Irish 13-yard line, but QB Carl Dodd's pass on a 4th-and-short play was incomplete as Allen Ecuyer of the Irish broke the pass up at the line.

Oklahoma took the next drive to the Irish 23-yard line, but Dodd fumbled and the Irish recovered the ball in the second quarter. Dodd fumbled again near midfield on the next drive as Oklahoma kept throwing away scoring opportunities.

Notre Dame was able to move the ball a little through the air after not moving the ball hardly at all on the previous drives. Notre Dame QB Bob Williams used short passes, and was able to move the ball to the Sooners 1-yard line as they had 1st-and-goal. However, the Irish ran the ball three straight times, and the Sooners defense stiffened to force a turnover on downs after FB Bob Reynolds was stopped short on 4th down.

The Sooners didn't advance the ball out very far from their own 1-yard line, and were forced to punt. Notre Dame moved the ball back down to the Sooners 16-yard line where they used a fake field goal on a 4th down play to move it down to the 6-yard line. However, the Sooners DB David Baker intercepted a Reynolds option pass attempt in the end zone to stop the Irish drive. Both teams headed to the locker room at halftime with a scoreless tie.

Both defenses took over the game in the 3rd quarter as neither offense could move the ball much. It was looking more and more like a tie was coming for both teams.

Then a touchback on a Sooners punt gave the Irish the ball at their own 20-yard line with 13 minutes to play in the game. Bob Williams had called every play in this game for the Irish, except the fake field goal attempt. On this drive, he handed the ball to RB's Nick Pietrosante and Dick Lynch. Pietrosante carried the ball seven times for 35 yards, while Lynch kept their 4th quarter drive alive by picking up two key first downs.

Williams threw a key jump pass to Dick Royer to pick up a first down at the Sooners 17-yard line. Then a run by Pietrosante put the Irish at the Sooners 8-yard line as the clock was appoaching five minutes to play in the game. The Irish ran the ball on three consecutive plays to advance the ball to the Sooners 3-yard line.

Notre Dame decided not to attempt a field goal because they did not like the angle. The Sooners were expecting a run up the middle on the 4th down play as they clogged the gaps by bunching eight men in the box to stop it. Williams then faked a handoff up the middle to Pietrosante, and pitched it to Lynch around the right end as he ran it in untouched to give the Irish the lead. Notre Dame's extra point was good as they had a 7-0 lead with 3:50 left to play.

The Sooners were forced to punt on the next drive, but were able to get the ball back when they stopped a 4th down play by the Irish.

Wilkinson sent in third string QB Bennett Watts and some other speedy reserves so he could try and get the ball down the field very quickly with under two minutes left to play. It looked like Wilkinson made the correct call on that when a pass intended for receiver Joe Rector was deflected in the hands of John Pellow, who rumbled 40 yards down to the Irish 36-yard line as the crowd came alive after the offense had done little since the 1st quarter against that Irish defense.

Oklahoma moved the ball to the Irish 24-yard line as they were looking to tie the score. But on the next play, Bob Williams, who doubled as a defensive back for the Irish, picked off a pass by Dale Sherrod to seal the win, and end the Sooners 47-game win streak.

Wilkinson creditted the Irish secondary for their defense in this game. The Sooners were given time to throw on the defense, but the receivers could not get open enough.

Brennan praised Oklahoma's defense as well, and had a game plan to wear them down late in the game which worked well.

So the Sooners went over four years without losing a game, and it happened to be to the team that was the last to defeat them. The year before, Oklahoma pounded the Irish 40-0, so they got some revenge in this game.

The November 18th issue of Sports Illustrated was already on newsstands as the cover read, "Why Oklahoma is Unbeatable". It is recognized as one of the first "jinxes" of a team or player since the magazine has seen strange coincidences happen in the same manner later on.

Notre Dame would lose the next game against Iowa before winning their final two games convincingly over USC and SMU while finishing with a 7-3 mark.

Oklahoma would pound Nebraska and Oklahoma State before winning the Orange Bowl against Duke in route to finishing 10-1 on the season.

Contrary to popular culture, the Sooners winning streak did not start in 1953 after their loss to Notre Dame to open that season. In their next game following the loss, the Sooners tied Pittsburgh 7-7, and their streak actually started with a win against Texas.

The Sooners won 22 of their 47 games during the streak by shutout. They also outscored them 1620-276 during the streak as well which is why those Sooners teams are considered some of the best ever. It is one of the most impressive streaks in sports that came to an end on this day.

Photo courtesy of Blue-Gray Sky

Thanks for viewing, and I hope you enjoyed today's FSD History Flashback!

What If? Patrick Ewing's 1989-90 Season

David Funk — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:41:00 -0500

Welcome to the fantasy basketball edition of What If? This is where I look back at a player's season before fantasy basketball became prominent in our society.

Today, we look back at New York Knicks Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing's 1988-89 season at the suggestion of Rad, who runs the Daddy Sports site. When he's not making videos of my favorite college football team losing in an EA sports game after posting a YouTube video highlight of them, he talks about a variety of sports because he's a great all-around sports fan (okay rad, you knew that was coming, buddy!).

Anyway, give his site a look. I'm using the default scoring for Sporting News and Yahoo! fantasy basketball games. So here's the scoring system for each:

SN Fantasy Basketball Default Scoring System:

Point Scored: 1 point each
Field Goal Missed: -0.5 points
Free Throw Missed: -0.5 points
Rebound: 1.5 points
Assists: 2 points
Steal: 2.5 points
Block Shot: 2.5 points
Turnover: -1 point
Triple Double: 10 points

Note: For those that are not familar with basketball, triple-double means reaching double digits in at least three of the following categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots.

Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Default Scoring System:

Field Goal Attempt: -0.45 points
Field Goal Made: 1 point
Free Throw Attempt: -0.75 points
Free Throw Made: 1 point
Three-Point Shot Made: 3 points
Point Scored: 0.5 points
Rebound: 1.5 points
Assist: 2 points
Steal: 3 points
Turnover: -2 points
Blocked Shot: 3 points

Here's the SN scoring total for Patrick Ewing's 1989-90 season:

Points Scored: 2,347 = 2,347 points
Field Goals Missed: 751 = -375.5 points
Free Throw Missed: 146 = -73 points
Rebounds: 893 = 1,339.5 points
Assists: 182 = 364 points
Steals: 78 = 195 points
Blocked Shots: 327 = 817.5 points
Turnovers: 278 = -278 points
Triple Doubles: 0 = 0 points

Total SN Points: 4336.5 points
SN Points Per Game: 52.88

Here's the Yahoo! scoring total for Patrick Ewing's 1989-90 season:

Field Goal Attempts: 1,673 = -752.85 points
Field Goals Made: 922 = 922 points
Free Throw Attempts: 648 = -486 points
Free Throws Made: 502 = 502 points
Three-Point Shots Made: 1 = 3 points
Points Scored: 2,347 = 1,173.5 points
Rebounds: 893 = 1,339.5 points
Assists: 182 = 364 points
Steals: 78 = 234 points
Turnovers: 278 = -556 points
Blocked Shots: 327 = 981 points
Total Yahoo! Points: 3,724.15
Yahoo! Points Per Game: 45.42

Source: basketball-reference.com

This was probably Ewing's best season in his NBA career. He set a career high in points, blocked shots, and field goals made in the 1989-90 season. Ewing's season included 11 games of 40 or more points with a high of 51 against the Boston Celtics on March 24.

Ewing grabbed at least 20 rebounds in a game three times during the season with a high of 24 on November 29 against Golden State. Despite not having a triple-double on the season, Ewing had a double-double of points and rebounds in 50 of 82 games.

His best all-around game in the regular season may have been on January 7 at home against the Los Angeles Clippers. In that game, Ewing had 44 points, 22 rebounds, four assists, seven blocked shots, and two steals, as the Knicks won 110-109.

Ewing averaged 26.7 points per game, 10.2 rebounds per game, and 3.7 blocks per game during the regular season, as he helped the Knicks advance to the NBA Playoffs with a 45-37 record.

The Knicks won their first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics 3-2 before being eliminated by the eventual NBA Champion Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Ewing averaged 29.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in the NBA Playoffs.

Even though Ewing didn't win an NBA Title in his career, he was one of the best centers in the game when he played. He averaged 21 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in his 17 seasons in the league. He earned Basketball Hall of Fame honors in 2008 in his first year of eligibility in which he was one of the best players in college and pro basketball history.

If anyone wants to suggest a past player, you may do so by commenting. I only ask that we try to keep it before 1995. Also, statistics are tougher to find in the early era of the game because they weren't tracked as well. Just something to keep in mind.

Thanks for viewing, and be sure to check the Blog List of friends to the right of this page for more great reads out there!

Previous What If? basketball posts:
Michael Jordan's 1988-89 Season

FSD History Flashback: November 13, 1875—Harvard vs. Yale

David Funk — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:40:00 -0500

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hello, I'm David Funk, and welcome to this edition of FSD History Flashback for November 13. Today's FSD History Flashback talks about the very first meeting between two schools that has transcended time as well as become one of the best rivalries in the history of sports. "The Game" was first played between Harvard and Yale on November 13, 1875.

The two teams played their first ever game in New Haven, Connecticut at Hamilton Park. Yale had promised Harvard $75 to play the game, and tickets were sold for 50 cents to watch the contest between the two clubs.

The rules for the game were adopted for rugby and soccer. Both Harvard and Yale played the game with 15 players instead of 11 for each on the field. Rules stated that a team scored a point if they successfully scored a touchdown and made the kick after.

Harvard won the game convincingly by scoring four goals (touchdowns) and four tries which gave them a 4-0 win.

Yale would have preferred to play with less to take advantage of their speed, but it was Harvard with their size as well as number of players on the field that helped them prevail.

In 1874, Harvard actually played a rugby-style game against McGill University in Montreal. Harvard was impressed with this style of play, and decided to adopt their rules for the game which was used in the first meeting of "The Game."

According to some sources, this was believed to be the first game in which players used their own uniforms for the first time. However, some list Harvard's first official collegiate game against Tufts University in June 1875 as the game when uniforms were first used.

After the game, seven Harvard students were arrested for what was called "hooting and singing in public streets". They were also fined $5.29 each which would have robbed them from getting a value meal at a fast food restaurant these days.

The very next year, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia organized the Intercollegiate Football Association. The rules were adopted from the Rugby Football Union which made the scoring change of a match being decided by the majority of touchdowns and not goals. The other big change then was going to an egg-shaped ball instead of a soccer ball.

The rules for the new organization constantly changed over the years, and was dissolved by 1894. By then, Yale graduate Walter Camp adopted rules for the American game of football that resemble more of what it's like today. The center to quarterback snap exchange and three downs to get a first down were a couple of the changes. The scoring was different with touchdowns being worth less points than field goals.

By 1905 after the deaths and crippling injuries that prompted then-U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt to get involved, the forerunner to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was formed. Since that time, this committee has established the rules for what is the American game of football.

Even though Harvard won the first meeting between the two schools, Yale would dominate the early history of this rivalry.

Yale would go unbeaten in the next 11 games(10-0-1 record) against Harvard. They didn't play each in 1877, 1885, and 1888. In 1885, Harvard banned the sport for the upcoming fall which caused the two not to play that year.

It was also in a game between the two in 1892 that the flying wedge was first used throughout a contest by Harvard although other variations had been used before. Yale still won 6-0.

After the 1894 game, the two schools had seven players carried off the field facing death. Because of this, the two schools didn't play for two seasons.

Since 1897, the two have played every year with the exception of two years off during World War I and World War II.

It was in 1898 that "The Game" reference was first known to be used. It was used when former Harvard captain A.F. Holden had sent a letter to coach Cam Forbes saying, "it also makes the Yale-Harvard game the game of the season."

Columnist Red Smith first capitalized the reference in the 1940s, and was first seen on game programs in 1960.

The most well-known matchup between the two took place at Harvard in 1968. After trailing 29-13 in the final 42 seconds of the game, Harvard tied Yale, who had a 16-game winning streak snapped on that day.

Yale quarterback Brian Dowling had not lost a football game since sixth grade, and the Harvard Crimson paper said, "Harvard Beats Yale 29-29" after the contest. One of Harvard's star players in that game was offensive tackle Tommy Lee Jones, who went on to become one of Hollywood's best actors.

Famous pranks have also made for interesting television. In the 2004 game, Yale students handed out postcards to adult Harvard fans and alleged that when they held them up they would spell out "GO HARVARD." Instead, the signs spelled out "WE SUCK." Harvard pounded Yale 35-3 in that game.

Some have not given credit where it's due as to the importance of this rivalry. Not only has it been played since 1875, their games proved instrumental in the development of American football.

Furthermore, Ivy League teams do not participate in post-season games, and The Game has always been the last contest of the year between the two schools (except in 1919). The vast majority of players do not play at the pro level which therefore makes The Game the final contest for seniors on both sides. So with those factors, it's not hard to understand the importance of this game and rivalry.

Yale leads the all-time series 65-51-8. Harvard has won five of the last six meetings. Harvard won last year's meeting 37-6 as both teams entered the contest undefeated.

The 125th meeting between these legendary schools takes place on November 22 in Cambridge, MA at Harvard Stadium.

Thank you to both Harvard and Yale for the impact they have left on the game of American football. The rivalry between these two schools is one of best in sports as well as one of the most influential ever, too.

Photo courtesy of www.the-game.org which shows the program of the first game in 1875.

Thanks for viewing, and I hope you enjoyed today's FSD History Flashback!

FSD History Flashback: November 12, 1995

David Funk — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:33:00 -0500

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hello, I'm David Funk, and welcome to another edition of FSD History Flashback for Nov. 12. Today's FSD History Flashback is about one man passing his way into the history books in the NFL.

On Nov. 12, 1995, the Miami Dolphins hosted the New England Patriots. The Dolphins were coming off a win against the San Diego Chargers while the Patriots just beat the Jets.

Going into the game, Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino needed only 38 passing yards to go past Fran Tarkenton's record of 47,003. And it didn't take long for Marino to set the record.

Marino threw a nine-yard pass to Irving Fryar in the first quarter to set the record. There was a stoppage in play, but it was mostly an unforgettable game for the Dolphins from there on out.

"It's nice to know you're the only guy that has that many yards as a quarterback," said Marino later on. "It's a good feeling and I was glad to get it over with and to let the fans appreciate it. But the unfortunate thing is you want to win the games when you break a record."

Marino did connect with a 31-yard pass to Bernie Parmalee in the second quarter as they tied the game 7-7. The teams then traded field goals, and went into halftime in a 10-10 tie.

Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe threw a 47-yard pass to Vincent Brisby to give New England the lead.

Marino answered with a 20-yard pass of his own to O.J. McDuffie to tie the game. But that would be all the scoring for the Dolphins on this afternoon.

Tight end Ben Coates caught an eight-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, running back Curtis Martin scored his second rushing touchdown of the game as the Patriots pulled away from the Dolphins in Miami. The Patriots won 34-17.

Marino threw for 333 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions before giving way to Bernie Kosar. Marino ended up with 47,299 career passing yards at the game's conclusion.

Two weeks later, Marino threw his 342nd touchdown pass, which broke Tarkenton's mark, against the Indianapolis Colts.

This ended up being the last season that Marino would make the Pro Bowl. The Dolphins finished with a 9-5 record as Marino threw for 3,668 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions on the season.

Marino is currently second on both lists after recently being passed by Brett Favre. Nonetheless, Marino threw for 61,361 yards and 420 touchdowns while being a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

Marino is seen regularly these days as a commentator for CBS's NFL Today Show. Formerly, he was the Senior Vice President of Football Operations for the Dolphins, but resigned three weeks later because it wasn't in the best interest for him or his family.

Even though many of his records have been broken, Marino is still one of the greatest to play the quarterback position in NFL history. His quick release of passing the ball was legendary, and was the key to his overwhelming success in the National Football League.

Thanks for viewing, and I hope you enjoyed today's FSD History Flashback!

What If? Earl Campbell's 1980 Season

David Funk — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:41:00 -0500

Welcome to another entry of the What If? Fantasy Football edition. This is where I look back at a season long before fantasy football became prominent among us in our society as figure how the fantasy numbers would look if the fantasy game existed then.

Today, we look back at the 1980 season for Houston Oilers star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Earl Campbell. I'm using the default scoring systems for Sporting News and Yahoo! to calculate the point totals.

Here's the point scale for SN(default configuration):
60 points for every touchdown
2 points for every rushing, receiving, and punt return yard gained
1 point for every kickoff return yard gained
2 points for every reception
1 point for every passing yard
-10 points for every kickoff return attempt
-45 points for lost fumble and interception
-2 points for incomplete pass

Here's the point scale for Yahoo!(default configuration):
6 points for every rushing, receiving, and return touchdown
4 points for passing touchdown
1 point for every 10 rushing and receiving yards
1 point for every 25 passing yards
2 points for every two-point conversion
-1 point for every interception
-2 points for every fumble
No points are given for receptions or return yardage in the default configuration.

Here are the stats for Earl Campbell in 1980 and fantasy points for the SN games:
Passing yards: 57 = 57 points
Passing touchdowns: 1 = 60 points
Incomplete passes: 1 = -2 points
Interceptions: 0 = 0 points
Rushing yards: 1,934 = 3,868 points
Rushing touchdowns: 13 = 780 points
Receptions: 11 = 22 points
Receiving yards: 47 = 94 points
Receiving touchdowns: 0 = 0
Fumbles Lost: 2 = -90 points
Total points: 4,789 points
Total points per game: 319.27
Campbell played in 15 games in 1980.

Here are the stats for Earl Campbell in 1980 and fantasy points for the Yahoo! game:
Passing yards: 57 = 2 points
Passing touchdowns: 1 = 4 points
Interceptions: 0 = 0 points
Rushing yards: 1,934 = 193 points
Rushing touchdowns: 13 = 78 points
Receiving yards: 47 = 4 points
Receiving touchdowns: 0 = 0
Fumbles Lost: 2 = -4 points
Total points: 277 points
Total points per game: 18.47
Campbell played in 15 games in 1980.

Statistical source: pro-football reference

Campbell set a career-high in rushing yards in 1980, and was coming off a season in which he had 19 touchdowns. In the opening game of the season, Campbell threw a 57-yard touchdown to Billy "White Shoes" Johnson and rushed for another in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In Week Seven, he rushed for over 200 yards in a win against Tampa Bay. The following week, Campbell rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals. In Week 11, Campbell rushed for 206 yards against the Chicago Bears.

In the season finale, Campbell would have his fourth game of at least 200 rushing yards when he ran for 203 against the Minnesota Vikings. Campbell averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 1980.

The Oilers clinched a playoff spot with an 11-5 record, and faced off against the Oakland Raiders in a Wild Card matchup. Campbell ran for a touchdown, but that would be all the Oilers would score that day in a 27-7 loss to the eventual Super Bowl Champions.

Campbell, the 1977 Heisman Trophy winner out of Texas, rushed for 1,000 yards during five of his eight NFL seasons. He rushed for 9,407 yards, 74 touchdowns, and averaged 4.3 yards per carry in his career. Campbell was a first-team All-Pro in the first three years of his career, and made the Pro Bowl five times as well. For his efforts, Campbell earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.

His bruising style of play eventually led to serious health issues which requires him to use a wheelchair much of the time. These days, Campbell is a businessman In Austin, Texas where he is still actively participating in University of Texas Athletics. He is currently president of Earl Campbell Meat Products which sells his own smoked sausage as well as barbeque, too.

If anyone wants to suggest a past player, then you can do so in the comments section. The only thing I ask is that the player and year be before 1990 because fantasy football wasn't as prominent then.

Past What If? posts:
Walter Payton's 1977 season
Gale Sayers' 1965 season
Eric Dickerson's 1983 season
Jim Brown's 1963 season
Dan Marino's 1984 season
Jerry Rice's 1987 season
O.J. Simpson's 1975 season
Johnny Unitas' 1959 season
Sid Luckman's 1943 season
Sammy Baugh's 1947 season
Beattie Feathers' 1934 season
Charley Hennigan's 1961 season
Timmy Brown's 1963 season
Rolland Lawrence's 1977 season
Dan Fouts' 1981 season
Don Hutson's 1942 season
Jim Zorn's 1979 season

FSD History Flashback: November 10, 1984

David Funk — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:51:00 -0500

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Maryland head coach Bobby Ross had a 5-3 record, and was coming off a win against North Carolina. The Hurricanes had Heisman Trophy hopeful Bernie Kosar at quarterback. Since the third game of the season, the Terrapins had Stan Gelbaugh as the team's quarterback for Frank Reich, who was injured in the third game of the year.

Miami came out and took control of the game in the first half as Kosar threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another. Meanwhile, Gelbaugh wasn't very effective as Maryland failed to score any points in the first half. Miami had dominated the first half of the game and had a 31-0 lead at halftime.

Reich, who was the starting quarterback in Maryland's 0-2 start in 1984, had finally been cleared to play the previous week against North Carolina. As Maryland had put away the game against the Tarheels, Reich came off the bench to relieve Gelbaugh for some much needed playing time. Gelbaugh helped Maryland win five of their previous six games as they had taken control of the ACC.

Ross had decided to put Reich in at quarterback to start the second half for Maryland to give him playing time. Little did anyone know that Ross would look like a genius after one of the most shocking moments in sports history was just about to unfold.

Maryland came out of halftime with an offensive flurry that shocked the Hurricanes. Reich threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in the third quarter as they cut into Miami's lead. The Hurricanes only mustered a field goal, and Maryland had played inspired defense as Miami had a 34-21 lead going into the final quarter.

The Terrapins cut the lead to 34-28 on a 14-yard touchdown run from Tommy Neal. Maryland got the ball back and another good thing happened for them. Wide receiver Greg Hill had caught a 68-yard touchdown pass on a Reich play-action scramble that had been tipped by Miami safety Darrell Fullington as Maryland had taken a 35-34 lead in the game. It was Reich's third touchdown pass of the game, and fourth overall.

On the next kickoff, Miami fumbled the ball at their own 5-yard line as the Terrapins recovered. Maryland added to it's lead two plays later as Rick Badanjek scored on a 4-yard touchdown run as the stunned Miami crowd looked on. But Miami wouldn't go down that quietly at home in the last quarter.

Kosar threw a 5-yard touchdown on a fade route to Eddie Brown as Miami was down 42-40 late in the final quarter with a minute left. Miami was forced to go for the two-point conversion.

Kosar passed to running back Melvin Bratton in the flat on the two-point conversion attempt, but Maryland safety Keeta Covington cut him down immediately to preserve the lead.

With Miami down by two points, they attempted an on-side kick. Maryland not only recovered the on-side attempt, but came within a half of a yard of running it back for a touchdown. Instead of adding insult to injury, Reich kneeled the ball as the Terrapins ran out the clock to secure quite possibly the most incredible comeback in sports history. Maryland won 42-40.

Maryland's 31-point comeback broke the 28-point mark set by Oregon State against Fresno State in 1981 and equaled by Washington State against Stanford just two weeks prior to this game. It has since been passed by Michigan State's 35-point comeback against Northwestern in 2006.

Reich threw for 260 yards, three touchdowns, and rushed for another in this game. Kosar had 363 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown as well as two interceptions. Miami also had a very costly fumble in the final quarter that eventually gave Maryland a bigger cushion of a lead.

Miami, who played a brutal schedule in 1984 as the defending national champions, had went against Auburn, Florida, Michigan, Florida State, and Notre Dame before this game. They had lost to Michigan and Florida State.

Unfortunately, this wouldn't be the only heart-breaking loss for Miami as they played Boston College two weeks later in the "Doug Flutie" game.

Maryland would not lose another game the rest of the year as they won the ACC Championship. They played Tennessee in the Sun Bowl and had also comeback from a 21-0 halftime deficit to win 28-27.

As for Reich, this was only the first time he would be associated with a memorable comeback in sports. As a backup quarterback for the Buffalo Bills in the 1992 Playoffs subbing for starter Jim Kelly, he engineered the biggest comeback in NFL history as they erased a 35-3 Houston Oilers lead in a Wild Card matchup for a 41-38 win.

What's even more amazing is that he was a backup in both games(even though he was starter for Maryland before an injury). These days, Reich is a Christian Speaker and Pastor at a church in Charlotte, NC.

Even though Maryland had a high-powered offense, no one thought a guy just returning from injury would come off the bench to knock off a powerful Hurricanes team on the road with a stunning second half performance.

When anyone thinks of the greatest comebacks in sports history, one such name should always been mentioned in the conversation: Frank Reich.

Thanks for viewing, and I hope you enjoyed today's FSD History Flashback!

FSD History Flashback: November\10, 1984

David Funk — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:51:00 -0500

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hello, I'm David Funk, and welcome to another edition of FSD History Flashback for November 10. Today's FSD History Flashback takes us back to what maybe the best comeback in the history of sports. Not a single person would ever foresee what was to come on this day as well as years later.

On November 10, 1984, the Miami Hurricanes hosted the Maryland Terrapins at the Orange Bowl. Miami head coach Jimmy Johnson came into the game with an 8-2 record coming off a win against Louisville. Maryland head coach Bobby Ross had a 5-3 record, and was coming off a win against North Carolina. The Hurricanes had Heisman Trophy hopeful Bernie Kosar at quarterback. Since the third game of the season, the Terrapins had Stan Gelbaugh as the team's quarterback for Frank Reich, who was injured in the third game of the year.

Miami had came out and taken control of the game in the first half as Kosar threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another. Meanwhile, Gelbaugh wasn't very effective as Maryland failed to score any points in the first half. Miami had dominated the first half of the game and had a 31-0 lead at halftime.

Reich, who was the starting quarterback in Maryland's 0-2 start in 1984, had finally been cleared to play the previous week against North Carolina. As Maryland had put away the game against the Tarheels, Reich came off the bench to relieve Gelbaugh for some much needed playing time. Gelbaugh helped Maryland win five of their previous six games as they had taken control of the ACC.

Ross had decided to put Reich in at quarterback to start the second half for Maryland to give him playing time. Little did anyone know that Ross would look like a genius after one of the most shocking moments in sports history was just about to unfold.

Maryland came out of halftime with an offensive flurry that shocked the Hurricanes. Reich threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in the third quarter as they cut into Miami's lead. The Hurricanes only mustered a field goal, and Maryland had played inspired defense as Miami had a 34-21 lead going into the final quarter.

The Terrapins cut the lead to 34-28 on a 14-yard touchdown run from Tommy Neal. Maryland got the ball back and another good thing happened for them. Wide receiver Greg Hill had caught a 68-yard touchdown pass on a Reich play-action scramble that had been tipped by Miami safety Darrell Fullington as Maryland had taken a 35-34 lead in the game. It was Reich's third touchdown pass of the game, and fourth overall.

On the next kickoff, Miami fumbled the ball at their own 5-yard line as the Terrapins recovered. Maryland added to it's lead two plays later as Rick Badanjek scored on a 4-yard touchdown run as the stunned Miami crowd looked on. But Miami wouldn't go down that quietly at home in the last quarter.

Kosar threw a 5-yard touchdown on a fade route by Eddie Brown as Miami was down 42-40 late in the final quarter with a minute left. Miami was forced to go for the two-point conversion.

Kosar passed to running back Melvin Bratton in the flat on the two-point conversion attempt, but Maryland safety Keeta Covington cut him down immediately to preserve the lead.

With Miami down by two points, they attempted an on-side kick. Maryland not only recovered the on-side attempt, but came within a half of a yard of running it back for a touchdown. Instead of adding insult to injury, Reich kneeled the ball as the Terrapins ran out the clock to secure quite possibly the most incredible comeback in sports history. Maryland won 42-40.

Maryland's 31-point comeback broke the 28-point mark set by Oregon State against Fresno State in 1981 and equaled by Washington State against Stanford just two weeks prior to this game. It has since been passed by Michigan State's 35-point comeback against Northwestern in 2006.

Reich threw for 260 yards, three touchdowns, and rushed for another in this game. Kosar had 363 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown as well as two interceptions. Miami also had a very costly fumble in the final quarter that eventually gave Maryland a bigger cushion of a lead.

Miami, who played a brutal schedule in 1984 as the defending national champions, had went against Auburn, Florida, Michigan, Florida State, and Notre Dame before this game. They had lost to Michigan and Florida State. Unfortunately, this wouldn't be the only heart-breaking loss for Miami as they played Boston College two weeks later in the "Doug Flutie" game.

Maryland would not lose another game the rest of the year as they won the ACC Championship. They played Tennessee in the Sun Bowl and had also comeback from a 21-0 halftime deficit to win 28-27.

As for Reich, this was only the first time he would be associated with a memorable comeback in sports. As a backup quarterback for the Buffalo Bills in the 1992 Playoffs subbing for starter Jim Kelly, he engineered the biggest comeback in NFL history as they erased a 35-3 Houston Oilers lead in a Wild Card matchup for a 41-38 win. What's even more amazing is that he was a backup in both games(even though he was starter for Maryland before an injury). These days, Reich is a Christian Speaker and Pastor at a church in Charlotte, NC.

Even though Maryland had a high-powered offense, no one thought a guy just returning from injury would come off the bench to knock off a powerful Hurricanes team on the road with a stunning second half performance.

When anyone thinks of the greatest comebacks in sports history, one such name should always been mentioned in the conversation: Frank Reich.

Thanks for viewing, and I hope you enjoyed today's FSD History Flashback!

College Football Scenario Speculation with BCS Week 11 Poll

David Funk — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:02:00 -0500

Here's the latest BCS Top 25 for Week 11. I'm also going to list the remaining games for those on the poll as well as who they beat this past week, too.

Note: Rankings for this past week's results are according to the BCS in Week 10. The remaining schedules show current BCS ranking.

1. Alabama (10-0) beat No. 16 LSU, 27-21

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 vs Mississippi State(3-6)
Nov. 29 vs Auburn(5-5)
Dec. 6 vs No. 4 Florida for SEC Championship*

2. Texas Tech (10-0) beat No. 9 Oklahoma State, 56-20

Remaining games:
Nov. 22 at No. 5 Oklahoma(9-1)
Nov. 29 vs Baylor(3-7)

3. Texas (9-1) beat Baylor, 45-21

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Kansas(6-4)
Nov. 27 vs Texas A&M(4-6)

4. Florida (8-1) beat Vanderbilt, 42-14

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 vs No. 24 South Carolina(7-3)
Nov. 22 vs Citadel
Nov. 29 at No. 19 Florida State(7-2)
Dec. 6 vs No. 1 Alabama for SEC Championship

5. Oklahoma (9-1) beat Texas A&M, 66-28

Remaining games:
Nov. 22 vs No. 2 Texas Tech(10-0)
Nov. 29 at No. 13 Oklahoma State(8-2)

6. USC (8-1) beat No. 21 California, 21-7

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Stanford(5-5)
Nov. 29 vs Notre Dame(5-4)
Dec. 6 at UCLA(3-6)

7. Utah (10-0) beat TCU, 13-10

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at San Diego State(1-9)
Nov. 22 vs No. 17 BYU(9-1)

8. Penn State (9-1) lost to Iowa, 24-23

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 vs Indiana(3-7)
Nov. 22 vs No. 15 Michigan State(9-2)

9. Boise State (9-0) beat Utah State, 49-14

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Idaho(2-8)
Nov. 22 at Nevada(5-4)
Nov. 28 vs Fresno State(5-4)

10. Georgia (8-2) beat Kentucky, 42-38

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Auburn(5-5)
Nov. 29 vs Georgia Tech

11. Ohio State (8-2) beat No. 24 Northwestern, 45-10

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Illinois(5-5)
Nov. 22 vs Michigan(3-7)

12. Missouri (8-2) beat Kansas State, 41-24

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Iowa State(2-8)
Nov. 29 vs Kansas(6-4)

13. Oklahoma State (8-2) lost to No. 2 Texas Tech, 56-20

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Colorado(5-5)
Nov. 29 vs No. 5 Oklahoma(9-1)

14. Ball State (9-0) beat Northern Illinois, 45-14

Remaining games:
Nov. 11 at Miami(OH)(2-7)
Nov. 19 at Central Michigan(7-2)
Nov. 25 vs Western Michigan(8-2)

15. Michigan State (9-2) beat Purdue, 21-7

Remaining games:
Nov. 22 at No. 8 Penn State(9-1)

16. North Carolina (7-2) beat No. 20 Georgia Tech, 28-7

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Maryland(6-3)
Nov. 22 vs North Carolina State(3-6)
Nov. 29 at Duke(4-5)

17. BYU (9-1) beat San Diego State, 41-12

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Air Force(8-2)
Nov. 22 at No. 7 Utah(10-0)

18. TCU (9-2) lost to No. 8 Utah, 13-10

Remaining games:
Nov. 22 vs Air Force(8-2)

19. Florida State (7-2) beat Clemson, 41-27

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 vs Boston College(6-3)
Nov. 22 at Maryland(6-3)
Nov. 29 vs No. 4 Florida(8-1)

20. LSU (6-3) lost to No. 1 Alabama, 27-21 in OT

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 vs Troy(6-3)
Nov. 22 vs Mississippi(5-4)
Nov. 29 at Arkansas(4-6)

21. Pittsburgh (7-2) beat Louisville, 41-7

Remaining games:
Nov. 22 at No. 22 Cincinnati(7-2)
Nov. 28 vs West Virginia(6-3)
Dec. 6 at Connecticut(6-3)

22. Cincinnati (7-2) beat No. 25 West Virginia, 26-23

Remaining games:
Nov. 14 at Louisville(5-4)
Nov. 22 vs No. 21 Pittsburgh(7-2)
Nov. 29 vs Syracuse(2-7)
Dec. 6 vs Hawaii(5-5)

23. Tulsa (8-1) was idle

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Houston(5-4)
Nov. 22 vs Tulane(2-7)
Nov. 29 at Marshall(4-5)

24. Wake Forest (6-3) beat Virginia, 28-17

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at North Carolina State(3-6)
Nov. 22 Boston College(6-3)
Nov. 29 Vanderbilt(5-4)

25. South Carolina (7-3) beat Arkansas, 34-21

Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at No. 4 Florida(8-1)
Nov. 29 at Clemson(4-5)

*-Clinched SEC Title Game birth

Obviously, the most important game on the slate is the matchup with Texas Tech at Oklahoma. Texas Tech can go to the Big 12 title game with a win and then play for the BCS championship if it wins the conference championship.

Oklahoma has two tough games remaining in the season, and winning both vaults them right back in the hunt for a BCS Title Shot. But the Sooners have to win the Big 12 title game, and Missouri (who will likely win the North Division) will be no pushover for anyone to play.

Provided that Oklahoma wins at home against Texas Tech, its game against Oklahoma State becomes increasingly important. If the Sooners win out, that will be three teams in the current top 13 of the BCS they'll have beaten.

Another game for me that is under the radar from what I've seen is Florida playing at Florida State. Even though Florida State has two losses, this is a game that the Gators should be weary of. Florida also has a scrappy South Carolina team to play, but they get them at home.

Even though Penn State lost for the first time this past week, it can still clinch a BCS Bowl bid by winning out. PSU has to move on, but them getting possible Rose Bowl bid has to be one of the best consolation prizes in all of sports.

Its home matchup with Michigan State is key now. The Nittany Lions have to refocus their attention on a Rose Bowl spot. Ohio State can still win the Big Ten, too. It's not over in that conference just yet.

Speaking of the Rose Bowl, the BCS doesn't have Oregon State on the poll. Now, if the Beavers win out, they go to the Rose Bowl. And let's not forget that Oregon State was blown out at Penn State earlier in the year, so this could be a rare rematch here.

Oregon State still has to play California, Arizona, and Oregon, so it's no guarantee they win the Pac-10 Conference.

USC possibly playing Penn State with Paterno vs. Carroll sounds good to me, should Oregon State slip up and the Trojans win out. That's unless the Trojans get to the BCS championship, but they need a good amount of help for that to happen.

BYU can knock Utah out of the BCS picture when the two square off on Nov. 22. If the Big East or the ACC doesn't get a team in the top 12 of the BCS at season's end, this would likely give Utah its second-ever BCS bid, should it get past BYU. Stay tuned for that one.

Boise State may have a tough time with Nevada or possibly Fresno State, but I think they run the table.

Then you have the story of Ball State. They play Central Michigan and Western Michigan, who are better than most think. Western Michigan beat Central Michigan earlier in the year, and Western Michigan just came off a win against Illinois. So Ball State's path to an undefeated season isn't as clear some may think.

Finally, Alabama and Florida have clinched spots in the SEC championship game. If the Crimson Tide and Gators do not lose another regular season game, this could very well be the most important SEC championship game ever.

I can promise you, the winner in that scenario will be going to the BCS championship. Or is it possible they could play again in the BCS championship if Florida wins? I doubt that could happen, but you never know. They have to get to that point first.

OK, that's all I have for now. Be sure to check the Blog List of friends to the right of this page for more great reads out there! Thanks for viewing!

BCS Week 11 Poll

David Funk — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:02:00 -0500

Here's the latest BCS Top 25 for Week 11. I'm also going to list the remaining games for those on the poll as well as who they beat this past week, too.

Note: Rankings for this past week's results are according to the BCS in Week 10. The remaining schedules show current BCS ranking.

1. Alabama (10-0) beat No. 16 LSU 27-21
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 vs Mississippi State(3-6)
Nov. 29 vs Auburn(5-5)
Dec. 6 vs No. 4 Florida for SEC Championship*

2. Texas Tech (10-0) beat No. 9 Oklahoma State 56-20
Remaining games:
Nov. 22 at No. 5 Oklahoma(9-1)
Nov. 29 vs Baylor(3-7)

3. Texas (9-1) beat Baylor 45-21
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Kansas(6-4)
Nov. 27 vs Texas A&M(4-6)

4. Florida (8-1) beat Vanderbilt 42-14
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 vs No. 24 South Carolina(7-3)
Nov. 22 vs Citadel
Nov. 29 at No. 19 Florida State(7-2)
Dec. 6 vs No. 1 Alabama for SEC Championship

5. Oklahoma (9-1) beat Texas A&M 66-28
Remaining games:
Nov. 22 vs No. 2 Texas Tech(10-0)
Nov. 29 at No. 13 Oklahoma State(8-2)

6. USC (8-1) beat No. 21 California 21-7
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Stanford(5-5)
Nov. 29 vs Notre Dame(5-4)
Dec. 6 at UCLA(3-6)

7. Utah (10-0) beat TCU 13-10
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at San Diego State(1-9)
Nov. 22 vs No. 17 BYU(9-1)

8. Penn State (9-1) lost to Iowa 24-23
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 vs Indiana(3-7)
Nov. 22 vs No. 15 Michigan State(9-2)

9. Boise State (9-0) beat Utah State 49-14
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Idaho(2-8)
Nov. 22 at Nevada(5-4)
Nov. 28 vs Fresno State(5-4)

10. Georgia (8-2) beat Kentucky 42-38
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Auburn(5-5)
Nov. 29 vs Georgia Tech

11. Ohio State (8-2) beat No. 24 Northwestern 45-10
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Illinois(5-5)
Nov. 22 vs Michigan(3-7)

12. Missouri (8-2) beat Kansas State 41-24
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Iowa State(2-8)
Nov. 29 vs Kansas(6-4)

13. Oklahoma State (8-2) lost to No. 2 Texas Tech 56-20
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Colorado(5-5)
Nov. 29 vs No. 5 Oklahoma(9-1)

14. Ball State (9-0) beat Northern Illinois 45-14
Remaining games:
Nov. 11 at Miami(OH)(2-7)
Nov. 19 at Central Michigan(7-2)
Nov. 25 vs Western Michigan(8-2)

15. Michigan State (9-2) beat Purdue 21-7
Remaining games:
Nov. 22 at No. 8 Penn State(9-1)

16. North Carolina (7-2) beat No. 20 Georgia Tech 28-7
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Maryland(6-3)
Nov. 22 vs North Carolina State(3-6)
Nov. 29 at Duke(4-5)

17. BYU (9-1) beat San Diego State 41-12
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Air Force(8-2)
Nov. 22 at No. 7 Utah(10-0)

18. TCU (9-2) lost to No. 8 Utah 13-10
Remaining games:
Nov. 22 vs Air Force(8-2)

19. Florida State (7-2) beat Clemson 41-27
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 vs Boston College(6-3)
Nov. 22 at Maryland(6-3)
Nov. 29 vs No. 4 Florida(8-1)

20. LSU (6-3) lost to No. 1 Alabama 27-21 in OT
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 vs Troy(6-3)
Nov. 22 vs Mississippi(5-4)
Nov. 29 at Arkansas(4-6)

21. Pittsburgh (7-2) beat Louisville 41-7
Remaining games:
Nov. 22 at No. 22 Cincinnati(7-2)
Nov. 28 vs West Virginia(6-3)
Dec. 6 at Connecticut(6-3)

22. Cincinnati (7-2) beat No. 25 West Virginia 26-23
Remaining games:
Nov. 14 at Louisville(5-4)
Nov. 22 vs No. 21 Pittsburgh(7-2)
Nov. 29 vs Syracuse(2-7)
Dec. 6 vs Hawaii(5-5)

23. Tulsa (8-1) was idle
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at Houston(5-4)
Nov. 22 vs Tulane(2-7)
Nov. 29 at Marshall(4-5)

24. Wake Forest (6-3) beat Virginia 28-17
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at North Carolina State(3-6)
Nov. 22 Boston College(6-3)
Nov. 29 Vanderbilt(5-4)

25. South Carolina (7-3) beat Arkansas 34-21
Remaining games:
Nov. 15 at No. 4 Florida(8-1)
Nov. 29 at Clemson(4-5)

*-Clinched SEC Title Game birth

Obviously the most important game on the slate is the matchup with Texas Tech at Oklahoma. Texas Tech can go to the Big 12 Title game with a win, and then play for the BCS Championship if they win the Conference Championship.

Oklahoma has two tough games remaining in the season, and winning both vaults them right back in the hunt for a BCS Title Shot. But they have to win the Big 12 Title Game, and Missouri(who will likely win the North Division) will be no push-over for anyone to play.

Provided that Oklahoma wins at home against Texas Tech, their game against Oklahoma State becomes increasingly important with them. If they win out, that will be three teams in the current top 13 of the BCS they'll have beaten.

Another game for me that is under the radar from what I've seen is Florida playing at Florida State. Even though Florida State has two losses, this is a game that the Gators should be leary of. Florida also has a scrappy South Carolina team to play, but they get them at home.

Even though Penn State lost for the first time this past week, they can still clinch a BCS Bowl bid by winning out. PSU has to move on, but them getting possible Rose Bowl bid has to be one of the best consolation prizes in all of sports.

Their home matchup with Michigan State is key for them now. The Nittany Lions have to refocus their attention on a Rose Bowl spot. Ohio State can still win the Big Ten, too. It's not over in that conference just yet.

Speaking of the Rose Bowl, the BCS doesn't have Oregon State on the poll. Now if they win out, they go to the Rose Bowl. And let's not forget that Oregon State was blown out at Penn State earlier in the year, so this could be a rare rematch here.

Oregon State still has to play California, Arizona, and Oregon, so it's no guarantee they win the Pac-10 Conference. USC possibly playing Penn State with Paterno vs Carroll sounds good to me should Oregon State slip up and the Trojans win out.

That's unless the Trojans get to the BCS Championship, but they have to have a good amount of help for that to happen.

BYU can knock Utah out of the BCS picture when they play on November 22. If the Big East or the ACC doesn't get a team in the top 12 of the BCS at season's end, this would likely give Utah their second ever BCS bid should they get past BYU. Stay tuned for that one.

Boise State may have a tough time with Nevada or possibly Fresno State, but I think they run the table. Then you have the story of Ball State. They play Central Michigan and Western Michigan who are better than most think. Western Michigan beat Central Michigan earlier in the year, and Western Michigan just came off a win against Illinois. So Ball State's path to an undefeated season isn't as clear some may think.

Finally, Alabama and Florida have clinched spots in the SEC Championship Game. If the Crimson Tide and Gators do not lose another regular season game, this could very well be the most important SEC Championship Game ever.

I can promise you, the winner in that scenario will be going to the BCS Championship. Or is it possible they could play again in the BCS Championship if Florida wins? I doubt that could happen, but you never know. They have to get to that point first.

Okay, that's all I have for now. Be sure to check the Blog List of friends to the right of this page for more great reads out there! Thanks for viewing!

What If? Michael Jordan's 1988-89 Season

David Funk — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:35:00 -0500

Welcome to the first fantasy basketball edition of What If? This is where I look back a player's season before fantasy basketball became prominent in our society.

So to start out the basketball edition, I'm starting out with my favorite team and favorite all-time player. Today, we look back Michael Jordan's 1988-89 season. I'm using the default scoring for Sporting News and Yahoo! fantasy basketball games. So here's the scoring system for each:

SN Fantasy Basketball Default Scoring System:
Point Scored: 1 point each
Field Goal Missed: -0.5 points
Free Throw Missed: -0.5 points
Rebound: 1.5 points
Assists: 2 points
Steal: 2.5 points
Block Shot: 2.5 points
Turnover: -1 point
Triple Double: 10 points

Note: For those that are not familar with basketball, triple-double means reaching double digits in at least three of the following categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots.

Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Default Scoring System:
Field Goal Attempt: -0.45 points
Field Goal Made: 1 point
Free Throw Attempt: -0.75 points
Free Throw Made: 1 point
3-Point Shot Made: 3 points
Point Scored: 0.5 points
Rebound: 1.5 points
Assist: 2 points
Steal: 3 points
Turnover: -2 points
Blocked Shot: 3 points

Here's the SN scoring total for Michael Jordan's 1988-89 season:
Points Scored: 2,633 = 2,633 points
Field Goals Missed: 829 = -414.5 points
Free Throw Missed: 119 = -59.5 points
Rebounds: 652 = 978 points
Assists: 650 = 1,300 points
Steals: 234 = 585 points
Blocked Shots: 65 = 162.5 points
Turnovers: 290 = -290 points
Triple Doubles: 15 = 150 points
Total SN Points: 5,044.5 points
SN Points Per Game: 62.28
Jordan played in 81 games in 1988-89.

Here's the Yahoo! scoring total for Michael Jordan's 1988-89 season:
Field Goal Attempts: 1,795 = -807.75 points
Field Goals Made: 966 = 966 points
Free Throw Attempts: 793 = -594.75 points
Free Throws Made: 674 = 674 points
3-Point Shots Made: 27 = 81 points
Points Scored: 2,633 = 1,316.5 points
Rebounds: 652 = 978 points
Assists: 650 = 1,300 points
Steals: 234 = 702 points
Turnovers: 290 = -580 points
Blocked Shots: 65 = 195 points
Total Yahoo! Points: 4,230 points
Yahoo! Points Per Game: 52.22
Jordan played in 81 games in 1988-89.

Source: basketball-reference.com

It can be argued that Jordan had his best statistical all-around season in 1988-89 after leading the league in scoring again, and setting season-highs in rebounding and assists. Jordan's 15 triple-doubles on the season was also a season-high for him.

Jordan had five 50-point games that season which included three in the first month. His scoring high for the season was 53 against the Phoenix Suns on January 21. His game-high for rebounds was 14 which he accomplished five times during the season. His game-high for assists was 17 against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 24.

He didn't record his first triple-double until January 3 which was the team's 28th game of the year. After missing a game against the Boston Celtics because of a groin injury, Jordan had one of his best periods of play not long after.

In his last 16 games of the regular season, Jordan had 11 triple-doubles which included a stretch where he had seven in a row. The Bulls finished the regular season with a 47-35 Jordan averaged 32.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game during the regular season.

In the NBA playoffs, Jordan helped lead the Chicago Bulls to Eastern Conference Finals. It was in the opening round against the Cleveland Cavaliers that Jordan hit the famous jump shot over Craig Ehlo in the clinching Game 5 win.

The Bulls actually held a 2-1 series lead against Detroit, but proceeded to lose the final three as the Pistons went on to win the NBA Title. Jordan averaged 34.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game in the playoffs.

If anyone wants to suggest a past player, you may do so by commenting. I only ask that we try to keep it before 1995. Also, statistics are tougher to find in the early era of the game because they weren't tracked as well. Just something to keep in mind.

Photo courtesy of Britannica.com

Thanks for viewing, and be sure to check the Blog List of friends to the right of this page for more great reads out there!

What If? Michael Jordan's 1988-89 Season

David Funk — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:35:00 -0500

Welcome to the first fantasy basketball edition of What If? This is where I look back at a player's season before fantasy basketball became prominent in our society.

Note: For those that are not familiar with basketball, triple-double means reaching double digits in at least three of the following categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots.

Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Default Scoring System:
Field Goal Attempt: -0.45 points
Field Goal Made: 1 point
Free Throw Attempt: -0.75 points
Free Throw Made: 1 point
3-Point Shot Made: 3 points
Point Scored: 0.5 points
Rebound: 1.5 points
Assist: 2 points
Steal: 3 points
Turnover: -2 points
Blocked Shot: 3 points

Here's the SN scoring total for Michael Jordan's 1988-89 season:

Points Scored: 2,633 = 2,633 points
Field Goals Missed: 829 = -414.5 points
Free Throw Missed: 119 = -59.5 points
Rebounds: 652 = 978 points
Assists: 650 = 1,300 points
Steals: 234 = 585 points
Blocked Shots: 65 = 162.5 points
Turnovers: 290 = -290 points
Triple Doubles: 15 = 150 points
Total SN Points: 5,044.5 points
SN Points Per Game: 62.28
Jordan played in 81 games in 1988-89.

Here's the Yahoo! scoring total for Michael Jordan's 1988-89 season:

Field Goal Attempts: 1,795 = -807.75 points
Field Goals Made: 966 = 966 points
Free Throw Attempts: 793 = -594.75 points
Free Throws Made: 674 = 674 points
3-Point Shots Made: 27 = 81 points
Points Scored: 2,633 = 1,316.5 points
Rebounds: 652 = 978 points
Assists: 650 = 1,300 points
Steals: 234 = 702 points
Turnovers: 290 = -580 points
Blocked Shots: 65 = 195 points
Total Yahoo! Points: 4,230 points
Yahoo! Points Per Game: 52.22
Jordan played in 81 games in 1988-89.

Source: basketball-reference.com

It can be argued that Jordan had his best statistical all-around season in 1988-89 after leading the league in scoring again, and setting season-highs in rebounding and assists. Jordan's 15 triple-doubles on the season was also a season high for him.

Jordan had five 50-point games that season, which included three in the first month. His scoring high for the season was 53 against the Phoenix Suns on January 21. His game-high for rebounds was 14 which he accomplished five times during the season. His game-high for assists was 17 against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 24.

In his last 16 games of the regular season, Jordan had 11 triple-doubles which included a stretch where he had seven in a row. The Bulls finished the regular season with a 47-35 record. Jordan averaged 32.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game during the regular season.

In the NBA playoffs, Jordan helped lead the Chicago Bulls to Eastern Conference Finals. It was in the opening round against the Cleveland Cavaliers that Jordan hit the famous jump shot over Craig Ehlo in the clinching Game 5 win.

In the next round, Jordan had a triple-double in the opening game against the New York Knicks, and the Bulls eventually won the series 4-2. Chicago advanced to play the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls actually held a 2-1 series lead against Detroit, but proceeded to lose the final three as the Pistons went on to win the NBA Title. Jordan averaged 34.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game in the playoffs.

If anyone wants to suggest a past player, you may do so by commenting. I only ask that we try to keep it before 1995. Also, statistics are tougher to find in the early era of the game because they weren't tracked as well. Just something to keep in mind.

Photo courtesy of Britannica.com

Thanks for viewing, and be sure to check the Blog List of friends to the right of this page for more great reads!

FSD History Flashback: November 7, 1991

David Funk — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:31:00 -0500

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hello, I'm David Funk, and welcome to today's edition of FSD History Flashback for November 7. Today's FSD History Flashback wasn't a moment that is vividly remembered for something done on the court, field, ice rink, or boxing ring. It was a moment that not only reminded us that athletes and sports heroes aren't invincible, but it also forever changed and rebuffed the misconceptions of one deadly disease.

On November 7, 1991, one of the most shocking press conferences had taken place that was broadcasted across the United States. Los Angeles Lakers point guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson had initially tested positive for HIV during a physical before the 1991-92 season had started. He announced his retirement from the game of basketball because of contracting the deadly disease.

At first, Johnson didn't know how he contracted the disease. However, he later admitted that he got it from having multiple sex partners during his playing career in Los Angeles. During that period of time, AIDS was thought to be contracted mainly through homosexuality or from drug addicts.

Despite rumors that Johnson was homosexual or bisexual, he claimed he had always been heterosexual. After his announcement, Johnson has made it his personal mission for the rest of his life to fight the disease.

Even though he retired, Johnson was voted on by the fans to start in the 1992 All-Star Game in Orlando, Florida. Johnson felt he should represent the fans for the game, but some of his teammates had tried to encourage him not to play. Other players in the All-Star Game had been outspoken about possibly being contaminated if Johnson were to get an open wound during the contest. Johnson played the game.

Johnson received the biggest ovation of anyone when the starting lineups were announced. His 25 points, nine assists, and five rebounds had earned him All-Star Game MVP honors. The highlight of the game happened when Johnson made a last-minute three point shot as players from both teams embraced and congratulated him after the feat.

Coming off a year in which the Lakers made it to the NBA Finals before losing to the Chicago Bulls, Johnson was still selected to represent the United States in the 1992 Olympics. Johnson had battled knee problems during the tournament, but received standing ovations from the Barcelona crowd.

It was only fitting that Johnson, one of the greatest basketball players ever, was part of what was called the "Dream Team." The team easily cruised to a gold medal in Barcelona.

Johnson had intentions of coming out of retirement in 1992-93, but decided against it because of the controversy of his return. While retired, Johnson wrote a book about practices of safer sex, ran several businesses, and worked as a commentator for NBC. He later had a brief stint as coach of the Lakers, but stepped down after six games while choosing to purchase a share of the team.

In 1995-96, Johnson came out of retirement to play 32 games for Lakers. The team made the playoffs, but were knocked out by the Houston Rockets. Johnson retired for good after the season saying, "I am going out on my terms, something I couldn't say when I aborted a comeback in 1992."

Since his permanent retirement from the game, Johnson kept himself active by educating the youth around the world about risks of HIV. He set up the Magic Johnson Foundation to help fight HIV, and it has since been diversified to combat other diseases, too. He became the main speaker for the United Nations World AIDS Day conference in 1999, and served on the United Nations Messengers of Peace, too.

Johnson has been a strong advocate of abstinence being the safest way to avoid contracting HIV. He's also been very outspoken about teaching others not to discriminate against people who have HIV or AIDS, and has discussed federal assistance for those who have the disease, too. He has received criticism from those with HIV about not being active enough in educating about the disease in recent years.

These days, Johnson has a business called Magic Johnson Enterprises, which has been reported to have a net value of about $700 million. He's also a part of ESPN's GMC NBA Countdown program.

He has a son named Andre who was born in 1981. He married Earlitha Kelly in 1991 and they have a son named Earvin III. Johnson also adopted a daughter named Elisa, too.

His announcement of contracting HIV had completely changed awareness of the disease because the infection is a risk to anyone and not just a certain sexual orientation, race, or group. This also proved that no matter the stature or popularity of a star such as Magic Johnson, no one is exempt from being contracted with the disease if you're not aware of the risks.

The positive things in all this is that a famous and popular figure has given hope to those with HIV as well as changed the misconceptions of those who can contract the disease. Johnson, a three-time NBA MVP and five-time NBA Champion, is still one of the greatest basketball players to ever live, and he has used his popularity as such to help fight HIV which people weren't as educated about before his announcement.

I think the most important thing we learned from this is Johnson as well as other popular celebrities and athletes are human afterall.

Photo courtesy of Student Britannica which shows Johnson during the 1992 All-Star Game.

Video theme music is courtesy of ESPN SportsCentury which is my favorite documentary of sports. I hope you enjoyed the opening video!

Thanks for viewing, and I hope you enjoyed today's FSD History Flashback!

Win One for Walter

David Funk — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:58:00 -0500

It was supposed to be a typical regular-season game for the NFL's longest-storied rivalry. I remember this week as if it was yesterday, back in November of 1999. It was on a Monday that an icon in the city of Chicago had passed away, and the Bears had paid tribute all week to the man who was the face of the franchise for 13 seasons. So the game with the Packers meant more than just another rivalry game with them.

I remember that I had gone on a trip to the beach in North Carolina with some former coworkers for fishing that weekend. I had went out fishing with them on that Saturday and had gotten sick on the boat, too. Let's just say I ate the worst thing you could before getting on a boat, and I'll leave it at that.

Nonetheless, the other guys went out again that Sunday, and I decided to stay behind to watch the games. The guy who took us out on the boat stayed behind as well and invited me to his beach house. Little did I know I would catch a break.

He was a Panthers fan, and he had the DIRECTV package to watch any games he wanted. So I told him that I was a huge Bears fan, and he flipped back and forth between that game and the Panthers, too.

After the Panthers got out to a big lead over the Eagles, he decided to leave the Bears game on for me because he had some fish to cut up from the day before anyway.

The Bears had lost three games in a row, including a 48-22 beatdown in Washington, where the Redskins had led 45-0 at halftime in the previous week. The Packers were coming off an embarrassing home loss to Seattle and were very eager to get back on track against their arch-rivals.

The Packers had history on their side as Chicago had not won in Green Bay since 1992, Brett Favre's first year as starting quarterback. Chicago Bears icon Walter Payton died on Nov. 1, 1999 and past and current Bears players had mourned the death of him just the day before in a memorial. So, on Nov. 7, 1999, the Bears coincidentally enough had their arch-rivals to play that day.

The NFL had done a great job in recognizing Payton with a moment of silence at all the games that weekend. You could clearly see it in the eyes of the Bears that they were very emotional about the loss of one of Chicago's all-time best sports heroes.

You could see a sign on the Bears sideline that said "Win One for Walter". The reception in Green Bay was great for the most part, and it was the site of what can only be described as a miraculous day for the Chicago Bears.

Things looked bleak early on, as starting rookie quarterback Cade McNown injured his knee during the second series of the game. Already down 3-0, the Bears went to their third-string signal caller in Jim Miller because Shane Matthews had been injured against Washington, too.

The Bears had problems in the running game on the season after Curtis Enis was returning from ACL surgery, and James Allen not fairing much better that year. But this day was different.

Miller came in, and the Bears used an impressive drive, where the running game had put them ahead on the scoreboard. Enis and Allen each had at least an 11-yard run on the drive that ended with a touchdown as return man Glyn Milburn scored on a 49-yard run to give the Bears a 7-3 lead.

It turned out to be the longest run of the year for the Bears, and it was Milburn's only touchdown of the season, too.

The Bears held the lead until a costly interception by Jim Miller led to a seven-yard touchdown pass from Favre to Tyrone Davis, as the Packers took a 10-7 lead into halftime. The Bears had rushed for 120 yards in the first half of the game, and Favre had 130 passing yards.

Chicago came out in the second half with a drive deep into Packers territory. But the Bears fumbled inside the Packers' 10-yard line, as they squandered an opportunity to take the lead. However, the Packers were forced to punt after going three-and-out on their next drive, as Chicago got the ball back at its own 45-yard line.

This time, the Bears finished off the drive, as Miller connected with Bobby Engram on a six-yard touchdown pass in the left corner of the end zone to give them a 14-10 lead at end of the third quarter.

The Packers immediately drove down the field on the Bears but had to settle for a 26-yard field goal to cut the lead to 14-13. The Bears then took the next possession down inside Packers territory, but kicker Chris Boniol missed a 34-yard field goal after Chicago had chewed up over five minutes off the clock.

After both teams went three-and-out on their next drives, the Packers had put themselves in position to win the game. Instead of going for the touchdown, Packers coach Ray Rhodes wanted to make sure that the Bears didn't get the ball back as they only needed a field goal to win it.

Favre had led the Packers down to the Bears' 10-yard line, with kicker Ryan Longwell, who had made 83 percent of his field-goal attempts on the season, coming on to give Green Bay the win. With seven seconds left on the clock, the Bears appeared to be on their way to losing their fourth straight game.

As the Packers lined up for a 27-yard attempt, I was standing up in the living room at the beachhouse, not feeling good about the Bears' chances of winning the game. As the Packers snapped the ball, I noticed it never made it up in the air. The kick was blocked by defensive tackle Bryan Robinson and recovered by safety Tony Parrish, as the Bears held on to win! I was like a kid getting excited after Robinson blocked the game-winning kick attempt for Green Bay.

"I think Walter Payton picked me up because I can't jump that high," said an emotional Bryan Robinson after the game. "I just got my hand on the leather, and it felt so good. It's for you, Walter."

"I hit the ball pretty good, but I need a lane to kick through, and obviously somebody made a great play," said Longwell. "Somethings happen that you can't explain."

The Bears were one of the worst rushing teams in the league that year, but their 160 yards on the ground for this game was a season-high. Enis had a career-high of 83 rushing yards on the day. Chicago had the 29th-ranked defense in the league in 1999 but allowed just one touchdown in this game.

They had lost 10 straight to Green Bay and had lost six in a row at Lambeau Field, but they won this game. They had lost three straight regular-season games and were embarrassed just the week before against Washington, but rebounded in Green Bay.

And even in this game, they had four turnovers and the Packers had just one. The Bears missed a golden opportunity to put the Packers away on a field goal and fumbled away a sure scoring drive earlier in the third quarter.

But despite all that, the Bears were destined to win this game for Walter Payton.

In sports, we sometimes forget the power of human will, determination, and emotional strength in games after a trying period of time for athletes as well as the unexplained happenings. In an otherwise dismal season, it's hard for me to think of many more games where I was more proud to be a Bears fan than this one.

The team was in transition under new coach Dick Jauron and played their best defensive game of the year, as Bears fans and "Sweetness" from up above watched a miraculous and emotionally lifting win for a mourning city. Against all the odds, an unlikely hero by the name of Bryan Robinson had blocked a kick with "Sweetness" giving him a little help.

Destiny was on the Bears side that day, and it couldn't have been a "sweeter" ending to a game for Chicago.

Since it was this week, nine years ago, and the fact that I'm a Bears fan, I wanted to talk about a game that Chicago remembers well. Tomorrow, I'll resume the FSD History Flashback, and it's one of the most important events in the history of sports, too. So you don't want to miss that one.

Photo courtesy of Geocities.

Thanks for viewing, and be sure to check the Blog List of friends to the right of this page for more great reads out there!

What If? Jim Zorn's 1979 season

David Funk — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0500

Welcome to another entry of the What If? Fantasy Football edition. This is where I look back at a season long before fantasy football became prominent among us in our society and figure how the fantasy numbers would look if the fantasy game existed then.

Today, we look back at the 1979 season for current Washington Redskins head coach and former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jim Zorn. I'm using the default scoring systems for Sporting News and Yahoo! to calculate the point totals.

Here's the point scale for SN(default configuration)

60 points for every touchdown
2 points for every rushing, receiving, and punt return yard gained
1 point for every kickoff return yard gained
2 points for every reception
1 point for every passing yard
-10 points for every kickoff return attempt
-45 points for lost fumble and interception
-2 points for incomplete pass

Here's the point scale for Yahoo!(default configuration):

6 points for every rushing, receiving, and return touchdown
4 points for passing touchdown
1 point for every 10 rushing and receiving yards
1 point for every 25 passing yards
2 points for every two-point conversion
-1 point for every interception
-2 points for every fumble
No points are given for receptions or return yardage in the default configuration.

Here are the stats for Jim Zorn in 1979 and fantasy points for the SN games

Passing yards: 3,661 = 3,661 points
Passing touchdowns: 20 = 1,200 points
Incomplete passes: 220 = -440 points
Interceptions: 18 = -810 points
Rushing yards: 279 = 558 points
Rushing touchdowns: 2 = 120 points
Receptions: NA = NA
Receiving yards: NA = NA
Receiving touchdowns: NA = NA
Fumbles Lost: 6 = -270 points
Total points: 4,019 points
Total points per game: 251.19

Here are the stats for Jim Zorn in 1979 and fantasy points for the Yahoo! game

Passing yards: 3,661 = 146 points
Passing touchdowns: 20 = 80 points
Interceptions: 20 = -20 points
Rushing yards: 279 = 27 points
Rushing touchdowns: 2 = 12 points
Receiving yards: NA = NA
Receiving touchdowns: NA = NA
Fumbles Lost: 6 = -12 points
Total points: 233 points
Total points per game: 14.56

Statistical source: pro-football reference

Zorn was a very charismatic and entertaining quarterback that helped the Seahawks to a 9-7 record in his fourth season as a starter. The Seahawks got out to a very poor start, losing five of their first seven games of the 1979 season. But Zorn helped right the ship, as the team went 7-2 the rest of the way before coming up short on missing the playoffs.

Zorn's best game of the year was against the New Orleans Saints, when he went 24-for-33, 384 passing yards, and four touchdowns in Week 12. In the following week, on ABC's Monday Night Football, Zorn threw for three touchdowns in a 30-7 win over the New York Jets at home.

Zorn also threw for three touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders in Week Three and Houston Oilers in Week Eight. Zorn, a 1978 Pro Bowl Player, also had help from NFL Hall of Famer Steve Largent, who had his second-best season in terms of receiving yards in 1979, when he had 1,237 yards with nine of Zorn's 20 passing touchdowns going to him.

Statistically, this was Zorn's best season, and he would remain Seattle's starting quarterback until he was replaced by Dave Krieg midway into the 1983 season. He stayed with the team until playing one season with the Green Bay Packers in 1985 before a one-game stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a replacement player in 1987.

The 1979 season was the first in which he had more touchdown passes than interceptions. Zorn threw for 21,115 yards, 111 touchdowns, and 141 interceptions in his career. He did rush for at least one touchdown in each of his seasons as a starter, with a career-high of six in 1978 while finishing with 17 total for his career. Zorn is now currently in his first year as head coach for the Washington Redskins after being quarterback coach for the Seahawks the previous seven seasons.

If anyone wants to suggest a past player, then you can do so in the comments section. The only thing I ask is that the player and year be before 1990 because fantasy football wasn't as prominent then.

Photo courtesy of Vintage Seattle, which shows Zorn's 1977 Topps rookie card.

Past What If? posts:
Walter Payton's 1977 season
Gale Sayers' 1965 season
Eric Dickerson's 1983 season
Jim Brown's 1963 season
Dan Marino's 1984 season
Jerry Rice's 1987 season
O.J. Simpson's 1975 season
Johnny Unitas' 1959 season
Sid Luckman's 1943 season
Sammy Baugh's 1947 season
Beattie Feathers' 1934 season
Charley Hennigan's 1961 season
Timmy Brown's 1963 season
Rolland Lawrence's 1977 season
Dan Fouts' 1981 season
Don Hutson's 1942 season

FSD History Flashback: Nov. 4, 2001

David Funk — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0500

On Nov. 4, 2001, one of the most memorable World Series had come to a dramatic ending. It was on this day that the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted the New York Yankees in Game Seven of the 2001 World Series.

The World Series did not start until October 27 because of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, which meant that this was the first World Series ever played in November after both teams battled to the deciding game. Arizona tied the Series 3-3 with a 15-2 win to force the deciding game. On the mound for the Yankees was 39-year-old Roger Clemens facing Arizona's Curt Schilling.

Clemens and Schilling were locked into a pitcher's duel, with neither team scoring in the first five innings of the game. Then, in bottom of the sixth inning, the Diamondbacks took a 1-0 lead when shortstop Tony Womack doubled in Steve Finley, who led off the inning with a single. Womack was thrown out at third base, trying to stretch the hit into a triple, and the Yankees retired the next two batters to escape further damage.

Going into the top of the seventh inning, the Yankees had just one hit in the game, which came in the first inning when outfielder Paul O'Neill was thrown out at third base, trying to extend a double into a triple. The Yankees put together three singles in the seventh inning, with Tino Martinez getting an RBI by driving in Derek Jeter to tie the game, 1-1.

Schilling stayed in the game to pitch in the eighth inning and gave up a home run to Alfonso Soriano, which put the Yankees ahead 2-1. After giving up a single to pinch-hitter David Justice, Schilling left the game as Miguel Batista come on. Batista pitched to one batter, and Game Six starter and winner Randy Johnson came on to close out the eighth inning.

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera came on in the eighth inning to try and put away the Diamondbacks. He allowed one hit and struck out the side in the eighth inning to lower his major-league-best ERA to 0.70. Randy Johnson retired the three batters he faced in the Yankees' half of the ninth inning to keep the score 2-1.

First baseman Mark Grace singled off Rivera to leadoff the ninth inning for the Diamondbacks. Rivera then makes what turned out to be a very costly error, as he threw wild to second base on a force out attempt off the bat of Damien Miller.

Second baseman Jay Bell then attempts to bunt the runners to third and second, but Rivera was able to throw out pinch-runner David Dellucci. It appeared that third baseman Scott Brosius would have been able to throw out Bell at first after the force play, but he held the ball instead.

Midre Cummings came on to pinch-run for Miller at second base, and he scored on Womack's double to tie the game 2-2. Bell advanced to third base on the hit, and the Diamondbacks had runners in scoring position with Craig Counsell coming up. But on a 1-1 pitch, Rivera hit Counsell, which loaded the bases for slugger Luis Gonzalez.

With the infield drawn in with one out, Gonzalez hit a soft single over the head of Derek Jeter on an 0-1 pitch to score Bell from third base. The Diamondbacks had scored two runs off dominating closer Rivera to win the game 3-2 and clinched the franchise's first ever World Series title.

This was only the third time in World Series history that a bases loaded, game-winning hit happened in Game Seven (Minnesota Twins in 1991 and Florida Marlins in 1997). Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling shared World Series MVP honors, as Arizona won the Fall Classic after only their fourth season in franchise history.

This was also the third World Series that saw the home team win all seven games (Minnesota accomplished the feat in both 1987 and 1991). To date, it's the last World Series in which the National League was scheduled to have the home-field advantage, because of the new rule of the winning league in the All-Star Game gaining the advantage in which the American League has won everytime so far.

This is the last World Series to date that hasn't had at least one Wild Card winner playing. Furthermore, no World Series has gone seven games since this one.

The 2001 World Series also helped build much needed morale for the city of New York after the 9-11 attacks. The Yankees had won two dramatic games in their last at-bat with game-tying home runs in the bottom of the ninth inning in Games Four and Five in which they later won those games. The Yankees had won all of their games by one run, as they did their part to boost the home crowd. Arizona outscored the Yankees 27-5 at home.

This World Series was memorable for not only the dramatic conclusion, but as a time when the United States continued one of the country's greatest traditions by staring adversity in the face. It was only fitting that the city of New York was part of this and that the game was decided in the bottom of the ninth inning on the last play.

This World Series saw three games decided in the final at-bat. No, this wasn't the best World Series off all-time, but none of them were ever played under this kind of adversity while bringing a strong boost of morale to the United States.

Thanks for viewing, and I hope you enjoyed this FSD History Flashback!

Week 10 Top Fantasy College Football Performers

David Funk — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:57:00 -0500

OK, here are the top performers for the eighth week in college football. This is according to The Sporting News' fantasy college football game on its site. Also, no points are awarded when playing FCS opponents, so those teams will not be listed here. Note: Only those with a 1,000 points or more are listed.

Team Offenses

Southern Miss put up 70 points, 610 total yards, and had zero turnovers for 1,310 points against UAB. Oklahoma State put up 59 points, 682 total yards, and had two turnovers for 1,232 points against Iowa State. Oklahoma put up 62 points, 508 total yards, and had one turnover for 1,108 points against Nebraska. USC put up 56 points, 485 total yards, and had zero turnovers for 1,045 points against Washington. Stanford put up 58 points, 456 total yards, and had zero turnovers for 1,036 points against Washington State. Rice put up 49 points, 543 total yards, and had zero turnovers for 1,033 points against UTEP.

Team Defenses

Boise State allowed zero points, 150 total yards, forced two turnovers, and had six sacks for 1,080 points against New Mexico State. Stanford allowed zero points, 225 total yards, forced five turnovers, and had four sacks for 1,035 points against Washington State. Alabama allowed zero points, 158 yards, forced one turnover, and had four sacks for 1,022 points against Arkansas State.

Top Quarterbacks with at Least Five Touchdowns

Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State: 18-for-27, 395 yards, five touchdowns, one interception, 66 rushing yards
Max Hall, BYU vs Colorado State: 28-for-35, 389 yards, five touchdowns, 15 rushing yards
Chase Clement, Rice vs UTEP: 28-for-41, 372 yards, five touchdowns, 21 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma vs Nebraska: 19-for-27, 311 yards, five touchdowns, 14 rushing yards
Tim Tebow, Florida vs Georgia: 10-for-13, 154 yards, two touchdowns, 39 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns
Austin Davis, Southern Miss vs UAB: 6-for-7, 141 yards, one touchdown, 81 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns

Top Running Backs with at Least Three Rushing Touchdowns

Devin Moore, Wyoming vs San Diego State: 234 yards, three touchdowns
Jake Sharp, Kansas vs Kansas State: 181 yards, four touchdowns, five receptions, 76 receiving yards
Brandon Minor, Michigan vs Purdue: 155 yards, three touchdowns
Kory Sheets, Purdue vs Michigan: 118 yards, three touchdowns, three receptions, 43 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown
Tory Harrison, Southern Miss vs UAB: 137 yards, three touchdowns
Toby Gerhart: Stanford vs Washington State: 132 yards, four touchdowns
Tyrell Fenroy: Louisiana-Lafayette vs Florida International: 81 yards, three touchdowns
Lamark Brown: Kansas State vs Kansas: 68 yards, three touchdowns, three receptions, 17 receiving yards
DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma vs Nebraska: 57 yards, two touchdowns, one reception, 25 receiving yards, one touchdown

Top Receivers with at Least Three Touchdowns

Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State vs Iowa State: nine receptions, 171 yards, four touchdowns
Austin Collie, BYU vs Colorado State: nine receptions, 156 yards, three touchdowns
James Casey, Rice vs UTEP: 12 receptions, 142 yards, three touchdowns, 28 rushing yards, one touchdown
Jeff Moturi, UTEP vs Rice: five receptions, 109 yards, three touchdowns, nine rushing yards

Here are the individual statistical leaders for the season thus far for passing, rushing, receiving, and defense. This includes all games played.

Passing yards: 3,621, Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
Passing yards per game: 402.3, Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
Passing touchdowns: 34, Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Rushing yards: 1,427, Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Rushing yards per game: 156.2, Donald Brown, Connecticut
Rushing touchdowns: 18, Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Receiving yards: 1,058, Austin Collie, BYU
Receiving yards per game: 131.8, Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Receptions: 85, Casey Fitzgerald, North Texas
Receiving touchdowns: 15, Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State; Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech; Jarrett Dillard, Rice
Interceptions: 6, Eric Berry, Tennessee; Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech; Brian Lainhart, Kent State

Here are the team statistical leaders for the season thus far on offense and defense as well as fantasy-wise:

Points Per Game: 52.0, Tulsa
Total Yards Per Game: 593.0, Tulsa
Passing yards per game: 424.6, Texas Tech
Rushing yards per game: 308.0, Navy
Points Allowed Per Game: 7.1, USC
Total Yards Per Game: 211.6, USC
Passing yards allowed per game: 127.5, USC
Rushing yards allowed per game: 38.9, TCU
Most SN Points offense: 8,476, Tulsa
SN Points Per Game offense: 1,059.5, Tulsa
Most SN Points defense: 7,883, TCU
SN Points Per Game defense: 902.8, USC

OK, that's all for now. Be sure to stop the blogs of my friends to the right of this page for more great reads out there!

FSD History Flashback: November 2, 1990

David Funk — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:43:00 -0400

On November 2, 1990, the NBA made history in two different games—one of them across the Pacific Ocean.

It was on this day that the Phoenix Suns played the Utah Jazz in the first regular-season game in major professional sports to ever played outside North America, as they faced each other at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Japan.

In Denver, the Nuggets hosted the Golden State Warriors in what also turned out to be a record-setting day in Colorado.

In Japan, over 10,000 fans had sold out the building in order to witness history. Previously, the city had hosted an NFL preseason game between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, but that game disappointed because star quarterback John Elway didn't play but a quarter of the game.

Japan spent $2 million to host two games between the Suns and Jazz on back-to-back nights. The game had a feel for what fans typically see at contests in the United States.

The NBA had an official floor, game clocks, baskets, and entertainment in the way of the Famous Chicken—all which were shipped overseas for this game. The two teams also had stars in Karl Malone, John Stockton, Tom Chambers, and Kevin Johnson, which helped to please the Tokyo crowd. NBA Commissioner David Stern realized that Japan is serious about their sports, and that they have a history of drawing well for all sporting events. This landmark event was no different.

The Suns won the game by the score of 119-96. Chambers led all scorers with 38 points, and he also added 10 rebounds. Kevin Johnson added 29 points and had 10 assists while Dan Majerle came off the bench to score 16 points for Phoenix.

Both Malone and Stockton had a double-doubles for the Jazz. Malone had 33 points and 10 rebounds, while Stockton had 16 points and 10 assists. The key difference in the opening game was the Phoenix bench outscoring Utah 37-13.

The teams played each other the following night, and Utah evened up the series with a 102-101 win. The crowd in Tokyo saw two competitive teams play two games that forever impacted the league and the sporting world.

Meanwhile, at McNichols Arena in Denver, an offensive showing like nothing ever seen in the NBA before was beginning to take shape. The Golden State had the trio of Chris Mullin, Tim Hardaway, and Mitch Richmond. Denver was led by Orlando Woolridge, who had been traded by the Los Angeles Lakers, and Todd Lichti. They also got a great game off the bench from Walter Davis, too.

Paul Westhead was in his first year as head coach of the Nuggets, incorporating the run-and-gun offense in Denver. The Warriors were coached by Don Nelson, who was in his third year as head coach and had also brought his version of the run-and-gun offense to Golden State.

At halftime, the Warriors led the Nuggets 87-83, which set the record for most combined points in a half (breaking the mark previously held by Syracuse and San Francisco, with 166 combined points in 1963). The other record in jeopardy was the most combined points in a non-overtime game, set by the Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs with 318 in 1984.

Both teams scored 75 points in the second half, as Golden State beat Denver by the score of 162-158 to set the record for the most combined points by two teams in a non-overtime game. Mullin led all scorers with 38 points. Hardaway had 32 points and 18 assists while Richmond added 29 points for the Warriors. Rod Higgins had 17 points off the bench for Golden State.

The Nuggets got 37 points from Woolridge which included 15-for-20 at the free throw line. Walter Davis had a double-double off the bench with 33 points and ten rebounds. Lichti had 19 points and Michael Adams added 18 points and eight assists.

The Suns went 55-27 on the season. They faced the Jazz in the first round of the 1991 Playoffs, where they lost in four games. The Jazz finished 54-28, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round in five games after getting by Phoenix in the first round.

The Warriors averaged 116.6 points a game and gave 115 on defense during the 1990-91 season. They finished the season with a 44-38 record, and they clinched a playoff spot in which they lost in the second round to Lakers in five games.

Denver averaged 119.9 points a game, and gave up a 130.8 on defense. They finished the 1990-91 season with a 20-62 record. Westhead only won 44 games in two seasons, and was fired as head coach.

The game in Tokyo was very important, as professional leagues would later use the same tactics in order to promote their sports on a worldwide stage. Pro leagues had played preseason games to audiences outside of North America, but many of the starters in those games didn't play very long.

The game in Tokyo proved that professional leagues could draw audiences for the purpose of reaching sports fans out of North America. Since that time, the NFL, MLB, and NHL have also made efforts by playing regular season games outside of the continent with huge financial success.

Teams in the NBA aren't scoring as many points in a game these days, compared to the 1990-91 season. Many changes have been made on the court, and the NBA eventually allowed teams to use the zone defense when they were previously permitted to only use man-to-man. Emphasis on defense has been seen as the biggest reason the NBA has seen a dropoff in scoring.

This opening day brought excitement to one nation, and a fun, offensive showing that would later be shown constantly on ESPN Classic. The NBA has struggled with negative publicity in recent years, as well as a lockout in 1998 that caused the season to almost be completely lost. However,

the league made a landmark statement on this day, and helped other major pro sports leagues to see the potential of regular-season games outside North America. Although pro sports leagues played offseason and preseason games outside of North America for many years, this event also helped to further integrate athletes from around the world in pro sports leagues on this continent after seeing the potential it had. The offensive showing in Denver was the icing on the cake for the opening games in the 1990-91 season.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this FSD History Flashback!

FSD History Flashback: November 1, 1913

David Funk — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:43:00 -0400

On November 1, 1913, a landmark game in football had forever changed the sport. It was on this day that Notre Dame went against Army at West Point.

At the time of this matchup, the Eastern teams such as Army, Harvard, and Penn State were the powerhouses in college football. But on a national stage, the Fighting Irish became the one team that impacted the game forever after traveling East for the first time.

Notre Dame was for all intensive purposes a financially poor school that finally had their first pro coach by the name of Jesse Harper for the 1913 season. The forward pass was made legal in college football in 1906, and Harper had become familar with how to use it effectively.

In 1911, Harper nearly coached Wabash College to an upset of Notre Dame after using the forward pass. However, one pass play in that game was nullified because rules stated at the time that no forward pass could travel more than 20 yards in the air. That rule was abolished in 1913.

Army was a well-known program, and was one of the best at that time. Army head coach Charles Daly was familar with the forward pass having served on the committee that instituted it into play.

The Eastern schools relied on the power running games, and there were no scouting reports to prepare for what happened to the Cadets on this day. Army had only allowed six points in their first four games of the season, and were coming off a 2-0 win over Tufts College. They also beat a solid Colgate team by the score of 7-6 prior to their narrow win over Tufts.

After playing their first three games on the road, the Fighting Irish were set to play the first of their final four games away from South Bend. Notre Dame wasn't well-known in the East, but that would change on this afternoon.

The Cadets were a bigger team, and the Fighting Irish had to use the forward pass to counteract the size difference between the two. The Irish also had an All-American quarterback by the name of Gus Dorais, who was more than capable of catching Army off-guard with the forward pass attack.

With the Fighting Irish trailing 13-7 in the second quarter, Dorais effectively used the pass to put his team back in front. The Irish were pinned deep in their own territory, but Dorias threw for 80 yards on a drive that included end Knute Rockne catching two passes for 50 yards. Fullback Ray Eichenlaub finished off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to give the Fighting Irish a 14-13 lead.

The Cadets put together a drive in which they made it to the Notre Dame 1-yard line in the third quarter as they looked to take the lead back. But Rockne tackled running back Paul Hodgson for a loss, and the defensive line haulted halfback Frank Milburn's run on second down.

On the very next play, Dorais, who was playing cornerback, intercepted the ball in the end zone to stop the Cadets drive. It was one of few times that Army attempted to pass for a touchdown, and it ended any chance of them winning this game.

Notre Dame's passing attack had effected the defensive play-calling of Army. It was no secret that Army used it's size advantage as well as stack the line of scrimmage to stop the opponent's running game. But the Fighting Irish had caught the Black Knights by surprise which meant that Eichenlaub had more running lanes opened up for him with Army having to defend the pass, too.

The forward pass continued to work well as Notre Dame scored 21 unanswered points as they upset Army at West Point by the score of 35-13. Dorais finished the game 14-for-17 passing with 243 yards and three touchdowns. He went onto become the program's first consensus All-American as he quarterbacked the Fighting Irish to an undefeated 7-0 season.

Knute Rockne was also an All-American end, and would later become one of the best coaches in college football history as well as all of sports. He and Dorias were lifeguards and busboys at a resort in Ohio during the off-season in which they practiced throwing and catching to one another. Eichenlaub also was named All-American at fullback.

Even though Army lost this game, they had quite a few men that would later become multi-star generals. None were more well-known than Dwight Eisenhower and Omar Bradley, who were on the bench for this game.

Both Eisenhower and Bradley graduated in 1915 in which an impressive 59 generals were a part of the same graduation. Eisenhower and Bradley would later become General of the Army and five-star generals which also included George S. Patton. This class was appropiately called "the class the stars fell on".

Eisenhower would eventually become the 34th President of the United States in 1953. He was very instrumental in the outcome of World War II as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces when he planned the invasion of France and Germany in 1944-45. When he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in 1916, Eisenhower coached St. Louis College which is now St. Mary's University.

Bradley went onto earn several medals of honor for his war service which included a Silver Star. He also served with Eisenhower as a trouble-shooter in World War II, and he was the last surviving five-star officer that was commissioned when he died in 1981.

Daly went on to serve for the Army in World War I. He was also Fire Commissioner for the city of Boston during the 1910s. Daly had coached football at West Point and Harvard. His coaching status eventually earned him College Football Hall of Fame honors in 1951.

Harper would eventually step down as head coach of Notre Dame, but would return as Athletic Director following the tragic plane crash that led to the death of Rockne in 1931. Harper is in the College Football Hall of Fame

Even though this game wasn't the first to use the forward pass, it was the first to do so on a national stage that garnered the attention of a national audience. Word traveled more quickly about how Notre Dame was able to knock off the Cadets at West Point.

Notre Dame had become a household program that forever changed the fortunes of their own program as well as college football. They went onto to play at Penn State and Texas while achieving fame for this game in route to an undefeated season.

Eisenhower, even though he was on the bench, became a U.S. President. Bradley was a General of the Army. Rockne became one of the best coaches in any profession. Harper, Daly, Dorais, and Eichenlaub are all College Football Hall of Fame inductees.

Army had many of "the stars the class fell on" in this game. Notre Dame became a household name, and had popularized the forward pass on a national stage. Yes, this contest had it all, and it is one of the most important and influential games in the history of American football.

Photo courtesy of American Chronicle which shows the book called Notre Dame and The Game That Changed Football by author Frank P. Maggio.

Thanks for viewing, and I hope you enjoyed today's FSD History Flashback!

FSD History Flashback: October 30, 1974—Ali vs Foreman

David Funk — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:44:00 -0400

On October 30, 1974, one of the most infamous boxing matches took place in what was billed as the "Rumble in the Jungle." It was on this day that George Foreman defended the heavyweight championship of the world against Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire.

This boxing match was moved outside the United States because Don King lacked the funding which was to pay $5 million for both fighters.

This was King's first venture as promoter, and he eventually worked out a deal with Zaire President Mobutu Sese Seko to hold the fight in Zaire because he knew the high publicity it would bring to his country. Both fighters spent the summer training in Zaire so that they could get used to the tropical weather conditions.

It was during this time that Ali used his mind games to win over the Congolese people as his popularity became evident during this fight. Originally, the fight was scheduled for September, but was pushed back because of an injury and cut to Foreman. The fight was rescheduled for October 30.

Foreman became heavyweight champion when he knocked down Joe Frazier six times in two rounds to win the belt in 1973. Foreman, a gold medal winner at the 1968 Olympics, had then dominated Ken Norton in a title defense, too.

Ali, a 1960 Olympic gold medal winner, had lost to Frazier in their 1971 match which eventually gave Foreman a shot at the heavyweight title. Ali had also lost Norton, but he avenged the losses to him and Frazier which allowed him the chance to face Foreman. Foreman was dominant and had dismantled the two fighters that once beat Ali, so it appeared the champion would be able to retain his title without much trouble. But Ali had a gameplan.

In the opening round of the bout, Ali came out attacking the power-punching Foreman. This allowed Ali to get some solid punches in on Foreman, but it didn't do much to stun him. Foreman eventually cut off the ring to prevent Ali from escaping his punching power. This strategy would have tired Ali out, so he had to change his gameplan.

In the second round, Ali began using the famous rope-a-dope style. Ali hung onto the ropes while letting Foreman punch away at him. This strategy was odd considering Foreman's power had overwhelmed his previous opponents. But Ali had a granite chin, and had taunted Foreman to hit him. Ali occasionally threw straight punches to the face of Foreman, and he used other means to tire down the champion.

Foreman was consistently clinched with Ali in the ropes or in the middle of the ring which led him to carrying the challenger's weight along with his own. Ali had also told Foreman to punch harder and more often which he did do. However, the effects of this resulted in the champion tiring out in the middle rounds. Ali used his speed and covered up to absorb many of Foreman's punches.

Foreman's face had also been damaged with the rope-a-dope technique by the punches that Ali threw sparingly enough to throw off the champion. Ali staggered Foreman with a combination in the early part of the fourth round as the champion was showing more signs of fatigue.

By the fifth round, Foreman looked as if he won that round. But Ali hit him with some combinations that continue to stun Foreman. It became more and more apparent that Foreman was out of energy in the sweltering heat of Zaire.

Finally in the eighth round, Ali landed a combination that put Foreman down on the mat. It started when he nailed Foreman with a left hook which enabled Ali to hit him with a hard, straight right-hand to the face. Foreman staggered before falling unconscious on his back. Ali had knocked out Foreman in eight rounds to become heavyweight champion again.

Many historians have said that the strategy by Ali was the best gameplan any fighter has ever used in boxing history. The fact that Ali had a chin to absorb the punching power of Foreman was as big as him wearing down the champion was an advantage. Foreman tirelessly hit Ali was strong punches, but this fight above any proved just how much Ali could take.

Because of Ali winning the heavyweight title from Foreman, this led to a third and final match with Joe Frazier the following year in the famous "Thrilla in Manila" bout in the Phillippines.

Ali and Foreman became friends after this fight. In 1996, it was Foreman who helped an ailing Ali that had trouble walking to the stage when his group accepted an Oscar for the documentary When We Were Kings which was based on the fight in Zaire.

Because Ali had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease years earlier, Foreman helped him up the steps to the stage in order to receive the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. The documentary is widely acclaimed and received critical praise by most of the media.

This fight has consistently been shown on ESPN Classic, and is also considered by many to be one of the top sporting moments in history.

Photo courtesy of Antiquities of the Prize Ring

Thanks for viewing, and I hope you enjoyed today's FSD History Flashback!

What If? Don Hutson's 1942 Season

David Funk — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:25:00 -0400

Welcome to another entry of the What If? Fantasy Football edition. This is where I look back at a season long before fantasy football became prominent among us in our society, as I figure how the fantasy numbers would look if the fantasy game existed then.

Today, we look back at the 1942 season for Hall of Fame Green Bay Packers star Don Hutson. I'm using the default scoring systems for Sporting News and Yahoo! to calculate the point totals.

Here's the point scale for SN(default configuration):
60 points for every touchdown
2 points for every rushing, receiving, and punt return yard gained
1 point for every kickoff return yard gained
2 points for every reception
1 point for every passing yard
-10 points for every kickoff return attempt
-45 points for lost fumble and interception
-2 points for incomplete pass

Here's the point scale for Yahoo!(default configuration):
6 points for every rushing, receiving, and return touchdown
4 points for passing touchdown
1 point for every 10 rushing and receiving yards
1 point for every 25 passing yards
2 points for every two-point conversion
-1 point for every interception
-2 points for every fumble
No points are given for receptions or return yardage in the default configuration.

Here are the stats for Don Hutson in 1942 and fantasy points for the SN games:
Passing yards: NA = NA
Passing touchdowns: NA = NA
Incomplete passes: NA = NA
Interceptions: NA = NA
Rushing yards: 4 = 8 points
Rushing touchdowns: 0 = 0 points
Receptions: 74 = 148 points
Receiving yards: 1,211 = 2,422 points
Receiving touchdowns: 17 = 1,020 points
Fumbles Lost: 0 = 0 points
Total points: 3,598 points
Total points per game: 327.09
Note: Teams only played 11 games in 1942.

Here are the stats for Don Huston in 1942 and fantasy points for the Yahoo! game:
Passing yards: NA = NA
Passing touchdowns: NA = NA
Interceptions: NA = NA
Rushing yards: 4 = 0 points
Rushing touchdowns: 0 = 0 points
Receiving yards: 1,211 = 121 points
Receiving touchdowns: 17 = 102 points
Fumbles Lost: 0 = 0 points
Total points: 223 points
Total points per game: 20.27
Note: Teams only played 11 games in 1942.

Statistical source: Pro Football Reference

Don Hutson may have very well been the most versatile all-around player in the history of the NFL. He was a standout on both sides of the ball, which includes 30 interceptions as a defensive back for the Packers.

He had seven interceptions in 1942, which would have made him a great option for IDP (Individual Defensive Player) leagues. He was 33 of 34 in extra-point attempts as well, as one of four in field-goal tries, which further showed his versatility.

The highlight for him in 1942 included a game against Chicago Cardinals at home on Nov. 1, in which he had five receptions, 207 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns. All three of his touchdowns were 40 yards or longer in that game. He also kicked six extra points in that game, as Green Bay won 55-24.

Then he had three touchdowns in the following game against the Cleveland Rams. He had one touchdown in nine of the 11 games on the season. He led the league in extra points in 1942, and this was one of the best all-around seasons of any one player in the game's history.

It's for that reason that Hutson would have been the No. 1 receiver in fantasy football for the 1942 season. And in leagues that counted defensive and special teams for everyone, his value would have possibly made him the top choice in fantasy drafts, too. Here's the week-by-week stats for his 1942 season (Note: some game stats are not available, but touchdown scores are confirmed with the correct games).

Week One vs Chicago Bears(Lost 44-28): eight receptions, 147 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns
Week Two at Chicago Cardinals(Won 17-13): one receiving touchdown
Week Three vs Detroit Lions(Won 38-7): five receptions, 149 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns
Week Four vs Cleveland Rams(Won 45-28): 13 receptions, 209 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns
Week Five at Detroit Lions(Won 28-7): NA(No touchdowns were scored, and no stats are available)
Week Six vs Chicago Cardinals(Won 55-24): five receptions, 207 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns
Week Seven at Cleveland Rams(Won 30-12): three receiving touchdowns
Week Eight at Chicago Bears(Lost 38-7): 10 receptions, 117 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown
Week Nine at New York Giants(Tied 21-21): 14 receptions, 134 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns
Week 10 at Philadelphia Eagles(Won 7-0): one receiving touchdown
Week 11 vs Pittsburgh Steelers(Won 24-21): Receiving stats are not available, but he made his only field goal on the season in this game.

The Packers went 8-2-1 on the season, which was second best behind the Chicago Bears who went undefeated. This was Hutson's only season with 1,000 all-purpose yards, but he's still one of the greatest players ever, as evidenced with him being an inaugural member of the first Hall of Fame class in 1963.

He scored a total of 104 touchdowns with all but one coming on offense (99 receiving, three rushing, one passing, one INT Return). He went 7-for-17 in field goal attempts as well 172-for-183 in extra point tries, too. His 11-year career included being an 8-time All-Pro. He also helped the Packers win three NFL Titles in 1936, 1939, and in 1944.

If anyone wants to suggest a past player, then you can do so in the comments section. The only thing I ask is that the player and year be before 1990, because fantasy football wasn't as prominent then.

In text photo courtesy of the Associated Press via the New York Times, which shows him in a game against Cardinals in 1945.

Past What If? posts:
Walter Payton's 1977 season
Gale Sayers' 1965 season
Eric Dickerson's 1983 season
Jim Brown's 1963 season
Dan Marino's 1984 season
Jerry Rice's 1987 season
O.J. Simpson's 1975 season
Johnny Unitas' 1959 season
Sid Luckman's 1943 season
Sammy Baugh's 1947 season
Beattie Feathers' 1934 season
Charley Hennigan's 1961 season
Timmy Brown's 1963 season
Rolland Lawrence's 1977 season
Dan Fouts' 1981 season