TheFranchise

The first one was partially blocked as well.

I stood in awe as that thing flew

I should add that I think Manziel is an enormous d-bag.

Here's my take on the issue: I agree with Stan that a "reasonable stipend" is not too much to ask. Granted, I know there will always be shenanigans that goes on, but that's going to happen no matter what the system is. If each student athlete received $175,000 a year (That amount is NOT EVEN CLOSE to what I'm suggesting, it's just an exaggeration to illustrate my point) there would still be boosters making sure some of the "favorites" received probably twice that. So, don't use the "people will still break the rules" argument. That's a red herring. I think tossing them something like $200-$400 a month is not too much to ask at all if they are on scholarship. Walk-ons should get something like $100-$150. These players help bring $millions$ to the Universities and should be given back a little bit. When a kid gets suspended for a full season because one of his coaches paid for his gas to visit his family over Christmas vacation, something is wrong. (That's a true story that happened to a personal friend of mine) Something to think about, is to look at scholarship students in other departments. Band is the easiest example. A high-level trumpet that's on a full ride from his University's band can go out and make as much money as he/she wants while he/she is in school. This person could give private lessons (which makes really good money as far as a per-hour service goes). They could play gigs anywhere in the world and receive compensation for it. Recording deals, studio musician gigs playing background music for other "bigger" musicians is totally allowed . . . the list goes on. There are infinite possibilities for that student. A business/marketing student on scholarship totally has the opportunity to start a business while in school and make a ton of money doing it. (Hello Mark Zuckerberg.) As for athletes, there are limitations to the part-time jobs they can get. Basically, they can receive no more than $2,000 for the year if my research is correct. (the official rule is the student's scholarship plus income cannot exceed the amount of a full grant plus $2,000). So basically, less than $200 a month. But those limitations don't exist for other students on scholarship. Those are just a few thoughts I have on it. It's not to de-value the education they receive and the handful of perks they get. Shoot, even some kind of trust for each athlete that they aren't allowed to touch until graduation would make sense to me.

For what it's worth, I played the UNT-Idaho game today on NCAA 14. Thompson wasn't very accurate, stuggling to find the right guy. The playcalling was aggressive. On the ground, Jimmerson seemed to be the most effective back, amassing 108 yards while Pegram put up 43 of his own. Byrd's pound-it-out style was not as effect YPC-wise but he still grabbed 38 yards. The defense looked fantastic, refusing to yield a TD and the Mean Green cruised to a 21-6 victory. The fact that Coach Mac wasn't afraid to pass the ball a lot gives me hope . . . *Random guy off to the side*: "Psst, hey, Steve . . . That was YOU calling the plays, not Coach Mac." Oh . . . forget everything I just said.

I can confirm this. Both yesterday and today there was plenty of parking, both there and over by The Village Church. In fact, throughout the spring I never had to search for a spot in either place. Of course, showing up at least a few minutes early for your class certainly won't hurt things, either . . .

Couple of FCS wins tonight . . . interesting.

I'm a student and I support this. So, I think my vote should count twice since it would affect me. Sign me up!!! -- Stephen

"So I Married an Axe Murderer" 1993 -- Directed by Thomas Schlamme

"You know, what this room needs is a really big over-sized poster of Atlantic City . . ."

As I stated in the chat, I'm on a work comp with no audio. I'd love to know the story. -- Stephen

What exactly is, "The news?" -- Stephen

No, no no. You guys have it all wrong. BigVandalFan, go tell the Idaho coaching staff this is the worst D-line in Mean Green history. You should just go ahead and rest your first team and put the practice squad out there because they'll run and pass all over this D-line. Yeah, that's the ticket . . .

Surprising? No. Comical? Yes. It is funny, though that had Texas pulled something like this, Aggie would have a field day. -- Stephen

Not to mention, that unless they're shot in 35mm, the episodes are not "filmed," but rather "shot," or "taped." /filmstudentrantover -- Stephen

That may be the case, but that doesn't show well on a white shirt. It really pretty much needs to be some kind of pastel color for it to be pulled off the right way. Powder blue? That would look good. Light (not pink) red? Also looks awesome -- have a Coca-Cola shirt that pulls it off nicely. "Lucky Charms" green? Absolutely awesome. (I'm sporting that look at this moment) White? Yeah, you really can't see it. -- Stephen

Okay, which UNT helmet designer flooded the Southern Miss alternate helmet ballot?

Congratulations!

I know quite a bit about TCU's past uniforms, actually. (In one of my introductory posts, I mentioned my past gig as a sportswriter -- it was to cover TCU and I was on-hand for their second and third Pro Combat unis (2010) being unveiled and was one of the first to report the original "Pro Combat" uniform story in 2009.) I've been a fan of the Pro Combat look up until recently. And while there have been some hits and misses, I think Nike's done a pretty good job overall with all of the schools they've made them for. (They even did one for Trinity High School back in 2011 -- I covered that, too). Having said all of that, I'm not as fond of this one. In my humble opinion, the 2009 look was the best and they haven't quite been able to replicate that look since then. -- Stephen

Dear God, what in the #%&@ is that?

Nope, I live in south Denton County. Jumping on 35W is pretty much my only option.

That would be awesome.

The old-fashioned radio cast for me since I'll be at work until 8. But, I don't normally have to work on Saturdays so I plan to make the remainder of the home games.