The Runup: Weekend Football Preveiw

The runup to the Trinity-Plano game is that Trinity DL Mao Leota gets some press run in the DMN. More than learning of Leota's grandma jumping onto the field to join in on the haka, I was surprised to see the college offers limited to Hawaii, Utah, Fresno State. From the sound of Leota's background, it's conceivable that grades might be one limiting factor. But another is the odd size: a relatively short 6'1, but a hefty 280. Sure he's quick, and that's a plus. But is there really that much of a shortage of D-1 schools desirous of taller defensive linemen for pass pressure? All that said, it'd be interesting to see him flourish in Hawaii under June Jones. I mean, unless some Texas schools reconsider him. Hmmm ... paging Coach Sumlin!!! The weather appears perfect for some football in Texas Stadium. Look for the game to be exciting. I'll be at church, tracking the game at Prepcast.

The runup to the Bitter Bowl (aka Patriots v Jets), is that snow might (or might not) put the clamps on a big, massive, vengeful rout by the Patriots. I hope not. I also hope to get this game via audio online. Might just give it a half to see what comes of it. If the Patriots have over 40 by halftime, I'm blocking that time out to focus on the trainwreck. Otherwise, work always beckons.

The NYT offers their dismal view of the Hooded One. Meanwhile, the BoGlobe focuses on that other camera incident that not many seem to talk about. This is what I find so interesting about those who came out in a rush to judge Belichick. Supposedly, it was that he just violated the rule of law - per the NFL law, that is. Rember? "The rules are clear" we were lectured. Well, unless it was another team, it seems. Funny how clarity gets lost to the unobjective.

Oh yeah .. and UH has another football game in a couple of weeks. I realize it may be asking too much of the Chron to flood the zone on a third-tier bowl game and that the coaching situation has eclipsed it in terms of immediate relevance. But there has to be a great story brewing down on Cullen about the way the staff is gearing up for it - Coaching by Duct Tape? - I'm just hoping that the players are seeing this as a unique opportunity. Some of us have been hoping for a bowl win forever and if this is the team that ends our losing streak, it could be one of those legends that lasts a while in Cougar lore - right up there with Danny Davis' "Think Cotton" t-shirt.