College Football (The All-American Football League)

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If All-American teams are an indication of success, then Ohio State may well wind up as the 2007 national champion.

The Midwest champion Buckeyes had four players honored as All-Americans. Two were on offense and two were on defense.

Offensive lineman Orlando Pace and defensive back Jack Tatum were each repeat performers from last season. Offensive lineman John Hicks and lineback Randy Gradishar were first-time selections.

"It doesn't guarantee success, but I'm proud of these guys," said Buckeye head coach Woody Hayes. "It's nice to see honors come to players who work so hard to compete on Saturdays."

Ohio State will face South champion Georgia in the national semi-final Rose Bowl. The Bulldogs placed one player--defensive back Champ Bailey--on the All-American team.

Nebraska, the West titlist, wound up with two players on the team. Running back Mike Rozier, believed to be the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, earned All-American honors for the second straight year. Joining Rozier for the second time is center Dave Rimington (shown below).

"Dave should get more headlines," said Rozier. "I couldn't do my thing without him and the rest of the offensive line."

The Cornhuskers will play East winner Penn State in the national semi-final Orange Bowl. The unbeaten Nittany Lions had one All-American selection, linebacker Jack Ham. He is a second-time honoree.

Florida State, edged out by Georgia for the South title, had three All-Americans. Wide receiver Marvin "Snoop" Minnis and defensive back Deion Sanders were each chosen for the second consecutive year. Quarterback Charlie Ward is a first-time selection.

"A year ago it was Chris Weinke," said Seminole head coach Bobby Bowden. "Maybe we should have won more games this season. Must be the coaching."

A complete listing is below:

2007 All-American Football League Selections

Offense

Quarterback--Charlie Ward, Florida State
Running Back--Mike Rozier, Nebraska*
Running Back--Rashaan Salaam, Colorado
Wide Receiver--Marvin Minnis, Florida State*
Wide Receiver--John Standeford, Purdue
Tight End--Todd Christensen, BYU
Offensive Line--Orlando Pace, Ohio State*
Offensive Line--John Hicks, Ohio State
Offensive Line--John Hannah, Alabama*
Offensive Line--Dave Rimington, Nebraska*
Offensive Line--Mark May, Pittsburgh*
Kicker--David Browndyke, LSU

Defense

Defensive Line--Bubba Smith, Michigan State*
Defensive Line--Lee Roy Selmon, Oklahoma*
Defensive Line--Deacon Jones, HBCU
Defensive Line--Alan Page, Notre Dame*
Linebacker--Jack Ham, Penn State*
Linebacker--Randy Gradishar, Ohio State
Linebacker--Derrick Thomas, Alabama
Defensive Back--Deion Sanders, Florida State*
Defensive Back--George Webster, Michigan State
Defensive Back--Champ Bailey, Georgia
Defensive Back--Jack Tatum, Ohio State*
Punter--Jimmy Colquitt, Tennessee
Kick Returns--Harold "Red" Grange, Illinois

*indicates repeat performer

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Max Mercy, Jr. here again, folks . . .

Ole Max just finished perusing the 2007 All-American list. Whilst Ole Max can nod in agreement on many of the selections such as Nebraska's Mike Rozier and Dave Rimington along with Florida State's Snoop Minnis, the seasoned sports writer can only shake his head at the defensive side of the football.

Let Ole Max point out some sound stats for you. Penn State is the only unbeaten team in the land. Sure, perhaps the AAFL East is the weakest of the four divisions, yet Joe Paterno's Nittany Lion defense was dominant. Consider this one, football fanatics, Penn State only gave up more than a touchdown once this season. Let Ole Max repeat that, Penn State only gave up more than a touchdown once this season.

To dig deeper, the Nittany Lion defenders recorded one shutout. Ole Max is certain they could have accumulated more if JoePa hadn't insisted on playing third- and fourth-stringers late in games. Penn State yielded just 52 points in seven games as it was. They forced 18 fumbles, racked up 12 sacks and picked off two passes.

Why all these numbers, Max, you ask? Because the number that's glaring out at Ole Max this morning is that only one Penn State player on this year's All-American team--linebacker Jack Ham. One truly is the lonliest number!

Ole Max says, "You've got to be kidding me?" What about LaVar Arrington? He was an All-American linebacker last fall. Why didn't he make it this year? The Penn State defense was even better than a year ago! Did Arrington get worse? Or what about a D-lineman like Courtney Brown or Mike Reid? Didn't they perform exceptionally well? Hey, these guys weren't linemen for the county, Glen Campbell fans; they were lineman for Penn State, the top defense in the country!

Maybe the All-American voters got fooled by gaudy numbers. You have to watch the games with skilled eye. A football intelligence. Ole Max has enough Xs and Ox experience to keep one eye on the game's performers and the other on the sideline talent and still know who the best players in the nation are. Voters who look only at the stat sheet may see more tackles and sacks and interceptions for others, but do they realize just who dominates the game? Do they realize a coach like Paterno takes his stars out when the game has long been decided?

So, with no disrespect (Ole Max would never disrespect anyone) to All-Americans like Derrick Thomas of Alabama or Randy Gradishar of Ohio State or Lee Roy Selmon of Oklahoma, why weren't there more Penn State players on the defensive list?

Ole Max just doesn't get it!

This is Max Mercy, Jr. en route to the national semi-final bowl games . . .

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New York--Just as he sprinted away from defenders for most of the season, Nebraska's Mike Rozier ran away with the 2007 All-American Football League Heisman Trophy.

Rozier garnered all but one first-place vote. The two-time All-American led the nation with 668 rushing yards in seven games. Rozier, who scored eight touchdowns, averaged six yards per carry as he led Nebraska to the AAFL West title.

"It's a thrill to win this prestigious award," said Rozier, who finished second in last fall's balloting. "I have my teammates and the coaching staff to thank. But, there's still work to be completed."

That work is the upcoming Sugar Bowl national semi-final matchup against Penn State. A season ago, the Cornhuskers lost an overtime thriller to eventual national champion Notre Dame in the national semi-finals.

"That game motivates us to this day," said Rozier.

Florida State quarterback Charlie Ward was a distant second to Rozier in the Heisman balloting. Colorado running back Rashaan Salaam finished third. Notre Dame back George Gipp was fourth. Gipp received the only first-place vote that didn't go to Rozier.

"Mike is truly deserving of this great award," said Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne.

Ironically, Rozier was the only player from last year's top four vote getters to appear at this year's Heisman banquet.

Heisman Trophy Winners
2006--Willie Galimore, HBCU
2007--Mike Rozier, Nebraska

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New Orleans, La.--Penn State opened up its offense and closed down Nebraska in a 38-21 national semi-final Sugar Bowl victory.

Thus, the Nittany Lions advance to the national championship Orange Bowl to take on the winner of the Georgia-Ohio State Rose Bowl matchup.

Penn State, champions of the All-American Football League East, put the ball in the capable hands of quarterback Kerry Collins. The move paid huge dividends as the Nittany Lions racked up 443 yards in total offense.

"After watching film on how USC beat Nebraska (in the final week of the regular season), we made the decision to air things out more today," said Penn State head coach Joe Paterno.

Collins threw the ball a season-high 22 times, completing 14 for 230 yards and two touchdowns. The Penn State quarterback earned Sugar Bowl Most Valuable Player honors.

"I was excited when the coaching staff told me of the plan (to throw more)," said Collins. "With our line and our receivers, I felt things would turn out well."

The game didn't start that way for Penn State. Nebraska, AAFL West champions, marched 80 yards in 11 plays and took a 7-0 lead on fullback Tom Rathman's three-yard run. The Cornhuskers ran the ball all 11 downs.

"They just rammed it down our throats," said Penn State All-American linebacker Jack Ham.

Yet, the Nittany Lion offense turned the tables on its first possession. Collins completed three straight passes and Penn State was off and running.

"Those first three plays went for big yardage (54 yards)," said Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne.

The Nittany Lions capped their drive when Blair Thomas bulled over from the one-yard line with 4:10 remaining in the opening quarter.

Then came a change in the Penn State defensive scheme. After playing a base 4-3 defense on Nebraska's opening series, the Nittany Lions switched into a run-stopping alignment with four linebackers. The safeties also played closer to the line, daring the Cornhuskers to throw the ball.

"It's something we put in for this game," said Paterno.

It also wound up producing the first big break of the game. Defensive tackle Mike Reid stripped Cornhusker quarterback Scott Frost of the ball and Terry Killens recovered the fumble for Penn State.

"It was a huge play in the game," said Paterno.

Penn State turned the miscue into points when kicker Brett Conway booted a 27-yard field goal with 24 seconds left in the first quarter.

The Nittany Lions cashed in on another Nebraska mistake early in the second quarter. After apparently stopping Thomas for a loss on a third-and-one play, Cornhusker nose guard Rich Glover was whistled for being in the neutral zone. The costly penalty gave Penn State a first down at the Nebraska 19-yard line. Collins then rolled out and hit running back Larry Johnson with a touchdown pass on the very next play.

"They caught us napping," said Cornhusker linebacker Trev Alberts. "It was your basic crossing route and we didn't stop it."

The Nittany Lions added another score just 34 seconds before halftime. Collins fired an 18-yard dart to wide out Jack Curry. Conway's extra point gave Penn State a shocking 24-7 lead at the intermission.

However, Nebraska wasn't about to fold. After holding Penn State to a quick three-and-out series to open the second half, Osborne sent Tommie Frazier in at quarterback.

"We needed a spark," said the Nebraska head coach. "Tommie has shown he's more than capable of that."

Twice, Nebraska gambled on fourth-down plays on Frazier's first drive. Twice, the Cornhuskers converted. Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier finished things off by scoring on an eight-yard run in which he broke five tackles. Kris Brown's conversion brought Nebraska to within 10 points.

Feeling he started the second half off too conservatively, Paterno again unleashed Collins and the passing game. The Nittany Lion quaterback connected twice with Johnson for big gains into Nebraska territory.

With the Cornhusker defense running around like last-minute holiday shoppers, Curt Warner ripped off a pair of runs that set up Penn State at the Nebraska 15-yard line. After an incomplete pass, Johnson returned to the backfield and broke loose with a dash to the end zone.

With a seemingly safe 31-14 lead, Frazier let the Nittany Lions know the game wasn't quite over. The Cornhusker quarterback dropped back to pass and then took off for a 70-yard gain on the ensuing possession. Only a shoestring tackle at the Penn State five-yard line by safety Kim Herring temporarily saved a touchdown.

"You just can't relax for a second with that bunch," said Paterno.

Two plays later, Johnny Rodgers scored on an end around. Brown's extra point got Nebraska close at 31-21. With more than a quarter to play, the Cornhuskers still held out hope.

Yet, Penn State's defense came up big when momentum seemed to be tipping Nebraska's way. Three times in the fourth quarter, the Nittany Lions stopped the Cornhuskers on key third-and-short plays.

"The defense stepped it up for us," said Paterno.

Penn State held Rozier to a season-low 59 yards on 17 carries (3.5 yards per attempt). Moreover, he gained just three yards on five third-down runs.

"The defense seemed to give our offense some life in the second half," said Paterno.

Much of that life surfaced in the Penn State running game. The Nittany Lions used five different ball carriers to grind out time-eating yardage. Then, Johnson ripped off a 39-yard run to the Cornhusker nine with less than five minutes remaining on the clock.

"We knew one more score would put the game on ice," said Johnson.

That score proved to be tougher than Penn State initially thought. Consecutive runs by Johnson and Ki-Jana Carter gained just three yards. After calling timeout, Paterno sent Michael Robinson into the game.

"They lined him up at tailback with Collins in the shotgun," said Alberts. "We should have called timeout and been better prepared."

Instead, Robinson took a direct snap from center Roger Duffy and carried the ball inside the one-yard line. Faced with a fourth down, Paterno passed on a chip-shot field goal attempt.

"That was the easiest decision I made all day," said the Penn State head coach.

Lined up at quarterback, Robinson plunged over to seal up the Penn State victory and a berth in the national championship game.

"That's all we ever wanted," said Paterno. "A chance to get there and see what happens."

Paterno and the Nittany Lions will find out soon enough.

Game Summary
Nebraska 7 0 14 0 -- 21
Penn State 10 14 7 7 -- 38

Neb 8:13 of 1st--3 yard run by Rathman (Brown kick)
PSU 4:10 of 1st--1 yard run by Thomas (Conway kick)
PSU 0:24 of 1st--27 FG by Conway
PSU 10:24 of 2nd--19 yard pass from Collins to Johnson (Conway kick)
PSU 0:34 of 2nd--18 yard pass from Collins to Curry (Conway kick)
Neb 7:43 of 3rd--8 yard run by Rozier (Brown kick)
PSU 4:32 of 3rd--15 yard run by Johnson (Conway kick)
Neb 2:49 of 3rd--1 yard run by Rodgers (Brown kick)
PSU 3:50 of 4th--1 yard run by Robinson (Conway kick)

First Downs--PSU 23, Neb 14
Rushing Yards--PSU 213, Neb 307
Passing Yards--PSU 230, Neb 79
Total Yards--PSU 443, Neb 386
Fumbles/Lost--PSU 0/0, Neb 2/1
Interceptions--PSU 0, Neb 0
Penalties--PSU 5-25, Neb 5-43
Time of Possession--PSU 28:24, Neb 31:36
Third Down Eff.--PSU 5-11, Neb 8-15

Individual Rushing
Nebraska--Frazier 3-90, Rozier 17-59, Phillips 3-21, Green 8-45, Mackovicka 2-3, Rodgers 3-8, Gill 2-3, Frost 11-57, Fryar 1-14, Rathman 5-13, Tagge 1 for minus 4.
Penn State--Johnson 9-85, Mitchell 5-5, Carter 7-47, Cappelletti 4-11, Thomas 4-10, Enis 1-8, Hunt 2-10, Warner 7-38, Robinson 3-10, Dozier 1-4, Collins 2 for minus 16.

Individual Passing
Nebraska--Tagge 2-3-11-0-0, Gill 1-1-9-0-0, Frazier 1-2-24-0-0, Frost 3-6-35-0-0.
Penn State--Collins 14-22-230-2-0.

Individual Receiving
Nebraska--Simmons 1-12, Kimball 2-13, Phillips 1-7, Green 1-12, Rozier 1-12, Fryar 1-24.
Penn State--Scott 1-26, Jurevicius 2-22, Engram 2-32, McDuffie 1-23, Curry 2-47, Johnson 3-40, Carter 1-19, Enis 1-15, Hunt 1-6.

Individual Punting
Nebraska--Erstad 5-44.6.
Penn State--Giacomarro 3-46.7.

Sacks
Nebraska--Glover 1, Adkins 1.
Penn State--Brown 1.

Fumble Recoveries
Nebraska--none.
Penn State--Killens 1.

Sugar Bowl Most Valuable Player: Kerry Collins, Penn State

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Los Angeles--You can now officially take the Georgia Bulldogs off life support.

Nearly a month after seeing its post-season hopes take a severe hit, Georgia pulled out a late-game victory to advance to the Orange Bowl national championship game.

"Things didn't look very promising after our loss to Alabama (in week five)," said Bulldog head coach Vince Dooley. "But we hung in there and played hard until the end."

After wins over Florida State and Tennessee in the regular season's final two weeks, Georgia won the All-American Football League South title and moved on to play Midwest champion Ohio State.

In Saturday's Rose Bowl national semi-final, Georgia slipped past the Buckeyes 28-21 to set a date with Penn State for the AAFL championship game.

"It's a true thrill to be in this position," said Bulldog quarterback and Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player Eric Zeier.

Zeier was near perfect against Ohio State. He completed 16-of-19 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown. At one point, he connected on nine straight throws.

Georgia raced out of a 13-0 lead in the game's first quarter. Running back Charley Trippi scored the opening touchdown at the 9:12 mark. Two series later, Zeier drilled an eight-yard touchdown pass to wide out Hines Ward. However, Kevin Butler missed the extra point.

Yet, Ohio State didn't panic. The Buckeyes ground out a methodical drive by going 80 yards in 14 plays for their first score. Archie Griffin finished off the drive by barreling over from the three with 11 minutes remaining before halftime.

"There was a lot of game left to play," said Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes. "We stayed with our running game."

The quarter then turned into a defensive stalemate until each team's final possession. Following an interception by safety Terry Hogue of an errant Bobby Hoying pass, the Bulldogs used a short field to score their third touchdown.

"Bobby audibled out of a running play because of something he thought he read in the defense," said Hayes.

Hoying, seeing action for ineffective starter Troy Smith, never stepped on the field again in the game.

Georgia quickly moved the ball from the Ohio State 37-yard line to the end zone. Herschel Walker capped the drive with a six-yard touchdown run with just 38 seconds left before halftime. Walker then powered off tackle for the two-point conversion.

Leading 21-7, Georgia kicked off to the Buckeyes. Following an 18-yard return by Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio State took possession at its own 27. Smith came back onto the field with four wide outs.

"I'm sure that raised a few eyebrows," said the normally conservative Hayes.

Yet, Ohio State stayed with the run. Following a road-clearing block by tackle Orando Pace, Griffin broke through the Georgia line and was off and running. Picking up key blocks along the way, Griffin outsprinted the Bulldog defense en route to a 73-yard touchdown run.

Following Mike Nugent's extra point, the Buckeyes went into halftime down only 21-14 with momentum apparently on their side.

The beginning of the third quarter favored Ohio State. After holding Georgia on two straight possessions, the Buckeyes moved downfield on their game-tying drive. Eddie George broke free on a nine-yard touchdown run with 8:03 left in the quarter. Nugent's extra point knotted the score.

"Give Ohio State credit, they didn't quit for a minute," said Dooley.

Neither did Dooley's 'Dwags. Both teams settled in defensively. In fact, most of the game's remainder was played between each team's 30-yard lines.

Each team also lost a key member to injury. First, Griffin went down with a broken ankle late in the third quarter. Then, Hines limped off with a hamstring pull early in the fourth quarter.

"Archie's injury really hurt our running game," said Hayes. "He was having one of his best days as a Buckeye. Still, we have plenty of talent to take his place."

As the afternoon turned to evening, the Georgia offense took over at its own 25-yard line with 5:04 remaining in the game. After playing the second half rather conservatively, Dooley decided to open up his offense.

"Eric is a fine quarterback," said the Georgia head coach. "It's a waste not to use him."

Thus, the Bulldogs began their march down the field with a near-even mixture of pass and run. The key play of the drive came on a third-and-eight from the Bulldog 45. Zeier stepped away from a blitzing A.J. Hawk and rifled a 13-yard gain to Andre Hastings.

"That play not only kept us going, it fired us up," said Georgia offensive guard Joel Parrish.

The Bulldogs not only continued their drive, they also continued to eat up precious minutes on the clock. Five plays later, a Zeier-to-Garrison Hearst completion gave Georgia a first-and-goal at the Ohio State six.

"We had one eye on their offense and one eye on the time," said Hayes.

Knowing he most likely had a field goal in his back pocket, Dooley decided to keep the ball in Walker's hands. The durable Bulldog back picked up five yards on a first-down carry.

"The line really came off the ball and got the push I needed," said Walker.

The next play turned out to be the game-winner. Following the blocks of Matt Stinchcomb and Max Jean-Gilles, Walker bulled over from the one. Just 1:48 showed on the scoreboard.

After adding the extra point, Butler squibbed a bounding kickoff that Ginn fielded at the 18-yard line. The Bulldog coverage team gang-tackled the Buckeye speedster at the 25.

"We got to him before he could get into gear," beamed Robert Edwards, one of the tacklers.

Forced to abandon his ground game, Hayes rotated plays into the game by alternating Smith and Joe Germaine at quarterback. While each had some success, Ohio State finally turned the ball over on downs when Smith's final pass sailed off the hands of tight end John Franks on a fourth-and-eight just inside Georgia territory.

"We had a nice season," said Hayes. "Too bad it had to end one game short."

In the meantime, Georgia's season will add one more date to the schedule.

"That's what makes all the off-the-field work worth it," said a grinning Walker in the post-game interview.

Game Summary
Ohio State 0 14 7 0 -- 21
Georgia 13 8 0 7 -- 28

Geo 9:12 of 1st--1 yard run by Trippi (Butler kick)
Geo 2:09 of 1st--8 yard pass from Zeier to Ward (kick failed)
OSU 11:00 of 2nd--3 yard run by Griffin (Nugent kick)
Geo 0:38 of 2nd--6 yard run by Walker (run good)
OSU 0:19 of 2nd--73 yard run by Griffin (Nugent kick)
OSU 8:03 of 3rd--9 yard run by George (Nugent kick)
Geo 1:48 of 4th--1 yard run by Walker (Butler kick)


First Downs--Geo 22, OSU 19
Rushing Yards--Geo 175, OSU 283
Passing Yards--Geo 247, OSU 94
Total Yards--Geo 422, OSU 377
Fumbles/Lost--Geo 0/0, OSU 0/0
Interceptions--Geo 0, OSU 1
Penalties--Geo 4-20, OSU 4-25
Time of Possession--Geo 32:32, OSU 27:28
Third Down Eff.--Geo 11-14, OSU 7-12

Individual Rushing
Georgia--Sinkwich 6-32, Trippi 6-21, Walker 20-59, Davis 3-5, Edwards 2-6, Ward 2-7, Hearst 5-28, Smith 4-18, Zeier 1 for minus 1.
Ohio State--George 9-62, Griffin 4-89, Byars 9-25, Spencer 5-10, Pearson 8-42, Harris 4-17, Cassady 3-29, Clarett 1-7, Brockington 5-8, Smith 1 for minus 4.

Individual Passing
Georgia--Zeier 16-19-247-2-0.
Ohio State--Smith 3-5-60-0-0, Germaine 2-3-19-0-0, Hoying 1-3-15-0-1.

Individual Receiving
Georgia--Pope 2-26, Hastings 2-22, Scott 1-9, Brown 1-9, Sinkwich 1-6, Trippi 1-9, Walker 1-12, Edwards 3-77, Ward 3-72.
Ohio State--Carter 2-34, Jenkins 1-29, Cassady 1-10, Brockington 1-15, Glenn 1-6.

Individual Punting
Georgia--Andrews 3-41.3.
Ohio State--Skladany 3-51.9.

Sacks
Georgia--Waters.
Ohio State--none.

Interceptions
Georgia--Hogue.
Ohio State--none.

Fumble Recoveries
Georgia--none.
Ohio State--none.

Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player: Eric Zeier, Georgia

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Miami, Fla.--Will Georgia be thrown to the Lions, or will Penn State be 'Dawged?

That's the question that surrounds the Orange Bowl, the game that will determine the All-American Football League national champion.

Both teams are coming off impressive performances in their respective national semi-final bowl victories. Penn State upended Nebraska 38-21 in the Sugar Bowl while Georgia slipped past Ohio State 28-21 in the Rose Bowl.

"It's a good matchup," said Penn State head coach Joe Paterno. "We both deserve to be here."

Georgia head coach Vince Dooley agreed.

"To get this far, we had to something right along the way," said Dooley.

Paterno's Nittany Lions come into the game undefeated in eight starts. They got a sensational performance from quarterback Kerry Collins in the win over Nebraska. Collins threw the ball a season-high 22 times, completing 14 for 230 yards and two touchdowns. The Penn State quarterback earned Sugar Bowl Most Valuable Player honors.

Georgia, meanwhile, turned around a 3-2 start with regular season-ending wins over Florida State and Tennessee. Thus, the Bulldogs wound up champions of the AAFL South.

"How could you overlook them?" said Paterno. "Besides, the South has sent a team to the title game the last two years."

A season ago, Florida State represented the division in the national championship Rose Bowl. The Seminoles fell 34-33 to Midwest champion Notre Dame.

Like Penn State, Georgia got a strong performance from its quarterback. Eric Zeier Zeier was near perfect against Ohio State. The Bulldog signal caller completed 16-of-19 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown. At one point, Zeier connected on nine straight throws.

"We won't be able to load up the line of scrimmage and just defend the run," said Paterno.

That's exactly the strategy Penn State used to defeat Nebraska. Now, the Nittany Lions must defend the balanced Bulldog attack led by Zeier and star running back Herschel Walker.

"Penn State has some great defensive players," said Walker. "But, we've got some pretty good players on our side too."

Georgia is expected to have wide out Hines Ward back at full strength. Ward left the Rose Bowl with an pulled hamstring. The versatile Ward caught three passes for 72 yards and a touchdown against Ohio State. He also ran the ball twice for seven yards.

"The trainers really got me back and ready for this game," said Ward. "I want their hard work to pay off."

Penn State also features an offense capable of running and passing effectively. While Collins and the receiving corps came up big against Nebraska, the ground game has many capable carriers.

"They are so deep in that position," said Dooley. "(Larry) Johnson and (Ki-Jana) Carter are the headliners, but there's a handful of other guys who are just as dangerous."

While neither team is willing to tip their hands in terms or strategy or spout off negatively about the other, both Penn State and Georgia know the game can turn on any one play.

"If you look at the boxscore of both our semi-final games, you see that neither of us turned the ball over," said Dooley. "That's what it takes to win at this level."

Yet, both teams also possess defenses that thrive on game-turning plays. Penn State allowed an AAFL-low 52 points during the regular season. The Nittany Lions bagged 12 sacks and 10 turnovers.

Meanwhile, Georgia led the AAFL with 18 sacks and forced nine turnovers.

"We come to play," said safety Terry Hoage who had an interception against Ohio State. "Any time we can take the ball away from you, that's a feather in our cap."

And come Orange Bowl time, both teams would gladly trade in those feathered caps for a sparkling new trophy for the school's case.


When Georgia Has the Ball . . .
Bulldog Offense
WR-Andre Hastings
TE-Leonard Pope
T-Matt Stinchcomb
G-Max Jean-Gilles
C-Peter Anderson
G-Joel Parrish
T-Mike "Moonpie" Wilson
WR-Lindsay Scott
QB-Eric Zeier
TB-Herschel Walker
FB-Charley Trippi

Nittany Lion Defense
E-Courtney Brown
T-Bruce Clark
T-Mike Reid
E-Tamba Hali
LB-LaVar Arrington
LB-Jack Ham
LB-Shane Conlin
CB-Duffy Cobbs
CB-David Macklin
S-Kim Herring
S-Pete Harris

When Penn State Has the Ball . . .
Nittany Lion Offense
WR-Jack Curry
TE-Kyle Brady
T-Levi Brown
G-Jeff Hartings
C-Roger Duffy
G-Steve Wisniewski
T-Keith Dorney
WR-Bobby Engram
QB-Kerry Collins
TB-Ki-Jana Carter
FB-Franco Harris
Bulldog Defense
E-Fredie Gilbert
T-Richard Seymour
T-Bill Stanfill
E-David Pollack
LB-Boss Bailey
LB-Randall Godfrey
LB-Ben Zambiasi
CB-Champ Bailey
CB-Scott Woerner
S-Terry Hoage
S-Jack Scott

Your Turn: Which team will win the All-American Football League National Championship? Click on the link below and cast your vote!

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...d.php?t=156770

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Max Mercy, Jr. here again, folks . . .

Ole Max thinks it time to empty his bulging mailbag, so here goes:

Max,

Well, you went 1-for-2 in the national semis, picking Georgia correctly and missing with Nebraska. What's your prediction for the Orange Bowl?

Bettin' in Baton Rouge

Dear Bettin',

Ole Max doesn't bet. But if Ole Max did bet, Ole Max would bet on Penn State. It seems to be the Lions' year. Penn State by three.

Max,

Why does the All-American Football League insist on announcing the Heisman Trophy winner before the the bowl games? Look what it did for Mike Rozier and Nebraska.

Waiting in Waco

Dear Waiting,

Ah, the Waiting is the hardest part. That's what Ole Max's buddy Tom Petty from Florida always said. Anyway, look at what it did for Penn State.

Max,

Any word on AAFL expansion?

Eager in Iowa

Dear Eager,

Ole Max has his feelers out and about. Ole Max will have the inside scoop on expansion for you shortly after the Orange Bowl. Here's a hint: The good folks of Iowa will be among the happy.

Maxie,

Why haven't you called? Will I see you at the Orange Bowl?

Jenn

Dear Jenn,

As Ole Max's good friend Tom Petty from Florida always sang, "The waiting is the hardest part . . . "

Until the last tick of the Orange Bowl clock tolls . . . this is Max Mercy and his mailbag signing off . . .

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Miami, Fla.--Playing in the shadow of linebacking stars Jack Ham and LaVar Arrington, Paul Posluszny's name wasn't always on the tip of All-American Football League fans.

All that changed during Saturday's Orange Bowl national championship.

Posluszny played the game of his young career as top-ranked Penn State captured the AAFL title by dropping Georgia 35-27.

Penn State matched Notre Dame of last season by completing an unbeaten season. Both schools ended their years with 9-0 records.

"This team played up to its potential all year long," said Nittany Lion head coach Joe Paterno. "My hat is off to them."

The victory came in what Paterno called "typical Penn State fashion." No ball carrier gained more than 49 yards and quarterback Kerry Collins passed for just 112.

"It doesn't matter how we looked," said Paterno. "This is a team game. Our offense played as a team and our defense played as a team."

Yet, it was the defense that controlled the game. Led by Posluszny's team-high 15 tackles--two for loss--the Nittany Lions held Georgia in check for much of the game.

Posluszny delivered a key blow early. In the first quarter, the Penn State linebacker drove Georgia star running back Herschel Walker to the turf. Walker came up limping and was never really effective the rest of the game.

"They stopped us cold in the first half," said Bulldog head coach Vince Dooley. "Herschel was banged up, but that's why we have other backs to carry the ball too."

Yet, with an ineffective Walker, the Bulldogs struggled mightily. In fact, Penn State allowed Georgia only two first downs in the first two quarters. However, the Bulldogs still managed a pair of touchdowns.

After Penn State scored on its opening drive, Lindsay Scott returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown. Later, following a Nittany Lion fumble, the Bulldogs scored a second-quarter touchdown on a pass from Eric Zeier to tight end Clarence Kay.

Still, the Nittany Lions dominated the first 30 minutes. After Scott's kickoff return, Penn State marched 77 methodical yards to grab the lead for good. Tony Hunt slipped off tackle for a nine-yard touchdown run with 5:28 left in the first quarter.

"That drive was as important as any we've had in two years," said offensive tackle Levi Brown.

Two series later, Ki-Jana Carter gave the Nittany Lions a two-score lead by breaking free on an 11-yard TD run. Because Brett Conway had missed an eariler extra point, Penn State went for a two-point conversion. John Cappelletti powered into the end zone to give Penn State a 21-7 edge.

After Georgia tightened up the game on the Zeier-to-Kay touchdown pass, Penn State answered with another grind-it-out drive. Shuttling in fresh ball carriers, the Nittany Lions moved the ball 79 yards in 10 plays before Larry Johnson crashed over from the one.

"They just kept bringing different backs in and running the ball," said Georgia defender David Pollack. "It was like musical chairs."

The sweet tune appeared to switch to the Bulldogs' station after halftime. Both teams dug in defensively and kept the other off the scoreboard in the third quarter.

"We lost our rhythm," said Collins. "Maybe halftime was too long. Maybe Georgia made some nice adjustments, but we hurt ourselves with some penalties and lost our edge a bit."

Meanwhile, Georgia picked up some momentum as the game entered its final quarter. The Bulldogs experienced their longest drive of the game by moving the ball 67 yards in nine plays. Garrison Hearst scored on a three-yard run at the 8:57 mark, cutting Penn State's lead to 28-21.

Then, came a series of events that will have fans from both sides will rehash for years to come. Penn State's Lydell Mitchell fumbled on a first-down carry after being hit by Pollack. Richard Seymour recovered for Georgia on the Penn State 28.

Frustrated by their inability to move the ball on the ground for much of the game, the Bulldogs went for a quick score on their next snap. Locked onto Scott and forced to step up by a heavy rush from Posluszny, Zeier never saw Leonard Humphries. The Nittany Lion defensive back intercepted Zeier's throw at the goal line and returned it out to the 11-yard line.

"We got in too big a hurry," said Dooley afterward.

The game changed on the play. Penn State set out on a clock-chewing 89-yard drive that culminated with Carter blasting over from the two-yard line.

"Kerry came into the huddle and said, 'Let's take this ball down and put the game on ice,'" said guard Jeff Hartings. "And that's what we did."

With only 1:48 remaining, Georgia had little time to overcome the 35-21 deficit. Yet, the Bulldogs nearly did.

Following a touchback, Dooley sent reserve quarterback Buck Belue onto the field.

"Eric looked a bit stunned," said Dooley. "I played a hunch."

Belue, who had not played a down in three weeks, hit Scott on a crossing route. Arrington missed on the tackle, and the Georgia receiver outraced what was left of the Penn State defense for an 80-yard score.

"They caught us napping," said Posluszny. "When No. 8 (Belue) came out, we let down."

Paterno saw it differently.

"Our defensive backs got confused plain and simple," said the Penn State head coach. "There's no way (Scott) should have been handed off to a linebacker."

Further looking to surprise Penn State, Dooley ran his offense on the field for a two-point conversion attempt. This time, however, the Nittany Lion defense was ready. Posluszny broke through and forced Belue from the pocket into the waiting arms of Courtney Brown and Bruce Clark.

Georgia's last gasp was snuffed out when receiver Bobby Engram covered the Bulldog onside kick attempt.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to win it all," said Posluszny. "I know that's a cliche, but it's so true."

Penn State fans are delighted that truth wound up on their side.

Game Summary
Georgia 7 7 0 13 -- 27
Penn State 13 15 0 7 -- 35

PSU 9:56 of the 1st--12 yard run by Thomas (Conway kick)
Geo 9:44 of the 1st--91 yard kick return by Scott (Butler kick)
PSU 5:28 of 1st--9 yard run by Hunt (kick failed)
PSU 13:14 of 2nd--11 yard run by Carter (run good)
Geo 7:29 of 2nd--13 yard pass from Zeier to Kay (Butler kick)
PSU 2:43 of 2nd--1 yard run by Johnson (Conway kick)
Geo 8:57 of 4th--3 yard run by Hearst (Butler kick)
PSU 1:48 of 4th--2 yard run by Carter (Conway kick)
Geo 1:36 of 4th--80 yard pass from Belue to Scott (run failed)

First Downs--Geo 10, PSU 25
Rushing Yards--Geo 90, PSU 299
Passing Yards--Geo 141, PSU 112
Total Yards--Geo 231, PSU 411
Fumbles/Lost--Geo 0/0, PSU 4/2
Interceptions--Geo 2, PSU 0
Penalties--Geo 5-43, PSU 3-15
Time of Possession--Geo 20:20, PSU 39:58
Third Down Eff.--Geo 5-11, PSU 13-19

Individual Rushing
Georgia--Sinkwich 4-3, Trippi 5-25, Walker 6-16, Davis 3-18, Ward 1-4, Hearst 6-20, Hampton 2-4.
Penn State--Johnson 8-41, Mitchell 6-20, Carter 7-34, Cappelletti 5-24, Thomas 15-49, Enis 10-44, Hunt 4-12, Robinson 7-34, Warner 6-39, Dozier 4-23, Collins 3 for minus 21.

Individual Passing
Georgia--Zeier 6-14-54-1-1, Tarkenton 1-2-2-0-1, Shockley 1-2-5-0-0, Belue 1-1-80-1-0.
Penn State--Collins 7-10-112-0-0.

Individual Receiving
Georgia--Pope 2-16, L. Scott 2-92, Kay 1-13, Moseley 1-5, Trippi 1-9, Edwards 1-2, Ward 2-13.
Penn State--F. Scott 1-10, Jurevicius 1-23, Johnson 1-21, Thomas 1-24, Hunt 2-28, Dozier 1-6.

Individual Punting
Georgia--Andrews 5-37.5.
Penn State--Giacomarro 3-35.

Sacks
Georgia--Tardits.
Penn State--none.

Interceptions
Georgia--none.
Penn State--Moore, Humphries.

Fumble Recoveries
Georgia--Bill Stanfill, Richard Seymour.
Penn State State--none.

Orange Bowl Most Valuable Player: Paul Posluszny, Penn State

[batted balls]

Max Mercy, Jr. here again, folks . . .

Now that the second season of the All-American Football League has been put to rest and the last celebratory drink has been hoisted in State College, PA, it’s time for Ole Max to jump in with some breaking news.

It’s official: The AAFL is expanding! Yes, you read it here first, loyal fans. Yes, Ole Max is about to come forth with an AAFL exclusive! You loyal readers and fellow football fanatics deserve to be the first to know (well, actually second to Ole Max!). So without any more fanfare . . .

The AAFL will expand its four regional divisions by two teams each. That’s right, mathematical whizzes, that’s a total of eight new teams. Thus, each region will play a nine-game regular season schedule in 2008. The four regional division champions will again advance to the national semi-finals.

Tell us more, Max, you ask? Okay, here is all the inside scoop. The East will add Virginia Tech and West Virginia to its lineup. The South gets Georgia Tech and Texas A&M. To the Midwest comes Iowa and Minnesota. Out West, Cal and Stanford will field teams.

So, there you have it, Ole Max loyalists. A look ahead before whilst the shouting joy from Mount Nittany still lingers in your ears.

This is Max Mercy, Jr. signing off . . . until the next scoop falls into my lap.

[batted balls]

Virginia Tech Hokies
Head Coach: Frank Beamer
AAFL Conference: East

Running Backs: Roscoe Coles, Vaughn Hebron, Kevin Jones, Cyrus Lawrence, Ken Oxendine, Lee Suggs, Dwayne Thomas, Maurice Williams

Quarterbacks: Jim Druckenmiller, Will Furer, Bryan Randall, Don Strock, Michael Vick

Receivers: Carroll Dale, Andre Davis, Antonio Freeman, Eddie Royal, Ricky Scales, Bryan Still, Ernest Wilford

Kicker: Shayne Graham

Punter: Nic Schmitt

Top Defensive Standouts: Corey Bird, Cornell Brown, Ken Brown, Tyrone Drakeford, John Engelberger, George Foussekis, Frank Loria, Anthony Midget, Corey Moore, Willie Pile, David Pugh, Bruce Smith, Darryl Tapp

[batted balls]

West Virginia Mountaineers
Head Coach: Don Nehlen
AAFL Conference: East

Running Backs: Robert Alexander, Jim Braxton, Avon Cobourne, Undra Johnson, Adrian Murrell, Artie Owens, Steve Slaton, Robert Walker, Quincy Wilson, Amos Zereoue

Quarterbacks: Marc Bulger, Major Harris, Jeff Hostetler, Oliver White, Pat White

Receivers: Danny Buggs, Shawn Foreman, Khori Ivy, Calvin Phillips, Reggie Rembert, David Saunders, Rahsaan Vanterpool

Kickers: Paul Woodside, Mike Vanderjagt

Punter: Todd Sauerbrun

Top Defensive Standouts: Aaron Beasley, Mark Collins, Mike Fox, Sam Huff, Chuck Howley, Adam Jones, Bo Orlando, Tom Pridemoore, Darryl Talley, Darrell Whitmore, Grant Wiley

[batted balls]

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Head Coach: Bobby Dodd
AAFL Conference: South

Running Backs: William Bell, Joe Burns, P.J. Daniels, Joe Guyon, Eddie Lee Ivory, Robert Lavette, Jerry Mays, Lenny Snow, C.J. Williams

Quarterbacks: Reggie Ball, George Godsey, Joey Hamilton, Shawn Jones

Receivers: Kelly Campbell, Calvin Johnson, Billy Martin, John Sias, Jonathan Smith, Kenny Watkins, Dez White

Kicker: Scott Sisson

Punter: Rodney Williams

Top Defensive Standouts: Keith Brookings, Marco Coleman, Willie Clay, Bill Curry, Greg Gathers, Rock Perdoni, Coleman Rudolph, Larry Stallings, Pat Swilling, Travares Tillman

[batted balls]

Texas A&M Aggies
Head Coach: R.C. Slocum
AAFL Conference: South

Running Backs: Bubba Bean, John David Crow, Curtis Dickey, Greg Hill, Darren Lewis, Leeland McElroy, Ja 'Mar Toombs, George Woodward

Quarterbacks: Edd Harget, Gary Kubiak, Reggie McNeal, Kevin Murray, Corey Pullig, Bucky Richardson

Receivers: Albert Connell, Robert Ferguson, Bethel Johnson, Bob Long, Terrence Murphy, Jamaar Taylor

Kicker: Tony Franklin

Punter: Shane Lechler

Top Defensive Standouts: Sam Adams, Patrick Bates, Ray Childress, Quinton Coryatt, Aaron Glenn, Jacob Green, Lester Hayes, Johnny Holland, Ray Mickens, Brandon Mitchell, Keith Mitchell, Dat Nguyen, Jack Pardee, John Roper, Ed Simonini, Pat Thomas, Jason Webster

[batted balls]

Iowa Hawkeyes
Head Coach: Hayden Fry
AAFL Conference: Midwest

Running Backs: Tavian Banks, Nick Bell, Ronnie Harmon, Nile Kinnick, Ed Podolak, Fred Russell, Sedrick Shaw, Albert Young

Quarterbacks: Randy Duncan, Chuck Hartlieb, Chuck Long, Matt Rodgers, Drew Tate

Receivers: Keith Chapelle, Dallas Clark, Marv Cook, Tim Dwight, Quinn Early, Jim Gibbons, Kevin Kasper, Karl Noonan

Kicker: Nate Kaeding

Punter: Reggie Roby

Top Defensive Standouts: Mark Bortz, Jared DeVries, Chad Greenway, Alex Karras, Paul Krause, Matt Roth, Bob Sanders, Larry Station, Mike Stoops, Andre Tippett

[batted balls]

Minnesota Golden Gophers
Head Coach: Bernie Bierman
AAFL Conference: Midwest

Running Backs: Marion Barber III, Chris Darkins, George Franck, Paul Giel, Thomas Hamner, Laurence Maroney, Bronko Nagurksi, Tellis Redmon, Bruce Smith, Darrell Thompson

Quarterbacks: Bryan Capito, Rickey Fogie, Mike Hohensee, Cory Sauter, Sandy Stepens

Receivers: Tutu Atwell, Chester Cooper, Jared Ellerson, Ron Johnson, Luke Leverson, Charlie Sanders, Matt Spaeth, Ryan Thelwell

Kickers: Chip Lohmiller, Dan Nystrom

Punter: Preston Gruening

Top Defensive Standouts: Bobby Bell, Tyrone Carter, Carl Eller, Jim Fahnhorst, Karon Reilley, Willie Middlebrooks, Karl Mecklenberg, Leo Nomellini, Jeff Wright

[batted balls]

Cal Golden Bears
Head Coach: Pappy Waldorf
AAFL Conference: West

Running Backs: J.J. Arrington, Joe Igber, Paul Jones, Marshawn Lynch, Chuck Muncie, Russell White

Quarterbacks: Steve Bartkowski, Pat Barnes, Kyle Boller, Rich Campbell, Nate Longshore, Craig Morton, Aaron Rodgers

Receivers: Sean Dawkins, Dameane Douglas, Tony Gonzalez, Jim Hanifan, DeSean Jackson, Geoff McArthur, Steve Rivera, Bobby Shaw

Kickers: Jim Breech, Ryan Longwell

Punter: Nick Harris

Top Defensive Standouts: Andre Carter, Duane Clemons, Rhett Hall, Hardy Nickerson, Delta O'Neal, David Ortega, Gary Plummer, Ron Rivera, Regan Upshaw, Ed White

[batted balls]

Stanford Cardinal
Head Coach: John Ralston
AAFL Conference: West

Running Backs: Glyn Milburn, Brad Muster, Darrin Nelson, Ernie Nevers, Tommy Vardell, John Volpe, Vincent White

Quarterbacks: Guy Benjamin, John Brodie, John Elway, Todd Husak, Jim Plunkett, Steve Stenstrom

Receivers: Justin Armour, Tony Hill, Ken Margerum, James Lofton, DeRonnie Pitts, Troy Walters, Gene Washington

Kicker: Rod Garcia

Punter: Ken Nabor

Top Defensive Standouts: Pat Donovan, Ron George, Darrien Gordon, John Lynch, Blaine Nye, Dick Ragsdale, Jeff Siemon, Dave Tipton, Tank Williams, Vaughan Williams, Kaile Wong

[batted balls]

East
Armed Forces (combined Army. Navy and Air Force)
Boston College
Clemson
HBCU (combined Historically Black College and Universities)
Ivy (combined Ivy League)
Penn State
Pittsburgh
Syracuse
Virginia Tech
West Virginia

Week 1
Armed Forces @ Boston College
Clemson @ HBCU
Ivy @ Penn State
Pitt @ Syracuse
Virginia Tech @ West Virginia
Week 2
HBCU @ Pitt
Penn State @ Virginia Tech
Syracuse @ Armed Forces
West Virginia @ Clemson
Ivy @ Boston College
Week 3
Clemson @ Penn State
Ivy @ Syracuse
Pitt @ West Virginia
Boston College @ Virginia Tech
HBCU @ Armed Forces
Week 4
West Virginia @ Ivy
Boston College @ Pitt
Virginia Tech @ HBCU
Armed Forces @ Penn State
Clemson @ Syracuse
Week 5
Ivy @ HBCU
Virginia Tech @ Clemson
Armed Forces @ Pitt
Syracuse @ Boston College
West Virginia @ Penn State
Week 6
Penn State @ Syracuse
West Virginia @ Armed Forces
Clemson @ Ivy
Virginia Tech @ Pitt
Boston College @ HBCU
Week 7
Pitt @ Clemson
Armed Forces @ Ivy
Penn State @ Boston College
HBCU @ West Virginia
Syracuse @ Virginia Tech
Week 8
Boston College @ West Virginia
Pitt @ Penn State
HBCU @ Syracuse
Virginia Tech @ Ivy
Armed Forces @ Clemson
Week 9
Virginia Tech @ Armed Forces
Syracuse @ West Virginia
Boston College @ Clemson
Penn State @ HBCU
Pitt @ Ivy

[batted balls]

South
Alabama
Auburn
Georgia
Georgia Tech
Florida
Florida State
LSU
Miami
Tennessee
Texas A&M

Week 1
Tennessee @ Alabama
Miami @ Texas A&M
Auburn @ Georgia
Florida State @ Georgia Tech
LSU @ Florida
Week 2
Auburn @ Texas A&M
LSU @ Florida State
Georgia Tech @ Miami
Tennesee @ Florida
Alabama @ Georgia
Week 3
LSU @ Georgia
Alabama @ Florida
Florida State @ Auburn
Georgia Tech @ Texas A&M
Miami @ Tennessee
Week 4
Florida @ Georgia Tech
Tennessee @ Georgia
Alabama @ LSU
Miami @ Auburn
Texas A&M @ Florida State
Week 5
Florida State @ Miami
Texas A&M @ Alabama
Georgia @ Florida
Tennessee @ LSU
Auburn @ Georgia Tech
Week 6
Texas A&M @ Florida
Auburn @ LSU
Tennessee @ Georgia Tech
Alabama @ Florida State
Georgia @ Miami
Week 7
Georgia @ Florida State
Florida @ Miami
LSU @ Texas A&M
Auburn @ Tennessee
Georgia Tech at Alabama
Week 8
Georgia @ LSU
Florida State @ Tennessee
Miami @ Alabama
Texas A&M @ Georgia
Florida @ Auburn
Week 9
Alabama @ Auburn
Georgia @ Georgia Tech
Florida @ Florida State
LSU @ Miami
Tennessee @ Texas A&M

[batted balls]

Midwest
Illinois
Iowa
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnesota
Notre Dame
Ohio State
Oklahoma
Purdue
Wisconsin

Week 1
Purdue @ Illinois
Oklahoma @ Wisconsin
Iowa @ Michigan
Notre Dame @ Michigan State
Ohio State @ Minnesota
Week 2
Iowa @ Wisconsin
Ohio State @ Notre Dame
Michigan State @ Oklahoma
Purdue @ Minnesota
Illinois @ Michigan
Week 3
Notre Dame @ Oklahoma
Wisconsin @ Illinois
Michigan @ Minnesota
Purdue @ Ohio State
Iowa @ Michigan State
Week 4
Minnesota @ Michigan State
Purdue @ Michigan
Illinois @ Ohio State
Oklahoma @ Iowa
Wisconsin @ Notre Dame
Week 5
Wisconsin @ Minnesota
Ohio State @ Iowa
Purdue @ Michigan State
Illinois @ Notre Dame
Michigan @ Oklahoma
Week 6
Michigan @ Notre Dame
Minnesota @ Oklahoma
Ohio State @ Wisconsin
Iowa @ Purdue
Michigan State @ Illinois
Week 7
Michigan State @ Ohio State
Notre Dame @ Purdue
Oklahoma @ Illinois
Wisconsin @ Michigan
Minnesota @ Iowa
Week 8
Illinois @ Iowa
Michigan @ Michigan State
Minnesota @ Notre Dame
Ohio State @ Oklahoma
Purdue @ Wisconsin
Week 9
Illinois @ Minnesota
Notre Dame @ Iowa
Michigan State @ Wisconsin
Oklahoma @ Purdue
Ohio State @ Michigan