A great special teams player can win you a critical game when your offense is staggering and your defense is stalled.Meet Brett Swenson, a 5-foot-8, 169-pound junior kicker out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Pompano Beach (FL). He put his foot down in the Michigan State-Wisconsin game Saturday (11-1-08) with 7 seconds left and kicked a 44-yard field goal to lift the Spartans to a 25-24 victory.

Running out of time, the Spartans scrambled to set up for a field goal, but were helped when the Badgers called a timeout with 12 seconds left. Then the Badgers called their last timeout, hoping to rattle Swenson, only to watch Swenson take his helmet off, laugh and then make the field goal.

“The first timeout helped me because it gave me a chance to relax after rushing on the field,” said Swenson after the victory. “The second timeout, I thought was funny because he was trying to ice me and I knew that wouldn’t work.”

Prior to the 44-yard game winner, Swenson kicked field goals of 27, 21 and 50 yards.

Without Swenson kicking butt and taking names, Michigan State loses a game it should not lose. With Swenson the Spartans log their 8th win of the season against 2 losses. More important, the plague of collapsing late in the season is now starting to become a thing of the past.

To say that coach Mark Dantonio’s presence has not make a tremendous difference in the consciousness of the Michigan State University football program is to ignore Brett Swenson’s confidence when he lines up to make a field goal. Swenson just might be the best college field goal kicker in the country.

When you compete for a spot in a BCS bowl game or a major bowl game, a great, reliable kicker is a key player you want on your side. In 10 games, Swenson has made 19 of 23 field goal attempts with 6-of-6 between 40 to 49 yards and 1-of-2 from 50+ yards. He also endured a couple of bad snaps and bad holds.

Michigan State was not on top of its game against Wisconsin and was not on top of its No. 22 standing in the AP Top 25 Poll. By winning, the Spartans are now ranked No. 18 in the same poll. Voters boosted Michigan State’s fortunes because they recognize that the Spartans were 11 points down in the 4th quarter and came back to win. Secondly, they know that despite Wisconsin’s 4-5 losing record, is the best 4-5 team in the country.

Michigan State is 8-2 for just the second time in 4 decades and will play in consecutive bowls for the first time since the end of the Nick Saban era in the late 1990s.

The Spartans host Purdue this Saturday and end their season on the road at Penn State on Nov. 22.

Copyright Š 2008 Ed Bagley

Reason # 1. Obviously, so that we can finally have a clear cut winner, with no speculation. And it’s teams that fought hard to get there. Teams that are deserving..not some over weight powerhouse that hasn’t played a game in 2 months because they don’t play a conference championship.Reason # 2. It would give more deserving conferences like the SEC and the Big12 a chance to get in. Thus insuring a exciting game. No more blow outs!

Reason # 3. It’s what the fans want. President elect Barrack Obama even said a 8 game playoff system has been long over due in college football. Let’s give the people what they want!

Reason # 4. Nobody cares about the outback bowl. Nobody cares about any of the bowls other than the BCS bowls and the title game is the only real tv draw on a weeknight. You bring in this playoff system and suddenly it’s March Madness in December. What’s more exciting then a bracket with these 8 teams in it. Florida, USC, Texas Tech, Georgia , Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma ST. I wouldn’t put Penn ST. or Mizz on there but for you fans,it could happen. Then,think of the action that a 16 game system would produce. The Sweet Sixteen has never been seen like this…

Reason # 5. I’m sick of all the talking. Let’s put this to rest. No more will there be some under achiever that achieved over crying for a piece of the title. No more “co. champions.” Not that there ever was really. To my recollection they only give out one crystal ball each year. Still,I am sick of the chatter. I wanna see some action.

Reason # 6. I’m sick of hearing Pete Carrol cry about how his team deserves a shot. I want to see USC take on a real team.Not one of these mediocre teams that seem to throw a monkey wrench in the National title implications for USC every year, but a real team, with a real defense. I guess that doesn’t take care of Pete Carrol’s crying though,because after a thrashing from UG or UF. USC will finally be seen as they are. And not the greatest team in college football.

Angle tacklingIt is a great idea to practice angle tackles with your defense because not all tackles are made with the opponent right in front of you. Set up a simple drill with two players, on as the offense with the ball running in a straight line, the other as the defender running towards him at some angle. As the defender he will need to adjust his body to cover the shortest distance towards the ball carrier, and make the stop by placing his foot squarely in front, and remembers for safety to put his head in front of the ball carrier. The defender follows through with the tackle by straightening his knees in a lunging type motion, wrapping his arms around the ball carrier to pull him down to the ground or push him off sides.

The importance of learning the Playbook

Practicing the plays is fun, and also very important. When you master your part of the play it will strengthen your team and yourself. Because football plays can be intricate, it is important that you understand and follow the coach’s instructions. As you start to practice the play make sure to slow it down, there is no sense in practicing errors. As always, when learning a new play don’t hesitate to ask for individual help to master the techniques needed. After practice is over visualize the play in your mind. Go over it again and again, and you will find that your mind will help you learn the plays even when you sleep.

Learning the Basics of Catching a Low Football Pass

This means that quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, etc have gone through the motions several times and know how to react to situations on the field. One situation that most offensive players will face is the low catch. One not so perfect scenario is a low passed catch. First keep the pinkies together down low to make a shovel. This ensures that the ball will not slip through your fingers. Second, keep low to the ground as a reference your knees should be level with your elbows, and if this means that you are down on all fours better a complete and no extra yards than an incomplete pass. Once you have the football in your hands scoop it up and tuck it away. Use your hands and not your body. Keep your eyes right on the ball. Catch it first and then worry about running it.

Prevent fumbles with strong techniques

One of the fundamental aspects of running with a football is ball security. Nothing is worse for your offensive team then turning it over carelessly to the other team in a fumble. Basic ball security can be broken down into four steps. First grab the football with your carrying hand with the tips of the football being covered with your fingers. The second point is your forearm wrapped around the ball and shielding it from the defense. The third point is securing the other point of the football with your bicep making sure that it is right up against it. Fourth, pull the football up and tight against your ribcage closing the gap on the football from all four sides. Run a couple of drills were the ball carrier runs through a pack of defenders to practice. As your ball carrying continues to improve you will insure less turnovers and greater success on the field.