2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

The limited-edition 2012 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca takes the Boss spirit even further, resulting in a race-ready version of the Mustang.

College football, or any sport for that matter, would not bring excitement to millions of people each year if it wasn’t for the fans. Yet, when it comes to determining the best college football player in the nation, the fans are mostly left out of the selection process -until now. Premier Players has a poll listing 20 of the best college football players for fans to decide which athlete will receive its 2010 Premier Player of College Football award. Fans from around the world have up until December 5th to cast their votes. The athlete(s) with the most votes will be announced December 18th. “Fans are such a big part of the games, so we wanted to come up with an award that they can be a big part of too,” said Carnell Moore, CEO of Premier Players. “All the athletes on the list are Premier Players, but we will let the fans decide who gets the award.” To vote for the 2010 Premier Player of College Football, go to www.premierplayers.com and click on the Polls & Results tab. Current results as of August 31 are as follows:

Andy Dalton, Texas Christian Horned Frogs1%Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh Panthers0%Evan Royster, Penn State NittanyLions0%Garrett Gilbert, Texas Longhorns0%JacquizzRodgers, Oregon State Beavers5%Jake Locker, Washington Huskies19%John Brantley, Florida Gators,0%John Clay, Wisconsin Badgers0%Jordan Jefferson, Louisiana State Tigers0%KellenMoore, Boise State Broncos0%

Mark Herzlich, Boston Eagles,0%Mark Ingram, Alabama Crimson Tide,0%Ricky Stanzi, Iowa Hawkeyes,40%Ryan Mallett, Arkansas Razorbacks32%TerrellePryor, Ohio State Buckeyes1%Christian Ponder, Florida State Seminoles0%JacoryHarris, Miami Hurricanes0%LaMichaelJames, Oregon Ducks,0%Noel Devin, W. Virginia Mountaineers0%TyrodTaylor, Virginia Tech Hokies1%

You Decide Who Will Be The 2010

PreMier PLayer of CoLLege FootBaLL

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Carnell Moore

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSBen Delanoy

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features & departments

features

14 Athlete In Action

15 Favre From Over: The Road to the Super Bowl!

16 NFL (Tear Out)

22 Miami vs. Ohio State

26 Sink or Swim for the Hogs as the Tide Rolls In

30 Puddle of Mudd Interview

departments

07 In Play 08 Good Sport

09 Community

12 Sound Off

20 Player’s Ink

24 Travel

26 Best/Worst Gaming

PREMIER PLAYERS �

You Decide Who Will Be The 2010

PreMier PLayer of CoLLege FootBaLL

Will the Saints march back to the Super Bowl. See page 15.

USA’s Tyson Chandler, right, blocks the shot of Slovenia’s Gasper Vidmar during the preliminary round of the World Basketball Championship, Sunday, Aug. 29th, 2010, in Istanbul, Turkey.

USA team players celebrate after winning a point during the first day volleyball match against Germany at the 2010 FIVA World Grand Prix in Hong Kong Friday, August 20th, 2010. USA won 25-15, 25-18, 25-13.

Sri Lankan cricket team captain Kumar Sangakkara plays a shot as India’s captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni looks on during their tri-series final cricket match in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, Saturday, Aug. 28th, 2010. Sri Lankan defeated India by 74 runs

Rebecca Soni swims the women’s 200 meter breast stroke at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, Saturday, Aug. 21st, 2010, in Irvine, Calif. Soni won the event.

Peter Uihlein hits a tee shot in the final round of the U.S. Amateur golf tournament, Sunday, Aug. 29th, 2010, at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash. Uihlein beat David Chung to win the championship.

Anastasiya Kisse of Bulgaria performs with the ball during the Individual All-Around Rhythmic Gymnastics Finals at the Youth Olympic Games on Wednesday Aug. 25th, 2010, in Singapore.

South Africa’s Jaque Fourie, center, charges Australia’s Will Genia, right, during their Tri Nations rugby match at the Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday Aug. 28th, 2010. South Africa beat Australia 44-31.

Elena Dementieva of Russia returns a shot to Olga Govortsova of Belarus during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, Aug. 30th, 2010. Dementieva won 6-1, 6-2.

Inter Milan’s Coutinho, of Brazil, left, vies for the ball with Bologna’s Riccardo Meggiorini during a Serie A soccer match between Bologna and Inter Milan, in Bologna’s Renato Dall’ Ara stadium, Italy, Monday, Aug 30th, 2010. The match ended 0-0.

Kenya’s David Rudisha poses next to the scoreboard after setting a world record in the 800 meters, in Rieti, Italy, Sunday, Aug. 29th, 2010. Rudisha clocked 1 minute, 41.01 seconds in the two-lap race at the Rieti Grand Prix Sunday, shaving 0.08 seconds off his world record mark set last weekend in Berlin. Until a week ago, Wilson Kipketer of Denmark had held the record of 1:41.11 for 13 years.

� PREMIER PLAYERS

in play

PREMIER PLAYERS �

y name is Tammy Campbell. At birth, I was put up for adoption with several birth defects. One of those defects was a dislocated hip due to my hip joint had not completely developed.

I was referred to Crippled Children’s Services. There, I was put in a hip brace that I wore until I was 2-1/2 years old. Despite the fact that I would have to wear the brace and would not be able to walk until after I was out of the brace, I was adopted into a wonderful, Christian family when I was 13 months old. Besides weighing only 13 pounds at the time, my parents were told about my birth defects. However, they had already adopted a son, who was now 3 years-old, when they decided I was going to be their daughter with or without birth defects. Despite having to wear braces on my hips and legs 24 hours a day, I learned to walk with the braces on. I had to have my hips x-rayed every six months to check the growth of the hip joint. Once I stopped wearing the braces, the doctor suggested I take dance lessons or swim as therapy for my hip. I took dance lessons for 13 years and danced for two years in a traveling show choir in high school. We traveled to Hawaii and performed for Jim Nabors. I can also remember having our dance recitals each May. My mom would come back stage with me to help get my costumes and make-up on. I always hated make-up. My dad didn’t care much for the long recitals, but he was always there in the audience to cheer for me.

good sport

My family has always been very close, loving, and supportive. I remember fishing with my dad all my life. I fished in a tournament with him when I was about 12. It was one where ladies were allowed to fish. My mom never cared for fishing so she allowed me to fish with him that day. I won 6th place and still have the trophy. I started gymnastics when I was five years-old. I did floor exercise and vault training for about three years. We did not have girls little league or tee ball in my community. However, I started playing softball for our church league in 7th grade. I played third base and pitched, occasionally. My mom and dad and brother were always there to watch me play. Dad may have missed an occasional game if he had to work late or was out of town on business. I played softball with church members until I left for college. In college, I joined a sorority and played intramural softball and volleyball with the members. Later, I transferred to another college closer to home. I was able to return to my old softball team and played on two church volleyball teams. Again, mom and dad were able to come see me play. I started dating my future husband right before I went to graduate school. Then one year later, I began a 13-year career with a company where I played softball with colleagues. Patrick and I married two years after we started dating. Less than two years after that, I became sick with an incurable disease called Scleroderma. This disease causes your body to harden. I quickly lost 40 pounds. About 17 months later, I started having trouble breathing. I stayed as active as possible, but with increased trouble breathing, it became harder to do everyday activities. Eight years after we married, I had a double lung transplant. After my surgery, I became active again. I have not been able to return to sports in the same degree that I was before since my lung capacity has not returned to normal. However, it is back to about 75 percent. Since my transplant, I have been able to go swimming, snorkeling, indoor rock wall climbing, go-cart riding, jet skiing, and white water rafting. I also compete at the U.S. Transplant Games every two years in Olympic-style events. Recently, I competed in these events in Madison, WI, where I placed 4th in the long jump. This was the first time I had have ever attempted the long jump, and was very excited about the result since I am less than 5’ tall.

how has sports helped you?

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ato June was a regular kid growing up, something he is proud of, making him a source of inspiration to youths who are enduring similar journeys. His youthful spirit coupled with his ability to convey how he overcame

childhood challenges motivates and compels kids to action through 59 Academy. The mission of 59 Academy, which is the priority program at the June Family Foundation, is to expose disadvantaged youths to the fascinating business side of the multi-billion dollar sports industry. The sports business is one of the largest industries in the United States. Fueled by explosive growth, this multi-billion dollar business is more than twice the size of the U.S. auto industry and seven times the size of the movie industry, notes the foundation’s website. “While many young people every year set their goals on becoming NFL players, less than 0.2% will ever realize their dream,” said Cato, Chairman and CEO. “While I always tell kids to never give up on your dreams, we feel this presents an excellent opportunity to expose youths to lucrative business and professional career opportunities that exist in the sports industry.” Cato and his wife, Nicole, founded the family foundation to serve disadvantaged and at-risk kids in Tampa and Washington, D.C. Through its 59 Academy program, they are bringing unconventional, strategic and cutting-edge youth initiatives to these cities. The Academy hosts an annual youth summit where sports business executives speak with at-risk youths about the unlimited opportunities that exist off the field in the sports-business industry. Other programs offered by The June Family Foundation include: Team June: Team June is a 14 and under Amateur Athletic Union basketball traveling team. The foundation’s goal is to not only give these young men from Oklahoma City the opportunity to achieve excellence on the basketball court, but the opportunity to obtain life skills that are pertinent to a successful future.

“Our goal is to teach and mentor these young men so that they will become positive role models and leaders within their communities” said Cato. Sports Business Summer Youth Employment Initiative: This program offers sports-business leadership training opportunities to kids through summer employment in the sports-business arena. The internships are at least 25 hours each week for six weeks in the following target areas: Sports graphic design, sports management, team operations, sports apparel design & manufacturing, scouting, sports agency, sports videography and photography, sports conditioning/training, and coaching. Curriculum Development: This program seeks to expand

the business content of sports industry courses for Tampa and Washington, DC, public schools. The Academy wants to enhance kids’ knowledge, understanding, and awareness of the many business and professional career opportunities in the sports-business industry. Besides the business knowledge, Cato

can also explain the physical aspects of the game to kids as he spent several seasons in the NFL. He spent four seasons with the Colts (2003-2006) before signing with the Buccaneers as a free agent in 2007. The versatile linebacker possessed the ability to drop back in coverage or crowd the line against the run. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2005 while also earning selection to the Associated Press NFL All-Pro (second team) and Pro Football Writers All-AFC Team and All-NFL Team that same year. “On the field, I was able to achieve all-pro status tackling NFL’s toughest athletes,” says Cato. “Off the field, I am equally determined to be an all-pro tackling illiteracy, poverty, and to inspire more inner-city youths to consider careers on the business side of a robust sports industry.” For more information about 59 Academy and The June Family Foundation, call 813-962-JUNE.

C59 Academy offers kids Success Beyond The Field

Cato reacts after making a play as a linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts.

Cato (59), then with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, celebrates after scoring on a pass interception.

While many young people every year set their goals on becoming NFL players, less than 0.2% will ever realize their dream.”

PREMIER PLAYERS �

community

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sound off

1. Clemson fans celebrate as they defeated South Carolina 31-14.2. Ohio State fans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. 3. Colorado State fans storm the field after Colorado State beat Colorado 23-17.4. Oregon State fans brave the mid-30s chill during a game against Washington State. Oregon State won 42-10.

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412 PREMIER PLAYERS

A Nebraska cheerleader holds 8 month-old Colby Brummels of Omaha, as his mother, unseen, takes a picture, during Nebraska’s NCAA college football fan day, in Lincoln, Neb., in August.

Justin Jackson is a member of the Armwood High School football team in Seffner, FL. Earlier this year, he was involved in an automobile accident while driving with his mother. A minivan crashed into the passenger’s side of his vehicle where his mother sat. After checking his mother’s injuries, the teenager saw the other driver still in her car so he went over to help her. “Next thing you know, her car is in flames,” Justin told Tampa’s WTSP News Channel 10. “It was an inferno, the fire was

getting way too big.” Justin’s athletic ability gave him the strength to open the jarred door as well as pull the injured passenger away from the vehicle while it burned out. His quick thinking and actions saved another’s life, but it also changed him, too. “I think it changed me a lot, make sure you drive with your seatbelt on; you have to have your eyes open; no texting or nothing, [just] be cautious on the road,” says Justin.

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nI think it changed me a

lot, make sure you drive with your seatbelt on; you have to have your eyes open; no texting or nothing, [just] be cautious on the road.”

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continue pg 18

PREMIER PLAYERS 1�

By Chris Hodge

eah, it’s only August, and the Super Bowl is still a little over five months away. But be that as it may, everybody and their football-loving brother are

already getting hyped over what the future holds for their favorite team. Three teams are currently led by the only three men who have ever led teams to victory against all 32 teams in the NFL (Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Brett Favre), and certain experts say that Drew Brees has a good chance of donning a new Super Bowl ring next year.

Favre From Over: The Road to the Super Bowl!

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) gestures at the line of scrimmage. We think Peyton could direct, shuffle, shout, and lead his team back to the big game.

WEEK 1

Thu, Sep 09 Stadium Time (ET)MIN @ NO Superdome 8:30 PM (NBC)Sun, Sep 12 Stadium Time (ET)CLE @ TB Raymond James Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)MIA @ BUF Ralph Wilson Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)CIN @ NE Gillette Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)CAR @ NYG New Meadowlands Stadium - 1:00 PM (FOX)DET @ CHI Soldier Field - 1:00 PM (FOX)ATL @ PIT Heinz Field - 1:00 PM (FOX)OAK @ TEN LP Field - 1:00 PM (CBS)DEN @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)IND @ HOU Reliant Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)ARI @ STL Edward Jones Dome - 4:15 PM (FOX) GB @ PHI Lincoln Financial Field - 4:15 PM (FOX)SF @ SEA Qwest Field - 4:15 PM (FOX)DAL @ WAS FedEx Field - 8:20 PM (NBC)Mon, Sep 13 Stadium Time (ET)BAL @ NYJ New Meadowlands Stadium - 7:00 PM (ESPN)SD @ KC Arrowhead Stadium - 10:15 PM (ESPN)

WEEK 2

Sun, Sep 19 Stadium Time (ET)BUF @ GB Lambeau Field - 1:00 PM (CBS)BAL @ CIN Paul Brown Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)TB @ CAR Bank of America Stadium - 1:00 PM (FOX)KC @ CLE Cleveland Browns Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)PIT @ TEN LP Field - 1:00 PM (CBS)CHI @ DAL Cowboys Stadium - 1:00 PM (FOX)ARI @ ATL Georgia Dome - 1:00 PM (FOX)PHI @ DET Ford Field - 1:00 PM (FOX)MIA @ MIN Mall of America Field - 1:00 PM (CBS)SEA @ DEN Invesco Field at Mile High - 4:05 PM (FOX)STL @ OAK Oakland Coliseum - 4:05 PM (FOX)HOU @ WAS FedEx Field - 4:15 PM (CBS)NE @ NYJ New Meadowlands Stadium - 4:15 PM (CBS)JAC @ SD Qualcomm Stadium - 4:15 PM (CBS)NYG @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium - 8:20 PM (NBC)Mon, Sep 20 Stadium Time (ET)NO @ SF Candlestick Park - 8:30 PM (ESPN)

September

WEEK 2

Sun, Sep 19 Stadium Time (ET)BUF @ GB Lambeau Field - 1:00 PM (CBS)BAL @ CIN Paul Brown Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)TB @ CAR Bank of America Stadium - 1:00 PM (FOX)KC @ CLE Cleveland Browns Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)PIT @ TEN LP Field - 1:00 PM (CBS)CHI @ DAL Cowboys Stadium - 1:00 PM (FOX)ARI @ ATL Georgia Dome - 1:00 PM (FOX)PHI @ DET Ford Field - 1:00 PM (FOX)MIA @ MIN Mall of America Field - 1:00 PM (CBS)SEA @ DEN Invesco Field at Mile High - 4:05 PM (FOX)STL @ OAK Oakland Coliseum - 4:05 PM (FOX)HOU @ WAS FedEx Field - 4:15 PM (CBS)NE @ NYJ New Meadowlands Stadium - 4:15 PM (CBS)JAC @ SD Qualcomm Stadium - 4:15 PM (CBS)NYG @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium - 8:20 PM (NBC)Mon, Sep 20 Stadium Time (ET)NO @ SF Candlestick Park - 8:30 PM (ESPN)

WEEK 3

Sun, Sep 26 Stadium Time (ET)TEN @ NYG New Meadowlands Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)SF @ KC Arrowhead Stadium - 1:00 PM (FOX)DAL @ HOU Reliant Stadium - 1:00 PM (FOX)BUF @ NE Gillette Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)CLE @ BAL M&T Bank Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)DET @ MIN Mall of America Field - 1:00 PM (FOX)ATL @ NO Superdome - 1:00 PM (FOX)PIT @ TB Raymond James Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)CIN @ CAR Bank of America Stadium - 1:00 PM (CBS)WAS @ STL Edward Jones Dome - 4:05 PM (FOX)PHI @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium - 4:05 PM (FOX)IND @ DEN Invesco Field at Mile High - 4:15 PM (CBS)OAK @ ARI University of Phoenix Stadium - 4:15 PM (CBS)SD @ SEA Qwest Field - 4:15 PM (CBS)NYJ @ MIA Sun Life Stadium - 8:20 PM (NBC)Mon, Sep 27 Stadium Time (ET)GB @ CHI Soldier Field - 8:30 PM (ESPN)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy aloft after the NFL Super Bowl XLIV football game in Miami, Sunday, Feb. 7th, 2010. The Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts, 31-17.

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Okay, the “expert” is former Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo. And while he does have an admitted bias towards his New Orleans Saints coming back for another victory, he does raise a valid point. Having a historical precedent firmly in their minds, the Saints are primed to do it all again… just as long as they don’t assume that victory is some sort of entitlement. Now that they only have two backs, the phrase “without a net” does apply to the Saints’ situation. And they also need to go further on the wins – if they don’t get at least 50% victories on the road (particularly the Vikings) and at home (especially the Steelers), the Saints will not be marching into the Cowboys’ new stadium – let alone christening it with their victory. Tom Brady is a great quarterback who leads a troubled team. The challenge of going all the way is definitely cut out for the 2009 Comeback Player of the Year. The Patriots are going to have to do a whole lot of things right, if they are going to slide a Super Bowl ring onto Brady’s formerly broken finger. Not that you should ever underestimate a man who can still pass almost 4,400 yards in spite of the aforementioned finger. The fact that his broken ribs didn’t curtail his 28 touchdowns is nothing to sneeze at, either. Peyton Manning has taken the Colts to the Super Bowl before, and he’s had a couple of years to rebuild since then. This may very well be his year, since there is no doubt still a fire inside from last year’s devastating loss to the Saints. But one man does not make a team – there is a near universal consensus that the Colts’ weakest link is their running offense. While having a

great arm can take a person a long way, having a solid set of legs doesn’t hurt, either. If the Colts can build on what they have (a no-huddle attack that tells them where to take the football), their chances are very good. The New York Jets are like some kind of robotic army, because they just keep taking pieces that will make them tougher and grafting them right in. Shonn Greene has taken over as running back (despite the fact that they already had two very solid people to fill that need – and they’ve got a solid backup in LaDainian Tomlinson), Antonio Cromartie as cornerback, Santonio Holmes as receiver and Brodney Pool as their safety. They would be hard pressed to stuff more talent into their team. And provided their men work well together, they might be unbeatable this year. Brett Favre just will not quit, will he? The Vikings QB is over 40 and still going strong. He has already done more for the game of football than most players ever will – and he just cannot bring himself to retire. He wants another Super Bowl victory, plain and simple. And he’s leading a goodly pack of talented men who just need to further develop their talents. Take Running Back Adrian Peterson – he’s quick as a whip, but that’s nowhere near as useful if he keeps fumbling. If the team can develop his hands, their passing game is going to be a whole lot more solid, despite Sidney Rice’s injuries and Toby Gerhart’s inexperience. If the coaching staff believes in the players more and lets Favre be who he is (a man who can make a lot out of a little), the Super Bowl is within reach for the Vikings.

New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) runs for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during a playoff game last season in San Diego.

he Catania Elephants from Sicily reached the Italian championship game this year for the first time in club history, creating euphoria throughout the island. The club’s success this season is due, in no small part, not

only to their impressive import players such as wide receiver David Morgan, quarterback Richard Kovalcheck and safety Clarence Cunningham, but also to the skills and relentless determination of their homegrown talent. A perfect case in point is one of the key offensive weapons for the Sicilian squad - top receiver Claudio Mangano. Mangano is the second leading receiver on his team this season and fifth overall in the Italian league with 43 catches for 643 yards and nine touchdowns. Catching passes from Kovalcheck, Italy’s top rated quarterback, Claudio has used his strength and explosion to become a highly dangerous opponent. The 30 year old Mangano did not come by this success easily. Most North American football players first learn the game of football at an early age. By the time they are seven or eight they have begun playing in organized leagues. Mangano took up the sport 10 years ago, at the age of 20. Since then, his development has been impressive. He has become a star in the Italian League, one of the best leagues in Europe. He earned a spot as a starter on the Italian National team and last year was named to the European All Star Team.

Naturally, being from Sicily, he started with his hometown Catania club. Initially, he began with nine-man football team in a lower division, eventually moving up to 11-man football, again with a lower division team. Three years ago, though, he stepped up into the big leagues and made an immediate impact. He became a starter as a rookie and was the second leading receiver on the team, gaining almost 1,000 yards in 2008. To what does he attribute this success in a sport he started playing at such a late age? “I have always competed in different sports but I discovered that I loved playing American football. I worked very hard to get better,” says Mangano. “Once I moved up to the Elephants in the first division and began playing against even better opposition, I learned even more. I also changed the way I ate and the way I trained, everything to improve my football.” Mangano, who is an agricultural engineer and landscape designer by profession, and loves downhill skiing as well, intends to continue playing American football as long as he can. He designs gardens and yards, helps farmers increase productivity and profits, and he helps a football team find its way to the top. And in this island paradise where American football has found such an enthusiastic following, that would seem to be a perfect combination.

Mangano Gives the Cantania Elephants a Homegrown Advantage

By Roger Kelly

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20 PREMIER PLAYERS

Claudio Mangano did not start playing football until he was 20, but is the second leading receiver on his team.

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player’s ink

Mississippi running back Brandon Bolden saw action in all 13 games with eight starts in 2009. The Baton Rouge native finished second on the team in rushing yards and third on the team in receiving yards. This season, the 5’11”, 215 junior is ready to go back to work for The Rebels as he ran for 57 yards on the opening play of the Grove Bowl in the Spring. During Media Day on August 9th, 2010, in Oxford, Miss., he was asked about the tattoo on his left arm of Psalm Chapter 18 Verse 2. Bolden said the tattoo was in honor of both God and his grandmother, who was very religious and avidly read the Bible daily.

PREMIER PLAYERS 21

he 2002 National Championship game still stings in South Florida.

The Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, AZ, was the site of one of the biggest, and most controversial, pass interference

calls in the history of college football. Miami led 24-17 in the first overtime session and Ohio State needed a touchdown to keep the game alive. Facing fourth and three from the Miami five yard line OSU quarterback Craig Krenzel tried to hit wide receiver Chris Gamble in the endzone but the ball was knocked down by defensive back Glen Sharpe. Game over, Miami Hurricanes National Champions. As the Miami players celebrated, however, a solitary piece of yellow fabric brought the dancing to a screeching halt. Pass interference was called on Sharpe, giving Ohio State a first and goal and the rest, as they say, is history. Seven years later and Ohio State has been a fixture in the BCS Top Ten, while Miami have seen their proud program fall into relative obscurity. Until now. On Sept, 11th, the ‘Canes travel to Columbus for a rematch of that legendary 2002 title contest. The Buckeyes are ranked #2 in the AP preseason poll, and hopes are high that this team has what it takes to finally end the SECs vice like grip on the BCS

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Miami quarterback Jacory Harris (12) looks to throw a pass. He leads a very motivated, yet underdog, Miami team against Ohio State.

Ohio State coach, Jim Tressel, and players celebrate their national championship victory at the end of the second overtime of the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Ariz., on Jan. 3rd, 2003. Ohio State beat Miami 31-24.

22 PREMIER PLAYERS

National Championship Trophy. The ‘Canes are themselves coming into the season with levels of hope and expectation that have not been there in recent years. They are ranked #13 in the AP poll, and have an opportunity to make noise on the national level for the first time in half a decade. More than that, they have a chance for some sweet revenge for a play that is fresh in the memory of all the Miami faithfuls. Though the Buckeyes are the overwhelming favorites in this game, Miami has everything that is required to pull out a victory. The game will be showcased as the battle of two potential Heisman winning quarterbacks, and those two could be the key players on the day. Ohio State is led by all-everything junior QB Terrelle Pryor. Starting as a freshman, Pryor had to rely on his freakish athletic ability to make plays with his legs, but as he has grown as a quarterback his arm has improved to the point that he is a legitimate dual-threat player. The 6’6” Pryor can run a 4.4 second 40, and with his long stride he eats up the ground when he gets into the open field. Miami’s answer to Pryor is a player similar in build but wildly different in style, QB Jacory Harris. Harris is only an inch shorter than Pryor but he is much more traditional in the way he plays the game. He threw for almost 3,200 yards in 2009 while

gaining only around 200 on the ground. By comparison, Pryor threw for 2,100 and ran for 800. If Harris gets in rhythm with his receivers early, then Miami will put points on the board. With dueling quarterbacks, the game may come down to who plays the better defense, and this is where Miami really has the advantage. Ohio State has lost a number of key starters on defense from a year ago and the Miami passing attack will cause them all kinds of problems, especially as this will be just their second game of the season. The Miami defense, on the other hand, will be cast in the underdog role that the school seems to thrive on. Expect the athletic, fast moving defense to flow all over the field. The ‘Canes will want to keep Pryor in the pocket and dare him to beat them with his arm, which is still somewhat unproven. With beastly defensive end Allen Bailey applying the pressure, Pryor will be uncomfortable all game long, and this pressure will lead to a couple of key turnovers. Whether or not The U is truly back as a force in the world of college football, only time will tell. On Sept. 11th, however, you can expect a motivated, underdog ‘Canes team to blow through Columbus.

Ohio State’s QB Terrelle Pryor in action. The Miami defense must contain Pryor to pull off a win in Columbus.

PREMIER PLAYERS 23

travel

Columbus, OhiotOp attraCtIOnsparKs & ZOOColumbus Zoo and Aquarium4850 West Powell Road Powell, OH 43065colszoo.org

Franklin Park Conservatory1777 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203fpconservatory.org

Whetstone Park3923 North High StreetColumbus, OH 43214columbus.gov‎

museumsJack Nicklaus Museum2355 Olentangy River RoadColumbus, OH 43210nicklausmuseum.org

COSI, Center of Science & Industry333 W. Broad StreetColumbus, OH 43215cosi.org

sHOpEaston Town Center160 Easton Town CenterColumbus, OH 43219eastontowncenter.com

eatsThe Varsity Club278 West Lane AvenueColumbus, OH 43201theoriginalvarsityclub.com

Emelio’s Restaurant 574 Georgesville Road Columbus, OH 43228emelioscatering.com‎

home of

24 PREMIER PLAYERS

Downtown map

eXpLOreGerman Village588 South 3rd Street Columbus, OH 43215germanvillage.com

Short North Arts District1126 1/2-A North High StreetColumbus, OH 43201shortnorth.org

LeVeque Tower50 West Broad StreetColumbus, OH 43215shortnorth.org

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PREMIER PLAYERS 2�

1. Any Given SundayAl Pacino, Dennis Quaid, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, James Woods, Charlton Heston, Aaron Eckhart, Lauren Holly, LL Cool J, and Jim Brown contribute to Oliver Stone’s take on football operations on and off the field. Lawrence Taylor is also true to form in this film!

2. InvincibleMarkie Mark gets even funkier, traveling south from Boston into Philly, and going “sporting retro” (as opposed to Diggler’s “porn retro”) as Vince Papale, a walk on-hero for the Philadelphia Eagles. He once again instills hope into Philly’s breathren as only he and Stallone could do.

3. The Longest Yard Our list wouldn’t be complete without a prison flick right? Burt Reynolds leads a group of football playing convicts in a rivalry with the guards. Cameos by NFLer’s Andy Kapp and Ray Nitschke.

4. North Dallas FortyNick Nolte portrays an alcohol and drug infused wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. Based on a true story, we’d have rather seen Gary Busey play this role. . .but we have to watch what we’re dealt

5. Brian’s SongBased on the true story of Brian Piccolo, played by James Caan, this story tells the story of Brian’s battle with lung cancer and his friendship with teammate Gale Sayers. Have the Kleenex handy for your lady!

Top 5 -Football FlicksBestbest/worst

1. Jerry Maguire Ok, this movie is for everyone in the industry who has told someone that they were a sports agent or rep, and gotten the response “Oh, like Jerry Maguire right?” No, not like Jerry Maguire thank you! Perhaps the most over-exaggerated acting of all time…well, not if Cruise was shadowing Drew Rosenhaus.

2. Heaven Can WaitThis movie has Kurt Warner, I mean Warren Beatty coming back from the dead to lead the Rams to the Super Bowl. All this movie was missing was George Burns to be complete.

3. The ReplacementsWe mentioned it last month, and here it is…Keanu Reeves as Shane Falco, the semi-retarded QB of a replacement player NFL team due to a strike.

4. Paper Lion The only thing worse than Alan Alda on MASH, is Alan Alda on the football field, or anywhere in plain sight for that matter. Alda plays an undercover reporter infiltrating the 1968 Detroit Lions team by trying out for 3rd string quarterback. Sound bad enough…it is!

5. Air Bud: Golden Receiver Once again we revisit the Air Bud saga. I am not sure what it is, but I have a very strong aversion to watching animals engage in sports on the big screen. Call me strange or whatever…but it has the same effect as when people dress up their pets.

gaming

Madden 11 for iPhoneJust when you didn’t want to leave the house because you were so addicted to playing Madden with your friends, and those pretend friends that exist only in the virtual gaming world, comes Madden 11 for your iPhone! Among the improvements to this years version are much better navigation and graphics than last year’s debut on iPad and iPhone. Taking your virtual playbook with you and allowing you to draw custom routes and call audibles at the line bring you into the game as you bring the game with you!

Worst

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Worst

Sink or Swim for the Hogs as the Tide Rolls InBy Marc Jenkins

his huge SEC West matchup will not only have huge implications on who may win the

SEC and possibly the BCS title, but also showcases a fine array of

talent including two players who will undoubtedly be on everyone’s Heisman

watch this season; Alabama’s Mark Ingram (2009 Heisman Trophy winner)

and Arkansas’ Ryan Mallet. Entering the September 25th

showdown, the Razorbacks will be one week removed from battling a tough Georgia

Bulldogs team in Athens, GA, and will definitely need to jump on the Tide early to ensure some form

of momentum. Scoring first will also be important for Alabama as they face the preseason ranked #4 Florida Gators

at home one week following their SEC West clash with the Hogs. Whichever team can put points up on the scoreboard before the other may wind up winning this one due to the emotional level which this contest will undoubtedly have as well as the combatant games in the previous week and the following one. The game will feature contrasting offenses with Alabama looking to run all over the Razorback defense with Mark Ingram

The biggest matchup during week four of the upcoming 2010 NCAA football season will take place when the defending National Champion and preseason #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide rolls into Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium to face the preseason ranked #17 overall Arkansas Razorbacks in front of 71,000 screaming Hogs fans.

Alabama running back Mark Ingram (22) goes for a 40-yard touchdown run in an NCAA college football game against Chattanooga last season. The Alabama tailback is the latest Heisman Trophy winner trying to join Archie Griffin and collect a second.

T

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and Trent Richardson while Arkansas will look to throw the ball around the yard with Ryan Mallet hooking up with Greg Childs and Jarrius Wright. Both defenses will be tested early and often. However, whichever defense can force the opposing offense away from its strength should help the team get the upper hand in the final score. A game that will be hyped much due to the offensive firepower could easily wind up being decided by which defense feels hungrier on that day. Arkansas went a respectable 8-5 (3-5 in SEC) in 2009 but are returning 18 of 22 starters (nine on offense, seven on defense, the kicker and the punter) from a season ago which should bode well for their early season team chemistry. Head Coach Bobby Petrino will certainly have this game circled on the team’s schedule in the locker room as a pivotal make or break the season game if they truly have National Championship desires in Fayetteville. As everyone knows, last season the Crimson Tide went undefeated (14-0, 8-0 in SEC) en route to capturing the SEC title as well as their eighth recognized (13th self-claimed) National Title in school history. The Tide are only returning 10 of their 22 starters (eight on offense and two on defense) from just one season ago and will look for this game as their first conference test to see what this year’s squad is truly made of. This game has so much hype around not only from the fact that it is two major programs looking to square off and possibly secure some early season positioning help in the polls but also because of the individual star power which this game presents as well. Two of the top ten players on the list of the 2010 Heisman Trophy hopefuls will be on full display in this one. Last season’s winner Mark Ingram (271 carries for 1,658 yards and 17 TD plus 32 receptions for 334 yards and 3 TD in 2009) will look to establish himself against an average run defense that the Hogs will field. If he can have a huge game in this huge game it will assist his chances in becoming the first player to repeat as Heisman winner since Archie Griffin in 1974 and 1975. Ingram should be able to have his way with the Razorback front seven and gain substantial yards in the national spotlight yet again. Arkansas’ Heisman hopeful Ryan Mallet (225 completions out of 403 attempts for 3,627 yards and 30 TD with 7 INT plus a 55.8 completion percentage and a quarterback rating of 152.52) will also have his opportunity to put on a show in front of millions tuning in around the nation. However, the defense he will be facing looks a lot better on paper than his own. If Mallet can put up the type of numbers which he is capable of, then he should be able to place his name amongst the top of the candidates for college football’s top honor early on this year. Besides the two Heisman hopefuls, this game also has plenty of other big name players to watch for on both teams. Alabama also has standouts like QB Greg McElroy (198-325, 2,508 yards, 17 TD and 4 INT in ’09), WR Julio Jones (43

reception for 596 yards and 4 TD in ’09), SS Mark Barron, DT Marcell Darreus and LB Don’t’a Hightower who can make big plays for them. Arkansas has a plethora of weapons for Mallet to

get the ball to including RB Broderick Green (104 carries for 442 yards and 11 TD in ’09), WR Greg Childs (48 receptions for 897 yards and 7 TD in ’09), WR Jarrius Wright (41 receptions for 681 yards and 5 TD in ’09) and TE D.J. Williams

(32 receptions for 411 yards and 3 TD in ’09) which

could help them get the upper hand. DE

Jake Bequette and OT DeMarcus Love could also play huge factors in whether the Razorbacks can pull off the upset. Since Alabama has the tougher schedule and bigger BCS Championship aspirations, I’d have to say that this game means more to them.

However, you can rest assure

that Arkansas would love to win

just as much as the Tide and roll to the BCS

Championship game.

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) looks for a receiver while under pressure during a NCAA college football game last season in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

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Enduring the 100+ degree heat and crazy fans camped out in Orlando for the Shinedown’s Carnival of Madness Tour in July, Premier Players had the opportunity to sit down (because at this point we counldn’t stand) with Geffen recording artist Puddle of Mudd. After being kidnapped by Puddle of Mudd via paintball gun, Southern Comfort, and lager, here is how the encounter went down:

PP: Where did you guys meet?

Paul Phillips (guitar): We all officially met kinda in LosAngeles, he (Wes Scantlin) was out there with Fred (Durst) and I’ve known Fred from up the road in Jacksonville; and he said we’ve got this band that needed a guitar player. Later on we met Ryan (drummer) in Los Angeles, and we didn’t hump (ever), and … so yea. There you go. Just all the stars aligned and uh, caused a meeting of the minds, and music was created in a cauldron of love.

PP: So what’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you guys?

Paul Phillips: Pretty much every interview I do with Wes.

Wes Scantlin (vocals/guitar): I don’t know why you’re here (Paul).

PP: When you first went on tour, what city did you most want to visit?

Wes Scantlin: Amsterdam.

PP: What’s your favorite album that you guys put out?

Paul Phillips: That’s tough because I like bits of all of them, that’s tough, that’s a hard one. I guess, obviously, sales-wise ‘Come Clean’, but artistically, I always liked ‘Life On Display’.

Wes Scantlin: (sarcastically) Actually, the next album is the best one … the one we’re working on right now.

PP: Spaceship, was that the first choice for the single or did you have another?

Paul Phillips: We all liked it. It was kinda split between Spaceship and Stoned. We have a lot of cooks in the kitchen besides the band so it was a decision.

PP: What sports teams do you guys follow?

Paul Phillips: Not a big sports fan, but obviously if the Jaguars are playing I hope they would win. I’ll watch it, but I would ask people afterward if they won or not. Can we go Orlando Magic? We follow the Magic.

PP: If you could be any athlete, who would it be?

Wes Scantlin: I’m gonna go Spud Webb, dude. I’m like 5 feet tall and I can still slam dunk . . . yea.

Paul Phillips: I feel like this is a trick question, I would go with Manute Bol. I would be the tallest player and Wes the shortest player and we could be best friends.

Ryan Yerdon (drummer): I would be Dennis Rodman so I could just party. I choose wisely; you guys think about the actual sport, I think about the extracurricular activities like Carmen Electra.

PP: So what’s next for Puddle?

Wes Scantlin: We ‘re gonna write another record and we’re gonna take care of our families. We’re gonna love on our women, gonna eat some awesome food, and uh. . . we’re not getting drunk. Yea, that’s awesome.

PP: What question do you hate most that interviewers ask?

Wes Scantlin: Nothing really, we got used to everything so we really don’t care anymore. Everyone always asks us, “What’s going on, what’s on the horizon?”

PP: What’s some of the craziest stuff you guys have put on your riders for a show?

Wes Scantlin: I got two CO2 tanks right now with paint balls, and that’s the craziest stuff that I can come up with. I got my son out here with me right now, so we’re ordering all sorts of weird stuff. We’ve got our Chihuahua out here with us . . . this is Francis (proudly displays dog), he hangs . . . he’s pretty cool.

PP: If you guys had one band that you followed the most first starting out, who would it be?

Wes Scantlin: I would have to go with Pantera, Metallica, and Nirvana.

Ryan Yerdon: (Chimes in) Lionel Richie, Dire Straits, Steve Winwood, Wham . . . remember that name? . . . Steve Winwood. Huge influence.

Premier Players would like to Thank Puddle of Mudd and Julie Lichtenstein of SKH Music for working with us. Please visit Puddle of Mudd at www.puddleofmudd.com.

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