Last Week: 5-4
Overall: 74-54 (.578)
New Orleans VooDoo at Tampa Bay Storm: TAMPA BAY.
Pittsburgh Power at Orlando Predators: PITTSBURGH.
Tulsa Talons at Iowa Barnstormers: TULSA.
Utah Blaze at Chicago Rush: CHICAGO.
Jacksonville Sharks at San Jose SaberCats: JACKSONVILLE.
Cleveland Gladiators at Milwaukee Mustangs: CLEVELAND.
Spokane Shock at Arizona Rattlers: ARIZONA.
Philadelphia Soul at Dallas Vigilantes: PHILADELPHIA.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Week 17 Power Rankings
Rk (LW) | Team | Rec. | |
| 1 (1) | Jacksonville Sharks | 13-1 |
| 2 (2) | Arizona Rattlers | 13-2 |
| 3 (3) | Dallas Vigilantes | 9-5 |
| 4 (4) | Spokane Shock | 7-7 |
| 5 (5) | Chicago Rush | 10-4 |
| 6 (8) | Utah Blaze | 7-7 |
| 7 (9) | Georgia Force | 9-6 |
| 8 (10) | Cleveland Gladiators | 8-6 |
| 9 (6) | Orlando Predators | 8-6 |
| 10 (7) | Tulsa Talons | 6-8 |
| 11 (13) | Pittsburgh Power | 8-6 |
| 12 (11) | Tampa Bay Storm | 6-8 |
| 13 (2) | San Jose SaberCats | 5-9 |
| 14 (14) | Kansas City Command | 5-10 |
| 15 (15) | Milwaukee Mustangs | 4-10 |
| 16 (16) | Iowa Barnstormers | 3-11 |
| 17 (17) | Philadelphia Soul | 5-10 |
| 18 (18) | New Orleans VooDoo | 2-12 |
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
YouTube Tuesday - June 28, 2011
This week we take a look at the building of an arena football field:
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Talons out officiated, lose to Dallas 55-48
Well that was just about the worst officiated game I have ever seen. Yet, the Talons were still in it at the end.
The officials allowed Dallas to have their way with Talons receivers all night and allowed multiple late hits on Allgood. As such, the Talons offense was out of rhythm most of the game. Allgood went just 25-52 but threw 5 TDs and no interceptions. Troy McBroom was held beneath 100 yards for the first time, in like, forever.
However, down 21 at one point, the defense held their ground. Forcing a couple of turnover on downs and J.C. Neal added another 12 yards to his INT return yardage. Down 48-55, with less than half a minute left, the Talons defense was able to force a fumble and give the Talons offense one last chance to tie the game up. Will 11 seconds left Allgood threw to Trent Shelton at about the 10 yard line. Trent was jarred before the ball got there, and appeared to be facemasked. But there was no laundry on the field. The Talons took one more shot at the endzone that was batted away from Troy McBroom. At the end of it the Talons lost.
Both Utah and Spokane won this week, leaving the Talons one game out of the playoffs. The Talons also slid 3 games behind Dallas. Next week the Talons travel to Iowa.
Dallas Vigilantes at Tulsa Talons: Pregame Primer
vs. 
Dallas Vigilantes (8-5, 3-4 road) vs. Tulsa Talons (6-7, 3-3 home)
TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 7:00 CT
Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 230.2 (16th), Vigilantes – 266.6 (11th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 47.5 (1st), Vigilantes – 46.2 (2nd)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 281.5 (8th), Vigilantes – 319.0 (18th)
View from the enemy: N/A
Tulsa is coming off a strong road win over the Philadelphia Soul last Friday. Justin Allgood over the last couple of weeks has just been outstanding.
Dallas coming in: The Vigilantes had a strong victory over the Iowa Barnstormers last Saturday.
THE MATCHUP
Dallas is a team that has struggled on the road this season. Dallas QB Dan Raudabaugh has been on and off throughout the season. On top of that, the Vigilantes give up more yards than any other team in the league.
QB Justin Allgood has not thrown a pick in two games now. His timing with the receiving corps is improving as well. Troy McBroom is looking to be even better than Donovan Morgan last year. If the Talons continue to click, it will be hard for Dallas to stop them.
On Defense, J.C. Neal has become a force to be reckoned with. Neal is currently 10th all time in INT return yards in a season. If the Talons can get some pressure, Raudabaugh is a QB that will make mistakes. The front line will need to stay on their heels however as Vigilantes FB Derrick Ross is probably the best FB in the league.
With a win, the Talons would move one game behind the Vigilantes for the 3 seed in the Playoffs.
Kickoff at 7:00 CT.
Headlines - June 25, 2011
J.C. Neal is just a beast: "Talons rookie defensive back J.C. Neal has three of the 12 longest interception returns in franchise history in the past two weeks."
Neal is breaking all sorts of records: "Neal has already found a place in AFL record books for most interception return yards in a rookie season (177), most interception return yards in a game (95) and is tied for the most interceptions returned for touchdowns in a game with two. His three interception returns for a touchdown this season is tied for second in AFL history."
Tonight's game will be won on the ground: "The Talons lead the league in rushing defense, but are sure to be tested Saturday. The Vigilantes' Derrick Ross leads the league in rushing with 502 yards and 28 touchdowns - 15 more rushing TDs than the Talons have allowed in 13 games."
Allgood's return to Philly was all good: "Philadelphia Soul fans have to be wondering, “Where did THAT Justin Allgood come from, or where was he a few weeks ago?” Allgood made a successful return against the team he began this season with, throwing six touchdowns without an interception in the Talons’ 48-42 win. In the end, though, Philly almost stole the game. Tulsa’s Juan Bongarra missed a would-be game-clinching field goal in the final seconds that gave the Soul life, but Philly couldn’t get the final touchdown. In Allgood’s last two games with the Talons, he’s 2-0, and has 12 touchdown passes without an interception, and if the season ended today, Tulsa would grab the last playoff spot in the National Conference."
Neal snags another weekly award: "Neal (6-0, 200, North Carolina State) caught his third interception for a touchdown this season in the 48-42 win over Philadelphia. The interception for a touchdown was his third in back-to-back games. With seven minutes left in the second half, Neal scored the first points of the quarter with a 50-yard interception return, putting the Talons up 13-7. Neal totaled two interceptions and a team-leading 6.5 tackles against the Soul. Neal ranks eighth in the League in tackles with 76.5 this season."
Chef 'Zo: Lorenzo Breland, an offensive lineman for the Tulsa Talons, is well-known for his turkey burger recipe. “You have to add bell pepper, diced onions, and before you cook the burger, you add pepper jack cheese balls into the patty. This recipe is one of my favorite things to eat during the season,” Breland said. Breland is originally from Picayne, Miss. His favorite foods as a child represent the flavor of the south. From gumbos and Creole seasoning, Breland is fond for his grandmothers cooking. “Growing up I loved to eat my grandmother’s red-beans and rice, gumbo and catfish. She could make anything and it was all good,” Breland said.
Arena Pigskin's preview for tonight: "The Talons will win because a) they’re at home and b) this is a totally different team from week two. Allgood has come back to Tulsa and went 2-0 last year against Dallas. And with their additions, they have made themselves a serious contender to make the playoffs and possibly make a run."
Football Gameplan's Preview
More love for Neal: "In the past two weeks, Tulsa defensive back J.C. Neal has posted three interceptions returned for touchdowns. These include gallops from 43, 50 and 52 yards. It's unclear if he's the first player to post at least three 40-yard pick sixes in a season, but nonetheless it's pretty damn repressive."
Neal is breaking all sorts of records: "Neal has already found a place in AFL record books for most interception return yards in a rookie season (177), most interception return yards in a game (95) and is tied for the most interceptions returned for touchdowns in a game with two. His three interception returns for a touchdown this season is tied for second in AFL history."
Tonight's game will be won on the ground: "The Talons lead the league in rushing defense, but are sure to be tested Saturday. The Vigilantes' Derrick Ross leads the league in rushing with 502 yards and 28 touchdowns - 15 more rushing TDs than the Talons have allowed in 13 games."
Allgood's return to Philly was all good: "Philadelphia Soul fans have to be wondering, “Where did THAT Justin Allgood come from, or where was he a few weeks ago?” Allgood made a successful return against the team he began this season with, throwing six touchdowns without an interception in the Talons’ 48-42 win. In the end, though, Philly almost stole the game. Tulsa’s Juan Bongarra missed a would-be game-clinching field goal in the final seconds that gave the Soul life, but Philly couldn’t get the final touchdown. In Allgood’s last two games with the Talons, he’s 2-0, and has 12 touchdown passes without an interception, and if the season ended today, Tulsa would grab the last playoff spot in the National Conference."
Neal snags another weekly award: "Neal (6-0, 200, North Carolina State) caught his third interception for a touchdown this season in the 48-42 win over Philadelphia. The interception for a touchdown was his third in back-to-back games. With seven minutes left in the second half, Neal scored the first points of the quarter with a 50-yard interception return, putting the Talons up 13-7. Neal totaled two interceptions and a team-leading 6.5 tackles against the Soul. Neal ranks eighth in the League in tackles with 76.5 this season."
Chef 'Zo: Lorenzo Breland, an offensive lineman for the Tulsa Talons, is well-known for his turkey burger recipe. “You have to add bell pepper, diced onions, and before you cook the burger, you add pepper jack cheese balls into the patty. This recipe is one of my favorite things to eat during the season,” Breland said. Breland is originally from Picayne, Miss. His favorite foods as a child represent the flavor of the south. From gumbos and Creole seasoning, Breland is fond for his grandmothers cooking. “Growing up I loved to eat my grandmother’s red-beans and rice, gumbo and catfish. She could make anything and it was all good,” Breland said.
Arena Pigskin's preview for tonight: "The Talons will win because a) they’re at home and b) this is a totally different team from week two. Allgood has come back to Tulsa and went 2-0 last year against Dallas. And with their additions, they have made themselves a serious contender to make the playoffs and possibly make a run."
Football Gameplan's Preview
More love for Neal: "In the past two weeks, Tulsa defensive back J.C. Neal has posted three interceptions returned for touchdowns. These include gallops from 43, 50 and 52 yards. It's unclear if he's the first player to post at least three 40-yard pick sixes in a season, but nonetheless it's pretty damn repressive."
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Week 16 Picks
Last Week: 5-4
Overall: 69-50 (.580)
Kansas City at Utah: UTAH.
Tampa Bay at Jacksonville: JACKSONVILLE.
San Jose at Cleveland: SAN JOSE.
Arizona at Philadelphia: ARIZONA.
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh: PITTSBURGH.
Georgia at Orlando: ORLANDO.
Spokane at New Orleans: SPOKANE.
Dallas at Tulsa: TULSA.
Iowa at Chicago: IOWA.
Overall: 69-50 (.580)
Kansas City at Utah: UTAH.
Tampa Bay at Jacksonville: JACKSONVILLE.
San Jose at Cleveland: SAN JOSE.
Arizona at Philadelphia: ARIZONA.
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh: PITTSBURGH.
Georgia at Orlando: ORLANDO.
Spokane at New Orleans: SPOKANE.
Dallas at Tulsa: TULSA.
Iowa at Chicago: IOWA.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Week 16 Power Rankings
| Rk (LW) | Team | Rec. | |
|
| 1 (1) | Jacksonville Sharks | 12-1 |
|
| 2 (2) | Arizona Rattlers | 12-2 |
|
| 3 (5) | Dallas Vigilantes | 8-5 |
|
| 4 (6) | Spokane Shock | 6-7 |
|
| 5 (3) | Chicago Rush | 9-4 |
|
| 6 (4) | Orlando Predators | 8-5 |
|
| 7 (8) | Tulsa Talons | 6-7 |
|
| 8 (12) | Utah Blaze | 6-7 |
|
| 9 (11) | Georgia Force | 8-6 |
|
| 10 (7) | Cleveland Gladiators | 7-6 |
|
| 11 (13) | Tampa Bay Storm | 6-7 |
|
| 12 (9) | San Jose SaberCats | 5-8 |
|
| 13 (10) | Pittsburgh Power | 7-6 |
|
| 14 (16) | Kansas City Command | 5-9 |
|
| 15 (14) | Milwaukee Mustangs | 4-9 |
|
| 16 (15) | Iowa Barnstormers | 3-9 |
|
| 17 (17) | Philadelphia Soul | 5-9 |
|
| 18 (18) | New Orleans VooDoo | 2-10 |
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
YouTube Tuesday - June 21, 2011
Way back in Week 2 the Talons lost to the Dallas Vigilantes, but that was when Bobby Reid was QB and before the Talons picked up Troy McBroom. See what Vigilantes coach Clint Dolezel said after the win:
Friday, June 17, 2011
Talons at Soul - Pregame Primer
vs. 
Tulsa Talons (5-7, 2-4 road) vs. Philadelphia Soul (5-8, 3-2 home)
TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 6:05 CT
Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 225.8 (16th), Soul – 228.0 (10th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 50.3 (1st), Soul – 14.9 (14th)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 278.1 (7th), Soul – 268.0 (2nd)
View from the enemy: N/A
Tulsa is coming off a huge blowout win over the Utah Blaze behind QB Justin Allgood and a strong defensive peformance.
Philadelphia coming in: The Soul played last Friday in a big loss to the Spokane Shock on the NFL Network.
THE MATCHUP
QB Justin Allgood will be looking for revenge against the team that benched and then traded him earlier in the season. Having knowledge of the Soul defense should help Allgood with his reads this week. The most interesting dual of the game will be between Soul WR, and former Talon, Donovan Morgan and new Talons WR Troy McBroom. McBroom, if he had been with the Talons all season, would be 3rd in the league in receiving yards. Morgan is 1st in the league with 124 yards per game. (McBroom has a little over 119 yards per game)
On Defense, the Talons will face a QB who hasn't played organized football in 3 years in Brandon Kirsch. Hopefully the Talons defensive line, lead by Victor DeGrate, can get pressure and force some mistakes. Fred Shaw and league MVP J.C. Neal will have their hands full this week with a slew of strong Soul receivers lead by Donovan Morgan.
Kickoff at 6:05 CT.
Headlines - June 17, 2011
Tulsa World's recap of the Utah Blowout: "Rookie defensive back J.C. Neal returned two interceptions for scores and scored on an onside kick as the Talons blitzed the Utah Blaze 81-51 before an estimated 5,000 spectators. Veteran linebacker Jamar Ransom scored with a fumble and Victor DeGrate made two game-changing plays as the Talons (5-7) broke a two-game losing streak and put themselves back into the running for a National Conference playoff berth."
Talons QB Matt Bassuener gets a Special Honor: "Tulsa Talons quarterback Matt Bassuener is one of 39 players selected for the U.S. Men's National Football Team that will compete in the International Federation of American Football Senior World Championships next month in Austria."
Talons finally faceoff against Donovan MorganCoach Mitch Allner will see a familiar face Friday as his team lines up against one of his former players, Donovan Morgan. He played for the Talons last season and was the leading receiver with 1,707 receiving yards. This year, he is second in the AFL with 1,614 yards. "Donovan is a very good ballplayer," Allner said. "I definitely know what he can do."
The Blaze Blowout has the league watching: "I was expecting offense in the Utah-Tulsa match up, but the wrong one showed up. It was an 81-point night for the Talons. Justin Allgood looked to regain his magic in Tulsa, with six touchdowns and no interceptions. It always helps to get a couple of scores from the defense. That was only the third time all year the Talons put up over 50 points. Last year with Allgood at the helm, the Talons scored at least 74 points three times, and were held under 50 points only once in the regular season."
The Soul will be braking in a new QB tonight
Two Talons received honors this week: "Hunt (5-11, 205, Northwestern Oklahoma State) hauled in a 7-yard, touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Allgood in the second quarter with 55 seconds left on the clock. Hunt fell in the endzone and still managed to catch the ball as it bounced off the wall. The touchdown gave Tulsa a 34-33 lead."
JC Neal named Week 14 National Guard MVP: "In a race that was tied up with less than two hours remaining of voting, Neal defeated Meyer by six votes on Facebook.com. Neal had an explosive evening in the 81-51 win over Utah on Saturday. Neal hauled in two interceptions for touchdowns, totaling 95 return yards. He also returned an onside kick for a touchdown. Neal ended with the night with six tackles, placing him eighth in the League in total tackles (70.0)."
A look at the new Soul QB for tonight: In 2008 with Colorado, Kirsch tore his right anterior cruciate ligament while playing linebacker. He was the backup quarterback, and the team needed some help on defense. "Since then I haven't played organized football other than, say, flag football tournaments the past three years," Kirsch said. During his career at Purdue from 2002 to 2005, Kirsch completed 292 of 489 passes for 3,532 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also rushed for 757 career yards and five touchdowns and started at least one game in each of his four years.
Talons QB Matt Bassuener gets a Special Honor: "Tulsa Talons quarterback Matt Bassuener is one of 39 players selected for the U.S. Men's National Football Team that will compete in the International Federation of American Football Senior World Championships next month in Austria."
Talons finally faceoff against Donovan MorganCoach Mitch Allner will see a familiar face Friday as his team lines up against one of his former players, Donovan Morgan. He played for the Talons last season and was the leading receiver with 1,707 receiving yards. This year, he is second in the AFL with 1,614 yards. "Donovan is a very good ballplayer," Allner said. "I definitely know what he can do."
The Blaze Blowout has the league watching: "I was expecting offense in the Utah-Tulsa match up, but the wrong one showed up. It was an 81-point night for the Talons. Justin Allgood looked to regain his magic in Tulsa, with six touchdowns and no interceptions. It always helps to get a couple of scores from the defense. That was only the third time all year the Talons put up over 50 points. Last year with Allgood at the helm, the Talons scored at least 74 points three times, and were held under 50 points only once in the regular season."
The Soul will be braking in a new QB tonight
Two Talons received honors this week: "Hunt (5-11, 205, Northwestern Oklahoma State) hauled in a 7-yard, touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Allgood in the second quarter with 55 seconds left on the clock. Hunt fell in the endzone and still managed to catch the ball as it bounced off the wall. The touchdown gave Tulsa a 34-33 lead."
JC Neal named Week 14 National Guard MVP: "In a race that was tied up with less than two hours remaining of voting, Neal defeated Meyer by six votes on Facebook.com. Neal had an explosive evening in the 81-51 win over Utah on Saturday. Neal hauled in two interceptions for touchdowns, totaling 95 return yards. He also returned an onside kick for a touchdown. Neal ended with the night with six tackles, placing him eighth in the League in total tackles (70.0)."
A look at the new Soul QB for tonight: In 2008 with Colorado, Kirsch tore his right anterior cruciate ligament while playing linebacker. He was the backup quarterback, and the team needed some help on defense. "Since then I haven't played organized football other than, say, flag football tournaments the past three years," Kirsch said. During his career at Purdue from 2002 to 2005, Kirsch completed 292 of 489 passes for 3,532 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also rushed for 757 career yards and five touchdowns and started at least one game in each of his four years.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Week 15 Picks
Last Week: 3-4
Overall: 64-46 (.582)
Tulsa at Philadelphia: TULSA.
Orlando at Tampa Bay: ORLANDO.
New Orleans at Georgia: GEORGIA.
Milwaukee at Jacksonville: JACKSONVILLE.
Dallas at Iowa: IOWA.
Pittsburgh at Utah: UTAH.
San Jose at Arizona: ARIZONA.
Chicago at Spokane: CHICAGO.
Cleveland at Kansas City: CLEVELAND.
Overall: 64-46 (.582)
Tulsa at Philadelphia: TULSA.
Orlando at Tampa Bay: ORLANDO.
New Orleans at Georgia: GEORGIA.
Milwaukee at Jacksonville: JACKSONVILLE.
Dallas at Iowa: IOWA.
Pittsburgh at Utah: UTAH.
San Jose at Arizona: ARIZONA.
Chicago at Spokane: CHICAGO.
Cleveland at Kansas City: CLEVELAND.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Week 15 Power Rankings
| | Rk (LW) | Team | Rec. |
|
| 1 (1) | Jacksonville Sharks | 11-1 |
|
| 2 (3) | Arizona Rattlers | 11-2 |
|
| 3 (4) | Chicago Rush | 9-3 |
|
| 4 (2) | Orlando Predators | 8-4 |
|
| 5 (6) | Dallas Vigilantes | 7-5 |
|
| 6 (10) | Spokane Shock | 5-7 |
|
| 7 (11) | Cleveland Gladiators | 7-5 |
|
| 8 (12) | Tulsa Talons | 5-7 |
|
| 9 (9) | San Jose SaberCats | 5-7 |
|
| 10 (5) | Pittsburgh Power | 7-5 |
|
| 11 (7) | Georgia Force | 7-6 |
|
| 12 (8) | Utah Blaze | 5-7 |
|
| 13 (16) | Tampa Bay Storm | 5-7 |
|
| 14 (17) | Milwaukee Mustangs | 4-8 |
|
| 15 (15) | Iowa Barnstormers | 3-8 |
|
| 16 (13) | Kansas City Command | 4-9 |
|
| 17 (14) | Philadelphia Soul | 5-8 |
|
| 18 (18) | New Orleans VooDoo | 2-9 |
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