1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,002 (female announcer)   Production funding for 2 00:00:02,002 --> 00:00:04,404 "Sports Files" is   made possible in part by.. 3 00:00:04,404 --> 00:00:06,540 (male narrator)   Infiniti of Memphis has moved to 4 00:00:06,540 --> 00:00:09,710 Germantown road just half mile   north of Wolfchase Galleria and 5 00:00:09,710 --> 00:00:12,846 is proud to support W-K-N-O for   its quality broadcasting and 6 00:00:12,846 --> 00:00:14,214 service to our community. 7 00:00:14,214 --> 00:00:16,583 Quality and service --   No wonder Infiniti of Memphis 8 00:00:16,583 --> 00:00:27,728 feels at   home on W-K-N-O. 9 00:00:27,728 --> 00:00:29,863 This week on "Sports Files" I'll preview Monday afternoon's 10 00:00:29,863 --> 00:00:33,333 Autozone Liberty Bowl, and do so with the head coaches for the 11 00:00:33,333 --> 00:00:37,104 game, Kevin Sumlin of Texas A and M and West Virginia's Dana 12 00:00:37,104 --> 00:00:38,305 Holgorsen. 13 00:00:38,305 --> 00:00:55,656 [theme music] 14 00:00:55,656 --> 00:00:56,890 Happy Holidays everyone! 15 00:00:56,890 --> 00:00:59,426 We certainly hope you are having a joyous one. 16 00:00:59,426 --> 00:01:01,561 'Tis the season also for bowl games, 17 00:01:01,561 --> 00:01:03,897 and for the Memphis Tigers, their first trip to a bowl since 18 00:01:03,897 --> 00:01:06,767 2008 was one to remember. 19 00:01:06,767 --> 00:01:09,903 After blowing a ten point fourth quarter lead against B-Y-U in 20 00:01:09,903 --> 00:01:12,906 the Miami Beach Bowl, the Tigers forced overtime late in 21 00:01:12,906 --> 00:01:15,375 regulation on a fourth down touchdown pass, 22 00:01:15,375 --> 00:01:19,313 forced double overtime on a 55 yard Jake Elliot field goal, 23 00:01:19,313 --> 00:01:22,816 then won it in double O-T on a Paxton Lynch touchdown pass to 24 00:01:22,816 --> 00:01:24,818 freshman Roderick Proctor. 25 00:01:24,818 --> 00:01:28,121 The game would end on a Tigers interception and then a may lay 26 00:01:28,121 --> 00:01:30,424 would ensue that got pretty ugly. 27 00:01:30,424 --> 00:01:34,661 The Tigers ten win season would be their first since 1938. 28 00:01:34,661 --> 00:01:35,696 Congratulations. 29 00:01:35,696 --> 00:01:39,032 Okay, since 1965, the city of Memphis has played host to the 30 00:01:39,032 --> 00:01:40,200 Liberty Bowl game. 31 00:01:40,200 --> 00:01:43,203 This year marks the 56th annual post season contest, 32 00:01:43,203 --> 00:01:45,572 having started back in 1959 in Philadelphia, 33 00:01:45,572 --> 00:01:46,807 Pennsylvania. 34 00:01:46,807 --> 00:01:49,042 The Autozone Liberty Bowl game is one of the oldest and most 35 00:01:49,042 --> 00:01:52,079 historic of the bowl games and this year features a tremendous 36 00:01:52,079 --> 00:01:54,681 matchup of the S-E-C versus the Big 12. 37 00:01:54,681 --> 00:01:56,750 Texas A and M will rep the S-E-C. 38 00:01:56,750 --> 00:01:59,486 The Aggies finished the regular season seven and five. 39 00:01:59,486 --> 00:02:01,922 Kevin Sumlin's team features a high octane offense led by 40 00:02:01,922 --> 00:02:04,591 Quarterback Kyle Allen, who replaced Kenny Hill as the 41 00:02:04,591 --> 00:02:07,127 team's starting quarterback in week nine. 42 00:02:07,127 --> 00:02:09,796 Meanwhile, West Virginia will attempt to successfully fly the 43 00:02:09,796 --> 00:02:11,732 Big 12 banner on Monday. 44 00:02:11,732 --> 00:02:14,167 The Mountaineers also put together a seven and five mark 45 00:02:14,167 --> 00:02:17,471 which included a successful five and four record in the Big 12. 46 00:02:17,471 --> 00:02:20,474 And if you thought the Aggies could light up the scoreboard, 47 00:02:20,474 --> 00:02:22,976 West Virginia has been a scoring machine. 48 00:02:22,976 --> 00:02:25,646 Coach Dana Holgorsen's offense, led by signal caller Clint 49 00:02:25,646 --> 00:02:29,750 Trickett, finished 17th in the nation in total offense. 50 00:02:29,750 --> 00:02:32,119 Today I go one-on-two with the head coaches, 51 00:02:32,119 --> 00:02:34,187 Kevin Sumlin and Dana Holgorsen. 52 00:02:34,187 --> 00:02:36,690 We'll get a preview of the game, a look back at each team's 53 00:02:36,690 --> 00:02:39,660 regular season thru the eyes of their respective leaders, 54 00:02:39,660 --> 00:02:42,129 and we'll hear what it was like when the two worked together at 55 00:02:42,129 --> 00:02:45,198 Houston, with Sumlin serving as Head Coach of the Cougars, 56 00:02:45,198 --> 00:02:47,701 and Holgorsen as one of his assistants. 57 00:02:47,701 --> 00:02:49,870 It's all coming up next on "Sports Files." 58 00:02:49,870 --> 00:03:00,047 [theme music] 59 00:03:00,047 --> 00:03:01,515 Gentlemen, thanks so much for joining me today. 60 00:03:01,515 --> 00:03:02,716 Great to see ya. 61 00:03:02,716 --> 00:03:04,785 Great to have you in the Autozone Liberty Bowl game. 62 00:03:04,785 --> 00:03:06,653 Kevin, let me start with you. 63 00:03:06,653 --> 00:03:08,989 To date, how would you evaluate your season? 64 00:03:08,989 --> 00:03:10,991 Oh, it's been one of ups and downs. 65 00:03:10,991 --> 00:03:12,993 You know, we've had some good wins. 66 00:03:12,993 --> 00:03:14,127 We've had some close losses. 67 00:03:14,127 --> 00:03:15,929 We've had some terrible losses. 68 00:03:15,929 --> 00:03:17,798 So, we got a young team. 69 00:03:17,798 --> 00:03:22,369 And I think we played that way, weren't real consistent but 70 00:03:22,369 --> 00:03:25,005 showed some signs of being a pretty good team. 71 00:03:25,005 --> 00:03:27,074 And then, you know, with young teams, 72 00:03:27,074 --> 00:03:29,209 sometimes guys were a little bit overwhelmed. 73 00:03:29,209 --> 00:03:30,477 So, we had peaks and valleys. 74 00:03:30,477 --> 00:03:32,746 But overall, you know, I think it's something we can build on 75 00:03:32,746 --> 00:03:33,747 in the future. 76 00:03:33,747 --> 00:03:36,016 Yeah, was that to be expected when you're coming off a year 77 00:03:36,016 --> 00:03:38,585 which was sensational and you lost the talent you lost? 78 00:03:38,585 --> 00:03:41,655 Yeah, we lost a couple of guys and played a bunch of young 79 00:03:41,655 --> 00:03:44,391 guys, particularly the quarterback. 80 00:03:44,391 --> 00:03:47,994 A couple of real young guys. 81 00:03:47,994 --> 00:03:50,797 But, you know, I think they grew as the year went. 82 00:03:50,797 --> 00:03:52,799 They were excited to play in this game. 83 00:03:52,799 --> 00:03:55,235 Dana, I know you had some big wins and some tough losses, 84 00:03:55,235 --> 00:03:56,236 as well. 85 00:03:56,236 --> 00:03:57,237 Talk about your season. 86 00:03:57,237 --> 00:04:00,273 Well, it's kind of a very similar script to Texas A and M 87 00:04:00,273 --> 00:04:01,274 honestly. 88 00:04:01,274 --> 00:04:03,276 I mean, you know, the one thing about it is, 89 00:04:03,276 --> 00:04:05,278 is we're fortunate to be able to play in a good conference in the 90 00:04:05,278 --> 00:04:06,279 Big 12. 91 00:04:06,279 --> 00:04:08,281 We're fortunate to be able to play a tough schedule. 92 00:04:08,281 --> 00:04:11,318 We were competitive -- for the most part, 93 00:04:11,318 --> 00:04:12,319 competitive all year. 94 00:04:12,319 --> 00:04:14,855 Unfortunately we didn't win a couple of those close games in 95 00:04:14,855 --> 00:04:16,656 the middle. 96 00:04:16,656 --> 00:04:18,658 You know, played a lot of young guys. 97 00:04:18,658 --> 00:04:21,995 You know, obviously, you know, not going to a bowl game last 98 00:04:21,995 --> 00:04:23,396 year, it humbles ya. 99 00:04:23,396 --> 00:04:25,532 So, our guys are pretty fired up for this bowl prep, 100 00:04:25,532 --> 00:04:27,000 pretty fired up for this game. 101 00:04:27,000 --> 00:04:31,071 It's a great match-up when you get a team from the S-E-C and a 102 00:04:31,071 --> 00:04:32,539 team from the Big 12. 103 00:04:32,539 --> 00:04:33,540 Two explosive offenses. 104 00:04:33,540 --> 00:04:35,742 Everybody expects, alright, fireworks galore with these two 105 00:04:35,742 --> 00:04:36,743 offenses. 106 00:04:36,743 --> 00:04:37,878 Is that what we should expect? 107 00:04:37,878 --> 00:04:39,045 Dana, let me start with you. 108 00:04:39,045 --> 00:04:41,314 Well, it depends on how these quarterbacks play, 109 00:04:41,314 --> 00:04:42,315 I think. 110 00:04:42,315 --> 00:04:44,317 I mean, we've played a couple of different quarterbacks 111 00:04:44,317 --> 00:04:46,319 throughout the course of the year. 112 00:04:46,319 --> 00:04:48,321 Ended the year with the young guy ourselves, 113 00:04:48,321 --> 00:04:49,322 a sophomore. 114 00:04:49,322 --> 00:04:51,825 You know, we're still going to evaluate Clint Trickett to see 115 00:04:51,825 --> 00:04:53,226 if he's able to play. 116 00:04:53,226 --> 00:04:55,228 If he can't, then we're going to go with a young guy. 117 00:04:55,228 --> 00:04:57,230 And I know Texas A and M's got a couple of young guys there, 118 00:04:57,230 --> 00:04:58,231 as well. 119 00:04:58,231 --> 00:05:00,233 So, two very similar offenses and, 120 00:05:00,233 --> 00:05:02,536 you know, you got to get those quarterbacks playing pretty good 121 00:05:02,536 --> 00:05:04,104 if you need to be successful. 122 00:05:04,104 --> 00:05:05,105 Right. 123 00:05:05,105 --> 00:05:07,274 And for those who don't know the situation with Clint, 124 00:05:07,274 --> 00:05:09,276 can you explain that to our viewers? 125 00:05:09,276 --> 00:05:11,978 Well, he just, you know, Clint's had a great year. 126 00:05:11,978 --> 00:05:14,347 You know, and he's not the most physical presence, 127 00:05:14,347 --> 00:05:15,415 you know, out there. 128 00:05:15,415 --> 00:05:17,417 He comes in about 6'1", 190 pounds. 129 00:05:17,417 --> 00:05:19,419 Throughout the wear and tear of the season, 130 00:05:19,419 --> 00:05:22,789 you know, he ended up kind of getting knocked out of a couple 131 00:05:22,789 --> 00:05:23,790 of those games. 132 00:05:23,790 --> 00:05:25,792 So, we're evaluating where he's at. 133 00:05:25,792 --> 00:05:26,860 Had a tremendous senior year. 134 00:05:26,860 --> 00:05:29,629 He's responsible for getting us to a bowl game. 135 00:05:29,629 --> 00:05:31,765 Kind of ran out of gas there towards the end of the year. 136 00:05:31,765 --> 00:05:34,668 So, we'll evaluate him and see where he's at. 137 00:05:34,668 --> 00:05:37,804 Kevin, I know it started out with Trill Hill and just an 138 00:05:37,804 --> 00:05:40,574 explosive performance as he came on the scene in beating South 139 00:05:40,574 --> 00:05:42,843 Carolina, that big to open the season. 140 00:05:42,843 --> 00:05:45,779 And then, of course, it's Kyle Allen maybe midway to the end of 141 00:05:45,779 --> 00:05:47,781 the season who put up some good numbers, 142 00:05:47,781 --> 00:05:48,782 as well. 143 00:05:48,782 --> 00:05:50,784 Just talk about your quarterback situation. 144 00:05:50,784 --> 00:05:53,086 Yeah, I think, you know, it's been documented. 145 00:05:53,086 --> 00:05:55,689 Kenny started off the year on fire. 146 00:05:55,689 --> 00:05:59,559 Kyle has come on, you know, and started the last four or five 147 00:05:59,559 --> 00:06:02,362 games of the year and continues to get better. 148 00:06:02,362 --> 00:06:04,364 So, you know, both of them are young. 149 00:06:04,364 --> 00:06:05,498 One is a true sophomore. 150 00:06:05,498 --> 00:06:07,500 The other guy is a true freshman. 151 00:06:07,500 --> 00:06:09,502 So, you know, I think Dana hit it right on the head. 152 00:06:09,502 --> 00:06:11,738 You know, the quarterback play will be big in this game as far 153 00:06:11,738 --> 00:06:13,540 as points and production. 154 00:06:13,540 --> 00:06:16,843 But I think the guys have gotten better during the year. 155 00:06:16,843 --> 00:06:18,411 And we'll see how it works out. 156 00:06:18,411 --> 00:06:21,514 I know we're still a ways away from the game itself and 157 00:06:21,514 --> 00:06:23,516 breaking down each other's teams. 158 00:06:23,516 --> 00:06:26,886 But on the surface when you look at West Virginia, 159 00:06:26,886 --> 00:06:29,689 what worries you the most, concerns you the most about 160 00:06:29,689 --> 00:06:30,991 preparing for them? 161 00:06:30,991 --> 00:06:32,993 You know, I think they've been really, 162 00:06:32,993 --> 00:06:33,994 really solid on defense. 163 00:06:33,994 --> 00:06:35,996 I think Dana hit it right on the head that they had real close 164 00:06:35,996 --> 00:06:40,367 losses to some really good teams and beaten some good teams. 165 00:06:40,367 --> 00:06:45,372 So, you see, you know, what the trademark of West Virginia 166 00:06:45,372 --> 00:06:47,040 football, what Dana has done. 167 00:06:47,040 --> 00:06:48,041 They're playing hard. 168 00:06:48,041 --> 00:06:52,045 They're playing fast, changing the looks on defense and got 169 00:06:52,045 --> 00:06:53,146 some explosive players. 170 00:06:53,146 --> 00:06:56,783 So, you know, we're going to have to match that type of 171 00:06:56,783 --> 00:07:00,020 speed, game speed real quickly in a game like this. 172 00:07:00,020 --> 00:07:02,022 Otherwise, you can get in trouble. 173 00:07:02,022 --> 00:07:03,023 No question. 174 00:07:03,023 --> 00:07:05,025 And Dana, when you look at Texas A and M, 175 00:07:05,025 --> 00:07:06,026 your concerns? 176 00:07:06,026 --> 00:07:08,028 Good news is I've been following Kevin his whole life here. 177 00:07:08,028 --> 00:07:10,263 So, I've kind of got it figured out what he's doing on all three 178 00:07:10,263 --> 00:07:11,631 sides of the ball. 179 00:07:11,631 --> 00:07:14,034 We've got to figure out what they're going to do defensively 180 00:07:14,034 --> 00:07:15,035 a little bit here. 181 00:07:15,035 --> 00:07:17,103 But, you know, offensively there's a lot of similarities, 182 00:07:17,103 --> 00:07:19,339 what we're going to do. 183 00:07:19,339 --> 00:07:21,341 I mean, we're cut from the same mold. 184 00:07:21,341 --> 00:07:23,009 We got the same systems. 185 00:07:23,009 --> 00:07:26,646 Probably try to figure out who can fool each other, 186 00:07:26,646 --> 00:07:27,747 I guess, more than anything. 187 00:07:27,747 --> 00:07:29,749 But, you know, Texas A and M is a great football team. 188 00:07:29,749 --> 00:07:31,785 They've played at a very high level. 189 00:07:31,785 --> 00:07:35,355 They've been competitive for the majority of the tough losses 190 00:07:35,355 --> 00:07:36,556 that they've had obviously. 191 00:07:36,556 --> 00:07:39,192 And they're going to have great athletes running around. 192 00:07:39,192 --> 00:07:41,728 I know Kevin's been recruiting hard for three or four years at 193 00:07:41,728 --> 00:07:43,263 Texas A and M. 194 00:07:43,263 --> 00:07:44,264 Got great O-linemen. 195 00:07:44,264 --> 00:07:48,168 They do sons of the N-F-L every year and just tons of athletes 196 00:07:48,168 --> 00:07:49,169 on defense. 197 00:07:49,169 --> 00:07:50,170 It'll be a challenge. 198 00:07:50,170 --> 00:07:52,172 Alright, let's expound on what you said. 199 00:07:52,172 --> 00:07:53,173 Cut from the same mold. 200 00:07:53,173 --> 00:07:57,644 You obviously have a relationship and a history. 201 00:07:57,644 --> 00:08:01,014 Dana, two years under Kevin at Houston. 202 00:08:01,014 --> 00:08:03,516 What can you tell me about him, the man and the coach, 203 00:08:03,516 --> 00:08:05,518 and what did you learn from him? 204 00:08:05,518 --> 00:08:07,687 Well, I tell you what he does a fantastic job is, 205 00:08:07,687 --> 00:08:09,689 is being a C-E-O of the program. 206 00:08:09,689 --> 00:08:11,691 You know, he came in as an offensive guy, 207 00:08:11,691 --> 00:08:14,761 like I was, but just a fantastic job of being the C-E-O of the 208 00:08:14,761 --> 00:08:15,762 program. 209 00:08:15,762 --> 00:08:19,165 He does an unbelievable job recruiting, 210 00:08:19,165 --> 00:08:21,167 relating with his players, you know, 211 00:08:21,167 --> 00:08:23,670 building good quality young men and, 212 00:08:23,670 --> 00:08:26,606 you know, making sure that on all three sides of the ball, 213 00:08:26,606 --> 00:08:28,608 he's getting the right schemes in place and getting them 214 00:08:28,608 --> 00:08:29,909 motivated to play. 215 00:08:29,909 --> 00:08:32,345 I try to take a lot of that with me to West Virginia. 216 00:08:32,345 --> 00:08:35,648 You know, being an offensive guy myself and spending a lot of my 217 00:08:35,648 --> 00:08:37,650 whole career on offense, you know, 218 00:08:37,650 --> 00:08:41,154 you're not going to win very many championships if you're not 219 00:08:41,154 --> 00:08:44,090 very good in recruiting, you're not very good on defense and 220 00:08:44,090 --> 00:08:46,126 you're not molding these guys in to what they need to be. 221 00:08:46,126 --> 00:08:48,962 So, it ws a good two years under Coach Sumlin. 222 00:08:48,962 --> 00:08:51,965 I'm pretty fortunate to be in this game right now at West 223 00:08:51,965 --> 00:08:52,966 Virginia. 224 00:08:52,966 --> 00:08:54,968 Two of the top offensive innovators in the game I'm 225 00:08:54,968 --> 00:08:56,536 speaking to right now. 226 00:08:56,536 --> 00:09:00,140 So, when you had Dana, what did you see in Dana that has 227 00:09:00,140 --> 00:09:02,475 obviously propelled him to these heights? 228 00:09:02,475 --> 00:09:06,546 I saw a guy who is brilliant offensively, 229 00:09:06,546 --> 00:09:08,948 creatively and across the board in football. 230 00:09:08,948 --> 00:09:11,051 A guy who is on the cutting edge, 231 00:09:11,051 --> 00:09:14,687 knew what he was wanting to do, knew how to communicate it to 232 00:09:14,687 --> 00:09:16,689 young guys, knew how to motivate. 233 00:09:16,689 --> 00:09:21,361 And, you know, like I said early in his career when we first 234 00:09:21,361 --> 00:09:26,299 called him, you know, if I wanted somebody to come in and 235 00:09:26,299 --> 00:09:30,603 get creative, do the things that we wanted to do offensively, 236 00:09:30,603 --> 00:09:32,806 he just took it from there. 237 00:09:32,806 --> 00:09:36,109 And I'm not surprised he's had the success he's had. 238 00:09:36,109 --> 00:09:39,412 You mentioned earlier that there's the improvement when you 239 00:09:39,412 --> 00:09:41,414 look at West Virginia's defense. 240 00:09:41,414 --> 00:09:44,951 This game has changed so much, as you guys know. 241 00:09:44,951 --> 00:09:49,355 Can you win big strictly with offense and a mediocre defense? 242 00:09:49,355 --> 00:09:51,357 Or to win it all, to be in the playoff, 243 00:09:51,357 --> 00:09:54,427 to win a championship, do you have to have some defense? 244 00:09:54,427 --> 00:09:55,428 Yeah, I think so. 245 00:09:55,428 --> 00:09:57,430 I think you have to have some defense. 246 00:09:57,430 --> 00:10:00,200 You know, we struggled there and we're getting better. 247 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:04,304 But without a doubt, you know, the two conferences that we play 248 00:10:04,304 --> 00:10:07,207 in, I think it bears out. 249 00:10:07,207 --> 00:10:09,976 You know, and in particular in the S-E-C and in the S-E-C West, 250 00:10:09,976 --> 00:10:11,377 you better play some defense. 251 00:10:11,377 --> 00:10:13,379 Otherwise, it will be a long night. 252 00:10:13,379 --> 00:10:16,816 Kevin White, speaking of trying to play defense on this guy, 253 00:10:16,816 --> 00:10:18,918 you have coached some darn good receivers. 254 00:10:18,918 --> 00:10:20,587 How good is he? 255 00:10:20,587 --> 00:10:23,423 Well, I tell you what's been fun to watch about Kevin is, 256 00:10:23,423 --> 00:10:27,093 is just developing in to what you currently see as a senior. 257 00:10:27,093 --> 00:10:29,395 We're talking about a guy that was in junior college for three 258 00:10:29,395 --> 00:10:32,499 years, wasn't a dominating player in junior college but was 259 00:10:32,499 --> 00:10:37,036 -- had a ton of athleticism, spent two spring practices and a 260 00:10:37,036 --> 00:10:42,008 full year before he found some confidence and a pretty good 261 00:10:42,008 --> 00:10:44,611 rapport with the quarterback that was on the same page with 262 00:10:44,611 --> 00:10:45,612 them. 263 00:10:45,612 --> 00:10:46,613 That doesn't hurt, as well. 264 00:10:46,613 --> 00:10:48,615 But he's a tremendous young man. 265 00:10:48,615 --> 00:10:52,285 He's going to get his degree here over the Christmas break. 266 00:10:52,285 --> 00:10:55,021 He's going to move on in to the N-F-L and play football for a 267 00:10:55,021 --> 00:10:56,055 long time. 268 00:10:56,055 --> 00:10:58,625 Don't give away your trade secrets but it seems like it's 269 00:10:58,625 --> 00:10:59,926 almost impossible on paper. 270 00:10:59,926 --> 00:11:05,565 Yeah, every time you look up for what we do on Saturday night on 271 00:11:05,565 --> 00:11:07,567 E-S-P-N, he's on the highlights. 272 00:11:07,567 --> 00:11:12,071 So, it's the first guy that we knew who he was and on video, 273 00:11:12,071 --> 00:11:13,773 he does it against everybody. 274 00:11:13,773 --> 00:11:17,677 So, we better have some kind of plan to help them. 275 00:11:17,677 --> 00:11:20,847 You have obviously all these extra practices that coincide 276 00:11:20,847 --> 00:11:22,582 with being in a bowl game. 277 00:11:22,582 --> 00:11:24,584 So, you're preparing for your opponent. 278 00:11:24,584 --> 00:11:26,586 Obviously you want to come out with a W. 279 00:11:26,586 --> 00:11:28,588 But you're also looking ahead to next year. 280 00:11:28,588 --> 00:11:32,725 Is that the case, Dana, as far as can you start preparing 281 00:11:32,725 --> 00:11:34,193 already for 2015? 282 00:11:34,193 --> 00:11:36,195 You can do it a little bit of that. 283 00:11:36,195 --> 00:11:38,631 But, you know, just like we were talking about earlier, 284 00:11:38,631 --> 00:11:41,100 there's so much recruiting going on right now. 285 00:11:41,100 --> 00:11:43,102 There's a week's full of finals. 286 00:11:43,102 --> 00:11:45,104 Before you know it, you're in game prep. 287 00:11:45,104 --> 00:11:46,105 So, there's.. 288 00:11:46,105 --> 00:11:48,107 You're able to spend some time with them, 289 00:11:48,107 --> 00:11:49,242 which I think is important. 290 00:11:49,242 --> 00:11:51,511 You're able to challenge them a little bit more. 291 00:11:51,511 --> 00:11:54,314 You know, the days of being able to have 15, 292 00:11:54,314 --> 00:11:56,316 16 practices, I think, are over. 293 00:11:56,316 --> 00:11:58,318 You don't have that much time with them. 294 00:11:58,318 --> 00:12:01,321 But the little work that you do, every little bit helps. 295 00:12:01,321 --> 00:12:04,657 Is it normal game preps for West Virginia or are there new 296 00:12:04,657 --> 00:12:07,727 nuances that you throw in while you're preparing for the bowl 297 00:12:07,727 --> 00:12:08,728 game? 298 00:12:08,728 --> 00:12:10,730 Well, you know, you've got time. 299 00:12:10,730 --> 00:12:12,765 So, you know, coaches can be their own worst enemy during 300 00:12:12,765 --> 00:12:16,402 this time because we come up with all kinds of stuff when we 301 00:12:16,402 --> 00:12:17,804 have time on our hands. 302 00:12:17,804 --> 00:12:21,240 And, you know, there's a lot of familiarity with both of us. 303 00:12:21,240 --> 00:12:23,910 So, I would assume that there's going to be some new stuff from 304 00:12:23,910 --> 00:12:24,911 this game. 305 00:12:24,911 --> 00:12:26,913 I would imagine there would be some traction. 306 00:12:26,913 --> 00:12:28,114 I know this guy pretty good. 307 00:12:28,114 --> 00:12:30,283 He's going to be thinking of some stuff. 308 00:12:30,283 --> 00:12:31,284 I'll tell you. 309 00:12:31,284 --> 00:12:34,253 First thing we got to do is, probably both of us, 310 00:12:34,253 --> 00:12:36,889 is change our signals. 311 00:12:36,889 --> 00:12:37,890 Right. 312 00:12:37,890 --> 00:12:38,891 Familiarity, right? 313 00:12:38,891 --> 00:12:39,892 Yeah. 314 00:12:39,892 --> 00:12:41,894 Steve Ehrhart, the executive director of the Autozone Liberty 315 00:12:41,894 --> 00:12:43,896 Bowl, Harold Graeter, all the fine folks that do such a great 316 00:12:43,896 --> 00:12:44,897 job with this bowl game. 317 00:12:44,897 --> 00:12:46,899 I know they're excited because we're talking about two of the 318 00:12:46,899 --> 00:12:49,869 great fan bases in college football in Texas A and M and 319 00:12:49,869 --> 00:12:50,870 West Virginia. 320 00:12:50,870 --> 00:12:52,872 So, Dana, let me start with you. 321 00:12:52,872 --> 00:12:57,143 What has been the reaction and what type of support do you 322 00:12:57,143 --> 00:12:59,545 believe you'll get for the Mountaineers for this game? 323 00:12:59,545 --> 00:13:01,481 Yeah, our fan base is fired up. 324 00:13:01,481 --> 00:13:03,483 There's been some intense talks, you know, 325 00:13:03,483 --> 00:13:06,786 with the Liberty Bowl and West Virginia for the last couple of 326 00:13:06,786 --> 00:13:09,222 years when the Liberty Bowl got involved with the Big 12. 327 00:13:09,222 --> 00:13:12,191 And obviously West Virginia because of geography was going 328 00:13:12,191 --> 00:13:13,192 to be a good fit. 329 00:13:13,192 --> 00:13:16,963 So, and again, don't mean to bring this up too much but not 330 00:13:16,963 --> 00:13:18,965 going to a bowl game for a year, you know, 331 00:13:18,965 --> 00:13:19,966 that humbles you. 332 00:13:19,966 --> 00:13:20,967 It humbles your fan base. 333 00:13:20,967 --> 00:13:23,703 Our fan base is excited about traveling. 334 00:13:23,703 --> 00:13:25,204 It's within driving distance. 335 00:13:25,204 --> 00:13:29,108 And to be able to play a national S-E-C team in Texas A 336 00:13:29,108 --> 00:13:31,277 and M, I think, is going to be something that everybody is 337 00:13:31,277 --> 00:13:32,378 going to be fired up about. 338 00:13:32,378 --> 00:13:34,614 Kevin, with the Aggie following, what's it going to be like? 339 00:13:34,614 --> 00:13:35,715 Oh, it's going to be great. 340 00:13:35,715 --> 00:13:37,317 I think our fans are fired up. 341 00:13:37,317 --> 00:13:39,786 A lot of them haven't been in this area very, 342 00:13:39,786 --> 00:13:40,787 very often. 343 00:13:40,787 --> 00:13:43,690 I know our players are excited to be here. 344 00:13:43,690 --> 00:13:45,825 Fans are excited to be here. 345 00:13:45,825 --> 00:13:49,162 You know, it's really a new place for us and an opponent 346 00:13:49,162 --> 00:13:52,932 that it's hard to believe we've never played. 347 00:13:52,932 --> 00:13:57,136 So, that's always good for not only the game but good for the 348 00:13:57,136 --> 00:13:58,137 fans, too. 349 00:13:58,137 --> 00:14:00,673 So, can the 12th man make a statement in Memphis? 350 00:14:00,673 --> 00:14:02,675 Twelfth man can make a statement where ever. 351 00:14:02,675 --> 00:14:06,379 So, you know, I wouldn't look for this to be any different. 352 00:14:06,379 --> 00:14:08,881 I got to ask you, Dana, about this Twitter deal. 353 00:14:08,881 --> 00:14:10,883 Because, Kevin, I don't know how much you're on Twitter. 354 00:14:10,883 --> 00:14:12,018 I know Dana is. 355 00:14:12,018 --> 00:14:15,388 And, look, you look terrific, my friend. 356 00:14:15,388 --> 00:14:16,389 I got to tell you. 357 00:14:16,389 --> 00:14:19,592 But the Big Ern McCracken thing, what's going on with that? 358 00:14:19,592 --> 00:14:22,061 It was just some comedy. 359 00:14:22,061 --> 00:14:25,064 You got to have fun with us or this profession is pretty hard. 360 00:14:25,064 --> 00:14:27,066 It's pretty competitive, you know. 361 00:14:27,066 --> 00:14:29,168 Everybody is always at each other's throats when it comes to 362 00:14:29,168 --> 00:14:31,637 recruiting and being competitive on the field. 363 00:14:31,637 --> 00:14:33,840 You've got to have some fun with it a little bit as well. 364 00:14:33,840 --> 00:14:37,310 That was just an exchange between me and Coach to have 365 00:14:37,310 --> 00:14:38,578 some fun with it. 366 00:14:38,578 --> 00:14:39,846 Very entertaining, it was. 367 00:14:39,846 --> 00:14:41,848 Recruiting -- how is everything going? 368 00:14:41,848 --> 00:14:43,349 Kevin, let me ask you. 369 00:14:43,349 --> 00:14:45,251 Good, we're all over the place. 370 00:14:45,251 --> 00:14:47,453 And just like Dana said, you know, 371 00:14:47,453 --> 00:14:50,623 you've got to mix this time of year with recruiting, 372 00:14:50,623 --> 00:14:52,625 home visits, official visits and practice. 373 00:14:52,625 --> 00:14:55,261 And so, the calendar is going to change. 374 00:14:55,261 --> 00:14:57,029 So, one thing has got to give. 375 00:14:57,029 --> 00:15:00,099 And for what we're doing, recruiting is not going to give. 376 00:15:00,099 --> 00:15:02,101 We're not going to budge on that. 377 00:15:02,101 --> 00:15:04,504 And I tell ya, I would imagine that the families, 378 00:15:04,504 --> 00:15:09,008 it's tough on them because here we are in the holidays and it's 379 00:15:09,008 --> 00:15:11,010 probably the busiest time for you guys. 380 00:15:11,010 --> 00:15:12,011 Right, Dana? 381 00:15:12,011 --> 00:15:13,012 Well, it is. 382 00:15:13,012 --> 00:15:15,014 You know, and, you know, with the whole recruiting thing.. 383 00:15:15,014 --> 00:15:17,016 I mean, Kevin has done a great job of recruiting. 384 00:15:17,016 --> 00:15:19,018 I learned a lot of things that we've done. 385 00:15:19,018 --> 00:15:20,019 That doesn't slow down. 386 00:15:20,019 --> 00:15:21,020 That never slows down. 387 00:15:21,020 --> 00:15:23,022 But when they let the head coaches out, 388 00:15:23,022 --> 00:15:24,023 we've got to get out there. 389 00:15:24,023 --> 00:15:26,025 We've got to, you know, got to get in to as many homes as we 390 00:15:26,025 --> 00:15:28,494 possibly can and sell our brand. 391 00:15:28,494 --> 00:15:30,496 Big 12 has been great for West Virginia. 392 00:15:30,496 --> 00:15:34,333 You know, it's allowed us to recruit at a higher level, 393 00:15:34,333 --> 00:15:36,335 you know, which is up and down on the East coast. 394 00:15:36,335 --> 00:15:38,337 Probably not going to venture too far from that. 395 00:15:38,337 --> 00:15:40,339 As far as the kids go and their families, 396 00:15:40,339 --> 00:15:44,110 you know, I mean, you know, it's you don't want to stay at home. 397 00:15:44,110 --> 00:15:47,046 So, if you have an opportunity to travel and go to a bowl game, 398 00:15:47,046 --> 00:15:49,048 I think everybody is going to be excited about it. 399 00:15:49,048 --> 00:15:50,716 First year for the play-off. 400 00:15:50,716 --> 00:15:52,718 I want to get your thoughts on that. 401 00:15:52,718 --> 00:15:54,587 I know the Big 12 was shut out. 402 00:15:54,587 --> 00:15:56,656 I know there was a lot of controversy as far as that's 403 00:15:56,656 --> 00:15:57,657 concerned. 404 00:15:57,657 --> 00:16:01,027 But overall, you have obviously your A-D with Oliver Luck is on 405 00:16:01,027 --> 00:16:02,028 that committee. 406 00:16:02,028 --> 00:16:04,030 Your thoughts on how the committee did in this first 407 00:16:04,030 --> 00:16:05,031 year? 408 00:16:05,031 --> 00:16:07,033 Well, I think they did a fantastic job really. 409 00:16:07,033 --> 00:16:09,101 You know, it's the first year of doing it. 410 00:16:09,101 --> 00:16:12,405 If you think they're going to get through it without any 411 00:16:12,405 --> 00:16:14,407 hiccups, you're kind of fooling yourselves. 412 00:16:14,407 --> 00:16:18,110 So, you know, Big 12 is probably going to have to tweak some 413 00:16:18,110 --> 00:16:21,747 things just to put Big 12 on an even playing field with 414 00:16:21,747 --> 00:16:22,748 everybody else. 415 00:16:22,748 --> 00:16:24,750 There's five great conferences out there. 416 00:16:24,750 --> 00:16:25,885 And there's only four spots. 417 00:16:25,885 --> 00:16:28,454 You know, so, you got to settle it on the field. 418 00:16:28,454 --> 00:16:31,624 You know, I think T-C-U and Baylor both agree that they 419 00:16:31,624 --> 00:16:33,626 should probably should have won that extra game. 420 00:16:33,626 --> 00:16:35,628 So, it's going to continue to tweak. 421 00:16:35,628 --> 00:16:37,630 I think we're on the right track. 422 00:16:37,630 --> 00:16:38,631 Continue to tweak. 423 00:16:38,631 --> 00:16:41,434 I know Bob Bowlsby has been very vocal although he has not said 424 00:16:41,434 --> 00:16:45,004 or committed to adding teams in the future. 425 00:16:45,004 --> 00:16:47,773 Do you think that's the way to go if a waiver is not presented 426 00:16:47,773 --> 00:16:49,275 to have a championship game? 427 00:16:49,275 --> 00:16:50,910 The first step is the waiver. 428 00:16:50,910 --> 00:16:53,079 You know, we submitted the waiver quite some time ago. 429 00:16:53,079 --> 00:16:56,048 I think all the Big 12 coaches would agree. 430 00:16:56,048 --> 00:17:00,086 A championship game to put us at a 13th game is going to be 431 00:17:00,086 --> 00:17:02,088 something that we need to entertain. 432 00:17:02,088 --> 00:17:04,090 If the N-C-A-A doesn't allow that, 433 00:17:04,090 --> 00:17:06,092 then we probably got to take some steps. 434 00:17:06,092 --> 00:17:08,094 But that's way above my pay grade. 435 00:17:08,094 --> 00:17:10,096 I'm just trying to be a football coach here. 436 00:17:10,096 --> 00:17:12,098 That's why they get in those meetings and hash things out. 437 00:17:12,098 --> 00:17:14,100 And again, I think we're on the right track. 438 00:17:14,100 --> 00:17:16,736 I just think it's going to take some time to get it right. 439 00:17:16,736 --> 00:17:18,771 Kevin, your reaction to year one for the committee? 440 00:17:18,771 --> 00:17:20,773 Yeah, I thought they did a great job. 441 00:17:20,773 --> 00:17:23,409 I thought, you know, it created the excitement that everybody 442 00:17:23,409 --> 00:17:24,744 was looking for. 443 00:17:24,744 --> 00:17:28,214 You know, the television ratings and everything was.. 444 00:17:28,214 --> 00:17:30,850 Every week everybody was waiting on Tuesday whether they want to 445 00:17:30,850 --> 00:17:32,852 admit or not to see where they were. 446 00:17:32,852 --> 00:17:35,655 I think there's been some discussion about how the 447 00:17:35,655 --> 00:17:38,190 rankings every week didn't really matter. 448 00:17:38,190 --> 00:17:39,792 I think they did. 449 00:17:39,792 --> 00:17:43,029 I think, you know, football used to be, 450 00:17:43,029 --> 00:17:45,831 for a lot of fans, regionally watched. 451 00:17:45,831 --> 00:17:50,636 And I think what it created was a situation where people were 452 00:17:50,636 --> 00:17:55,775 watching, in the South were watching Ohio State in Oregon 453 00:17:55,775 --> 00:17:58,044 because it affected people in the South. 454 00:17:58,044 --> 00:18:00,313 And all over the country, we were watching different games 455 00:18:00,313 --> 00:18:04,083 that maybe didn't watch before just to see who was going to be 456 00:18:04,083 --> 00:18:05,718 in that '14 play-off. 457 00:18:05,718 --> 00:18:09,088 One team from the S-E-C gets in in Alabama and who knows what 458 00:18:09,088 --> 00:18:11,891 would have happened if Missouri upset Alabama in the S-E-C 459 00:18:11,891 --> 00:18:13,025 championship game. 460 00:18:13,025 --> 00:18:15,761 With that said, and we know the competitiveness in the Big 12 461 00:18:15,761 --> 00:18:17,763 and all of the power five conferences. 462 00:18:17,763 --> 00:18:20,733 That S-E-C West, that's got to drive you crazy preparing every 463 00:18:20,733 --> 00:18:21,767 week for one of those teams. 464 00:18:21,767 --> 00:18:23,035 Yeah, it's a grind. 465 00:18:23,035 --> 00:18:25,838 But, you know, there's a lot of good teams, 466 00:18:25,838 --> 00:18:28,174 a lot of good coaches, a lot of good players. 467 00:18:28,174 --> 00:18:32,111 But like I said before, I think what the play-off did, 468 00:18:32,111 --> 00:18:37,550 what this whole set up did was take people from really being -- 469 00:18:37,550 --> 00:18:41,287 watching regional football as much but watching national 470 00:18:41,287 --> 00:18:44,490 football because it affected it and it affected your conference. 471 00:18:44,490 --> 00:18:46,625 It affected who was going to be in this play-off situation. 472 00:18:46,625 --> 00:18:48,627 And I think from that standpoint, 473 00:18:48,627 --> 00:18:50,830 I think it's accomplishing what we want to accomplish. 474 00:18:50,830 --> 00:18:53,566 Dana, will there be time to go to Graceland while you're down 475 00:18:53,566 --> 00:18:54,567 here? 476 00:18:54,567 --> 00:18:56,569 Well, the thing I'm really excited about is getting to know 477 00:18:56,569 --> 00:18:57,570 Memphis a little bit. 478 00:18:57,570 --> 00:19:00,006 But I know our practice situation is about two minutes 479 00:19:00,006 --> 00:19:01,007 away. 480 00:19:01,007 --> 00:19:03,709 We were in New York a couple of years ago which made that a 481 00:19:03,709 --> 00:19:04,710 little bit tough. 482 00:19:04,710 --> 00:19:07,680 I was in Miami the year before that which was a little bit 483 00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:08,681 tough, too. 484 00:19:08,681 --> 00:19:10,683 So, you know, it's going to be a great bowl. 485 00:19:10,683 --> 00:19:12,685 Our kids are excited about coming up, 486 00:19:12,685 --> 00:19:14,687 and practicing, and putting their best foot forward but 487 00:19:14,687 --> 00:19:18,090 also, being able to get away and be able to see some of the 488 00:19:18,090 --> 00:19:19,325 sights of Memphis, as well. 489 00:19:19,325 --> 00:19:21,327 With that said, as Coach Holgorsen said, 490 00:19:21,327 --> 00:19:26,032 is it tough or is it easy to balance having a good time with 491 00:19:26,032 --> 00:19:28,200 the mission at hand is to win the game? 492 00:19:28,200 --> 00:19:31,437 Well, I think it's part of the bowl experience. 493 00:19:31,437 --> 00:19:34,874 You know, you've got a chance to take our team. 494 00:19:34,874 --> 00:19:37,777 For example, a lot of guys have never been to Memphis. 495 00:19:37,777 --> 00:19:40,579 And so, the ability to explore Memphis, 496 00:19:40,579 --> 00:19:43,182 to see new things, get some good barbecue, 497 00:19:43,182 --> 00:19:45,351 let them see what's happening here, 498 00:19:45,351 --> 00:19:47,520 it's all part of the experience. 499 00:19:47,520 --> 00:19:50,122 And then, you know, getting ready to play the game, 500 00:19:50,122 --> 00:19:51,123 too. 501 00:19:51,123 --> 00:19:52,458 Alright, final question. 502 00:19:52,458 --> 00:19:54,927 Dana, what will it take for West Virginia to hold that trophy 503 00:19:54,927 --> 00:19:57,229 above their heads when it's all said and done? 504 00:19:57,229 --> 00:19:59,899 Well, we've had a little bit of a problem this year with 505 00:19:59,899 --> 00:20:00,900 turnovers. 506 00:20:00,900 --> 00:20:03,502 So, at the end of the day, you've got to make sure that you 507 00:20:03,502 --> 00:20:04,503 hang on to the ball. 508 00:20:04,503 --> 00:20:06,772 So, you know, a lot of that has to do with your quarterback 509 00:20:06,772 --> 00:20:07,773 play. 510 00:20:07,773 --> 00:20:10,109 We're going to have to do a good job of taking care of the ball, 511 00:20:10,109 --> 00:20:12,111 you know, and trying to get points when we can. 512 00:20:12,111 --> 00:20:14,113 It's going to be a competitive game. 513 00:20:14,113 --> 00:20:15,114 It's going to be a fun game. 514 00:20:15,114 --> 00:20:17,116 It's going to up tempo, up paced. 515 00:20:17,116 --> 00:20:19,118 You know, and at the end of the day, 516 00:20:19,118 --> 00:20:21,120 it's about taking care of the ball, 517 00:20:21,120 --> 00:20:23,122 getting some points when you have the chance to get some 518 00:20:23,122 --> 00:20:24,123 points. 519 00:20:24,123 --> 00:20:26,125 As you guys said, you've never met. 520 00:20:26,125 --> 00:20:28,127 Both teams have been in this bowl game once. 521 00:20:28,127 --> 00:20:30,129 But only Texas A and M played in Memphis. 522 00:20:30,129 --> 00:20:32,131 West Virginia played actually in Atlantic City, 523 00:20:32,131 --> 00:20:34,133 New Jersey the one year they had it. 524 00:20:34,133 --> 00:20:37,336 So, Kevin, to add that trophy to the nice trophy case at Texas A 525 00:20:37,336 --> 00:20:39,472 and M, what will it take to beat West Virginia? 526 00:20:39,472 --> 00:20:40,473 I think the same thing. 527 00:20:40,473 --> 00:20:42,475 We've had our problems with turnovers, 528 00:20:42,475 --> 00:20:43,476 too, you know, as a young team. 529 00:20:43,476 --> 00:20:47,313 And being able to handle the situation will be a big deal for 530 00:20:47,313 --> 00:20:48,347 our young players. 531 00:20:48,347 --> 00:20:51,250 But, you know, I think I'd say this. 532 00:20:51,250 --> 00:20:53,853 I think both teams better get some sleep the night before 533 00:20:53,853 --> 00:20:57,022 because there's going to be a lot of plays this game. 534 00:20:57,022 --> 00:20:59,024 There is no question and we expect fireworks. 535 00:20:59,024 --> 00:21:01,026 I know it's going to be a great crowd for this game. 536 00:21:01,026 --> 00:21:02,027 We're looking forward to it. 537 00:21:02,027 --> 00:21:04,630 West Virginia, Texas A and M and the Autozone Liberty Bowl game. 538 00:21:04,630 --> 00:21:05,865 Dana, thank you so much. 539 00:21:05,865 --> 00:21:06,866 Great to see ya. 540 00:21:06,866 --> 00:21:07,867 Kevin, always good to see you. 541 00:21:07,867 --> 00:21:08,868 Thanks so much for your time. 542 00:21:08,868 --> 00:21:09,869 Thank you. 543 00:21:09,869 --> 00:21:10,936 We'll take a short time-out. 544 00:21:10,936 --> 00:21:12,371 "Overtime" is next. 545 00:21:12,371 --> 00:21:37,663 [theme music] 546 00:21:37,663 --> 00:21:39,832 So 2014 is just about over. 547 00:21:39,832 --> 00:21:43,302 In fact, this is our final show of the year. 548 00:21:43,302 --> 00:21:46,772 Next week we'll usher in 2015 by looking at some New Year's 549 00:21:46,772 --> 00:21:47,773 resolutions. 550 00:21:47,773 --> 00:21:50,376 Today however I thought it would be neat to take a quick look 551 00:21:50,376 --> 00:21:51,744 back at the year in sports. 552 00:21:51,744 --> 00:21:53,145 So, here we go. 553 00:21:53,145 --> 00:21:56,148 In 2014, the name Richard Sherman became a household name 554 00:21:56,148 --> 00:21:59,952 as he led the Seattle Seahawks to a 43-8 rout of Peyton Manning 555 00:21:59,952 --> 00:22:02,621 and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 48. 556 00:22:02,621 --> 00:22:05,524 The Memphis Tigers men's hoop squad would go 23 and 8 but just 557 00:22:05,524 --> 00:22:07,726 12 and 6 in the American Conference. 558 00:22:07,726 --> 00:22:09,795 The Tigers would draw the fifth seed for the conference 559 00:22:09,795 --> 00:22:13,165 tournament played at FedExForum and Memphis would get clobbered 560 00:22:13,165 --> 00:22:16,368 in the quarter-finals by eventual national champions 561 00:22:16,368 --> 00:22:19,638 Connecticut The Tigers would get an at large birth in the N-C-A-A 562 00:22:19,638 --> 00:22:22,107 tournament in which they would beat George Washington in round 563 00:22:22,107 --> 00:22:25,077 two but fall to Virginia in the round of 32. 564 00:22:25,077 --> 00:22:28,013 The Memphis Grizzlies would overcome obstacles both on and 565 00:22:28,013 --> 00:22:31,217 off the court to win 50 games and draw the seventh seed for 566 00:22:31,217 --> 00:22:33,219 the playoffs in the wild western conference. 567 00:22:33,219 --> 00:22:35,921 The Grizz suffered key injuries and a complete overhaul in the 568 00:22:35,921 --> 00:22:38,824 front office with the firing of President Jason Levien. 569 00:22:38,824 --> 00:22:41,093 The Grizz would battle the favored Oklahoma City Thunder to 570 00:22:41,093 --> 00:22:43,162 a seventh game in round one of the post season, 571 00:22:43,162 --> 00:22:46,298 but a suspension to Zach Randolph for game seven would 572 00:22:46,298 --> 00:22:48,934 prove to be too much for the team to overcome. 573 00:22:48,934 --> 00:22:51,170 As for the rest of the playoffs, the ageless wonders from San 574 00:22:51,170 --> 00:22:54,573 Antonio would win another title, as the Spurs avenged a loss from 575 00:22:54,573 --> 00:22:57,643 a season ago to the Miami Heat, winning four games to one for 576 00:22:57,643 --> 00:22:58,944 their fifth N-B-A crown. 577 00:22:58,944 --> 00:23:02,414 At the FedEx-Saint Jude Classic, Ben Crane resurrected his career 578 00:23:02,414 --> 00:23:05,284 with his fifth victory and the first wire to wire win in 579 00:23:05,284 --> 00:23:08,854 Memphis since Brian Gay turned the trick in 2009. 580 00:23:08,854 --> 00:23:11,891 He would hold off Troy Merritt by a stroke despite a final 581 00:23:11,891 --> 00:23:12,892 round 73. 582 00:23:12,892 --> 00:23:16,528 On the diamond, the Memphis Redbirds won 79 games and the 583 00:23:16,528 --> 00:23:19,798 P-C-L American Southern Division title but lost in the first 584 00:23:19,798 --> 00:23:23,135 round of the playoffs, falling to Omaha three games to one. 585 00:23:23,135 --> 00:23:25,938 Off the field, huge news for the birds who were purchased by the 586 00:23:25,938 --> 00:23:28,607 Saint Louis Cardinals from the city of Memphis. 587 00:23:28,607 --> 00:23:31,377 The Cards have started renovations to Autozone Park, 588 00:23:31,377 --> 00:23:34,046 where as part of the deal, will spend four-and-a-half million 589 00:23:34,046 --> 00:23:35,714 dollars on upgrades. 590 00:23:35,714 --> 00:23:37,950 In the bigs, the Cardinals once again found their way into the 591 00:23:37,950 --> 00:23:40,686 post season before falling to eventual World Series champion 592 00:23:40,686 --> 00:23:41,820 San Francisco. 593 00:23:41,820 --> 00:23:45,124 The Cards surprised the Dodgers before losing to the G-Men. 594 00:23:45,124 --> 00:23:47,726 San Francisco would hold off surprising Kansas City four 595 00:23:47,726 --> 00:23:51,530 games to three to win their third title since 2010. 596 00:23:51,530 --> 00:23:54,033 Off the field, tragedy struck the Cardinals organization when 597 00:23:54,033 --> 00:23:57,269 a car driven by young star Oscar Taveras crashed in his native 598 00:23:57,269 --> 00:24:00,472 country of the Dominican Republic killing Taveras and his 599 00:24:00,472 --> 00:24:01,473 girlfriend. 600 00:24:01,473 --> 00:24:04,310 It was discovered later that Taveras's blood alcohol level 601 00:24:04,310 --> 00:24:06,412 was five times the legal limit. 602 00:24:06,412 --> 00:24:09,515 And finally, 2014 produced a pretty memorable football season 603 00:24:09,515 --> 00:24:10,749 for area teams. 604 00:24:10,749 --> 00:24:13,252 The play of Ole Miss and Mississippi State drew the eyes 605 00:24:13,252 --> 00:24:16,121 of the college pigskin world to the Magnolia State. 606 00:24:16,121 --> 00:24:19,058 E-S-P-N game day even made an appearance in Oxford for the 607 00:24:19,058 --> 00:24:22,661 very first time with singer Katy Perry stealing the show. 608 00:24:22,661 --> 00:24:25,564 Tennessee qualified for its first bowl under Butch Jones and 609 00:24:25,564 --> 00:24:28,734 Arkansas showed vast improvement and a promising future with 610 00:24:28,734 --> 00:24:30,302 Brett Bielema at the helm. 611 00:24:30,302 --> 00:24:33,472 And of course the Memphis Tigers bounced back from a three win 612 00:24:33,472 --> 00:24:37,309 season in 2013 to win nine games in the regular season, 613 00:24:37,309 --> 00:24:40,446 ten in all, and qualify for the programs' first bowl game since 614 00:24:40,446 --> 00:24:41,447 2008. 615 00:24:41,447 --> 00:24:44,316 Head Coach Justin Fuente was named American Coach of the Year 616 00:24:44,316 --> 00:24:47,019 and was awarded with a new five year contract starting at a 617 00:24:47,019 --> 00:24:50,456 reported 1.4 million per season. 618 00:24:50,456 --> 00:24:51,457 And that will do it for now. 619 00:24:51,457 --> 00:24:53,826 Next week we'll talk plenty of Grizzlies who will close out the 620 00:24:53,826 --> 00:24:57,563 2014 calendar year with a home game against Houston tonight, 621 00:24:57,563 --> 00:25:00,399 a visit to Miami tomorrow and a visit from the defending 622 00:25:00,399 --> 00:25:02,768 champion Spurs on Tuesday. 623 00:25:02,768 --> 00:25:05,104 Also, our next telecast of Tigers Basketball here on 624 00:25:05,104 --> 00:25:09,541 W-K-N-O we'll come your way at 10:30 pm on New Year's Eve. 625 00:25:09,541 --> 00:25:12,644 That's next Wednesday as the Tigers open up conference play 626 00:25:12,644 --> 00:25:14,113 against Houston. 627 00:25:14,113 --> 00:25:16,115 Not a bad way to usher in the new year. 628 00:25:16,115 --> 00:25:19,118 Until then, have a great week, Happy New Year and we'll see you 629 00:25:19,118 --> 00:25:20,119 next time. 630 00:25:20,119 --> 00:25:54,586 [theme music] 631 00:25:54,586 --> 00:25:55,554 (female announcer)   Production funding for 632 00:25:55,554 --> 00:25:58,824 "Sports Files" is   made possible in part by.. 633 00:25:58,824 --> 00:26:00,392 (male narrator)   Infiniti of Memphis has moved to 634 00:26:00,392 --> 00:26:03,762 Germantown road just half mile   north of Wolfchase Galleria and 635 00:26:03,762 --> 00:26:06,498 is proud to support W-K-N-O for   its quality broadcasting and 636 00:26:06,498 --> 00:26:08,067 service   to our community. 637 00:26:08,067 --> 00:26:10,502 Quality and service --   No wonder Infiniti of Memphis 638 00:26:10,502 --> 00:26:12,871 feels at   home on W-K-N-O. 639 00:26:12,871 --> 00:26:16,871 CLOSED CAPTIONING PROVIDED BY W-K-N-O, MEMPHIS.