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by Jadon Bosarge, Seventh Grade
Jadon Bosarge, reporting for Kid Scoop News. I covered the 100th Rose Bowl game (Michigan State and Stanford), which was played on January 1, 2014, in Pasadena, California.
12/26/13
Arrived at the LA Downtown Hotel – the media hotel for the Rose Bowl Game. Even though it was 10 P.M., I was invited to the Media Reception Room, where they were serving lobster, beef, and chicken, with all the trimmings. I knew that I was in for an exciting week!
12/27/13
Morning Entry: Today was the start of the weeklong daily press conferences. Following breakfast, I joined other reporters in the Media Room. Highlighted today, was Michigan State’s Defense and Stanford’s Offense.
Michigan State was represented by their Defensive Coordinator – Pat Narduzzi. The players were Defensive Ends – Marcus Rush and Shilique Calhoun, Linebacker – Denicos Allen, Safety – Isaiah Lewis, and Cornerback (and winner of the Jim Thorpe Award – best defensive back in the country) – Darqueze Dennard. Even though, their senior linebacker and captain – Max Bullough has been suspended from playing in the Rose Bowl, the Michigan defense will fight on! Bullough would have been following in his grandfather’s footsteps, which played in the Rose Bowl in 1954.
Stanford sent their Offensive Coordinator – Mike Bloomgren. The Cardinal players were Left Guard – David Yankey, Wide Receiver – Ty Montgomery, Runningback – Tyler Gaffney, Fullback – Ryan Hewitt, and Quarterback – Kevin Hogan. I was able to ask a question to Coach Bloomgren: What are those glasses you have on? “They are Google Glasses and a way for me to pay homage to Nerd Nation, which has been the Stanford’s thing all year long.”
Afternoon Entry: At noon, the media was invited to attend Michigan State’s practice at the StubHub Center. I watched the team walk from the locker room to the practice field. They did stretching, some individual drills, and a team huddle, before the media was whisked away.
12/28/13
Morning Entry: At the daily press conferences, Michigan State’s was represented by Co-Offensive Coordinator Coach Dave Warner. Their offensive players on hand were Quarterback – Connor Cook, Offensive Guard – Blake Treadwell, Runningback – Jeremy Langford, Receivers – Benny Fowler and Tony Lippett.
The night prior was the Lawry’s Beef Bowl Dinner for the team. One of the Michigan State players consumed over $300 worth of prime rib. There is a running tradition with teams trying to outdo (or out-eat) each other. This is Michigan State’s first time to the Rose Bowl in over 20 years. They are taking this very seriously and are in it to win it!
This morning, the Stanford’s defense was led by Defensive Coordinator Coach Derek Mason. He was the former teammate of Quarterback Coach of Michigan State – Brad Salem. Players that were present include: Nickelback – Usua Amanam, Safety – Ed Reynolds, Linebackers – Trent Murphy, A. J. Tarpley, and Shayne Skov.
Their Lawry’s Dinner would be held tonight. They have learned from years past not to eat as much beef. They feel it slows them down at practice and affects their game. Stanford’s focus is not to win the Beef Bowl, but win the Rose Bowl.
Afternoon Entry: I spent the entire afternoon at the StubHub Center watching Stanford practice. They had special team drills, offense vs. scout defense, defense vs. scout offense, and finished up with a team stretch. This was topped off with an interview of Coach Shaw in which he commented on his satisfaction with the daily practice.
12/29/13
Daily Entry: Today was Media Day with all players and coaches for both Rose Bowl teams. The players wore their jerseys to make it easier for the media to identify them. I spent the first part of the morning speaking with Michigan State Spartans. Defensive Coordinator-Pat Narduzzi, Quarterback- Connor Cook, and Runningback Jeremy Langford all spoke with me. I then met with the Stanford players and was able to talk to Linebacker-Shayne Skov, Linebacker-Trent Murphy, and Wide Receiver- Kodi Whitfield. After some detective work, I discovered there were pranksters on both teams. They are Defensive Linemen – James Kittredge for Michigan State, and Runningback – Anthony Wilkerson for Stanford. They both specialize in impersonating the coaches. When I asked some of the key players where and how they got started playing football, Cardinal Linebacker, Skov, said that he got started when he was 12 years old, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Spartan Runningback, Jeremy Langford, said he just followed in the footsteps of his father by playing football. Players from both teams told me that the difference between a regular season practice and that for the Rose Bowl was the intensity level. Both teams realize the importance of the Rose Bowl and consider it an honor to be playing in it.
12/30/13
Daily Entry: Today was Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. It was held at the Exhibit Hall and Ballroom at the Pasadena Convention Center. Inductees were Coach Lloyd Carr, Left Tackle – Orlando Pace, and Wide Receiver – Lynn Swann.
Coach Carr was introduced by one of his finest quarterbacks, Brain Gresie, who was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame last year. He stated that Carr had coached eleven Rose Bowls and won four of them. I asked him what advice he would give kids pursuing their dream of playing football/coaching. Coach Carr responded by saying kids should play Pop Warner football throughout their childhood, then play high school football while coaching Pop Warner, and if possible go on to play college football. If playing in college ball is not an option, there is always the possibility of serving as a graduate assistant.
Orlando Pace was also inducted. He was introduced by his eighth grade son, Justin, who is an athletic and academic all-American for his Pop Warner team. Justin was poised and well spoken. He said that his father was the pillar of the family. The former Ohio State and St. Louis Rams player is currently predicted to be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Pittsburg Steelers Hall of Fame wide receiver Lynn Swann was introduced by former inductee, Sam “The Bam” Cunningham. Cunningham, Swann’s roommate in college, told the audience he did not know why good receivers (like Swann) came to USC because the team did not throw the ball, they ran it. One of his most memorable plays was with the Steelers when he made a key catch in Super Bowl X against the Cowboys. Lynn Swann was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
The perfect weather reflected the overall atmosphere of the day. Miniature souvenir footballs were passed out to the guests. Friends and family were present for these three amazing football legends to be inducted to the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. It was a special day for all who attended.
12/31/13
Daily Entry: Anaheim, CA – Today was the BCS Welcome Press Conference. It was at ESPN in Downtown Disney. This was for the two teams competing in the NCAA Football National Championship – number one ranked Florida State Seminoles and number two ranked Auburn Tigers.
The Seminoles arrived first. Their coach, Jimbo Fisher, climbed out of the travel bus. He stopped on the green carpet (green – perhaps to mimic that of a football field) to take pictures with Disney characters Mickey, Minnie, and Donald. The press followed him quickly into the media room, took their seats, and began to ask him questions. There were cameras, directly behind the reporters, streaming the interview on live television. Coach Fisher brought his wife, Candi, on stage to have her talk about the cancer foundation they started. In each of the past two years, the foundation has been able to raise and donate $500,000+ for the cause. This year, the foundation, with the help of the Fishers, surpassed their previous years and raised $800,000.
Next up was the Auburn Tigers. Their coach, Gus Malzahn stepped out of the bus. The crowd was flashing photos and asking him for autographs. He acknowledged the fans and stopped for pictures with the Disney characters. When with the reporters, many of the questions dealt with being lucky making it to the national championship, because of last second touchdowns in two of their final three regular season games. Both of these plays tied for #1 Play of the Year on Sports Center.
Both teams left to begin their preparations for the all-important upcoming game.
1/1/14
Daily Entry: Rose Bowl Game – Today was the 100th annual Rose Bowl presented by Visio. The Michigan State Spartans beat the Stanford Cardinal. The final score 24-20. This is the first Rose Bowl for the Spartans in 26 years, but 2013 was their year to shine.
Michigan State’s number one ranked defense played an outstanding game, especially on fourth down. Stanford was 0-2 on fourth down conversions. After the game, Tyler Gaffney, RB for Stanford, said, “It just came down to they (Michigan State) played well. They made adjustments after the first couple of runs, first couple of drives of a series, and we didn’t respond like we needed to…”
Spartan coach Mark Dantonio was pleased with his defenses effort. “Defensively, we felt like we had them down a little bit…Outstanding job by coach Narduzzi and our entire defensive staff.”
Quarterback Connor Cook was the Offensive Player Of the Game for the best all-around offensive performance on the field. He was 22-36 pass attempts for 332 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Linebacker Kyler Elsworth, who replaced suspended Max Bullough, was the Defensive Player of the Game. He had 4 tackles including a critical, fourth down stop at the end of the game.
Michigan State finished with a record of 13-1 and Stanford fell to a record of 11-3.
1/2/14
Morning Entry: Today was the start of the daily press conferences building up to the final BCS National Championship Game. Daily, members of the number one ranked Florida State Seminoles and number two ranked Auburn Tigers will answer questions and share some insight with the press. This is held at the BCS media hotel in Newport Beach, CA.
The first group this morning was members of the Florida State defense: Defensive Coordinator: Jeremy Pruitt, Linebacker – Telvin Smith, Cornerback – LaMarcus Joyner, Linebacker – Christian Jones, Defensive Back – Terrence Brooks, and Defensive Tackle – Timmy Jernigan. Their game plan is to fill the gaps before Auburn Runningback, Tre Mason, can find and exploit them.
Between the two groups, the media regrouped over muffins and juice. Auburn then arrived. Their offense was represented by Offensive Coordinator – Rhett Lashlee, Center – Reese Dismukes, Quarterback – Nick Marshall, Heisman finalist Runningback – Tre Mason, Fullback – Jay Prosch, and Tight End – C.J. Uzomah. Their offensive scheme is to play with a high tempo, giving their opponent little time to think, prepare, and act!
Afternoon Entry: Around lunchtime, we headed to the campus of UC Irvine for Auburn’s practice. The southern California weather was perfect. The team approached the field for warm-ups. They were throwing balls, stretching, blocking, and kicking.
1/4/14
Morning Entry: For this morning’s media event, it was a packed house for the press. It was Media Day at Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa. All the coaches and players from the two BCS teams were in attendance. The media was on hand to interview and get “the football scoop”. The large room was setup with a podium in each of the corners and one more podium in the front of the room. There were round tables with chairs sprinkled throughout the room. A player was stationed at each of the podiums and groups of player and coaches were seated at the tables – all were being questioned by the press.
Florida State arrived first. The players I interviewed included: Defensive Back – LaMarcus Joyner, Linebacker – Telvin Smith, Defensive End – Christian Jones, and Center – Bryan Stork. I talked with them about their childhood and about being winners. I also spoke with Florida State Chaplin – Clint Purvis. He shared with me what his role is on the team. He said that he was kind of like the team counselor. He makes sure the guys are okay when they are off the field and away from football. Clint believes that it is important to have integrity and character, to be a person that can be trusted and a person of your word. He encourages others to watch their behavior and be careful not to do things that will embarrass your family or your organization.
Next in were the Auburn Tigers. I had the opportunity to speak with the following: Runningback – Tre Mason, Defensive Back – Jonathan Mincy, Running Back – Cameron Artis-Payne, and Definsive Back – Jermaine Whitehead. I also got to have a conversation with Auburn Defensive Coordinator – Ellis Johnson. He told me to be a winner “it takes a lot of hard work and confidence. You have to have some talent too, but those other things are what separate the winners from the losers”. It looks to me like there were some winners here today!
As the BCS game day approaches, everyone here senses the level of intensity increasing. Both teams have talent. Both teams have heart. Both teams are winners!
1/5/14
Daily Entry: See the BCS Pre-Game Party article.
1/6/14
Daily Entry: See the BCS National Championship article.
1/7/14
Daily Entry: Presentation of Trophies to BCS Championship Winner
Today was the presentation of trophies to the BCS winning coach, Jimbo Fisher. This morning’s event was held at the BCS Championship Media Hotel, The Newport Beach Marriot Resort & Spa. This was the final event of the BCS Championship.
Jimbo Fisher is the Head Coach for Florida State. The Seminoles won the National Championship, so Coach Fisher was awarded the Coaches Trophy along with National Championship trophies from the Associated Press, FWAA, and National Football Foundation. Coach Fisher was a gracious winner complimenting their worthy opponent the Auburn Tigers.
This event was one to remember as it ended the BCS era. Coach Fisher shared some of his thoughts on football and life. He walked away with a smile on his face and trophies in his hands. For me, as a kid reporter, it was the end of a fabulous trip and wonderful learning experience.
