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The Bowlies (cont.)

Posted: Friday January 5, 2007 12:53PM; Updated: Friday January 5, 2007 12:54PM
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By Dave Isaacs

The 2K (Give or Take 72 Yards) Club Award

What's been a more destructive force -- Garrett Wolfe on rushing defenses or Tara Reid on her career?
What's been a more destructive force -- Garrett Wolfe on rushing defenses or Tara Reid on her career?
Kevin Mazur, Matthew Mitchell/WireImage
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Garrett Wolfe, N. Illinois: Over the past three years, Wolfe demolished school records the way Tara Reid destroyed her career: quietly and swiftly. This season, Wolfe broke several NIU marks set by Chargers RB Michael Turner, including the all-time rushing record of 4,941 yards. By the end of the regular season, Wolfe had surpassed the 5,000-yard rushing mark for his career, and led the nation with 1,900. And as LaDanian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson can attest, reaching the 2K mark certainly helps your chances of having a career in the NFL.

NIU accepted a trip to the San Diego County Credit Union Bowl to play TCU, but unfortunately for Wolfe, the Horned Frogs came in with the fourth best run defense in the nation and lived up to their reputation by swarming the line. Wolfe got the ball 20 times, but only picked up 28 yards, thus ending the season with 1,928.

The Injury to Insult Award

Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech: After successfully recovering from a 31-point deficit to beat Minnesota in the Insight Bowl in OT, a certain member of the Red Raiders had an interesting way of celebrating. Guard Ramirez -- playing the final game of his collegiate career -- fell to his knees in the euphoria of winning. He never touched the ground, though. His knees landed on the ass of Minnesota's John Jakle, who was face-down on the field after Tech scored the game-winning TD. As awful as Jakle must have felt about losing, it had to be unpleasant to not be able to sit down for days afterwards, too.

The  Incredible Game, Better Postgame Award

The Proposal:  Boise State and Oklahoma's Fiesta Bowl battle deserves a number of awards, as it has been far and away the best bowl game this year. It's impossible to pick just one play that should be broken down, including BSU's game-winning Statue of Liberty play. But a post-game incident just might have topped the dramatic game itself.

After Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky brazenly declared that his squad deserved a shot at Ohio State, sideline reporter Chris Myers interviewed running back Ian Johnson, who stood with his girlfriend (and captain of the cheerleading squad) Chrissy Popadics on his arm. There was a pause and Johnson turned to his girlfriend, then got on one knee. In one of the most awkward moments in sports broadcast history, Myers said, "Oh, and you're going to propose to your girlfriend now." Luckily Popadics didn't hear Myers, the surprise was preserved, and she eventually said yes to Johnson's passionate request. The lesson to be learned, folks, is that one should only propose on ABC broadcasts.

The Pitch that Got Away Award

Reggie Campbell, Navy: The Midshipmen had run the ball 766 times in 13 games, and were on the verge of upsetting Boston College. Then a simple pitch that Campbell couldn't corral allowed BC's Steve Aponavicius to play hero.

The question is whose fault was it? The 5-foot-6 Campbell is one of several Navy backs who share a heavy load -- 86.4% of the team's plays this season were on the ground -- and he was thought to be sure-handed. Perhaps the blame is Campbell's, for simply dropping the pitch. Perhaps it belongs to coach Paul Johnson, who might have had better success with a fullback run up the gut and a punt that made BC drive down the field.

The dark horse explanation, however, is that Campbell became indifferent to the game after coming into contact with color commentator Mike Gottfried. During the broadcast, the former college coach frequently stopped in the middle of explanations, perhaps pausing to wave over a hot dog vendor or stare at a red balloon. Gottfried's apathy could be contagious, and it's possible he infected  Campbell. You do the math.

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