JOEPA REGION FINAL

1991 WASHINGTON

vs
2001 MIAMI

1991 Washington
#21 overall seed - winners of Bracket #21

2001 Miami
#4 overall seed - winners of Bracket #4

JOEPA REGION RECAP

JoePa Region Preview
Round of 64 Results [Part I] [Part II]
Round of 32 Results
Sweet Sixteen Results

GAME RECAP

For the second consecutive game the Washington offense faltered. Unfortunately this time the Huskie's defense wasn't able to bail them out.

All America safety Ed Reed stepped up in a big way to make sure his Hurricanes advanced to the Final Four as expected. Reed had an interception and two forced fumbles to go along with his 7 solo tackles. He single-handedly took away the middle of the field, making it difficult for Mario Bailey to pick up any significant yardage after the catch. Additionally, the Miami front seven had their way up front. Washington's top two tailbacks, Beno Bryant and Jay Barry only combined for 78 yards rushing in the game.

In fact, the only positive contributions on offense came from speedy tailback Napoleon Kaufman. The freshman only had two carries in the first half, but once it became apparent that his athleticism was needed against the Hurricane defense, he began to see more action. He had 9 carries in the second half for 55 yards and a touchdown, but by that point it was too late for the Huskies to climb back into the game.


The Miami offense had similar struggles early on, but compiled enough big plays to build and sustain a comfortable lead. Tight end Jeremy Shockey caught a 38-yard touchdown pass from Ken Dorsey in the second quarter, and freshman tailback Frank Gore put Don James and Washington away for good late in the third quarter with a 54-yard touchdown run.

FINAL SCORE
2001 Miami - 27
1991 Washington - 17

Bracket of Champions - Sweet 16 - JoePa Region

BRACKET OF CHAMPIONS

JOEPA REGIONAL
Sweet Sixteen

Results
(seed) year school - score

(5) 1999 Florida State - 23
(21) 1991 Washington - 27
The "Purple Reign" defense surprised everyone by assaulting the potent Florida State offense and leading 1991 Washington to an upset win over 1999 Florida State.


Steve Emtman once again led a charge by the defensive line that forced FSU quarterback Chris Weinke to hurry his reads and make bad throws. Washington compiled just 2 sacks, but hit Weinke four times while he was in the throwing motion, forcing two interceptions. Linebacker Dave Hoffman returned one of those interceptions for a touchdown, and corner Walter Bailey returned another one inside the 10 yard line, which set up another Husky touchdown. Those two plays swung the whole momentum of the game and offset the fact that the Washington offense only had 212 yards on the day.


Peter Warrick nearly outgained the Huskies on his own (146 receiving yards, 48 yards rushing), but his performance, along with the Seminole defense's marvelous outing, were all for naught thanks to the big turnovers.

(141) 2001 Florida - 16
(4) 2001 Miami - 31
Rex Grossman's remarkable run in the Bracket of Champions came to a screeching halt against the loaded 2001 Hurricanes.

Miami picked off Grossman four times en route to the biggest blowout of the round. Phillip Buchanon had two interceptions, and Ed Reed and James Lewis had the other two.

On the other side of the ball, Ken Dorsey was steady in the passing game and Clinton Portis ran for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns. Miami piled up 241 rushing yards and 465 total yards of offense.

JoePa Region Final
(4) Miami vs (21) 1991 Washington
The winner goes to the Final Four

B.o.C. - JOEPA REGION - Round 2

BRACKET OF CHAMPIONS

JOEPA REGIONAL
Round of 32

RESULTS
(seed) year school - score

(5) 1999 Florida State - 32
(156) 1996 Nebraska - 20
The turnover bug bit the '96 Cornhuskers again, and the defense couldn't contain Chris Weinke and company as the '99 Seminoles marched into the Sweet 16.

Weinke burned an aggressive Nebraska secondary to the tune of 312 yards and 3 touchdowns while defensive tackle Corey Simon disrupted the Nebraska offense by collapsing the interior line on nearly every play that he was in the game. Nebraska was only able to run for 161 yards - well below their average - and turning the ball over four times (3 fumbles, 1 interception) didn't help either.

(21) 1991 Washington - 26
(12) 1989 Notre Dame - 20
Speaking of blowing up the option before it has a chance to get moving down the line, Steve Emtman did just that against Tony Rice and the Notre Dame offense.


Rocket Ismail scored both of Notre Dame's touchdowns, one on a 55-yard punt return and the other on a 44-yard reception, but the rest of the Irish offense stalled. Emtman was a thorn in Rice's side, hitting the senior quarterback often just a split second after the ball was snapped. Linebacker Chico Fraley cleaned up the rest of the running game, registering 11 tackles (4 for loss) on Notre Dame running backs Ricky Watters and Anthony Johnson.


For Washington it was just the opposite. Beno Bryant found plenty of room to run, gaining 140 yards behind star offensive tackle Lincoln Kennedy. Kennedy and company controlled the line of scrimmage, neutralizing the impact of All America defensive tackle Chris Zorich.

(141) 2001 Florida - 31
(84) 1982 Nebraska - 30
Rex Grossman continued his string of clutch performances while Nebraska continued their stumble here in the Round of 32.

The Nebraska offense exploded out to a 17-0 first quarter lead in which they held a 169-to-27 edge in total yards. But Steve Spurrier didn't let his Gators quit. Spurrier made a gutsy call to go with backup quarterback Brock Berlin after falling behind 17-0, despite the fact that Grossman had been on fire the last three games. Spurrier's gamble worked because Berlin led a touchdown drive (with the aid of a questionable call by the officials that helped take some of the wind out of Nebraska's sails) and when Grossman returned to the game he was more fired up than ever.

Over the final two and a half quarters of the game, Grossman threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, while DT Ian Scott and LB Andra Davis tightened up their assignments against Turner Gill and the Nebraska offense. Despite an offensive line that featured Dave Rimington and Dean Steinkuhler, Florida was able to use their quickness and a series of timely run blitzes to contain Mike Rozier and Roger Craig just enough to put the Fun 'N Gun offense in a position to win the game in the fourth quarter.

And that's exactly what Grossman and the offense did. Robert Gillespie took a swing pass from Grossman 23 yards with just a minute left on the clock for the game winning touchdown.

(36) 2008 Florida - 19
(4) 2001 Miami - 27
Flexing their muscles again, Larry Coker's Hurricanes (by way of Butch Davis' recruiting) found yet another way to win here in the Bracket of Champions. Miami beat Florida at their own game. Kevin Beard returned a punt for a touchdown and Chris Campbell forced a fumble by Brandon James on a punt return that set up another Miami score to give the Hurricanes a big advantage in the special teams department - an area the 2008 Gators typically dominated.


Tim Tebow was largely ineffective against a speedy defense that hammered him on every play, whether he carried the ball or not. Vince Wilfork and company clogged the middle to take away Tebow's advantage in the short yardage game, and linebackers Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, and Chris Campbell were turned loose on the junior quarterback. Tebow finished the game with just 32 rushing yards to go along with 2 interceptions.

Sweet 16 Matchups:
(5) 1999 Florida State vs (21) 1991 Washington
(4) 2001 Miami vs (141) 2001 Florida

B.o.C. - JOEPA REGION - Round 1

RESULTS - Part II
(seed) year school - score

(37) 1980 Pittsburgh - 33
(156) 1996 Nebraska - 36 (2 OT)
1996 Nebraska had to beat 1981 Pittsburgh to get into the Bracket of Champions, so they were well prepared for Jackie Sherrill's '80 Panthers. It took overtime to get the job done, but Scott Frost and company kept the turnovers to a minimum as they solved an excellent Pitt defense.

Hugh Green, Sal Sunseri, Rickey Jackson and the rest of the Panther defense came up empty in the turnover department and gave up 167 rushing yards in the second half alone. DeAngelo Evans scored both touchdowns in overtime as the Huskers picked up the win and advanced.

(53) 2005 USC - 29
(12) 1989 Notre Dame - 36 (OT)
Rocket Ismail and Reggie Bush each returned kickoffs for touchdowns, but it was the Notre Dame defense in overtime that won the game for the Irish.


Matt Leinart threw for 302 yards and 3 touchdowns, but Chris Zorich and company combined to hold the USC rushing attack to 71 yards. In overtime, Tony Rice took an option keeper 13 yards to break the 29-29 tie, and then Pat Terrell broke up a Leinart pass on fourth down to preserve the win.

(84) 1982 Nebraska - 33
(109) 1990 Miami - 30
In the third matchup of Miami and Nebraska already in the first round of the Bracket of Champions, the '82 Huskers topped the '90 Hurricanes with an impressive display of offense.

Turner Gill ran for 88 yards and threw for 190 in the win. He accounted for all but one of the four Nebraska touchdowns, and was the key figure in an offense that posted nearly 500 yards on a very good Miami defense (Maurice Crum, Russell Maryland, Darryl Williams, Darrin Smith, Michael Barrow, Ryan McNeil. Craig Erickson threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns in a losing effort.

(68) 1980 Florida State - 17
(4) 2001 Miami - 24
Miami actually trailed 17-7 at halftime of this game. But Ed Reed's speech fired up his teammates who went out and dominated the second half.


It was a tale of two halves as Rick Stockstill and the Seminoles controlled the first half, but Miami absolutely dominated the second half. Stockstill threw for 121 yards and two touchdowns in the first half - one to Hardis Johnson and the other to Mike Whiting. But in the second half the Hurricanes defense took over, allowing just 57 yards and a single first down after halftime.

Meanwhile, Ken Dorsey and an underachieving offense picked up the pace. Jeremy Shockey caught a touchdown pass and Clinton Portis added a touchdown run as the defense set up the offense in good field position time after time.

Bracket of Champions - JoePa Region
Next Round Matchups:
(5) 1999 Florida State vs (156) 1996 Nebraska
(12) 1989 Notre Dame vs (21) 1991 Washington
(84) 1982 Nebraska vs (141) 2001 Florida
(4) 2001 Miami vs (36) 2008 Florida

B.o.C. - JOEPA REGION - Round 1

A preview for this region can be found HERE

RESULTS - Part I
(seed) year school - score

(5) 1999 Florida State - 27
(188) 1980 Nebraska - 23
The Nebraska offense actually managed to penetrate the Florida State defense a couple times early on, but FSU controlled the second half en route to the win.

Jarvis Redwine had a 24-yard touchdown run, and Jeff Quinn threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Todd Brown. But a receiving corps of Peter Warrick, Ron Dugans, Marvin Minnis, and Anquan Boldin proved to be too much for Andy Means and the Nebraska secondary in the second half.

(21) 1991 Washington - 33
(44) 2000 Virginia Tech - 24
Michael Vick had a pair of highlight reel runs, but receiver Mario Bailey upped the ante with three touchdown receptions as the Huskies fought their way to the Round of 32.

Even the "Purple Reign" defense couldn't reign in Vick, who finished with 132 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. But Ronyell Whitaker had his hands full with Bailey, who had 6 receptions for 178 yards and 3 touchdowns.


(141) 2001 Florida - 31
(52) 2002 USC - 27
Rex Grossman stayed hot as the 2001 Gators continued their unexpected run through this tournament with a comeback win over the 2002 Trojans.

Alex Brown, after a quiet couple of rounds, returned with a vengeance, sacking Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer twice and just missing two other sack opportunities. But the Trojans still held a 27-24 lead late in the fourth quarter when Grossman came up big. The senior quarterback led a gutty 68-yard touchdown drive against Troy Polamalu and the intimidating USC defense. He threw for all 68 yards on the drive, and found Taylor Jacobs for the game winner with just 27 seconds left on the clock when most of the stadium expected the Gators to set up a game-tying field goal.

(100) 2006 Ohio State - 20
(36) 2008 Florida - 28
It's like a nightmare that keeps repeating itself to Buckeye fans. Jim Tressel vs Urban Meyer keeps ending up with the same results, and this tournament is no exception. Troy Smith and Ohio State kept it much closer this time around. Vernon Gholston and the defense actually contained the Gator offense, allowing just 297 total yards. But the Florida defense came up with a touchdown (Ahmad Black interception return) in addition to limiting the Buckeyes to 37 rushing yards.

BRACKET OF CHAMPIONS - Preview

JOEPA REGION

Matchups:
1999 Florida State vs 1980 Nebraska
1980 Pittsburgh vs 1996 Nebraska
1991 Washington vs 2000 Virginia Tech
1989 Notre Dame vs 2005 USC
2002 USC vs 2001 Florida
1982 Nebraska vs 1990 Miami
2008 Florida vs 2006 Ohio State
2001 Miami vs 1980 Florida State

National Champions:
1991 Washington
1999 Florida State
2001 Miami
2008 Florida

Heisman Trophy Winners:
Carson Palmer (QB-2002 USC)
Reggie Bush (RB-2005 USC)
Troy Smith (QB-2006 Ohio State)

Lombardi Award Winners:
Hugh Green (DE-1980 Pittsburgh)
Dave Rimington (OL-1982 Nebraska)
Steve Emtman (DL-1991 Washington)

Team Info
click on the purple bracket links to trace each team's path to this point

2001 Miami (12-0)
#4 Seed - Winner of Bracket #4
Coach: Larry Coker
*BCS National Champions*

1999 Florida State (12-0)
#5 Seed - Winner of Bracket #5
Coach: Bobby Bowden
*BCS National Champions*

1989 Notre Dame (12-1)
#12 Seed - Winner of Bracket #12
Coach: Lou Holtz
Final AP Rank: #2

1991 Washingon (12-0)
#21 Seed - Winner of Bracket #21
Coach: Don James
*Coaches Poll National Champions*

2008 Florida (13-1)
#36 Seed - Winner of Bracket #36
Coach: Urban Meyer
*BCS National Champions*

1980 Pittsburgh (11-1)
#37 Seed - Winner of Bracket #37
Coach: Jackie Sherrill
Final AP Rank: #2

2000 Virginia Tech (11-1)
#44 Seed - Winner of Bracket #44
Coach: Frank Beamer
Final AP Rank: #6

2002 USC (11-2)
#52 Seed - Winner of Bracket #52
Coach: Pete Carroll
Final AP Rank: #4

2005 USC (12-1)
#53 Seed - Winner of Bracket #53
Coach: Pete Carroll
Final AP Rank: #2

1980 Florida State (10-2)
#68 Seed - Winner of Bracket #61
Coach: Bobby Bowden
Final AP Rank: #5

1982 Nebraska (12-1)
#84 Seed - Winner of Bracket #45
Coach: Tom Osborne
Final AP Rank: #3

2006 Ohio State (12-1)
#100 Seed - Winner of Bracket #29
Coach: Jim Tressel
Final AP Rank: #2

1990 Miami (10-2)
#109 Seed - Winner of Bracket #20
Coach: Dennis Erickson
Final AP Rank: #3

2001 Florida (10-2)
#141 Seed - Winner of Bracket #13
Coach: Steve Spurrier
Final AP Rank: #3

1996 Nebraska (11-2)
#156 Seed - Winner of Bracket #28
Coach: Tom Osborne
Final AP Rank: #6

1980 Nebraska (10-2)
#188 Seed - Winner of Bracket #60
Coach: Tom Osborne
Final AP Rank: #7