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News Nuggets, 10.25.03
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Frogs intent on avoiding repeat of 2000 stumble

Texas Christian was in the same position three years ago: 7-0 with a spot in the Bowl Championship Series rankings.

This time, the 15th-ranked Horned Frogs want to change what happens next.

``The main lesson is the San Jose State lesson. You can't take a game off,'' said senior defensive end Bo Schobel. ``We don't have the opportunity to lose a game.''

The dream of an undefeated season and a shot at the BCS in 2000 ended with a 27-24 loss in the eighth game at San Jose State, a team TCU beat 42-0 a year earlier. The Frogs wound up 10-1 and had to settle for the Mobile Alabama bowl.

TCU coach Gary Patterson says complacency won't be a problem Saturday night when the Frogs (7-0, 4-0 Conference USA) play at much-improved Houston (5-2, 2-1).

``We're going to play a team that we know a lot about,'' Patterson said. ``Every game we've played against Houston has been a nip-and-tuck battle. We've had a couple of breaks the last couple of years go our way.''

The Frogs have won the last two games in the series 34-17. Last year, they had TD returns of a kickoff and interception to break a halftime tie.

After No. 3 Virginia Tech's loss Wednesday, the Frogs are one of just four undefeated Division I-A teams. Their nine-game winning streak matches No. 1 Oklahoma for the longest in the nation.

Despite last weekend's 45-14 loss to Memphis that snapped a four-game winning streak, Houston is in the midst of a renaissance under coach Art Briles. The Cougars have matched last year's win total and are one win shy of bowl eligibility, seven years after their last postseason appearance.

Memphis play-by-play call goes cellular

MEMPHIS — Celecast, Inc., of Villa Rica, Ga., and The University of Memphis announced this week plans to provide Tigers fans nationwide with unlimited access to the play-by-play of the U of M's 2003-04 football and basketball games.

The inclusion of Memphis in the Celecast CollegiateTicket will provide fans with live audio of Tigers games direct to their cell phones.

"We are excited to provide this new opportunity for Tiger fans living nationwide, and for those traveling outside of Memphis on game days," said Brent Seebohm, General Manager of Tiger Sports Properties. "With the majority of cellular service companies providing ample weekend and evening minutes, this is a beneficial technology to listen to our quality football and basketball radio broadcasts, as well as other teams' games for the one all-inclusive subscription."

Celecast offers three packages ranging from $9.99 to $89.99 depending on whether fans would like weekly, monthly or season access. Fans will have the opportunity to listen to live game coverage from anywhere they have cell phone service, and their current phones will work without any additional upgrades.

Tech inclined to forgive Beamer for slapping incident

BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech Frank Beamer will probably not be disciplined for slapping a player on the helmet during the Hokies' 28-7 loss to West Virginia on Wednesday night.

"The administration and I agree that this single incident is not reflective of how Frank has conducted business throughout his coaching career," athletic director Jim Weaver said Thursday in a statement.

Beamer slapped receiver Ernest Wilford on the sidelines during a heated argument. He apologized after the game Wednesday night.

"There is no one I respect more in my football program than Ernest Wilford," Beamer said in the statement. "I should have shown him better respect. It came at a very frustrating time for all of us, but that still does not excuse my actions."

Wilford, a senior, said he accepted the apology. "I respect him as a man, I respect him as a coach. Now it's time to move on and regroup."

Virginia Tech (6-1, 2-1 Big East) came into the game ranked third, but the Hokies are certain to drop after they fell behind by 14 points early and never crossed midfield in the second half. It was Virginia Tech's worst defeat since a 38-7 loss to Pittsburgh on Nov. 3, 2001.

The Hokies play No. 2 Miami on Nov. 1.

News Nuggets are compiled periodically from staff, ECU, Conference USA and its member schools, and from Associated Press and other reports. Copyright 2003 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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