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Tuskers Face Omaha, Garcia In Key Week 8 Showdown

November 2, 2010 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Florida Tuskers News Release


SACRAMENTO AT ORLANDO

Florida Citrus Bowl - Orlando, FL

Thursday, October 21

Toe-To-Leather: 7 p.m. (EDT)

TV: HD NET

Radio: WYGM (740 AM)

2010 Tuskers Schedule

Date Opponent Time/Score

9/18 at Las Vegas W, 27-20

9/25 at Sacramento L, 20-24

9/30 LAS VEGAS L, 17-20

10/9 at Hartford W, 33-20

10/21 SACRAMENTO L, 17-21

11/5 OMAHA 8 p.m.

11/11 HARTFORD 7 p.m.

11/19 at Omaha 8:30 p.m.

2010 UFL Standings

Team W-L Pct.

Las Vegas 5-1 .833

Omaha 3-2 .667

Florida 2-3 .400

Hartford 2-4 .333

Sacramento 2-4 .333

This Week's Games

Omaha at Florida (11/5)

Sacramento at Las Vegas (11/6)

Last Week's Results

Hartford 27, Sacramento 26

Las Vegas 24, Omaha 10

THE GAME

The Florida Tuskers (2-3) return to action this Friday night, when they host the Omaha Nighthawks (3-2) in a key UFL contest. Toe-to-leather time at the Florida Citrus Bowl is 8 p.m. "Obviously, we have dug ourselves into a hole," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "What's interesting is that we still control our own destiny. Three wins will get us to a 5-3 mark and will put us in the championship game." To get there, the Tuskers will have to play better offensively -something the team has struggled with in a pair of losses to Sacramento and to Las Vegas. Although the team has just won twice this season, Florida is just two fourth-down stops away from being 4-1 this season and just a couple of more plays away from being 5-0. "We can no longer look at taking this thing one game at a time, but we need to start taking it one play at a time," Gruden added. "The one thing we have lacked this season is consistency and we need to find it in a hurry."

THE SERIES

There's no history to speak of. Omaha joined the United Football League as a 2010 expansion team and Friday night will be the first meeting between the Tuskers and Nighthawks. The teams will meet in a season-ending rematch on Nov. 19 in Omaha.

TUSKERS JUGGLE ROSTER

The Florida Tuskers have placed linebacker Anthony Schlegel on its injured reserve list, ending his 2010 United Football League season. Schlegel injured his shoulder during last week's 21-17 loss to Sacramento. He appeared in all five games for Florida, making two starts. For the season, he was fourth in the team in total tackles with 22 - including 20 solo stops.

Florida filled the roster spot by announcing the signing of offensive guard Josh Beekman. The 6-2, 310-lb. Beekman entered the National Football League as a 4th round pick (130 overall) of the Chicago Bears in 2007. Beekman played in 28 games with the Bears from 2007-09, making 20 starts. His top season came in 2008, when he started all 16 games at left guard.

Beekman was a two-time All-ACC selection at Boston College, earning second-team honors as a junior and first-team as a senior. He received the prestigious Jacob's Blocking Award as the ACC's top offensive lineman in 2006. He was a first-team AP All-America selection and second-team Walter Camp All-America pick during his senior season.

A versatile player, Beekman has played both the right and left side during his career.

WIN AND IN

Although a nightmare of combinations exist where several teams could end up tied for second place with a 4-4 record, the path to the UFL Championship game is relatively clear for the Florida Tuskers. It's this simple--win your final three games and you earn a trip to the title game. At 2-4, the best Sacramento and Hartford could finish is 4-4 on the season, leaving just Omaha (3-2) and Florida (2-3) as teams that can still get to five wins. With Florida playing Omaha twice, the Nighthawks would need at least a split with the Tuskers and a win over Sacramento to reach five wins. Here is a synopsis of where each team stands heading down the stretch:

Team Record Games Left Comment

Las Vegas 5-1 SAC, HART Already Clinched Title Game Spot

Omaha 3-2 FLA (2), SAC Can Clinch Spot in Title game with 2 wins

Florida 2-3 OMA (2), HART Clinch title game spot with 3 wins

Hartford 2-4 FL, LV Needs Sweep and help with tiebreakers

Sacramento 2-4 LV, OM Needs Sweep and help with tiebreakers

TUSKERS ADD LINEBACKER

In addition to the signing of Beekman, the Tuskers added linebacker Jeremy "J" Leman to its active roster on Monday of this week. Leman played his college football at Illinois, where he was a standout linebacker from 2004-07. A consensus first team All-America selection in 2007, Leman earned first team All-Big 10 honors in both his junior and senior seasons. For his college career, he posted 407 total tackles, with 39.5 tackles-for-loss, 8.5 quarterback sacks, 6 forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Leman was a free agent signee of the Minnesota Vikings in 2007 and also spent time in the NFL with Carolina, Philadelphia and San Diego. To make room on the roster for Leman, the Tuskers released offensive lineman Steven Justice.

TUSKERS DEFENSE THIN

With Anthony Schlegel going to IR and the status unknown for linebacker Tim McGarigle (thumb) and DL lineman Patrick Chukurwah (biceps tear), the Tuskers defense is thin at best. On Saturday, the team practiced with just a couple healthy linebackers and just 19 players dressed defensively.

OMAHA BRINGS AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF FORMER NFL TALENT TO ORLANDO

Perhaps no other team in the UFL can boast the NFL pedigree that Omaha possesses. Between just eight players-- QB Garcia (125), WR Robert Ferguson (83), WR Michael Clayton (84), DB Corey Ivy (113), DB Jermaine Phillips (96), RB Ahman Green (148); LB Cato June (89) and DE Renaldo Wynn (182) collectively have more than 900 games of NFL service.

LAST TIME OUT: PAIR OF LOSSES FOR BOTH FLORIDA AND OMAHA

Both Florida and Omaha will come into the contest riding losses. Over this past weekend, the Las Vegas Locomotives clinched a spot in the UFL championship game with a 24-10 win over Omaha. The Nighthawks were tied with Las Vegas through three quarters at 10-10, but four second half turnovers resulted in a "short fields" for the Locomotives - who scored two, fourth-quarter touchdowns despite only gaining 45 total yards in the second half.

The Tuskers also fell in their last game, dropping a 21-17 decision to Sacramento at home. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper converted two 4th down plays, including a 10-yard touchdown run on a 4th and five play, in leading the Mountain Lions on a game-winning, 14-play, 71-yard drive.

GARCIA STRUGGLED AGAINST LOCOMOTIVES DEFENSE

As has been common with many quarterbacks this season, Omaha signal caller Jeff Garcia struggled against Las Vegas' tough defense on Friday. Garcia completed just 13 of 32 passes for 155 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions for a quarterback rating of just 16.5. Still, the Nighthawks were in the game the whole way, with the scored tied 10-10 after three quarters.

RAZOR THIN MARGIN BETWEEN VICTORY AND DEFEAT

Although the Tuskers are 2-3 on the season, one could make the argument that the team could just as easily be 5-0 at this point in the season. Consider the following:

*Florida had 4th quarter leads in all three of its losses

*Opponents had to convert 4th down plays on its game-winning drive three times

*Florida 20-17 loss to Las Vegas on Sept. 30 came on a field goal on the game's final play

Had the team stopped the fourth down plays, the Tuskers most likely would have won both Sacramento games. With the score tied at 17-17, the Tuskers failed to convert on a third and three play, and the subsequent punt set up Las Vegas on its game-winning drive.

CHUKURWAH STAYING PUT FOR NOW/DACUS OUT

Defensive end Patrick Chukurwah suffered a torn biceps during the Tuskers 21-17 loss to Sacramento last week. Although the injury is one that requires surgery, the Tuskers have not placed Chukurwah on the injured reserve list. The defensive end who leads the Tuskers in quarterback sacks with 3.5, is holding off in hopes of returning to the playing field this year. "If it is something I can play with, I want to give it a shot," Chukurwah says. "There's 25,000 reasons for wanting to try it." The 25,000 reasons Chukurwah is referring to is the amount each member of the winning team receives from the UFL Championship game. The Tuskers received more bad news on defense with linebacker Weston Dacus reinjured a hamstring that has been nagging him for most of the season. Dacus reinjured it late in Monday's practice and has already been ruled out for Friday's game.

RHODES LEADS UFL IN SCORING

Although he has played in just five games this season, Tuskers running back Dominic Rhodes leads the UFL in scoring (non-kickers) with seven touchdowns and 42 points through Week 7 of the regular season. With three regular season games to go, Rhodes has already broken the league touchdown record of 5 (Cory Ross, California). Rhodes 282 rushing yards is already a Florida Tuskers season record, breaking Tatum Bell's 2009 mark of 277 yards in six games. Rhodes 42 points also ties Tuskers kicker Nick Novak for the overall lead in league scoring.

GREISEN FACES BROTHER

The game against Omaha will be a family affair for Florida quarterback Chris Greisen. Chris' brother Nick is a linebacker for the Nighthawks.

NOVAK CHALLENGES FANS TO KICK CANCER

Few people have not been affected in some way, shape or form by cancer. It has touched practically everyone in some shape or form. Despite being that common, it doesn't make it any less cruel, any less heart-wrenching or any less devastating when it strikes. Kicker Nick Novak knows this first hand, as it struck a devastating blow against his former neighbor and close friend Annie Arth. While attending the University of Maryland, Novak's parents made a job-related move to Lafayette, Indiana - where they moved next door to Tom and Annie Arth. The new neighbors became fast friends and Nick became close to the couple during breaks from college. It wasn't unusual for the Arths to travel with Nick's parents to watch him play on weekends for the Terrapins. He grew to adore Annie Arth's sharp sense of humor and tell-it-like-it-is personality. So Novak was devastated to learn that Annie had been diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer. Perhaps it was a touch of fate that Novak will make the biggest field goal of his life - a 39-yard field goal as the Washington Redskins defeated the Seattle SeaHawks in overtime - on the very day that Arth would pass away from the insidious disease. In the aftermath of the game-winning quick, Nick Novak fought back tears as he spoke with media members about the significance of the moment and the significance of Annie Arth's influence on him. "I just wanted to get it through there for her," Novak said. "That was for her." Although time has passed, Arth continues to inspire Novak. Prior to the Sacramento home game, Novak announced he was donating $25 for each field goal he makes for the remainder of the UFL season to the American Cancer Society in Arth's memory. He is also issuing a challenge to all Tuskers and UFL fans to match or beat his donation. A fund in being established in memory of Annie to: Arth at the Central Florida Chapter of the American Cancer Society. "Annie was a great friend and a great person," Novak said. "And cancer took her from us. That same story has been repeated way too often and it's time we all band together and help find a cure for this horrible disease." Fans wishing to match or beat Novak's challenge can send their donations: Central Florida Chapter, American Cancer Society, 1601 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804.

TUSKERS/UFL ANYTHING BUT MINOR LEAGUE

While many UFL coaches, players and administrators often cringe when casual football fans use the phrase "minor league" or "semi-professional" to describe any brand of football that is not the NFL, it helps to sometimes look at the facts to show just how impressive the playing resumes are for UFL players. Here some eye-opening facts concerning the Florida Tuskers current 52-man roster:

50 of 52 Tuskers players have been through at least one NFL training camp

41 of 52 Tuskers players have been on an NFL active roster

37 of 52 Tuskers players have played in NFL games

27 of 52 Tuskers players have played in 10 or more NFL games

23 of 52 Tuskers players have played in 20 or more NFL games

21 of 52 Tuskers players have made NFL starts

17 of 52 Tuskers players have played in 30 or more NFL games

13 of 52 Tuskers players have played in 40 or more NFL games

8 of 52 Tuskers players have played in 50 or more NFL games

The Tuskers 52 current players have played in 1,267 NFL games and have made 402 Starts

The Tuskers offensive line (excluding tight ends) has played in 224 NFL Games and made 139 starts

EXPERIENCE PART II

Here are some more NFL facts in figures concerning the Florida Tuskers 2010 roster

TE Jermaine Wiggins has played in the most NFL games (105)

OL Shane Olivea has made the most NFL starts (57)

QB Brooks Bollinger has passed for 2,256 yards and 9 TDs in NFL games

RB Dominic Rhodes has 3,114 NFL Rushing Yards, 1021 receiving yards, 3,122 kickoff return

Yards, 7272 all-purpose yards and has scored 32 touchdowns

DB Keiwan Ratliff has 145 total tackles, 4 interceptions and 9 PD in 73 NFL games

LB Odell Thurman has 98 tackles and 5 Interceptions in 16 NFL games

DE Darrion Scott had 128 tackles and 10 quarterback sacks in 48 NFL games

HANKTON REMAINS A STUDENT ATHLETE

When most people hear the term "student-athlete" they most likely think of a high school or college player. But once a player reaches the professional ranks, any continuation of his education is pretty much limited to what he learns on the football field. But for a player looking to truly further his education, he must travel beyond the sidelines. For Tuskers wide receiver Cortez Hankton, that means taking a ride to east Orlando for classes at the University of Central Florida, where he is in full pursuit of a Master of Business Administration degree. "The biggest thing to me is the knowledge that life in football doesn't last forever so I'm preparing for the transition of life after football," Hankton says. "Getting my MBA is a big part of my life plan now that my football days are numbered. It makes sense to take advantage of the time I have right now. I had the opportunity to go to school in Orlando so I am making the most of it."

FOUR PRO LEAGUES FOR MORROW

Omaha assistant coach Vince Morrow, holds the distinction of now having been employed by four different professional football leagues. Morrow, the Nighthawks tight ends coach, played nine seasons in the NFL and also played in NFL-Europe, and also spent a year in the XFL for the Orlando Rage. Morrow also coached high school football before joining the Omaha coaching staff.

MORE FLORIDA CONNECTIONS FOR NIGHTHAWKS

In addition to Morrow, several other members of the Nighthawks have Florida connections. WR Devard Darling began his college career at Florida State, OL Damon Cook played his college ball at nearby Bethune-Cookman, DB Clinton Hart grew up in Central Florida and played college baseball at Central Florida CC, linebacker PJ Alexander is a Tallahassee, Fla. native and WR Michael Clayton began his professional career with the Tampa Bay Bucs (NFL).

INJURIES = ROSTER TURNOVER

Florida had been hit hard by the injury bug during the 2010 UFL season. Of the Tuskers current 52-man roster, nearly 30 percent of the players (15 of 52) were not on the Tuskers roster for the season opener in Las Vegas on Sept. 18. Even more interesting is that several positions have turned over more than once with replacement players being put on the IR after they had replaced injured players. "They are part of the game and everyone has to deal with them, but I'd say we have had more than our fair share," Head Coach Jay Gruden said.

THEISMANN HOLDS FIRST STAFF MEETINGS

Former NFL great Joe Theismann held his first staff meeting as newly appointed President and owner of the Florida Tuskers on Monday. Theismann said his goals for the organization included building the Tuskers brand, increasing community relations efforts and centralizing business and football operations under one roof. After the staff meeting, Theismann attended practice and then appeared as a guest on the SPORTS Rx with the Shot Doctor.

KING A FAN

Count influential Sports Illustrated NFL beat writer Peter King among those who have been impressed with the UFL and its progress in year two. Speaking on ESPN Radio in Hartford over the weekend, King said:

"I certainly hope that regardless of what happens either with the NFL next year,

with the strike, with the lockout, with whatever you want to call it, I would love to

see the UFL become a fixture."

COMING ATTRACTIONS

The Tuskers will close out the home portion of their 2010 schedule on Thursday, Nov. 11 when they take on the Hartford Colonials. The Tuskers won the first match-up this season, defeating the Colonials, 33-20, back on Oct. 9 in Hartford. The Colonials are 2-4 on the season and are currently in a "bye week."

TUSKERS INJURY REPORT AS OF TUESDAY

Bryan Save Back P

Patrick Chukwurah Arm Q

TimMcGargile Thumb Q

Anthony Davis Elbow P

Wes Dacus Hamstring O

Joe Clermond Shoulder P

Enoka Lucas Shoulder P

Herana-Daze Jones Finger P

Carlton Powell Hamstring P

Brooks Bollinger Finger P

Key: P-Probable; Q: Questionable; O: Out

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