1 Really Hard Hit = 2 Quarters on the Bench, Happy Trails to DJ Harper

As I mentioned yesterday, Winston Venable's hit on Oregon State wide receiver James Rodgers was under review to determine whether or not he will be suspended. Well Karl Marx Benson, the WAC commissioner, in a moment of pure egotistical retribution against Boise State, dropped the hammer today and suspended Venable for the New Mexico State game on Saturday. Boise State appealed it and the suspension was reduced to the first 2 quarters. Read the story here on idahostatesman.com. What are your thoughts?

My first thought is this: what a load of crap! I won't get into it like I did yesterday other than to mention that this is pure payback for the Broncos leaving his conference. Watch out Nevada and Fresno State, you guys are next! Like I said, he has now set a precedent where players from every team should be getting suspended every game for similar hits. In no way was James Rodgers a defenseless player. He was setting a block and was at a weird angle and height when Venable came full speed trying to get to the quarterback. This is absolutely ridiculous. I cannot express in PG-suitable words how idiotic this decision was from Benson. Another point; what does a half a game suspension do. It is as pointless as it is laughable. Way to get the job done Benson. Chadd Cripe of the Idaho Statesman wrote the blog link above about the suspension. He mentions, "Benson, after consulting with two NCAA rules and officiating experts, decided to suspend Venable for a game." All I can say is that if these "experts" were anything like the actual officials that reffed the game on Saturday, I can see how they came up with the suspension. What a bunch of moronic crocks! We cannot leave for the Mountain West soon enough.

We will miss this guy...for 2 quarters.


As my "Weekly PTW" curse continues, we found out yesterday that running back DJ Harper has torn his ACL again. I say again because it is the same one he had surgery on to repair last year. Again, this was three games in, just as it was last season. Harper will appeal to the NCAA to grant him a sixth year of eligibility. The sixth year is very elusive, but he may have a good case here. I wish Harper the best of luck and really hope that he is able to get the extra year. Poor guy. Bronco Nation loves you DJ! Don't ever forget it! We will be seeing a lot more carries for Doug Martin, a lot more of Jeremy Avery, and more of Matt Kaiserman. It's a good thing the Broncos are deep at running back. Good luck Harper!

We will miss this guy for the whole season. We won't be seeing this on Saturday.


Be sure to check in tomorrow and get my Weekend Picks!