Commas Undefeated (Technically)

After a long off-season filled with contract squabbles, holdouts, questionable draft picks, and a dog-fighting ring (thanks, Ashley), the Commas regrouped with big expectations for their third season. For their opening scrimmage, they were pitted against a yet-to-be named team of Zog veterans, a squad that would have slaughtered the Commas back when they were just an expansion team. But Oxford held their opponents scoreless for the first few drives, until a couple of bobble-catch TDs put them behind 12-0. Before the half, Oxford put points on the board thanks to a score by Brian. But the team in black answered, making it 18-8.

After halftime, Oxford used the Wildcat offense to put more points on the board, with Jon "The Law" B. hitting Daniel for a long touchdown bomb. The two teams traded scores, but only the Commas could convert the two-pointer, which allowed them to close within 25-22. Later, Oxford was able to force a turnover the red zone, thanks to Elyse's relentless pass rush. But then, a phantom TD on a blown call (see below) allowed the unnamed team to pull ahead for good. Oxford scored again to close the game, but things were out of reach at that point. Final: 38-31.

Still, there are high hopes for Week 1, with Oxford looking to build on its performance in the drive for the playoffs.

What's that, Mr. Fat-Ass NFL Fan? You're stressed because your team signed a dog-killer? You're concerned that your pretty boy quarterback might hurt his knee again? You're worried that a punter might hit the jumbotron at your billion-dollar stadium? Bite me. This is where the real action is.

Photos are here.

And here are the highlights. Thanks, Gina.

Alex in the flat:



Commas denied:



Big play for The Team with No Name, but Iain saves a touchdown:



The bad guys score first:



Almost to Alex:



Good catch by Brian, but he's out of bounds:



Good defense by the Commas, but the ball gets tipped right into the receiver's hands for a score. A jogger is almost killed:



Brian scores:



Daniel catches the two-pointer, cutting the lead to 12-8.



Iain hustles, and almost comes up with the INT:



Big bomb from the bad guys:



Daniel scores after signaling that he's open by yelling, "Oh my god!"



And then he scores the two-pointer again. Commas are down 25-22.



Elyse puts on the pressure, while Jon gets the steal:



Michelle tackles the opposing player, but the call is for a TD anyway.



If that play had taken place in the early 90s, it would have been included in this video:

Gonzo takes the shot, holds on to the ball:



Kari completes a long pass to Daniel: