Anyone remember the 2004 Michigan football season? The year Chad Henne and Mike Hart became common words in Ann Arbour, and folks in Michigan had visions of National Titles dancing in their heads. It seemed like last year may have been the Wolverines best chance, but upon meeting the best of the best in Ohio State and USC, the Wolverines found out their meager regular season schedule set them up for failure.
Expect the same in 2007 from Lloyd Carr’s bunch. On defense, just 6 stars return from last year’s dominant squad. Michigan’s undervalued conservative offense may be the key again this year. With a focus on the running game, Michigan was a top 10 team insofar as time of possession last year, and turned the ball over only 12 times. With some experienced players back on offense, if Carr wants to make any serious push in the title picture, he will need Henne and Hart to at least match those great feats from last season. To stretch the defense, look for Mario Manningham to get deep against some weaker competition early on in the season.
The schedule sets up rather nicely for the Wolverines, with the major challenge coming at the end of the season with games at Wisconsin and closing out by welcoming Ohio State to the Big House. It could be possible that Michigan enters those games 9-1, or possibly 10-0, but don’t expect them to come out of those two games unscathed. It comes down to this: Michigan hasn't won a big game with Henne and Hart leading the way, and I expect this to hinder them as well in 2007.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Chris Benoit
Finding myself at a loss for words is a rare feat, but upon learning of the death and the tragic incidents surrounding WWE superstar Chris Benoit, I find it hard to find the appropriate words. Last night, when Vince McMahon appeared to kick off Monday Night Raw and explained that Benoit, his wife, and his son were found dead in Atlanta, I, like much of the world, was stunned. What has transpired over the past 24 hours has turned stunned into confused, angered, and hurt.
Aside from Ric Flair (WOOOOOOOOOO!), Benoit has always been one of my favorite in-ring performers. Like legions of other wrestling fans, I was always impressed with the Crippler’s intensity between the ropes. His mic skills left something to be desired, but you could fee his passion for the business when he knife-edge chopped the hell out of some poor schmo’s chest. No matter his status in the storyline, or his place on a PPV card, you knew that Benoit was going to give it his all, and leave it all in the ring.
Now, we find that the former world champion ended his career and his life by snuffing the breath from his wife and seven year old son, and hanging himself in the aftermath. How can we continue to idiolize and respect such a monster? For so many events in my life, things have been black and white, but when confronted with a hero of mine ending his existence in such a horrific and disgusting way, I find it hard to simply condemn him and his actions. As years go by, perhaps respect for his abilities in the ring can overshadow his tormented life out of it – the reality is pro wrestling will take a large hit from this episode (Benoit appears to have been using anabolic steroids), and the Crippler’s legacy will be forever tarnished. For now, I pray for the extended family of Chris Benoit, his wife and son, and all those like me searching for answers.
Aside from Ric Flair (WOOOOOOOOOO!), Benoit has always been one of my favorite in-ring performers. Like legions of other wrestling fans, I was always impressed with the Crippler’s intensity between the ropes. His mic skills left something to be desired, but you could fee his passion for the business when he knife-edge chopped the hell out of some poor schmo’s chest. No matter his status in the storyline, or his place on a PPV card, you knew that Benoit was going to give it his all, and leave it all in the ring.
Now, we find that the former world champion ended his career and his life by snuffing the breath from his wife and seven year old son, and hanging himself in the aftermath. How can we continue to idiolize and respect such a monster? For so many events in my life, things have been black and white, but when confronted with a hero of mine ending his existence in such a horrific and disgusting way, I find it hard to simply condemn him and his actions. As years go by, perhaps respect for his abilities in the ring can overshadow his tormented life out of it – the reality is pro wrestling will take a large hit from this episode (Benoit appears to have been using anabolic steroids), and the Crippler’s legacy will be forever tarnished. For now, I pray for the extended family of Chris Benoit, his wife and son, and all those like me searching for answers.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
College Football Preview #9 Florida
Can the Gators continue their dominance of relative college sports? What a time to live in Gainsville, right? This is a place that has celebrated 3 straight titles, with a football title sandwiched between 2 basketball championships. Quite a contrast from living in Columbus (sorry Ohio State), where being a bridesmaid has been a rather popular university function of late (2 straight championship losses to these Gators will do that to you!) As for this year’s football unit, I find it hard pressed to put these guys into the top 10, with the major losses to the NFL from last years squad looming large. But hey, who am I to argue with a team that’s done what the kids in Florida have done over the past 2 years.
That being said, the defense, which was instrumental in picking apart the aforementioned Buckeyes last January in the BCS title game, loses all but two key players. Urban Meyer may find that building a team with the speed of the D he inherited last year may be a bit tricky.
Like other major players, however, UF has had little trouble in recruiting strong in talent rich area, especially home grown Florida talent. The offense will be led by one such wonder, Tim Tebow, who was instrumental in last year’s title run by bringing a variety in to replace incumbent starter Chris Leak. However, with the weight of the offense completely on his shoulders, look for Tebow to stumble out of the gate early. For all the verbal punishment Leak received over his 4 year career in Florida, his ability to slip defenders and make plays downfield were key in getting the Gators to the top in 2006. Tebow is a better fit for Meyer’s spread offense, and many pundits are expecting this year’s Gator team to more resemble Meyer’s old Utah Utes teams led by Alex Smith. In the overly athletic and defensive minded SEC, this could spell trouble for Tebow and a young group of unproved wide receivers. The spread relies heavily on the knowledge and reads of a QB, and the sophomore may not be able to make the quick decisions required for success against the speedy and complicated defenses he will face week after week.
In other words, I think Meyer’s spread offense will falter this year, and without the outstanding speed on defense he had at his disposal last year, don’t expect a repeat appearance in the BCS for the Gators. I think a home loss to Tennessee and a road shellacking at LSU will put the Gators at 10-2 for the year.
College Football Preview #9 Florida
Can the Gators continue their dominance of relative college sports? What a time to live in Gainsville, right? This is a place that has celebrated 3 straight titles, with a football title sandwiched between 2 basketball championships. Quite a contrast from living in Columbus (sorry Ohio State), where being a bridesmaid has been a rather popular university function of late (2 straight championship losses to these Gators will do that to you!) As for this year’s football unit, I find it hard pressed to put these guys into the top 10, with the major losses to the NFL from last years squad looming large. But hey, who am I to argue with a team that’s done what the kids in Florida have done over the past 2 years.
That being said, the defense, which was instrumental in picking apart the aforementioned Buckeyes last January in the BCS title game, loses all but two key players. Urban Meyer may find that building a team with the speed of the D he inherited last year may be a bit tricky.
Like other major players, however, UF has had little trouble in recruiting strong in talent rich area, especially home grown Florida talent. The offense will be led by one such wonder, Tim Tebow, who was instrumental in last year’s title run by bringing a variety in to replace incumbent starter Chris Leak. However, with the weight of the offense completely on his shoulders, look for Tebow to stumble out of the gate early. For all the verbal punishment Leak received over his 4 year career in Florida, his ability to slip defenders and make plays downfield were key in getting the Gators to the top in 2006. Tebow is a better fit for Meyer’s spread offense, and many pundits are expecting this year’s Gator team to more resemble Meyer’s old Utah Utes teams led by Alex Smith. In the overly athletic and defensive minded SEC, this could spell trouble for Tebow and a young group of unproven wide receivers. The spread relies heavily on the knowledge and reads of a QB, and the sophomore may not be able to make the quick decisions required for success against the speedy and complicated defenses he will face week after week.
In other words, I think Meyer’s spread offense will falter this year, and without the outstanding speed on defense he had at his disposal last year, don’t expect a repeat appearance in the BCS for the Gators. I think a home loss to Tennessee and a road shellacking at LSU will put the Gators at 10-2 for the year.
That being said, the defense, which was instrumental in picking apart the aforementioned Buckeyes last January in the BCS title game, loses all but two key players. Urban Meyer may find that building a team with the speed of the D he inherited last year may be a bit tricky.
Like other major players, however, UF has had little trouble in recruiting strong in talent rich area, especially home grown Florida talent. The offense will be led by one such wonder, Tim Tebow, who was instrumental in last year’s title run by bringing a variety in to replace incumbent starter Chris Leak. However, with the weight of the offense completely on his shoulders, look for Tebow to stumble out of the gate early. For all the verbal punishment Leak received over his 4 year career in Florida, his ability to slip defenders and make plays downfield were key in getting the Gators to the top in 2006. Tebow is a better fit for Meyer’s spread offense, and many pundits are expecting this year’s Gator team to more resemble Meyer’s old Utah Utes teams led by Alex Smith. In the overly athletic and defensive minded SEC, this could spell trouble for Tebow and a young group of unproven wide receivers. The spread relies heavily on the knowledge and reads of a QB, and the sophomore may not be able to make the quick decisions required for success against the speedy and complicated defenses he will face week after week.
In other words, I think Meyer’s spread offense will falter this year, and without the outstanding speed on defense he had at his disposal last year, don’t expect a repeat appearance in the BCS for the Gators. I think a home loss to Tennessee and a road shellacking at LSU will put the Gators at 10-2 for the year.
Friday, June 15, 2007
College Football Preview #10 UCLA
Any team which knocked out the potential national champions from the previous year returning 20 starters seems to have earned the right to enter my top 10. The Bruins finished 2006 with a 7-6 record, but keep in mind they were one luck of the Notre Dame Irish play away from 8-5.
The 2007 schedule is a doozie, as all 3 of UCLA’s non-conference opponents are coming off of bowl game worthy seasons. Expect an early season battle for QB to dominate the headlines, as Ben Olson will look to reclaim his starting job from Patrick Cowan following a season ending injury last season. To take the pressure off the winner of the QB battle, expect the Bruins to focus on improving their 3.9 yards per rush, and expect Chrisk Markey to lead the way for UCLA in rushing again.
The defense will be anchored by one of the best lines in the country, including Bruce Davis, who finished ’06 with 12.5 sacks. Also returning are Freshman All American Reggie Carter and the Bruins leading tackler in 2006, safety Chris Horton.
The Bruins schedule on first glance seems favorable, with the annual game vs. USC the major obstacle. Charlie Weiss and his merry men of Irish come to town October 6. expect UCLA to enact some revenge following last year’s heartbreak. On the reverse hand, fully expect USC to destroy the Bruins following the miracle win of last year. UCLA should be satisfied with a 2 loss season, and an outside chance at the BCS.
The 2007 schedule is a doozie, as all 3 of UCLA’s non-conference opponents are coming off of bowl game worthy seasons. Expect an early season battle for QB to dominate the headlines, as Ben Olson will look to reclaim his starting job from Patrick Cowan following a season ending injury last season. To take the pressure off the winner of the QB battle, expect the Bruins to focus on improving their 3.9 yards per rush, and expect Chrisk Markey to lead the way for UCLA in rushing again.
The defense will be anchored by one of the best lines in the country, including Bruce Davis, who finished ’06 with 12.5 sacks. Also returning are Freshman All American Reggie Carter and the Bruins leading tackler in 2006, safety Chris Horton.
The Bruins schedule on first glance seems favorable, with the annual game vs. USC the major obstacle. Charlie Weiss and his merry men of Irish come to town October 6. expect UCLA to enact some revenge following last year’s heartbreak. On the reverse hand, fully expect USC to destroy the Bruins following the miracle win of last year. UCLA should be satisfied with a 2 loss season, and an outside chance at the BCS.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
College Football Pre Season Preview
My first ever pre season college football preview will be coming shortly. I will likely run down a top 10, as well as predict the conference champions and the 5 BCS games. Keep checking back in the coming weeks.
Was he or wasn't he?
The question of the night following the last play of Game 3 of the NBA Finals - did Spurs forward Bruce Bowen foul LeBron James prior to the King's release of what became a failed attempt to tie the game?
The answer - irrelevant. James FT% has been subpar for the majority of the season and the playoffs, and I'd bet a turkey sandwhich he would have missed at least one just like he did in last year's Game 7 vs. the Pistons in the Conference Semi-Finals. The playoffs have been a great stage for the growth of James, but lest we forget, this is a 22 year old kid. Sure, he has Greg Odonitis, and looks to be in his mid 30's, but the reality is asking James to lead the group of ragtags around him past the juggernaut from San Antonio is a bit much. I won't be one to criticize the young man - we should all just sit back and enjoy watching the evolution of a great talent. Remember, it took Jordan 7 years to get to his first finals, and he made it with Scottie Pippen in his side pocket. Lay of King James - he isn't a choke artist or afraid to take the big shot. He should be commended for leading the talent weak Cavs this far.
The answer - irrelevant. James FT% has been subpar for the majority of the season and the playoffs, and I'd bet a turkey sandwhich he would have missed at least one just like he did in last year's Game 7 vs. the Pistons in the Conference Semi-Finals. The playoffs have been a great stage for the growth of James, but lest we forget, this is a 22 year old kid. Sure, he has Greg Odonitis, and looks to be in his mid 30's, but the reality is asking James to lead the group of ragtags around him past the juggernaut from San Antonio is a bit much. I won't be one to criticize the young man - we should all just sit back and enjoy watching the evolution of a great talent. Remember, it took Jordan 7 years to get to his first finals, and he made it with Scottie Pippen in his side pocket. Lay of King James - he isn't a choke artist or afraid to take the big shot. He should be commended for leading the talent weak Cavs this far.
Monday, June 11, 2007
NBA Yawner
The finals are upon us - or wait, are they over yet? Cleveland and San Antonio may care about what is happening right now, but the rest of us? Not a chance.
Honestly, like the rest of you, I likely thought that the Finals would showcase the final coming out of King LeBron James. After Game 5 vs. Detroit, how could one expect less? But like a 2007 plate appearance by Lance Berkman, we've been left wanting.
Perhaps this is an indication of what is wrong with sports in general. We are always looking for the NEXT something or other. What's wrong with the current version of the spors we adore. Let's face it - the 1980's and 1990's are over. I like my 80's rock music and 90's pop culture just as much as the next guy, but the sports heydays from the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Joe Montana, the Cowboys, the Great One, Dale Earnherdt Sr. are over. What we have now is the media blitz of sportscenter driven events, and it's time to either embrace it or let it go. But every 13 year old kid growing up the projects with a decent J and some sweet crossovers can't be the next MJ. The fiarhaired QB from Notre Dame can't be the next Montana. The Junior can't be the Senior (it takes winning a race in NASCAR to accomplish this, something Dale Jr. can't seem to handle these days)
Perhaps we can sit back and enjoy what we have now...
But damn, those glory days were great.
Honestly, like the rest of you, I likely thought that the Finals would showcase the final coming out of King LeBron James. After Game 5 vs. Detroit, how could one expect less? But like a 2007 plate appearance by Lance Berkman, we've been left wanting.
Perhaps this is an indication of what is wrong with sports in general. We are always looking for the NEXT something or other. What's wrong with the current version of the spors we adore. Let's face it - the 1980's and 1990's are over. I like my 80's rock music and 90's pop culture just as much as the next guy, but the sports heydays from the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Joe Montana, the Cowboys, the Great One, Dale Earnherdt Sr. are over. What we have now is the media blitz of sportscenter driven events, and it's time to either embrace it or let it go. But every 13 year old kid growing up the projects with a decent J and some sweet crossovers can't be the next MJ. The fiarhaired QB from Notre Dame can't be the next Montana. The Junior can't be the Senior (it takes winning a race in NASCAR to accomplish this, something Dale Jr. can't seem to handle these days)
Perhaps we can sit back and enjoy what we have now...
But damn, those glory days were great.
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