The big games for my Longhorns keep coming. After an impressive win over O-Who, Bevo welcomes Missouri to Austin this. My thoughts? Missouri is a bit overrated, haven not beaten a big game opponent in their recent surge into the upper echelon of the media's view of them. Last year they were manhandled by the Sooners twice, and beat an overmatched Arkansas team in the Cotton Bowl (another slight on the SEC, I know). Chase Daniel showed his true colors, throwing temper tantrums on the sidelines and displaying his "grit" as his team came up short at home to Oklahoma State. Texas should win, easier than you think - 45-28.
1.Texas - the reward for the OU win.
2. Penn State - a win at Wisconsin is impressive, especially when you manhandle opponents the way JoePa has done this year.
3. Alabama - the win over Clemson seems ho-hum these days. The slip up against Kentucky seems odd. Are these guys really that good? (Is ANYONE really that good?)
4. Oklahoma State - a huge win at Missouri. This team is dangerous.
5. Texas Tech - It wasn't pretty, but the Raiders pulled out the win and remained undefeated. Hence, the higher ranking.
6. Oklahoma - A dream of mine? The BCS somehow gets 1 loss OU vs. undefeated Texas in Miami. With enough losses by the rest, it COULD happen.
7. Georgia - If you lose, it might as well be to a the #3 team.
8. Florida - I still think these guys will faceplant, but the demolition of LSU was impressive.
9. USC - you know what is gross? The AP has USC above 2 undefeated teams. THEY LOST TO OREGON STATE!!!!!! Staying in the top 25 should be plenty, but putting them above teams without a loss in a legit conference is naussiating.
10. Ohio State - until the Penn State showdown next weekend, we can't be sure who is the team to beat. God help us, if the Buckeyes win, punch their ticket to Miami. Let's just hope it's no rematch vs. USC.
The polls are a joke. The media bias towards Obama pales compared to the sports media bias towards USC.
One more time - all together now - USC LOST TO OREGON STATE...
Friday, October 17, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
4 of 6 so far
On Sept 05, I listed 6 teams who would falter this season. Thus far, I've nailed 4 of them...who says I'm not that football smart? Now why can't I turn those picks into some profit?....
See the proof here.
http://www.sportswithandy.com/2008/09/weekend-picks.html
See the proof here.
http://www.sportswithandy.com/2008/09/weekend-picks.html
College Top Ten
1. Oklahoma - The best team in the country's best conference? Until somoene slows the train down (please say it will be Texas...), the Sooners are the team to beat.
2. Alabam - The best team in the country's 2nd best conference. Unlike Missouri and Texas, LSU has faced some stiffer competition this season.
3. Missouri - As the season has progressed, the Tigers early season win against Illinois looks a bit more impressive. Also, they leapfrog Texas as the Longhorns opponents seem to weaken.
4. Texas - The Horns are yet untested, but they haven't looked this good since 2005, when they were led by a junior, fleet of foot Texas grown QB...
5. LSU - The true tests for LSU come up this week. The win against Auburn looks weaker in what is shaping up to be an overrated SEC.
6. BYU - Undefeated and rolling. Until someone knocks them off, this is the BCS buster.
7. Penn State - Up until the last few weeks, PSU wasn't impressive to me. The spread HD seems a complete package, reminding many of the high scoring 2005 Orange Bowl squad. Still, I give Ohio State the edge in the battle for the Big. This Saturday's matchup with Wisconsin may be tougher than critics think.
8. Texas Tech - Becuause of Ohio State and USC's mishaps, Mike Leach finds himself in the top 10.
9 & 10. USC and Ohio State - Just wait: when the end of year arrives, these two will again be in talk for the BCS title game berth...dammit.
2. Alabam - The best team in the country's 2nd best conference. Unlike Missouri and Texas, LSU has faced some stiffer competition this season.
3. Missouri - As the season has progressed, the Tigers early season win against Illinois looks a bit more impressive. Also, they leapfrog Texas as the Longhorns opponents seem to weaken.
4. Texas - The Horns are yet untested, but they haven't looked this good since 2005, when they were led by a junior, fleet of foot Texas grown QB...
5. LSU - The true tests for LSU come up this week. The win against Auburn looks weaker in what is shaping up to be an overrated SEC.
6. BYU - Undefeated and rolling. Until someone knocks them off, this is the BCS buster.
7. Penn State - Up until the last few weeks, PSU wasn't impressive to me. The spread HD seems a complete package, reminding many of the high scoring 2005 Orange Bowl squad. Still, I give Ohio State the edge in the battle for the Big. This Saturday's matchup with Wisconsin may be tougher than critics think.
8. Texas Tech - Becuause of Ohio State and USC's mishaps, Mike Leach finds himself in the top 10.
9 & 10. USC and Ohio State - Just wait: when the end of year arrives, these two will again be in talk for the BCS title game berth...dammit.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Cowboys review
Here in Dallas, we've all heard the excuses and the coachspeak from players of the Dallas Cowboys regarding last week's inexplicable hohum showing against Cincinatti last week. Following the Boys play over the last few weeks, it's clear to me this team is far from a legitimate Super Bowl contending team.
It starts with the defense. Two weeks ago, when the game mattered the most, the highly rated Dallas D couldn't get Washington off the field in the 4th quarter, allowing the Redskins to drive the field and salt the game away with a late field goal and touchdown to give them a 2 possession lead. On numerous 3rd downs, the D looked out of place and step behind. And the improvements most expected weren't there come this past Sunday against the winless Bengals. Up 17-0, Dallas's defense slacked up, allowing Cinci to crawl back into the game, and making it a nail biter until Tony Romo (despite his own horrible performace) threw a miracle tip TD pass to Patrick Crayton. Championship caliber defenses clamp down with 17 point until their opponents can no longer breath, allowing a large lead to become an insurmountable one before letting of the pressure.
Whether it's coaching, players, or scheme, the problem better be fixed. As it is now, we can't expect more from the Boys until we can rely on a talented defense to hold up big leads or make big stops when Dallas needs them. The Cowboys won't win every game by the grace of Romo and the offense.
It starts with the defense. Two weeks ago, when the game mattered the most, the highly rated Dallas D couldn't get Washington off the field in the 4th quarter, allowing the Redskins to drive the field and salt the game away with a late field goal and touchdown to give them a 2 possession lead. On numerous 3rd downs, the D looked out of place and step behind. And the improvements most expected weren't there come this past Sunday against the winless Bengals. Up 17-0, Dallas's defense slacked up, allowing Cinci to crawl back into the game, and making it a nail biter until Tony Romo (despite his own horrible performace) threw a miracle tip TD pass to Patrick Crayton. Championship caliber defenses clamp down with 17 point until their opponents can no longer breath, allowing a large lead to become an insurmountable one before letting of the pressure.
Whether it's coaching, players, or scheme, the problem better be fixed. As it is now, we can't expect more from the Boys until we can rely on a talented defense to hold up big leads or make big stops when Dallas needs them. The Cowboys won't win every game by the grace of Romo and the offense.
I told you so...
Vanderbilt 14 - 13 over Auburn? And people STILL argue that the SEC is the best and toughest conference in the country? A little bit of sanity, PLEASE! Sure, it was a great win for the Commodores program this past weekend, but....THIS.....IS....VANDERBILT. As a top 20 team, there is no way a supposed powerhouse SEC program like Auburn should ever lose to a bottom dweller like Vanderbilt.
This is no indication that top to bottom the conference is improving. This is an indication that the top teams in the country's supposed top league are falling (see - Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee) while recent doormats have emerged as favorites (Alabama, Vanderbilt). And mediatypes argue this is an indication of the conference's strength?
A last point - the Florida Gator-Slayers at Ole Miss got beat by South Carolina...ouch.
Expect an LSU victory of double digits as Urban Meyer continues to be exposed (6-4 in his last 10 conference games) as Florida's "savior" coach. Give it 2 years, and they'll be clamoring for Ron Zook's return.
This is no indication that top to bottom the conference is improving. This is an indication that the top teams in the country's supposed top league are falling (see - Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee) while recent doormats have emerged as favorites (Alabama, Vanderbilt). And mediatypes argue this is an indication of the conference's strength?
A last point - the Florida Gator-Slayers at Ole Miss got beat by South Carolina...ouch.
Expect an LSU victory of double digits as Urban Meyer continues to be exposed (6-4 in his last 10 conference games) as Florida's "savior" coach. Give it 2 years, and they'll be clamoring for Ron Zook's return.
Monday, September 29, 2008
SEC Blowhards
I am done with SEC football. For months, we've heard nothing but how great the teams in the Southestern Conference were the cream of the crop in college football. No more. Following the debalce that was Saturday night in Athens, Georgia, you can't legitimately argue that football in the south dominates the landscape.
SEC apologists have come out of the woodwork following two big losses this week for Georgia and Florida. I've been saying for over 2 years that Urban Meyer and the "vaunted" Gatos were overrated by every college football pundit in the country, and yet again they prove me right. Losing at home to Ole Miss doesn't show how good the SEC depth is - it shows how poor of a coach Meyer is and how overvalued his video game offense remains. Alabama's domination of Georgia was impressive, insofar as the Tide absolutely crushed the favored Bulldogs. Clearly, Alabama is the cream of the crop in the SEC...think about that for a second. ALABAMA? The team everyone thought wasn't good enough to rank to start the season is now the best the SEC has to offer?
But wait, what about LSU? This is the same LSU team that stakes their greatness on a victory at Auburn last week. The same Auburn team that had trouble with a 3-2 victory just 3 weeks ago, and barely escapted against Tennessee this past week (a UT team that got knocked off by UCLA, themselves a victim of a 59-0 thrashing by BYU).
I don't want folks to think the SEC is as bad as the Big 10 or the Pac 10. In fact, in most cases, the SEC would dominate any other conference in head to head matchups. But the reality is, media types have it in their mind that this is the best conference in the country, and are making up whatever excuses they can in order to maintain thier assertation. Reality check - if you say the best team in the SEC is Georgia and Florida, and they both lose at home to teams they should beat, you can't argue that the SEC's best teams are better than other conferences just by switching who your best team from the SEC is. They laid an egg. Deal with it.
On the note of laying an egg - USC's loss to Oregon State dropped them to #9. The Trojans benefitted greatly from 2 things this weekend - the fact that so many other ranked teams lost surely helped keep USC in the top 10. More importantly, the fact that they played on Thursday night surely benefitted them come Monday's polls as well. By the time voting came around, it can only be assumed that voters had all but forgotten the faceplant performed by the Trojans in Corvalis Thursday night in the mayhem of Saturday's upsets. As high profile as the aforementioned Georgia - Alabama game was, it's easy to see how folks can forget just how poorly SC looked late into the evening last Thursday night, and the polls showed it. If you are the #1 team in the country, and you lose to an unranked double digit underdog, you shouldn't get the benefit of the doubt and remain a top - 10 team. Scary, isn't it, how we might actually end up with a USC (11-1) - Ohio State (11-1) rematch for the national championship - nevermind the Rose Bowl. Those records could very well end up pitting the Trojans and the Buckeyes in the rematch no one wants to see.
For my money, the best conference right now is the Big 12. 3 teams in the top 5, 4 in the top 7.
And still, no HD broadcasts from ABC for Big 12 regional broadcasts? Amazing.
SEC apologists have come out of the woodwork following two big losses this week for Georgia and Florida. I've been saying for over 2 years that Urban Meyer and the "vaunted" Gatos were overrated by every college football pundit in the country, and yet again they prove me right. Losing at home to Ole Miss doesn't show how good the SEC depth is - it shows how poor of a coach Meyer is and how overvalued his video game offense remains. Alabama's domination of Georgia was impressive, insofar as the Tide absolutely crushed the favored Bulldogs. Clearly, Alabama is the cream of the crop in the SEC...think about that for a second. ALABAMA? The team everyone thought wasn't good enough to rank to start the season is now the best the SEC has to offer?
But wait, what about LSU? This is the same LSU team that stakes their greatness on a victory at Auburn last week. The same Auburn team that had trouble with a 3-2 victory just 3 weeks ago, and barely escapted against Tennessee this past week (a UT team that got knocked off by UCLA, themselves a victim of a 59-0 thrashing by BYU).
I don't want folks to think the SEC is as bad as the Big 10 or the Pac 10. In fact, in most cases, the SEC would dominate any other conference in head to head matchups. But the reality is, media types have it in their mind that this is the best conference in the country, and are making up whatever excuses they can in order to maintain thier assertation. Reality check - if you say the best team in the SEC is Georgia and Florida, and they both lose at home to teams they should beat, you can't argue that the SEC's best teams are better than other conferences just by switching who your best team from the SEC is. They laid an egg. Deal with it.
On the note of laying an egg - USC's loss to Oregon State dropped them to #9. The Trojans benefitted greatly from 2 things this weekend - the fact that so many other ranked teams lost surely helped keep USC in the top 10. More importantly, the fact that they played on Thursday night surely benefitted them come Monday's polls as well. By the time voting came around, it can only be assumed that voters had all but forgotten the faceplant performed by the Trojans in Corvalis Thursday night in the mayhem of Saturday's upsets. As high profile as the aforementioned Georgia - Alabama game was, it's easy to see how folks can forget just how poorly SC looked late into the evening last Thursday night, and the polls showed it. If you are the #1 team in the country, and you lose to an unranked double digit underdog, you shouldn't get the benefit of the doubt and remain a top - 10 team. Scary, isn't it, how we might actually end up with a USC (11-1) - Ohio State (11-1) rematch for the national championship - nevermind the Rose Bowl. Those records could very well end up pitting the Trojans and the Buckeyes in the rematch no one wants to see.
For my money, the best conference right now is the Big 12. 3 teams in the top 5, 4 in the top 7.
And still, no HD broadcasts from ABC for Big 12 regional broadcasts? Amazing.
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Big 12 as wrestlers...
(Ex: Football teams as Potato Chips) I figured I'd try my hand at rolling today's teams as pro wrestlers:
Oklahoma - Hulk Hogan. The hulking giant of the business. When you think of wrestling, Hulkamania should be the first name that comes to mind, with dominant reigns atop and a steady drawing power. Today, can still bring the house down, but shouldn't be considered a top contender until he beats someone of merit.
Texas - Ric Flair. Hogan’s biggest rival, Flair was regarded by many as the superior product on the field - especially by fans of Flair. Despite winning numerous titles, known more for making the careers of others as for making history on his own. Lost as many big game matches as he won.
Texas A&M - Bret Hart. A regional tradition unparrelled in the US (Hart in Canada, TAMU in Texas). Talent exists, but constant whining and claims of being screwed prevent him from making that jump to elite legend status with Hogan and Flair.
Baylor - Brooklyn Brawler. Traditional jobber – in wrestling terms, the guy who would come out on a weekly basis and get pummeled by whoever was in the ring, be the opponent legend or not. Still confounds people as to how he got into the business in the first place.
Oklahoma State - Ted Dibiase. Lots of money (Million Dollar Man for God’s sake) with some success, but at the end of the day, money can’t buy a title. Just ask T. Boone Pickens…
Texas Tech - Flyin' Brian Pillman. Lots of pizzazz and a style to be copied for years to come. High flying, high octane offense, little actual ability in other facets of the sport. When facing opponents of equal talent, comes up short.
Nebraska - BamBam Bigalow. Big, fat, corn fed and husky, Bam Bam led the rush of dominance in the early 80s and 90s. Today, he’s still big, fat, and corn fed, but can’t dominate. Age has taken her toll on his style.
Colorado - Lex Luger. A quick title reign in the 90’s, followed by a few years of looking pretty with no real substance, to a disturbingly rapid fall from grace. Looks damn good, though.
Iowa State - Doink the Clown. Much like the Brooklyn Brawler, except add some laughs into the mix. Occasionally will compete for an irrelevant title (Intercontinental Champion anyone? Is that like winning the Big 12 north?), but won’t make the big jump because at the end of the day, he’s just a, well, clown.
Missouri - John Cena. Some talent, lots of talk, but actual sustaining ability yet to be determined. Been on the scene for a few good years, but we won’t know the lasting effect of recent success until a new crop of challengers appears in the coming years. Critics argue the substance on the field is the product of weak competition, and when forced to play the big boys, comes up lacking.
Kansas - David Arquette. Whoops – this is obscure. Arquette (yes, the actor) won the WCW heavyweight title in late 2000. Like Kansas’s Sugar bowl title of 2007 – a total joke. Received a title shot when apparently everyone wasn’t looking, and got lucky against inferior opponents. Came quickly back down to earth as subpar performer to begin a potential feud with the Brookly Brawler or Doink the Clown.
Kansas State - Rowdy Roddy Piper. In the late 90’s battled for heavyweight titles on regular basis, drawing praise for dominant seasons (nevermind that he was blasting patsies along the way). After losing manager, career fizzled into irrelevance except for the occasional national recognition with a puzzling upset of Hogan or Flair. By the way, he never closed the deal and won the World Title...
Oklahoma - Hulk Hogan. The hulking giant of the business. When you think of wrestling, Hulkamania should be the first name that comes to mind, with dominant reigns atop and a steady drawing power. Today, can still bring the house down, but shouldn't be considered a top contender until he beats someone of merit.
Texas - Ric Flair. Hogan’s biggest rival, Flair was regarded by many as the superior product on the field - especially by fans of Flair. Despite winning numerous titles, known more for making the careers of others as for making history on his own. Lost as many big game matches as he won.
Texas A&M - Bret Hart. A regional tradition unparrelled in the US (Hart in Canada, TAMU in Texas). Talent exists, but constant whining and claims of being screwed prevent him from making that jump to elite legend status with Hogan and Flair.
Baylor - Brooklyn Brawler. Traditional jobber – in wrestling terms, the guy who would come out on a weekly basis and get pummeled by whoever was in the ring, be the opponent legend or not. Still confounds people as to how he got into the business in the first place.
Oklahoma State - Ted Dibiase. Lots of money (Million Dollar Man for God’s sake) with some success, but at the end of the day, money can’t buy a title. Just ask T. Boone Pickens…
Texas Tech - Flyin' Brian Pillman. Lots of pizzazz and a style to be copied for years to come. High flying, high octane offense, little actual ability in other facets of the sport. When facing opponents of equal talent, comes up short.
Nebraska - BamBam Bigalow. Big, fat, corn fed and husky, Bam Bam led the rush of dominance in the early 80s and 90s. Today, he’s still big, fat, and corn fed, but can’t dominate. Age has taken her toll on his style.
Colorado - Lex Luger. A quick title reign in the 90’s, followed by a few years of looking pretty with no real substance, to a disturbingly rapid fall from grace. Looks damn good, though.
Iowa State - Doink the Clown. Much like the Brooklyn Brawler, except add some laughs into the mix. Occasionally will compete for an irrelevant title (Intercontinental Champion anyone? Is that like winning the Big 12 north?), but won’t make the big jump because at the end of the day, he’s just a, well, clown.
Missouri - John Cena. Some talent, lots of talk, but actual sustaining ability yet to be determined. Been on the scene for a few good years, but we won’t know the lasting effect of recent success until a new crop of challengers appears in the coming years. Critics argue the substance on the field is the product of weak competition, and when forced to play the big boys, comes up lacking.
Kansas - David Arquette. Whoops – this is obscure. Arquette (yes, the actor) won the WCW heavyweight title in late 2000. Like Kansas’s Sugar bowl title of 2007 – a total joke. Received a title shot when apparently everyone wasn’t looking, and got lucky against inferior opponents. Came quickly back down to earth as subpar performer to begin a potential feud with the Brookly Brawler or Doink the Clown.
Kansas State - Rowdy Roddy Piper. In the late 90’s battled for heavyweight titles on regular basis, drawing praise for dominant seasons (nevermind that he was blasting patsies along the way). After losing manager, career fizzled into irrelevance except for the occasional national recognition with a puzzling upset of Hogan or Flair. By the way, he never closed the deal and won the World Title...
Updated Top 10
Well crap. Stupid USC. The Pac 10 may be the worse conference in football. Not BCS conference, conference period. My guess - USC finishes with another lackluster performance loss, going 10-2. Oregon State, the dragon slayers, finish 6-6.
How about Jacquizz Rogers? And who the hell names their kid Jacquizz??! More importantly, how does someone like that leave Texas to go to another school? I would imagine there are a few places that could use a shifty running back who dominated an impressive defense (Texas, Tech, A&M) to help stabilze their offenses...
The new Top 10.
1. LSU
2. Oklahoma
3. Georgia
4. Texas
5. Missouri
6. BYU
7. Wisconsin
8. Alabama
9. Florida
10. Penn State - their dismantling of Oregon State early this year in Happy Valley looks a bit more impressive following last night's stunner.
By the way, if USC doesn't fall out of the top 15 in next week's polls, then you can be sure the AP pollsters have their weiners firmly implanted in the Trojans butts.
How about Jacquizz Rogers? And who the hell names their kid Jacquizz??! More importantly, how does someone like that leave Texas to go to another school? I would imagine there are a few places that could use a shifty running back who dominated an impressive defense (Texas, Tech, A&M) to help stabilze their offenses...
The new Top 10.
1. LSU
2. Oklahoma
3. Georgia
4. Texas
5. Missouri
6. BYU
7. Wisconsin
8. Alabama
9. Florida
10. Penn State - their dismantling of Oregon State early this year in Happy Valley looks a bit more impressive following last night's stunner.
By the way, if USC doesn't fall out of the top 15 in next week's polls, then you can be sure the AP pollsters have their weiners firmly implanted in the Trojans butts.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Updated Top 10
1. USC - not even close. Can this even be debated at this point?
2. LSU - impressive win at Auburn with some Les Miles magic puts LSU above those who've yet to play a team with any significant competition.
3. Oklahoma - this week's "top 25" showdown with TCU should be a lopsided affair. We said the same thing in 2005, when the Frogs knocked OU off their pedestal...I don't expect the same this year.
4. Georgia - going to Arizona State and winning may not seem like a big deal to folks viewing ASU as a bit overrated, but wait until the year ends - you'll find ASU in a good bowl game, and this victory an affirmation that Georgia is the real deal. Still, don't expect a BCS title trip from the Dogs...
5. Texas - Play someone. Same for #6 Missouri. Still, both the Horns and the Tigers have impressive offenses clicking on all cylinders. Both have questions on defense. Come Oct 18, one falls way down the polls. UT gets the nod here based on their bend don't break defense. While we all wonder how they can give up so many yards, the fact is Texas ranks 1st in the Big 12 in the only defensive stat that matters - points per game.
6. Missouri - See Texas. Chase Daniels stats look great, but I could throw for 400 plus yards against Buffalo.
7. BYU - Demolition of UCLA will become more impressive as the season wears on. Until they get beat, BYU earns the right to be here.
8. Wisconsin - Someone from the Big 10 has to be in the top ten, most likely so that we can verify the fact that the Big 10 sucks when they lose. Don't be shocked if it's this Saturday against Michigan.
9. Alabama - They get one week in the top 10. They'll fall after the Georgia game. And they'll continue to fall with LSU and Auburn upcoming. Still, few teams have looked so good so far this year.
10. Florida - A beatdown of patsies doesn't impress me. I don't think Florida has it. As mentioned, they'll fall this year. 9-3 if they are lucky.
Picks for week 4:
Georgia -6.5 vs Alabama
Oklahoma State -16.5 vs. Troy
UPSET - Colorado should win straight up vs. Florida State. The Seminoles blow
2. LSU - impressive win at Auburn with some Les Miles magic puts LSU above those who've yet to play a team with any significant competition.
3. Oklahoma - this week's "top 25" showdown with TCU should be a lopsided affair. We said the same thing in 2005, when the Frogs knocked OU off their pedestal...I don't expect the same this year.
4. Georgia - going to Arizona State and winning may not seem like a big deal to folks viewing ASU as a bit overrated, but wait until the year ends - you'll find ASU in a good bowl game, and this victory an affirmation that Georgia is the real deal. Still, don't expect a BCS title trip from the Dogs...
5. Texas - Play someone. Same for #6 Missouri. Still, both the Horns and the Tigers have impressive offenses clicking on all cylinders. Both have questions on defense. Come Oct 18, one falls way down the polls. UT gets the nod here based on their bend don't break defense. While we all wonder how they can give up so many yards, the fact is Texas ranks 1st in the Big 12 in the only defensive stat that matters - points per game.
6. Missouri - See Texas. Chase Daniels stats look great, but I could throw for 400 plus yards against Buffalo.
7. BYU - Demolition of UCLA will become more impressive as the season wears on. Until they get beat, BYU earns the right to be here.
8. Wisconsin - Someone from the Big 10 has to be in the top ten, most likely so that we can verify the fact that the Big 10 sucks when they lose. Don't be shocked if it's this Saturday against Michigan.
9. Alabama - They get one week in the top 10. They'll fall after the Georgia game. And they'll continue to fall with LSU and Auburn upcoming. Still, few teams have looked so good so far this year.
10. Florida - A beatdown of patsies doesn't impress me. I don't think Florida has it. As mentioned, they'll fall this year. 9-3 if they are lucky.
Picks for week 4:
Georgia -6.5 vs Alabama
Oklahoma State -16.5 vs. Troy
UPSET - Colorado should win straight up vs. Florida State. The Seminoles blow
Big 12 Football Teams as Pro Wrestlers
Everyone has comparisions between football powers and commoditites.
(Ex: Football teams as Potato Chips) I figured I'd try my hand at rolling today's teams as pro wrestlers:
Oklahoma - Hulk Hogan
Texas - Ric Flair
Texas A&M - Bret Hart
Baylor - Brooklyn Brawler
Oklahoma State - Ted Dibiase
Texas Tech - Flyin' Brian Pillman
Nebraska - BamBam Bigalow
Colorado - Lex Luger
Iowa State - Doink the Clown
Missouri - John Cena
Kansas -
Kansas State - Rowdy Roddy Piper
Monday, September 15, 2008
Cowboys vs. Eagles
Tonight marks Dallas's 2nd game, first at home in the regular season 2008. ESPN, foxsports, cnnsi, and the like are prepping it up as a great early season matchup set to determine the outcome of the NFC East, with the winner having the inside track to the Super Bowl. Not likely.
Call me a NFL retard, but I just don't see the big deal about Philadelphia this year. Bryant Westbrook is the most underated player in the NFL, nevermind running back. But Donovan McNab doesn't have a reliable deep threat at WR, and an aging offensive line. They looked impressive against the St. Louis Rams, but I think I could grab a group of frat boys from SMU and beat the Rams this year.
Dallas looked dominant against a legitimate Cleveland team last week. One week a season does not make, but the Cowboys offense should have no problem against Philly at home. More important, I don't see Philly scoring enough to keep pace, as Dallas's D should shut the overrated Eagles playmakers. Westbrook will tear up Dallas underneath and with short to mid gains, but Dallas won't allow the big plays that plagued St. Louis.
Dalls 28
Philly 10
Call me a NFL retard, but I just don't see the big deal about Philadelphia this year. Bryant Westbrook is the most underated player in the NFL, nevermind running back. But Donovan McNab doesn't have a reliable deep threat at WR, and an aging offensive line. They looked impressive against the St. Louis Rams, but I think I could grab a group of frat boys from SMU and beat the Rams this year.
Dallas looked dominant against a legitimate Cleveland team last week. One week a season does not make, but the Cowboys offense should have no problem against Philly at home. More important, I don't see Philly scoring enough to keep pace, as Dallas's D should shut the overrated Eagles playmakers. Westbrook will tear up Dallas underneath and with short to mid gains, but Dallas won't allow the big plays that plagued St. Louis.
Dalls 28
Philly 10
THE ohio state university
Enough. God willing, the absolute beating in The Coliseum USC put down on the sweatervest lovers from Columbus will silence the college football blowhards from across the country. I can only hope the bad taste Ohio State left in the mouths of reporters won't soon dissipate. Though I wouldn't bet on it.
I would guess that as the end of November draws near, we are likely to hear talk of Ohio State returning to the BCS Championship game for another shot at an underserved title. The fact is, and has been for many years now, the brand of football being played in the Big 10 could almost be described as vomit-inducing. Power-I running plays and short drop play-actions don't cut it in the game anymore. The rest of the country moved on to offenses powered by speed and diversity. Only people in the Big 10 still think teams should be dominated by an offensive line full of 350 pounders who can slap fat with defenses and "wear them down".
The problem, however, is Ohio State will likely finish the season without another loss. Morons across the country will see an 11-1 record, and wrongly assume that a 11-1 Big Ten Champ is better than a 2 loss Big 12 or SEC team. Scary. Worse, Ohio State could very well end up rematching with USC - another depressing thought in a season thus far full of many when conjuring up the Buckeyes.
Ohio State and the Big 10 suck. Let them go to the Rose Bowl and get pounded by some other team - fine. Don't allow our BCS National Championship game to be watered down again by a team whose hype has long outlived their production.
But you heard it here first - they'll make it back one more time...
I would guess that as the end of November draws near, we are likely to hear talk of Ohio State returning to the BCS Championship game for another shot at an underserved title. The fact is, and has been for many years now, the brand of football being played in the Big 10 could almost be described as vomit-inducing. Power-I running plays and short drop play-actions don't cut it in the game anymore. The rest of the country moved on to offenses powered by speed and diversity. Only people in the Big 10 still think teams should be dominated by an offensive line full of 350 pounders who can slap fat with defenses and "wear them down".
The problem, however, is Ohio State will likely finish the season without another loss. Morons across the country will see an 11-1 record, and wrongly assume that a 11-1 Big Ten Champ is better than a 2 loss Big 12 or SEC team. Scary. Worse, Ohio State could very well end up rematching with USC - another depressing thought in a season thus far full of many when conjuring up the Buckeyes.
Ohio State and the Big 10 suck. Let them go to the Rose Bowl and get pounded by some other team - fine. Don't allow our BCS National Championship game to be watered down again by a team whose hype has long outlived their production.
But you heard it here first - they'll make it back one more time...
Monday, September 8, 2008
Cowboys Game 1
The Cowboys looked pretty dominant in the opening season game at Cleveland yesterday. In fact, they looked eerily close to the team that rolled to a 13-3 record in the regular season last year, minus one piece: Julius Jones. And thank God for that!
Marion Barber looked good yesterday, but his inability to break away was painfully obvious on a few of his carries. Barber is still set on bowling over tacklers, as is his custom. The Boys might want to think about getting more touches for rookie Felix Jones, who on his first carry, snaked his way through the D to an 11 yard touchdown against the Browns. Jones can provide the spark and open field threat to compliment Barber's bruising style in a way that Julius couldn't. Barber's style of running should be geared more towards late game situations, when the defense has been worn down and weary from the steamrolling Cowboys offense. He already has the money and the contract, so I am not sure moving him from the starting role would be considered a "demotion".
Jones (Felix) and Barber can form one of the most devestating running attacks in all of football, provided Tony Romo can keep defenses honest with his arm (I think throwing for 320 yards might do the trick), so long as Wade Philips and Jason Garrett are willing to use both backs to their strong suits.
Marion Barber looked good yesterday, but his inability to break away was painfully obvious on a few of his carries. Barber is still set on bowling over tacklers, as is his custom. The Boys might want to think about getting more touches for rookie Felix Jones, who on his first carry, snaked his way through the D to an 11 yard touchdown against the Browns. Jones can provide the spark and open field threat to compliment Barber's bruising style in a way that Julius couldn't. Barber's style of running should be geared more towards late game situations, when the defense has been worn down and weary from the steamrolling Cowboys offense. He already has the money and the contract, so I am not sure moving him from the starting role would be considered a "demotion".
Jones (Felix) and Barber can form one of the most devestating running attacks in all of football, provided Tony Romo can keep defenses honest with his arm (I think throwing for 320 yards might do the trick), so long as Wade Philips and Jason Garrett are willing to use both backs to their strong suits.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Notre Dame Bashing #1 of 2008 Season
With about 1:24 in the 2nd quarter, Notre Dame, the kings of college football, are locked in a battle with San Diego State University. And Charlie Weiss looks REALLY fat in HD.
Speaking of HD, the game of the afternoon thus far has been Cincinatti at Oklahoma, a 21-13 affair currently at the half. ABC and ESPN have, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to air this game in HD. Keep your eyes on this throughout this year - most Big 12 regional games will NOT be broadcast in HD. Our commentators are usually Ron Franklin and some schmo with him. Those of you in Texas, Oklahoma, or the surrounding areas looking to buy an HD tv for the football season, don't bother. Apparently, ABC doesn't think enough of us to bless us with HD broadcasts for our games. Strange.
And yet, I can watch Charlie Weiss get sweaty man boobs as he rolls off the field at halftime over on NBC. As a friend of mine asked, "Do you think Weiss hides his playbook under his moobs?"
Stupid ABC HD assclowns.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Weekend Picks
Well hello. Long time no type. I missed my preseason picks for the top 10 in College Football. I'll go ahead and retroactively pick my top 10 teams following Week 1 (which makes more sense than guessing my picks based on everyone else's predications)
1. USC - a trip to Charlottesville may not raise eyebrows across the country, but the fact is the Trojans traveled across country to play a BCS team away, and pounded the living snot out of New Year's Day bowl team from '07. Kudos.
2. Ohio State - based on nothing they did against Youngstown State. I choose to ignore the injury to Beanie Wells because I want a #1 vs #2 matchup next Saturday night. (at least I am honest)
3. LSU - Defeating a defending national champion by 30 plus points in impressive. Just ask Michigan...
4. Georgia - What is the big deal about this team? Lots of pro talent, but much of it unproven. QB Matt Stafford set a personal high with a mid 200 yard passing day - and all I have heard from pundits is about his greatness. For now, a team finishing 10-2 in '07 earns a #4 ranking for bringing back 18 starters. Reality will set in - expect a "dissapointment"
5. Oklahoma - Only lightning stopped the pouding of Chatanooga last week. They'll trip up once this season, but will be the class of the Big 12 come December. Of course, another BCS chokejob lies in wait.
6. Missouri - They looked good againt Illinois. Oh wait - I forgot about their defense. Illinois and Juice Williams are talented, to be sure, but a team from the Big 10 scoring 42 points should raise eyebrows to Missouri fans. Facing the likes of Texas and (potentially) Oklahoma this year will surely drop the Tigers to the Holiday or Cotton Bowls. For now, a big win over a top 25 team earns the spot above Texas.
7. Texas - Defeating a defending conference champion by 40 plus points: impressive. Giving up 150 plus passing yards in the 1st quarter - not so much. Still, if QB Colt McCoy can pass for 200 and run for 100 yards like his predecessor, Vince Young, expect Texas to spoil some dreams of national title contenders on their way to a BCS birth.
8. West Virginia - Pat White throws for 5 TD?! Keep this up, and you might find WVa in a BCS title game as a sleeper. Wouldn't that be great vindication? RichRod hauls off to Michigan, only to lose his career opener at home, and his former team sneaks into the national championship. Wouldn't surprise me - especially with a worse-than-normal Big LEast.
9. Florida - I still don't think Urban Meyer has it. His championship team of 2006 was built on the defense left to him from Ron Zook. His gimmicky offense will be beat by speed. The spread offense which has manifest itself on the college landscape is a fad - once people realize that 9-4 at Florida gets you fired, the Meyer inspired trickery doo doo that has invaded our game will fade into black.
10. East Carolina - You beat a top 20 team as a double digit dog, you get a chance to crack the top 10 for this week. You beat W.Va, and it's likely that everyone else may see the light. This team brought back a plethera of starters from its Hawaii Bowl Champion team of 2007 - without a devestating nonconference schedule, they'd be the talk of BCS Buster of 2008.
In addition, these teams will flounder in 2008. You read it here first - these teams will NOT live up to expectations.
1. Texas Tech
2. Georgia
3. Alabama
4. Clemson (that's cheating, I know)
5. Kansas
6. Florida
This weekend's guarantees:
Texas -26.5 at UTEP
Texas Tech -10.5 at Nevada
1. USC - a trip to Charlottesville may not raise eyebrows across the country, but the fact is the Trojans traveled across country to play a BCS team away, and pounded the living snot out of New Year's Day bowl team from '07. Kudos.
2. Ohio State - based on nothing they did against Youngstown State. I choose to ignore the injury to Beanie Wells because I want a #1 vs #2 matchup next Saturday night. (at least I am honest)
3. LSU - Defeating a defending national champion by 30 plus points in impressive. Just ask Michigan...
4. Georgia - What is the big deal about this team? Lots of pro talent, but much of it unproven. QB Matt Stafford set a personal high with a mid 200 yard passing day - and all I have heard from pundits is about his greatness. For now, a team finishing 10-2 in '07 earns a #4 ranking for bringing back 18 starters. Reality will set in - expect a "dissapointment"
5. Oklahoma - Only lightning stopped the pouding of Chatanooga last week. They'll trip up once this season, but will be the class of the Big 12 come December. Of course, another BCS chokejob lies in wait.
6. Missouri - They looked good againt Illinois. Oh wait - I forgot about their defense. Illinois and Juice Williams are talented, to be sure, but a team from the Big 10 scoring 42 points should raise eyebrows to Missouri fans. Facing the likes of Texas and (potentially) Oklahoma this year will surely drop the Tigers to the Holiday or Cotton Bowls. For now, a big win over a top 25 team earns the spot above Texas.
7. Texas - Defeating a defending conference champion by 40 plus points: impressive. Giving up 150 plus passing yards in the 1st quarter - not so much. Still, if QB Colt McCoy can pass for 200 and run for 100 yards like his predecessor, Vince Young, expect Texas to spoil some dreams of national title contenders on their way to a BCS birth.
8. West Virginia - Pat White throws for 5 TD?! Keep this up, and you might find WVa in a BCS title game as a sleeper. Wouldn't that be great vindication? RichRod hauls off to Michigan, only to lose his career opener at home, and his former team sneaks into the national championship. Wouldn't surprise me - especially with a worse-than-normal Big LEast.
9. Florida - I still don't think Urban Meyer has it. His championship team of 2006 was built on the defense left to him from Ron Zook. His gimmicky offense will be beat by speed. The spread offense which has manifest itself on the college landscape is a fad - once people realize that 9-4 at Florida gets you fired, the Meyer inspired trickery doo doo that has invaded our game will fade into black.
10. East Carolina - You beat a top 20 team as a double digit dog, you get a chance to crack the top 10 for this week. You beat W.Va, and it's likely that everyone else may see the light. This team brought back a plethera of starters from its Hawaii Bowl Champion team of 2007 - without a devestating nonconference schedule, they'd be the talk of BCS Buster of 2008.
In addition, these teams will flounder in 2008. You read it here first - these teams will NOT live up to expectations.
1. Texas Tech
2. Georgia
3. Alabama
4. Clemson (that's cheating, I know)
5. Kansas
6. Florida
This weekend's guarantees:
Texas -26.5 at UTEP
Texas Tech -10.5 at Nevada
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Ron Artest
Unbelievable. Or maybe not. In response to a report quoting Yao Ming, the franchise player for the Houston Rockets, new F Ron Artest had to the following to say: (Yao had been quoted as saying he was worred about team chemistry now that the violatile Artest was in the mix)
"I understand what Yao said, but I'm still ghetto. That's not going to change. I'm never going to change my culture. Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture. Once Yao Ming gets to know me, he'll understand what I'm about."
He expounded further:
"If you go back to the brawl, that's a culture issue right there. "Somebody was disrespecting me, so he's got to understand where I'm coming from. People that know me know that Ron Artest never changed."
You know what's wrong with "black" America? Instead of having people like this as your role models, perhaps folks should look up to pillars of our society, who have outgrown such childish things as blaming being a complete jackass on your culture. Is the argument here that "black" culture allows that anyone who is black and disrespected has the right to "thug up" someone? Is it OK for Obama to run across the stage in upcoming debates to punch out John McCain after McCain "disrepects" Obama over the economy?
You know what is scary? I think more people follow the logic behind Artest's thoughts and words than most people are willing to believe. Until we accept this, and recognize the problems associated with "black Americana", we'll never truly get past racsism and classism in this country. There will remain a divide - most notably between those of us who recognize Artest and people like him for what they are - complete and utter wastes of human genes; and those who continue to blame his absurd behavior on social issues, and "culture".
"I understand what Yao said, but I'm still ghetto. That's not going to change. I'm never going to change my culture. Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture. Once Yao Ming gets to know me, he'll understand what I'm about."
He expounded further:
"If you go back to the brawl, that's a culture issue right there. "Somebody was disrespecting me, so he's got to understand where I'm coming from. People that know me know that Ron Artest never changed."
You know what's wrong with "black" America? Instead of having people like this as your role models, perhaps folks should look up to pillars of our society, who have outgrown such childish things as blaming being a complete jackass on your culture. Is the argument here that "black" culture allows that anyone who is black and disrespected has the right to "thug up" someone? Is it OK for Obama to run across the stage in upcoming debates to punch out John McCain after McCain "disrepects" Obama over the economy?
You know what is scary? I think more people follow the logic behind Artest's thoughts and words than most people are willing to believe. Until we accept this, and recognize the problems associated with "black Americana", we'll never truly get past racsism and classism in this country. There will remain a divide - most notably between those of us who recognize Artest and people like him for what they are - complete and utter wastes of human genes; and those who continue to blame his absurd behavior on social issues, and "culture".
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
All Star Game
What a couple of days for Major League Baseball and its All Stars! First off, the great Josh Hamilton endeared fans nationwide with his terrific story of overcoming addiction to drugs and alcohol to end up blasting 28 homers in ROUND 1 of the Home Run Derby. Then we're treated to one of the greatest All Star Games ever, with the AL winning in the bottom of the 15th on a sac fly that ended with Minnesota Twin Justin Morneau sliding beneath the tag of NL catcher Brian Mcanns. No better to end a classic game that lasted over 4 hours.
As I watched both events unfold Monday and Tuesday night, I couldn't help but think how far the sport has come in the past year. It seems like ages ago that Barry Bonds homered in San Francisco to pass Hank Aaron as the Home Run King. Roger Clemens' ongoing saga with steriods and Brian McNamee has drifted off into the world of "who cares". It appears that MLB and its fans may have finally turned the corner on the embarrassment that was the steriod era. The stars in New York this weekend were young, hungry, and upstart players, unlittered by performance enhancers and filled with enthusiasm for the game they are blessed to play. If MLB can continue this trend and push its fresh face on fans through October, it wouldn't be crazy to guess that media and fans alike will soon forget the blemishes Bud Selig and the rest of MLB slapped onto America's pasttime over the last decade.
I, for one, would be ecstatic.
As I watched both events unfold Monday and Tuesday night, I couldn't help but think how far the sport has come in the past year. It seems like ages ago that Barry Bonds homered in San Francisco to pass Hank Aaron as the Home Run King. Roger Clemens' ongoing saga with steriods and Brian McNamee has drifted off into the world of "who cares". It appears that MLB and its fans may have finally turned the corner on the embarrassment that was the steriod era. The stars in New York this weekend were young, hungry, and upstart players, unlittered by performance enhancers and filled with enthusiasm for the game they are blessed to play. If MLB can continue this trend and push its fresh face on fans through October, it wouldn't be crazy to guess that media and fans alike will soon forget the blemishes Bud Selig and the rest of MLB slapped onto America's pasttime over the last decade.
I, for one, would be ecstatic.
Monday, July 14, 2008
One more - honestly.
I know, it's not sports related. But check this story out, and I promise I'll go on a rampage about Brett Favre as soon as possible.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/WhyWallStreetIsScaredOfObama.aspx?page=2
This article speaks in financial terms about the risks associated with electing Senator Obama President. In short, his tax plans to raise the taxes against the rich will hamper the large companies and businesses ability to continue to produce. In a market full of waning consumer confidence, falling stocks, and a housing market in the toilet, I don't think discouraging those with the ability to build jobs and industry should burden a larger financial blow.
Let's cut the politico speak for a minute. In this country, there are certain people willing to work harder to become uber-successful. I'm not talking about a well paying job, home, and family. ANYONE, and I believe this, ANYONE can make it to the middle class.
However, not ANYONE can work hard and make it to the top 10% earners in America. This is not because we have ceilings protecting the wealthiest people from us "peasants". The reality is, sorry liberals, some people are just plain SMART. They use those smarts to become lawyers, doctors, business owners. The take incredible risks, either with 6 digit student loan debts, or by gambling their life savings on an idea for an emerging business. They invest wisely, but again with risk, not assuming their company's 401(k) and Social Security will be enough for them to retire with. They are not brain washed by a media determined to convince Americans that this government ought to take care of their every need. The article pulls this as a quote, which I think many outsiders might find interesting:
It's also concern that Obama's tax plans would make the federal government even more reliant on relatively few high-income people to pay most U.S. taxes -- and thereby provide less incentive for business owners to augment their wealth by growing their companies.
Strangely enough, government statistics show that the U.S. tax system is already evolving into one in which a majority of Americans pay little or nothing. Between 1999 and 2006, evidence suggests that the number of tax filers who had no income tax liability after taking advantage of credits and deductions grew to nearly 44 million, according to the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C., and Duke University law professor Lawrence Zelenak.
Did you catch that? Some 44 million people in this country use credits and deductions to pay NO TAXES. Do you think that one, just one!, of those people is whom Obama's liberal tax policy is targeting to help burden the load of his leftist agenda? NO! He wants to attack the pocketbook of the people already paying close to 40% of their income in taxes, so the people stupid enough to believe his crap will be able to free load another year without paying a DIME!
I'm not opposed to taxes. In fact, in today's world, they are necessary. There are people who need help in our society, and certain things our government should provide. A liberal leader hell bent on creating a tax system even more unjustifiably unfair than the currnt one is NOT one of those things.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/WhyWallStreetIsScaredOfObama.aspx?page=2
This article speaks in financial terms about the risks associated with electing Senator Obama President. In short, his tax plans to raise the taxes against the rich will hamper the large companies and businesses ability to continue to produce. In a market full of waning consumer confidence, falling stocks, and a housing market in the toilet, I don't think discouraging those with the ability to build jobs and industry should burden a larger financial blow.
Let's cut the politico speak for a minute. In this country, there are certain people willing to work harder to become uber-successful. I'm not talking about a well paying job, home, and family. ANYONE, and I believe this, ANYONE can make it to the middle class.
However, not ANYONE can work hard and make it to the top 10% earners in America. This is not because we have ceilings protecting the wealthiest people from us "peasants". The reality is, sorry liberals, some people are just plain SMART. They use those smarts to become lawyers, doctors, business owners. The take incredible risks, either with 6 digit student loan debts, or by gambling their life savings on an idea for an emerging business. They invest wisely, but again with risk, not assuming their company's 401(k) and Social Security will be enough for them to retire with. They are not brain washed by a media determined to convince Americans that this government ought to take care of their every need. The article pulls this as a quote, which I think many outsiders might find interesting:
It's also concern that Obama's tax plans would make the federal government even more reliant on relatively few high-income people to pay most U.S. taxes -- and thereby provide less incentive for business owners to augment their wealth by growing their companies.
Strangely enough, government statistics show that the U.S. tax system is already evolving into one in which a majority of Americans pay little or nothing. Between 1999 and 2006, evidence suggests that the number of tax filers who had no income tax liability after taking advantage of credits and deductions grew to nearly 44 million, according to the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C., and Duke University law professor Lawrence Zelenak.
Did you catch that? Some 44 million people in this country use credits and deductions to pay NO TAXES. Do you think that one, just one!, of those people is whom Obama's liberal tax policy is targeting to help burden the load of his leftist agenda? NO! He wants to attack the pocketbook of the people already paying close to 40% of their income in taxes, so the people stupid enough to believe his crap will be able to free load another year without paying a DIME!
I'm not opposed to taxes. In fact, in today's world, they are necessary. There are people who need help in our society, and certain things our government should provide. A liberal leader hell bent on creating a tax system even more unjustifiably unfair than the currnt one is NOT one of those things.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Veering away from Sports for a minute
At the risk of being to politically driven, it would do some of you a bit of good to peruse the following 2 items: 1) The photo to above here from May of this year, shortly after closing down Hillary's bid.
And 2) http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,299439,00.html - a story from late 2007, during his campaign against Clinton.
Odd, I recall the quote from the story being, "The truth is that right after 9/11 I had a pin. Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we’re talking about the Iraq war, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security. I decided I won’t wear that pin on my chest.”
After declaring his allegiance to the extreme liberals to get them out to vote it the primaries, Obama is working hard to convince the middle voters of his more moderate views, including what he apprently believes to be "false" patriotism.
Let's take a good look at Barack over the next few months, and perhaps this country will come to realize this is a man willing to do and say anything for the sake of getting elected to office at the sake of his own beliefs and opinions.
Let's take a good look at Barack over the next few months, and perhaps this country will come to realize this is a man willing to do and say anything for the sake of getting elected to office at the sake of his own beliefs and opinions.
And for the sake of sports, A-Rod is a moron.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Astros
WTF? How on earth can we have such a sorry excuse for a baseball team coming from houston? When this season started, my excitement level was skyhigh, regarding the new acquisitions to bolster Houston's anemic offense. Well, the offense has been producing at an astounding rate (well, astounding for the Astros), but our pitching has been nightmarish. Even resident ace Roy Oswalt has been less than stellar. With that in mind, it's time to take a good hard look at what Ed Wade has done with this ballclub, and re-evaluate what exactly this team in building towards.
What does Houston have in the minors to bring into the fold in the upcoming years? It doesn't seem like that many prospects are knocking down the gates to come out of Round Rock and bust up the NL Central. What is strange is this teams absent mindedness about creating any sort of coherent plan. Even their in state counterparts, the Texas Rangers, have stockpiled young players to build their offense up. The Astros have little pitching available in the majors, and even less in the minors. The solution? Blow this mock of a team up and start from scratch.
Even with his subpar play, Roy Oswalt could attract great value on the open market. Astros fans might not be willing to part with our ace, but the fact is even a 20 game winning Oswalt wouldn't help push the team over the edge - they're not even 1/2 way up the hill. The new mode in the majors seems to be unloading hefty contracts for aging players to stockpile young talent - there's no reason Houston can't do this.
As we near the trade deadline this year, Wade and owner Drayton McLane need to take a serious look at their roster and where they realistically think it can get them. Once they do this, it might not seem so far fetched to start shopping the likes of Oswalt, Carlos Lee, Miguel Tejada, Ty Wiggington, and Mark Loretta. Those assets can fetch quite a few young players, who the Astros can elevate up towards the end of this year and the start of next. While the Big Puma (Lance Berkman) and Hunter Pence may shy away from such a strategy, in the long run the city and team could benefit from another potential trip to the World Series with young talent by 2010.
What does Houston have in the minors to bring into the fold in the upcoming years? It doesn't seem like that many prospects are knocking down the gates to come out of Round Rock and bust up the NL Central. What is strange is this teams absent mindedness about creating any sort of coherent plan. Even their in state counterparts, the Texas Rangers, have stockpiled young players to build their offense up. The Astros have little pitching available in the majors, and even less in the minors. The solution? Blow this mock of a team up and start from scratch.
Even with his subpar play, Roy Oswalt could attract great value on the open market. Astros fans might not be willing to part with our ace, but the fact is even a 20 game winning Oswalt wouldn't help push the team over the edge - they're not even 1/2 way up the hill. The new mode in the majors seems to be unloading hefty contracts for aging players to stockpile young talent - there's no reason Houston can't do this.
As we near the trade deadline this year, Wade and owner Drayton McLane need to take a serious look at their roster and where they realistically think it can get them. Once they do this, it might not seem so far fetched to start shopping the likes of Oswalt, Carlos Lee, Miguel Tejada, Ty Wiggington, and Mark Loretta. Those assets can fetch quite a few young players, who the Astros can elevate up towards the end of this year and the start of next. While the Big Puma (Lance Berkman) and Hunter Pence may shy away from such a strategy, in the long run the city and team could benefit from another potential trip to the World Series with young talent by 2010.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Mauricia Grant sues NASCAR?
What a joke. I turned on Sportscenter this morning and saw this lovely black lady suing NASCAR for racial and sexual harassment. Whether or not she tells the truth in her lawsuit with her claims, I honestly don't know. Really, who does? However, the problem I have is her demanding $225 million dollars. Are you kidding me? This is a lady who was employed as a Nationwide (formerly Busch) Series official. Over the course of her career, I really doubt she could have made $225 million, and thus justify such a ridiculous sum of money based on potential lost earnings. Was her pain and suffering really worth that much money? People call me fat - should I get a quarter billion dollars? Unlikely.
The problem is twofold - people suing for the sake of digging for a buck. Second - I've had enough of black people pulling the race card, when the reality is race in this country is on a sharp decline. We are about to elect a half black president. There are few barriers for hard working folks, black - white - asian - latino in this country to become successful, and I'm fed up with people holding onto a race card as an excuse to hide their shortcomings or to advance careers. Failures in life are part of living the American experience, not a reason to call Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to help you make a couple hundred million dollars.
The problem is twofold - people suing for the sake of digging for a buck. Second - I've had enough of black people pulling the race card, when the reality is race in this country is on a sharp decline. We are about to elect a half black president. There are few barriers for hard working folks, black - white - asian - latino in this country to become successful, and I'm fed up with people holding onto a race card as an excuse to hide their shortcomings or to advance careers. Failures in life are part of living the American experience, not a reason to call Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to help you make a couple hundred million dollars.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Finals Pick
Lakers in 5. As much as I hate to admit it, no one can stop Kobe. The games will be close, but down the stretch in each, it will become painfully obvious to Celtics fan that their grouping of the Big 3 (KG, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce) have never been to the finals prior to this year for an obvious reason - they can't finish when the stakes are high.
Awesome
Check this out. If my blog entries cease for longer than 1 year, you can bet I am dead, and this is how I went out...
http://view.break.com/514013 - Watch more free videos
http://view.break.com/514013 - Watch more free videos
Thursday, May 22, 2008
An old debate reborn
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3406050&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1
Check the link. Usually, May is a bit early to be getting fired up about some national media's obsession with USC and their illustrious college football program, but I simply can't resist this time.
In essence, the article ranks the 10 BCS champions that have been crowned under college football's decade old system. Debates continue to rage on whether the BCS belongs on the landscape of the game (I, for one, love it) - but those debates can wait for another day. I'd like to debate the location of the USC Trojans of 2004.
In his little researched article, Mark Schlabeth crowns Miami of 2001 as the greatest of the 10 BCS champs. No problem - that team could whip many of today's NFL franchises with relative ease. Next up, he crowns the 2004 USC Trojans as the runner up. Here is my problem. Two spots below are the 2005 Texas Longhorns. If my memory serves me, those are the same Longhorns that beat USC for the national title.
In essence, Texas beat the same USC team that had been crowned champs in '04. USC brought back 14 starters, including 2 Heismann trophey winners.
See the problem? If you are going to bother doing some rankings, you might want to make sure you don't rank a team behind another team if the team you picked lower actually beat the other guys. It doesn't make a hell of a lot of sense. So, Stink Schlabeth, while the 2005 Texas beat the vast majority of players from the 2004 USC team in a game, "played on the field" (as playoff pundits like Schlabeth like to say), you still think USC deserves to be ranked higher in your standings? Sounds like you've got a case of Matt Leinertness - you'll recall after getting defeated at the hands of Texas, Mr. California was quoted as saying, "I still think we're the better team." Funny - I thought that's why they played the game. But, according to ESPN, maybe not.
Check the link. Usually, May is a bit early to be getting fired up about some national media's obsession with USC and their illustrious college football program, but I simply can't resist this time.
In essence, the article ranks the 10 BCS champions that have been crowned under college football's decade old system. Debates continue to rage on whether the BCS belongs on the landscape of the game (I, for one, love it) - but those debates can wait for another day. I'd like to debate the location of the USC Trojans of 2004.
In his little researched article, Mark Schlabeth crowns Miami of 2001 as the greatest of the 10 BCS champs. No problem - that team could whip many of today's NFL franchises with relative ease. Next up, he crowns the 2004 USC Trojans as the runner up. Here is my problem. Two spots below are the 2005 Texas Longhorns. If my memory serves me, those are the same Longhorns that beat USC for the national title.
In essence, Texas beat the same USC team that had been crowned champs in '04. USC brought back 14 starters, including 2 Heismann trophey winners.
See the problem? If you are going to bother doing some rankings, you might want to make sure you don't rank a team behind another team if the team you picked lower actually beat the other guys. It doesn't make a hell of a lot of sense. So, Stink Schlabeth, while the 2005 Texas beat the vast majority of players from the 2004 USC team in a game, "played on the field" (as playoff pundits like Schlabeth like to say), you still think USC deserves to be ranked higher in your standings? Sounds like you've got a case of Matt Leinertness - you'll recall after getting defeated at the hands of Texas, Mr. California was quoted as saying, "I still think we're the better team." Funny - I thought that's why they played the game. But, according to ESPN, maybe not.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Amatuer? Hardly
In the wake of the ongoing investigation into OJ Mayo and the USC basketball program, naysayers are coming out of the wood work to criticize the USC sports program, including head basketbll coach Tim Floyd. In essence, the stories seem to implicate Mayo's recruitment to the Trojans may have been affiliated less with Floyd's up and coming basketball program and more with where OJ's "advisor", Rodney Guillory, who received over 200,000 in payments from BDA, a sports agent company who currently represents Mayo.
For me, the questions should focus less on investigating young athletes and their amateur status and more on the idea of "amateurism" in collegiate athletics in general. The schools don't want to pay student athletes - fine. Having agents and advisors surrounding these young people seems to be what has put so many media pundits into a tivy.
What is the major problem? Are collegiate athletics really a realm we can consider to be of amateur status anymore. OK, fine, the men's diving and women's crocket are amateur competition. Let's look into what drives the department at most major institutions, men's basketball and football.
Neither football nor men's basketball can reasonably argue amateur status anymore. In today's sports world, the internet, 24 hour sports news channels, Sportscenter, talk radio, and constant media inundation of information makes it nearly impossible to classify these sports as amateur in nature. Major networks make billions in ad revenue by airing the games live, conferences make millions of dollars by representing the institutions, schools make millions by filling the stadiums. Liscensing and apparel companies bring in the bank by selling shirts, hats, jerseys, and memorabilia.
In other words, the only people NOT expected to make any money on the process are the athletes themselves. The debate regarding whether a paid education should be payment enough for these kids can continue until we're all blue in the face, but the fact of the matter is the tuition and board rate these kids get pales in comparision to what the NCAA, conferences, schools, apparel companies, and tv networks make.
Am I advoating payment for collegiate athletes? No, actually, I'm not. What I would like to see is people leaving the title "amateur" out of the realm of college football and basketball. If agents and family advisors want kids to go to a certain school, and are willing to give that kid some money to do so, I don't really see a problem. I see a problem with a school providing that money, and I see a problem with agents and alumni of the school providing that money. I don't see a problem with sports agents providing a kid money for a promise of choosing a certain company as his sports agent upon heading to the pros, as Mayo and Reggie Bush apparently did. If the NCAA does, then create a simple solution - don't force kids to go to college. OJ Mayo never would have attended USC if not for the NBA's age limit rule (a rule which went forward with the NCAA's assistance and blessing), requiring players to be one year removed from high school before coming to the NBA. You think Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, or Michael Beasley would have played a minute of collegiate basketball without the rule?
Do the same for college athletes in football - surely Bush, Vince Young, Larry Fitzgerald, and other big name football stars needing the money would have jumped the college experience for the sake of the pros.
All I am saying is get these traditionalist blowhards out of here - college sports, whether you like it or not, is great because people who follow it have a certain tie that professional sports teams cannot forge with their fan base, not because the fan base thinks they are watching "pure" amateur competition. Florida and Tennessee will always be a marque college football matchup because of the tradition and rivarly - not because "amateur" athletes played. Duke vs. Carolina will headline basketball seasons forever because of the greatness of the schools' hatred for one another, not because Jerry Stackhouse stayed at UNC for 2 years, or Duke had Luo Deng for 1 season.
College football will remain popular because of the shortness of its regular season, and it's fucked up post-season. This sport, unlike any other, relies solely on a team's ability to be perfect in the regular season, making each week "must watch" tv. Giving players money or allowing agents to buy a linebacker a new tv won't change this.
College basketball will remain popular because it provides fans the 3 most exciting weeks in sports postseason, the great March Madness tourney. Great games and upsets are going to happen, whether we have outstanding players in the game or not. With the departure of the great Kevin Durant and Greg Oden last year, the ratings for the this year's tournament changed very little. It's the game that matters on the collegiate level, not the athletes or the behavior of those players off the court.
So instead of trying to force this idealistic world of amateurism down our throats, allow college sports to evolve with the rest of the society. If those who make a living off these athletes can't seem to find it in their hearts to "share the wealth", then the least we can do is allow those players who want to make money doing their craft that option (i.e. let the high schoolers go pro without going to college)
The college game will always be about the name on the front of the jersey, not the back. Tweaking the rules of "amateurism" in the industry won't change that.
For me, the questions should focus less on investigating young athletes and their amateur status and more on the idea of "amateurism" in collegiate athletics in general. The schools don't want to pay student athletes - fine. Having agents and advisors surrounding these young people seems to be what has put so many media pundits into a tivy.
What is the major problem? Are collegiate athletics really a realm we can consider to be of amateur status anymore. OK, fine, the men's diving and women's crocket are amateur competition. Let's look into what drives the department at most major institutions, men's basketball and football.
Neither football nor men's basketball can reasonably argue amateur status anymore. In today's sports world, the internet, 24 hour sports news channels, Sportscenter, talk radio, and constant media inundation of information makes it nearly impossible to classify these sports as amateur in nature. Major networks make billions in ad revenue by airing the games live, conferences make millions of dollars by representing the institutions, schools make millions by filling the stadiums. Liscensing and apparel companies bring in the bank by selling shirts, hats, jerseys, and memorabilia.
In other words, the only people NOT expected to make any money on the process are the athletes themselves. The debate regarding whether a paid education should be payment enough for these kids can continue until we're all blue in the face, but the fact of the matter is the tuition and board rate these kids get pales in comparision to what the NCAA, conferences, schools, apparel companies, and tv networks make.
Am I advoating payment for collegiate athletes? No, actually, I'm not. What I would like to see is people leaving the title "amateur" out of the realm of college football and basketball. If agents and family advisors want kids to go to a certain school, and are willing to give that kid some money to do so, I don't really see a problem. I see a problem with a school providing that money, and I see a problem with agents and alumni of the school providing that money. I don't see a problem with sports agents providing a kid money for a promise of choosing a certain company as his sports agent upon heading to the pros, as Mayo and Reggie Bush apparently did. If the NCAA does, then create a simple solution - don't force kids to go to college. OJ Mayo never would have attended USC if not for the NBA's age limit rule (a rule which went forward with the NCAA's assistance and blessing), requiring players to be one year removed from high school before coming to the NBA. You think Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, or Michael Beasley would have played a minute of collegiate basketball without the rule?
Do the same for college athletes in football - surely Bush, Vince Young, Larry Fitzgerald, and other big name football stars needing the money would have jumped the college experience for the sake of the pros.
All I am saying is get these traditionalist blowhards out of here - college sports, whether you like it or not, is great because people who follow it have a certain tie that professional sports teams cannot forge with their fan base, not because the fan base thinks they are watching "pure" amateur competition. Florida and Tennessee will always be a marque college football matchup because of the tradition and rivarly - not because "amateur" athletes played. Duke vs. Carolina will headline basketball seasons forever because of the greatness of the schools' hatred for one another, not because Jerry Stackhouse stayed at UNC for 2 years, or Duke had Luo Deng for 1 season.
College football will remain popular because of the shortness of its regular season, and it's fucked up post-season. This sport, unlike any other, relies solely on a team's ability to be perfect in the regular season, making each week "must watch" tv. Giving players money or allowing agents to buy a linebacker a new tv won't change this.
College basketball will remain popular because it provides fans the 3 most exciting weeks in sports postseason, the great March Madness tourney. Great games and upsets are going to happen, whether we have outstanding players in the game or not. With the departure of the great Kevin Durant and Greg Oden last year, the ratings for the this year's tournament changed very little. It's the game that matters on the collegiate level, not the athletes or the behavior of those players off the court.
So instead of trying to force this idealistic world of amateurism down our throats, allow college sports to evolve with the rest of the society. If those who make a living off these athletes can't seem to find it in their hearts to "share the wealth", then the least we can do is allow those players who want to make money doing their craft that option (i.e. let the high schoolers go pro without going to college)
The college game will always be about the name on the front of the jersey, not the back. Tweaking the rules of "amateurism" in the industry won't change that.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Thoughts from the weekend
I hate PETA. I mean, hate as in I think they are lower than most liberal politicians threatening to tax me more. I am using the word, HATE, here.
PETA has decided they want to use the tragedy that unfolded this weekend at the Kentucky Derby as a sounding board for attacking the sport of horse racing. In case you missed it, the 2nd place finisher at the race broke both her ankles while runnig her 1/4 mile cool down. Doctors made the decision to euthinize (a pretty way to say kill) her onsite. For those uneducated, broken legs for horses tend to mean the end of their lives through a long and sufferable process. Notably, without their ability to stand up, their digestive tracks do not function properly. Broken bones for horses are esepcially suseptable to infection (see Barbara circa 2006), and thus ending the horse's life is most likely the most HUMANE thing one can do.
PETA has decided to critize the way the horse was ridden by her jockey during the race, saying he pushed the fillie too hard down the stretch run. I suppose they wanted him to gently pat her side and whisper encouraging words to her to move faster. Look people - they're horses. Yes, majestic, beatiful, graceful. But frigging horses. Before the advent of the car, these were our Ford, Lincolns, Toyotas. Horses are a mode of transportation and now recreation. You never hear people crying out when a NASCAR Sprint Cup is thrown to the scrapyard. Horse racing is no different. I'll take heat for it - but the reality is horse racing is a social and recreational activity designed to get you liquored up and betting on some beasts running as hard they can to win a race. Nothing more. The horses live great lives, running for couple of years before retiring to a stable to eat hay and boink other horses while making their owners excessively rich. There is no place for PETA to be involved in horse racing, whether it be protesting or helping provide guidelines for the sanctity of the animals.
So as I said, I hate PETA.
PETA has decided they want to use the tragedy that unfolded this weekend at the Kentucky Derby as a sounding board for attacking the sport of horse racing. In case you missed it, the 2nd place finisher at the race broke both her ankles while runnig her 1/4 mile cool down. Doctors made the decision to euthinize (a pretty way to say kill) her onsite. For those uneducated, broken legs for horses tend to mean the end of their lives through a long and sufferable process. Notably, without their ability to stand up, their digestive tracks do not function properly. Broken bones for horses are esepcially suseptable to infection (see Barbara circa 2006), and thus ending the horse's life is most likely the most HUMANE thing one can do.
PETA has decided to critize the way the horse was ridden by her jockey during the race, saying he pushed the fillie too hard down the stretch run. I suppose they wanted him to gently pat her side and whisper encouraging words to her to move faster. Look people - they're horses. Yes, majestic, beatiful, graceful. But frigging horses. Before the advent of the car, these were our Ford, Lincolns, Toyotas. Horses are a mode of transportation and now recreation. You never hear people crying out when a NASCAR Sprint Cup is thrown to the scrapyard. Horse racing is no different. I'll take heat for it - but the reality is horse racing is a social and recreational activity designed to get you liquored up and betting on some beasts running as hard they can to win a race. Nothing more. The horses live great lives, running for couple of years before retiring to a stable to eat hay and boink other horses while making their owners excessively rich. There is no place for PETA to be involved in horse racing, whether it be protesting or helping provide guidelines for the sanctity of the animals.
So as I said, I hate PETA.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Cowboys - Draft and the future
So the draft has come to a close, and the pundits are screaming for the heads of Jerry Jones and his Dallas Cowboys. Many criticize Jones pick of Arkansas running back Felix Jones - and for what? The Cowboys moved well during draft day, gathering up some extra picks while addressing needs in the secondary and the backfield. While some say the Illinois running back we passed on may turn out to be a slam dunk in the NFL, the fact is he was a mirror image of Dallas' own Marion Barber - a tough nosed runner without breakaway speed. Jones brings instant speed to a team that, for all its offensive output in 2007, lacked just that down the stretch. Barber is a great runner, who can be the #1 guy in Dallas, but the reality is he never breaks out into the open field. Felix Jones did this continuosly in Fayettville, finishing in the top 5 in yards per carry in NCAA history last year (8.7 y/carry). The potential for a potent one-two punch with Barber breaking down the D with his pounding style and Jones running away from a worn down defense should excite any Cowboys fan.
Further, through trades, the Cowboys have positioned themselves to make a run at a veteran reciever who can be ready to contribute to the team this year. Folks screamed bloody murder that Dallas didn't address the need for a compliment to T.O. in this year's draft. However, if you look at the pool of candidates, there didn't appear to be a breakout star readly to come in and start right away who could outdo the performance of even Patrick Crayton last year (50 catches with 7 TDs). No doubt armed with this knowledge, Jerry and Co. went out to stockpile a few extra picks in next year's 2009 draft in what appears an attempt to make a run at eiher Roy Williams, Chad Johnson, or Anquan Boldin.
For me, I'm all about Williams. This is the tall reciever who has shown he can go up and get it in the red zone, which would be a welcome addition to a team stuck on finding only Jason Witten when they get close to the endzone. However, any of the three would vault the Cowboys to Patriots level insofar as talent alone goes. There are those out there who are terrified of Chad Johnson. Based on my previous post regarding Pacman Jones, you can safely assume I am not one of them.
So back off national media. The Cowboys may have pulled off the coup of the offseason, should we find out that Jones and his boys have been able to add speed in the backfield, speed in the return and special teams play, a top tier corner in the secondary, and perhaps a top 5 elite reciever to line up alongside T.O.
Further, through trades, the Cowboys have positioned themselves to make a run at a veteran reciever who can be ready to contribute to the team this year. Folks screamed bloody murder that Dallas didn't address the need for a compliment to T.O. in this year's draft. However, if you look at the pool of candidates, there didn't appear to be a breakout star readly to come in and start right away who could outdo the performance of even Patrick Crayton last year (50 catches with 7 TDs). No doubt armed with this knowledge, Jerry and Co. went out to stockpile a few extra picks in next year's 2009 draft in what appears an attempt to make a run at eiher Roy Williams, Chad Johnson, or Anquan Boldin.
For me, I'm all about Williams. This is the tall reciever who has shown he can go up and get it in the red zone, which would be a welcome addition to a team stuck on finding only Jason Witten when they get close to the endzone. However, any of the three would vault the Cowboys to Patriots level insofar as talent alone goes. There are those out there who are terrified of Chad Johnson. Based on my previous post regarding Pacman Jones, you can safely assume I am not one of them.
So back off national media. The Cowboys may have pulled off the coup of the offseason, should we find out that Jones and his boys have been able to add speed in the backfield, speed in the return and special teams play, a top tier corner in the secondary, and perhaps a top 5 elite reciever to line up alongside T.O.
Monday, April 7, 2008
"We make free throws when we need them"
Sitting here, as Kansas just made their OT steal for the first points of the extra frame, I'm reminded of what Memphis head coach John Calipari said heading into this year's NCAA basketball tourney. Regarding his Tigers apparent inability to make free throws, Calipari claimed his boys would make them when they needed them. Well, with about 2 minutes to go tonight in the most important game of their careers, the Tigers needed them, and hardly made any. Down the stretch, Memphis missed 4 of their last 5 important shots from the charity stripe. Apparently, Coach Cal, you needed them tonight...
P.S. Kansas just dunked all over the thugs from Memphis. And white guys from Kansas celebrate really funny.
Check in tomorrow to make sure the Jayhawks stay ahead...
P.S. Kansas just dunked all over the thugs from Memphis. And white guys from Kansas celebrate really funny.
Check in tomorrow to make sure the Jayhawks stay ahead...
Sunday, March 30, 2008
UT vs. Memphis 1st Half Observations
First and foremost, I can't stand Billy Packer. I know, I know, no one can. But the fact that this "college sports institution" remains on the dominant team for the NCAA tourney with the great Jim Nantz still pisses me off. Take, for example, today's UT vs Memphis game. I know it is not expected that national commentators can know the in and outs of every team they call, especially during tourney times when guys can call anywhere up to 12 games in a two week span. However, the fact that Packer does not know that Longhorns guard Justin Mason spends 1/2 of the game running the point while DJ Augustin works to get open shots shocks me. This is supposed to be the color man, the guy with "inside knowledge" of the game who can explain these oddities to fans. Instead, we get such outstanding insight as "I don't know why Rick Barnes has pulled DJ from the point, and put his little used Mason there. Perhaps he's trying to shake things up" Moron.
Second, the referees are terrible. Did anyone see the alleyoop late in the first half, where Memphis F James Dorsey slammed home a thunderous jam against UT's Dexter Pittman? It looked like Dexter tried to punch Dorsey in the face with his elbow, and in fact he succeeded quite well in doing so. And 3 seconds in the lane? Don't ask these guys what the hell that is. Memphis has been able to penetrate the Texas zone because they flash a player to the top of the key, who stands just inside the free throw line for around, oh 7 - 10 seconds, until he gets a pass. Hey, Mr Ref, the top of the key is still considered inside the lane. Jackass.
Still, for Texas to win, they must make shots. After shooting under 40% in the first half, being down 11 might not be as bad as it could be.
Second, the referees are terrible. Did anyone see the alleyoop late in the first half, where Memphis F James Dorsey slammed home a thunderous jam against UT's Dexter Pittman? It looked like Dexter tried to punch Dorsey in the face with his elbow, and in fact he succeeded quite well in doing so. And 3 seconds in the lane? Don't ask these guys what the hell that is. Memphis has been able to penetrate the Texas zone because they flash a player to the top of the key, who stands just inside the free throw line for around, oh 7 - 10 seconds, until he gets a pass. Hey, Mr Ref, the top of the key is still considered inside the lane. Jackass.
Still, for Texas to win, they must make shots. After shooting under 40% in the first half, being down 11 might not be as bad as it could be.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bring on the Pac!
Adam “PacMan” Jones to Dallas seems to have fired up the sports world, especially here in Dallas. Folks seem disgusted at the prospect of bringing in a player many consider nothing more than a common criminal with extraordinary talent.
These statements are true. Pacman is nothing more than an overgrown and extra-talented street thug, made rich by his excellent abilities to run fast. To be frank, when he is off the field, he’s a bad dude. He’s got no character, no class, no brains. He’s the reason a person lives in Las Vegas, paralyzed, as the result of a shooting incident incited by Pacman’s now infamous “make it rain” behavior. Repeat - a man was shot because he was in the vicinity of Pacman.
Initial reaction from Cowboys fans - DO NOT BRING THIS GUY IN! He’s a thug, a punk, a loser, a troublemaker, a common criminal. He brings nothing to the community and the city he represents. He left his teammates high and dry in Tennessee by getting himself arrested and booted from the league. Is this the kind of person that we want to represent the long and storied tradition built here with America’s Team?
I, for one, am all for bringing in the Pacman. Simply put, it’s a microcosm of the state of professional sports. He’s a criminal. So what. How many criminals do the Cowboys have in their illustrious history? Nate Newton carted 600 pounds of marijuana across the country, and spent hard time in jail for it. Ring of Honor member and legend of the 90’s receiver Michael Irvin snorted cocaine off a prostitute and went to jail for it.
The Cowboys are not some community service driven organization. Their purpose is not to save the community of Dallas and represent Texas on the highest plane. This is a professional football team. This is not a college program representing an institution of higher learning. This is, repeat, a PROFESSIONAL sports team. The goal of professional teams? Money. Make money. Sure, teams want to win the Super Bowl, but let’s be honest - teams want to win to make money. The more you win, the more ticket prices can go up, the more merchandise you sell. People should have no emotional ties to any professional sports teams, including one of the country’s most beloved.
College sports provide an emotional tie between fan and players. Many fans attended the University for which they cheer, and continue to provide money to the place they remember fondly from their college years, either through alumni associations or direct payment to the athletic department. No one attended the University of Dallas Cowboys.
Why are these people so up in arms about having Pacman come into town? What, do we think he’ll give the Cowboys a bad image? So what? What ties do we have to the Cowboys? If they win the Super Bowl, great! But remember this people, to win, you need the best available people on the field. Pacman is a top 5 corner in this league. Line him up next to Terrance Newmann, and you likely have the top cornerback tandem in the NFL. So what if he wants to stare at naked chicks dancing on the stage. So what if he runs with the wrong crowd? Show up on Sundays and perform, and the fans will love you. Just ask T.O. So as a Cowboys fan, don’t sit there and tell me bringing in this thug would embarrass the team and organization, when the reality is, if he helps shore up a shaky secondary and keeps himself out of jail, you’ll forgive him in a month.
It’s not about 2nd chances. It’s not about whether Pacman was wronged by the NFL in receiving his year long suspension. It’s about putting the best players you can onto the playing field in order to win the Super Bowl. Worst case, Jones shoots someone else, and the Cowboys cut him. That’s the beauty of the NFL. No guaranteed contracts, just cut him when you want.
I’m all for it. Bring in the Pac!
These statements are true. Pacman is nothing more than an overgrown and extra-talented street thug, made rich by his excellent abilities to run fast. To be frank, when he is off the field, he’s a bad dude. He’s got no character, no class, no brains. He’s the reason a person lives in Las Vegas, paralyzed, as the result of a shooting incident incited by Pacman’s now infamous “make it rain” behavior. Repeat - a man was shot because he was in the vicinity of Pacman.
Initial reaction from Cowboys fans - DO NOT BRING THIS GUY IN! He’s a thug, a punk, a loser, a troublemaker, a common criminal. He brings nothing to the community and the city he represents. He left his teammates high and dry in Tennessee by getting himself arrested and booted from the league. Is this the kind of person that we want to represent the long and storied tradition built here with America’s Team?
I, for one, am all for bringing in the Pacman. Simply put, it’s a microcosm of the state of professional sports. He’s a criminal. So what. How many criminals do the Cowboys have in their illustrious history? Nate Newton carted 600 pounds of marijuana across the country, and spent hard time in jail for it. Ring of Honor member and legend of the 90’s receiver Michael Irvin snorted cocaine off a prostitute and went to jail for it.
The Cowboys are not some community service driven organization. Their purpose is not to save the community of Dallas and represent Texas on the highest plane. This is a professional football team. This is not a college program representing an institution of higher learning. This is, repeat, a PROFESSIONAL sports team. The goal of professional teams? Money. Make money. Sure, teams want to win the Super Bowl, but let’s be honest - teams want to win to make money. The more you win, the more ticket prices can go up, the more merchandise you sell. People should have no emotional ties to any professional sports teams, including one of the country’s most beloved.
College sports provide an emotional tie between fan and players. Many fans attended the University for which they cheer, and continue to provide money to the place they remember fondly from their college years, either through alumni associations or direct payment to the athletic department. No one attended the University of Dallas Cowboys.
Why are these people so up in arms about having Pacman come into town? What, do we think he’ll give the Cowboys a bad image? So what? What ties do we have to the Cowboys? If they win the Super Bowl, great! But remember this people, to win, you need the best available people on the field. Pacman is a top 5 corner in this league. Line him up next to Terrance Newmann, and you likely have the top cornerback tandem in the NFL. So what if he wants to stare at naked chicks dancing on the stage. So what if he runs with the wrong crowd? Show up on Sundays and perform, and the fans will love you. Just ask T.O. So as a Cowboys fan, don’t sit there and tell me bringing in this thug would embarrass the team and organization, when the reality is, if he helps shore up a shaky secondary and keeps himself out of jail, you’ll forgive him in a month.
It’s not about 2nd chances. It’s not about whether Pacman was wronged by the NFL in receiving his year long suspension. It’s about putting the best players you can onto the playing field in order to win the Super Bowl. Worst case, Jones shoots someone else, and the Cowboys cut him. That’s the beauty of the NFL. No guaranteed contracts, just cut him when you want.
I’m all for it. Bring in the Pac!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Public Enemy #1
Saturday night, I spent around 30 minutes on the phone trying to convince an Aggie friend of mine that they had showed heart and guts to play #1 seed UCLA to a hell of a game, and the fact of the matter is the better team won. He'd hear nothing of it, claiming they were robbed, mugged, screwed - all the verbs you can picture under the sun. I assumed he was being Angry Aggie. I was wrong.
Heading into this weekend's Sweet 16, aside from my beloved Longhorns, I will be cheering for whatever team plays UCLA. I know there is a media bias towards the liberal leftcoast, and have come to terms with this. However, the blatant refusal of NCAA officials to call a foul on what was an obvious attempt at rape blows my mind. Cleary, the Aggies were fouled as they drove the lane with under 10 seconds to go in an attempt to tie the game.
Furhering my disgust of UCLA (aside from the obvious) was the "exclamation point" slammed home by some hommo from the Bruins. Congrats kid. The refs just handed you the game, and you dunked the ball after the final horn sounded. I hope you enjoy Kevin Love's weiner in your butt.
My only hope is that upon being bounced in the next few rounds, UCLA will learn the heartache of being screwed out of a chance at greatness. Perhaps when a group of honkeys from Western Kentucky knocks them off, vengence will be ours. Of course, what could be sweeter than UCLA eeking into the Final Four to perhaps meet the Aggies biggest rival, Texas, and having the Longhorns enact revenge for our Texan bretheren.
So as we head into this weekend....Texas Fight! Go -insert team playing UCLA-
Monday, March 24, 2008
SIRIUS-XM
Finally!
The deal has passed the Department of Justice today - Sirius Satellite Radio's purchase of XM Satellite Radio has leaped one boundary, and awaits only the approval of the FCC (which many feel is a foregone conclusion) to finish the deal, which would combine the country's only satellite radio providers under one company.
For folks like me, who have held onto shares of Sirius for over 5 years, the deal comes as a great relief. I am a subscriber to the service, and own around 170 shares of its stock. The product itself is outstanding, especially when you are a hearty traveler. While the FM wireless devices leave something to be desired, radios that are hardwired into new car purchases are outstanding luxury additions.
Commercial free music? Outstanding. But as a sports fan, this passage warms my heart the most. Currently, one must choose between aligning with Sirius or XM, each with their own exclusive broadcast rights for a vareity of sports and leagues. For example, Sirius carries NASCAR and NBA radio, and broadcasts a wide variety of program and live events for each. XM has an exclusive deal to broadcast every MLB game. Sirius has a similar deal with the NFL. Each has exclusive rights to certain big time colleges (for example, Texas is exclusive with XM).
Now, if they can come under one roof, the hope is that programming will be available to provide the excessive sportsfan (say, for example, ME) with the widest variety of sports available. So the next time my wife wants to drive to see an old friend, I can carry my trusty radio with me and never miss the big game.
And oh yeah, my stock soared 10% in the past 20 minutes, which is a rather nice feeling too.
The deal has passed the Department of Justice today - Sirius Satellite Radio's purchase of XM Satellite Radio has leaped one boundary, and awaits only the approval of the FCC (which many feel is a foregone conclusion) to finish the deal, which would combine the country's only satellite radio providers under one company.
For folks like me, who have held onto shares of Sirius for over 5 years, the deal comes as a great relief. I am a subscriber to the service, and own around 170 shares of its stock. The product itself is outstanding, especially when you are a hearty traveler. While the FM wireless devices leave something to be desired, radios that are hardwired into new car purchases are outstanding luxury additions.
Commercial free music? Outstanding. But as a sports fan, this passage warms my heart the most. Currently, one must choose between aligning with Sirius or XM, each with their own exclusive broadcast rights for a vareity of sports and leagues. For example, Sirius carries NASCAR and NBA radio, and broadcasts a wide variety of program and live events for each. XM has an exclusive deal to broadcast every MLB game. Sirius has a similar deal with the NFL. Each has exclusive rights to certain big time colleges (for example, Texas is exclusive with XM).
Now, if they can come under one roof, the hope is that programming will be available to provide the excessive sportsfan (say, for example, ME) with the widest variety of sports available. So the next time my wife wants to drive to see an old friend, I can carry my trusty radio with me and never miss the big game.
And oh yeah, my stock soared 10% in the past 20 minutes, which is a rather nice feeling too.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Verney Poo
Verne Lundquist. Those of you who are sports fans know the name, but what you might not know is that Mr. Verne has a disease. This ailment is called Oh My-ess. In essence, it forces Verne to say, "Oh My" within every 2 minutes of a sporting event that he is commentating. I noticed it especially on a day like today, when my wife is asleep and I can actually here these commentators calling the OU vs. Louisville game. As of 12:04 to go in the 1st half, we have 7 "Oh My's"
Oh My, that is quite a feat Verne. Oh My.
Oh My, that is quite a feat Verne. Oh My.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Open Letter to Belmont Head Coach
Dear Mr. SweaterVest CoachGuy,
Congratulations. With the chance to knock of the Yankees of college basketball, the Cowboys of the hardwood, Duke University, you were able to draw up some of the worst plays in the history of organized basketball.
Sure, we could criticize your team's inability to do anything akin to playing hard in the final minutes with a lead. You looked like a football team with a 2 point lead playing prevent defense with 6:00 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. What happened to the attacking, penetraing, 3 point jacking group of kids you broght into the opening round match with the Pukies? Certainly someone told those kids to hold the ball and milk the clock. And if it wasn't you, sir, then someone on your assistant coaching staff needs to be fired.
But instead, I would like to focus on the inbounds play with 4 seconds to go. Admittadly, teams in the postseason are at a disadvantage due to the excessive amount of scouting done by each teams' coaches. The picketfence you ran in the conference opener back in January will surely not work. So instead, Mr SweaterVest CoachGuy, you decide to throw the ball straight up in the air in front of the rim, with the idea being your guys could out-athlete the Duke McDonalds All-Americans at the rim. Nice move. Needless to say, watching your five goofy kids trip over the painted lines on the court and the ball fall into the hands of Duke was no surprise.
I commend your teams efforts. However, I cannot condone a man doing the sweatervest so wrong. Next year - bring some balls into the final 2 minutes. And if you choose to bring a sweatervest, at least be a man about it, and leave the undershirt at home.
Congratulations. With the chance to knock of the Yankees of college basketball, the Cowboys of the hardwood, Duke University, you were able to draw up some of the worst plays in the history of organized basketball.
Sure, we could criticize your team's inability to do anything akin to playing hard in the final minutes with a lead. You looked like a football team with a 2 point lead playing prevent defense with 6:00 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. What happened to the attacking, penetraing, 3 point jacking group of kids you broght into the opening round match with the Pukies? Certainly someone told those kids to hold the ball and milk the clock. And if it wasn't you, sir, then someone on your assistant coaching staff needs to be fired.
But instead, I would like to focus on the inbounds play with 4 seconds to go. Admittadly, teams in the postseason are at a disadvantage due to the excessive amount of scouting done by each teams' coaches. The picketfence you ran in the conference opener back in January will surely not work. So instead, Mr SweaterVest CoachGuy, you decide to throw the ball straight up in the air in front of the rim, with the idea being your guys could out-athlete the Duke McDonalds All-Americans at the rim. Nice move. Needless to say, watching your five goofy kids trip over the painted lines on the court and the ball fall into the hands of Duke was no surprise.
I commend your teams efforts. However, I cannot condone a man doing the sweatervest so wrong. Next year - bring some balls into the final 2 minutes. And if you choose to bring a sweatervest, at least be a man about it, and leave the undershirt at home.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tournament Pick Em
The NCAA tourney is upon us, and it seems customary to make your selections as the madness draws near.
This year, instead of going for broke and picking someone stupid, I think I might be aiming at 3 #1 seeds in the Final Four along with Texas. Coming out of the south, Texas would play a virtual home game in the Regional Final against #1 seed Memphis. If you can recall the last time UT made the Final Four, they were led by an unstoppable point guard (TJ Ford) surrounded by role players who bang down low (Brad Buckman, James Thomas)a sharp shooter on the wing (Brandon Mouton), a defensive stopper (Royal Ivey) and a goofy white kid who somehow seemed to pull down 10 and 6 every game (Brian Boddicker). This years version of the Longhorns features the same cast of characters, albeit it with much longer shorts - although until Nike unveiled the hideous kilt looking costumes of this year, I didn't think it was possible. You've got a dominant point guard running the show (DJ Augustin), a few inside bangers (Damion James, Dexter Pittman, and of late, Alexis Wangmembe), a deadly shooter from 3 land (AJ Abrams, not to be confused with JJ Abrams of Lost and Alias lore), a defensive specialist (Justin Mason) and of course, everyone's favorite white kid, who save the lack of hair gel, could very well come to resemble Boddicker's brother (Connor Atchley).
With all that said and done, remember this - UT couldn't pull off the National Title then, and I don't think they will this year.
Expect UNC to cut the nets in San Antonio. While watching a man get a blowjob on TV is usually a good thing, when it's Dick Vitale doing the blowing on Tyler Hansbrough, it makes me want to puke. It's like they fell in love with the Boston College QB Matt Ryan, and just happened to put his ass in barfbaby blue and move his team to Chapel Hill. Still, there is unlikely a team out there that can match the Tar Heels speed on the perimeter or Tyler's intensity in the post. UNC will knock off the Longhorns in the final 88-80.
Disagree?
This year, instead of going for broke and picking someone stupid, I think I might be aiming at 3 #1 seeds in the Final Four along with Texas. Coming out of the south, Texas would play a virtual home game in the Regional Final against #1 seed Memphis. If you can recall the last time UT made the Final Four, they were led by an unstoppable point guard (TJ Ford) surrounded by role players who bang down low (Brad Buckman, James Thomas)a sharp shooter on the wing (Brandon Mouton), a defensive stopper (Royal Ivey) and a goofy white kid who somehow seemed to pull down 10 and 6 every game (Brian Boddicker). This years version of the Longhorns features the same cast of characters, albeit it with much longer shorts - although until Nike unveiled the hideous kilt looking costumes of this year, I didn't think it was possible. You've got a dominant point guard running the show (DJ Augustin), a few inside bangers (Damion James, Dexter Pittman, and of late, Alexis Wangmembe), a deadly shooter from 3 land (AJ Abrams, not to be confused with JJ Abrams of Lost and Alias lore), a defensive specialist (Justin Mason) and of course, everyone's favorite white kid, who save the lack of hair gel, could very well come to resemble Boddicker's brother (Connor Atchley).
With all that said and done, remember this - UT couldn't pull off the National Title then, and I don't think they will this year.
Expect UNC to cut the nets in San Antonio. While watching a man get a blowjob on TV is usually a good thing, when it's Dick Vitale doing the blowing on Tyler Hansbrough, it makes me want to puke. It's like they fell in love with the Boston College QB Matt Ryan, and just happened to put his ass in barfbaby blue and move his team to Chapel Hill. Still, there is unlikely a team out there that can match the Tar Heels speed on the perimeter or Tyler's intensity in the post. UNC will knock off the Longhorns in the final 88-80.
Disagree?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Superbowl - Pro Sports Wrestlemania?
As I made my way to the bottom of my 2nd bottle of Jack Daniels this past weekend, I was posed with an interesting query. Apparently, in the midst of wailing some Bon Jovi at the top of my lungs, I mentioned to a rather large group of peers of my excitement regarding the upcoming WWE ppv, the Royal Rumble. Aghast that their friend could watch such ludicrous programming, my friends began pestering me as to why I, at age 27, still tune into professional wrestling, and (worse yet) still PAY to watch their epic monthly shows.
Of course, being completely tanked, answering this question posed too many problems at 11:48 Saturday night. After returning home on Sunday and actually having time to reflect, I’ve decided to do my part in explaining this phenomenon. To aid in this endeavor, I will be comparing traditional sports fans’ mecca of all events, the upcoming Superbowl, with the world of professional wrestling’s equivalent, WrestleMania.
Greatest Moment
Wrestlemania
Everyone’s hero, the immortal Hulk Hogan, body slamming the indestructible force known as Andre the Giant. In front of 70,000 plus fans crowded into the old Silverdome in Detroit, Hogan battled incredible odds to take down the biggest, baddest, meanest SOB the wrestling world had seen. And he did it with pure strength, in front of the largest (to date) professional wrestling crowd in the US, as well as the largest (to date) PPV purchasing viewing audience in US history.
Superbowl
Joe Namath’s guarantee that his double-digit point underdog New York Jets were going to take down the NFL’s version of Andre the Giant, the Baltimore Colts. Some may debate the greatness level of a variety of Superbowl plays or events, but insofar as results go, this was clearly the game that made this spectacle what is today by making the fans of New York and the national media take notice. Whether or not Broadway Joe’s sobriety should have been in question when he uttered his now famous guarantee notwithstanding, the fact that the Colts laid an egg large enough to make even the Dallas Mavericks of the 2007 NBA playoffs proud is enough to vault this Superbowl memory into the limelight.
Winner - Wrestlemania
The key about professional wrestling is in convincing your audience that you have a monster that no one can beat, and then allowing your top superstar to take this beast down at the most appropriate moment. When Hogan dropped Andre, it proved to the wrestling world that there was a new kid in town, and it propelled Hogan and the WWE into the forefront of 1980’s entertainment. When Joe upset the Colts, there was shock and awe, but no passing of the torch. The Colts just weren’t good enough that day, and remained a dominating force in the upcoming years. For wrestling, there is conclusion and transition in place with upsets. For other sports, upsets typically recall bad referees, a few lucky bounces, and the occasional birth of a new star. Cleary, the dominating event of Wrestlemania 3 outweighs the overhyped Broadway Joe guarantee.
Determining your Participants
Wrestlemania
To main event the Granddaddy of Em All, Wrestlemania, a wrestler must complete perhaps the most daunting task in all of wrestling - win the Royal Rumble. In essence, you must find a way to throw 29 other scantily clad behemoths over the top rope onto the floor below, all while making sure you never get tossed yourself. Do this - and you will find yourself fighting the WWE title. Do it not - and find yourself splattered onto the floor of shame next to some monster named Snitsky.
Superbowl
In many cases, all you have to do to make your way to the NFL title game is win 2 home games. That’s right - after 16 grueling weeks of regular season play, teams more often than not earn their way into the Superbowl by playing back to back home games. What kind of a test is that? The top seeds in each conference will be guaranteed home field advantage up to the Superbowl.
Advantage: Wrestlemania
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to see all 12 NFL playoff teams fighting it out at one stadium, on one day, with a winner take all format in place. Hell, we could even have an over the top rumble style match - you think Michael Strahan wouldn’t love to step into that kind of mayhem with Tom Brady? The only way the NFL playoffs could be any lamer would be if they made some computers pull some numbers out of the chipasses and created something called the BCS…Truth be told, the sweaty man battle royal brings more drama than any AFC or NFC Championship Game (including the Green Bay loss two weeks ago) has in recent memory. Just this last week, an injured superstar came back to the WWE after a prolonged absence, 8 months prior to his expected return to win the Rumble. Think about that - what if Trent Green had returned from his season ending concussion this year to lead the Dolphins to the Superbowl? And it happened just two weeks ago? Of course, this is the same league which produces whiners like LT, who can’t even finish games he starts because of a “strained” MCL.
Commercials
Superbowl
Even I can admit, these are often the highlight of the game. Nothing comes close - as far as commercials go, this is as good as it gets.
Wrestlemania
No commercials.
Advantage: Wrestlemania
What could be better than the best commercials? How about NO commercials. Sure, Wrestlemania on PPV costs you more than over the air free Superbowl broadcasts - but if you could eliminate the commercials from the Superbowl, you would have a program that lasts less than 2 hours of actual entertainment. Think of all the extra time you would have on Superbowl Sunday!
Cost
Superbowl
The game itself costs nothing. If you have a TV and rabbit ears, viewing the game is your God given right until the day you die. Simply set up the tube and catch the game.
Wrestlemania
Most years, the WWE charges $49.95 for the right to watch their premier event. This year, they have extended their offer to $59.95 for the HD broadcast.
Advantage: Wrestlemania
Whoa, whoa, whoa, Andy! How is $59.95 for one show and $0 for another create an advantage for the NONFREE program? Let’s dive a little deeper into those costs, shall we? Of course, no one can just WATCH the free broadcast of the Superbowl. Most people throw parties. And do you know when most large screen HD televisions get bought up around this country? Your first inclination might lead you to the Holidays and Christmas time. Your first inclination ought to have its ass kicked. More TVs are bought in the weeks leading up to the Superbowl than at any other time of the year. Fact. So now you’ve dropped $2000 on the TV and HD setup alone. Don’t forget to add up the costs associated with throwing a party…What party you say? The one you decided to throw when you chose to shell out the big bucks for your new TV. What kind of a doucebag has a new HD TV to watch for the Superbowl and doesn’t invite over his 157 closest friends? By now, between the beer and the dip and wings and chips and napkins and margaritas (because your 157 buddies are bringing over their 157 wives for those damn commercials), you are well on your way to spending $6000 for this one stinking game. Just think - if you rented the Wrestlemania, you could have dropped the cost of the PPV and bought yourself a pizza for less than $75. And trust me, you won’t get 157 buddies to come over for wrestling (I’ve tried), and you can damn-sure bet their wives will stay as far away as humanly possible.
The list could go on and on. For example - would you rather have a bunch of women over so you could spend the game explaining the ins-and-outs of what 3rd and 6 means (and potentially missing a huge play because of your growing frustration with the lack of brain size most females have when it comes to understanding the simplicities of sports?!?!) or just 3 dudes come over for the PPV with some beers and quiet reflection time (reflecting on why someone would vault themselves through a table off a 45 foot ladder).
It seems clear - the next time one of your friends shows excitement for an upcoming wrestling ppv which will determine the main event at that year’s Wrestlemania, you might want to think twice before mocking his passions. You might end up having to read another blog like this one…
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Wow
I am stunned. When you live with a gunslinger like Favre, you risk some bad throws and bad choices. His toss out to the sideline was a terrible decision on Favre's part, and the Packers will live without a trip to Arizona for a SuperBowl because of it.
Congrats to Eli.
And I guess Lawrence Tynes CAN go home to New York now...
Early predictions for Super Bowl 42
NE - 42
NY - 17
Congrats to Eli.
And I guess Lawrence Tynes CAN go home to New York now...
Early predictions for Super Bowl 42
NE - 42
NY - 17
Giants in the Super Bowl?
Sitting here waiting for the NY Giants to kick a field goal with the NFC Championship on the line, I'm wondering exactly how we think NY got here.
The snap-SHANKED!
That is great news. OT for the NFC Championship. For Lawrence Tynes, a return to New York would be unadvised.
If New York gets to Arizona somehow, we'll have to wonder about the legendary collapses of both Green Bay and Dallas. The Packers have the toss, and I'm predicting Favre takes it all the way.
Speaking of Favre, did anyone else just see the Favre Box? The showed his family and friends celebrating - fine and dandy. What you might want to check the TIVO for is the off-balance, clearly hammered UBERfan (likely a relative) pumping his fists in what can only be described as an attempt to hit an imaginary speed bag floating through the nights of Green Bay.
And -4? Not cool. Well, it is cool, in fact cold.
Go Pack Go
The snap-SHANKED!
That is great news. OT for the NFC Championship. For Lawrence Tynes, a return to New York would be unadvised.
If New York gets to Arizona somehow, we'll have to wonder about the legendary collapses of both Green Bay and Dallas. The Packers have the toss, and I'm predicting Favre takes it all the way.
Speaking of Favre, did anyone else just see the Favre Box? The showed his family and friends celebrating - fine and dandy. What you might want to check the TIVO for is the off-balance, clearly hammered UBERfan (likely a relative) pumping his fists in what can only be described as an attempt to hit an imaginary speed bag floating through the nights of Green Bay.
And -4? Not cool. Well, it is cool, in fact cold.
Go Pack Go
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Press Conference
The Univeristy of Texas officially welcomed Major Applewhite onto the football staff as the running backs coach. Vindication was felt by millions of the legions of Major fans across the state, including those who named their dogs after their hero.
The following is a verbatum quote from Texas head coach Mack Brown, when asked about any strained relationships from his benching of Applewhite during the much publicized battle for the starting QB job with the fair haired Chris Simms: "What you want is to try and do what's fair, and you try and make the best decision that you can with the information that you have available. It doesn't mean you were right and you can't go back and fix it, so all you do is make the best one that you can make."
Finally. Some other notes of interest regarding the press conference:
Brown emphatically stated that, "Coach Davis will call ALL the plays", a clear attempt to shoot down any myths about Applewhite's influence over the offense and his taking over for Davis.
Mack also noted, as did Davis, that Applewhite would always have a spot on the coaching staff with UT - had the opportunity been there when he finished his Graduate Assistanship, they would have hired him on the spot.
Brown also talked at length about the expectations at Texas, "I've gotten like our fans - 10 wins isn't enough." Damn right.
All in all, we're looking at a rather uninspiring welcoming. What was most interesting to me was how uncomfortable Greg Davis looked - and how much emphasis Brown (ever the polician) put on Davis's role in both hiring and approving Applewhite's return.
Do you think when Brown fires his fat butt for sucking again and inserts Major he'll say it was done with Davis's blessing?
Welcome back Major!
The following is a verbatum quote from Texas head coach Mack Brown, when asked about any strained relationships from his benching of Applewhite during the much publicized battle for the starting QB job with the fair haired Chris Simms: "What you want is to try and do what's fair, and you try and make the best decision that you can with the information that you have available. It doesn't mean you were right and you can't go back and fix it, so all you do is make the best one that you can make."
Finally. Some other notes of interest regarding the press conference:
Brown emphatically stated that, "Coach Davis will call ALL the plays", a clear attempt to shoot down any myths about Applewhite's influence over the offense and his taking over for Davis.
Mack also noted, as did Davis, that Applewhite would always have a spot on the coaching staff with UT - had the opportunity been there when he finished his Graduate Assistanship, they would have hired him on the spot.
Brown also talked at length about the expectations at Texas, "I've gotten like our fans - 10 wins isn't enough." Damn right.
All in all, we're looking at a rather uninspiring welcoming. What was most interesting to me was how uncomfortable Greg Davis looked - and how much emphasis Brown (ever the polician) put on Davis's role in both hiring and approving Applewhite's return.
Do you think when Brown fires his fat butt for sucking again and inserts Major he'll say it was done with Davis's blessing?
Welcome back Major!
Big Games in 2008
I know, it's early. WAAAAAYYY early. But in looking at the 2008 College Football regular season games, it's clear that something is amiss amongst big time programs. The method of play the cupcakes to walk into a national championship seems to have fallen away. These teams, instead of scheduling "directional" pussyfoots, have put some real intriguing matchups together for the casual fans.
Take a look:
Miami vs. Florida
Texas vs. Arkansas
Hawaii vs. Florida
Illinois vs. Missouri
USC vs. Virginia
Auburn vs. West Virginia
Oregon State vs. Penn State
Tennessee vs. UCLA
Ohio State vs. USC (a potential 1 vs 2 matchup, depending on who you ask)
Miami vs. Texas A&M
Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska
Sure, some of those teams have been down lately (Miami, Nebraska, UCLA), but these are all still marquee matchups heading into the early parts of the 2008 season.
Is it me? Or can spring practice not come soon enough...
Take a look:
Miami vs. Florida
Texas vs. Arkansas
Hawaii vs. Florida
Illinois vs. Missouri
USC vs. Virginia
Auburn vs. West Virginia
Oregon State vs. Penn State
Tennessee vs. UCLA
Ohio State vs. USC (a potential 1 vs 2 matchup, depending on who you ask)
Miami vs. Texas A&M
Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska
Sure, some of those teams have been down lately (Miami, Nebraska, UCLA), but these are all still marquee matchups heading into the early parts of the 2008 season.
Is it me? Or can spring practice not come soon enough...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Return of the Jedi
It's official - Texas has brought back the prodigal son! Major Applewhite, he of legendary lore around the 40 acres, will be leaving a prominent SEC school in Alabama as the youngest Coordinator in Division I history to return to his alma mater and guide the...running backs?!?
Before I rant, let me make something clear. I am happier than Bill Clinton at Free Blow Intern Day. Happier than Randy Moss at Punch Some Random Chick Day. Happier than Eli Manning at Cowboy Choke (on a dick) Day. And yet, questions about this hiring linger for me.
First - why on earth did Major choose to do this? In the 8 years I have followed our Lord and QB, I have never seen him make a poor decision. Never. And yet, now? To leave one of the most tradition rich programs in football crazy Alabama, where coaches and legends are glorified like Gods seems crazy. What's even lunnier is the fact that he chose to do so in what amounts to a step DOWN in the coaching ranks.
With the Tide, Applewhite was the youngest offensive coordinator in Division I football history. He was quickly becoming the Jason Garrett of college football. The kid was less than 30 years old, and he’d already accomplished more than hundreds of other aspiring coaches. Molding Vince Young into the dominant football player that he turned out to be might be Major’s greatest accomplishment, and quite literally propelled him from Syracuse to Rice to Alabama in the course of 3 years.
At Rice, Applewhite turned a program known for its antiquated wishbone attack into one of the more dominating air assaults in 2006. In fact, Rice’s Jarrett Dillard broke C-USA and school records under Major’s tutelage. At Alabama, he helped rack up 500 plus yards of offense against Tennessee, a team that wound up ranking 12th nationally in defense. His track record speaks for itself.
So why, then, has he taken a step backward? His new position as Running Backs coach makes one scratch his head. Here was a guy running the entire offense in Tuscalusca, now he’s taken over the running backs only? And worse - he has to basically report to Greg Davis?!? The one track minded ding dong who, along with Mack Brown, benched Applewhite in the first place! The same Greg Davis, who, despite an obvious glaring difference, sees Vince Young in his current QB Colt McCoy (why else would Davis refuse to change out of the zone read offense which helped propel Young to legend-dom).
The point is, for all his Texas roots and greatness, I fear Major may be taking a step in the wrong direction. With Davis and Brown entrenched as coaching cornerstones, the only upward mobility for Applewhite would be a head job elsewhere, unless Brown gets a wild hair and fires his sorry OC. Not likely, as Brown and Davis seem connected by the butt cheek (unlike Brown’s Defensive Coordinator posting, which has seen more changes than Britney’s personality over the past 5 years)
Many Longhorns fans are clamoring that this hire is the precursor to Applewhite’s eventual rise to the head coaching job when Mack retires. Don’t hedge your bets that Major’s return to Austin will be a prolonged experience. Someone with those credentials won’t stay a running backs coach for long. Some school, likely here in Texas, will lure him away with googles of money. I can see it now - Texas Tech loses Pirate Mike Leach to a national power in the SEC (think Phil Fulmer in Tennessee isn’t sweating his job?), and the Red Raiders steal Major from Austin. But think about it - Would it be a steal for an athletic director to pull Applewhite out of Austin? He’d likely be languishing behind Greg Davis as the 2nd fiddle on an offense Major could easily turn into the dominant force in the Big 12. This scenario is starting to sound rather familiar (circa 2001…)
So - as you can see, Applewhite’s decision to return may have been a rather large mistake for the UT God. Besides, why would someone come back to a program that made him sit behind an overhyped, overrated pretty boy (Chris Simms) just to coach behind an overhyped, overrated fat boy (Greg Davis.)
Here’s hoping the hiring of Major is a precursor to the departure of Davis. Can you imagine the 2009 season - Major is your Offensive Coordinator - executing his game plan is Colt. Colt and Major. A match made in Texas heaven…don’t hold your breath.
Before I rant, let me make something clear. I am happier than Bill Clinton at Free Blow Intern Day. Happier than Randy Moss at Punch Some Random Chick Day. Happier than Eli Manning at Cowboy Choke (on a dick) Day. And yet, questions about this hiring linger for me.
First - why on earth did Major choose to do this? In the 8 years I have followed our Lord and QB, I have never seen him make a poor decision. Never. And yet, now? To leave one of the most tradition rich programs in football crazy Alabama, where coaches and legends are glorified like Gods seems crazy. What's even lunnier is the fact that he chose to do so in what amounts to a step DOWN in the coaching ranks.
With the Tide, Applewhite was the youngest offensive coordinator in Division I football history. He was quickly becoming the Jason Garrett of college football. The kid was less than 30 years old, and he’d already accomplished more than hundreds of other aspiring coaches. Molding Vince Young into the dominant football player that he turned out to be might be Major’s greatest accomplishment, and quite literally propelled him from Syracuse to Rice to Alabama in the course of 3 years.
At Rice, Applewhite turned a program known for its antiquated wishbone attack into one of the more dominating air assaults in 2006. In fact, Rice’s Jarrett Dillard broke C-USA and school records under Major’s tutelage. At Alabama, he helped rack up 500 plus yards of offense against Tennessee, a team that wound up ranking 12th nationally in defense. His track record speaks for itself.
So why, then, has he taken a step backward? His new position as Running Backs coach makes one scratch his head. Here was a guy running the entire offense in Tuscalusca, now he’s taken over the running backs only? And worse - he has to basically report to Greg Davis?!? The one track minded ding dong who, along with Mack Brown, benched Applewhite in the first place! The same Greg Davis, who, despite an obvious glaring difference, sees Vince Young in his current QB Colt McCoy (why else would Davis refuse to change out of the zone read offense which helped propel Young to legend-dom).
The point is, for all his Texas roots and greatness, I fear Major may be taking a step in the wrong direction. With Davis and Brown entrenched as coaching cornerstones, the only upward mobility for Applewhite would be a head job elsewhere, unless Brown gets a wild hair and fires his sorry OC. Not likely, as Brown and Davis seem connected by the butt cheek (unlike Brown’s Defensive Coordinator posting, which has seen more changes than Britney’s personality over the past 5 years)
Many Longhorns fans are clamoring that this hire is the precursor to Applewhite’s eventual rise to the head coaching job when Mack retires. Don’t hedge your bets that Major’s return to Austin will be a prolonged experience. Someone with those credentials won’t stay a running backs coach for long. Some school, likely here in Texas, will lure him away with googles of money. I can see it now - Texas Tech loses Pirate Mike Leach to a national power in the SEC (think Phil Fulmer in Tennessee isn’t sweating his job?), and the Red Raiders steal Major from Austin. But think about it - Would it be a steal for an athletic director to pull Applewhite out of Austin? He’d likely be languishing behind Greg Davis as the 2nd fiddle on an offense Major could easily turn into the dominant force in the Big 12. This scenario is starting to sound rather familiar (circa 2001…)
So - as you can see, Applewhite’s decision to return may have been a rather large mistake for the UT God. Besides, why would someone come back to a program that made him sit behind an overhyped, overrated pretty boy (Chris Simms) just to coach behind an overhyped, overrated fat boy (Greg Davis.)
Here’s hoping the hiring of Major is a precursor to the departure of Davis. Can you imagine the 2009 season - Major is your Offensive Coordinator - executing his game plan is Colt. Colt and Major. A match made in Texas heaven…don’t hold your breath.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Congress...Really?
Does Congress not have enough going on, they must take time out of their day to look into MLB and it's continuing problem with steriods? Really, you think the masses care? I certainly don't. Gate receipts at MLB ball games indicate they don't care either. Roger Clemens took roids, Bonds took roids, EVERYONE took roids. The field was level because all players cheated. I have solved the problem. Move on.
Monday, January 7, 2008
June Jones - Moron?
Tell me this. The state of Hawaii calls you and offers you $800,000 a year to move your family out to the Islands and run the football team. Would you turn this offer down in an effort to move to the relative boredom provided in the city of Dallas???
Collegiate sports are vaguely popular in Honolulu, but like most major sporting events that folks on the mainland consume, it takes a backseat to the local intrigues and vast outdoor activities available on the tropical paradise. It's more likely that a local youth will take up surfing than throwing oblong shaped pigskins around. Still, you are able to carve out a niche market with a highly entertaining offensive attack. Fans are beginning to take notice, and you become the regular season darling of most major sports networks, including the media giant ESPN. And now, following the most successful year of your coaching career as well as that of University, SMU from Dallas comes calling, offering you $2 million per.
Whoa. $2 million per year?? That is over a %100 increase in your salary. Amazing. Still, if you were to ask me, I think the perks associated with the job in Hawaii far outweighs those here in Dallas. This is the choice new Mustangs head coach June Jones made when he shunned Hawaii and the Aloha State to head out Lone Star country.
Most major life decisions come down to weighing your options carefully, and then choosing your path based on the best fit. Let's take a closer look at the choices Jones had to make in deciding to take the shot in Big D, and see if we would come to the same conclusion.
SALARY:
This is a no brainer. SMU officials were able to convince boosters to pay Jones around $2 million a year. The GNP of many small countries couldn't touch this number with a 10 foot pole. ADV - SMU
PROGRAM:
On one hand, you have a school who recently went to the BCS after finishing the regular season undefeated, and sustaining just 2 losses in the past 24 months. On the other hand, you have a program whose largest claim to fame for the past few decades was something called the Death Penalty for violations of NCAA protocol, a sentence which has thrown the program into the embarrassment levels with Duke, Buffalo, and the other bottom feeders of the FBS (former Division I) in recent years. Clearly, this decision was not made based on the recent success both schools. ADV - HAWAII
LOCATION:
Dallas vs. Honolulu. Has there been a larger mismatch since Rosie O'Donnell met the Chinese buffet? (Buffet loses by the way). Honolulu offers perfect weather, great beaches, wonderful cuisine, outstanding culture, beautiful women, and awe inspiring scenic views. Dallas offers blistering summers with frigid winters, a few lakes with ripples crashing into rocks, decent food (if you're into Taco Bell), little to no culture (sorry Dallas, shopping does NOT count as culturally enhancing), women made of plastic, and "aw-shit" inspiring lack of scenery. Clearly, you're comparing the tropical paradise of Hawaii vs. the pastures of North Texas. ADV - HAWAII
And there is the stickler. Money is one thing. I can't imagine too many folks living here in the metroplex who were offered $800K for the greatness provided in Hawaii that would turn it down for a lesser job paying more dough. Jones may find out that he truly left paradise behind for one of the last true Hell on Earths - SMU.
Of course, if the situation gets him down, Jones could always take his 2 million and buy a wonderful vacation home to escape to. Say in, Maui?
Collegiate sports are vaguely popular in Honolulu, but like most major sporting events that folks on the mainland consume, it takes a backseat to the local intrigues and vast outdoor activities available on the tropical paradise. It's more likely that a local youth will take up surfing than throwing oblong shaped pigskins around. Still, you are able to carve out a niche market with a highly entertaining offensive attack. Fans are beginning to take notice, and you become the regular season darling of most major sports networks, including the media giant ESPN. And now, following the most successful year of your coaching career as well as that of University, SMU from Dallas comes calling, offering you $2 million per.
Whoa. $2 million per year?? That is over a %100 increase in your salary. Amazing. Still, if you were to ask me, I think the perks associated with the job in Hawaii far outweighs those here in Dallas. This is the choice new Mustangs head coach June Jones made when he shunned Hawaii and the Aloha State to head out Lone Star country.
Most major life decisions come down to weighing your options carefully, and then choosing your path based on the best fit. Let's take a closer look at the choices Jones had to make in deciding to take the shot in Big D, and see if we would come to the same conclusion.
SALARY:
This is a no brainer. SMU officials were able to convince boosters to pay Jones around $2 million a year. The GNP of many small countries couldn't touch this number with a 10 foot pole. ADV - SMU
PROGRAM:
On one hand, you have a school who recently went to the BCS after finishing the regular season undefeated, and sustaining just 2 losses in the past 24 months. On the other hand, you have a program whose largest claim to fame for the past few decades was something called the Death Penalty for violations of NCAA protocol, a sentence which has thrown the program into the embarrassment levels with Duke, Buffalo, and the other bottom feeders of the FBS (former Division I) in recent years. Clearly, this decision was not made based on the recent success both schools. ADV - HAWAII
LOCATION:
Dallas vs. Honolulu. Has there been a larger mismatch since Rosie O'Donnell met the Chinese buffet? (Buffet loses by the way). Honolulu offers perfect weather, great beaches, wonderful cuisine, outstanding culture, beautiful women, and awe inspiring scenic views. Dallas offers blistering summers with frigid winters, a few lakes with ripples crashing into rocks, decent food (if you're into Taco Bell), little to no culture (sorry Dallas, shopping does NOT count as culturally enhancing), women made of plastic, and "aw-shit" inspiring lack of scenery. Clearly, you're comparing the tropical paradise of Hawaii vs. the pastures of North Texas. ADV - HAWAII
And there is the stickler. Money is one thing. I can't imagine too many folks living here in the metroplex who were offered $800K for the greatness provided in Hawaii that would turn it down for a lesser job paying more dough. Jones may find out that he truly left paradise behind for one of the last true Hell on Earths - SMU.
Of course, if the situation gets him down, Jones could always take his 2 million and buy a wonderful vacation home to escape to. Say in, Maui?
2008 Predictions
BCS College Football Champion - LSU over Ohio State
Super Bowl Champ - New England over Cowboys
NCAA Basketball Tourney Champion - Kansas over Memphis
NBA Finals - Spurs over Pistons
MLB World Champion - Astros over Tigers
Just in case you were curious.
Super Bowl Champ - New England over Cowboys
NCAA Basketball Tourney Champion - Kansas over Memphis
NBA Finals - Spurs over Pistons
MLB World Champion - Astros over Tigers
Just in case you were curious.
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