ACC Championship:
Virginia Tech 24 vs Boston College 20- The Hokies get revenge after their loss at home to the Eagles weeks ago. QB Sean Glennon has really developed a nice one-two punch with freshman Tyrod Taylor to produce a very potent run/pass threat at QB. The key to this game is special teams. WR and KR/PR Eddie Royal will need to be able to make plays so that he can put the Hokie offense in great field position. DB's Macho Harris and Brandon Flowers will need to neutralize the BC receivers so that QB Matt Ryan will be forced into last minute reads and maybe forced my a great Hokie pass rush into a fumble or INT.
SEC Championship:
LSU 34 vs Tennessee 20- After their 3OT loss at home on senior day to Arkansas, Les Miles will have his guys ready and hyped. QB Matt Flynn will be ready and precise with his passes. They will come out on fire and will look to Trindon Holiday for a spark on their opening return. RB's Jacob Hester and Keiland Williams will need to have big days to help ease Flynn into a rhythm. On D, LB Ali Highsmith, S Craig Steltz, and DT Glenn Dorsey will need to keep QB Erik Ainge guessing. If Ainge gets into a zone, than Tennessee could very well win this game. If Ainge throws for 3 TD's and freshman DB Eric Berry gets a pick, than look out BCS because here comes the Volunteers.
Big 12 Championship:
Missouri 31 vs Oklahoma 30- The BCS gets lucky after Missouri preserves their #1 ranking with a HUGE win in San Antonio agaisnt the Sooners, the only team that beat Missou this year. QB Sam Bradford has set freshman passing records but the Sooners will be limited because of the injury to RB DeMarco Murray. His presence could have put OU over the top but instead QB Chase Daniel will jump into the Heisman talk with a big win for himself and the program. Book it down Tiger fans, your going to the National Championship.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sean Taylor
Obviously everybody knows about Sean Taylor's death this past week from complications due to a gunshot wound in the leg that severed his femoral artery. But it seems like his death means more to the football fans out there than other deaths in sports like baseball and hockey. Take nothing away from the deaths of other athletes but for a huge college and pro football fan like myself, it just seems a little weird without Taylor on the field for the rest of my football viewing days. Big football fans remember his brash and aggressive, hard-hitting style that embodied the real swag of "The U". he was Miami football and he brought along with it his style and his way.
He had some skeletons in his closet because he was obviously a target because of his checkered past and his new found wealth. Sometimes you can leave a life of bad decisions behind but that life will somehow catch up to you whether you like it or not. He had problems that came back to haunt in burglary and now his passing.
The big sports entertainment sites are all talking about how Taylor was coming of age because of his daughter and his new maturity. No matter how much one can change, the person they used to be will always be a part of them, whether its recurrent or whether its just thought about.
He left behind his little daughter, numerous family and friends but also the fans. The people that remember his short but explosive career at Miami and in Washington. In many years, he will be remembered as someone who was cut down in his prime but hopefully many of the younger generations of football fans will be able to hear, "I remember years ago when Sean Taylor..."
He had some skeletons in his closet because he was obviously a target because of his checkered past and his new found wealth. Sometimes you can leave a life of bad decisions behind but that life will somehow catch up to you whether you like it or not. He had problems that came back to haunt in burglary and now his passing.
The big sports entertainment sites are all talking about how Taylor was coming of age because of his daughter and his new maturity. No matter how much one can change, the person they used to be will always be a part of them, whether its recurrent or whether its just thought about.
He left behind his little daughter, numerous family and friends but also the fans. The people that remember his short but explosive career at Miami and in Washington. In many years, he will be remembered as someone who was cut down in his prime but hopefully many of the younger generations of football fans will be able to hear, "I remember years ago when Sean Taylor..."
Sunday, November 25, 2007
NFL Thoughts: Week 12
The Jags kick a lot of FG's in the red zone but came away with a closer than you think 36-14 win at home against the Bills. They stand 8-3 and are primed for a big showdown next week against the 9-2 Colts.
Tampa Bay started strong but faded late as they held on for a 19-13 against the Redskins. Bruce Gradkowski came in for the ailing Jeff Garcia and played solid. Ernest Graham shouldered the load on offense against a D that was missing star FS Sean Taylor. Tampa Bay leads the NFC South and Washington is admirably fighting for their playoff hopes.
St. Louis fumbled their win away late as Seattle scored on 4th and goal to win 24-19 on the road. Stephen Jackson looked better than his injured self and played great. Its obvious they need better pass protection because Patrick Kerney broke on through for three sacks.
The G-Men started their predictable late season meltdown today with their ugly 41-17 at home to Minnesota. Eli Manning threw 3 INT's and all were returned for TD's. Manning really seems to be a Jekyll-Hyde player in his career so far. Early season success and late season inconsistancy. Without Manning the Giants won't be successful.
Oakland "upset" the Chiefs today and this game really means nothing. LJ was hurt and Kolby Smith filled in with 150 yards and 2 TD's. Although they won, the JaMarcus Russell watch is on.
Chad Johnson had his break out game with 3 TD's in the Bengals surprised 35-6 against the Titans. They dominated on offense and defense and looked great. Very dissapointing loss for TEN who really were thinking playoffs but with a 6-5 record, who knows.
Cleveland started very slow but picked it up in the second half for a ten point at home vs Houston. Derek Anderson continues his stellar play and now the fans and management must be very confused because they have 2007 1st rounder Brady Quinn just sitting on the pine playing cheerleader. Anderson is a restricted free agent and will get payed this offseason.
San Francisco finally won with a 37-31 OT win in the desert vs Arizona. K Neil Rackers missed a gimme and SF drove all the way down before giving the ball back to Arizona on their own 3. Kurt Warner looked around for his AARP card while he was sacked and stripped which gave SF the victory.
San Diego dominated Baltimore 32-14 and TE Antonio Gates finally had a great game. Baltimore will never win with Kyle Boller or Steve McNair at QB. Time to the scouting videos and find a QB to draft next April. I think Matt Ryan could be a nice selection with his great arm and leadership capabilities.
In the afternoon cap Denver melted down after their 14 point lead was erased and they lost in OT 37-34 at Soldier Field. Chris Farley and the gang would be have appreciated a "Jordan esque" comeback. Devin Hester had two special teams TD's and the Broncos really gave this one away
Tampa Bay started strong but faded late as they held on for a 19-13 against the Redskins. Bruce Gradkowski came in for the ailing Jeff Garcia and played solid. Ernest Graham shouldered the load on offense against a D that was missing star FS Sean Taylor. Tampa Bay leads the NFC South and Washington is admirably fighting for their playoff hopes.
St. Louis fumbled their win away late as Seattle scored on 4th and goal to win 24-19 on the road. Stephen Jackson looked better than his injured self and played great. Its obvious they need better pass protection because Patrick Kerney broke on through for three sacks.
The G-Men started their predictable late season meltdown today with their ugly 41-17 at home to Minnesota. Eli Manning threw 3 INT's and all were returned for TD's. Manning really seems to be a Jekyll-Hyde player in his career so far. Early season success and late season inconsistancy. Without Manning the Giants won't be successful.
Oakland "upset" the Chiefs today and this game really means nothing. LJ was hurt and Kolby Smith filled in with 150 yards and 2 TD's. Although they won, the JaMarcus Russell watch is on.
Chad Johnson had his break out game with 3 TD's in the Bengals surprised 35-6 against the Titans. They dominated on offense and defense and looked great. Very dissapointing loss for TEN who really were thinking playoffs but with a 6-5 record, who knows.
Cleveland started very slow but picked it up in the second half for a ten point at home vs Houston. Derek Anderson continues his stellar play and now the fans and management must be very confused because they have 2007 1st rounder Brady Quinn just sitting on the pine playing cheerleader. Anderson is a restricted free agent and will get payed this offseason.
San Francisco finally won with a 37-31 OT win in the desert vs Arizona. K Neil Rackers missed a gimme and SF drove all the way down before giving the ball back to Arizona on their own 3. Kurt Warner looked around for his AARP card while he was sacked and stripped which gave SF the victory.
San Diego dominated Baltimore 32-14 and TE Antonio Gates finally had a great game. Baltimore will never win with Kyle Boller or Steve McNair at QB. Time to the scouting videos and find a QB to draft next April. I think Matt Ryan could be a nice selection with his great arm and leadership capabilities.
In the afternoon cap Denver melted down after their 14 point lead was erased and they lost in OT 37-34 at Soldier Field. Chris Farley and the gang would be have appreciated a "Jordan esque" comeback. Devin Hester had two special teams TD's and the Broncos really gave this one away
Saturday, November 24, 2007
NFL Picks Week 12
New Orleans 20 @ Carolina 10
Buffalo 9 @ Jacksonville 23
Washington 17 @ Tampa Bay 14
Seattle 20 @ St. Louis 23
Minnesota 24 @ New York Giants 28
Oakland 13 @ Kansas City 24
Tennessee 20 @ Cincinnati 17
Houston 28 @ Cleveland 34
San Francisco 6 @ Arizona 26
Baltimore 24 @ San Diego 27
Denver 13 @ Chicago 7
Philadelphia 21 @ New England 42
Miami 10 @ Pittsburgh 38
Thanksgiving Day: 3-0
LAST WEEK: 12-4
Buffalo 9 @ Jacksonville 23
Washington 17 @ Tampa Bay 14
Seattle 20 @ St. Louis 23
Minnesota 24 @ New York Giants 28
Oakland 13 @ Kansas City 24
Tennessee 20 @ Cincinnati 17
Houston 28 @ Cleveland 34
San Francisco 6 @ Arizona 26
Baltimore 24 @ San Diego 27
Denver 13 @ Chicago 7
Philadelphia 21 @ New England 42
Miami 10 @ Pittsburgh 38
Thanksgiving Day: 3-0
LAST WEEK: 12-4
Friday, November 23, 2007
Playoffs? PLAYOFFS?!?
(Finding the voice of Jim Mora)
BCS NEEDS TO GO NOW!!!!
After #1 LSU's loss in triple overtime to Arkansas, conference and NCAA leaders must be scratching their heads and hopefully thinking this playoff thing could be good for the Football Bowl Subdivision (or 1-A, FBS sounds stupid). Only Kansas remains as a BCS conference unbeaten and that could very well change tomorrow in Kansas City. If the Jayhawks lose we could see two 1 loss teams playing for the National Championship. If this is not the best year to call for a playoff I don't what is. Imagine an eight team playoff looking like so (with LSU winning the SEC, West Virginia the Big East, Missouri the Big 12, USC the Pac-10, Ohio State the Big Ten, and Virginia Tech the ACC, and Hawaii goes undefeated).
1. Missouri (Big 12 Champion)
8. Hawaii (At Large)
4. Virginia Tech (ACC Champion)
5. Southern California (Pacific Ten Champion)
3. Ohio State (Big Ten Champion)
6. Louisiana State (SEC Champion)
2. West Virginia (Big East Champion)
7. Kansas (At Large)
Who doesn't want to see that VT-USC matchup in the first round. We could see OSU-WVU in the semi-finals and maybe see USC make a run to the championship. Who knows, Colt Brennan could cause headaches and Hawaii beats Missouri in the first.
The possibilities are endless...
BCS NEEDS TO GO NOW!!!!
After #1 LSU's loss in triple overtime to Arkansas, conference and NCAA leaders must be scratching their heads and hopefully thinking this playoff thing could be good for the Football Bowl Subdivision (or 1-A, FBS sounds stupid). Only Kansas remains as a BCS conference unbeaten and that could very well change tomorrow in Kansas City. If the Jayhawks lose we could see two 1 loss teams playing for the National Championship. If this is not the best year to call for a playoff I don't what is. Imagine an eight team playoff looking like so (with LSU winning the SEC, West Virginia the Big East, Missouri the Big 12, USC the Pac-10, Ohio State the Big Ten, and Virginia Tech the ACC, and Hawaii goes undefeated).
1. Missouri (Big 12 Champion)
8. Hawaii (At Large)
4. Virginia Tech (ACC Champion)
5. Southern California (Pacific Ten Champion)
3. Ohio State (Big Ten Champion)
6. Louisiana State (SEC Champion)
2. West Virginia (Big East Champion)
7. Kansas (At Large)
Who doesn't want to see that VT-USC matchup in the first round. We could see OSU-WVU in the semi-finals and maybe see USC make a run to the championship. Who knows, Colt Brennan could cause headaches and Hawaii beats Missouri in the first.
The possibilities are endless...
Thursday, November 22, 2007
College Football Picks for 11/24/2007
Arkansas 20 @ (1) LSU 31- The game will not be the complete blowout people expect but Darren McFadden will certainly get his. The guy is a beast and is the heart of the team. LSU just has too much on offense and defense. Expect Trinton Holiday and Felix Jones to have a special teams war of returns. LSU will run the clock and will almost close the door on a very up and down season for the Razorbacks.
(20) Connecticut 10 @ (4) West Virginia 38- This one is not close because WVU is going to come in knowing they can play for a National title with a win. Slaton and White each get 100 and a TD. The defense will get after QB Jared Lorenzon and the Mountaineers will be hoping for some luck.
(2) Kansas 24 vs (3) Missouri 27 in Kansas City-The curse of #2 goes on. This game could decide who plays in the title game. QB Todd Resing has been excellent all year and this game will be a little different. He will get his stats but he will also throw a costly INT or possibly lose a fumble. QB Chase Daniel for Missou will enter the Heisman race for real after this game. Expect 2 TD's through the air and one on the ground. TE Martin Rucker will cause big problems for the Jayhawk secondary and RB Tony Temple will continue his successful campaign.
UPSET SPECIAL:
(6) Georgia 17 @ Georgia Tech 20- The Yellow Jackets are in the top 25 nationally in running the ball and stopping the run, a great formula for winning games. They need to key in on RB Knowshon Moreno and if they stop him they could put big pressure on sophomore QB Matt Stafford and maybe force him into some turnovers. RB Tashard Choice will need to have a great game and if he does he could crush Georgia's BCS aspirations.
LAST WEEK: 3-1
(20) Connecticut 10 @ (4) West Virginia 38- This one is not close because WVU is going to come in knowing they can play for a National title with a win. Slaton and White each get 100 and a TD. The defense will get after QB Jared Lorenzon and the Mountaineers will be hoping for some luck.
(2) Kansas 24 vs (3) Missouri 27 in Kansas City-The curse of #2 goes on. This game could decide who plays in the title game. QB Todd Resing has been excellent all year and this game will be a little different. He will get his stats but he will also throw a costly INT or possibly lose a fumble. QB Chase Daniel for Missou will enter the Heisman race for real after this game. Expect 2 TD's through the air and one on the ground. TE Martin Rucker will cause big problems for the Jayhawk secondary and RB Tony Temple will continue his successful campaign.
UPSET SPECIAL:
(6) Georgia 17 @ Georgia Tech 20- The Yellow Jackets are in the top 25 nationally in running the ball and stopping the run, a great formula for winning games. They need to key in on RB Knowshon Moreno and if they stop him they could put big pressure on sophomore QB Matt Stafford and maybe force him into some turnovers. RB Tashard Choice will need to have a great game and if he does he could crush Georgia's BCS aspirations.
LAST WEEK: 3-1
Thoughts From Across The Pond
England fired coach Steve McClaren today after they failed to qualify for the Euro 2008 championships. Are you serious? England is one of the proudest countries in Europe and has a long history of great soccer. Think about the talent they have: John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Wayne Ronney, Peter Crouch. This team has pieces that were simply out beat by the Croatians which led to McClaren's firing effective immediately. Many US fans only watch soccer during the World Cup but there is a lot of there in between during those four years. Champions League soccer keeps fans on the edge of their seats and provides almost an exclusive All-Star League every season. US fans don't realize that soccer really is the beautiful game.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
NFL Thoughts from 11/18/2007
The most popular story from this past Sunday was the Phil Dawson kick that doinked the side and then doinked the post extension and finally landed in no good territory. The kick hit the extension over the post and the kick was actually good. After some huddling by the refs they changed the call of no good to good and the Browns won the game in OT. Everybody knows this game so let me touch on some other things.
David Garrard came back from injury this week against San Diego and looked sharp. He threw for two touchdowns and again threw no picks. The Jags look sharp and seem to be in the drivers seat for the Wild Card. On the other side San Diego, at 5-5, really miss Mary Schottenheimer because he went 14-2 with the same players last season. Dean Spanos helped to force out Marty and must be missing him dearly now.
Great win for the Jets on Sunday against Pittsburgh. How about the uber athletic INT by Kerry Rhodes. The guy was jumping like Spud Webb for that ball. It looks like Kellen Clemens is the right choice at QB and can thank Leon Washington for that tremendous punt return that sealed the game and gave K Mike Nugent some breathing room for his game winning FG.
Can VY get some WR's? After watching the Monday Night game I realized that Bo Scaife, Roydell Williams, and any other Titans WR must have hands of brick. If the Titans can get some quality WR's than Young will be so much better and the Titans O will be much more potent.
New England 56 Buffalo 10...nuff said...again
Romo to Owens four times and Dallas needed everyone of them in their 28-23 win against Washington. Romo is putting up MVP numbers and if not for the Patriots domination, he could have been a shoe-in for that honor.
David Garrard came back from injury this week against San Diego and looked sharp. He threw for two touchdowns and again threw no picks. The Jags look sharp and seem to be in the drivers seat for the Wild Card. On the other side San Diego, at 5-5, really miss Mary Schottenheimer because he went 14-2 with the same players last season. Dean Spanos helped to force out Marty and must be missing him dearly now.
Great win for the Jets on Sunday against Pittsburgh. How about the uber athletic INT by Kerry Rhodes. The guy was jumping like Spud Webb for that ball. It looks like Kellen Clemens is the right choice at QB and can thank Leon Washington for that tremendous punt return that sealed the game and gave K Mike Nugent some breathing room for his game winning FG.
Can VY get some WR's? After watching the Monday Night game I realized that Bo Scaife, Roydell Williams, and any other Titans WR must have hands of brick. If the Titans can get some quality WR's than Young will be so much better and the Titans O will be much more potent.
New England 56 Buffalo 10...nuff said...again
Romo to Owens four times and Dallas needed everyone of them in their 28-23 win against Washington. Romo is putting up MVP numbers and if not for the Patriots domination, he could have been a shoe-in for that honor.
College Football Thoughts from 11/17/2007
WHO WANTS TO WIN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP?
Oregon and Oklahoma has left the race for the title after their losses this past week. Oregon's loss can be attributed to the loss of QB Dennis Dixon for the season with an ACL tear and Oklahoma's loss could also be because of QB Sam Bradford's concussion in the first half. Injuries happened but so be it, Kansas is looming around and are on the fast track to the National Title. They have one more regular season game left and it could very well decide the National title. Kansas will be traveling to Columbia and taking on AP ranked #3 Missouri. Wow, the last week of the regular season and college fans will be treated to a #2 vs #3 matchup. If Kansas wins and then wins in the Big 12 title game than the Jayhawks will have completed a slow program turnaround that can really be credited to the great coaching of Mark Mangino. BUT if Missouri wins this game than the have to win the Big 12 title game to go to the National title game.
A very interesting story is brewing in Morgantown. West Virginia was counted out after their early season loss at South Florida. The Mountaineers have not lost since and could be looking for a national title if the winner of the Kansas/Missouri game loses to most likely Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game. Interesting things are brewing in football and after this season, the pressure for a playoff could be even hotter.
And if Kansas, Missouri, and West Virginia lose, Ohio State could be back. With the way this season has played out, who knows.
Oregon and Oklahoma has left the race for the title after their losses this past week. Oregon's loss can be attributed to the loss of QB Dennis Dixon for the season with an ACL tear and Oklahoma's loss could also be because of QB Sam Bradford's concussion in the first half. Injuries happened but so be it, Kansas is looming around and are on the fast track to the National Title. They have one more regular season game left and it could very well decide the National title. Kansas will be traveling to Columbia and taking on AP ranked #3 Missouri. Wow, the last week of the regular season and college fans will be treated to a #2 vs #3 matchup. If Kansas wins and then wins in the Big 12 title game than the Jayhawks will have completed a slow program turnaround that can really be credited to the great coaching of Mark Mangino. BUT if Missouri wins this game than the have to win the Big 12 title game to go to the National title game.
A very interesting story is brewing in Morgantown. West Virginia was counted out after their early season loss at South Florida. The Mountaineers have not lost since and could be looking for a national title if the winner of the Kansas/Missouri game loses to most likely Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game. Interesting things are brewing in football and after this season, the pressure for a playoff could be even hotter.
And if Kansas, Missouri, and West Virginia lose, Ohio State could be back. With the way this season has played out, who knows.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
NFL Week 11 Picks
Tampa Bay 20 @ Atlanta 10
Cleveland 28 @ Baltimore 13
New York Giants 24 @ Detroit 28
Miami 17 @ Philadelphia 31
Oakland 13 @ Minnesota 16
San Diego 20 @ Jacksonville 17
Kansas City 10 @ Indianapolis 34
Arizona 16 @ Cincinnati 9
Carolina 3 @ Green Bay 20
New Orleans 19 @ Houston 16
Pittsburgh 24 @ New York Jets 13
Chicago 28 @ Seattle 31
St. Louis 30 @ San Francisco 10
Washington 21 @ Dallas 42
New England 38 @ Buffalo 10
Tennessee 13 @ Denver 20
Cleveland 28 @ Baltimore 13
New York Giants 24 @ Detroit 28
Miami 17 @ Philadelphia 31
Oakland 13 @ Minnesota 16
San Diego 20 @ Jacksonville 17
Kansas City 10 @ Indianapolis 34
Arizona 16 @ Cincinnati 9
Carolina 3 @ Green Bay 20
New Orleans 19 @ Houston 16
Pittsburgh 24 @ New York Jets 13
Chicago 28 @ Seattle 31
St. Louis 30 @ San Francisco 10
Washington 21 @ Dallas 42
New England 38 @ Buffalo 10
Tennessee 13 @ Denver 20
Friday, November 16, 2007
Chari’s Best College Picks: 11/17/2007
(7) Ohio State 20 @ (23) Michigan 24- Jim Tressel and the reeling Buckeyes need this game not only to go to the Rose Bowl but to also have a chance at the National Championship. OSU will come into the Big House really pumped up and ready to beat the Wolverines in back to back seasons. RB Chris “Beanie” Wells will be looked upon to provide stability and also to consistently move the ball against a weaker than usual Michigan defense. QB Todd Boeckman will again have to make smart decisions but I see him throwing one or two picks because of pressure from the D-Line as well as blitzes from LB Shawn Crable.
(22) Kentucky 17 @ (8) Georgia 34- New Jersey native Knowshon Moreno has been putting on a clinic in the past several weeks. This burner at RB has shown that even as a freshman, he can handle blocking responsibilities as well as trying to break the big play. He is the best freshman RB Georgia has had since Herschel Walker and could very be that caliber player when his career is said and done. On the flip side QB Andre Woodson has been fading since his early success that put him on the map for the Heisman. Georgia starts slow and runs away.
(18) Boston College 28 @ (15) Clemson 24- This game is must win for the Eagles who have been reeling after their loss at home against Florida State on November 3rd. The Eagles looking to lock up the ACC Atlantic Division and can do it with a win in South Carolina. The task will be tough because Clemson always brings a great team and this year is no different. C.J. Spiller and James Davis will pound away and look for the big play here and there. In the end QB Matt Ryan will once again prove why he was considered a Heisman contender with a great clutch performance.
UPSET OF THE WEEK:
(3) Oklahoma 31 @ Texas Tech 34- Coach Mike Leach is a great motivator and his spread offense could give the Sooner defense major fits this week. Graham Harrell and Mike Crabtree have been developing a great chemistry and are a threat for six on any play. If the Red Raider defense can make one or two stops that could be enough. Better get those goal posts down fast because this could be a shocker.
(22) Kentucky 17 @ (8) Georgia 34- New Jersey native Knowshon Moreno has been putting on a clinic in the past several weeks. This burner at RB has shown that even as a freshman, he can handle blocking responsibilities as well as trying to break the big play. He is the best freshman RB Georgia has had since Herschel Walker and could very be that caliber player when his career is said and done. On the flip side QB Andre Woodson has been fading since his early success that put him on the map for the Heisman. Georgia starts slow and runs away.
(18) Boston College 28 @ (15) Clemson 24- This game is must win for the Eagles who have been reeling after their loss at home against Florida State on November 3rd. The Eagles looking to lock up the ACC Atlantic Division and can do it with a win in South Carolina. The task will be tough because Clemson always brings a great team and this year is no different. C.J. Spiller and James Davis will pound away and look for the big play here and there. In the end QB Matt Ryan will once again prove why he was considered a Heisman contender with a great clutch performance.
UPSET OF THE WEEK:
(3) Oklahoma 31 @ Texas Tech 34- Coach Mike Leach is a great motivator and his spread offense could give the Sooner defense major fits this week. Graham Harrell and Mike Crabtree have been developing a great chemistry and are a threat for six on any play. If the Red Raider defense can make one or two stops that could be enough. Better get those goal posts down fast because this could be a shocker.
2007-2008 College Basketball Predictions
National Champion: Memphis
Final Four: Memphis, Kansas, UCLA, Louisville
Surprise Final Four Teams: Michigan State, Arkansas
Cinderella: Davidson
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough F/C North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: Kevin Love C UCLA
Best Unknown Player: tie Jamont Gordon G Mississippi State and Stephen Curry G Davidson
1st Team All-America:
C Kevin Love UCLA
PF Tyler Hansbrough UNC
SF Chase Budinger Arizona
SG Chris Lofton Tennessee
PG Drew Neitzel Michigan State
2nd Team All-America:
C Roy Hibbert Georgetown
PF Mike Beasley Kansas State
SF Brandon Costner North Carolina State
SG Scottie Reynolds Villanova
PG Darren Collison UCLA
Final Four: Memphis, Kansas, UCLA, Louisville
Surprise Final Four Teams: Michigan State, Arkansas
Cinderella: Davidson
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough F/C North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: Kevin Love C UCLA
Best Unknown Player: tie Jamont Gordon G Mississippi State and Stephen Curry G Davidson
1st Team All-America:
C Kevin Love UCLA
PF Tyler Hansbrough UNC
SF Chase Budinger Arizona
SG Chris Lofton Tennessee
PG Drew Neitzel Michigan State
2nd Team All-America:
C Roy Hibbert Georgetown
PF Mike Beasley Kansas State
SF Brandon Costner North Carolina State
SG Scottie Reynolds Villanova
PG Darren Collison UCLA
Baseball Thoughts 11/16/2007
At the start of the 2001 Major League Baseball season, Alex Rodriguez was in the first year of his then record 10 year $252 million dollar contract. He had the best offensive year for a shortstop in history with 201 hits, 52 home runs, and 153 RBI's. WOW, this was simply a great year and the Rangers really felt that they had gotten their money's worth. This season was also known for the breaking of the single season HR record by Barry Bonds. He bombed 73 dingers and surpassed Mark McGwires record. This was the peak of a resurgence in baseball interest which was captivated because of McGwire and Sammy Sosa's chase of Roger Maris' HR record in 1998.
Flash forward to today and a little bit changed, some for the good and well...some change for the bad
Alex Rodriguez recently agreed to the outline of a contract with the New York Yankees that surpasses his previous contract. He is going to get 10 YEARS AND $275 MILLION. $275 MILLION!!!!! He also has incentives and most likely a huge payday if he breaks the all-time HR reord currently set by, you guessed it, Barry Bonds. A-Rod is 33 and is going to be worth the equivalent price of some small countries by the time he is done playing.
For Barry a lot has changed, he had the BALCO steriod lab hearings to do and his body broke down and he became often injured and missed games. Now today evidence has been brought against him and he has been indicted with multiple counts of perjury and obstruction of justice.
C'mon Barry, everybody knew you juiced so why lie? It was like an elephant that was trying to be hid under the carpet but you could still see those huge ears and tusks.
His baseball career is over, he is on the wrong side of 40 and his body is just old and becoming unable to handle the daily rigors of baseball. Barry said if he was ever inducted into the Hall of Fame he would not go because of his all time HR ball being astersiked by designer Marc Ecko. NOBODY CARES BARRY BECAUSE YOU RUINED IT!
If Pete Rose can't be in than Bonds sure as hell does not deserve it. Rose bet on baseball and Barry used an illegal drug to make himself better and set records. I guess a lot of people got caught up in the hype of an overweight 37 year old slugger with more armor than Henry VIII's army. Rose owns a record and he did not acheive it illegally, Bonds did and thats end of story.
Let's just pray the Mitchell Commission doesn't drop bombs and ruins more careers.
Flash forward to today and a little bit changed, some for the good and well...some change for the bad
Alex Rodriguez recently agreed to the outline of a contract with the New York Yankees that surpasses his previous contract. He is going to get 10 YEARS AND $275 MILLION. $275 MILLION!!!!! He also has incentives and most likely a huge payday if he breaks the all-time HR reord currently set by, you guessed it, Barry Bonds. A-Rod is 33 and is going to be worth the equivalent price of some small countries by the time he is done playing.
For Barry a lot has changed, he had the BALCO steriod lab hearings to do and his body broke down and he became often injured and missed games. Now today evidence has been brought against him and he has been indicted with multiple counts of perjury and obstruction of justice.
C'mon Barry, everybody knew you juiced so why lie? It was like an elephant that was trying to be hid under the carpet but you could still see those huge ears and tusks.
His baseball career is over, he is on the wrong side of 40 and his body is just old and becoming unable to handle the daily rigors of baseball. Barry said if he was ever inducted into the Hall of Fame he would not go because of his all time HR ball being astersiked by designer Marc Ecko. NOBODY CARES BARRY BECAUSE YOU RUINED IT!
If Pete Rose can't be in than Bonds sure as hell does not deserve it. Rose bet on baseball and Barry used an illegal drug to make himself better and set records. I guess a lot of people got caught up in the hype of an overweight 37 year old slugger with more armor than Henry VIII's army. Rose owns a record and he did not acheive it illegally, Bonds did and thats end of story.
Let's just pray the Mitchell Commission doesn't drop bombs and ruins more careers.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Best Thoughts 11/14/2007
I wonder what is brewing in Knick land? It seems Stephon Marbury and Isiah Thomas have a little rift that led to Marbury going AWOL and missing the team flight to Phoenix while saying he has stuff on him. We will have to keep an eye on this and see where it goes.
Some guy already indicted in the steroid ring has allegedly given names and past and current Dallas Cowboys players. This could be disastrous because it could anybody. Hmm...DeMarcus Ware is from Troy and he is that good? Just kidding but lets hope its just accusations at most.
WOW!!! STEPHEN CURRY IS A BEAST. The time is 8:17 PM and Davidson is playing North Carolina. Sophomore Stephen Curry is true and pure talent. he was a great jump shooter last season but has added some very nice inside driving ability. The first play I saw he dribble drove to the right past Danny Green, then went around Tyler Hansbrough and then spilit Hansbrough and Deon Thompson for a scoop lay in. It was an incredible play that followed two minutes later with behind the back dribble and he just abused Quentin Thomas with a Skip To My Lou esque crossover and lay in. I think Thomas' ankles are broken and The Professor has some serious competition.
Some guy already indicted in the steroid ring has allegedly given names and past and current Dallas Cowboys players. This could be disastrous because it could anybody. Hmm...DeMarcus Ware is from Troy and he is that good? Just kidding but lets hope its just accusations at most.
WOW!!! STEPHEN CURRY IS A BEAST. The time is 8:17 PM and Davidson is playing North Carolina. Sophomore Stephen Curry is true and pure talent. he was a great jump shooter last season but has added some very nice inside driving ability. The first play I saw he dribble drove to the right past Danny Green, then went around Tyler Hansbrough and then spilit Hansbrough and Deon Thompson for a scoop lay in. It was an incredible play that followed two minutes later with behind the back dribble and he just abused Quentin Thomas with a Skip To My Lou esque crossover and lay in. I think Thomas' ankles are broken and The Professor has some serious competition.
Jonny Flynn: Never On Schedule But Always On Time
28 points and 9 assists in his collegiate debut. Better than 'Melo and certainly better than what Sherman Douglas, Gerry McNamara, and Pearl Washington did in their first Syracuse game. But it was his second game that put this Orange freshman on the map. After dropping buckets and dimes on Monday against Siena, Flynn came back with 5 points and 6 assists on Tuesday against St. Josephs. The dropoff meant very little to Flynn because he had only one turnover and consistently found his teammates in good spots and made the extra pass that led to buckets. His five points came when Syracuse needed them the most. WIth the score knotted at 69, Flynn pulled up from at least a foot beyond the three line to nail the game winner with just over five seconds left.
OJ Mayo scored 32 in his debut, but USC lost to Mercer by 15...MERCER!!
The 2006 class that featured Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, and Brandan Wright was considered the year of the freshman but after watching the brilliant play of guys like Flynn, teammate Donte Green, Mayo, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Mike Beasley, and Derrick Rose, this year could be even better.
OJ Mayo scored 32 in his debut, but USC lost to Mercer by 15...MERCER!!
The 2006 class that featured Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, and Brandan Wright was considered the year of the freshman but after watching the brilliant play of guys like Flynn, teammate Donte Green, Mayo, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Mike Beasley, and Derrick Rose, this year could be even better.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
College Basketball Preview: Pacific Ten
The East Coast should be alive and well but the hype coming out of the West is too strong to ignore. Kevin Love and O.J. Mayo are at the front of a banner year for freshmen in college basketball. Mayo steps in to the rising program at USC while Love is looking to put the UCLA Bruins over the top and the season at number one. UCLA is the clear favorite heading into the start of the season because of their immense talent across the board as well as their experience and coach (Ben Howland). Darren Collison is the Bruin PG and he leads the team defensively. He has quick feet and quick hands ( 2.2 steals/game last year). He will be build on his assist total as well with the help of SG Josh Shipp, SF Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (Moute kicks Boute signs can be seen at home games), PF Lorenzo Mata, and Love, the Center. This combination of experience and talent will certaintly land UCLA at least a top ten ranking throughout the season as well as the being in the title hunt come March. On the bench is sharpshooter Mike Roll, scoring guard Russell Westbrook, brusier Alfred Aboya, and sophomore forwards James Keefe and Nickola Dragovic. This team is chalk full of experience after making the last two Final Fours but always coming up short of winning the big one. With Love anchoring a usually weak frontcourt, the Bruins now have the pieces in place to really win the title. But before they get ahead of themselves they have some serious competition from USC, Oregon, and Washington State
Washington State has been tucked in Pullman for a very long time but thanks to new coach Tony Bennett the Cougars are finally getting some national pub. WSU play a very boring and patient offense. It oftens make them boring to watch but it's actually very successful. The teams heart and soul is G Derrick Low. Low provided leadership and clutch play that allowed WSU to gain a three seed in the NCAA tournament last season and a consensus top 15 ranking to start this season. Low will be walking the ball up and dissecting the D with Kyle Weaver, Deven Harmeling, Robbie Cowgill, and Aron Baynes. Any of these guys could explode for big double figures any night. That is what makes this team so dangerous. Becuase of the slow pace not much bench is needed but when it is Taylor Rochestie will be counted on to provide big spot minutes just as he did last season. If UCLA loses a game this year expect it to be February 7th in Pullman.
USC and Oregon have many things in common. Both have tremendous guard play with USC having Mayo, Daniel Hackett, and Dwight Lewis while Oregon will run with Tajuan Porter, Bryce Taylor, and Malik Hairston. Both have one quality big men with USC having Taj Gibson and Oregon countering with Euro style PF Maarty Leunen. They also have similar problems such as a very shallow bench as well as a weak post player to complement their starts like Gibson and Leunen. They will both be top 25 good and will spring a big win early in the year but may melt down towards seasons end because of the lack of depth.
Arizona, a traditional power in this conference, has been experiencing some minor problems and may have an off year while California, Washington, Arizona State, and Stanford still look to be a several years away from competing for a title. My predictions for the 2007-2008 Pacific Ten Conference
Winner: UCLA
Player of the Year: Chase Budinger SF Arizona
Freshman of the Year: Kevin Love C UCLA
Most Improved: Daniel Hackett G Southern California
Surprise Team: Arizona State
All Pac-Ten:
C Kevin Love UCLA
PF Jon Brockman Washington
SF Chase Budinger Arizona
SG OJ Mayo USC
PG Darren Collison UCLA
Washington State has been tucked in Pullman for a very long time but thanks to new coach Tony Bennett the Cougars are finally getting some national pub. WSU play a very boring and patient offense. It oftens make them boring to watch but it's actually very successful. The teams heart and soul is G Derrick Low. Low provided leadership and clutch play that allowed WSU to gain a three seed in the NCAA tournament last season and a consensus top 15 ranking to start this season. Low will be walking the ball up and dissecting the D with Kyle Weaver, Deven Harmeling, Robbie Cowgill, and Aron Baynes. Any of these guys could explode for big double figures any night. That is what makes this team so dangerous. Becuase of the slow pace not much bench is needed but when it is Taylor Rochestie will be counted on to provide big spot minutes just as he did last season. If UCLA loses a game this year expect it to be February 7th in Pullman.
USC and Oregon have many things in common. Both have tremendous guard play with USC having Mayo, Daniel Hackett, and Dwight Lewis while Oregon will run with Tajuan Porter, Bryce Taylor, and Malik Hairston. Both have one quality big men with USC having Taj Gibson and Oregon countering with Euro style PF Maarty Leunen. They also have similar problems such as a very shallow bench as well as a weak post player to complement their starts like Gibson and Leunen. They will both be top 25 good and will spring a big win early in the year but may melt down towards seasons end because of the lack of depth.
Arizona, a traditional power in this conference, has been experiencing some minor problems and may have an off year while California, Washington, Arizona State, and Stanford still look to be a several years away from competing for a title. My predictions for the 2007-2008 Pacific Ten Conference
Winner: UCLA
Player of the Year: Chase Budinger SF Arizona
Freshman of the Year: Kevin Love C UCLA
Most Improved: Daniel Hackett G Southern California
Surprise Team: Arizona State
All Pac-Ten:
C Kevin Love UCLA
PF Jon Brockman Washington
SF Chase Budinger Arizona
SG OJ Mayo USC
PG Darren Collison UCLA
Monday, November 12, 2007
NFL THOUGHTS 11/11/07 Part Two
The Cowboys played the Giants in week one and dropped 38 in a ten point win. The 'boys came in the Meadowlands (which I flew over last night going into JFK) and dropped 31 in an eleven point win. Tony Romo looked on point and TO terrorized Sam Madison for two touchdowns. The Cowboys look to be the class of the NFC and with a weak schedule left, they should lock up first place in the NFC. The only hiccup could be against Favre and the Pack November 29th.
Peyton throws a career high six ints. SIX INTERCEPTIONS...FROM PEYTON MANNING. Also K Adam "I win Super Bowls" Vinatieri missed a 29 yarder to win the game. 29 YARDS. The Colts played without Marvin Harrison, Tony Ugoh, and Anthony Gonzalez. BTW they still only lost 23-21. Does this mean the colts are still great? I think it does but at the same time I believe that San Diego really is just not that good. They force six turnovers, have two special teams touchdowns, and only win by two? LT and company need to go back to the drawing board because if they don't then they will be looking at an early playoff exit.
MONDAY NIGHT SEATTLE VS SAN FRANCISCO
Tony Kornheiser will be so bored they may have to do a segment of PTI during the game. Is there anyway we can scrap ESPN's broadcast for any college game. Seattle 23 San Francisco 6
Peyton throws a career high six ints. SIX INTERCEPTIONS...FROM PEYTON MANNING. Also K Adam "I win Super Bowls" Vinatieri missed a 29 yarder to win the game. 29 YARDS. The Colts played without Marvin Harrison, Tony Ugoh, and Anthony Gonzalez. BTW they still only lost 23-21. Does this mean the colts are still great? I think it does but at the same time I believe that San Diego really is just not that good. They force six turnovers, have two special teams touchdowns, and only win by two? LT and company need to go back to the drawing board because if they don't then they will be looking at an early playoff exit.
MONDAY NIGHT SEATTLE VS SAN FRANCISCO
Tony Kornheiser will be so bored they may have to do a segment of PTI during the game. Is there anyway we can scrap ESPN's broadcast for any college game. Seattle 23 San Francisco 6
Sunday, November 11, 2007
NFL THOUGHTS 11/11/07 Part One
Fred Taylor joins an exclusive group because today he joined the 10,000-yard club. An interesting fact about this is that Taylor is the only member of the group who has never made an appearance in the Pro Bowl. Taylor’s milestone help set the stone for the Jaguars who were reeling after a crushing loss at New Orleans last week. Taylor’s joy helped propel the Jags to a 28-13 on the road against the Tennessee Titans. QB David Garrard is expected to come back next week after missing the previous three games with a high ankle sprain. The Jags really got lucky taking 2 out of 3 on their road trip. They are now 6-3 and in firm position for a wild card berth.
Unfortunately on the flip side, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson looked like he suffered a very serious knee injury in their lopsided loss to Brett Favre and company 34-0. Peterson was hit with a helmet to the knee shot in the third quarter. This could be catastrophic for Peterson because before that injury he was the best RB in the game. This adds another name to the laundry list of injuries in Minnesota. However not to be overlooked was Favre’s 350+ 3TD performance that will certainly make for a good Cialis commercial in the near future. The Pack are 8-1 and are fighting Dallas for 1st place in the NFC.
St. Louis got their first win of the year this afternoon after a tremendous performance against the Saints. Marc Bulger and company played a terrific game and finally have win one (although six wins could win the NFC West, what a bad conference). New Orleans is forced to swallow yet another bitter pill after high expectations for this season were dashed with another loss. Reggie Bush looks lost as a feature back and Brees threw two costly INT’s to help seal their fate.
Vinny Testaverde…the party is over after the Panthers loss at Atlanta 20-13
Cleveland fans have something to be very happy about after their near upset of Pittsburgh today. The 31-28 loss was a great game and coach Romeo Crennel should be happy with his squad and fans should be happy because they are finally seeing a winning product. Two thoughts on this game: The Steelers were down and almost out until Big Ben took control and willed them down the field to erase a 15 point deficit. The other thought is what will happen to the career of Brady Quinn. The Browns gave up their 2008 1st rounder to nab Quinn only to see him ride the bench because of Derek Anderson’s Pro Bowl season. The Browns are stuck in a tight spot and whatever the resolution is, someone will get shafted and be unhappy.
Miami and Buffalo played a terrific 13-10 game today that was on my TV but the sound was turned off. (c’mon, its Buffalo and Miami) Rookie Marshawn Lynch scored again today and is putting up an impressive rookie campaign. On the other side, Miami has to decide whether or not to start playing rookie QB John Beck over current starter Cleo Lemon (sounds like a nice cleaning product). It’s decision time in South Florida.
Philadelphia scored a big win over Washington 33-25. RB Brian Westbrook continues to play at a Pro Bowl level and QB Donovan McNabb shook off criticism to post great numbers today. The Eagles look to be back on track and fighting for a wild card spot in the NFC playoffs. They have ground to make up but Andy Reid’s group is very resilient and can pull it off.
Unfortunately on the flip side, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson looked like he suffered a very serious knee injury in their lopsided loss to Brett Favre and company 34-0. Peterson was hit with a helmet to the knee shot in the third quarter. This could be catastrophic for Peterson because before that injury he was the best RB in the game. This adds another name to the laundry list of injuries in Minnesota. However not to be overlooked was Favre’s 350+ 3TD performance that will certainly make for a good Cialis commercial in the near future. The Pack are 8-1 and are fighting Dallas for 1st place in the NFC.
St. Louis got their first win of the year this afternoon after a tremendous performance against the Saints. Marc Bulger and company played a terrific game and finally have win one (although six wins could win the NFC West, what a bad conference). New Orleans is forced to swallow yet another bitter pill after high expectations for this season were dashed with another loss. Reggie Bush looks lost as a feature back and Brees threw two costly INT’s to help seal their fate.
Vinny Testaverde…the party is over after the Panthers loss at Atlanta 20-13
Cleveland fans have something to be very happy about after their near upset of Pittsburgh today. The 31-28 loss was a great game and coach Romeo Crennel should be happy with his squad and fans should be happy because they are finally seeing a winning product. Two thoughts on this game: The Steelers were down and almost out until Big Ben took control and willed them down the field to erase a 15 point deficit. The other thought is what will happen to the career of Brady Quinn. The Browns gave up their 2008 1st rounder to nab Quinn only to see him ride the bench because of Derek Anderson’s Pro Bowl season. The Browns are stuck in a tight spot and whatever the resolution is, someone will get shafted and be unhappy.
Miami and Buffalo played a terrific 13-10 game today that was on my TV but the sound was turned off. (c’mon, its Buffalo and Miami) Rookie Marshawn Lynch scored again today and is putting up an impressive rookie campaign. On the other side, Miami has to decide whether or not to start playing rookie QB John Beck over current starter Cleo Lemon (sounds like a nice cleaning product). It’s decision time in South Florida.
Philadelphia scored a big win over Washington 33-25. RB Brian Westbrook continues to play at a Pro Bowl level and QB Donovan McNabb shook off criticism to post great numbers today. The Eagles look to be back on track and fighting for a wild card spot in the NFC playoffs. They have ground to make up but Andy Reid’s group is very resilient and can pull it off.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
College Football 11/10/2007 Part 2
Kansas and Hawaii have something in common. Take a second to think about it...
They are the last two undefeated teams in the nation after #1 Ohio State's loss at home to Illinois. This begs a very interesting question: Who wants to win the national title?
Hawaii will not go to the national title because they are Hawaii. They are from an island and play in the WAC. What about Kansas? The Jayhawks have Oklahoma State, Iowa State, #6 Missouri, and a possible matchup with Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game. Is this enough for the Jayhawks to play in the national title? The answer is yes. They will be the only unbeaten team from a major BCS conference and will likely face LSU or Oregon. LSU is slightly ahead in the BCS but looms large is a visit from the up and down Arkansas Razorbacks who could play them very tough but could also be a pushover. Then they have the SEC championship game where they will face Georgia, Tennessee, or those pesky Gators. Any of those teams pose a threat to the Tigers but if they win out we could see a Kansas-LSU rendezvous in New Orleans in the Superdome.
Oregon is on the outside looking in but they are still absolutely fantastic. QB Dennis Dixon and RB Jonathon Stewart form a pick your poison combo that can break for six every play. They play two straight away games at Arizona, at UCLA then they close the season at home against Oregon State. Oregon will need to play flawless and then hope for an LSU mistake so they can play for a national title.
They are the last two undefeated teams in the nation after #1 Ohio State's loss at home to Illinois. This begs a very interesting question: Who wants to win the national title?
Hawaii will not go to the national title because they are Hawaii. They are from an island and play in the WAC. What about Kansas? The Jayhawks have Oklahoma State, Iowa State, #6 Missouri, and a possible matchup with Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game. Is this enough for the Jayhawks to play in the national title? The answer is yes. They will be the only unbeaten team from a major BCS conference and will likely face LSU or Oregon. LSU is slightly ahead in the BCS but looms large is a visit from the up and down Arkansas Razorbacks who could play them very tough but could also be a pushover. Then they have the SEC championship game where they will face Georgia, Tennessee, or those pesky Gators. Any of those teams pose a threat to the Tigers but if they win out we could see a Kansas-LSU rendezvous in New Orleans in the Superdome.
Oregon is on the outside looking in but they are still absolutely fantastic. QB Dennis Dixon and RB Jonathon Stewart form a pick your poison combo that can break for six every play. They play two straight away games at Arizona, at UCLA then they close the season at home against Oregon State. Oregon will need to play flawless and then hope for an LSU mistake so they can play for a national title.
College Football 11/10/2007
Well, I wasted my saturday from 12-3 by sitting in a empty Carrier Dome in Syracuse. My beloved Orange got (insert any word that means lose) beat by South Florida 41-10. Well, I like to be optimistic and talk about the good things but NOTHING IS GOOD IN UPSTATE NEW YORK. This team is just plain awful. I could recall the running diary in my head:
12:05- Syracuse elects to receive
12:07- Freshman KR Max Suter fumbles high, short kick. South Florida recovers.
12:09- South Florida gets a first down inside the Syracuse five yard line.
12:10- Touchdown South Florida.
Sometime around 1:40- SU finally makes a field goal as the first half expires. Head Coach Greg Robinson runs into the locker room looking like they just won a BCS game.
2:00- South Florida receives the kick
2:04- Touchdown South Florida. They ran through the Syracuse D like they were that horrible team you play in HS and always beat. Some guy behind me is pleading for mercy.
2:50- Down 41-10, I leave and comtemplate why I watch such garbage week in and week out. Thankfully SU basketball starts on Monday.
12:05- Syracuse elects to receive
12:07- Freshman KR Max Suter fumbles high, short kick. South Florida recovers.
12:09- South Florida gets a first down inside the Syracuse five yard line.
12:10- Touchdown South Florida.
Sometime around 1:40- SU finally makes a field goal as the first half expires. Head Coach Greg Robinson runs into the locker room looking like they just won a BCS game.
2:00- South Florida receives the kick
2:04- Touchdown South Florida. They ran through the Syracuse D like they were that horrible team you play in HS and always beat. Some guy behind me is pleading for mercy.
2:50- Down 41-10, I leave and comtemplate why I watch such garbage week in and week out. Thankfully SU basketball starts on Monday.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
College Basketball Preview: SEC
It looks like its safe to come out and play again SEC. Those big bad Gators from Gainesville have gone from experienced to green almost overnight. Gone is Joakim Noah and his fist pumping antics along with his runningmates Al Horford, Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, and Lee Humphrey. But now the beast of the southeast is Bruce Pearl's gang in Knoxville. Any team looking to take the SEC crown will have to make the arduous climb up Rocky Top to do it. These guys are experienced, deep, and motivated after last years near upset of Ohio St. in the Sweet Sixteen. Up front, Tennesse will not wilt at the likes of a quality big man a la Horford, Oden etc because they have beef in Wayne Chism and Duke Crews. Both are on the short side (neither of the two go taller than 6-10) but they can play in the blocks and more importantly are athletic and quick to run and thrive in Pearl's up tempo in your face 40 minutes of straight fast breaking and full court pressing. These two big men are flanked by speedy and athletic scorers. Leading the way is senior SG Chris Lofton, who never met a shot he didn't like...or make. Running with Lofton is JaJuan Smith and sophomore PG Ramar Smith. JaJuan is a defensive ace while Ramar runs the show. Off the bench is a talented group of freshman and one exciting transfer. Tyler Smith comes in from Iowa to provide another scary shooter off the bench to compliment Lofton and to take away pressure from him. Also on the bench are athletic wings Cameron Tatum, Marques Johnson, and Josh Tabb.
Kentucky was originally a big favorite for second place under new coach Billy Gillespie but after their recent upset loss at the hands of Gardner Webb (ten bucks if you know what state they are in and BTW if you go to gardner-webb.edu there is a terrfic sign stating "Who you callin' cupcake?") That loss takes away any intimidation opponents may have of the guys from Lexington. Stepping into their spot and challenging Tennessee for the SEC is the very good and talented Arkansas Razorbacks. New coach John Pelphrey (UK star baller) inherits immense in and out talent in do-everything SG Patrick Beverley and the top post roatation in the SEC with Steven Hill, Charles Thomas, and Darien Townes. JUCO transfer Sonny Weems comes in to breath new life into the newly created running game while NYC PG Gary Ervin holds the keys and really lit it up down the stretch last season. Mike Washington, Stefan Walsh, and Mike Sanchez round out the deep and tough bench.
The rest of the SEC has talent but is not surrounded by equal talent on their team. The SEC will be hotly contested and any team from LSU to Mississippi State could make some noise this year. My predictions for the 2007-2008 SEC season.
Winner: Tennessee
Player of the Year: Chris Lofton SG Tennessee
Freshman of the Year: Nick Calathes G/F Florida
Most Improved: Marresse Speights PF Florida
Surprise Team: Mississippi State
All-SEC
C Richard Hendrix Alabama
PF Korvotney Barber Auburn
SF Tasmin Mitchell LSU
SG Patrick Beverley Arkansas
PG Jamont Gordon Miss. St
Kentucky was originally a big favorite for second place under new coach Billy Gillespie but after their recent upset loss at the hands of Gardner Webb (ten bucks if you know what state they are in and BTW if you go to gardner-webb.edu there is a terrfic sign stating "Who you callin' cupcake?") That loss takes away any intimidation opponents may have of the guys from Lexington. Stepping into their spot and challenging Tennessee for the SEC is the very good and talented Arkansas Razorbacks. New coach John Pelphrey (UK star baller) inherits immense in and out talent in do-everything SG Patrick Beverley and the top post roatation in the SEC with Steven Hill, Charles Thomas, and Darien Townes. JUCO transfer Sonny Weems comes in to breath new life into the newly created running game while NYC PG Gary Ervin holds the keys and really lit it up down the stretch last season. Mike Washington, Stefan Walsh, and Mike Sanchez round out the deep and tough bench.
The rest of the SEC has talent but is not surrounded by equal talent on their team. The SEC will be hotly contested and any team from LSU to Mississippi State could make some noise this year. My predictions for the 2007-2008 SEC season.
Winner: Tennessee
Player of the Year: Chris Lofton SG Tennessee
Freshman of the Year: Nick Calathes G/F Florida
Most Improved: Marresse Speights PF Florida
Surprise Team: Mississippi State
All-SEC
C Richard Hendrix Alabama
PF Korvotney Barber Auburn
SF Tasmin Mitchell LSU
SG Patrick Beverley Arkansas
PG Jamont Gordon Miss. St
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
College Basketball Preview: Big East
The Big East conference seems to be a two team race just like many of the other major conferences this season. The race for this season's title is between Georgetown and Louisville, who are both brimming with talent at all positions. Lets start with John Thompson's crew from suburban Maryland. The Hoyas return one of the best big men in the nation in senior C Roy Hibbert. Hibbert really established himself last season in the NCAA tournament with his tremendous play along side Jeff Green, who decided to move on early and now plays for the Seattle Sonics. Well, stepping into Green's PF spot is emerging talent DaJuan Summers. Summers is a sophomore and those two horses will be running along side clutch G Jonathan Wallace, steady G Jessie Sapp and that legacy player known as Patrick Ewing Jr (too bad he can't play like pops). The bench will have physical freak F Vernon Macklin, sophomore G Jeremiah Rivers, and freshmen guards Chris Wright and Austin Freeman.
Opposing them are Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals. The only early knock on this team is that none of them can play defense for the football team. At first glance at the roster you see a name step out: PG Edgar Sosa. As you may remember from last March, the then freshman Sosa lit up 2007 first round NBA draft pick Acie Law IV of Texas A&M for 32 points. Sosa is ready run and dish the ball to his fellow starters: G Jerry Smith, SF Terrance Williams, PF Juan Palacios, and C David Padgett. This starting is full of versatile guys who can mesh together to be absolutly dynamite this season. Pitino's deep and exciting bench has two New Jersey sophomores in F's Derrick Caracter and Earl Clark, as well as, PG Andre McGee, C Terrance Farley, and freshman F George Goode.
The proverbial outside looking in team in this conference is Marquette. The Golden Eagles (or is it Eagles?) boast a completly different threat than Georgetown and Louisville. Marquette's forte is in guard play. The trio of guards each have different games. You have Dominic James: the fearless dynamo with ice in his veins, Jerel McNeal: the in-your-face stopper with a Chi-Town attitude, and Wes Matthews: the all-around star who simply makes his teammates better. This group will be a top twenty talent but until it develops a decent inside game, those Eagles will always be second and third best. Youth will be served at Syracuse and Connecticut while each school's Jim will work against the inexperience to be winners. Cincinnati, Providence,and South Florida are all unknown while West Virginia, Notre Dame, and DePaul try to get back to their winning ways. Villanova and Pittsburgh are a year away but Seton Hall, St.Johns, and Rutgers still seem to be decades away. My predictions for the 2007-2008 Big East Conference.
Winner: Georgetown
Player of the Year: Roy Hibbert C Georgetown
Freshman of the Year: Donte Green F Syracuse
Most Improved Player: Sam Young F Pittsburgh
Surprise Team: Providence
All-Big East
C Roy Hibbert Georgetown
PF Donte Green Syracuse
SF Terrance Williams Louisville
SG Scottie Reynolds Villanova
PG Dominic James Marquette
Opposing them are Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals. The only early knock on this team is that none of them can play defense for the football team. At first glance at the roster you see a name step out: PG Edgar Sosa. As you may remember from last March, the then freshman Sosa lit up 2007 first round NBA draft pick Acie Law IV of Texas A&M for 32 points. Sosa is ready run and dish the ball to his fellow starters: G Jerry Smith, SF Terrance Williams, PF Juan Palacios, and C David Padgett. This starting is full of versatile guys who can mesh together to be absolutly dynamite this season. Pitino's deep and exciting bench has two New Jersey sophomores in F's Derrick Caracter and Earl Clark, as well as, PG Andre McGee, C Terrance Farley, and freshman F George Goode.
The proverbial outside looking in team in this conference is Marquette. The Golden Eagles (or is it Eagles?) boast a completly different threat than Georgetown and Louisville. Marquette's forte is in guard play. The trio of guards each have different games. You have Dominic James: the fearless dynamo with ice in his veins, Jerel McNeal: the in-your-face stopper with a Chi-Town attitude, and Wes Matthews: the all-around star who simply makes his teammates better. This group will be a top twenty talent but until it develops a decent inside game, those Eagles will always be second and third best. Youth will be served at Syracuse and Connecticut while each school's Jim will work against the inexperience to be winners. Cincinnati, Providence,and South Florida are all unknown while West Virginia, Notre Dame, and DePaul try to get back to their winning ways. Villanova and Pittsburgh are a year away but Seton Hall, St.Johns, and Rutgers still seem to be decades away. My predictions for the 2007-2008 Big East Conference.
Winner: Georgetown
Player of the Year: Roy Hibbert C Georgetown
Freshman of the Year: Donte Green F Syracuse
Most Improved Player: Sam Young F Pittsburgh
Surprise Team: Providence
All-Big East
C Roy Hibbert Georgetown
PF Donte Green Syracuse
SF Terrance Williams Louisville
SG Scottie Reynolds Villanova
PG Dominic James Marquette
College Basketball Preview: Big Twelve
It looks like another two team race in the Big 12 but one of the teams looks to be just a cut above the other. Kansas was reeling in May after the defection of Julian Wright to the NBA and Brandon Rush to an ACL injury but don't be sad Jayhawk fans because Bill Self's crew still has talent and athletes at every position. If Rush can come back healthy it's a great addition to a team that features shooter and swiper Mario Chalmers (40% from three and 2.6 steals/game). Working along in the backcourt with Chalmers is New York City G Russell Robinson, who has brought his city toughness to Kansas during his tenure. The Jayhawk frontcourt will be Rush, sophomore Darrell Arthur, and senior C Sasha Kaun. On the bench is the absolutely electric PG Sherron Collins, who is 5'10 and can throw it down with authority. Along with Collins is PF Darnell Jackson and freshman C Cole Aldrich. This team will look to shake off the heartbreak of last years Elite Eight loss to UCLA and go one step further and make the Final Four.
Kansas' main competition will come from Texas A&M and new coach Mark Turgeon. Turgeon inherits a program that loses All-America PG Acie Law IV but brings in McDonald's All-American C DeAndre Jordan. Jordan will combine with PF Joseph Jones and SF sharpshooter Josh Carter to form possibly the best frontcourt in the nation. In the backcourt will be G Dominique Kirk who will help ease the transition of G Donald Sloan from bench spark to major mintues player.
Outside of those two you have the Texas Longhorns who boast arguably the best PG in the nation in sophomore D.J. Augustin. Augustin played Robin to Kevin Durant's Batman last season but now it's Augustin who will have to be the Longhorns Superman. Joining Augustin are guards A.J. Abrams, Justin Mason, and up front Texas is very green with sophomores Damion James and Matt Hill starting.
The Big 12 is a conference full of talent that for some reason has not clicked or has not had enough time. Kansas State has two stud players in Mike Beasley and Bill Walker, Colorado has Richard Roby(Kenyon Martin's half brother), Nebraska has Aleks Maric (does he play football too?), Oklahoma State has Byron Eaton and Marcus Dove, and Texas Tech has the ever fiery Bobby Knight on the bench and guys like Martin Zeno (16.6 PPG last season) on the court. The Big 12 has two relatively new coaches in Jeff Capel and Mike Anderson who could be making noise sometime in the very near future. The Big 12 is oozing with talent and soon the nation will know that the Big 12 is about more than just football.
Winner: Kansas
Player of the Year: D.J. Augustin PG Texas
Freshman of the Year: Mike Beasley PF Kansas State
Most Improved Player: Darnell Jackson PF Kansas
Surprise Team: Baylor
All-Big Ten:
C Aleks Maric Nebraska
PF Mike Beasley Kansas State
SF Richard Roby Colorado
SG Martin Zeno Texas Tech
PG D.J. Augustin Texas
Kansas' main competition will come from Texas A&M and new coach Mark Turgeon. Turgeon inherits a program that loses All-America PG Acie Law IV but brings in McDonald's All-American C DeAndre Jordan. Jordan will combine with PF Joseph Jones and SF sharpshooter Josh Carter to form possibly the best frontcourt in the nation. In the backcourt will be G Dominique Kirk who will help ease the transition of G Donald Sloan from bench spark to major mintues player.
Outside of those two you have the Texas Longhorns who boast arguably the best PG in the nation in sophomore D.J. Augustin. Augustin played Robin to Kevin Durant's Batman last season but now it's Augustin who will have to be the Longhorns Superman. Joining Augustin are guards A.J. Abrams, Justin Mason, and up front Texas is very green with sophomores Damion James and Matt Hill starting.
The Big 12 is a conference full of talent that for some reason has not clicked or has not had enough time. Kansas State has two stud players in Mike Beasley and Bill Walker, Colorado has Richard Roby(Kenyon Martin's half brother), Nebraska has Aleks Maric (does he play football too?), Oklahoma State has Byron Eaton and Marcus Dove, and Texas Tech has the ever fiery Bobby Knight on the bench and guys like Martin Zeno (16.6 PPG last season) on the court. The Big 12 has two relatively new coaches in Jeff Capel and Mike Anderson who could be making noise sometime in the very near future. The Big 12 is oozing with talent and soon the nation will know that the Big 12 is about more than just football.
Winner: Kansas
Player of the Year: D.J. Augustin PG Texas
Freshman of the Year: Mike Beasley PF Kansas State
Most Improved Player: Darnell Jackson PF Kansas
Surprise Team: Baylor
All-Big Ten:
C Aleks Maric Nebraska
PF Mike Beasley Kansas State
SF Richard Roby Colorado
SG Martin Zeno Texas Tech
PG D.J. Augustin Texas
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
College Basketball Preview: Big Ten
Well I think that most Big Ten coaches are happy to see the departure of Mike Conley Jr, and his 38 year old best friend Greg Oden (just kidding but that guy looks like he could be my grandfather). This years race is wide open but the main contenders are surprise surprise, Michigan State and Ohio State. Michigan State brings back All-American G Drew Neitzel and All-Big Ten F Raymar Morgan. Working around those two will be the reliable Travis Walton, the up and down Goran Suton, and the electic finisher Marquise Gray. The bench will be young coming out with freshmen Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, and Chris Allen. Along with the trio of freshman will be senior post player Drew Naymick. They are finally back to having a deep and talented team that can really play Tom Izzo ball and press on D and gun it on O.
The main competition is Thad Matta's crew from Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes lost Conley Jr, Oden, and Daequan Cook. But as the phrase goes the rich get richer and to replace Oden is another freshman star in Kosta Koufos. Koufos burst onto the international scene by carrying Greece on his shoulders and leading them to the finals of the U-19 European Championships. Joining Koufos in the starting lineup will be fellow freshman G Evan Turner, senior sharpshooter Jamar Butler, sophomore David Lighty and senior Othello Hunter. This team has a little less talent than Michigan State but it also features a young bench. Senior Matt Terwilliger is the sixth man but after him are freshmen Dallas Lauderdale, Jon Diebler, and Eric Wallace.
The Big Ten is in a slightly down year but several programs are starting with new players (Purdue, Wisconsin), new coaches (Michigan, Minnesota) and solid programs that are just down for the moment (Iowa, Illinois) The one team on the outside looking in are the Indiana Hoosiers. Kelvin Sampson's guys are ready for a surprise run at a conference title on the backs of senior PF D.J. White and big-time freshman G Eric Gordon. Joining them are Armon Bassett, A.J. Ratliff and Lance Stemler. The bench is looking towards Jordan Crawford and Eli Holman, both freshman, to really come in from day one and just helping the team by providing a spark here and there. So without further ado, here are the 2007-2008 Big Ten awards.
Winner: Michigan State
Player of the Year: Drew Neitzel G Michigan State
Freshman of the Year: Eric Gordon SG Indiana
Most Improved Player: Dave Lighty SG Ohio State
Surprise Team: Purdue
All- Big Ten:
C Brian Butch Wisconsin
PF D.J. White Indiana
SF Geary Claxton Penn St
SG Eric Gordon Indiana
PG Drew Neitzel Michigan State
The main competition is Thad Matta's crew from Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes lost Conley Jr, Oden, and Daequan Cook. But as the phrase goes the rich get richer and to replace Oden is another freshman star in Kosta Koufos. Koufos burst onto the international scene by carrying Greece on his shoulders and leading them to the finals of the U-19 European Championships. Joining Koufos in the starting lineup will be fellow freshman G Evan Turner, senior sharpshooter Jamar Butler, sophomore David Lighty and senior Othello Hunter. This team has a little less talent than Michigan State but it also features a young bench. Senior Matt Terwilliger is the sixth man but after him are freshmen Dallas Lauderdale, Jon Diebler, and Eric Wallace.
The Big Ten is in a slightly down year but several programs are starting with new players (Purdue, Wisconsin), new coaches (Michigan, Minnesota) and solid programs that are just down for the moment (Iowa, Illinois) The one team on the outside looking in are the Indiana Hoosiers. Kelvin Sampson's guys are ready for a surprise run at a conference title on the backs of senior PF D.J. White and big-time freshman G Eric Gordon. Joining them are Armon Bassett, A.J. Ratliff and Lance Stemler. The bench is looking towards Jordan Crawford and Eli Holman, both freshman, to really come in from day one and just helping the team by providing a spark here and there. So without further ado, here are the 2007-2008 Big Ten awards.
Winner: Michigan State
Player of the Year: Drew Neitzel G Michigan State
Freshman of the Year: Eric Gordon SG Indiana
Most Improved Player: Dave Lighty SG Ohio State
Surprise Team: Purdue
All- Big Ten:
C Brian Butch Wisconsin
PF D.J. White Indiana
SF Geary Claxton Penn St
SG Eric Gordon Indiana
PG Drew Neitzel Michigan State
College Basketball Preview: ACC
The season is back and those office pools will be humming in no time. This is the first of seven installments on the big six conferences in the country as well as a post for the cinderellas and others who the world will know come tournament time. Today we start off with the Atlantic Coast Conference and leading the pack should be no surprise to the common fan: North Carolina. The Tarheels lost PF Brandan Wright to the draft but return sophomores Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington. Lawson and Ellington form a backcourt that is reminiscent of Raymond Felton and Rashad McCants. Lawson has speed and vision akin to Felton where as Ellington is a tremendous shooter but lacks the rounded game McCants had during his tenure in Chapel Hill. Holding down the frontcourt is the guy known as Psycho T: Tyler Hansbrough. He is an absolute beast and has the potential to average 20 and 10 this season. The new faces in the starting lineup belong to sophomore Deon Thompson and the SF spot is up for grabs between juniors Danny Green and Marcus Ginyard. Green can stretch the D with his beautiful stroke (41% from the field last season) and Ginyard could provide a premier lockdown defender ( averaged a steal per 16mins last year). This team is consensus top five in every preseason poll (not that they matter anyway) and could be cutting down the nets in early April.
The main competition of UNC in the ACC will come from Raleigh and Sidney Lowe's North Carolina State Wolfpack. They may have the best frontcourt in the country with emerging superstar Brandon Costner, the versatile Ben McCauley, and freshman stud J.J. Hickson. The backcourt takes a loss with the graduation of Engin Atsur but Gavin Grant's versatile play at SG will allow newcomers Farnold Degand or Javi Gonzalez to slowly learn the ropes and become comfortable running the offense. The rest of the ACC is full of young teams like Duke and Boston College, teams who are on the decline like Maryland and Georgia Tech, teams who have a star or two like Virginia and Florida State, and rounding out the conference are the just plain not good (sorry Virginia Tech) and the team who is more up and down than Jekyll, Hyde, and Niagara Falls put together ( ...if your guess was not Clemson than you have much to learn). Without further ado, my predictions for the 2007-2008 Atlantic Coast Conference:
Winner: North Carolina
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough F/C North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: Kyle Singler F Duke
Most Improved: Alade Aminu PF Georgia Tech
Surprise Team: Florida State
All-ACC
C Tyler Hansbrough UNC
PF James Gist Maryland
SF Brandon Costner NCST
SG Tyrese Rice BC
PG Sean Singletary Virginia
The main competition of UNC in the ACC will come from Raleigh and Sidney Lowe's North Carolina State Wolfpack. They may have the best frontcourt in the country with emerging superstar Brandon Costner, the versatile Ben McCauley, and freshman stud J.J. Hickson. The backcourt takes a loss with the graduation of Engin Atsur but Gavin Grant's versatile play at SG will allow newcomers Farnold Degand or Javi Gonzalez to slowly learn the ropes and become comfortable running the offense. The rest of the ACC is full of young teams like Duke and Boston College, teams who are on the decline like Maryland and Georgia Tech, teams who have a star or two like Virginia and Florida State, and rounding out the conference are the just plain not good (sorry Virginia Tech) and the team who is more up and down than Jekyll, Hyde, and Niagara Falls put together ( ...if your guess was not Clemson than you have much to learn). Without further ado, my predictions for the 2007-2008 Atlantic Coast Conference:
Winner: North Carolina
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough F/C North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: Kyle Singler F Duke
Most Improved: Alade Aminu PF Georgia Tech
Surprise Team: Florida State
All-ACC
C Tyler Hansbrough UNC
PF James Gist Maryland
SF Brandon Costner NCST
SG Tyrese Rice BC
PG Sean Singletary Virginia
Monday, November 5, 2007
Adrian Peterson
After watching the highlights and listening to games on the radio, it seems to be very clear that Minnesota Vikings rookie Adrian Peterson is not from this planet. Maybe it's true when people say men are from Mars because this rookie is out of this world. He torched a San Diego defense for an NFL record 296 yards. 296 YARDS!!!!!ARE YOU SERIOUS? He obviously has a tremendous future ahead of him but the Barry Sanders curse looms because his team needs some more talent on offense and defense. Hopefully he won't go down as another great non-title player but you never know. Peterson has won and dominated on every level. He was a number one recruit in HS, he finished second to Matt Leinart in the 2004 Heisman race, and he was a top ten pick (seven) in the 2007 NFL draft. He could be the first rookie to break 2,000 yards and drop 2,000 jaws who are in awe of his talent. His nickname is AD which stands for "All Day" and after watching his play on Sunday, "All Day" is turning into All-Pro fast.
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