--Yes, Yes, Yes!!! For the first time since 1960, Missouri is the #1 team in college football. After the big win over Kansas on Saturday night, Mizzou jumped from #4 to #1 in the AP, Harris and BCS rankings. A win over Oklahoma this coming Saturday in the Big 12 Championship game to be played at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, TX and the Tigers will be headed to New Orleans on Jan. 7 to play for the National Championship. Chase Daniel showed why he is one of the Heisman candidates this season and although he probably won't win it this year, he will have to be a front-runner for next season.
--Speaking of impressive, West Virginia looked incredible against #20 UConn, crushing the Huskies 66-21. Pat White, the impressive QB from West Virginia, is a force to be reckoned with and if things stay the way they are, it is going to be a great match up with Missouri's defense trying to find a way to stop White.
--I've been saying for several weeks now that I thought that LSU was overrated, and I was right. Losing to unranked Kentucky at home will probably be the excuse that Les Miles uses when he jumps ship and heads to Ann Arbor to take the Michigan job. He probably got some pointers on that move last week from Nick Saban.
--And speaking of Saban, wonder how long it's going to take for the lynch mob to start calling for Saban's now-shrinking head. With three losses to unranked teams and the loss to dreaded foe Auburn, it shouldn't be long. Most overrated coach in the history of football.
--I've thought for a while that the best move in sports in years was New England's acquisition of Randy Moss for a fourth round draft pick, but I'm starting to think that Boston made the move of the century (okay, I know the century is only 7 years old, give me a break) when they acquired Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Celts are 11-1 and look pretty much unbeatable. In his 13th season, it appears Garnett has finally found his place with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. You heard it here first: Celtics win the NBA championship next spring. Like Boston needs something else to cheer about.
--For anybody who watches "The Ultimate Fighter", you know that the big build up this year has been the welterweight fight at the UFC pay-per-view in December between former champ and UFC icon Matt Hughes and current champ Matt Serra. These two have faced off as coaches on this season's TUF and the dislike and lack of respect on both sides has made for some good moments on the show and great build up to the fight. Word came down this past Friday that Serra would not be able to make the fight in December due to a herniated disc in his back he suffered this past week while training. Yesterday it was announced that Hughes will fight George St. Pierre, the man Serra beat for the title and the winner of the Hughes-St. Pierre fight will meet Serra sometime next year if and when Serra is able to come back. Too bad really, I was looking forward to watching Matt Hughes kick Serra's foul-mouthed cocky butt all over the cage. Serra beat St. Pierre for the title with an illegal shot to the back of the head that the referee didn't see and GSP never recovered from. Serra was pretty much down the food chain in the welterweight division when he surprised GSP and even though he constantly has run his mouth saying he was going to destroy Hughes, conventional wisdom says that Serra probably couldn't last two rounds with one of the greatest champions in UFC history. Serra's injury is said to be legit, but I wonder........
--In baseball news, A-Rod and the Yankees have agreed on a $30 million dollar bonus package for his pursuit of the all-time home run record that would push his 10 year contract to $305 million dollars. I guess he just couldn't get by on that $275 million. Other baseball rumors include a potentially big one that the Oakland A's might try to move either Danny Haren or Joe Blanton, both top-notch starters, in the hope of garnering some great young prospects. Note to GM Billy Beane: Starting pitching is WAY too hard to come by, just ask the St. Louis Cardinals. Keep your pitchers, bring your young talent up and build your club around that. Yes, it may cost you some money, but you're either going to pay now, or pay later. Better the devil you know. Oh, and Barry Bonds still sucks.
--I can't remember a regular season NFC game that had as much meaning as this Thursday's game between Dallas and Green Bay. For those of you that don't have the NFL Network, sucks to be you!!!!!!!! Just kidding. Seriously, ask yourself this question: With the game on the line, who would you rather have behind center, Tony Romo or Brett Favre?
Everybody have a great week and remember, if you're driving be sure and take a car!!!!!!!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
NFL Predictions: Week 12
Alright, football junkies. Thanksgiving week is always one of the best football weekends of the year. Games, games and more games. Let's see who is going to win........and the losers will be:
Green Bay @ Detroit: For years, this was the traditional Thanksgiving Day game. Good to see it mean something again this year. The Lions have a lot of firepower this year and are hanging on the their playoff hopes, but this is the year of the Pack. They are simply playing too good and have everything working. Close game I think, but I like Brett and the Pack. Green Bay -3.
NY Jets @ Dallas: We all keep waiting for the Dallas blow-up and it hasn't happened yet. Romo and Owens have made a solid connection and that spells trouble for everybody else. The Jets got a big OT win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, but the short week and playing in Texas is just too much for them this week. It's a big number but I like the Cowboys. Dallas -14.
Indianapolis @ Atlanta: I don't know which version of either team will show up. The Colts are beat up and struggling it seems and Atlanta, well when they are bad, they are really bad. Time for the Colts to make a statement. Indianapolis -12.
Houston @ Cleveland: You can't say enough about the job that Romeo Crennel has done this year in Cleveland. The Browns are looking like a playoff team, although they have to find some consistency overall. With that crowd and the Dawg Pound, Cleveland is too tough for Houston at home. Cleveland -3.
Philadelphia @ New England: Ok, this is starting to get ridiculous. No one should be a 3 touchdown dog in the NFL. Philadelphia +22.
Miami @ Pittsburgh: When you have to pay people to come to your games, you know you suck. Ricky "Puff, Puff, Pass" Williams may play in this game. Why not, what's the worse that can happen? Pittsburgh comes off a very tough loss in OT to the Jets and I have a feeling that Coach Mike Tomlin is going to have this team fired up. Pittsburgh -16.
Missouri @ Kansas: This game very well might end up being for a birth in the National Championship game. Without a doubt the biggest game ever in the history of this great rivalry. Kansas has been amazing this season and keeps finding new ways to win. Missouri's Chase Daniel will get some Heismann votes and along with Jeremy Macklin have provide one of the best QB-WR combos in the nation. Missouri + 2 1/2.
Good Luck, enjoy the games and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Green Bay @ Detroit: For years, this was the traditional Thanksgiving Day game. Good to see it mean something again this year. The Lions have a lot of firepower this year and are hanging on the their playoff hopes, but this is the year of the Pack. They are simply playing too good and have everything working. Close game I think, but I like Brett and the Pack. Green Bay -3.
NY Jets @ Dallas: We all keep waiting for the Dallas blow-up and it hasn't happened yet. Romo and Owens have made a solid connection and that spells trouble for everybody else. The Jets got a big OT win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, but the short week and playing in Texas is just too much for them this week. It's a big number but I like the Cowboys. Dallas -14.
Indianapolis @ Atlanta: I don't know which version of either team will show up. The Colts are beat up and struggling it seems and Atlanta, well when they are bad, they are really bad. Time for the Colts to make a statement. Indianapolis -12.
Houston @ Cleveland: You can't say enough about the job that Romeo Crennel has done this year in Cleveland. The Browns are looking like a playoff team, although they have to find some consistency overall. With that crowd and the Dawg Pound, Cleveland is too tough for Houston at home. Cleveland -3.
Philadelphia @ New England: Ok, this is starting to get ridiculous. No one should be a 3 touchdown dog in the NFL. Philadelphia +22.
Miami @ Pittsburgh: When you have to pay people to come to your games, you know you suck. Ricky "Puff, Puff, Pass" Williams may play in this game. Why not, what's the worse that can happen? Pittsburgh comes off a very tough loss in OT to the Jets and I have a feeling that Coach Mike Tomlin is going to have this team fired up. Pittsburgh -16.
Missouri @ Kansas: This game very well might end up being for a birth in the National Championship game. Without a doubt the biggest game ever in the history of this great rivalry. Kansas has been amazing this season and keeps finding new ways to win. Missouri's Chase Daniel will get some Heismann votes and along with Jeremy Macklin have provide one of the best QB-WR combos in the nation. Missouri + 2 1/2.
Good Luck, enjoy the games and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
The Rules of the Game
Does anybody follow the rules any more? Can anyone participate in a competitive activity without trying to find an advantage that violates the rules? Is this even possible
Consider the following:
--NFL Spygate: Bill Belichik is fined a record amount by the NFL after it is discovered that he was illegally taping the NY Jets defense from the sidelines during a game. Like Bill, did you really need to do that to beat the Jets?
--Steroids: Every major sport is under scrutiny for its players using illegal substances, particularly of the anabolic variety. Almost makes you wish for the good old days when they would just a joint or two and then go play the games.
--NBA referee scandal: Whenever and whatever all the facts come to light, this is another black eye for the Nothing But Assclowns league. People for years have accused the NBA of manipulating games to get the "best", translated biggest TV markets, into the later stages of the playoffs and this isn't going to cause that argument to die anytime soon.
--The Tour de France: Yeah, they ride bikes and yes it's in France (two strikes) but the fact that an American, Floyd Landis, was stripped of the title for blood doping is just another example of the cheating boom.
--Remember a few years ago when the Little League coached phonied up a birth certificate so a 15 yr. old kid could pitch in the 12 yr. old championships? Is nothing sacred?
These are only a few examples. What the hell is going on? Yes the athletes involved ultimately are making the choice as to whether or not to cheat and must be held accountable thus. However, the problem runs much, much deeper.
We live in a "win at all cost" world. Watch TV and watch the advertising. If you don't drive this car, you're a loser, You get the chicks, the money, the glory. As I always liked to say, "Girls, guns and glory". Cheating is not only overlooked, but in many circles encouraged. The media and fans are huge participants in this plague. Win and win right now. No five year building program, no bringing guys up through the system. Go out, sign some big name free agents, pay them whatever it takes. Just win, baby. Oh, and if you have to cheat, just don't get caught. Because after all, if you don't get caught, it's really not cheating.......right? Right?
Coaches are perhaps the true victims of player cheating. On one hand, most of them don't want it on their team. On the other hand, they also don't want to know about it. In our society, coaches are not hired or keep their jobs because of their honestly and integrity, they are hired to win. Nick Saban at Alabama, perfect example. No loyalty, no integrity. He suspended a player from this past weekend's game but when Alabama was losing at halftime he suddenly inserted the player back into the lineup in the second half to "give a spark" to his offense. When asked about it after the game his comment was typical coach speak, "It was what it was". Yeah, well I know bull shit when I see it. Nick isn't interested in building character, rewarding those who follow the rules, building a team unit, Nick is interested in winning because he knows at $4 million dollars a year, he better win.
Guys like Lloyd Carr at Michigan, Joe Torre, now of the Dodgers, Jim Leyland, Tony LaRussa, Bill Cower, Joe Paterno..........The world of sports needs more people like these classy and extremely talented guys. Guys that know how to win and how to do it right. So media and fans, time to pick sides. Do you want to be right, or do you want to do it right?
Consider the following:
--NFL Spygate: Bill Belichik is fined a record amount by the NFL after it is discovered that he was illegally taping the NY Jets defense from the sidelines during a game. Like Bill, did you really need to do that to beat the Jets?
--Steroids: Every major sport is under scrutiny for its players using illegal substances, particularly of the anabolic variety. Almost makes you wish for the good old days when they would just a joint or two and then go play the games.
--NBA referee scandal: Whenever and whatever all the facts come to light, this is another black eye for the Nothing But Assclowns league. People for years have accused the NBA of manipulating games to get the "best", translated biggest TV markets, into the later stages of the playoffs and this isn't going to cause that argument to die anytime soon.
--The Tour de France: Yeah, they ride bikes and yes it's in France (two strikes) but the fact that an American, Floyd Landis, was stripped of the title for blood doping is just another example of the cheating boom.
--Remember a few years ago when the Little League coached phonied up a birth certificate so a 15 yr. old kid could pitch in the 12 yr. old championships? Is nothing sacred?
These are only a few examples. What the hell is going on? Yes the athletes involved ultimately are making the choice as to whether or not to cheat and must be held accountable thus. However, the problem runs much, much deeper.
We live in a "win at all cost" world. Watch TV and watch the advertising. If you don't drive this car, you're a loser, You get the chicks, the money, the glory. As I always liked to say, "Girls, guns and glory". Cheating is not only overlooked, but in many circles encouraged. The media and fans are huge participants in this plague. Win and win right now. No five year building program, no bringing guys up through the system. Go out, sign some big name free agents, pay them whatever it takes. Just win, baby. Oh, and if you have to cheat, just don't get caught. Because after all, if you don't get caught, it's really not cheating.......right? Right?
Coaches are perhaps the true victims of player cheating. On one hand, most of them don't want it on their team. On the other hand, they also don't want to know about it. In our society, coaches are not hired or keep their jobs because of their honestly and integrity, they are hired to win. Nick Saban at Alabama, perfect example. No loyalty, no integrity. He suspended a player from this past weekend's game but when Alabama was losing at halftime he suddenly inserted the player back into the lineup in the second half to "give a spark" to his offense. When asked about it after the game his comment was typical coach speak, "It was what it was". Yeah, well I know bull shit when I see it. Nick isn't interested in building character, rewarding those who follow the rules, building a team unit, Nick is interested in winning because he knows at $4 million dollars a year, he better win.
Guys like Lloyd Carr at Michigan, Joe Torre, now of the Dodgers, Jim Leyland, Tony LaRussa, Bill Cower, Joe Paterno..........The world of sports needs more people like these classy and extremely talented guys. Guys that know how to win and how to do it right. So media and fans, time to pick sides. Do you want to be right, or do you want to do it right?
Monday Morning Coffee: 11/19/07
I'm going to make this a regular feature on the blog. Hopefully it will give something to do while you begin dreading the week and are trying to suck down that first cup of joe, or Pepsi, or whatever your particular early morning vice is. I can't even begin to start the day myself without some very stiff coffee and a cigarette, so here we go:
--Okay, okay I give. The Patriots are THE most dominating team that I have ever seen in pro football. They are not just winning games, they are simply destroying other teams. And before anybody else says it, they were trailing the Colts on the road and came back to win that game. They are simply unstoppable at this point. Maybe an indictment or two could slow them down.
--Congrats to Jimmie Johnson for winning his second consecutive Nextel Cup. Just watching Jeff Gordon NOT win was good enough for me. I hate that guy.
--Green Bay and Dallas just keep winning and winning, setting up a huge game on November 29 that will more than likely be for home field advantage come playoff time. Yes, Romo and Owens look better each week it seems, but for those that thought that Brett had lost a step or some zip off his fastball, don't you feel stupid now.
--The Colts managed to eek, and I mean eek out a win over the Chiefs on Sunday. They have got to get some people healthy or they are going to have a short playoff run this year.
--Pittsburgh's Mr. Hyde came out this week. How in the hell do you go and lose to the Jets? The Jets, for Christ sake. I still say they will be there come playoff time but consistency has to be an issue for this team and Coach Mike Tomlin right now.
--The Rams won their second straight game. I only mention this for my friend Slydawg and for the fact that if the Rams keep winning and can finish the season with 5 or 6 wins, Linahan just might keep his job for another year.
--Think Ricky Williams will help the 0-10 Dolphins? Well, I've got a great deal for you..........
And last but not least, the winner of this weeks What The Hell Are You Doing Award:
Jody Powell, 35, hung on to a 12-foot statue of "Hannah Montana" for the better part of six days to win tickets to a sold-out concert by Miley Cyrus, star of the Disney Channel TV show. The concert will be held next week in Tampa. Personally, I can think of a lot better things to do in Tampa.
Have a Good Week and remember: Don't Hunt What You Can't Kill!!
--Okay, okay I give. The Patriots are THE most dominating team that I have ever seen in pro football. They are not just winning games, they are simply destroying other teams. And before anybody else says it, they were trailing the Colts on the road and came back to win that game. They are simply unstoppable at this point. Maybe an indictment or two could slow them down.
--Congrats to Jimmie Johnson for winning his second consecutive Nextel Cup. Just watching Jeff Gordon NOT win was good enough for me. I hate that guy.
--Green Bay and Dallas just keep winning and winning, setting up a huge game on November 29 that will more than likely be for home field advantage come playoff time. Yes, Romo and Owens look better each week it seems, but for those that thought that Brett had lost a step or some zip off his fastball, don't you feel stupid now.
--The Colts managed to eek, and I mean eek out a win over the Chiefs on Sunday. They have got to get some people healthy or they are going to have a short playoff run this year.
--Pittsburgh's Mr. Hyde came out this week. How in the hell do you go and lose to the Jets? The Jets, for Christ sake. I still say they will be there come playoff time but consistency has to be an issue for this team and Coach Mike Tomlin right now.
--The Rams won their second straight game. I only mention this for my friend Slydawg and for the fact that if the Rams keep winning and can finish the season with 5 or 6 wins, Linahan just might keep his job for another year.
--Think Ricky Williams will help the 0-10 Dolphins? Well, I've got a great deal for you..........
And last but not least, the winner of this weeks What The Hell Are You Doing Award:
Jody Powell, 35, hung on to a 12-foot statue of "Hannah Montana" for the better part of six days to win tickets to a sold-out concert by Miley Cyrus, star of the Disney Channel TV show. The concert will be held next week in Tampa. Personally, I can think of a lot better things to do in Tampa.
Have a Good Week and remember: Don't Hunt What You Can't Kill!!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
College Football: 11/17/08
--Looks like Lloyd Carr is out at Michigan. He has called a press conference for Monday presumably to announce his retirement as the head coach. Even though Michigan has had a tough season, Carr is one of the class acts in college football and his leaving is a loss for the sport.
--Nick Saban is the biggest joke in college football. First, Alabama loses to LA-Monroe at home, a team they were favored over by 24 1/2 points. Then Saban, who had suspended WR DJ Hall who happens to be the leading receiver in the SEC for a violation of team rules, allowed Hall to play in the second half of the game. When asked about this after the game, his response was "It was what it was". Let me tell you what it is Nicky boy. You are the most overrated coach to ever hit college football. You're a mercenary for hire, and the thing is, you're really not that good on top of the fact that you obviously aren't going to enforce your own rules. I can think of better ways that the Crimson Tide could've spent $4 million dollars a year.
--I'm sick and tired of hearing about Tim Tebow, the Florida Gator QB. He will probably be another Heismann Trophy bust following in the footsteps of such noted QBs as Gino Torretta and Andre Ware. He won't win it, but Chase Daniel from Missouri is the real deal. He's the most exciting player to watch in college football and he has a chance to possibly play for the National Championship.
--I can't wait to see the BCS polls tomorrow. I've got Kansas @ 1, LSU @ 2 and Mizzou @ 3. Probably wishful thinking.
--Oklahoma and Oregon both suffered losses this week which should take them out of Championship contention. Oklahoma lost their starting QB freshman Sam Bradford with a concussion in the first quarter and QB Dennis Dixon was lost to Oregon for the rest of the year. A real shame for Dixon, as I think had Oregon run the table and won out that he would have won the Heismann. Let's hope he heals well and we see him on Sundays in the future because he is a great talent.
--By the way, the last time that Kansas was 11-0 was 1899, 108 years ago!!! So Cub fans, quit your whining and bitching.
--Nick Saban is the biggest joke in college football. First, Alabama loses to LA-Monroe at home, a team they were favored over by 24 1/2 points. Then Saban, who had suspended WR DJ Hall who happens to be the leading receiver in the SEC for a violation of team rules, allowed Hall to play in the second half of the game. When asked about this after the game, his response was "It was what it was". Let me tell you what it is Nicky boy. You are the most overrated coach to ever hit college football. You're a mercenary for hire, and the thing is, you're really not that good on top of the fact that you obviously aren't going to enforce your own rules. I can think of better ways that the Crimson Tide could've spent $4 million dollars a year.
--I'm sick and tired of hearing about Tim Tebow, the Florida Gator QB. He will probably be another Heismann Trophy bust following in the footsteps of such noted QBs as Gino Torretta and Andre Ware. He won't win it, but Chase Daniel from Missouri is the real deal. He's the most exciting player to watch in college football and he has a chance to possibly play for the National Championship.
--I can't wait to see the BCS polls tomorrow. I've got Kansas @ 1, LSU @ 2 and Mizzou @ 3. Probably wishful thinking.
--Oklahoma and Oregon both suffered losses this week which should take them out of Championship contention. Oklahoma lost their starting QB freshman Sam Bradford with a concussion in the first quarter and QB Dennis Dixon was lost to Oregon for the rest of the year. A real shame for Dixon, as I think had Oregon run the table and won out that he would have won the Heismann. Let's hope he heals well and we see him on Sundays in the future because he is a great talent.
--By the way, the last time that Kansas was 11-0 was 1899, 108 years ago!!! So Cub fans, quit your whining and bitching.
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