NL MVP: 1B Albert Pujols(STL) [MLB.com]
Jim Bates has been demoted from defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Raheem Morris will take over his play-calling duties. [Miami Herald]
Washington Redskins secondary coach Jerry Gray is expected to be named head coach of the University of Memphis football team. [Washington Examiner]
Abe Pollin, owner of the Washington Wizards, has died at the age of 85. [Washington Post]
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Maybe the Deer Just Wanted to Play, Too
So some kids in Ohio were playing football. The ball gets away from them, and rolls towards a woodsy area behind the house. One kid goes to retrieve the ball. Then, fan interference:
Devil Deer my ass. Rumor has it Al Davis has already contacted his agent, and he'll be working out for the Raiders this Friday. We're awaiting the results of his 40 time.
The kid with the stick has been suspended for one half against the girl down the block by Urban Meyer.
Devil Deer my ass. Rumor has it Al Davis has already contacted his agent, and he'll be working out for the Raiders this Friday. We're awaiting the results of his 40 time.
The kid with the stick has been suspended for one half against the girl down the block by Urban Meyer.
NFL Week 11 Wrap-up
The AFC North went 0-4? Seriously? Seriously:
Well, That Makes Sense:
Baltimore Ravens
Playing Indy, some people had the Ravens as a slight favorite, some people had the Colts as a slight favorite. At this point, I think people are overvaluing the Ravens defense. Yes, like I've said before, Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are two of the best defensive players in the league, maybe ever. But the losses of Rex Ryan, Bart Scott, and Jim Leonhard have hurt more than people think. And without Terrell Suggs this week, things only got worse. The Colts have been struggling, but to think Peyton Manning wouldn't be able to beat that defense is silly, in my mind. Sure, the Ravens almost won, but almost doesn't get you to the playoffs.
Well, That Makes Sense:
Baltimore Ravens
Playing Indy, some people had the Ravens as a slight favorite, some people had the Colts as a slight favorite. At this point, I think people are overvaluing the Ravens defense. Yes, like I've said before, Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are two of the best defensive players in the league, maybe ever. But the losses of Rex Ryan, Bart Scott, and Jim Leonhard have hurt more than people think. And without Terrell Suggs this week, things only got worse. The Colts have been struggling, but to think Peyton Manning wouldn't be able to beat that defense is silly, in my mind. Sure, the Ravens almost won, but almost doesn't get you to the playoffs.
Tuesday Morning News - 11/24/09
AL MVP: C Joe Mauer(MIN) [MLB.com]
Montreal Canadiens F Geroges Laraque has been suspended 5 games for a knee-to-knee hit on Detroit Red Wings D Niklas Kronwall. [Detroit Free Press]
Lorena Ochoa has won her fourth consecutive LPGA Player of the Year title. [USA Today]
Northeastern University will be ending their football program after 74 years, due to the costs of fielding a competitive team. [Berkshire Eagle]
Montreal Canadiens F Geroges Laraque has been suspended 5 games for a knee-to-knee hit on Detroit Red Wings D Niklas Kronwall. [Detroit Free Press]
Lorena Ochoa has won her fourth consecutive LPGA Player of the Year title. [USA Today]
Northeastern University will be ending their football program after 74 years, due to the costs of fielding a competitive team. [Berkshire Eagle]
Monday, November 23, 2009
MNF Preview - Week 11
Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans
Spread: Texans, -4
o/u: 48.5
The Vince Young Experiment comes to Houston this week, as the struggling, inconsistent Texans look to finally be consistent. They may have finally won three-in-a-row in Weeks 6, 7, and 8, but they followed that up with a 3 point loss to the Colts going into the bye week. And just like I predicted, Steve Slaton is the starter again. The fumblemonster will have to face a team on three straight wins whose D has improved greatly after their own bye in Week 7. Vince Young and the option offense have opened up the field for Chris Johnson, and hes been taking full advantage of it. Thats gonna be hard for the Texans to stop, and they fall back to .500 after this week.
Pick: Titans 31 - Texans 27
Spread: Texans, -4
o/u: 48.5
The Vince Young Experiment comes to Houston this week, as the struggling, inconsistent Texans look to finally be consistent. They may have finally won three-in-a-row in Weeks 6, 7, and 8, but they followed that up with a 3 point loss to the Colts going into the bye week. And just like I predicted, Steve Slaton is the starter again. The fumblemonster will have to face a team on three straight wins whose D has improved greatly after their own bye in Week 7. Vince Young and the option offense have opened up the field for Chris Johnson, and hes been taking full advantage of it. Thats gonna be hard for the Texans to stop, and they fall back to .500 after this week.
Pick: Titans 31 - Texans 27
NFL Sunday Recap - QBs: Rookies and Backups Make the Day
It was a tough day to be a QB this week, mostly:
A Tale of Two Rookies:
Mark Sanchez
The guy the Jets are banking their future on looked like a rookie for the third time this year. His 4 picks are only second to the five he threw against Buffalo, and getting strip-sacked late in the game pretty much sealed the deal for the Pats this week. He did have an impressive touchdown throw, but his mistakes doomed the Jets from the start. He finished the first half with 2 completions and 2 INTs.
A Tale of Two Rookies:
Mark Sanchez
The guy the Jets are banking their future on looked like a rookie for the third time this year. His 4 picks are only second to the five he threw against Buffalo, and getting strip-sacked late in the game pretty much sealed the deal for the Pats this week. He did have an impressive touchdown throw, but his mistakes doomed the Jets from the start. He finished the first half with 2 completions and 2 INTs.
Monday Morning News - 11/23/09
Jimmy Johnson won his fourth straight NASCAR Sprint Cup, coming in 5th at Homestead-Miami Speedway. [Virginia-Pilot]
Real Salt Lake won the 2009 MLS Cup with a win over the LA Galaxy on penalty kicks. [Goal.com]
Usain Bolt and Sanya Richards have been named IAAF World Athletes of the Year. [BBC]
Real Salt Lake won the 2009 MLS Cup with a win over the LA Galaxy on penalty kicks. [Goal.com]
Usain Bolt and Sanya Richards have been named IAAF World Athletes of the Year. [BBC]
Sunday, November 22, 2009
MY 25 - Week 12
There is probably nothing in sports I disagree with more than the BCS and college football poll system. With that in mind, each week I'll be naming my own Top 25. The only hard and fast rule of MY 25: overall records come first.
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. TCU
4. Florida
5. Boise State
6. Cincinnati
7. Pitt
8. Georgia Tech
9. Oregon
10. Ohio State
11. Utah
12. Houston
13. BYU
14. Temple
15. Iowa
16. Penn State
17. Oklahoma State
18. Central Michigan
19. Virginia Tech
20. Cal
21. Navy
22. Clemson
23. Ole Miss
24. Oregon State
25. Miami(FL)
Performance of the Week: UConn
Even with the state of Notre Dame football, its hard for a team to go into South Bend and win, especially on Senior Day. UConn did just that, pulling off what's being called the best win in program history. After quickly going down 14-0, the Huskies D only allowed a field goal in each half, while the offense came back to tie the game at 20-20. They almost won on a late field goal that went wide, but won anyway on a TD in the second OT period. This is their first win since CB Jasper Howard was murdered, and head coach Randy Edsall dedicated the win to him, saying he would send the gameball to Howard's family.
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. TCU
4. Florida
5. Boise State
6. Cincinnati
7. Pitt
8. Georgia Tech
9. Oregon
10. Ohio State
11. Utah
12. Houston
13. BYU
14. Temple
15. Iowa
16. Penn State
17. Oklahoma State
18. Central Michigan
19. Virginia Tech
20. Cal
21. Navy
22. Clemson
23. Ole Miss
24. Oregon State
25. Miami(FL)
Performance of the Week: UConn
Even with the state of Notre Dame football, its hard for a team to go into South Bend and win, especially on Senior Day. UConn did just that, pulling off what's being called the best win in program history. After quickly going down 14-0, the Huskies D only allowed a field goal in each half, while the offense came back to tie the game at 20-20. They almost won on a late field goal that went wide, but won anyway on a TD in the second OT period. This is their first win since CB Jasper Howard was murdered, and head coach Randy Edsall dedicated the win to him, saying he would send the gameball to Howard's family.
The Sunday News - 11/22/09
Week 12 college football upsets: Ole Miss 25 - No. 8 LSU 23, Northwestern 33 - No. 16 Wisconsin 31, No. 25 Cal 34 - No. 17 Stanford 28 [ESPN]
UFC 106 results: Forrest Griffin beat Tito Ortiz by split decision, Josh Koscheck beat Anthony Johnson by submission, Paulo Thiago beat Jacob Volkmann by unanimous decision, Amir Sadollah beat Phil Baroni by unanimous decision [LA Times]
NJ Devils C Dainus Zubrus will miss 4-6 weeks with a broken kneecap. [NorthJersey.com]
Michigan AD Bill Martin has announced Rich Rodriguez will continue to be head football coach through next season. [Detroit Free Press]
Kyle Busch clinched the NASCAR Nationwide Series title with his start in the series finale yesterday. [Seattle Times]
UFC 106 results: Forrest Griffin beat Tito Ortiz by split decision, Josh Koscheck beat Anthony Johnson by submission, Paulo Thiago beat Jacob Volkmann by unanimous decision, Amir Sadollah beat Phil Baroni by unanimous decision [LA Times]
NJ Devils C Dainus Zubrus will miss 4-6 weeks with a broken kneecap. [NorthJersey.com]
Michigan AD Bill Martin has announced Rich Rodriguez will continue to be head football coach through next season. [Detroit Free Press]
Kyle Busch clinched the NASCAR Nationwide Series title with his start in the series finale yesterday. [Seattle Times]
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Hot Stove Roundup - Covering the Top Free Agents, and a look at Aroldis Chapman
We're one day into free agency and not much is happening. It looks like most teams are waiting to see what the Yankees do, which is a fairly silly thing to do:
Free Agency:
This week, we'll take a look at the top three free agents this off season:
Matt Holliday:
No stranger to moving around, Holliday could be on his third team in the past two years. After spending his first five seasons with the Colorado Rockies, he was traded to the Oakland A's after the 2008 season, then to the St Louis Cardinals at mid-season. Though his numbers have declined over the last two season, he remains one of baseball's best hitters. Coming up on 30-years-old in January, his production should stay around .320 BA/.400 OBP/25 HR or better for a few more years. Lucky for him, it looks like a lot of teams will need a corner outfielder this year. However, the Angels and Giants have already publicly claimed they aren't interested, and I get the feeling the Yankees will get outfield help from within the organization this year. With the Red Sox looking at him and Jason Bay, he's most likely to end up there or stay with the Cardinals.
Free Agency:
This week, we'll take a look at the top three free agents this off season:
Matt Holliday:
No stranger to moving around, Holliday could be on his third team in the past two years. After spending his first five seasons with the Colorado Rockies, he was traded to the Oakland A's after the 2008 season, then to the St Louis Cardinals at mid-season. Though his numbers have declined over the last two season, he remains one of baseball's best hitters. Coming up on 30-years-old in January, his production should stay around .320 BA/.400 OBP/25 HR or better for a few more years. Lucky for him, it looks like a lot of teams will need a corner outfielder this year. However, the Angels and Giants have already publicly claimed they aren't interested, and I get the feeling the Yankees will get outfield help from within the organization this year. With the Red Sox looking at him and Jason Bay, he's most likely to end up there or stay with the Cardinals.
NFL Week 11 Preview
Atlanta Falcons @ NY Giants
Spread: Giants, -6.5
o/u: 46
The Falcons are in trouble. Matt Ryan is still good, but not as good as he looked last year. Michael Turner is out. Last week they lost to the Panthers. The Giants are coming off the bye, and have only Antonio Pierce out with a bulging disk. They may have lost four straight, but that has to end, eventually. This is the week, it does.
Pick: Giants 24 - Falcons 17
Spread: Giants, -6.5
o/u: 46
The Falcons are in trouble. Matt Ryan is still good, but not as good as he looked last year. Michael Turner is out. Last week they lost to the Panthers. The Giants are coming off the bye, and have only Antonio Pierce out with a bulging disk. They may have lost four straight, but that has to end, eventually. This is the week, it does.
Pick: Giants 24 - Falcons 17
Saturday Morning News - 11/21/09
NY Giants LB Antonio Pierce is out indefinitely after an MRI revealed a bulging disk in his neck. [NJ.com]
Jacksonville Jaguars S Reggie Nelson has been fined $7,500 for an unnecessary blow to the head on Jets QB Mark Sanchez. [Pro Football Talk]
Dallas Stars F James Neal has been suspended 2 games for a major boarding penalty against Columbus Blue Jackets F Derek Dorsett. [National Post]
Syracuse wins the 2k Sports Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, upsetting 6 Syracuse, 87-71. [Greensboro News-Record]
Jacksonville Jaguars S Reggie Nelson has been fined $7,500 for an unnecessary blow to the head on Jets QB Mark Sanchez. [Pro Football Talk]
Dallas Stars F James Neal has been suspended 2 games for a major boarding penalty against Columbus Blue Jackets F Derek Dorsett. [National Post]
Syracuse wins the 2k Sports Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, upsetting 6 Syracuse, 87-71. [Greensboro News-Record]
Friday, November 20, 2009
College Football Week 12 - Important Matchups
With the season winding down, there are really only two major games this weekend. Thats not to say there won't be upsets. With six teams still undeafeated, and five of them playing this weekend, you would think someone has to lose at some point. With Florida playing FIU and Alabama playing Chattanooga, the odds of both teams still being undefeated going into the SEC Championship are still pretty high, though.
10 Ohio State @ Michigan
Favorite: Ohio State, -12
This game mattered a lot more when it was basically the Big Ten Championship game. Now, Ohio State has already wrapped up the championship, and Michigan is playing for their bowl life. After starting the season 4-0, they've played like NY's NFL teams, going 1-6 and in danger of not making the postseason. After last season's 3-9 debacle, coach Rich Rodriguez could also be coaching for his career. Things don't look good for the home team, though. Outside of their loss to Purdue, Ohio State has looked like the team that would win the Big Ten, even when Iowa was undefeated. They've also beaten Michigan five straight times.
Pick: Ohio State 28 - Michigan 17
25 Cal @ 17 Stanford
Favorite: Stanford, -7
Jim Harbugh and Stanford are relevant again, after knocking off favorite USC, 55-21, last week! This week, they play the only ranked-vs-ranked game, at home against Cal. The Cardinal comes in as the nation's hottest team, and still have an outside shot at the Pac-10 title, with a little help from Oregon. Meanwhile, Cal wants to prove that a) they matter, too, and b) Jahvid Best is great, but they can win big games without him. This is the second straight week Cal will take on the 17th ranked team in the nation after beating Arizona last week. Unfortunately for them, Stanford has scored 106 points the last two weeks, against Oregon and USC. Cal has scored 38 against Oregon State and Arizona.
Pick: Stanford 51 - Cal 27
10 Ohio State @ Michigan
Favorite: Ohio State, -12
This game mattered a lot more when it was basically the Big Ten Championship game. Now, Ohio State has already wrapped up the championship, and Michigan is playing for their bowl life. After starting the season 4-0, they've played like NY's NFL teams, going 1-6 and in danger of not making the postseason. After last season's 3-9 debacle, coach Rich Rodriguez could also be coaching for his career. Things don't look good for the home team, though. Outside of their loss to Purdue, Ohio State has looked like the team that would win the Big Ten, even when Iowa was undefeated. They've also beaten Michigan five straight times.
Pick: Ohio State 28 - Michigan 17
25 Cal @ 17 Stanford
Favorite: Stanford, -7
Jim Harbugh and Stanford are relevant again, after knocking off favorite USC, 55-21, last week! This week, they play the only ranked-vs-ranked game, at home against Cal. The Cardinal comes in as the nation's hottest team, and still have an outside shot at the Pac-10 title, with a little help from Oregon. Meanwhile, Cal wants to prove that a) they matter, too, and b) Jahvid Best is great, but they can win big games without him. This is the second straight week Cal will take on the 17th ranked team in the nation after beating Arizona last week. Unfortunately for them, Stanford has scored 106 points the last two weeks, against Oregon and USC. Cal has scored 38 against Oregon State and Arizona.
Pick: Stanford 51 - Cal 27
Friday Morning News - 11/20/09
NL CY Young Award: Tim Lincecum(SF) []agreed to a trade sending P Aaron Heilman to the Arizona Diamondbacks for prospects P Scott Maine and 1B Ryne White. [ESPN]
The Chicago Cubs
Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Minnesota through 2013. [Minneapolis Star Tribune]
Milwaukee Bucks C Andrew Bogut will miss 2-4 weeks with a leg injury. [SI.com]
The Chicago Cubs
Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Minnesota through 2013. [Minneapolis Star Tribune]
Milwaukee Bucks C Andrew Bogut will miss 2-4 weeks with a leg injury. [SI.com]
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Karo Parysian Done With UFC?
Karo Parysian, who had just come off a 9-month drug suspension, will apparently be cut from the UFC roster. Parysian was expected to fight Dustin Hazelett at UFC 106, but pulled out the day before weigh-ins. From UFC President Dana White's twitter account:
Parysian has a history of problems in UFC, previously pulling out of a match scheduled for UFC 88 at the last minute, claiming a back injury. His last match, at UFC 94, was declared a "no contest" after he tested positive for banned painkillers, leading to his suspension. Hazelett will be paid a full purse for the canceled fight. Parysian's run ends with a 8-3 UFC record, with the one no contest.
Karo Parisyan has fucked over the UFC, the fans and his opponent again!!! He will not be fighting saturday or ever again in the UFC!!
Pulled out of the fight the day before weigh ins again with a laundry list of excuses!!! Let the press ask karo why! Let him explain.
Parysian has a history of problems in UFC, previously pulling out of a match scheduled for UFC 88 at the last minute, claiming a back injury. His last match, at UFC 94, was declared a "no contest" after he tested positive for banned painkillers, leading to his suspension. Hazelett will be paid a full purse for the canceled fight. Parysian's run ends with a 8-3 UFC record, with the one no contest.
Thursday Night Special - Dolphins @ Panthers
Miami Dolphins @ Carolina Panthers
Spread: Panthers, -3
o/u: 42.5
A week or two ago I would have given this game to the Dolphins, easily. Now Ronnie Brown is done for the year, and that severly limits the Wildcat. Yes, Pat White can still run it, and Ricky Williams has been strong out of the backfield, but neither one can do what Brown has done over the past two seasons. Last week, the Panthers faced a strong runner in Michael Turner. Once he went down with an ankle injury, they pulled out a 28-19 win. With DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart healthy enough to be a dangerous backfield combination again, the Panthers will get themselves back in the playoff picture this week.
Pick: Panthers 24 - Dolphins 20
Spread: Panthers, -3
o/u: 42.5
A week or two ago I would have given this game to the Dolphins, easily. Now Ronnie Brown is done for the year, and that severly limits the Wildcat. Yes, Pat White can still run it, and Ricky Williams has been strong out of the backfield, but neither one can do what Brown has done over the past two seasons. Last week, the Panthers faced a strong runner in Michael Turner. Once he went down with an ankle injury, they pulled out a 28-19 win. With DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart healthy enough to be a dangerous backfield combination again, the Panthers will get themselves back in the playoff picture this week.
Pick: Panthers 24 - Dolphins 20
Thursday Morning News - 11/19/09
MLB Manager of the Year: Mike Sciosia(LAA), Jim Tracy(COL) [MLB.com]
Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn has been fined $10,000 for a low hit on Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs. [TribToday.com]
Montreal Canadiens F Brian Gionta will be out indefinitely with a broken bone in his left foot. [Globe and Mail]
LA Kings C Ryan Smyth will miss at least a month with an "upper body injury." [LA Times]
Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn has been fined $10,000 for a low hit on Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs. [TribToday.com]
Montreal Canadiens F Brian Gionta will be out indefinitely with a broken bone in his left foot. [Globe and Mail]
LA Kings C Ryan Smyth will miss at least a month with an "upper body injury." [LA Times]
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday Morning News - 11/18/09
AL Cy Young Award: Zach Greinke(KC) [MLB.com]
The Buffalo Bills fired their head coach after a 3-6 start. Dick Jauron will be replaced by defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. [NFL.com]
Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games for violating the NFL PED policy. [KansasCity.com]
LA Laker Kobe Bryant had his 100th career 40-point game in a 106-93 win over the Detroit Pistons. [NBC Sports]
Raja Bell, who was sent to the Golden State Warriors in a trade Monday could miss the rest of the season after upcoming surgery on his wrist. [Examiner]
Orlando Magic PR Jameer Nelson is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a torn meniscus in his left knee. [Sporting News]
Portland Trailblazer Travis Outlaw will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken bone in his left foot. [Blazers Beat]
Brendan Shanahan has retired from the NHL. He played for 21 years, and is one of the last two active players to play for the Hartford Whalers. [NY Times]
The Buffalo Bills fired their head coach after a 3-6 start. Dick Jauron will be replaced by defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. [NFL.com]
Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games for violating the NFL PED policy. [KansasCity.com]
LA Laker Kobe Bryant had his 100th career 40-point game in a 106-93 win over the Detroit Pistons. [NBC Sports]
Raja Bell, who was sent to the Golden State Warriors in a trade Monday could miss the rest of the season after upcoming surgery on his wrist. [Examiner]
Orlando Magic PR Jameer Nelson is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a torn meniscus in his left knee. [Sporting News]
Portland Trailblazer Travis Outlaw will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken bone in his left foot. [Blazers Beat]
Brendan Shanahan has retired from the NHL. He played for 21 years, and is one of the last two active players to play for the Hartford Whalers. [NY Times]
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
NFL Week 10 Wrap-up
With teams facing injuries heading into the playoff push its times like this that...Screw it, lets talk about the NFC East!
Whats Wrong with These Guys?:
Dallas Cowboys
After five weeks, the 'Boys looked lost out there. They had a 3-2 record, but couldn't beat anyone above .500. And KC had just taken them to overtime. Then they had a bye week, officially made Miles Austin a starter, and the team blew up for three weeks, ending with a 20-16 win over Philly for first place in the division. With Green Bay coming off a loss to then-winless Tampa Bay, they looked set to go 5-0. And then their offense didn't show up. The defense played ok, racking up four more sack on Aaron Rodgers and holding the team to a field goal in the first half. But they had no turnovers while the offense lost 2 fumbles and an INT. Clearly this team is different from the one that lost 33-31 to the Giants in Week 2. They're defense is much improved, but their offense is only showing quick flashes. And now that teams have figured out Austin, they can't look to him anymore. Roy Williams and Tony Romo need to step up. Williams claims he's the teams #1 receiver, and now he needs to prove it. He had 105 yards and a TD this week, and it only took him until Week 10 to have a 100 yard game. Its also only his third TD of the season. Its also beginning to become clearer that Romo is not a frnachise QB. Is he a solid QB? Yes. But he's not going to lead anyone to a Super Bowl any time soon. The team looks like a playoff contender, but only because the rest of they're division is falling apart, too.
Whats Wrong with These Guys?:
Dallas Cowboys
After five weeks, the 'Boys looked lost out there. They had a 3-2 record, but couldn't beat anyone above .500. And KC had just taken them to overtime. Then they had a bye week, officially made Miles Austin a starter, and the team blew up for three weeks, ending with a 20-16 win over Philly for first place in the division. With Green Bay coming off a loss to then-winless Tampa Bay, they looked set to go 5-0. And then their offense didn't show up. The defense played ok, racking up four more sack on Aaron Rodgers and holding the team to a field goal in the first half. But they had no turnovers while the offense lost 2 fumbles and an INT. Clearly this team is different from the one that lost 33-31 to the Giants in Week 2. They're defense is much improved, but their offense is only showing quick flashes. And now that teams have figured out Austin, they can't look to him anymore. Roy Williams and Tony Romo need to step up. Williams claims he's the teams #1 receiver, and now he needs to prove it. He had 105 yards and a TD this week, and it only took him until Week 10 to have a 100 yard game. Its also only his third TD of the season. Its also beginning to become clearer that Romo is not a frnachise QB. Is he a solid QB? Yes. But he's not going to lead anyone to a Super Bowl any time soon. The team looks like a playoff contender, but only because the rest of they're division is falling apart, too.
Tuesday Morning News - 11/17/09
MLB Rookie of the Year Awards: RP Andrew Bailey(OAK), OF Chris Coghlan(FLA) [MLB.com]
Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams has been fined $250,000 for an obscene gesture directed at the Buffalo Bills in the Titans 41-17 win. [Nashville City Paper]
ESPN is reporting the Cincinnati Bengals have signed Larry Johnson to a one-year deal. [ESPN]
The Golden State Warriors completed a four-player trade, sending Steven Jackson and Acie Law to the Charlotte Bobcats for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic. [ABC 7 News]
The Memphis Grizzlies and Allen Iverson have agreed to part ways. [Bloomberg]
Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams has been fined $250,000 for an obscene gesture directed at the Buffalo Bills in the Titans 41-17 win. [Nashville City Paper]
ESPN is reporting the Cincinnati Bengals have signed Larry Johnson to a one-year deal. [ESPN]
The Golden State Warriors completed a four-player trade, sending Steven Jackson and Acie Law to the Charlotte Bobcats for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic. [ABC 7 News]
The Memphis Grizzlies and Allen Iverson have agreed to part ways. [Bloomberg]
Monday, November 16, 2009
MNF Preview - Week 10
Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
Spread: Ravens, -11
o/u: 39.5
The good news: The Brady Quinn Era is back! The bad news: The Browns are on Monday Night Football. I guess the schedule-makers felt the Browns would be better than the Bengals this year, since this looks like it would have been a perfect week to put Pats-Colts on Monday, Bengals-Steelers on Sunday night, and bury this game at 1 on Sunday. But no, now we have to suffer. Thanks schedule-makers. Thanks for nothing.
Pick: Ravens 24 - Browns 10
Spread: Ravens, -11
o/u: 39.5
The good news: The Brady Quinn Era is back! The bad news: The Browns are on Monday Night Football. I guess the schedule-makers felt the Browns would be better than the Bengals this year, since this looks like it would have been a perfect week to put Pats-Colts on Monday, Bengals-Steelers on Sunday night, and bury this game at 1 on Sunday. But no, now we have to suffer. Thanks schedule-makers. Thanks for nothing.
Pick: Ravens 24 - Browns 10
NFL Sunday Recap - Week 10
Injuries! They hurt. And not just the person getting injured:
I found their weakness. They're powerless without their heads!:
Kyle Orton
After putting together a great start to the season, the Broncos had lost two straight. But never fear, they played the Redskins this week! There was no way they could lose! Brandon Marshall started the game off catching 2 passes for 115 yards and 2 TDs. They would add on a field goal in the second quarter to take a 17-14 lead into the half. Orton wouldn't see the field again, however, leaving with an ankle injury. Chris Simms would fill in for him in the second half, and he would go 3/13 for 13 yards and a pick. The Broncos would lose their third straight, 27-17.
I found their weakness. They're powerless without their heads!:
Kyle Orton
After putting together a great start to the season, the Broncos had lost two straight. But never fear, they played the Redskins this week! There was no way they could lose! Brandon Marshall started the game off catching 2 passes for 115 yards and 2 TDs. They would add on a field goal in the second quarter to take a 17-14 lead into the half. Orton wouldn't see the field again, however, leaving with an ankle injury. Chris Simms would fill in for him in the second half, and he would go 3/13 for 13 yards and a pick. The Broncos would lose their third straight, 27-17.
Monday Morning News - 11/16/09
Jimmy Johnson, current NASCAR Chase for the Cup points leader, won at Phoenix International Raceway. He only needs a 25th place finish in the last race of the season next week to win his fourth Sprint Cup. [LA Times]
Michelle Wie, once the youngest professional gofler at 10 years old, has won her first event, the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. [Honolulu Advertiser]
Novak Djokovic won the Paris Masters, beating Gael Monfils. [Bloomberg]
Michelle Wie, once the youngest professional gofler at 10 years old, has won her first event, the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. [Honolulu Advertiser]
Novak Djokovic won the Paris Masters, beating Gael Monfils. [Bloomberg]
Sunday, November 15, 2009
MY 25 - Week 11
There is probably nothing in sports I disagree with more than the BCS and college football poll system. With that in mind, each week I'll be naming my own Top 25. The only hard and fast rule of MY 25: overall records come first.
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. TCU
4. Boise State
5. Florida
6. Cincinnati
7. Pitt
8. Georgia Tech
9. Oregon
10. Ohio State
11. Wisconsin
12. Rutgers
13. Utah
14. Iowa
15. BYU
16. Temple
17. Houston
18. Penn State
19. LSU
20. Oklahoma State
21. Central Michigan
22. Virginia Tech
23. Stanford
24. Navy
25. Cal
Performance of the Week: Stanford
Sure, USC has been beaten by two other Pac-10 teams already this season, but they hadn't lost at home in two years. The last team to do it? The Stanford Cardinal, in one of the biggest upsets ever. At 6-3 coming in, Stanford obviously felt they had something to prove, and prove it they did, beating USC 55-21. Its the most points ever scored against USC, and pretty much ends their streak of BCS bowl appearances, 11-win seasons, top-4 poll finishes, and is the first time Pete Carroll has lost as head coach of USC in November.
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. TCU
4. Boise State
5. Florida
6. Cincinnati
7. Pitt
8. Georgia Tech
9. Oregon
10. Ohio State
11. Wisconsin
12. Rutgers
13. Utah
14. Iowa
15. BYU
16. Temple
17. Houston
18. Penn State
19. LSU
20. Oklahoma State
21. Central Michigan
22. Virginia Tech
23. Stanford
24. Navy
25. Cal
Performance of the Week: Stanford
Sure, USC has been beaten by two other Pac-10 teams already this season, but they hadn't lost at home in two years. The last team to do it? The Stanford Cardinal, in one of the biggest upsets ever. At 6-3 coming in, Stanford obviously felt they had something to prove, and prove it they did, beating USC 55-21. Its the most points ever scored against USC, and pretty much ends their streak of BCS bowl appearances, 11-win seasons, top-4 poll finishes, and is the first time Pete Carroll has lost as head coach of USC in November.
The Sunday News - 11/15/09
Week 11 college football upsets: Stanford 55 - No. 9 USC 21, UNC 33 - No. 14 Miami(FL) 24, UCF 37 - No. 17 Houston 32 [ESPN]
Manny Pacquiao defeated Miguel Cotto by 12th round TKO. [Miami Herald]
Tiger Woods scored a final round 68 to win the Australian Masters by 2 strokes. [Guardian]
Manny Pacquiao defeated Miguel Cotto by 12th round TKO. [Miami Herald]
Tiger Woods scored a final round 68 to win the Australian Masters by 2 strokes. [Guardian]
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Hot Stove Roundup - Week 1
With the MLB season about a week-and-a-half in the past, its time to start taking a look at the offseason moves as teams try to improve for next season. Without further ado, here is the first installment of the weekly Hot Stove Roundup:
NFL Week 10 Preview
Jacksonville Jaguars @ NY Jets
Spread: Jets, -7
o/u: 40.5
With both teams at 4-4, this game is a must-win for both teams to start the second half. The thing to remember about the Jags is they haven't played well on the road, and David Garrard especially. The key for them will be Maurice Jones-Drew's ability to run through a Jets D without Kris Jenkins. The Jets key, then, will be to swarm MJD, and not let him break big plays on them. Even if he does, the Jags defense is terrible, and Mark Sanchez should have all day to find open receivers when he needs to. This game could easily go the way of the Jets-Raiders game of a few weeks ago.
Pick: Jets 28 - Jaguars 17
Spread: Jets, -7
o/u: 40.5
With both teams at 4-4, this game is a must-win for both teams to start the second half. The thing to remember about the Jags is they haven't played well on the road, and David Garrard especially. The key for them will be Maurice Jones-Drew's ability to run through a Jets D without Kris Jenkins. The Jets key, then, will be to swarm MJD, and not let him break big plays on them. Even if he does, the Jags defense is terrible, and Mark Sanchez should have all day to find open receivers when he needs to. This game could easily go the way of the Jets-Raiders game of a few weeks ago.
Pick: Jets 28 - Jaguars 17
Saturday Morning News - 11/14/09
Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler has been fined $20,000 for abuse of an official during their loss to Arizona last week. [UPI]
Arkansas's Rotnei Clarke set an SEC record with 13 3-pointers in a 130-68 win over Alcorn State. He also broke the teams scoring record with 51 points. [Times Record Online]
Washington Capitals RW Mike Knuble is expected to miss 3-4 weeks after breaking a finger in a 3-1 win over New Jersey. [Washington Post]
Ron Hornaday has clinched the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series title, his fourth. At 51 years old, he is the oldest driver to win a NASCAR series championship. [TSN]
Arkansas's Rotnei Clarke set an SEC record with 13 3-pointers in a 130-68 win over Alcorn State. He also broke the teams scoring record with 51 points. [Times Record Online]
Washington Capitals RW Mike Knuble is expected to miss 3-4 weeks after breaking a finger in a 3-1 win over New Jersey. [Washington Post]
Ron Hornaday has clinched the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series title, his fourth. At 51 years old, he is the oldest driver to win a NASCAR series championship. [TSN]
Friday, November 13, 2009
David Duval Probable to Lose PGA Tour Card
Duval, who was ranked #1 in April of 1999, will most likely lose his Tour Card at the conclusion of this weekends tournament. From ESPN:
So really, how much does it have to suck to lose your Tour Card at an event sponsored by the Children's Miracle Network, and held at Disney World? Though he came in second at the US Open earlier this year, his lone major win came at the 2001 Open Championship(aka the British Open). He also only has 13 PGA Tour wins, all coming from 1997 to 2001.
And next year: Back to Q School.
Former world No. 1 David Duval is likely to lose his PGA Tour card next year after missing the cut at the Children's Miracle Network Classic.
Duval finished at 5-over par at Disney World on Friday in the final event of the season.
So really, how much does it have to suck to lose your Tour Card at an event sponsored by the Children's Miracle Network, and held at Disney World? Though he came in second at the US Open earlier this year, his lone major win came at the 2001 Open Championship(aka the British Open). He also only has 13 PGA Tour wins, all coming from 1997 to 2001.
And next year: Back to Q School.
College Football Week 11 - Important Matchups
1 Florida @ South Carolina
Favorite: Florida, -17
With Florida already knowing they'll play Alabama in the SEC title game, it would be easy for them to lose focus. Add to that their recent struggles on offense, and this could easily turn into the upset of the weekend, if not the season. SEC title or not, with five undefeated teams behind them in the standings, Florida needs to keep winning. Lucky for them that South Carolina's defense has struggle over the last two weeks, losing to Tennessee and Arkansas, and giving up 30 points to both. Florida might not put up 40+ points in this one, but they'll still pull out the win.
Pick: Florida 31 - South Carolina 17
10 Iowa @ 11 Ohio State
Favorite: Ohio State, -17
Iowa finally lost last week, and with the way they've been playing it was only a matter of time. Ohio State has an ugly loss to Purdue on their record, but has already shaken it off. In the three games since that loss, they've outscored opponents 107-14, including a 24-7 win over Penn State last week. With this game deciding the Big Ten champion, Ohio State simply looks like the better, and better prepared, team.
Pick: Ohio State 24 - Iowa 10
16 Utah @ 4 TCU
Favorite: TCU, -20
The way it stands now, TCU needs to win out, and have Texas lose a game, to have a shot at the BCS National Championship. This week they face a Utah team that knows all too well what it feels like to go undefeated and not play for the title, as they were in this position last year. If you take out Utah's loss to Oregon, these two teams have combined to allow more than 20 points and score less than 20 points only once, both by TCU. They might have a great team this year, but I think this is the week TCU gets taken out of the title picture.
Pick: Utah 24 - TCU 17
25 West Virginia @ 5 Cincinnati
Favorite: Cincinnati, -8.5
Tony Pike may not be getting the start again this week, but clearly Cincy hasn't missed a beat without him. And somehow, over the same four game stretch, its been West Virginia's offense thats struggled. They've gone from 33.8 points per game in their first five to 22 in their last four. Cincinnati's offense has played consistently well, and hasn't scored less than 28 points all season. I don't see any reason why that will change now.
Pick: Cincinnati 38 - West Virginia 17
Favorite: Florida, -17
With Florida already knowing they'll play Alabama in the SEC title game, it would be easy for them to lose focus. Add to that their recent struggles on offense, and this could easily turn into the upset of the weekend, if not the season. SEC title or not, with five undefeated teams behind them in the standings, Florida needs to keep winning. Lucky for them that South Carolina's defense has struggle over the last two weeks, losing to Tennessee and Arkansas, and giving up 30 points to both. Florida might not put up 40+ points in this one, but they'll still pull out the win.
Pick: Florida 31 - South Carolina 17
10 Iowa @ 11 Ohio State
Favorite: Ohio State, -17
Iowa finally lost last week, and with the way they've been playing it was only a matter of time. Ohio State has an ugly loss to Purdue on their record, but has already shaken it off. In the three games since that loss, they've outscored opponents 107-14, including a 24-7 win over Penn State last week. With this game deciding the Big Ten champion, Ohio State simply looks like the better, and better prepared, team.
Pick: Ohio State 24 - Iowa 10
16 Utah @ 4 TCU
Favorite: TCU, -20
The way it stands now, TCU needs to win out, and have Texas lose a game, to have a shot at the BCS National Championship. This week they face a Utah team that knows all too well what it feels like to go undefeated and not play for the title, as they were in this position last year. If you take out Utah's loss to Oregon, these two teams have combined to allow more than 20 points and score less than 20 points only once, both by TCU. They might have a great team this year, but I think this is the week TCU gets taken out of the title picture.
Pick: Utah 24 - TCU 17
25 West Virginia @ 5 Cincinnati
Favorite: Cincinnati, -8.5
Tony Pike may not be getting the start again this week, but clearly Cincy hasn't missed a beat without him. And somehow, over the same four game stretch, its been West Virginia's offense thats struggled. They've gone from 33.8 points per game in their first five to 22 in their last four. Cincinnati's offense has played consistently well, and hasn't scored less than 28 points all season. I don't see any reason why that will change now.
Pick: Cincinnati 38 - West Virginia 17
Friday Morning News - 11/13/09
Silver Slugger Awards: 8 first timers, 8 repeat winners [MLB.com]
Retired closer and current Seattle Mariners coach John Wetteland was hospitalized yesterday, with conflicting reports as to why. [Seattle Times]
Tennessee Titans WR Justin Gage has multiple fractures in his back and it is currently unknown if he will miss significant playing time. [Titans Radio]
Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco has been fined for joking about bribing officials during and after their win over Baltimore on Sunday. [The Huddle]
Four players and coaches have received fines for a sideline "scuffle" during the Falcons-Redskins game. [NFL.com]
The New Orleans Hornets fired their head coach, Byron Scott, after a 3-6 start to the season. He will be replaced by GM Jeff Bower. [ESPN]
Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has been appointed to head an independent panel to examine the USOC's governance structure. [NY Times]
Retired closer and current Seattle Mariners coach John Wetteland was hospitalized yesterday, with conflicting reports as to why. [Seattle Times]
Tennessee Titans WR Justin Gage has multiple fractures in his back and it is currently unknown if he will miss significant playing time. [Titans Radio]
Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco has been fined for joking about bribing officials during and after their win over Baltimore on Sunday. [The Huddle]
Four players and coaches have received fines for a sideline "scuffle" during the Falcons-Redskins game. [NFL.com]
The New Orleans Hornets fired their head coach, Byron Scott, after a 3-6 start to the season. He will be replaced by GM Jeff Bower. [ESPN]
Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has been appointed to head an independent panel to examine the USOC's governance structure. [NY Times]
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thursday Night Special - Bears @ 49ers
Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers
Spread: 49ers, -3
o/u: 43.5
The first Thursday Night game of the season features two teams that look a lot alike: both have a QB that can cause turnovers, and both have a defense that isn't living up to expectations lately. The bigger problem will be for the Bears, who have to figure out how to stop Frank Gore. They're giving up 119.5 rushing yards per game, and against a guy that will just keep going at you, that isn't gonna do it. With both teams on a short week, I wouldn't be surprised to see a mistake filled game from both teams, but as long as Gore can keep running, the '9ers will be fine.
Pick: 49ers 24 - Bears 17
Spread: 49ers, -3
o/u: 43.5
The first Thursday Night game of the season features two teams that look a lot alike: both have a QB that can cause turnovers, and both have a defense that isn't living up to expectations lately. The bigger problem will be for the Bears, who have to figure out how to stop Frank Gore. They're giving up 119.5 rushing yards per game, and against a guy that will just keep going at you, that isn't gonna do it. With both teams on a short week, I wouldn't be surprised to see a mistake filled game from both teams, but as long as Gore can keep running, the '9ers will be fine.
Pick: 49ers 24 - Bears 17
Thursday Morning News - 11/12/09
NL Gold Glove Winners: P Adam Wainwright(STL), C Yadier Molina(STL), 1B Adrian Gonzalez(SD), 2B Orlando Hudson(LAD), 3B Ryan Zimmerman(WAS), SS Jimmy Rollins(PHI), OF Shane Victorino(PHI), OF Michael Bourn(HOU), OF Matt Kemp(LAD) [MLB.com]
Jim Riggleman is getting promoted from interim manager to permanent manager of the Washington Nationals. [Nationals Journal]
Bad news for Eagles fans: CB Ellis Hobbs will miss the rest of the season with a neck injury that will require surgery, and CB Joselio Hanson is suspended 4 games for violating the NFL PED policy. [Philly.com]
The NHL is moving closer to a ban on blindside hits. [London Free Press]
Retired boxer Mike Tyson was detained by police after allegedly hitting a photographer at LAX. [Miami Herald]
Jim Riggleman is getting promoted from interim manager to permanent manager of the Washington Nationals. [Nationals Journal]
Bad news for Eagles fans: CB Ellis Hobbs will miss the rest of the season with a neck injury that will require surgery, and CB Joselio Hanson is suspended 4 games for violating the NFL PED policy. [Philly.com]
The NHL is moving closer to a ban on blindside hits. [London Free Press]
Retired boxer Mike Tyson was detained by police after allegedly hitting a photographer at LAX. [Miami Herald]
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday Morning News - 10/11/09
AL Gold Glove Winners: P Mark Buehrle(CWS), C Joe Mauer(MIN), 1B Mark Teixeira(NYY), 2B Placido Polanco(DET), 3B Evan Longoria(TB), SS Derek Jeter(NYY), OF Torii Hunter(LAA), OF Adam Jones(BAL), OF Ichiro Suzuki(SEA) [MLB.com]
Basbeball's general managers decided not to hold a vote on the expansion of instant replay. [Chicago Breaking Sports]
Memphis Grizzlies C Hasheem Thabeet broke his jaw in a collision with teammate Zach Randolph during last night's loss to Portland. [NBC Connecticut]
Illinois' Jeff Jordan, oldest son of Michael, has been suspended 2 games for playing in an unsanctioned event over the summer. [USA Today]
The University of Arkansas has handed out suspensions to five players. Glenn Bryant will miss 2 games, Marcus Britt will miss 6, Nick Mason will miss the entire fall semester, and Stefan Walsh and Courtney Fortson are out indefinitely, all for violating team rules. [Fayetteville Flyer]
German goalkeeper Robert Enke has died. His death is believed to have been a suicide. [Examiner]
Joe Cada is now the youngest person to win the World Series of Poker Main Event. [OnlinePoker.net]
Basbeball's general managers decided not to hold a vote on the expansion of instant replay. [Chicago Breaking Sports]
Memphis Grizzlies C Hasheem Thabeet broke his jaw in a collision with teammate Zach Randolph during last night's loss to Portland. [NBC Connecticut]
Illinois' Jeff Jordan, oldest son of Michael, has been suspended 2 games for playing in an unsanctioned event over the summer. [USA Today]
The University of Arkansas has handed out suspensions to five players. Glenn Bryant will miss 2 games, Marcus Britt will miss 6, Nick Mason will miss the entire fall semester, and Stefan Walsh and Courtney Fortson are out indefinitely, all for violating team rules. [Fayetteville Flyer]
German goalkeeper Robert Enke has died. His death is believed to have been a suicide. [Examiner]
Joe Cada is now the youngest person to win the World Series of Poker Main Event. [OnlinePoker.net]
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
NFL Week 9 Wrap-up
With every team having played 8 games, here's some midseason awards!
MVP:
Peyton Manning
With his Colts once again 8-0, Manning is the leader at the half-way point. His closest competition is Drew Brees, but Manning has a better completion percentage, more yards, and two less picks. I'm thinking Brees might win this at the end of the season, but Manning has a slim lead after 8 games.
Honorable Mention: Drew Brees, Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew
MVP:
Peyton Manning
With his Colts once again 8-0, Manning is the leader at the half-way point. His closest competition is Drew Brees, but Manning has a better completion percentage, more yards, and two less picks. I'm thinking Brees might win this at the end of the season, but Manning has a slim lead after 8 games.
Honorable Mention: Drew Brees, Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew
Tuesday Morning News - 11/10/09
Larry Johnson has been released by the Kansas City Chiefs following his two week suspension. [Bloomberg]
Oregon's LeGarrette Blount has been reinstated by the Pac-10, and will play this weekend against Arizona State. He had been originally suspended the full season for punching an opponent after Oregon's opening game loss to Boise State. [DuckSportsNews.com]
FSU's Chris Ponder will miss the rest of the season with a separated shoulder. [Augusta Free Press]
Minnesota Wild RW Petr Sykora will be out indefinitely after suffering a concussion against the Dallas Stars. [St Cloud Times]
Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim beat Albany to win his 800th game, all with the same school. [NYDN]
Oregon's LeGarrette Blount has been reinstated by the Pac-10, and will play this weekend against Arizona State. He had been originally suspended the full season for punching an opponent after Oregon's opening game loss to Boise State. [DuckSportsNews.com]
FSU's Chris Ponder will miss the rest of the season with a separated shoulder. [Augusta Free Press]
Minnesota Wild RW Petr Sykora will be out indefinitely after suffering a concussion against the Dallas Stars. [St Cloud Times]
Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim beat Albany to win his 800th game, all with the same school. [NYDN]
Monday, November 9, 2009
MNF Preview - Week 9
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos
Spread: Steelers, -3
o/u: 40.5
Lets look at the facts here: The Broncos are 3-0 at home. The Steelers are 1-2 on the road. The Broncos have the league's best defense. The Steelers are playing without S Ryan Clark, who could potentially die if he plays in Denver again. In his career, Broncos QB Kyle Orton has only lost TWO home games. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is 1-2 against Denver. And yet, the Steelers are a 3 point favorite? I'm sorry, I'm taking Denver in this one.
Pick: Broncos 24 - Steelers 21
Spread: Steelers, -3
o/u: 40.5
Lets look at the facts here: The Broncos are 3-0 at home. The Steelers are 1-2 on the road. The Broncos have the league's best defense. The Steelers are playing without S Ryan Clark, who could potentially die if he plays in Denver again. In his career, Broncos QB Kyle Orton has only lost TWO home games. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is 1-2 against Denver. And yet, the Steelers are a 3 point favorite? I'm sorry, I'm taking Denver in this one.
Pick: Broncos 24 - Steelers 21
NFL Sunday Recap - Week 9
Sometimes a change is good. Sometimes, not so much:
Change You Can Belive In!:
Vince Young
Lets face it: the Tennessee Titans are not the team they were last year. Struggling doesn't even begin to describe their first six games, which saw them score 10 or less points three times and get blown out more often than not. Kerry Collins under center clearly wasn't the answer, as he never led a single game in passing yards, including Week 3 when Mark Sanchez led the game with 171 yards. Somehow, though, the Vince Young Experiment has turned this team around in the last two weeks without doing any better than Collins did. In fact, in the last two games, the Titans have scored only 20 points less than in the first six games combined, Young has thrown for 50 yards per game less than Collins was, and only has 1 TD pass. I don't know what Vince is doing down there, but he better keep doing it.
Change You Can Belive In!:
Vince Young
Lets face it: the Tennessee Titans are not the team they were last year. Struggling doesn't even begin to describe their first six games, which saw them score 10 or less points three times and get blown out more often than not. Kerry Collins under center clearly wasn't the answer, as he never led a single game in passing yards, including Week 3 when Mark Sanchez led the game with 171 yards. Somehow, though, the Vince Young Experiment has turned this team around in the last two weeks without doing any better than Collins did. In fact, in the last two games, the Titans have scored only 20 points less than in the first six games combined, Young has thrown for 50 yards per game less than Collins was, and only has 1 TD pass. I don't know what Vince is doing down there, but he better keep doing it.
Monday Morning News - 11/9/09
Carolina Hurricanes G Cam Ward will miss at least a month after being hospitalized having his leg cut open by an opponents skate. [NHL.com]
Detroit Red Wings F Jason Williams is expected to miss at least 8 weeks with a broken right fibula. [Detroit Free Press]
Kurt Busch won the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Jimmy Johnson, who crashed in the third lap but finished the race, saw his points lead over Mark Martin drop to 73. [KansasCity.com]
Detroit Red Wings F Jason Williams is expected to miss at least 8 weeks with a broken right fibula. [Detroit Free Press]
Kurt Busch won the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Jimmy Johnson, who crashed in the third lap but finished the race, saw his points lead over Mark Martin drop to 73. [KansasCity.com]
Sunday, November 8, 2009
MY 25 - Week 10
There is probably nothing in sports I disagree with more than the BCS and college football poll system. With that in mind, each week I'll be naming my own Top 25. The only hard and fast rule of MY 25: overall records come first.
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. Boise St
4. Florida
5. TCU
6. Cincinnati
7. Utah
8. Pitt
9. Houston
10. Iowa
11. Georgia Tech
12. Miami(FL)
13. Oregon
14. BYU
15. Arizona
16. Ohio State
17. Penn State
18. LSU
19. Wisconsin
20. USF
21. Rutgers
22. West Virginia
23. Oklahoma State
24. USC
25. Temple
Performance of the Week: Tennessee
With the season winding down, this is the time rebuilding teams need to step up and show they can be somebody next year. After a 1-2 start that had them losing to Florida and UCLA, Tennessee has crawled back to a 5-4 record. Whats been overlooked in an SEC that features unbeaten Florida and Alabama and one-loss LSU has been Tennessee's improvement under first-year head coach Lane Kiffin. Last weeks win over South Carolina and this weeks 56-28 blowout of Memphis are the kinds of statement wins a team needs to show they have a future. Even with their QB and starting back leaving after this year, Tennessee could become a powerhouse team again. After this season ends, a Tim Tebow-less SEC could leave the East open for Tennessee's taking.
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. Boise St
4. Florida
5. TCU
6. Cincinnati
7. Utah
8. Pitt
9. Houston
10. Iowa
11. Georgia Tech
12. Miami(FL)
13. Oregon
14. BYU
15. Arizona
16. Ohio State
17. Penn State
18. LSU
19. Wisconsin
20. USF
21. Rutgers
22. West Virginia
23. Oklahoma State
24. USC
25. Temple
Performance of the Week: Tennessee
With the season winding down, this is the time rebuilding teams need to step up and show they can be somebody next year. After a 1-2 start that had them losing to Florida and UCLA, Tennessee has crawled back to a 5-4 record. Whats been overlooked in an SEC that features unbeaten Florida and Alabama and one-loss LSU has been Tennessee's improvement under first-year head coach Lane Kiffin. Last weeks win over South Carolina and this weeks 56-28 blowout of Memphis are the kinds of statement wins a team needs to show they have a future. Even with their QB and starting back leaving after this year, Tennessee could become a powerhouse team again. After this season ends, a Tim Tebow-less SEC could leave the East open for Tennessee's taking.
The Sunday News - 11/8/09
Week 10 college football upsets: Northwestern 17 - No. 4 Iowa 10, Stanford 51 - No. 8 Oregon 42, Oregon State 31 - No. 20 Cal 14, Navy 23 - No. 22 Notre Dame 21 [ESPN]
Ty Law is coming out of retirment to sign with the Denver Broncos. [Denver Post]
Cal RB Jahvid Best suffered his second concussion in two weeks in the loss to Oregon State. [Sporting News]
Manny Ramirez has exercised his option to return to the LA Dodgers. [Reuters]
The Philadelphia Phillies picked up their option on Cliff Lee. [MLB.com]
The Milwaukee Brewers traded SS J.J. Hardy to the Minnesota Twins for CF Carlos Gomez. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
The Arizona Diamondbacks have picked up their option on Brandon Webb. [AZ Central]
Chicago Bulls F Tyrus Thomas is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a fractured right forearm. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Detroit Pistons F Tayshaun Prince is out indefinitely with a rupture disk in his lower back. [Detroit Free Press]
Memphis Grizzlies G allen Iverson has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the team to handle undisclosed personal issues. [NBA.com]
NY Islanders D Radek Martinek will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Also, one of the Islanders prospects, Bobby Hughes, has been arrested on sexual assault charges. [Examiner.com]
Phil Mickelson has won the WGC-HSBC Champions bye one stroke. [Golf Monthly]
Zenyatta remains undefeated in 14 starts, winning the Breeders' Cup Classic. She is the first mare to win the Classic, and is expected to be retired. [Chicago Tribune]
Ty Law is coming out of retirment to sign with the Denver Broncos. [Denver Post]
Cal RB Jahvid Best suffered his second concussion in two weeks in the loss to Oregon State. [Sporting News]
Manny Ramirez has exercised his option to return to the LA Dodgers. [Reuters]
The Philadelphia Phillies picked up their option on Cliff Lee. [MLB.com]
The Milwaukee Brewers traded SS J.J. Hardy to the Minnesota Twins for CF Carlos Gomez. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
The Arizona Diamondbacks have picked up their option on Brandon Webb. [AZ Central]
Chicago Bulls F Tyrus Thomas is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a fractured right forearm. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Detroit Pistons F Tayshaun Prince is out indefinitely with a rupture disk in his lower back. [Detroit Free Press]
Memphis Grizzlies G allen Iverson has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the team to handle undisclosed personal issues. [NBA.com]
NY Islanders D Radek Martinek will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Also, one of the Islanders prospects, Bobby Hughes, has been arrested on sexual assault charges. [Examiner.com]
Phil Mickelson has won the WGC-HSBC Champions bye one stroke. [Golf Monthly]
Zenyatta remains undefeated in 14 starts, winning the Breeders' Cup Classic. She is the first mare to win the Classic, and is expected to be retired. [Chicago Tribune]
Saturday, November 7, 2009
NFL Week 9 Preview
Arizona Cardinals @ Chicago Bears
Spread: Bears, -3
o/u: 44.5
Last week Matt Forte finally had a strong showing. Last week was also the only week the Bears will face the Cleveland Browns. While Arizona has a decent run defense, their pass defense should be easy pickings for Jay Cutler. The fact that Chicago's defense isn't all that great, either, should keep the score close, but they'll cover in the end.
Pick: Bears 28 - Cardinals 24
Spread: Bears, -3
o/u: 44.5
Last week Matt Forte finally had a strong showing. Last week was also the only week the Bears will face the Cleveland Browns. While Arizona has a decent run defense, their pass defense should be easy pickings for Jay Cutler. The fact that Chicago's defense isn't all that great, either, should keep the score close, but they'll cover in the end.
Pick: Bears 28 - Cardinals 24
Friday, November 6, 2009
College Football Week 10 - Important Matchups
Vanderbilt @ 1 Florida
Favorite: Florida, -35
This game matters because of Brandon Spikes. By now its been everywhere: he tried to gouge out another Waushaun Ealey's eyes, he was suspended for the first half of this game, Ealey didn't want him suspended, Spikes decided to suspended himself for the full game. Well, the only thing talked about more than this in the past few days has been the Alabama-LSU game, and thats just barely. With Florida at 8-0 and Vandy at 2-7, we'll know how much being without Spikes matters by the end of the first quarter, and it probably won't matter much.
Pick: Florida 45 - Vanderbilt 17
9 LSU @ 3 Alabama
Favorite: Alabama, -7.5
As it stands right now, this game will probably have national title repurcussions. The winner will probably play Florida for the SEC title, and the winner of that game will probably play for the BCS National Championship. For both teams, their big games have been low scoring, including LSU's 13-3 loss to Florida. They've both had their moments on offense, but defense has been carrying both teams all season. With both teams fairly even on that side of the ball, the offensive edge goes to Alabama. 'Bama's offense puts up more points and yards per game, and is already 3-0 against ranked opponents to LSU's 1-1.
Pick: Alabama 20 - LSU 13
16 Ohio State @ 11 Penn State
Favorite: Penn State, -3.5
This is the only other ranked-ranked game of the weekend, and it also hold conference title ramifications. With both teams 4-1 in-conference, they trail only undefeated Iowa for the Big Ten title. With Penn State already having lost to Iowa this season, Ohio State clearly needs this game more, as they take on Iowa next week, and would take the conference by winning out. Ohio State has looked beatable this year, and with Terrelle Pryor possibly nursing a leg injury, this could be a close win for Penn State.
Pick: Penn State 28 - Ohio State 24
9 Oregon @ Stanford
Favorite: Oregon, -7
Poor Stanford. Poor, poor Stanford. They are one game away from bowl eligibility and three of their last four games are at home, where they are undefeated this year. Unfortunately, those three games are against 9 Oregon, 20 Cal, 22 Notre Dame, and the away game is next week is at 12 USC. Having already lost to Wake Forest, Oregon State, and Arizona, I'm not giving the Cardinal much hope of bcoming bowl eligible this week. Maybe in two weeks against Cal, but not this week.
Pick: Oregon 35 - Stanford 17
Favorite: Florida, -35
This game matters because of Brandon Spikes. By now its been everywhere: he tried to gouge out another Waushaun Ealey's eyes, he was suspended for the first half of this game, Ealey didn't want him suspended, Spikes decided to suspended himself for the full game. Well, the only thing talked about more than this in the past few days has been the Alabama-LSU game, and thats just barely. With Florida at 8-0 and Vandy at 2-7, we'll know how much being without Spikes matters by the end of the first quarter, and it probably won't matter much.
Pick: Florida 45 - Vanderbilt 17
9 LSU @ 3 Alabama
Favorite: Alabama, -7.5
As it stands right now, this game will probably have national title repurcussions. The winner will probably play Florida for the SEC title, and the winner of that game will probably play for the BCS National Championship. For both teams, their big games have been low scoring, including LSU's 13-3 loss to Florida. They've both had their moments on offense, but defense has been carrying both teams all season. With both teams fairly even on that side of the ball, the offensive edge goes to Alabama. 'Bama's offense puts up more points and yards per game, and is already 3-0 against ranked opponents to LSU's 1-1.
Pick: Alabama 20 - LSU 13
16 Ohio State @ 11 Penn State
Favorite: Penn State, -3.5
This is the only other ranked-ranked game of the weekend, and it also hold conference title ramifications. With both teams 4-1 in-conference, they trail only undefeated Iowa for the Big Ten title. With Penn State already having lost to Iowa this season, Ohio State clearly needs this game more, as they take on Iowa next week, and would take the conference by winning out. Ohio State has looked beatable this year, and with Terrelle Pryor possibly nursing a leg injury, this could be a close win for Penn State.
Pick: Penn State 28 - Ohio State 24
9 Oregon @ Stanford
Favorite: Oregon, -7
Poor Stanford. Poor, poor Stanford. They are one game away from bowl eligibility and three of their last four games are at home, where they are undefeated this year. Unfortunately, those three games are against 9 Oregon, 20 Cal, 22 Notre Dame, and the away game is next week is at 12 USC. Having already lost to Wake Forest, Oregon State, and Arizona, I'm not giving the Cardinal much hope of bcoming bowl eligible this week. Maybe in two weeks against Cal, but not this week.
Pick: Oregon 35 - Stanford 17
And They Wonder Women Aren't Allowed to Play Men's Sports
Apparently they use prison rules for women's college soccer in the southwest:
Friday Morning News - 11/6/09
Bobby Abreu has agreed to a two-year deal to stay with the LA Angels. [LA Times]
The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a trade, sending two minor league pitcher to the Florida Marlins for OF Jeremy Hermida. [Boston.com]
Sacramento King Andres Nocioni has been arrested on DUI charges. [Sacramento Bee]
Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant is expected to turn pro after the appeal of his suspension was rejected by the NCAA. [Omaha.com]
The Brock Lesnar-Shane Carwin fight has again been postponed due to Lesnar contracting mono. [ESPN]
The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a trade, sending two minor league pitcher to the Florida Marlins for OF Jeremy Hermida. [Boston.com]
Sacramento King Andres Nocioni has been arrested on DUI charges. [Sacramento Bee]
Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant is expected to turn pro after the appeal of his suspension was rejected by the NCAA. [Omaha.com]
The Brock Lesnar-Shane Carwin fight has again been postponed due to Lesnar contracting mono. [ESPN]
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Further Proof the BCS is Flawed
From ESPN:
The fact that any team should have to promote themselves rather than let their record speak for themselves is rediculous. The NCAA heads love to talk about parity in college football, but where is it? Why would a star player want to play for a Boise State or Utah or Hawaii, where they can have an undefeated season and not play in a BCS bowl game, when he can go to Florida or USC or LSU, lose two games, and play for a National Championship? Does anyone even remember that Boise State beat Oregon in Week 1? You know, the Oregon that just beat USC? Here's another interesting fact you might not know about Boise State: since their last losing season, in 1997, their record is 122-25. In that time, they have two undefeated seasons and four one-loss seasons. They have won their conference every year since 1998 except 2001 and 2007. The idea that a school with a history like that over the last 12 years will probably never get to play for a National Championship is completely appalling, and the NCAA and BCS executives should be ashamed of themselves.
The Western Athletic Conference is using Boise-based PR firm Scott Peyron & Associates to help Boise State's football team in its push for a BCS bowl.
The firm was put on a monthly retainer this summer to help promote Boise State as a legitimate participant in a BCS bowl should it go undefeated regardless of whether another nonautomatic qualifying school is ranked ahead of it.
Last season, the Broncos were undefeated during the regular season and ranked No. 9 in the BCS standings, but Utah was ranked ahead of them and earned the guaranteed spot to a BCS bowl.
The fact that any team should have to promote themselves rather than let their record speak for themselves is rediculous. The NCAA heads love to talk about parity in college football, but where is it? Why would a star player want to play for a Boise State or Utah or Hawaii, where they can have an undefeated season and not play in a BCS bowl game, when he can go to Florida or USC or LSU, lose two games, and play for a National Championship? Does anyone even remember that Boise State beat Oregon in Week 1? You know, the Oregon that just beat USC? Here's another interesting fact you might not know about Boise State: since their last losing season, in 1997, their record is 122-25. In that time, they have two undefeated seasons and four one-loss seasons. They have won their conference every year since 1998 except 2001 and 2007. The idea that a school with a history like that over the last 12 years will probably never get to play for a National Championship is completely appalling, and the NCAA and BCS executives should be ashamed of themselves.
Thursday Morning News - 11/5/09
The NY Yankees have won the 2009 World Series, 4-2. Hideki Matsui was named Series MVP, becoming the first played to win the award without ever taking the field. [MLB.com]
Indianapolis Colt Tyjuan Hagler will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured biceps muscle. [Indianaplos Star]
Florida's Brandon Spikes has announced he will sit out the entire game this week against Vanderbilt, instead of the one-half suspension given to him by head coach Urban Meyer. [Gatorsports.com]
Danica Patrick is reportedly close to signing a deal with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s JR Motorsports to race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. [Yahoo Sports]
Indianapolis Colt Tyjuan Hagler will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured biceps muscle. [Indianaplos Star]
Florida's Brandon Spikes has announced he will sit out the entire game this week against Vanderbilt, instead of the one-half suspension given to him by head coach Urban Meyer. [Gatorsports.com]
Danica Patrick is reportedly close to signing a deal with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s JR Motorsports to race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. [Yahoo Sports]
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
NFL Week 8 Wrap-up
Coming up on the mid-point of the season, some divisions look like marathon, and other look like a run-away sprint:
Already Over?:
NFC North
The Minnesota Viking are clearly the team to beat right now in this division. Brett Favre is playing like he did the first half of last season, and no one is stepping up to challenge them yet. They are 3-0 in their division, and already swept the Green Bay Packers. The one challenger may still be the Bears, who the Vikes haven't played yet. That, and Brett Favre's age. Last season's late injury may be a sign that his body can't handle a full season any more. Only time will tell.
Already Over?:
NFC North
The Minnesota Viking are clearly the team to beat right now in this division. Brett Favre is playing like he did the first half of last season, and no one is stepping up to challenge them yet. They are 3-0 in their division, and already swept the Green Bay Packers. The one challenger may still be the Bears, who the Vikes haven't played yet. That, and Brett Favre's age. Last season's late injury may be a sign that his body can't handle a full season any more. Only time will tell.
Tuesday Morning News - 11/3/09
The Philadelphia Phillies have won Game 5, 8-6. Chase Utley's 2 HRs tied him with Reggie Jackson for most in a single World Series. [Newsday]
The Cleveland Browns have fired GM George Kokinis. Kokinis was hand picked by head coach Eric Mangini after Mangini was hired in January. [The Huddle]
Philadelphia Flyer Simon Gagne will miss 6-8 weeks after ungergoing surgery on a double hernia. [SB Nation]
Anaheim Duck James Wisniewski has been suspended two games for an illegal hit on Phoenix Coyote Shane Doan. [LA Times]
A US Bankruptcy Court judge has approved the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to the NHL. [ESPN]
Doug Barron is the first player suspended under the PGA Tour's anti-doping policy. The drug he tested positive for is not being released, and he will miss one year of competition. [Golf Channel]
David Beckham will be returning to AC Milan on a six month loan from the LA Galaxy. [Times Online]
The Cleveland Browns have fired GM George Kokinis. Kokinis was hand picked by head coach Eric Mangini after Mangini was hired in January. [The Huddle]
Philadelphia Flyer Simon Gagne will miss 6-8 weeks after ungergoing surgery on a double hernia. [SB Nation]
Anaheim Duck James Wisniewski has been suspended two games for an illegal hit on Phoenix Coyote Shane Doan. [LA Times]
A US Bankruptcy Court judge has approved the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to the NHL. [ESPN]
Doug Barron is the first player suspended under the PGA Tour's anti-doping policy. The drug he tested positive for is not being released, and he will miss one year of competition. [Golf Channel]
David Beckham will be returning to AC Milan on a six month loan from the LA Galaxy. [Times Online]
Monday, November 2, 2009
Suspension coming for Florida's Brandon Spikes? **UPDATED**
Florida needed to finally put up a big showing, after struggling offensively the past few weeks. And they did, beating Georgia 41-17. But theres no excuse for what the cameras caught in the middle of the third quarter:
If you didn't notice it, watch #51, Brandon Spikes. Specifically watch his right hand.
I know a lot of dirty things happen in the pile in football, and I know a lot of trash talk was going back and forth in this game. That is no excuse for what is clearly a player trying to injure another player. Spikes clearly reached into Washaun Ealey's facemask and gouged at his eyes, clearly with the intent to injure him. If he had succeeded, an eye injury could cause permanent damage, and even end a player's career. In 1999, Orlando Brown of the Cleveland Browns was hit in the eye by a penaly flag thrown by a ref. He missed three years and never fully regained his vision. For a player who is a freshman and just beginning his football career, like Ealey is, this could have been a quick career ender. Spikes should get suspended the rest of the year, at the very least.
**UPDATE** Good videos of this will probably keep getting taken down, so if this one disappears, just click here.
**UPDATE 2** Spikes has been suspended for the first half this week against Vanderbilt by head coach Urban Meyer. The SEC has accepted this punishment and will not take further action.
If you didn't notice it, watch #51, Brandon Spikes. Specifically watch his right hand.
I know a lot of dirty things happen in the pile in football, and I know a lot of trash talk was going back and forth in this game. That is no excuse for what is clearly a player trying to injure another player. Spikes clearly reached into Washaun Ealey's facemask and gouged at his eyes, clearly with the intent to injure him. If he had succeeded, an eye injury could cause permanent damage, and even end a player's career. In 1999, Orlando Brown of the Cleveland Browns was hit in the eye by a penaly flag thrown by a ref. He missed three years and never fully regained his vision. For a player who is a freshman and just beginning his football career, like Ealey is, this could have been a quick career ender. Spikes should get suspended the rest of the year, at the very least.
**UPDATE** Good videos of this will probably keep getting taken down, so if this one disappears, just click here.
**UPDATE 2** Spikes has been suspended for the first half this week against Vanderbilt by head coach Urban Meyer. The SEC has accepted this punishment and will not take further action.
MNF Preview - Week 8
Stlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
Spread: Saints, -12
o/u: 55.5
The Saints are still the NFC's only undefeated team after a big comeback win over the Dolphins last week. For the Falcons, Matt Ryan suddenly looks like hes hitting a sophmore slump, throwing 5 picks in the last two games. That looks even worse when added to the fact that Saint Darren Sharper leads the league in INTs. But really, these two fact from ESPN's preview of the game are all you need to know:
Spread: Saints, -12
o/u: 55.5
The Saints are still the NFC's only undefeated team after a big comeback win over the Dolphins last week. For the Falcons, Matt Ryan suddenly looks like hes hitting a sophmore slump, throwing 5 picks in the last two games. That looks even worse when added to the fact that Saint Darren Sharper leads the league in INTs. But really, these two fact from ESPN's preview of the game are all you need to know:
The Saints are the first team in history to score 45-plus points in four of their first six games. ... Since joining New Orleans, [Drew] Brees has beaten Atlanta five out of six times.Pick: Saints 48 - Falcons 17
NFL Sunday Recap - Week 8
Some guys have been giving their teams a much-needed spark lately:
Energizer Bunnies:
Vince Young
He may not be the best QB in the NFL, but he played well in his first start since Week 1 of last year. He went 15/18 for 125 yards and a TD, but it's his scrambling ability that got the win here. The fact that defenses have to respect his speed and his arm opens up the field for the backs, and Chris Johnson took full advantage, rushing for 228 yards and 2 TDs. Kerry Collins couldn't get it done, so Vince Young gives Tennessee their first win of the season.
Energizer Bunnies:
Vince Young
He may not be the best QB in the NFL, but he played well in his first start since Week 1 of last year. He went 15/18 for 125 yards and a TD, but it's his scrambling ability that got the win here. The fact that defenses have to respect his speed and his arm opens up the field for the backs, and Chris Johnson took full advantage, rushing for 228 yards and 2 TDs. Kerry Collins couldn't get it done, so Vince Young gives Tennessee their first win of the season.
Monday Morning News - 11/2/09
The NY Yankees have won Game 4, 7-4, taking a 3-1 World Series lead into tonights Game 5. [NYDN]
Yankee Derek Jeter and St Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols have been named the 2009 recipients of the Hank Aaron Award, for outstanding offensive performance in each league. [MLB.com]
NY Knick Al Harrington has been fined $25,000 for criticizing officials after Friday's loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. [Newsday]
Jamie McMurray was the surprise winner of NASCAR's AMP Energy 500. Jimmy Johnson finished 8th and still holds a 184 point lead in the Chase for the Cup. UPI]
For the first time since 1982, and American has won the NYC Marathon. Meb Keflezighi finished the race in 2:09:56, leading six Americans in the top 10. [USA Today]
Yankee Derek Jeter and St Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols have been named the 2009 recipients of the Hank Aaron Award, for outstanding offensive performance in each league. [MLB.com]
NY Knick Al Harrington has been fined $25,000 for criticizing officials after Friday's loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. [Newsday]
Jamie McMurray was the surprise winner of NASCAR's AMP Energy 500. Jimmy Johnson finished 8th and still holds a 184 point lead in the Chase for the Cup. UPI]
For the first time since 1982, and American has won the NYC Marathon. Meb Keflezighi finished the race in 2:09:56, leading six Americans in the top 10. [USA Today]
Sunday, November 1, 2009
MY 25 - Week 9
There is probably nothing in sports I disagree with more than the BCS and college football poll system. With that in mind, each week I'll be naming my own Top 25. The only hard and fast rule of MY 25: overall records come first.
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. Boise St
4. Florida
5. Cincinnati
6. TCU
7. Iowa
8. Oregon
9. Penn State
10. LSU
11. Houston
12. Pitt
13. Utah
14. Georgia Tech
15. Miami(FL)
16. Wisconsin
17. USF
18. Rutgers
19. BYU
20. Arizona
21. Notre Dame
22. West Virginia
23. Cal
24. Idaho
25. Temple
Performance of the Week: TCU
Lets be honest: TCU is a very good team, and UNLV is bordering on bad. They've still be averaging 25 points and roughly 380 yards per game. That just makes TCU's performance even more impressive. They allowed just 160 yards of total offense, 42 passing, in shutting out UNLV 41-0. Its their first shutout in almost exactly two years, and they've outscored opponents 123-13 in their last three games.
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. Boise St
4. Florida
5. Cincinnati
6. TCU
7. Iowa
8. Oregon
9. Penn State
10. LSU
11. Houston
12. Pitt
13. Utah
14. Georgia Tech
15. Miami(FL)
16. Wisconsin
17. USF
18. Rutgers
19. BYU
20. Arizona
21. Notre Dame
22. West Virginia
23. Cal
24. Idaho
25. Temple
Performance of the Week: TCU
Lets be honest: TCU is a very good team, and UNLV is bordering on bad. They've still be averaging 25 points and roughly 380 yards per game. That just makes TCU's performance even more impressive. They allowed just 160 yards of total offense, 42 passing, in shutting out UNLV 41-0. Its their first shutout in almost exactly two years, and they've outscored opponents 123-13 in their last three games.
The Sunday News - 11/1/09
Week 9 college football upsets: UNC 20 - No. 13 Virginia Tech 17(Thursday), USF 30 - No. 21 West Virginia 19(Friday), No. 10 Oregon 47 - No. 5 USC 20, Tennessee 31 - No. 22 South Carolina 13, Auburn 33 - No. 25 Mississippi 20 [ESPN]
The NY Yankees have won Game 3, 8-5, and lead the World Series 2-1. Roecord in the game: the first postseason use of instant replay, Ryan Howard's 7 Ks set a record for most strikeouts in consecutive World Series games, Andy Pettite pitched in his postseason record 17th win and 39th start, Jason Werth's 2 HR put him one away from the single postseason record.
With his 50th and 51st, Tim Tebow broke the SEC record for career rushing TDs in Florida's 41-17 win over Georgia. [Miami Herald]
Appalachian State QB Armanti Edwards became the first player in D-I history with 9,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards for their career. [GoASU.com]
The NY Yankees have won Game 3, 8-5, and lead the World Series 2-1. Roecord in the game: the first postseason use of instant replay, Ryan Howard's 7 Ks set a record for most strikeouts in consecutive World Series games, Andy Pettite pitched in his postseason record 17th win and 39th start, Jason Werth's 2 HR put him one away from the single postseason record.
With his 50th and 51st, Tim Tebow broke the SEC record for career rushing TDs in Florida's 41-17 win over Georgia. [Miami Herald]
Appalachian State QB Armanti Edwards became the first player in D-I history with 9,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards for their career. [GoASU.com]
Saturday, October 31, 2009
NFL Week 8 Preview
Miami Dolphins @ NY Jets
Spread: Jets, -3.5
o/u: 40.5
The Jets may be the favorite here, but they couldn't stop the Wildcat last time out, and I don't think things have improved. In fact, without Kris Jenkins, and with Bart Scott playing with knee problems, things look worse for the Jets. However, Calvin Pace showed last week he is completely comfortable in the new defense after missing the first four weeks. Having it come against the hapless Raiders really doesn't tell us much, though. Over the past few years, Jets in-division games have been high scoring and close, and I don't see any reason why this one won't be, too.
Pick: Dolphins 31 - Jets 27
Spread: Jets, -3.5
o/u: 40.5
The Jets may be the favorite here, but they couldn't stop the Wildcat last time out, and I don't think things have improved. In fact, without Kris Jenkins, and with Bart Scott playing with knee problems, things look worse for the Jets. However, Calvin Pace showed last week he is completely comfortable in the new defense after missing the first four weeks. Having it come against the hapless Raiders really doesn't tell us much, though. Over the past few years, Jets in-division games have been high scoring and close, and I don't see any reason why this one won't be, too.
Pick: Dolphins 31 - Jets 27
Saturday Morning News - 10/31/09
South Florida upset 21 West Virginia, 30-19. [ESPN]
Detroit Red Wing Valtteri Filppula will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken wrist. [Detroit News]
Kentucky G John Wall will be eligible to play, provided he sits out the teams next regular season and exhibition game, and repays $800 used on unofficial school visits while in high school. [Rivals.com]
Detroit Red Wing Valtteri Filppula will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken wrist. [Detroit News]
Kentucky G John Wall will be eligible to play, provided he sits out the teams next regular season and exhibition game, and repays $800 used on unofficial school visits while in high school. [Rivals.com]
Friday, October 30, 2009
College Football Week 9 - Important Matchups
3 Texas @ 14 Oklahoma State
Favorite: Texas, -9
OSU may be undefeated in conference play, but that doesn't make them good. They lost to Houston in Week 2, and haven't really played against any tough competition. Meanwhile, Texas has been fully undefeated, and already beaten Oklahoma and Texas Tech. OSU will officially be without Dez Bryant, who was their best receiver at the time of his suspension. Their scoring has visibly fallen off since then. With the exception of the Oklahoma game, Texas's scoring has been high and fairly consistent.
Pick: Texas 38 - Oklahoma State 24
5 USC @ 10 Oregon
Favorite: USC, -3
Since their loss to Texas in the 2005 National Championship Game, USC has lost one game a year when headed north. The bad news for Oregon is that USC already lost that game, at Washington in Week 3. The good news is that USC has looked beatable at times this year, which is whats keeping the spread low. Oregon can also put big points on the board, which will keep the game close.
Pick: USC 45 - Oregon 38
22 South Carolina @ Tennessee
Favorite: Tennessee, -6
Tennessee may be unranked, with a 3-4 record, but they've played well against tought opponents. In comparing their games against Alabama, both teams struggled to put points up, as SC managed 6, but Tennessee almost pulled out the win with 10. This will be a defensive battle, and will probably come down to who wins the turnover battle. Right now, SC has the edge in that one.
Pick: South Carolina 20 - Tennessee 17
Washington State @ 23 Notre Dame
Favorite: Notre Dame, -28
This game is important for one reason and one reason only: Notre Dame, and Charlie Weis specifically, needs to prove themselves. They've been ranked before, and they should have an easy win this week. They need to put together a winning run, with a tough Navy team next week, followed by ranked Pitt. After destroying Nevada in Week 1, they've given up almost as many points as they've scored. Anything less than a blowout against a team thats scoring 15 ppg should be looked at as a disappointment.
Pick: Notre Dame 35 - Washington State 9
Favorite: Texas, -9
OSU may be undefeated in conference play, but that doesn't make them good. They lost to Houston in Week 2, and haven't really played against any tough competition. Meanwhile, Texas has been fully undefeated, and already beaten Oklahoma and Texas Tech. OSU will officially be without Dez Bryant, who was their best receiver at the time of his suspension. Their scoring has visibly fallen off since then. With the exception of the Oklahoma game, Texas's scoring has been high and fairly consistent.
Pick: Texas 38 - Oklahoma State 24
5 USC @ 10 Oregon
Favorite: USC, -3
Since their loss to Texas in the 2005 National Championship Game, USC has lost one game a year when headed north. The bad news for Oregon is that USC already lost that game, at Washington in Week 3. The good news is that USC has looked beatable at times this year, which is whats keeping the spread low. Oregon can also put big points on the board, which will keep the game close.
Pick: USC 45 - Oregon 38
22 South Carolina @ Tennessee
Favorite: Tennessee, -6
Tennessee may be unranked, with a 3-4 record, but they've played well against tought opponents. In comparing their games against Alabama, both teams struggled to put points up, as SC managed 6, but Tennessee almost pulled out the win with 10. This will be a defensive battle, and will probably come down to who wins the turnover battle. Right now, SC has the edge in that one.
Pick: South Carolina 20 - Tennessee 17
Washington State @ 23 Notre Dame
Favorite: Notre Dame, -28
This game is important for one reason and one reason only: Notre Dame, and Charlie Weis specifically, needs to prove themselves. They've been ranked before, and they should have an easy win this week. They need to put together a winning run, with a tough Navy team next week, followed by ranked Pitt. After destroying Nevada in Week 1, they've given up almost as many points as they've scored. Anything less than a blowout against a team thats scoring 15 ppg should be looked at as a disappointment.
Pick: Notre Dame 35 - Washington State 9
Friday Morning News - 10/30/09
The NY Yankees have won Game 2 to even the World Series at 1-1. [Pinstripe Prophets]
Yankee Derek Jeter has been awarded the Roberto Clemente Award, for excellence on and off the field. [MLB.com]
The Tennessee Titans have officially named their starting QB, and it will be Vince Young. [USA Today}
No. 14 Virginia Tech were upset by UNC, 20-17, on a last second field goal. [Baltimore Sun]
Driver AJ Almendinger has been placed on probation for the rest of the NASCAR season after being arrested and charged with a DWI. [SceneDaily.com]
Yankee Derek Jeter has been awarded the Roberto Clemente Award, for excellence on and off the field. [MLB.com]
The Tennessee Titans have officially named their starting QB, and it will be Vince Young. [USA Today}
No. 14 Virginia Tech were upset by UNC, 20-17, on a last second field goal. [Baltimore Sun]
Driver AJ Almendinger has been placed on probation for the rest of the NASCAR season after being arrested and charged with a DWI. [SceneDaily.com]
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday Morning News - 10/29/09
The Philadelphia Phillies have won World Series Game 1, beating the Yankees 6-1. Philly P Cliff Lee bacame the first pitcher to have 10 Ks, 0 walks, and 0 earned runs in a World Series game. [FOX Sports]
Larry Johnson has officially been suspended until November 9. He is expected to appeal. [Reuters]
The Kansas Jayhawks are ranked #1 in the preseason ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. [ESPN]
Larry Johnson has officially been suspended until November 9. He is expected to appeal. [Reuters]
The Kansas Jayhawks are ranked #1 in the preseason ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. [ESPN]
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
JaMarcus Russell's Post Game Comments
From The Sacramento Bee:(the "second pick" is the Darrelle Revis interception in the end zone)
The video actually has the reporter stammering for an answer, shocked at what he just heard. Russell then gives a cocky laugh and smile, and says "I didn't think so."
A friend of a friend is a Raiders fan, and a couple of weeks ago he had said Russell was just there to collect a paycheck. I disagreed, because it looked like he was trying to improve himself, but couldn't. I blamed the coaches and team dysfunction. But after this, its clear Russell thinks hes Steve young, but plays like Akili Smith. Whenever you get someone like that, it's hard to coach them, because they play their way and expect everyone else to work around that. Unfortunately, when the reality of their play doesn't live up to their perception of it, you get a player who can't improve, and only drags others down with him. Russell is clearly just collecting a paycheck, because he knows Al Davis won't let him go, and he actually thinks he's still worth the money hes being paid.
Also, theres this: Vote4JaMarcus.com
"The first interception was a matter of a guy coming across my face and getting to the spot," he said. "I tried to get it down but it was too late.There is also a great video ESPN was showing of Russell making the following comments. They were showing it all day Monday, but I can't find it online anywhere. From bleacher report:
"As far as the second (pick), I thought I gave the guy a chance to make a play on the ball … had a 50-50 chance."
When asked at his locker what's been the biggest obstacle in his development, he replied: "Up and down. Up and down.”
Asked if he was referring to himself or the team he responded, “I don't think it's me, personally. I really don't. It's been a bad combination of one guy not doing something right one time, one guy another time.”
"Personally, I don't think so. Do you?" Russell added after a pause.
The video actually has the reporter stammering for an answer, shocked at what he just heard. Russell then gives a cocky laugh and smile, and says "I didn't think so."
A friend of a friend is a Raiders fan, and a couple of weeks ago he had said Russell was just there to collect a paycheck. I disagreed, because it looked like he was trying to improve himself, but couldn't. I blamed the coaches and team dysfunction. But after this, its clear Russell thinks hes Steve young, but plays like Akili Smith. Whenever you get someone like that, it's hard to coach them, because they play their way and expect everyone else to work around that. Unfortunately, when the reality of their play doesn't live up to their perception of it, you get a player who can't improve, and only drags others down with him. Russell is clearly just collecting a paycheck, because he knows Al Davis won't let him go, and he actually thinks he's still worth the money hes being paid.
Also, theres this: Vote4JaMarcus.com
World Series Preview
NY Yankees vs Philadelphia Phillies
The oddsmakers put the Yankees as a decent favorite to win the Series. Looking at the lineups, it looks a lot more even than you might think. The Yankees this year hit the most home runs in the majors, and the Phillies were tied for second. With a stadium tailored for lefty batters, and Ryan Howard hitting from the left side, the Yankees don't have a significant home field advantage there. Overall, their lineups and pitching rotations are fairly even. But while one team may not have a big advantage over the other, the Yankees do have slightly better numbers this postseason. Their team ERA is almost half a point lower than the Phillies. And while the Phillies may have scored more runs, the Yankees have a higher team batting average. The problem has come with runners in scoring position, where the Yankees have struggled. But if they can continue to hit with a high average, the important hits will come, and the Yankees will win.
Pick: Yankees 4 - Phillies 2
The oddsmakers put the Yankees as a decent favorite to win the Series. Looking at the lineups, it looks a lot more even than you might think. The Yankees this year hit the most home runs in the majors, and the Phillies were tied for second. With a stadium tailored for lefty batters, and Ryan Howard hitting from the left side, the Yankees don't have a significant home field advantage there. Overall, their lineups and pitching rotations are fairly even. But while one team may not have a big advantage over the other, the Yankees do have slightly better numbers this postseason. Their team ERA is almost half a point lower than the Phillies. And while the Phillies may have scored more runs, the Yankees have a higher team batting average. The problem has come with runners in scoring position, where the Yankees have struggled. But if they can continue to hit with a high average, the important hits will come, and the Yankees will win.
Pick: Yankees 4 - Phillies 2
Wednesday Morning News - 10/28/09
John W Lomax III has been arrested and charged with the murder of UConn CB Jasper Howard last week. Two other men were also arrested. [Daily Campus]
Kansas City Chief Larry Johnson has been asked to stay away from the team while an investigation is underway into his use of a gay slur on his Twitter account and in reference to reporters in the Chief's locker room. [NY Times]
Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant has been officially ruled ineligible for a full calendar year for lying to NCAA investigators. If he doesn't jump to the NFL, he would be eligible again on October 7, 2010. The school is expected to appeal. [News OK]
The Houston Astros have hired Brad Mills as their new manager. [Houston Chronicle]
Kansas City Chief Larry Johnson has been asked to stay away from the team while an investigation is underway into his use of a gay slur on his Twitter account and in reference to reporters in the Chief's locker room. [NY Times]
Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant has been officially ruled ineligible for a full calendar year for lying to NCAA investigators. If he doesn't jump to the NFL, he would be eligible again on October 7, 2010. The school is expected to appeal. [News OK]
The Houston Astros have hired Brad Mills as their new manager. [Houston Chronicle]
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
NFL Week 7 Wrap-up
This week, some teams played proudly, while others embarrassed our country:
Proud to be an America!:
New England Patriots
New England was the away team in what is now the leagues yearly jaunt to Olde England. Thankfully, Tom Brady remembered how to play QB before this trip took place. I said in the preview of this game that jet lag was probably all that would stop the Pats this week, and it looks like I was right. Brady and the offense picked apart the Bucs, but Brady only had 308 yards and 3 TDs in this one.
Proud to be an America!:
New England Patriots
New England was the away team in what is now the leagues yearly jaunt to Olde England. Thankfully, Tom Brady remembered how to play QB before this trip took place. I said in the preview of this game that jet lag was probably all that would stop the Pats this week, and it looks like I was right. Brady and the offense picked apart the Bucs, but Brady only had 308 yards and 3 TDs in this one.
Tuesday Morning News(Late Because I Had Things to Do This Morning Edition) - 10/27/09
NY Jet Braylon Edwards will be charged with assault in an incident in which he allegedly punched a part promoter. [NJ.com]
LA Clipper Blake Griffin could miss up to six weeks with a broken kneecap. [Bloomberg]
Boston Celtic Glen "Big Baby" Davis will be out indefinitely after braking his thumb in an altercation with a former LSU teammate. [ESPN Boston]
Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin and Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen have been publicly reprimanded by the SEC for comments about made about officiating in their games against Alabama and Florida. [Campus Rivalry]
Brock Lesnar has withdrawn from his title defense against Shane Carwin due to a prolonged, undisclosed illness. The fight is believed to have been rescheduled for UFC 108 in January. [The Examiner]
LA Clipper Blake Griffin could miss up to six weeks with a broken kneecap. [Bloomberg]
Boston Celtic Glen "Big Baby" Davis will be out indefinitely after braking his thumb in an altercation with a former LSU teammate. [ESPN Boston]
Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin and Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen have been publicly reprimanded by the SEC for comments about made about officiating in their games against Alabama and Florida. [Campus Rivalry]
Brock Lesnar has withdrawn from his title defense against Shane Carwin due to a prolonged, undisclosed illness. The fight is believed to have been rescheduled for UFC 108 in January. [The Examiner]
Monday, October 26, 2009
MNF Preview - Week 7
Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins
Spread: Eagles, -8
o/u: 37.5
It seems like every year the Eagles have a game where they completely melt down, and everyone thinks Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb should be run out of town. Last week was that week. Now they can get back to winning. This week, they take on the Redskins as the first Redskins opponent with a win. This is the first week Sherman Lewis will be calling the plays, and the plays will be relayed through another assistant Jason Campbell, because Lewis doesn't know the calls for motion and blitz pick-up. I can't imagine thats going to be a good thing. I'd hope they've practiced doing that, but the Redskins will probably finish the game with way too many delay of game penalties.
Pick: Eagles 35 - Redskins 10
Spread: Eagles, -8
o/u: 37.5
It seems like every year the Eagles have a game where they completely melt down, and everyone thinks Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb should be run out of town. Last week was that week. Now they can get back to winning. This week, they take on the Redskins as the first Redskins opponent with a win. This is the first week Sherman Lewis will be calling the plays, and the plays will be relayed through another assistant Jason Campbell, because Lewis doesn't know the calls for motion and blitz pick-up. I can't imagine thats going to be a good thing. I'd hope they've practiced doing that, but the Redskins will probably finish the game with way too many delay of game penalties.
Pick: Eagles 35 - Redskins 10
NFL Sunday Recap - Week 7
ESPN is calling this Beatdown Sunday. Heres why:
The Four Biggest Beatdowns:
4. San Diego Chargers 31 - Kansas City Chiefs 7
This could go down as the week the Chargers woke up. Slow starters over the past few years, they are again off to a bad start at 2-3 before this week. Looking at the stats, though, its hard to think so. The Chargers are a team built on a solid defense and LT running the ball. Tomlinson had only 71 yards and no TD. Their defense had 3 INTs, which is good considering Matt Cassel hadn't thrown one in the last four games. Only 3 sacks and over 100 rushing yards given up is a bit troubling, though. What this game really highlights is how bad the Chiefs are. Their defensive stats are all zeroes, and Cassel could only manage 10/25 for 97 yards. The Cheifs are still rebuilding, and it looks like they need to tear things down to the foundation before they'll be good again.
The Four Biggest Beatdowns:
4. San Diego Chargers 31 - Kansas City Chiefs 7
This could go down as the week the Chargers woke up. Slow starters over the past few years, they are again off to a bad start at 2-3 before this week. Looking at the stats, though, its hard to think so. The Chargers are a team built on a solid defense and LT running the ball. Tomlinson had only 71 yards and no TD. Their defense had 3 INTs, which is good considering Matt Cassel hadn't thrown one in the last four games. Only 3 sacks and over 100 rushing yards given up is a bit troubling, though. What this game really highlights is how bad the Chiefs are. Their defensive stats are all zeroes, and Cassel could only manage 10/25 for 97 yards. The Cheifs are still rebuilding, and it looks like they need to tear things down to the foundation before they'll be good again.
Monday Morning News - 10/26/09
The NY Yankees have won the AL pennant, winning their series with the LA Angels 4-2. CC Sabathia was named ALCS MVP.[MLB.com]
Manny Acta has been picked to mangage the Cleveland Indians. [Cleveland.com]
Along with mangaer Tony La Russa returning, the St Louis Cardinals are expected to announce Mark McQwire will join him as the teams htiing coach. [USA Today]
Oklahoma's Sam Bradford will have season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder, and is expected to enter the NFL Draft. [NY Times]
Denny Hamlin won the TUMS Fast Relief 500. Jimmy Johnson extended his Chase for the Cup points lead to 118 over Mark Martin. [Examiner.com]
Manny Acta has been picked to mangage the Cleveland Indians. [Cleveland.com]
Along with mangaer Tony La Russa returning, the St Louis Cardinals are expected to announce Mark McQwire will join him as the teams htiing coach. [USA Today]
Oklahoma's Sam Bradford will have season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder, and is expected to enter the NFL Draft. [NY Times]
Denny Hamlin won the TUMS Fast Relief 500. Jimmy Johnson extended his Chase for the Cup points lead to 118 over Mark Martin. [Examiner.com]
Sunday, October 25, 2009
MY 25 - Week 8
There is probably nothing in sports I disagree with more than the BCS and college football poll system. With that in mind, each week I'll be naming my own Top 25. The only hard and fast rule of MY 25: overall records come first.
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. Boise St
4. Florida
5. Cincinnati
6. Iowa
7. TCU
8. Oregon
9. Oklahoma State
10. Penn State
11. Houston
12. Pitt
13. LSU
14. USC
15. West Virginia
16. Utah
17. Central Michigan
18. Georgia Tech
19. Miami(FL)
20. Virginia Tech
21. BYU
22. Kansas
23. South Carolina
24. Rutgers
25. Arizona
Performance of the Week: Nevada
Nevada spent the start of the season not living up to expectations. They started off 0-3, and were blanked in Week 1 by Notre Dame. They exploded for 63 points in Week 4, but it came against a UNLV team that was 2-2 and giving up points. But playing one-loss Idaho, QB Colin Kapernick showed why some thought he might be in the Heisman running this year. He accounted for 408 yards of total offense, 178 throwing, 230 rushing, and 6 TDs, four of them on rushes of 11, 35, 61, and 75 yards. As a team, the Wolf Pack ran the ball for 484 yards and 8 TDs, including an 89 yarder by Vai Taua. The win is the fourth straight for Nevada, moving them to 4-3, 3-0 in their division.
1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. Boise St
4. Florida
5. Cincinnati
6. Iowa
7. TCU
8. Oregon
9. Oklahoma State
10. Penn State
11. Houston
12. Pitt
13. LSU
14. USC
15. West Virginia
16. Utah
17. Central Michigan
18. Georgia Tech
19. Miami(FL)
20. Virginia Tech
21. BYU
22. Kansas
23. South Carolina
24. Rutgers
25. Arizona
Performance of the Week: Nevada
Nevada spent the start of the season not living up to expectations. They started off 0-3, and were blanked in Week 1 by Notre Dame. They exploded for 63 points in Week 4, but it came against a UNLV team that was 2-2 and giving up points. But playing one-loss Idaho, QB Colin Kapernick showed why some thought he might be in the Heisman running this year. He accounted for 408 yards of total offense, 178 throwing, 230 rushing, and 6 TDs, four of them on rushes of 11, 35, 61, and 75 yards. As a team, the Wolf Pack ran the ball for 484 yards and 8 TDs, including an 89 yarder by Vai Taua. The win is the fourth straight for Nevada, moving them to 4-3, 3-0 in their division.
The Sunday News - 10/25/09
UFC 104 results: Lyoto Machida beat Mauricio Hua by unanimous decision, Cain Velasquez stopped Ben Rothwell in the second round, Anthony Johnson scored a knockout over Yushiyuki Yoshida in the first round [The Sun]
Carolina Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu has been suspended 3 games for a viscious baording penalty on Colorado Avalanche Darcy Tucker that left him hospitalized with a concussion. [Sporting News]
All seven undefeated FCS schools won yesterday.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu has been suspended 3 games for a viscious baording penalty on Colorado Avalanche Darcy Tucker that left him hospitalized with a concussion. [Sporting News]
All seven undefeated FCS schools won yesterday.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
NFL Week 7 Preview
New England Patriots @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers(Playing in London)
Spread: Patriots, -14.5
o/u: 45
Last week, the only thing that stopped the Patriots was pulling Tom Brady with a big lead in the 3rd quarter. This week the only thing that might stop them is jet lag.
Pick: Patriots 41 - Buccaneers 6
Spread: Patriots, -14.5
o/u: 45
Last week, the only thing that stopped the Patriots was pulling Tom Brady with a big lead in the 3rd quarter. This week the only thing that might stop them is jet lag.
Pick: Patriots 41 - Buccaneers 6
Saturday Morning News - 10/24/09
NY Giant Shaun O'Hara and New Orleans Saint Jonathan Vilma have each been fined for actions in the Giants-Saints game on Sunday. O'Hara is fined $5,000 for an illegal clip, and Vilma got $10,000 for a helmet-to-helmet hit. [NJ.com]
The NBA refs have officially approved a deal that will have them back for the start of the NBA season. [All Headline News]
Golfer Trevor Immelman has undergone surgery to fix a wrist injury that forced him to miss most of the PGA tour last season. [Sky Sports]
The NBA refs have officially approved a deal that will have them back for the start of the NBA season. [All Headline News]
Golfer Trevor Immelman has undergone surgery to fix a wrist injury that forced him to miss most of the PGA tour last season. [Sky Sports]
Friday, October 23, 2009
College Football Week 8 - Important Matchups
6 Iowa @ Michigan State
Favorite: Even
If you look only at their records, this would appear to be an easy win for Iowa. Iowa is looking for its first 8-0 start in team history, and all they have to do is beat 4-3 Michigan State. What makes this game tilt slightly in Iowa's favor is the turnover battle. Michigan State may have the best passing offense in the Big Ten, but Iowa already has 15 INTs. With MSU typically losing the turnover battle, and at -4 for the season, Iowa should come away with their 12th straight victory.
Pick: Iowa 24 - Michigan State 17
8 TCU @ 16 BYU
Favorite: TCU, -2.5
This is the only ranked-vs-ranked matchup of the weekend, and one that should have a great deal of attention payed to it(even though it isn't on national tv). This will also be TCU's first big game of the season, against a team they beat last season. But this is a different year. TCU may have one of the best Ds in the nation, but they'll be playing one of the best offenses, and a team that already beat then-No 3 Oklahoma in Week 1. BYU just looks like the better team here.
Pick: BYU 38 - TCU 27
13 Penn State @ Michigan
Favorite: Penn State, -4.5
The numbers you need to know for this game, and I'm sure they'll be brought up a lot before and during this game, are 1996 and 107-20. The first is the last time Penn State won at Michigan. The second is the combined scores of Penn States last three wins since losing to Iowa, including last weeks shutout of Minnesota. But Michigan isn't going down without a fight. They're coming their own 63-6 win over Delaware State, and have outscored opponents 213-97 in their five wins. The problem comes in big games; Michigan hasn't really shown up in them. In their two games against ranked teams, they barely beat Notre Dame and lost to Iowa. Against in-state, in-conference rival Michigan State, they lost in OT, 26-20. Except for their second straight loss to Iowa, Penn State has yet to really be tested this year. Michigan may put up a fight, but Penn state still comes away with the win.
Pick: Penn State 38 - Michigan 35
USF @ 20 Pitt
Favorite: Pitt, -6.5
After starting the season 5-0 and being ranked for consecutive weeks, USF lost to undefeated Cincinnati last week and was dropped. Pitt lost to a bad NC State team in Week 4 and hasn't beaten anyone of note this season and is ranked 20th. You better belive USF wants their ranking back, and they have the defense to do it. A win here would also make them bowl eligible for the fifth straight year. Looking at these teams overall, I see an overrated Pitt and an underrated USF, and a USF win would prove me right.
Pick: USF 31 - Pitt 17
Favorite: Even
If you look only at their records, this would appear to be an easy win for Iowa. Iowa is looking for its first 8-0 start in team history, and all they have to do is beat 4-3 Michigan State. What makes this game tilt slightly in Iowa's favor is the turnover battle. Michigan State may have the best passing offense in the Big Ten, but Iowa already has 15 INTs. With MSU typically losing the turnover battle, and at -4 for the season, Iowa should come away with their 12th straight victory.
Pick: Iowa 24 - Michigan State 17
8 TCU @ 16 BYU
Favorite: TCU, -2.5
This is the only ranked-vs-ranked matchup of the weekend, and one that should have a great deal of attention payed to it(even though it isn't on national tv). This will also be TCU's first big game of the season, against a team they beat last season. But this is a different year. TCU may have one of the best Ds in the nation, but they'll be playing one of the best offenses, and a team that already beat then-No 3 Oklahoma in Week 1. BYU just looks like the better team here.
Pick: BYU 38 - TCU 27
13 Penn State @ Michigan
Favorite: Penn State, -4.5
The numbers you need to know for this game, and I'm sure they'll be brought up a lot before and during this game, are 1996 and 107-20. The first is the last time Penn State won at Michigan. The second is the combined scores of Penn States last three wins since losing to Iowa, including last weeks shutout of Minnesota. But Michigan isn't going down without a fight. They're coming their own 63-6 win over Delaware State, and have outscored opponents 213-97 in their five wins. The problem comes in big games; Michigan hasn't really shown up in them. In their two games against ranked teams, they barely beat Notre Dame and lost to Iowa. Against in-state, in-conference rival Michigan State, they lost in OT, 26-20. Except for their second straight loss to Iowa, Penn State has yet to really be tested this year. Michigan may put up a fight, but Penn state still comes away with the win.
Pick: Penn State 38 - Michigan 35
USF @ 20 Pitt
Favorite: Pitt, -6.5
After starting the season 5-0 and being ranked for consecutive weeks, USF lost to undefeated Cincinnati last week and was dropped. Pitt lost to a bad NC State team in Week 4 and hasn't beaten anyone of note this season and is ranked 20th. You better belive USF wants their ranking back, and they have the defense to do it. A win here would also make them bowl eligible for the fifth straight year. Looking at these teams overall, I see an overrated Pitt and an underrated USF, and a USF win would prove me right.
Pick: USF 31 - Pitt 17
Friday Morning News - 10/23/09
Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable will not face charges in the alleged assault of assistant Randy Hanson. [SFGate]
The LA Angels have extended the ALCS to a sixth game by beating the Yankees, 7-6. [Bloomberg]
Florida State finally has an in-conference win, coming from behind to beat UNC 30-27. [Orlando Sentinel]
Kentucky's John Wall and Mississippi State's Renardo Sidney are being investigated by the SEC to determine their college eligibility. Sidney is being investigated based on a job his fether once held, and Wall played in AAU for a man who was a certified agent until 2008. [Commercial Appeal]
The LA Angels have extended the ALCS to a sixth game by beating the Yankees, 7-6. [Bloomberg]
Florida State finally has an in-conference win, coming from behind to beat UNC 30-27. [Orlando Sentinel]
Kentucky's John Wall and Mississippi State's Renardo Sidney are being investigated by the SEC to determine their college eligibility. Sidney is being investigated based on a job his fether once held, and Wall played in AAU for a man who was a certified agent until 2008. [Commercial Appeal]
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Thursday Morning News - 10/22/09
The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the NL pennant, winning the NLCS 4-1. Ryan Howard was named NLCS MVP. [ABC 12 ]
St Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols uderwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips and bone spurs in his right elbow. He is expected to be fully healthy for next season. [STLToday.com]
Twelve players on the Cleveland Browns have come down with the flu, including seven starters. The team is expected to receive roster exemptions to replace the sick players. [Baltimore Sun]
The SEC officiating crew for the Georgia-LSU and Florida-Arkansas games has been suspended after the conference found the crew made incorrect calls in both games. [Atlanta Journal Constitution]
Pittsburgh Penguin Sergei Gonchar is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after breaking his wrist against the St Louis Blues. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
St Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols uderwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips and bone spurs in his right elbow. He is expected to be fully healthy for next season. [STLToday.com]
Twelve players on the Cleveland Browns have come down with the flu, including seven starters. The team is expected to receive roster exemptions to replace the sick players. [Baltimore Sun]
The SEC officiating crew for the Georgia-LSU and Florida-Arkansas games has been suspended after the conference found the crew made incorrect calls in both games. [Atlanta Journal Constitution]
Pittsburgh Penguin Sergei Gonchar is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after breaking his wrist against the St Louis Blues. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wednesday Morning News - 10/21/09
The NBA and the referees union have reached a deal that will have them back on the court for the start of regular season play. [All Headline News]
A game-day staff worker for the San Diego Chargers died after falling from the press box before the Chargers-Broncos game Monday Night. [LA Times]
Joey Galloway and TE Michael Matthews were both cut by the New England Patriots on Tuesday. [FOX Sports]
The NY Yankees beat the LA Angels 11-1, and can clinch a World Series berth with a win tomorrow. The Philadelphia Phillies can clinch with a win tonight.
A game-day staff worker for the San Diego Chargers died after falling from the press box before the Chargers-Broncos game Monday Night. [LA Times]
Joey Galloway and TE Michael Matthews were both cut by the New England Patriots on Tuesday. [FOX Sports]
The NY Yankees beat the LA Angels 11-1, and can clinch a World Series berth with a win tomorrow. The Philadelphia Phillies can clinch with a win tonight.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
NFL Week 6 Wrap-up
Six weeks in, and some teams are turning things around, for good and bad:
Turning Good:
The Denver Broncos
After tying the Chargers at 8-8 but losing their division last season, the Broncos were an afterthought in the AFC West. They have a rookie head coach, and a starting QB who played ok but not great in the past. But starting with a fluke win in Week 1, the Broncos are undefeated and are quickly running away with the West. They even beat up on the much-talked about Chargers last night, winning 34-23, and dropping the Chargers to 2-3, and beat the presumed NFL Champion Patriots last week. With a revatalized D and an offense thats actually been getting along, the Broncos can wrap up their division pretty quickly if they can keep this up.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With a 1-2 start and no running game to speak of, the Steelers looked in trouble. But with RB Willie Parker's injury came the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall, and the return of the run in Steel Town. Now they've won three straight and are tied atop the AFC North with the Bengals. Mendenhall has allowed Ben Roethlisberger to do what he does best: make big plays when he has to and simply manage the game the rest of the time. If the running game as it stands can stay healthy, thats a recipe for another division title.
Turning Good:
The Denver Broncos
After tying the Chargers at 8-8 but losing their division last season, the Broncos were an afterthought in the AFC West. They have a rookie head coach, and a starting QB who played ok but not great in the past. But starting with a fluke win in Week 1, the Broncos are undefeated and are quickly running away with the West. They even beat up on the much-talked about Chargers last night, winning 34-23, and dropping the Chargers to 2-3, and beat the presumed NFL Champion Patriots last week. With a revatalized D and an offense thats actually been getting along, the Broncos can wrap up their division pretty quickly if they can keep this up.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With a 1-2 start and no running game to speak of, the Steelers looked in trouble. But with RB Willie Parker's injury came the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall, and the return of the run in Steel Town. Now they've won three straight and are tied atop the AFC North with the Bengals. Mendenhall has allowed Ben Roethlisberger to do what he does best: make big plays when he has to and simply manage the game the rest of the time. If the running game as it stands can stay healthy, thats a recipe for another division title.
Tuesday Morning News - 10/20/09
Carolina Panther Dante West has been suspended without pay for one game after an illegal hit on Tampa Bay punt returner Clifton Smith on Sunday. [ESPN]
Baltimore Raven Samari Rolle is not expected to play this season, while suffering from a chronic neck problem he had surgery on recently. [HometownAnnapolis.com]
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed was cited for public intoxication and disorderly conduct outside a bar near Heinz Field after the Steelers win on Sunday. [Washington Post]
The LA Angels and Philadelphia Phillies each won 5-4 last night. The Angels trail 2-1 in their series, and the Phillies lead 3-1.
Baltimore Raven Samari Rolle is not expected to play this season, while suffering from a chronic neck problem he had surgery on recently. [HometownAnnapolis.com]
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed was cited for public intoxication and disorderly conduct outside a bar near Heinz Field after the Steelers win on Sunday. [Washington Post]
The LA Angels and Philadelphia Phillies each won 5-4 last night. The Angels trail 2-1 in their series, and the Phillies lead 3-1.
Monday, October 19, 2009
MNF Preview - Week 6
Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers
Spread: San Diego, -3.5
o/u: 44
The facade is starting to crack on the San Diego Charges. People are starting to see them as the overrated team they have been for years. And yet they are still a 3 point favorite against the undefeated Broncos, who have one of the leagues best defenses. Sure, its MNF, and maybe the Chargers will pick it up for this one. But for the Broncos, who really want to position themselves as the team to beat in the AFC West, this game is just as important. The outcome of this game could have repercussions throughout this division for the rest of the season.
Pick: Broncos 24 - Chargers 13
Spread: San Diego, -3.5
o/u: 44
The facade is starting to crack on the San Diego Charges. People are starting to see them as the overrated team they have been for years. And yet they are still a 3 point favorite against the undefeated Broncos, who have one of the leagues best defenses. Sure, its MNF, and maybe the Chargers will pick it up for this one. But for the Broncos, who really want to position themselves as the team to beat in the AFC West, this game is just as important. The outcome of this game could have repercussions throughout this division for the rest of the season.
Pick: Broncos 24 - Chargers 13
NFL Sunday Recap - Week 6
In Week 6, some guys set records, and others kept doing what they've always done:
Record Breakers:
Tom Brady
Brady finally woke up this week and put it all together in the snow. He passed for 380 yards and tied a career-high with 6 TD passes. In the 59-0 carnage that was their game against the Titans, Brady had 5 scoring passes in the second quarter, a single-quarter record for the post-merger NFL. The 59 points and 619 yards of total offense are also Patriots frnachise records.
Donald Driver
With 7 receptions for 107 yards, Driver had a pretty good day on the field. But it was his first catch of the day that was the most important. The 596th catch of his career broke a tie with Sterling Sharpe for Green Bay Packers franchise career receptions record. Driver finished the game with 602 career catches.
Record Breakers:
Tom Brady
Brady finally woke up this week and put it all together in the snow. He passed for 380 yards and tied a career-high with 6 TD passes. In the 59-0 carnage that was their game against the Titans, Brady had 5 scoring passes in the second quarter, a single-quarter record for the post-merger NFL. The 59 points and 619 yards of total offense are also Patriots frnachise records.
Donald Driver
With 7 receptions for 107 yards, Driver had a pretty good day on the field. But it was his first catch of the day that was the most important. The 596th catch of his career broke a tie with Sterling Sharpe for Green Bay Packers franchise career receptions record. Driver finished the game with 602 career catches.
Monday Morning News - 10/19/09
The Philadelphia Phillies beat the LA Dodgers, 11-0, to take a 2-1 lead in the NLCS. Cliff Lee became the first pitcher in playoff history to allow no runs and no walks while striking out at least 10 batters. [Newsday]
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford did not re-injure his throwing shoulder, but aggravated his previous injury. [Sporting News]
The Boston Bruins traded winger Chuck Kobasew to Minnesota for minor leaugue RW Craig Weller, the rights to Harvard freshman Alex Fallstrom, and a 2011 2nd round draft pick. [Yahoo Sports]
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford did not re-injure his throwing shoulder, but aggravated his previous injury. [Sporting News]
The Boston Bruins traded winger Chuck Kobasew to Minnesota for minor leaugue RW Craig Weller, the rights to Harvard freshman Alex Fallstrom, and a 2011 2nd round draft pick. [Yahoo Sports]
Sunday, October 18, 2009
MY 25 - Week 7
There is probably nothing in sports I disagree with more than the BCS and college football poll system. With that in mind, each week I'll be naming my own Top 25. The only hard and fast rule of MY 25: overall records come first.
1. Alabama
2. Texas
1. Alabama
2. Texas
3. Boise St
4. Florida
5. Cincinnati
6. Iowa
7. TCU
8. Miami(FL)
9. Oregon
10. Oklahoma State
11. Penn State
12. BYU
13. USC
14. USF
15. West Virginia
16. Houston
17. Pitt
18. Kansas
19. LSU
20. Utah
21. Central Michigan
22. Idaho
4. Florida
5. Cincinnati
6. Iowa
7. TCU
8. Miami(FL)
9. Oregon
10. Oklahoma State
11. Penn State
12. BYU
13. USC
14. USF
15. West Virginia
16. Houston
17. Pitt
18. Kansas
19. LSU
20. Utah
21. Central Michigan
22. Idaho
23. Georgia Tech
24. Virginia Tech
25. Texas Tech
Performance of the Week: Montel Harris
24. Virginia Tech
25. Texas Tech
Performance of the Week: Montel Harris
Much like Freddy Barnes last week, Harris put the team on his shoulders and carried Boston College to a win. Against NC State this week, Harris carried the ball 27 times for 264 yards, a near 10 yards-per-carry average. He also set a school record with 5 TDs. After taking a 24-13 lead at halftime, Harris scored all three of BC's 3rd quarter TDs, and earning the team a 52-20 win. He accounted for more yards by himself than any other player on either team.
The Sunday News - 10/18/09
UCONN CB Jasper Howard has died after being stabbed on campus, hours after the team beat Louisville. [Rivals.com]
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford re-injured his throwing shoulder early in the 16-13 loss to Texas yeesterday. [Sporting News]
The Ohio State was upset by unranked Purdue, who now improves to 2-5. [Cleveland.com]
Jimmy Johnson won the Banking 500, taking a 90 point lead over Mark Martin for the Sprint Cup. [United Press International]
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford re-injured his throwing shoulder early in the 16-13 loss to Texas yeesterday. [Sporting News]
The Ohio State was upset by unranked Purdue, who now improves to 2-5. [Cleveland.com]
Jimmy Johnson won the Banking 500, taking a 90 point lead over Mark Martin for the Sprint Cup. [United Press International]
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