A little late on the picks this week, as I was out of town yesterday. For the record, I was in Las Vegas interviewing for a job. I didn’t get the job, but I won $70 on slots in the airport, so it wasn’t all for naught. I caught a red-eye back to Texas, so I am running on airport and airplane sleep. Bed will be good tonight.
It’s tough to find 20 games worthy of picks this week.
Last Week: 14-6 Season: 113-47
Oklahoma at Missouri: Missouri is a solid team, but this is their toughest test to date, even as OU is without Adrian Peterson. The Sooners desperately need for something good to happen for them. This is the week it does. Pick: OU
Texas at Texas Tech: Texas loses every four years in Lubbock, losing out there in 2002, 1998, and 1994. This isn’t one of the better Tech teams, though. The pattern ends here. Pick: Texas
Texas A&M at Baylor: Both teams are 3-1 in the Big XII. A&M was the beneficiary of a bad snap last week in Stillwater, as the Texas Aggies won in overtime, 35-34. Baylor is vastly improved. The Bears win this week, and it won’t be an upset. Pick: Baylor
Nebraska at Oklahoma State: OSU lost a heartbreaker in OT last week against A&M. Nebraska had their hearts broken by the Longhorns. Nebraska is a little better than OSU, though the game is in Stillwater. Pick: Nebraska
Iowa State at Kansas State: These second-division games in the Big XII North all look alike now. Iowa State is banged up after a brutal stretch of schedule. K-State is at home, and has shown signs of improvement at times this season. Pick: K-State
Colorado at Kansas: KU is reeling, after losing a rash of close games. Colorado is improving, ever so slightly. KU gets things right this week. Pick: KU
Georgia vs. Florida at Jacksonville: No matter what CBS, ESPN, the SEC, or the universities say, this is still the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Georgia is struggling as the worst 6-2 team in America. Florida is shaping up as the best team in the best conference in the nation. Pick: Florida
USC at Oregon State: Is this an ambush waiting to happen in Corvallis? Almost, but not quite. OSU-West will give SC a battle, but SC will squeak by, as has become normal this year. Pick: USC
Tennessee at South Carolina: The Vols have bounced back in a big way this season. However, this game has one X-factor: Phil Fulmer is the coach for Tennessee, while his nemesis Steve Spurrier is the coach for the Gamecocks. Spurrier owns Fulmer. Spurrier doesn’t have half the team Fulmer does this year, but his magic continues. Spurrier is a mad scientist, and the ‘Cocks are at home. Pick: USC-East
Wyoming at TCU: Cowboy Joe comes to Texas to play the Frogs. Wyoming has won 3 conference games, while the Frogs are 0-2 in the Mountain West. The Frogs get back on track this week against a conference opponent. Pick: TCU
Miami at Georgia Tech: The Larry Coker death watch continues. Miami is in a tough spot this week, as Georgia Tech is having a good season, and stands a great chance of being in Jacksonville for the ACC championship game. Pick: Georgia Tech
Kentucky at Mississippi State: Not the best game in the SEC this week. Both teams stand a good chance of finishing last in their respective divisions. But, this shapes up to be a competitive game. Pick: Kentucky
Wake Forest at North Carolina: Wake Forest is ranked 22nd, North Carolina fired their coach this week. Wake is a team of destiny. Pick: Wake Forest
Ohio at Kent State: Battle for 1st place in the MAC Eastern Division. Kent State has come out of nowhere this season to roll through their MAC schedule. Pick: Kent State
BYU at Air Force: The Y is undefeated in conference play. Classic matchup between passing team and running team. The Falcons last week gave up the first win to San Diego State, and now head to Provo. Pick: BYU
Washington State at UCLA: Bruins had their hearts broken last week at Notre Dame. Now, the Bruins attempt to bounce back. They’ll do so. Pik: UCLA
Illinois at Wisconsin: The Fighting Ron Zooks take their show on the road to Madison. The Badgers have only one loss. They’ll still have one loss after Saturday. Pick: Wisconsin
Syracuse at Cincinnati: Cuse hits the road, and goes to Cincinnati. No, the university’s football games are not on WKRP. Pick: the ‘Nati
N.C. State at Virginia: A coach on the hot seat (Amato, NC State) vs. one that should be (Groh, UVa). The Wolfpack come out and play well this week. Pick: NC State
Upper Iowa at University of Mary (N.D.):They play football in Bismarck, North Dakota. The thought of being at this game makes me cold. Besides, how can I pick against the mother of Jesus? Pick: Mary
Friday, October 27, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
All That, For This?
As I write, the Cowboys are losing to the Giants, 26-7, at the end of the third quarter. Barring a Staubachesque comeback, the Cowboys are on the receiving end of a butt kicking.
Was tonight the end of the Drew Bledsoe era? He really stunk in the first half, doing his best imitation of the Statue of Liberty, taking sack after sack while throwing more picks than a frustrated guitarist. Bill Parcells replaced Bledsoe with the Rib Man, Tony Romo, for the second half. Romo promptly threw an interception (off a tipped ball) deep inside Dallas territory, to set up a touchdown for the G-men. Since then, he is making some things happen with his mobility. On both sides of the ball, though, the Cowboys look a day late and a dollar short. Bill Parcells didn't sign up for this. He is in danger of living up to his nickname of the Glorified Gym Teacher.
Terrell Owens just caught a touchdown pass to narrow the deficit. He has been a pretty good receiver, but his value really comes by providing opportunities for Terry Glenn to come up big. That does not totally justify the money Jerry Jones is paying him. But, Jerry is all about the buzz, and T.O. brings plenty of buzz. Something is missing here, especially with the investment Jerry has made in Big Bill and T.O.
It looks like Tony Romo is the quarterback of the near future at Valley Ranch. The alternatives can't be worse. Good luck to Tony. By the way: the ribs are good!
Was tonight the end of the Drew Bledsoe era? He really stunk in the first half, doing his best imitation of the Statue of Liberty, taking sack after sack while throwing more picks than a frustrated guitarist. Bill Parcells replaced Bledsoe with the Rib Man, Tony Romo, for the second half. Romo promptly threw an interception (off a tipped ball) deep inside Dallas territory, to set up a touchdown for the G-men. Since then, he is making some things happen with his mobility. On both sides of the ball, though, the Cowboys look a day late and a dollar short. Bill Parcells didn't sign up for this. He is in danger of living up to his nickname of the Glorified Gym Teacher.
Terrell Owens just caught a touchdown pass to narrow the deficit. He has been a pretty good receiver, but his value really comes by providing opportunities for Terry Glenn to come up big. That does not totally justify the money Jerry Jones is paying him. But, Jerry is all about the buzz, and T.O. brings plenty of buzz. Something is missing here, especially with the investment Jerry has made in Big Bill and T.O.
It looks like Tony Romo is the quarterback of the near future at Valley Ranch. The alternatives can't be worse. Good luck to Tony. By the way: the ribs are good!
NFL Week 7 In Review
Another trip around the NFL….
The Pirate Ship in Tampa was the scene of a bizarre game yesterday. Donovan McNabb threw 5 touchdown passes. Three of them were to Eagles. The other two were to Ronde Barber of the Bucs, who returned two interceptions for touchdowns. The Bucs won on a 62-yard field goal by Matt Bryant, the third longest in NFL history. With that kick went my chances in survival football, as I’m done in week 7.
Pittsburgh and Atlanta have wild games whenever they get together. In their last meeting four years ago, they played to the last regular season tie in an NFL game. Yesterday, they lit up the scoreboard, and 46 year old Morten Andersen hit the game winner for the Falcons in overtime, 41-38. Hines Ward caught three touchdown passes for the Steelers in his return to Georgia. Michael Vick accounted for three touchdowns for the Falcons. The Falcons also knocked out Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The defending world champions are now 2-4.
Another team that is now 2-4 is the Houston Texans. The Jacksonville Jaguars really stunk yesterday, and made the Texans look like the ’72 Dolphins. The Texans won going away, 27-7. Maybe they should wear red more often.
Speaking of the Dolphins, the ’06 edition is not nearly as good as they were expected to be. Brett Favre and the Packers went down to Miami and outscored the Dolphins, 34-24. The Dolphins have won one game all year. They are in contention for the top pick in the draft.
Another wild game occurred in the Jersey swamps, as the Jets moved to 4-3, with a 31-24 win over the Detroit Lions. The Jets are taking care of business against the teams that they are supposed to beat.
The Cincinnati Bengals perhaps saved their season, with a comeback win over the Carolina Panthers, 17-14. The Bengals needed it desperately to keep up with the Ravens in the AFC North. The Panthers end a four game winning streak.
The New England Patriots continue to do what they are supposed to do. They were able to handle the Buffalo Bills, 28-6. Buffalo is pretty mediocre. The Patriots are winning their games in a weak division.
Kansas City was host to a thriller, as they were able to hold off the Chargers, 30-27. LaDainian Tomlinson threw a touchdown pass for the Chargers. However, Lawrence Tynes made up for a missed extra point with a game-winning field goal.
The Denver Broncos did their job, going to Cleveland and winning, 17-7. The Broncos gave up only their second touchdown of the season. However, they were able to score two touchdowns, as their offense begins to wake up.
The Indianapolis Colts stayed undefeated, with a 36-21 whipping of the Washington Redskins. Two of the Redskins’ touchdowns were on kickoff returns. Peyton Manning threw four touchdown passes. I was a happy camper, as he is quarterback of my fantasy team.
The Seattle Seahawks are hurting. Already missing star RB Shaun Alexander, they lost QB Matt Hasselbeck to a sprained knee. The Minnesota Vikings took advantage of the circumstances, and beat the Seahawks, 31-13. Chester Taylor set a Vikings record with a 95 yard run for a touchdown.
The Suck Bowl took place in Oakland yesterday, as the Raiders escaped the winless column with a 22-9 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are reeling, and now are on track for another high draft pick, to go along with their talented skill position players. Same old Cardinals. A skunk by any other name still stinks.
The Pirate Ship in Tampa was the scene of a bizarre game yesterday. Donovan McNabb threw 5 touchdown passes. Three of them were to Eagles. The other two were to Ronde Barber of the Bucs, who returned two interceptions for touchdowns. The Bucs won on a 62-yard field goal by Matt Bryant, the third longest in NFL history. With that kick went my chances in survival football, as I’m done in week 7.
Pittsburgh and Atlanta have wild games whenever they get together. In their last meeting four years ago, they played to the last regular season tie in an NFL game. Yesterday, they lit up the scoreboard, and 46 year old Morten Andersen hit the game winner for the Falcons in overtime, 41-38. Hines Ward caught three touchdown passes for the Steelers in his return to Georgia. Michael Vick accounted for three touchdowns for the Falcons. The Falcons also knocked out Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The defending world champions are now 2-4.
Another team that is now 2-4 is the Houston Texans. The Jacksonville Jaguars really stunk yesterday, and made the Texans look like the ’72 Dolphins. The Texans won going away, 27-7. Maybe they should wear red more often.
Speaking of the Dolphins, the ’06 edition is not nearly as good as they were expected to be. Brett Favre and the Packers went down to Miami and outscored the Dolphins, 34-24. The Dolphins have won one game all year. They are in contention for the top pick in the draft.
Another wild game occurred in the Jersey swamps, as the Jets moved to 4-3, with a 31-24 win over the Detroit Lions. The Jets are taking care of business against the teams that they are supposed to beat.
The Cincinnati Bengals perhaps saved their season, with a comeback win over the Carolina Panthers, 17-14. The Bengals needed it desperately to keep up with the Ravens in the AFC North. The Panthers end a four game winning streak.
The New England Patriots continue to do what they are supposed to do. They were able to handle the Buffalo Bills, 28-6. Buffalo is pretty mediocre. The Patriots are winning their games in a weak division.
Kansas City was host to a thriller, as they were able to hold off the Chargers, 30-27. LaDainian Tomlinson threw a touchdown pass for the Chargers. However, Lawrence Tynes made up for a missed extra point with a game-winning field goal.
The Denver Broncos did their job, going to Cleveland and winning, 17-7. The Broncos gave up only their second touchdown of the season. However, they were able to score two touchdowns, as their offense begins to wake up.
The Indianapolis Colts stayed undefeated, with a 36-21 whipping of the Washington Redskins. Two of the Redskins’ touchdowns were on kickoff returns. Peyton Manning threw four touchdown passes. I was a happy camper, as he is quarterback of my fantasy team.
The Seattle Seahawks are hurting. Already missing star RB Shaun Alexander, they lost QB Matt Hasselbeck to a sprained knee. The Minnesota Vikings took advantage of the circumstances, and beat the Seahawks, 31-13. Chester Taylor set a Vikings record with a 95 yard run for a touchdown.
The Suck Bowl took place in Oakland yesterday, as the Raiders escaped the winless column with a 22-9 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are reeling, and now are on track for another high draft pick, to go along with their talented skill position players. Same old Cardinals. A skunk by any other name still stinks.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
More Rumblings
This weekend could be described as the week of the near miss. Oklahoma State, UCLA, Washington, and Nebraska all barely missed upsets over ranked opponents. Texas A&M beat OSU in overtime, as the Cowboys had a botched snap on an extra point in overtime to lose 34-33. Notre Dame came back to beat UCLA on the last play of the game, 20-17. Washington forced overtime with Cal on a catch of a Hail Mary pass, but could not get past the Bears in overtime, and lost 31-24. Nebraska had Texas beaten, but fumbled with two minutes to go in their own territory, allowing Texas to score at the end of the game to win, 22-20.
Duke barely missed winning their first game, losing to suspension-riddled Miami, 20-15. The Blue Devils had the ball on the Miami 5 yard line at the end of the game, but threw an interception to give the ‘Canes the victory.
The Bowl Championship Series picture is shaking out slowly, but surely. There are 7 undefeated teams: Ohio State, Michigan, USC, West Virginia, Louisville, Rutgers, and Boise State. Boise, if they finish undefeated, will most likely be in a BCS bowl. Ohio State and Michigan are on a collision course with each other for the biggest game in the history of their historic rivalry. USC is mortal, but has managed to beat every team they have played to date. West Virginia and Louisville play next Thursday night at the Pizza Box in Louisville. Both teams still have to play Rutgers.
Big XII Rankings for this week:
1. Texas: Escaped Lincoln with a win. Can begin making hotel reservations for Kansas City in first weekend of December.
2. Nebraska: Had their chances to beat Texas, but still a tad bit better than the rest of the league.
3. Oklahoma: AD-less Sooners have their biggest test Saturday in Columbia.
4. Texas A&M: Lucky to escape Stillwater with a win.
5. Missouri: Chance for their biggest win to date with Sooners coming to town.
6. Texas Tech: Not as good as in previous years, but got road win at Iowa State.
7. Baylor: Last time the Bears had 3 conference wins, they were in the Southwest Conference.
8. Oklahoma State: Outplayed A&M, only to lose heartbreaker.
9. Iowa State: Beaten up by tough schedule: Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas Tech.
10. Kansas: Blew big lead at Baylor. 3-5 could very easily be 7-1. Snakebitten.
11. Colorado: Anemic offense did very little in Norman.
12. Kansas State: New coach, growing pains, long season.
Duke barely missed winning their first game, losing to suspension-riddled Miami, 20-15. The Blue Devils had the ball on the Miami 5 yard line at the end of the game, but threw an interception to give the ‘Canes the victory.
The Bowl Championship Series picture is shaking out slowly, but surely. There are 7 undefeated teams: Ohio State, Michigan, USC, West Virginia, Louisville, Rutgers, and Boise State. Boise, if they finish undefeated, will most likely be in a BCS bowl. Ohio State and Michigan are on a collision course with each other for the biggest game in the history of their historic rivalry. USC is mortal, but has managed to beat every team they have played to date. West Virginia and Louisville play next Thursday night at the Pizza Box in Louisville. Both teams still have to play Rutgers.
Big XII Rankings for this week:
1. Texas: Escaped Lincoln with a win. Can begin making hotel reservations for Kansas City in first weekend of December.
2. Nebraska: Had their chances to beat Texas, but still a tad bit better than the rest of the league.
3. Oklahoma: AD-less Sooners have their biggest test Saturday in Columbia.
4. Texas A&M: Lucky to escape Stillwater with a win.
5. Missouri: Chance for their biggest win to date with Sooners coming to town.
6. Texas Tech: Not as good as in previous years, but got road win at Iowa State.
7. Baylor: Last time the Bears had 3 conference wins, they were in the Southwest Conference.
8. Oklahoma State: Outplayed A&M, only to lose heartbreaker.
9. Iowa State: Beaten up by tough schedule: Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas Tech.
10. Kansas: Blew big lead at Baylor. 3-5 could very easily be 7-1. Snakebitten.
11. Colorado: Anemic offense did very little in Norman.
12. Kansas State: New coach, growing pains, long season.
Friday, October 20, 2006
NFL Picks-Week 7
Last Week: 8-5 Season: 60-27
New York Giants at Dallas: This week’s Monday Night extravaganza comes from the future site of the Irving Industrial Park, at the corner of highways 114, 183, and Loop 12, also known as Texas Stadium. Both teams need this one bad. Both are 3-2, and are trying to keep up with the Iggles. Can Drew Bledsoe stave off a quarterback controversy, with the Rib man waiting in the wings? Will T.O. show up? Or, will Tiki Barber torch the Cowboys on their home field? Pick: Dallas, of course.
Jacksonville at Houston: They’re calling it Battle Red Day in Houston. It’s the day the Texans wear red jerseys, and the fans are asked to wear red. They need a gimmick, because they’re still a bad team. The Jaguars have shown signs of greatness, but have still not won a road game. That changes this week. Pick: Jacksonville
Carolina at Cincinnati: The Panthers are hot, having won four in a row after losing their first two games. The Bengals come off a loss at Tampa Bay. The Bengals need this one desperately. Pick: Cincinnati
Detroit at New York Jets: The Lions won their first game last week, while the Jets beat the sorry Dolphins. The Jets continue to beat up on weak sisters. Pick: Jets
Green Bay at Miami: This smells like week-old cheese. Both teams are bad. Miami has switched to Joey Harrington at quarterback. I don’t know if that will help them. Brett Favre can still sling it. Green Bay will outscore the Dolphins. Pick: Green Bay
New England at Buffalo: The Patriots are head and shoulders above the rest of their division, again. The Bills are pretty mediocre. The Patriots go for the sweep. Pick: New England
Philadelphia at Tampa Bay: The Bucs got their first win last week, behind rookie quarterback and ex-Toledo Rocket Bruce Gradkowski (How’d the MAC become the cradle of quarterbacks?). Philly keeps finding ways to win. Pick: Philly
Pittsburgh at Atlanta: The Steelers got a big win last week. The Falcons lost a lead and the game to the Giants. The Steelers are too inconsistent. The Falcons are at home. Pick: Atlanta
San Diego at Kansas City: The Chargers have been impressive with new QB Phillip Rivers and all-world RB LaDainian Tomlinson. Trent Green is still out for the Chiefs, leaving Damon Huard at QB. The Chargers are on a roll. Pick: San Diego
Denver at Cleveland: The Broncos have a great defense, and are struggling on offense. The Browns are struggling, period. As the Broncos return to Cleveland 20 years after “The Drive”, they won’t need magic. They’ll just win. Pick: Denver
Arizona at Oakland: McAfee Coliseum will need a post-game check for toxic waste, due not to a bomb threat, but to the suckiness of the teams involved. Arizona has more talent than the Raiders, but they are snakebitten after the events of the last two weeks. Oakland is a bad team, but this is one of their best chances for a win this year. Pick: Oakland
Minnesota at Seattle: Seattle got a big win in St. Louis last week. The Vikings aren’t bad, but won’t be able to pull this one off in Starbucksville. Pick: Seattle
Washington at Indianapolis: The Redskins are fresh off giving the Titans their first win of the year. Their fortunes won’t change this week. The Colts are rested and ready to go. Pick: Indy
New York Giants at Dallas: This week’s Monday Night extravaganza comes from the future site of the Irving Industrial Park, at the corner of highways 114, 183, and Loop 12, also known as Texas Stadium. Both teams need this one bad. Both are 3-2, and are trying to keep up with the Iggles. Can Drew Bledsoe stave off a quarterback controversy, with the Rib man waiting in the wings? Will T.O. show up? Or, will Tiki Barber torch the Cowboys on their home field? Pick: Dallas, of course.
Jacksonville at Houston: They’re calling it Battle Red Day in Houston. It’s the day the Texans wear red jerseys, and the fans are asked to wear red. They need a gimmick, because they’re still a bad team. The Jaguars have shown signs of greatness, but have still not won a road game. That changes this week. Pick: Jacksonville
Carolina at Cincinnati: The Panthers are hot, having won four in a row after losing their first two games. The Bengals come off a loss at Tampa Bay. The Bengals need this one desperately. Pick: Cincinnati
Detroit at New York Jets: The Lions won their first game last week, while the Jets beat the sorry Dolphins. The Jets continue to beat up on weak sisters. Pick: Jets
Green Bay at Miami: This smells like week-old cheese. Both teams are bad. Miami has switched to Joey Harrington at quarterback. I don’t know if that will help them. Brett Favre can still sling it. Green Bay will outscore the Dolphins. Pick: Green Bay
New England at Buffalo: The Patriots are head and shoulders above the rest of their division, again. The Bills are pretty mediocre. The Patriots go for the sweep. Pick: New England
Philadelphia at Tampa Bay: The Bucs got their first win last week, behind rookie quarterback and ex-Toledo Rocket Bruce Gradkowski (How’d the MAC become the cradle of quarterbacks?). Philly keeps finding ways to win. Pick: Philly
Pittsburgh at Atlanta: The Steelers got a big win last week. The Falcons lost a lead and the game to the Giants. The Steelers are too inconsistent. The Falcons are at home. Pick: Atlanta
San Diego at Kansas City: The Chargers have been impressive with new QB Phillip Rivers and all-world RB LaDainian Tomlinson. Trent Green is still out for the Chiefs, leaving Damon Huard at QB. The Chargers are on a roll. Pick: San Diego
Denver at Cleveland: The Broncos have a great defense, and are struggling on offense. The Browns are struggling, period. As the Broncos return to Cleveland 20 years after “The Drive”, they won’t need magic. They’ll just win. Pick: Denver
Arizona at Oakland: McAfee Coliseum will need a post-game check for toxic waste, due not to a bomb threat, but to the suckiness of the teams involved. Arizona has more talent than the Raiders, but they are snakebitten after the events of the last two weeks. Oakland is a bad team, but this is one of their best chances for a win this year. Pick: Oakland
Minnesota at Seattle: Seattle got a big win in St. Louis last week. The Vikings aren’t bad, but won’t be able to pull this one off in Starbucksville. Pick: Seattle
Washington at Indianapolis: The Redskins are fresh off giving the Titans their first win of the year. Their fortunes won’t change this week. The Colts are rested and ready to go. Pick: Indy
Baseball: It's Not What It Used To Be
Last night, the St. Louis Cardinals used a 9th inning home run from Yadier Molina to defeat the New York Mets in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series. The Cardinals now hop on a plane to Detroit, to meet the Tigers in game 1 of the World Series.
This series illustrates how much baseball has changed in my lifetime. When these two teams last met in the World Series, it was 1968, and I was in diapers. Both teams won their leagues in the last year before divisional play. There were no division series or league championship series, but the best team over 162 games won the pennant and went to the World Series.
Turn the clock to 2006. The Tigers led the American League Central Division for almost the entire season, until the final weekend. They had a series at home against the Kansas City Royals, the team with the worst record in baseball. Detroit needed to win only one game to clinch the division. The Royals swept three games from the Tigers, including a comeback from a 6-0 deficit in the final game. What did it cost the Tigers? They got to be the wild card team, and had to play the Yankees in the first round of the playoffs, instead of hosting Oakland. In the old days, they would have stayed home, with 95 wins. Instead, they got hot, winning the last three games against the Yankees, and sweeping four games from the Athletics.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, led the weak National League Central division for the entire season. With two weeks to play, they had an 8 ½ game lead over the Houston Astros. They lost 8 games in a row, and the lead shrunk to ½ game, before they split a four-game series with Milwaukee to salvage a division championship. They advanced to the post-season with a record of 83-78. They would have finished 13 1/2 games out of first place in their old division, the National League East. They were given up for dead in the post-season, but beat San Diego 3 games to 1, then beat the Mets in a 7 game series to advance to the World Series.
What does this prove? Baseball has changed, especially with the addition of the extra division and the wild card. The best team in the regular season does not always win at the end, especially in the convoluted post-season. Anything can happen in a best-of-5 or best-of-7 series, and usually does. It’s all about timely hitting and pitching.
I’ve bombed one prediction already, as I picked the Yankees to beat San Diego in the World Series. I’ll take a do-over on that one. Detroit in 5.
This series illustrates how much baseball has changed in my lifetime. When these two teams last met in the World Series, it was 1968, and I was in diapers. Both teams won their leagues in the last year before divisional play. There were no division series or league championship series, but the best team over 162 games won the pennant and went to the World Series.
Turn the clock to 2006. The Tigers led the American League Central Division for almost the entire season, until the final weekend. They had a series at home against the Kansas City Royals, the team with the worst record in baseball. Detroit needed to win only one game to clinch the division. The Royals swept three games from the Tigers, including a comeback from a 6-0 deficit in the final game. What did it cost the Tigers? They got to be the wild card team, and had to play the Yankees in the first round of the playoffs, instead of hosting Oakland. In the old days, they would have stayed home, with 95 wins. Instead, they got hot, winning the last three games against the Yankees, and sweeping four games from the Athletics.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, led the weak National League Central division for the entire season. With two weeks to play, they had an 8 ½ game lead over the Houston Astros. They lost 8 games in a row, and the lead shrunk to ½ game, before they split a four-game series with Milwaukee to salvage a division championship. They advanced to the post-season with a record of 83-78. They would have finished 13 1/2 games out of first place in their old division, the National League East. They were given up for dead in the post-season, but beat San Diego 3 games to 1, then beat the Mets in a 7 game series to advance to the World Series.
What does this prove? Baseball has changed, especially with the addition of the extra division and the wild card. The best team in the regular season does not always win at the end, especially in the convoluted post-season. Anything can happen in a best-of-5 or best-of-7 series, and usually does. It’s all about timely hitting and pitching.
I’ve bombed one prediction already, as I picked the Yankees to beat San Diego in the World Series. I’ll take a do-over on that one. Detroit in 5.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
College Picks-Weekend of October 22
College Picks-Weekend of October 22
Last Week: 12-8 Season: 99-41
Improved a little on the picks, but there is still room for improvement…
Here it goes for this week:
Colorado at Oklahoma: Colorado is coming off of their first win. Oklahoma is missing franchise RB Adrian Peterson. This won’t be a total blowout, but OU wins.
Texas at Nebraska: The Huskers are not quite ready for prime time. Texas has won in their two previous trips to Lincoln in Big XII play. Make this a third. Pick: Texas
Texas A&M at Oklahoma State: Ag Bowl II. OSU is probably more of an agricultural school than Texas A&M these days. However, this isn’t fertilizer science or agronomy, it’s football. Both teams won last week. It comes down to the A&M offense vs. the OSU defense. A&M milks the clock and wins the game. Pick: A&M
Texas Tech at Iowa State: Last week, Tech became the first team to lose to Colorado. Iowa State has gotten through a murderer’s row of a schedule, with Texas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma in consecutive weeks. They obviously do not have friends in the conference office. Tech continues to struggle. Pick: Iowa State
Kansas State at Missouri: Missouri returns home after suffering their first loss. Tigers bounce back here. Pick: Mizzou
Kansas at Baylor: KU is now in a free fall, having lost their first three conference games. Baylor improves every week. I hate Dr. Pepper, but I think Baylor will win this week. Pick: Baylor
UCLA at Notre Dame: Notre Dame gets the other guys from Los Angeles. UCLA can’t keep up with the Irish. Pick: Notre Dame
Alabama at Tennessee: No longer played on the Third Saturday in October, but a huge game, no matter the records. Tennessee is very good this year. Bama is a disappointment. Pick: Tennessee
Georgia Tech at Clemson: Possible preview of ACC championship game. Ramblin’ Wreck have not lost since opening game against Notre Dame. Clemson has not lost since a week 2 hiccup to Boston College. The game is in Death Valley, giving Clemson the advantage in a close one. Pick: Climpson
Rutgers at Pittsburgh: Scarlet Knights take their unbeaten record to the Ketchup Bowl to take on once-beaten Pittsburgh. Pitt is the best team Rutgers has faced to date. Both teams leave this one with one loss. Pick: Pittsburgh
West Virginia at Connecticut: Mountaineers on a collision course with Louisville. They should handle UConn. Pick: West Virginia
Wisconsin at Purdue: Wisconsin only has one loss. Purdue will wind up in a bowl somewhere. Wiscy is a little better than the Boilermakers. Pick: Wisconsin
TCU at Army: TCU has been beaten up bad the last two games by the two teams from Utah. After the week off, they venture to the banks of the Hudson River. Army will give TCU all they want, but TCU has too much talent. Pick: TCU
Washington at California: Washington is much improved. Cal has bounced back well after their opening loss to the Vols. Pick: Cal
Boston College at Florida State: The Eagles are ranked 22nd, and the Seminoles are not ranked. How the mighty have fallen. FSU has pride, and pride will carry them this week. Speaking of pride, the Seminoles will be wearing black uniforms, in honor of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Pick: FSU
UTEP at Houston: Speaking of free fall, that describes the Cougars. After barely losing to the U in Miami, Houston has since lost to Louisiana-Lafayette and Southern Miss. UTEP is talented and well-coached. The game is in Houston, but that won’t matter. Pick: UTEP
South Carolina at Vanderbilt: Vandy is coming off an upset of Georgia, the first time they have defeated a ranked opponent in 58 games. The ‘Cocks aren’t as good as Georgia. The ‘Dores continue to improve. Pick: Vandy
Louisville at Syracuse: Louisville is rolling along, and has a big game next week at the Pizza Box against West Virginia. The ‘Cuse has improved a lot as they have changed to the old-school uniforms. This one is in the dome, and the Ville better be ready. Pick: Syracuse
Miami (or what’s left of them) vs. Duke: Not quite half of Miami’s team were suspended as a result of last week’s fight with Florida International. Duke hasn’t won a game all year. Miami is down, but their mix of starters and reserves should still be able to handle the Dukies. Pick: Miami
Blackburn (Ill.) at Maranatha Baptist Bible College (Wis.): Maranatha has won three games, and Blackburn has won two. Maranatha has the home-field advantage. Pick: Maranatha
Last Week: 12-8 Season: 99-41
Improved a little on the picks, but there is still room for improvement…
Here it goes for this week:
Colorado at Oklahoma: Colorado is coming off of their first win. Oklahoma is missing franchise RB Adrian Peterson. This won’t be a total blowout, but OU wins.
Texas at Nebraska: The Huskers are not quite ready for prime time. Texas has won in their two previous trips to Lincoln in Big XII play. Make this a third. Pick: Texas
Texas A&M at Oklahoma State: Ag Bowl II. OSU is probably more of an agricultural school than Texas A&M these days. However, this isn’t fertilizer science or agronomy, it’s football. Both teams won last week. It comes down to the A&M offense vs. the OSU defense. A&M milks the clock and wins the game. Pick: A&M
Texas Tech at Iowa State: Last week, Tech became the first team to lose to Colorado. Iowa State has gotten through a murderer’s row of a schedule, with Texas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma in consecutive weeks. They obviously do not have friends in the conference office. Tech continues to struggle. Pick: Iowa State
Kansas State at Missouri: Missouri returns home after suffering their first loss. Tigers bounce back here. Pick: Mizzou
Kansas at Baylor: KU is now in a free fall, having lost their first three conference games. Baylor improves every week. I hate Dr. Pepper, but I think Baylor will win this week. Pick: Baylor
UCLA at Notre Dame: Notre Dame gets the other guys from Los Angeles. UCLA can’t keep up with the Irish. Pick: Notre Dame
Alabama at Tennessee: No longer played on the Third Saturday in October, but a huge game, no matter the records. Tennessee is very good this year. Bama is a disappointment. Pick: Tennessee
Georgia Tech at Clemson: Possible preview of ACC championship game. Ramblin’ Wreck have not lost since opening game against Notre Dame. Clemson has not lost since a week 2 hiccup to Boston College. The game is in Death Valley, giving Clemson the advantage in a close one. Pick: Climpson
Rutgers at Pittsburgh: Scarlet Knights take their unbeaten record to the Ketchup Bowl to take on once-beaten Pittsburgh. Pitt is the best team Rutgers has faced to date. Both teams leave this one with one loss. Pick: Pittsburgh
West Virginia at Connecticut: Mountaineers on a collision course with Louisville. They should handle UConn. Pick: West Virginia
Wisconsin at Purdue: Wisconsin only has one loss. Purdue will wind up in a bowl somewhere. Wiscy is a little better than the Boilermakers. Pick: Wisconsin
TCU at Army: TCU has been beaten up bad the last two games by the two teams from Utah. After the week off, they venture to the banks of the Hudson River. Army will give TCU all they want, but TCU has too much talent. Pick: TCU
Washington at California: Washington is much improved. Cal has bounced back well after their opening loss to the Vols. Pick: Cal
Boston College at Florida State: The Eagles are ranked 22nd, and the Seminoles are not ranked. How the mighty have fallen. FSU has pride, and pride will carry them this week. Speaking of pride, the Seminoles will be wearing black uniforms, in honor of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Pick: FSU
UTEP at Houston: Speaking of free fall, that describes the Cougars. After barely losing to the U in Miami, Houston has since lost to Louisiana-Lafayette and Southern Miss. UTEP is talented and well-coached. The game is in Houston, but that won’t matter. Pick: UTEP
South Carolina at Vanderbilt: Vandy is coming off an upset of Georgia, the first time they have defeated a ranked opponent in 58 games. The ‘Cocks aren’t as good as Georgia. The ‘Dores continue to improve. Pick: Vandy
Louisville at Syracuse: Louisville is rolling along, and has a big game next week at the Pizza Box against West Virginia. The ‘Cuse has improved a lot as they have changed to the old-school uniforms. This one is in the dome, and the Ville better be ready. Pick: Syracuse
Miami (or what’s left of them) vs. Duke: Not quite half of Miami’s team were suspended as a result of last week’s fight with Florida International. Duke hasn’t won a game all year. Miami is down, but their mix of starters and reserves should still be able to handle the Dukies. Pick: Miami
Blackburn (Ill.) at Maranatha Baptist Bible College (Wis.): Maranatha has won three games, and Blackburn has won two. Maranatha has the home-field advantage. Pick: Maranatha
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Don't Count Your Cardinals Before They Hatch
As I wrote last night, the Arizona Cardinals had a 23-3 lead over the Bears in the 3rd quarter. The Bears made a rendezvous with destiny, as they scored two defensive touchdowns, then went ahead on a Devin Hester punt return. The Cardinals gave Neil Rackers a chance to win the game with a 40-yard field goal, but he missed.
That game defined the term "finding a way to lose". This is the second week in a row the Cardinals have blown a 14-0 lead to lose a game. The Curse of Bidwill lives on. No matter the city: Chicago, St. Louis, Tempe, or Glendale, the Cardinals still stink.
The Bears are pretty good, though. The road to the Super Bowl goes through Chicago.
That game defined the term "finding a way to lose". This is the second week in a row the Cardinals have blown a 14-0 lead to lose a game. The Curse of Bidwill lives on. No matter the city: Chicago, St. Louis, Tempe, or Glendale, the Cardinals still stink.
The Bears are pretty good, though. The road to the Super Bowl goes through Chicago.
Monday, October 16, 2006
NFL Week In Review-Week 6
Another trip down the road known as the National Football League…
The first half of yesterday’s Cowboys-Texans game was one of the ugliest displays of football I’ve seen in a while. The Cowboys played to the Texans’ level and trailed 6-3 at the half. Big Bill must have said something at halftime, because the Cowboys crushed them in the second half to win 34-6. Terrell Owens caught three touchdown passes, including the first TD pass by Tony “Ribs” Romo. Texas Stadium-A Place For Ribs?
The Tennessee Titans got their first win of the season, going into Washington and defeating the Redskins. What is up with the Redskins? The Titans are improving in a hurry, with Vince Young at QB.
There was a barn-burner in St. Louis yesterday, as the Seattle Seahawks kicked a field goal at the end of the game to defeat the Rams. Torry Holt made an awesome juggling catch at full speed for the go-ahead TD, but the Seahawks had the ball last and won the game on an FG.
How about the Saints!?! Break them up! They’re 5-1. They have a very good QB in Drew Brees, a healthy Deuce McAllister, and two good rookies on offense in Reggie Bush and Marques Colston. They’re the real deal. Big win over the Eagles on Sunday.
The Carolina Panthers won their fourth game in a row, over the Ravens in Baltimore. They are starting to live up to pre-season hype.
Congrats to the Detroit Lions, on their first win of the season. The Tigers’ mojo did make it across the street to Ford Field for yesterday’s game.
Congrats also to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who also won their first game, over the tiger-striped guys from Cincinnati.
The New York Football Giants saved their season yesterday, with a comeback win over the Atlanta Michael Vicks.
The Jets sucked less than the Dolphins yesterday. Enough said.
Speaking of suck, the 49ers continue to define the word. No NFL team should give up 48 points to anybody, though the Chargers are a good team.
Any discussion of 40+ point games this week is incomplete without mention of Pittsburgh’s 45-7 rout of Kansas City. I don’t know if the Steelers will be back in the Super Bowl, but I know the Chiefs won’t be there.
The worst team in the league continues to be the Oakland Raiders, 13-3 losers to Denver. Al Davis needs to have mercy on all of us and sell the team. Commitment to Excellence? Just Win, Baby? Puhleeze. This is a joke.
The sorry Cardinals are taking the undefeated Bears to the woodshed as I write. There is hope in the desert. Isn’t it unstable, though, that they play in a stadium named for a university without a football team (University of Phoenix Stadium)?
The first half of yesterday’s Cowboys-Texans game was one of the ugliest displays of football I’ve seen in a while. The Cowboys played to the Texans’ level and trailed 6-3 at the half. Big Bill must have said something at halftime, because the Cowboys crushed them in the second half to win 34-6. Terrell Owens caught three touchdown passes, including the first TD pass by Tony “Ribs” Romo. Texas Stadium-A Place For Ribs?
The Tennessee Titans got their first win of the season, going into Washington and defeating the Redskins. What is up with the Redskins? The Titans are improving in a hurry, with Vince Young at QB.
There was a barn-burner in St. Louis yesterday, as the Seattle Seahawks kicked a field goal at the end of the game to defeat the Rams. Torry Holt made an awesome juggling catch at full speed for the go-ahead TD, but the Seahawks had the ball last and won the game on an FG.
How about the Saints!?! Break them up! They’re 5-1. They have a very good QB in Drew Brees, a healthy Deuce McAllister, and two good rookies on offense in Reggie Bush and Marques Colston. They’re the real deal. Big win over the Eagles on Sunday.
The Carolina Panthers won their fourth game in a row, over the Ravens in Baltimore. They are starting to live up to pre-season hype.
Congrats to the Detroit Lions, on their first win of the season. The Tigers’ mojo did make it across the street to Ford Field for yesterday’s game.
Congrats also to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who also won their first game, over the tiger-striped guys from Cincinnati.
The New York Football Giants saved their season yesterday, with a comeback win over the Atlanta Michael Vicks.
The Jets sucked less than the Dolphins yesterday. Enough said.
Speaking of suck, the 49ers continue to define the word. No NFL team should give up 48 points to anybody, though the Chargers are a good team.
Any discussion of 40+ point games this week is incomplete without mention of Pittsburgh’s 45-7 rout of Kansas City. I don’t know if the Steelers will be back in the Super Bowl, but I know the Chiefs won’t be there.
The worst team in the league continues to be the Oakland Raiders, 13-3 losers to Denver. Al Davis needs to have mercy on all of us and sell the team. Commitment to Excellence? Just Win, Baby? Puhleeze. This is a joke.
The sorry Cardinals are taking the undefeated Bears to the woodshed as I write. There is hope in the desert. Isn’t it unstable, though, that they play in a stadium named for a university without a football team (University of Phoenix Stadium)?
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Rumblings
Rumblings from the weekend in college football…
As I expected, Auburn bounced back from their unexpected loss to Arkansas to take care of business against the Florida Gators. This leaves one unbeaten team in SEC play: the Arkansas Razorbacks. It also leaves five undefeated teams in BCS conferences: Ohio State, Michigan, USC, West Virginia, and Louisville. USC has two tough games remaining, against Cal and Oregon. Ohio State and Michigan play each other at the end of the season, and West Virginia and Louisville play each other next Thursday night.
There were two upsets of significance in the Top 25 yesterday. The Vanderbilt Commodores went between the hedges and defeated the 16th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, 24-22. Vandy had lost 58 games in a row to ranked opponents before yesterday. The Bulldogs are struggling in a huge way. In Bloomington, Indiana, the Indiana Hoosiers shocked the #15 Iowa Hawkeyes, 31-28. Indiana is now 4-3. There are two non-conference losses the Hoosiers would like to have back, as they lost consecutive games to Connecticut and Southern Illinois while coach Terry Hoeppner was absent due to emergency brain surgery. If the Hoosiers can win two of their three games with Michigan State, Minnesota, or Purdue, they can make it to a bowl game for the first time since the Lincoln administration.
Down in Little Havana, there was a fight at the Orange Bowl, during last night’s game between Miami and Florida International. The video is here. The fight was instigated by a FIU player when he tackled the holder after an extra point was made. Chaos ensued. On the video, former Cane and color analyst Lamar Thomas represents The U with class, stating on the air that he’d like to get on the elevator, go down on the field, and take care of business, and that they ought to continue this in the tunnel after the game. Same old Miami we all know and love. Word for FIU: If you can’t beat them on the field, beat them off of it.
My Sooners beat Iowa State, 34-9, but it felt like a loss, as Adrian Peterson suffered a broken collarbone as a result of diving into the end zone, and is out for the season. If he is smart, he will declare for the NFL draft, and become an instant millionaire. The Sooners now have four dangerous road games in the Big XII, with trips to Missouri, Baylor, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State. At this point, an 8-4 finish and trip to the Alamo Bowl looks like a successful season. What was once a successful 2003 recruiting class, featuring Peterson and Rhett Bomar, has disintegrated. These are not the best of times in Norman, Oklahoma.
Big XII rankings for this week:
1. Texas: Bevo rolls on. Next stop: Nebraska
2. Nebraska: Are they ready for Bevo?
3. Oklahoma: Currently here by default. Their season is radically changed with AD’s injury.
4. Texas A&M: What a difference two weeks make. Strong win to knock Mizzou from the ranks of the unbeaten.
5. Missouri: All good things must come to an end.
6. Baylor: Yes, they gave up 63 to Texas. However, they are better than the teams below them this week.
7. Iowa State: Has completed the toughest part of their schedule.
8. Texas Tech: Lost to Colorado. Enough said.
9. Oklahoma State: Big win at KU. Need two more wins for a bowl.
10. Kansas: Slipping fast at 3-4. Didn’t need yesterday’s loss.
11. Colorado: Finally gets a win. Will be hard to deal with the rest of the way.
12. Kansas State: Someone has to be in the basement, and this week is their turn.
As I expected, Auburn bounced back from their unexpected loss to Arkansas to take care of business against the Florida Gators. This leaves one unbeaten team in SEC play: the Arkansas Razorbacks. It also leaves five undefeated teams in BCS conferences: Ohio State, Michigan, USC, West Virginia, and Louisville. USC has two tough games remaining, against Cal and Oregon. Ohio State and Michigan play each other at the end of the season, and West Virginia and Louisville play each other next Thursday night.
There were two upsets of significance in the Top 25 yesterday. The Vanderbilt Commodores went between the hedges and defeated the 16th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, 24-22. Vandy had lost 58 games in a row to ranked opponents before yesterday. The Bulldogs are struggling in a huge way. In Bloomington, Indiana, the Indiana Hoosiers shocked the #15 Iowa Hawkeyes, 31-28. Indiana is now 4-3. There are two non-conference losses the Hoosiers would like to have back, as they lost consecutive games to Connecticut and Southern Illinois while coach Terry Hoeppner was absent due to emergency brain surgery. If the Hoosiers can win two of their three games with Michigan State, Minnesota, or Purdue, they can make it to a bowl game for the first time since the Lincoln administration.
Down in Little Havana, there was a fight at the Orange Bowl, during last night’s game between Miami and Florida International. The video is here. The fight was instigated by a FIU player when he tackled the holder after an extra point was made. Chaos ensued. On the video, former Cane and color analyst Lamar Thomas represents The U with class, stating on the air that he’d like to get on the elevator, go down on the field, and take care of business, and that they ought to continue this in the tunnel after the game. Same old Miami we all know and love. Word for FIU: If you can’t beat them on the field, beat them off of it.
My Sooners beat Iowa State, 34-9, but it felt like a loss, as Adrian Peterson suffered a broken collarbone as a result of diving into the end zone, and is out for the season. If he is smart, he will declare for the NFL draft, and become an instant millionaire. The Sooners now have four dangerous road games in the Big XII, with trips to Missouri, Baylor, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State. At this point, an 8-4 finish and trip to the Alamo Bowl looks like a successful season. What was once a successful 2003 recruiting class, featuring Peterson and Rhett Bomar, has disintegrated. These are not the best of times in Norman, Oklahoma.
Big XII rankings for this week:
1. Texas: Bevo rolls on. Next stop: Nebraska
2. Nebraska: Are they ready for Bevo?
3. Oklahoma: Currently here by default. Their season is radically changed with AD’s injury.
4. Texas A&M: What a difference two weeks make. Strong win to knock Mizzou from the ranks of the unbeaten.
5. Missouri: All good things must come to an end.
6. Baylor: Yes, they gave up 63 to Texas. However, they are better than the teams below them this week.
7. Iowa State: Has completed the toughest part of their schedule.
8. Texas Tech: Lost to Colorado. Enough said.
9. Oklahoma State: Big win at KU. Need two more wins for a bowl.
10. Kansas: Slipping fast at 3-4. Didn’t need yesterday’s loss.
11. Colorado: Finally gets a win. Will be hard to deal with the rest of the way.
12. Kansas State: Someone has to be in the basement, and this week is their turn.
Friday, October 13, 2006
NFL Picks-Week 6
Last Week: 12-2 Season: 52-22
Last week was a good week for me on picks, making me look like a genius. Let’s see how this week unfolds.
Houston at Dallas: This is a big game for people in Houston. Sports radio in Houston still talks about the 19-10 victory by the Texans over Dallas in their first regular season game four years ago. In Dallas, that was two coaches and almost an entire roster ago, or ancient history. The Texans got a win before their bye week, but they’re not as good as the Cowboys. The Cowboys aren’t as good as the Eagles, but they’re good enough to win this week. Pick: Dallas
Buffalo at Detroit: A mediocre team against a bad team. DET is a hopping place this weekend, with this game, and the American League Championship Series across the street. Some of that Tigers’ mojo spreads over to Ford Field for the Lions. Pick: Detroit
Carolina at Baltimore: The Panthers are winners of three in a row. The Ravens lost their first game in Denver on Monday night. Both teams should be in the playoffs. The Ravens still have that stout defense, and are the home team. Pick: Baltimore
Cincinnati at Tampa Bay: Just a few short years ago, the Bengals were terrible, and the Bucs were good. Now, the tide has turned. The Bucs have to beat somebody. This isn’t the week. Pick: Cincinnati
New York Giants at Atlanta: This one is worthy of a coin flip. Pick: Atlanta
Philadelphia at New Orleans: The Eagles fly into the Superdome coming off a big win over hated rival Dallas. The Saints are off to a nice start, at 4-1. My gut says Saints. Pick: New Orleans
Seattle at St. Louis: Big game in the NFC West. Shaun Alexander is still out for the Seahawks. That and the St. Louis home field advantage could be the difference. Pick: St. Louis
Tennessee at Washington: The Vince Young Show continues, this time in D.C. Clinton Portis runs all day on the Titans’ D, and the Titans remain winless. Pick: Washington
Kansas City at Pittsburgh. Kansas City has won two in a row with backqup quarterback Damon Huard. The Steelers have struggled out of the gate. That can’t last long. Pick: Pittsburgh
Miami at New York Jets: Yuck. Miami is terrible, and the Jets lost 41-0 to Jacksonville last week. Gee, who do I pick? Pick: Jets
San Diego at San Francisco: The Niners got a win last week against Oakland. San Diego is a lot better than Oakland. Pick: San Diego
Oakland at Denver: Yuck, part 2. The Raiders are the worst team in the league. Denver is a tough place, especially since they hate the Raiders. Mike Shanahan beats Al Davis’ team again. Pick: Denver
Chicago at Arizona: Monday Night Football comes to the new stadium in the desert, along with the most impressive team to date, da Bears. The Cardinals have struggled, as usual. Pick: Chicago
Last week was a good week for me on picks, making me look like a genius. Let’s see how this week unfolds.
Houston at Dallas: This is a big game for people in Houston. Sports radio in Houston still talks about the 19-10 victory by the Texans over Dallas in their first regular season game four years ago. In Dallas, that was two coaches and almost an entire roster ago, or ancient history. The Texans got a win before their bye week, but they’re not as good as the Cowboys. The Cowboys aren’t as good as the Eagles, but they’re good enough to win this week. Pick: Dallas
Buffalo at Detroit: A mediocre team against a bad team. DET is a hopping place this weekend, with this game, and the American League Championship Series across the street. Some of that Tigers’ mojo spreads over to Ford Field for the Lions. Pick: Detroit
Carolina at Baltimore: The Panthers are winners of three in a row. The Ravens lost their first game in Denver on Monday night. Both teams should be in the playoffs. The Ravens still have that stout defense, and are the home team. Pick: Baltimore
Cincinnati at Tampa Bay: Just a few short years ago, the Bengals were terrible, and the Bucs were good. Now, the tide has turned. The Bucs have to beat somebody. This isn’t the week. Pick: Cincinnati
New York Giants at Atlanta: This one is worthy of a coin flip. Pick: Atlanta
Philadelphia at New Orleans: The Eagles fly into the Superdome coming off a big win over hated rival Dallas. The Saints are off to a nice start, at 4-1. My gut says Saints. Pick: New Orleans
Seattle at St. Louis: Big game in the NFC West. Shaun Alexander is still out for the Seahawks. That and the St. Louis home field advantage could be the difference. Pick: St. Louis
Tennessee at Washington: The Vince Young Show continues, this time in D.C. Clinton Portis runs all day on the Titans’ D, and the Titans remain winless. Pick: Washington
Kansas City at Pittsburgh. Kansas City has won two in a row with backqup quarterback Damon Huard. The Steelers have struggled out of the gate. That can’t last long. Pick: Pittsburgh
Miami at New York Jets: Yuck. Miami is terrible, and the Jets lost 41-0 to Jacksonville last week. Gee, who do I pick? Pick: Jets
San Diego at San Francisco: The Niners got a win last week against Oakland. San Diego is a lot better than Oakland. Pick: San Diego
Oakland at Denver: Yuck, part 2. The Raiders are the worst team in the league. Denver is a tough place, especially since they hate the Raiders. Mike Shanahan beats Al Davis’ team again. Pick: Denver
Chicago at Arizona: Monday Night Football comes to the new stadium in the desert, along with the most impressive team to date, da Bears. The Cardinals have struggled, as usual. Pick: Chicago
Thursday, October 12, 2006
College Picks-Week of October 15
Long time, no blog…
Last Week: 10-10 Overall: 87-33
Bad week on the picks, as I picked 1 out of 6 winners in the Big XII. This will be a better week.
Iowa State at Oklahoma: The Cyclones appear to have slipped a notch, but are also in the middle of a brutal stretch of schedule. They have suffered losses to Iowa, Texas, and Nebraska, and visit Oklahoma next. The Sooners laid a big egg in the second half last Saturday at the Cotton Bowl. They get enough fixed to get a win this Saturday. Pick: OU
Baylor at Texas: The last time these teams met, Texas won 62-0 in Waco. It’ll be closer this time, but the better team will still win. Pick: Texas
Missouri at Texas A&M: Mizzou is still unbeaten, and coming off of a big win last week in Lubbock. A&M saved their season with a comeback win at Kansas. I’m still not impressed with A&M, though. Pick: Missouri
Nebraska at Kansas State: K-State has 4 wins, and is coming off of a comeback win over Oklahoma State. Nebraska looks like the best team in the North. Pick: Nebraska
Oklahoma State at Kansas: The Fighting Manginos could very well be 6-0. Instead, they’re 3-3. OSU is having problems on defense, and blew a big lead in their last trip to the Sunflower State. When in doubt, pick the home team. Pick: KU
Texas Tech at Colorado: The Buffs have still not won a game, losing in overtime to Baylor last week. The Red Raiders are smarting from last week’s loss to Missouri. Tech has more talent, and will bounce back. However, it won’t be a blowout. Pick: Tech
Florida at Auburn: Did Auburn fall apart last week, or what? Arkansas owned them. Meanwhile, Florida put a beating on LSU last week in the Swamp. ESPN is all over this one, as they are putting this one on most of their networks as ESPN Full Circle. ESPN2 will have a different camera view, there will be something on ESPN360 and ESPNU, and the original game will be on the Mother Ship. The game will not be on ESPN8, The Ocho, however. I look for War Eagle to bounce back here. Pick: Auburn
Michigan at Penn State: Star WR Mario Manningham is out for the Wolverines. The whole world is waiting for a showdown between undefeated Michigan and undefeated Ohio State. Not going to happen. It’s Saturday night in Happy Valley, and the Lions are up for the upset. Pick: Penn State
Virginia Tech at Boston College: Old Big East matchup, transported to the ACC. The Hokies are still stinging from that loss to the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech. BC turned into powder at N.C. State, before handling the Maine Black Bears. This is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get. Pick: Virginia Tech
California at Washington State: When we last left the Palouse, USC barely escaped with a win. Now, it’s the Bears’ turn. Cal has been on a roll since losing their first game at Tennessee. This will be a good game. However, Cal is just a little better. Pick: Cal
Ole Miss at Alabama: Bama is struggling, having lost two conference games. Mike Shula is under fire, but the Auburn folks want him to stay, and even have a website to prove it: www.keepmikeshula.com. Ole Miss is not one of the better teams in the SEC. Pick: Alabama
Rutgers at Navy: Rutgers is undefeated at this point in the season for the first time in 30 years. Florida State and Miami are unranked, and Rutgers is ranked-go figure. Great turnaround. The Midshipmen aren’t so bad, themselves. The game is in Annapolis, and Navy is good enough to win on their home field. Pick: Navy
Syracuse at West Virginia: The Mountaineers march on. Pick: West Virginia
Wake Forest at N.C. State: The Deacons were undefeated, and had a 14 point lead in the 4th quarter last week against Clemson. They lost. N.C. State has bounced back since losing to Akron. Winner remains in contention for a trip to the ACC championship game. Pick: N.C. State
Tulsa at East Carolina: Staying in the Tar Heel State, the Pirates are improving, and host defending conference champion Tulsa. ECU stayed on the field earlier in the year against West Virginia. Tulsa is getting stronger every year. Pick: ECU
Arizona State at USC: The Trojans just keep rolling along. They’re young, but still plenty good enough to win. This might not be close. Pick: USC
Minnesota at Wisconsin: This is for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Wisky currently has the axe, and looks to hold on to it at home. I look for that to happen. Pick: Wisconsin
UCLA at Oregon: Oregon got spanked last week at Cal. They’re back home this week for some home cooking. Bruins are for dinner this week. Pick: Oregon
Maryland at Virginia: Both teams are slipping fast. I better draw straws on this one. Pick: Maryland
Bryant at Stonehill: It’s homecoming for the Skyhawks. Bryant is 4-2, and Stonehill is 1-5. Pick: Bryant
Last Week: 10-10 Overall: 87-33
Bad week on the picks, as I picked 1 out of 6 winners in the Big XII. This will be a better week.
Iowa State at Oklahoma: The Cyclones appear to have slipped a notch, but are also in the middle of a brutal stretch of schedule. They have suffered losses to Iowa, Texas, and Nebraska, and visit Oklahoma next. The Sooners laid a big egg in the second half last Saturday at the Cotton Bowl. They get enough fixed to get a win this Saturday. Pick: OU
Baylor at Texas: The last time these teams met, Texas won 62-0 in Waco. It’ll be closer this time, but the better team will still win. Pick: Texas
Missouri at Texas A&M: Mizzou is still unbeaten, and coming off of a big win last week in Lubbock. A&M saved their season with a comeback win at Kansas. I’m still not impressed with A&M, though. Pick: Missouri
Nebraska at Kansas State: K-State has 4 wins, and is coming off of a comeback win over Oklahoma State. Nebraska looks like the best team in the North. Pick: Nebraska
Oklahoma State at Kansas: The Fighting Manginos could very well be 6-0. Instead, they’re 3-3. OSU is having problems on defense, and blew a big lead in their last trip to the Sunflower State. When in doubt, pick the home team. Pick: KU
Texas Tech at Colorado: The Buffs have still not won a game, losing in overtime to Baylor last week. The Red Raiders are smarting from last week’s loss to Missouri. Tech has more talent, and will bounce back. However, it won’t be a blowout. Pick: Tech
Florida at Auburn: Did Auburn fall apart last week, or what? Arkansas owned them. Meanwhile, Florida put a beating on LSU last week in the Swamp. ESPN is all over this one, as they are putting this one on most of their networks as ESPN Full Circle. ESPN2 will have a different camera view, there will be something on ESPN360 and ESPNU, and the original game will be on the Mother Ship. The game will not be on ESPN8, The Ocho, however. I look for War Eagle to bounce back here. Pick: Auburn
Michigan at Penn State: Star WR Mario Manningham is out for the Wolverines. The whole world is waiting for a showdown between undefeated Michigan and undefeated Ohio State. Not going to happen. It’s Saturday night in Happy Valley, and the Lions are up for the upset. Pick: Penn State
Virginia Tech at Boston College: Old Big East matchup, transported to the ACC. The Hokies are still stinging from that loss to the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech. BC turned into powder at N.C. State, before handling the Maine Black Bears. This is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get. Pick: Virginia Tech
California at Washington State: When we last left the Palouse, USC barely escaped with a win. Now, it’s the Bears’ turn. Cal has been on a roll since losing their first game at Tennessee. This will be a good game. However, Cal is just a little better. Pick: Cal
Ole Miss at Alabama: Bama is struggling, having lost two conference games. Mike Shula is under fire, but the Auburn folks want him to stay, and even have a website to prove it: www.keepmikeshula.com. Ole Miss is not one of the better teams in the SEC. Pick: Alabama
Rutgers at Navy: Rutgers is undefeated at this point in the season for the first time in 30 years. Florida State and Miami are unranked, and Rutgers is ranked-go figure. Great turnaround. The Midshipmen aren’t so bad, themselves. The game is in Annapolis, and Navy is good enough to win on their home field. Pick: Navy
Syracuse at West Virginia: The Mountaineers march on. Pick: West Virginia
Wake Forest at N.C. State: The Deacons were undefeated, and had a 14 point lead in the 4th quarter last week against Clemson. They lost. N.C. State has bounced back since losing to Akron. Winner remains in contention for a trip to the ACC championship game. Pick: N.C. State
Tulsa at East Carolina: Staying in the Tar Heel State, the Pirates are improving, and host defending conference champion Tulsa. ECU stayed on the field earlier in the year against West Virginia. Tulsa is getting stronger every year. Pick: ECU
Arizona State at USC: The Trojans just keep rolling along. They’re young, but still plenty good enough to win. This might not be close. Pick: USC
Minnesota at Wisconsin: This is for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Wisky currently has the axe, and looks to hold on to it at home. I look for that to happen. Pick: Wisconsin
UCLA at Oregon: Oregon got spanked last week at Cal. They’re back home this week for some home cooking. Bruins are for dinner this week. Pick: Oregon
Maryland at Virginia: Both teams are slipping fast. I better draw straws on this one. Pick: Maryland
Bryant at Stonehill: It’s homecoming for the Skyhawks. Bryant is 4-2, and Stonehill is 1-5. Pick: Bryant
Monday, October 09, 2006
NFL In Review: Week 5
Cue the music, it’s time for another review of the weekend in the NFL….
The Terrell Owens road show returned to Philadelphia yesterday, and the Eagles were more than ready. T.O. played, and didn’t contribute much, but there were a lot of big plays on defense, especially for such a high-scoring game. The last series was particularly bizarre, as Drew Bledsoe threw a 50-yard pass on 4th and 14, and the Eagles were called for pass interference on Terry Glenn. This gave Dallas 1st and goal at the 6, down 31-24 with :34 to go. Two plays later, the Eagles’ Lito Sheppard intercepted a pass in the end zone and ran it back 102 yards for an Eagles touchdown, turning a potential tie game into a 38-24 Eagles victory. Bad for the Cowboys, good for my fantasy team.
The Colts nearly lost to the lowly Titans. Vince Young had a pretty good game, and the Colts needed two second half touchdowns to win, 14-13. Watching this, you’d never know one team was 5-0 and the other was 0-5.
The Washington Redskins went into the New Jersey Meadowlands, and played an ugly game against the New York Football Giants, losing 19-3. There’s not a whole lot notable about this game. I was more interested in the Colts game on CBS.
Break up da Bears! They’re 5-0, after whipping Buffalo, 40-7. They had the Bills skunked before a late-game touchdown by Buffalo. The NFC road to the Super Bowl leads through Chicago.
Don’t look now, but the Carolina Panthers have now won 3 in a row, after defeating the Cleveland Browns. The Panthers were helped by an interception return for a touchdown. Cleveland is looking competitive, but coming up just short on the scoreboard.
The Detroit Lions only gave up 26 points to Minnesota, after giving up 40+ points to the Packers and Rams. Problem is, they only scored 17. Word to the Lions: You’re supposed to break 30 when your defense improves its performance like it did.
Reggie Bush has been a factor for the Saints all year. Yesterday, he scored his first touchdown, on what proved to be a game-winning punt return against Tampa Bay. The Bucs have still not won a game. Maybe they should go back to the Creamsicle orange jerseys.
As I expected, the Packers had a little bit of a shootout with the Rams, but lost, 23-20. The Rams are 4-1. I’m not sure how legit that is, but you have to beat the teams you play, and the Rams are doing that.
The Patriots took care of business against Miami. The Dolphins are not a good team. They’re not as bad as the Raiders, but they’re not very good. The Pats will win the AFC East in a walk.
The Matt Leinart era has begun in Arizona. Unfortunately for him and the Cardinals, they continue their losing ways. Kansas City won its second game with backup QB Damon Huard, 23-20. The Cardinals were losers in Chicago, losers in St. Louis, and are losers in Phoenix. Maybe they should move to Bakersfield.
I thought the Jaguars would beat the Jets, but who expected 41-0? No NFL team should lose to another one by a score of 41-0. 41-0 in an NFL game is like 70-0 in college. The talent is supposed to be more spread out, and the coaches have an unwritten agreement to not run up the score. So, this wasn’t a matter of Jacksonville running up the score, but of the Jets being just plain awful yesterday. Yuck.
Speaking of yuck, the 49ers and the Raiders battled it out to see who sucked the most. The 49ers won the game, and the Raiders won the suck contest. The Raiders will win a game sometime this year, but they won’t be favored in any of them. The Niners would like to play the Raiders every week.
The Chargers broke out the AFL-era powder blue uniforms last night. The Steeler Nation invaded Qualcomm Stadium, with upwards of 25,000 Steeler fans in the house. Are there that many Pittsburgh fans in SoCal? Or, were all the flights from Pittsburgh to San Diego full? Those folks left disappointed, though, as the Chargers came up big for the win.
Tonight’s Monday Night extravaganza brings us the Ravens and the Broncos. The Ravens have been living large, winning their first 4 games, including comebacks against the Browns and Chargers. The Broncos are at home in the mountains, though. Who knows what we’ll get..
The Terrell Owens road show returned to Philadelphia yesterday, and the Eagles were more than ready. T.O. played, and didn’t contribute much, but there were a lot of big plays on defense, especially for such a high-scoring game. The last series was particularly bizarre, as Drew Bledsoe threw a 50-yard pass on 4th and 14, and the Eagles were called for pass interference on Terry Glenn. This gave Dallas 1st and goal at the 6, down 31-24 with :34 to go. Two plays later, the Eagles’ Lito Sheppard intercepted a pass in the end zone and ran it back 102 yards for an Eagles touchdown, turning a potential tie game into a 38-24 Eagles victory. Bad for the Cowboys, good for my fantasy team.
The Colts nearly lost to the lowly Titans. Vince Young had a pretty good game, and the Colts needed two second half touchdowns to win, 14-13. Watching this, you’d never know one team was 5-0 and the other was 0-5.
The Washington Redskins went into the New Jersey Meadowlands, and played an ugly game against the New York Football Giants, losing 19-3. There’s not a whole lot notable about this game. I was more interested in the Colts game on CBS.
Break up da Bears! They’re 5-0, after whipping Buffalo, 40-7. They had the Bills skunked before a late-game touchdown by Buffalo. The NFC road to the Super Bowl leads through Chicago.
Don’t look now, but the Carolina Panthers have now won 3 in a row, after defeating the Cleveland Browns. The Panthers were helped by an interception return for a touchdown. Cleveland is looking competitive, but coming up just short on the scoreboard.
The Detroit Lions only gave up 26 points to Minnesota, after giving up 40+ points to the Packers and Rams. Problem is, they only scored 17. Word to the Lions: You’re supposed to break 30 when your defense improves its performance like it did.
Reggie Bush has been a factor for the Saints all year. Yesterday, he scored his first touchdown, on what proved to be a game-winning punt return against Tampa Bay. The Bucs have still not won a game. Maybe they should go back to the Creamsicle orange jerseys.
As I expected, the Packers had a little bit of a shootout with the Rams, but lost, 23-20. The Rams are 4-1. I’m not sure how legit that is, but you have to beat the teams you play, and the Rams are doing that.
The Patriots took care of business against Miami. The Dolphins are not a good team. They’re not as bad as the Raiders, but they’re not very good. The Pats will win the AFC East in a walk.
The Matt Leinart era has begun in Arizona. Unfortunately for him and the Cardinals, they continue their losing ways. Kansas City won its second game with backup QB Damon Huard, 23-20. The Cardinals were losers in Chicago, losers in St. Louis, and are losers in Phoenix. Maybe they should move to Bakersfield.
I thought the Jaguars would beat the Jets, but who expected 41-0? No NFL team should lose to another one by a score of 41-0. 41-0 in an NFL game is like 70-0 in college. The talent is supposed to be more spread out, and the coaches have an unwritten agreement to not run up the score. So, this wasn’t a matter of Jacksonville running up the score, but of the Jets being just plain awful yesterday. Yuck.
Speaking of yuck, the 49ers and the Raiders battled it out to see who sucked the most. The 49ers won the game, and the Raiders won the suck contest. The Raiders will win a game sometime this year, but they won’t be favored in any of them. The Niners would like to play the Raiders every week.
The Chargers broke out the AFL-era powder blue uniforms last night. The Steeler Nation invaded Qualcomm Stadium, with upwards of 25,000 Steeler fans in the house. Are there that many Pittsburgh fans in SoCal? Or, were all the flights from Pittsburgh to San Diego full? Those folks left disappointed, though, as the Chargers came up big for the win.
Tonight’s Monday Night extravaganza brings us the Ravens and the Broncos. The Ravens have been living large, winning their first 4 games, including comebacks against the Browns and Chargers. The Broncos are at home in the mountains, though. Who knows what we’ll get..
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Big XII Rankings-October 8
1. Texas. Still here until someone beats them.
2. Nebraska. Looks to be the best team in the North, but Missouri will have something to say about that.
3. Missouri. They keep Showing Me. Big win on the South Plains. Need to follow it up with a win in Aggieland.
4. Oklahoma. Seriously disappointed with two losses, including one to hated archrival Texas.
5. Texas Tech. Follow up a win against the Aggies with a bad loss to Mizzou.
6. Texas A&M. Turned their season and perhaps Fran’s career around with a last-minute win at Kansas.
7. Kansas. Could very well be 6-0. Instead, with two overtime losses and the last-minute loss to A&M, they are 3-3.
8. Baylor. Learning how to win, have started 2-0 in the conference.
9. Iowa State. 3 losses to good teams in Texas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Have a lot to prove in the second half of the season.
10. Kansas State. Saved their season with a comeback against OSU.
11. Oklahoma State. There’s a big difference between Missouri State, Arkansas State, and Kansas State.
12. Colorado. Just missed on best chance to date for a win. Once again, close only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades.
2. Nebraska. Looks to be the best team in the North, but Missouri will have something to say about that.
3. Missouri. They keep Showing Me. Big win on the South Plains. Need to follow it up with a win in Aggieland.
4. Oklahoma. Seriously disappointed with two losses, including one to hated archrival Texas.
5. Texas Tech. Follow up a win against the Aggies with a bad loss to Mizzou.
6. Texas A&M. Turned their season and perhaps Fran’s career around with a last-minute win at Kansas.
7. Kansas. Could very well be 6-0. Instead, with two overtime losses and the last-minute loss to A&M, they are 3-3.
8. Baylor. Learning how to win, have started 2-0 in the conference.
9. Iowa State. 3 losses to good teams in Texas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Have a lot to prove in the second half of the season.
10. Kansas State. Saved their season with a comeback against OSU.
11. Oklahoma State. There’s a big difference between Missouri State, Arkansas State, and Kansas State.
12. Colorado. Just missed on best chance to date for a win. Once again, close only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
The Curse of A-Rod
I have hated the New York Yankees as long as I have watched baseball, which is since I was a little boy. My hate has subsided to mere dislike as I have gotten older (I am annoyed even more by the Red Sox), but I still get tickled when the Yanks fall short.
Alex Rodriguez is a great player. He’s not worth $25 million per year, but no one is. However, he brings bad fortune everywhere he goes. In his early days in Seattle, the Mariners were good, but could not quite get over the hump to get to the World Series, in spite of having some pretty good teams. He took a lot of Tom Hicks’ money to go to the Rangers, and the Rangers immediately went into the tank, stayed there, and still have not recovered. He was such a failed bit with the Rangers that they paid the Yankees to take him off their hands, and are still paying part of his salary. That’s right: the money from those $5 hot dogs at Ameriquest Field in Arlington helps pay A-Rod to play for the Yankees.
So, A-Rod goes to Gotham to play for the Bronx Bombers, winners of 25 world championships, and with more money than Fort Knox to spend on players. The Yankees are stacked every year with talent at every position. They also are a mainstay in the post-season. However, after spending all that money on A-Rod and others, the Yankees have not won a world championship in six years, and have not been to a World Series in five years. A-Rod was still in Seattle when the Yankees last won a World Series. His curse has infected the Yankees. After today's event in Detroit, heads will roll.
These are the Yankees. The Yankees should do better.
Alex Rodriguez is a great player. He’s not worth $25 million per year, but no one is. However, he brings bad fortune everywhere he goes. In his early days in Seattle, the Mariners were good, but could not quite get over the hump to get to the World Series, in spite of having some pretty good teams. He took a lot of Tom Hicks’ money to go to the Rangers, and the Rangers immediately went into the tank, stayed there, and still have not recovered. He was such a failed bit with the Rangers that they paid the Yankees to take him off their hands, and are still paying part of his salary. That’s right: the money from those $5 hot dogs at Ameriquest Field in Arlington helps pay A-Rod to play for the Yankees.
So, A-Rod goes to Gotham to play for the Bronx Bombers, winners of 25 world championships, and with more money than Fort Knox to spend on players. The Yankees are stacked every year with talent at every position. They also are a mainstay in the post-season. However, after spending all that money on A-Rod and others, the Yankees have not won a world championship in six years, and have not been to a World Series in five years. A-Rod was still in Seattle when the Yankees last won a World Series. His curse has infected the Yankees. After today's event in Detroit, heads will roll.
These are the Yankees. The Yankees should do better.
The Debacle In Dallas
The Oklahoma Sooners played a great second quarter today against Texas, at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Problem is, there are four quarters in a football game. The Longhorns manhandled the Sooners at the line of scrimmage, and won, 28-10.
The Sooners committed 11 penalties and 5 turnovers. That will get you beat every time, often by a wider margin than 18 points. As much as it pains me to say, Texas was better than us today.
OU has a long second half of the season ahead of it, with tough road trips to Missouri and Texas A&M, and grudge matches with Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. With the national championship off the table, and only an outside shot at a Big XII championship, all the Sooners have left to play for is pride, and the best bowl possible. They have a choice: to suck it up, or to just plain suck.
In the words of Jim Rome: Have a take, and don’t suck! The Sooners need to suck it up and play ball.
The Sooners committed 11 penalties and 5 turnovers. That will get you beat every time, often by a wider margin than 18 points. As much as it pains me to say, Texas was better than us today.
OU has a long second half of the season ahead of it, with tough road trips to Missouri and Texas A&M, and grudge matches with Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. With the national championship off the table, and only an outside shot at a Big XII championship, all the Sooners have left to play for is pride, and the best bowl possible. They have a choice: to suck it up, or to just plain suck.
In the words of Jim Rome: Have a take, and don’t suck! The Sooners need to suck it up and play ball.
Friday, October 06, 2006
NFL Week 5 Picks
NFL Week 5 Picks
Last Week: 10-4 Season: 40-20
Dallas at Philadelphia: The traveling circus that is Terrell Owens returns to the City of Brotherly Love. T.O. is wearing a target bigger than the sign in front of SuperTarget. He’ll come through for the Cowboys. The Iggles have injury questions on both sides of the ball, but Brian Westbrook should be back. My heart says Dallas, my gut is torn, and my head says Philly. Pick: Philly
Buffalo at Chicago: Da Bears are da bomb. They are the real deal. The Bills are fair to partly cloudy. Not great, but not bad. The Bears stay undefeated. Pick: Chicago
Cleveland at Carolina: The Browns came back to beat the sorry Raiders last week. The Panthers are on the way back after an 0-2 start. Pick: Carolina
Detroit at Minnesota: Detroit has scored 68 points in the last two weeks. Problem is, they have allowed 81 in those two games. There’s no D in Detroit. The Vikes are an above-average team. In the old dome in Minneapolis, I’ll take Minnesota.
Miami at New England: The Dolphins have slipped into the muck of suckage. The Pats came up big last week with a convincing win at Cincinnati. I see no way the Dolphins can win here. Pick: New England
St. Louis at Green Bay: Sant Louis (as my dearly departed mother used to call it) is 3-1. They’re a shaky 3-1, but they have 3 wins. Green Bay is 1-3. The vultures are circling around Brett Favre. That only means that Favre comes up big. In a slight upset….Pick: Green Bay
Tampa Bay at New Orleans: The Bucs are struggling. The Saints come home. This is so hard to pick, because the Bucs are bound to break this winless streak sometime. However, they have no quarterback. So…Pick: New Orleans
Tennessee at Indianapolis: This has Survival Football written all over it, only I’ve already used the Colts. The Titans are a bad, bad team. Vince will get some yards in mop-up duty, though. The Colts are good, and stay undefeated. Pick: Indy
Washington at NY Giants: Huge game for the New York Football Giants, as they do not want to be left behind in the NFC East. The Redskins have bounced back after losing their first two games. I have to pick a road team, and this is a good time to pick one. Pick: Washington
Kansas City at Arizona: The Fighting Damon Huards made San Francisco look like a high school team last week. The Cardinals have all those offensive weapons. However, they’re still the Cardinals. A leopard doesn’t change its spots, and the Cardinals are forever cursed to be terrible. Pick: Kansas City
New York Jets at Jacksonville: The Jags are a great 2-2 team. The Jets are perhaps overachieving at 2-2. Pick: Jacksonville
Oakland at San Francisco: This is about as bad as it gets. It’s a grudge match for the Bay Area, but it will really go a long way toward determining the #1 pick in next year’s draft. Pick: San Francisco
Pittsburgh at San Diego: The Chargers lost a tough one in Baltimore last week. That won’t happen this week. Pick: San Diego
Baltimore at Denver: Steve McNair has a lease on life in Baltimore. The Broncos are pretty inconsistent. It’s Monday Night in Denver, though, and it’s hard to go against the home team. Pick: Denver
Last Week: 10-4 Season: 40-20
Dallas at Philadelphia: The traveling circus that is Terrell Owens returns to the City of Brotherly Love. T.O. is wearing a target bigger than the sign in front of SuperTarget. He’ll come through for the Cowboys. The Iggles have injury questions on both sides of the ball, but Brian Westbrook should be back. My heart says Dallas, my gut is torn, and my head says Philly. Pick: Philly
Buffalo at Chicago: Da Bears are da bomb. They are the real deal. The Bills are fair to partly cloudy. Not great, but not bad. The Bears stay undefeated. Pick: Chicago
Cleveland at Carolina: The Browns came back to beat the sorry Raiders last week. The Panthers are on the way back after an 0-2 start. Pick: Carolina
Detroit at Minnesota: Detroit has scored 68 points in the last two weeks. Problem is, they have allowed 81 in those two games. There’s no D in Detroit. The Vikes are an above-average team. In the old dome in Minneapolis, I’ll take Minnesota.
Miami at New England: The Dolphins have slipped into the muck of suckage. The Pats came up big last week with a convincing win at Cincinnati. I see no way the Dolphins can win here. Pick: New England
St. Louis at Green Bay: Sant Louis (as my dearly departed mother used to call it) is 3-1. They’re a shaky 3-1, but they have 3 wins. Green Bay is 1-3. The vultures are circling around Brett Favre. That only means that Favre comes up big. In a slight upset….Pick: Green Bay
Tampa Bay at New Orleans: The Bucs are struggling. The Saints come home. This is so hard to pick, because the Bucs are bound to break this winless streak sometime. However, they have no quarterback. So…Pick: New Orleans
Tennessee at Indianapolis: This has Survival Football written all over it, only I’ve already used the Colts. The Titans are a bad, bad team. Vince will get some yards in mop-up duty, though. The Colts are good, and stay undefeated. Pick: Indy
Washington at NY Giants: Huge game for the New York Football Giants, as they do not want to be left behind in the NFC East. The Redskins have bounced back after losing their first two games. I have to pick a road team, and this is a good time to pick one. Pick: Washington
Kansas City at Arizona: The Fighting Damon Huards made San Francisco look like a high school team last week. The Cardinals have all those offensive weapons. However, they’re still the Cardinals. A leopard doesn’t change its spots, and the Cardinals are forever cursed to be terrible. Pick: Kansas City
New York Jets at Jacksonville: The Jags are a great 2-2 team. The Jets are perhaps overachieving at 2-2. Pick: Jacksonville
Oakland at San Francisco: This is about as bad as it gets. It’s a grudge match for the Bay Area, but it will really go a long way toward determining the #1 pick in next year’s draft. Pick: San Francisco
Pittsburgh at San Diego: The Chargers lost a tough one in Baltimore last week. That won’t happen this week. Pick: San Diego
Baltimore at Denver: Steve McNair has a lease on life in Baltimore. The Broncos are pretty inconsistent. It’s Monday Night in Denver, though, and it’s hard to go against the home team. Pick: Denver
Thursday, October 05, 2006
College Picks: Weekend of October 7
Last Week: 13-7 Overall: 77-23
Oklahoma vs. Texas: Big game for Texas. Really big game for the Sooners. OU has played two pretty good teams in Washington and Oregon. Texas has played the best team in the country, and three creampuffs. I really think OU will win the game. This isn’t a homer pick. Pick: OU
Nebraska at Iowa State: Both teams barely escaped last week, the Huskers against Kansas, and the Cyclones against Northern Iowa. Nebraska was fortunate last year in an overtime game in Lincoln. Nebraska has improved a little, and I’m not sure if Iowa State has. The ‘Clones have the home field. The Huskers have a better team. Pick: Nebraska
Texas A&M at Kansas: Beginning of the end for Coach Fran. The Aggies are pretty average. KU should have come out of Lincoln with a win last week. KU should come out of Larryville with a win this week. Pick: Fighting Manginos
Missouri at Texas Tech: Mizzou is unbeaten, and Tech would be unbeaten if they would have scheduled someone other than TCU in the third game of the season. The game is out on the plains of West Texas, which tilts the game ever so slightly in favor of Texas Tech. My gut says Tech. Pick: Texas Tech
Baylor at Colorado: Baylor got a win last week, which is something Colorado does not have as of yet. The Colorado losing streak stops here. Pick: Buffs
Oklahoma State at Kansas State: The Ag Bowl. K-State is on the way to its pre-Snyder days. OSU hasn’t shown a lot yet, but took care of business against some sorry teams. OSU has a few more athletes. Pick: OSU
Florida State at N.C. State: Not much offense on either side here. Take the under, if so inclined. N.C. State is playing for coach Amato’s job. FSU can’t lose another conference game. FSU has more talent. Pick: FSU
TCU at Utah: Both teams are reeling after unexpected defeats. TCU lost decisively to BYU, while the Utes were rolled by Boise State. Hard to get a feel for this one, but I’ll take the Frogs. Pick: TCU
Arkansas at Auburn: The Hogs will keep this close, but War Eagle is too much in the end. Pick: Aubrn
LSU at Florida: Should be a good one. LSU is really good, but I’m not sure if they can win a big game on the road. Pick: Florida
Michigan State at Michigan: Michigan is off to a really good start. Michigan State is in a freefall. Irresistible force does not meet immovable object here. Pick: Michigan
Tennessee at Georgia: Tennessee has bounced back this season. Georgia has struggled, but is still undefeated. The Bulldogs have the home field, but have had serious quarterback problems. Senior Joe Tereshinski comes back from injury this week. I’m not sure if that will be enough. I like Rocky Top in this one. Pick: Tennessee
Oregon at California: Cal has been rolling over opponents since their opening week loss at Tennessee. Oregon is still undefeated, thanks to Pacific 10 officials. This one is in Berkeley, and I like Cal. Pick: California
Clemson at Wake Forest: Huge game for the still-undefeated Demon Deacons. This will be close, but Clemson has too much talent. Pick: Clemson
Purdue at Iowa: Hawkeyes coming off drubbing at the hands of Ohio State. Purdue bouncing back from loss at Notre Dame. Iowa is a little too good for Purdue this year. Pick: Iowa
Pittsburgh at Syracuse: Syracuse has tripled last year’s win total. Pittsburgh is getting better every week, including last week’s whipping of Toledo. Pick: Pittsburgh
Navy at Air Force: Key to the Commander-In-Chief Trophy, won by Navy the last two years. Navy takes a step toward winning it this year, as well. Pick: Navy
Arizona at UCLA: A couple of mediocre Pac-10 teams meet in the Rose Bowl. Pick: UCLA
Penn State at Minnesota: Both teams appear to be down from previous years. This one is in the dome, and is a pure crap shoot from this vantage point. Pick: Minnesota
Ursinus at Case Western Reserve: Why this one? Why not. By the way, Ursinus is pronounced ur-SIGH-nus. Pick: Ursinus
Oklahoma vs. Texas: Big game for Texas. Really big game for the Sooners. OU has played two pretty good teams in Washington and Oregon. Texas has played the best team in the country, and three creampuffs. I really think OU will win the game. This isn’t a homer pick. Pick: OU
Nebraska at Iowa State: Both teams barely escaped last week, the Huskers against Kansas, and the Cyclones against Northern Iowa. Nebraska was fortunate last year in an overtime game in Lincoln. Nebraska has improved a little, and I’m not sure if Iowa State has. The ‘Clones have the home field. The Huskers have a better team. Pick: Nebraska
Texas A&M at Kansas: Beginning of the end for Coach Fran. The Aggies are pretty average. KU should have come out of Lincoln with a win last week. KU should come out of Larryville with a win this week. Pick: Fighting Manginos
Missouri at Texas Tech: Mizzou is unbeaten, and Tech would be unbeaten if they would have scheduled someone other than TCU in the third game of the season. The game is out on the plains of West Texas, which tilts the game ever so slightly in favor of Texas Tech. My gut says Tech. Pick: Texas Tech
Baylor at Colorado: Baylor got a win last week, which is something Colorado does not have as of yet. The Colorado losing streak stops here. Pick: Buffs
Oklahoma State at Kansas State: The Ag Bowl. K-State is on the way to its pre-Snyder days. OSU hasn’t shown a lot yet, but took care of business against some sorry teams. OSU has a few more athletes. Pick: OSU
Florida State at N.C. State: Not much offense on either side here. Take the under, if so inclined. N.C. State is playing for coach Amato’s job. FSU can’t lose another conference game. FSU has more talent. Pick: FSU
TCU at Utah: Both teams are reeling after unexpected defeats. TCU lost decisively to BYU, while the Utes were rolled by Boise State. Hard to get a feel for this one, but I’ll take the Frogs. Pick: TCU
Arkansas at Auburn: The Hogs will keep this close, but War Eagle is too much in the end. Pick: Aubrn
LSU at Florida: Should be a good one. LSU is really good, but I’m not sure if they can win a big game on the road. Pick: Florida
Michigan State at Michigan: Michigan is off to a really good start. Michigan State is in a freefall. Irresistible force does not meet immovable object here. Pick: Michigan
Tennessee at Georgia: Tennessee has bounced back this season. Georgia has struggled, but is still undefeated. The Bulldogs have the home field, but have had serious quarterback problems. Senior Joe Tereshinski comes back from injury this week. I’m not sure if that will be enough. I like Rocky Top in this one. Pick: Tennessee
Oregon at California: Cal has been rolling over opponents since their opening week loss at Tennessee. Oregon is still undefeated, thanks to Pacific 10 officials. This one is in Berkeley, and I like Cal. Pick: California
Clemson at Wake Forest: Huge game for the still-undefeated Demon Deacons. This will be close, but Clemson has too much talent. Pick: Clemson
Purdue at Iowa: Hawkeyes coming off drubbing at the hands of Ohio State. Purdue bouncing back from loss at Notre Dame. Iowa is a little too good for Purdue this year. Pick: Iowa
Pittsburgh at Syracuse: Syracuse has tripled last year’s win total. Pittsburgh is getting better every week, including last week’s whipping of Toledo. Pick: Pittsburgh
Navy at Air Force: Key to the Commander-In-Chief Trophy, won by Navy the last two years. Navy takes a step toward winning it this year, as well. Pick: Navy
Arizona at UCLA: A couple of mediocre Pac-10 teams meet in the Rose Bowl. Pick: UCLA
Penn State at Minnesota: Both teams appear to be down from previous years. This one is in the dome, and is a pure crap shoot from this vantage point. Pick: Minnesota
Ursinus at Case Western Reserve: Why this one? Why not. By the way, Ursinus is pronounced ur-SIGH-nus. Pick: Ursinus
Monday, October 02, 2006
Baseball Post-Season: First Round
In the middle of the greatness of football season, we still have baseball, which enters its postseason playoffs. With three rounds of playoffs, the postseason is no longer as special as it once was, and it drowns in the sea of 500 channels of cable & satellite, as well as the 800 pound gorilla known as the NFL. Nonetheless, there are some storylines worth addressing, and picks to be made.
Division Series
American League
Detroit vs. New York (AL): DET led the American League Central for the entire season, until the last day, when they blew a 6-0 lead to the hapless Royals, allowing them to be swept by a team that lost more than 100 games. DET has the wild card to fall back on, but they have to play NY. NY is there every year, but the Yankees haven't won a World Series in six years. DET is young, and NY has experience. Pick: NY, 3-1.
Oakland vs. Minnesota: MIN was the best team in the second half of the season. OAK had little trouble winning the West. MIN will have too much for OAK. Pick: MIN, 3-1.
National League
St. Louis vs. San Diego: The Cardinals very nearly pulled the biggest choke in the history of baseball, blowing an 8 1/2 game lead with 13 to play. Their lead got down to 1/2 game, but managed to split a four-game series with Milwaukee and hold off the Astros. The Padres held off the Dodgers and won the West on a tiebreaker. Pick: SD, 3-0.
Los Angeles vs. New York (NL): The Dodgers have played well in the second half of the season. NYM is struggling, now that ace Pedro Martinez is out for the playoffs. That can't help but hurt NYM. Still, NYM has a strong lineup, and should hold off the Dodgers. Pick: NYM, 3-2.
Championship Series
American League
NYY vs. MIN: When in doubt, go with the Yankees. NYY in 6.
National League
NYM vs. SD: If Pedro were healthy, it would be NYM in a slam dunk. Pedro is out, and I'll take the Padres in the upset in 6.
World Series
SD vs. NYY: Los Yanquis.
Division Series
American League
Detroit vs. New York (AL): DET led the American League Central for the entire season, until the last day, when they blew a 6-0 lead to the hapless Royals, allowing them to be swept by a team that lost more than 100 games. DET has the wild card to fall back on, but they have to play NY. NY is there every year, but the Yankees haven't won a World Series in six years. DET is young, and NY has experience. Pick: NY, 3-1.
Oakland vs. Minnesota: MIN was the best team in the second half of the season. OAK had little trouble winning the West. MIN will have too much for OAK. Pick: MIN, 3-1.
National League
St. Louis vs. San Diego: The Cardinals very nearly pulled the biggest choke in the history of baseball, blowing an 8 1/2 game lead with 13 to play. Their lead got down to 1/2 game, but managed to split a four-game series with Milwaukee and hold off the Astros. The Padres held off the Dodgers and won the West on a tiebreaker. Pick: SD, 3-0.
Los Angeles vs. New York (NL): The Dodgers have played well in the second half of the season. NYM is struggling, now that ace Pedro Martinez is out for the playoffs. That can't help but hurt NYM. Still, NYM has a strong lineup, and should hold off the Dodgers. Pick: NYM, 3-2.
Championship Series
American League
NYY vs. MIN: When in doubt, go with the Yankees. NYY in 6.
National League
NYM vs. SD: If Pedro were healthy, it would be NYM in a slam dunk. Pedro is out, and I'll take the Padres in the upset in 6.
World Series
SD vs. NYY: Los Yanquis.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
NFL Week In Review-Week 4
NFL Week In Review: Week 4
What’s with the blowouts? There were a lot of points scored today, and some one-sided affairs. There are some pretty good teams, and some really bad teams. Anything can happen on a given Sunday in the NFL, but there are some things that are more predictable than others in this league.
First, we start in Music City, U.S.A. I expected the Cowboys to beat the sorry Titans, but I didn’t expect 45-14. Thanks to our friends at the NFL, I didn’t get to watch this game. I’m sure Fox 26 in Houston would have liked to have shown hometown boy Vince Young in his first start against the Cowboys, but the NFL wants everyone to watch the Texans when they are on TV in their hometown. I knew Vince would struggle in his first start, but he had some good spots. Julius Jones and Terry Glenn had good games for the Cowboys. Good win for the Silver and Blue, and the T.O. circus returns to Philly next week. The Titans are a bad team.
While on the subject of blowouts, the 49ers soiled the legacy of Joe Montana and Jerry Rice with that awful goose egg they laid in Kansas City. The Chiefs, with backup quarterback Damon Huard, horsewhipped the Niners by a score of 41-0. Rarely does an NFL team lose 41-0. The Bay Area is starving for quality football. Dante Hall came up big for the Arrowheads, with a punt return and a catch for touchdowns.
What was that thud we heard from Cincinnati today? The Patriots, coming off a dreadful game against Denver, beat the Bengals like a rented mule. Props to Laurence Maroney, for breaking 100 yards, scoring a touchdown, and helping my fantasy team.
The discussion of blowouts is incomplete without mentioning the Sunday Night event in Chicago. The Seahawks were missing Shaun Alexander, and they may as well have been missing their entire team. Da Bears are the real deal, as they now have some offense to go with that defense.
Downstate and across the river in St. Louis, there was a shootout in the return of Mike Martz to the River City. My friends at Fox 26 were able to show this one, as it was the token 3:00 game on Fox. Yeah, it started at 3, and ended at 6:45, without going into overtime. Just a ton of passing, as the Rams beat Etroit, 41-34. Where’s Etroit? There’s no D in Detroit today, as they gave up 41, so it’s Etroit. Those teams went up and down the field all day, and the Lions even had a chance to chunk it into the end zone to tie it at the end. It was not to be, and the Rams are 3-1.
The Colts have played as many games in New York this year as they have in Indianapolis. Their trip to the Meadowlands to play the Jets ended well. They were given a scare by the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets. Peyton Manning scored a rushing touchdown for the second game in a row, for the winner. The Jets almost won at the end on a multiple-lateral play, but fell about 25 yards short, and the Colts won 31-28.
Here in Harris County, the sad sack Texans beat the suddenly hapless Dolphins, 17-15. They tried to give it away, as the Dolphins scored in the last two minutes, missed a two-point conversion, then fumbled a recovery of an onside kick. Big win for the Texans, and they have a chance for as many as three more wins this year, with two games against the Titans and one against the Raiders still on the schedule.
The Raiders were competitive today, and actually had a 21-3 lead. However, they blew it, and Cleveland won, 24-21. I’m sure it was a competitive game, but there were games in the USFL and XFL that were competitive. That doesn’t mean it was a quality game. The Raiders are bad, bad, bad.
Atlanta put a whipping on the Cardinals, 32-10. What’s the over/under on Matt Leinart’s debut in Arizona?
The Carolina Panthers got win #2, 21-18 over the Saints. The Panthers are recovering from a slow start, and have Steve Smith back. The Saints are marching back to earth.
There was a barnburner in Landover, Maryland today, as Jacksonville and Washington lit up the scoreboard and went into overtime. Santana Moss picked overtime to catch his second touchdown pass. The Redskins needed the win, especially one over a quality team.
Just up I-95, the Ravens had a battle with San Diego. Last week’s comments apply here. Good teams find a way to win. The Ravens are a good team. Steve McNair is liking crab cakes, especially at 4-0.
Finally, the Bills beat the Vikings in Buffalo today. I got that pick wrong. The Vikings’ new uniforms are ugly, especially the road version with the white jerseys, purple pants, and white stripes. Bud Grant can’t be happy.
What’s with the blowouts? There were a lot of points scored today, and some one-sided affairs. There are some pretty good teams, and some really bad teams. Anything can happen on a given Sunday in the NFL, but there are some things that are more predictable than others in this league.
First, we start in Music City, U.S.A. I expected the Cowboys to beat the sorry Titans, but I didn’t expect 45-14. Thanks to our friends at the NFL, I didn’t get to watch this game. I’m sure Fox 26 in Houston would have liked to have shown hometown boy Vince Young in his first start against the Cowboys, but the NFL wants everyone to watch the Texans when they are on TV in their hometown. I knew Vince would struggle in his first start, but he had some good spots. Julius Jones and Terry Glenn had good games for the Cowboys. Good win for the Silver and Blue, and the T.O. circus returns to Philly next week. The Titans are a bad team.
While on the subject of blowouts, the 49ers soiled the legacy of Joe Montana and Jerry Rice with that awful goose egg they laid in Kansas City. The Chiefs, with backup quarterback Damon Huard, horsewhipped the Niners by a score of 41-0. Rarely does an NFL team lose 41-0. The Bay Area is starving for quality football. Dante Hall came up big for the Arrowheads, with a punt return and a catch for touchdowns.
What was that thud we heard from Cincinnati today? The Patriots, coming off a dreadful game against Denver, beat the Bengals like a rented mule. Props to Laurence Maroney, for breaking 100 yards, scoring a touchdown, and helping my fantasy team.
The discussion of blowouts is incomplete without mentioning the Sunday Night event in Chicago. The Seahawks were missing Shaun Alexander, and they may as well have been missing their entire team. Da Bears are the real deal, as they now have some offense to go with that defense.
Downstate and across the river in St. Louis, there was a shootout in the return of Mike Martz to the River City. My friends at Fox 26 were able to show this one, as it was the token 3:00 game on Fox. Yeah, it started at 3, and ended at 6:45, without going into overtime. Just a ton of passing, as the Rams beat Etroit, 41-34. Where’s Etroit? There’s no D in Detroit today, as they gave up 41, so it’s Etroit. Those teams went up and down the field all day, and the Lions even had a chance to chunk it into the end zone to tie it at the end. It was not to be, and the Rams are 3-1.
The Colts have played as many games in New York this year as they have in Indianapolis. Their trip to the Meadowlands to play the Jets ended well. They were given a scare by the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets. Peyton Manning scored a rushing touchdown for the second game in a row, for the winner. The Jets almost won at the end on a multiple-lateral play, but fell about 25 yards short, and the Colts won 31-28.
Here in Harris County, the sad sack Texans beat the suddenly hapless Dolphins, 17-15. They tried to give it away, as the Dolphins scored in the last two minutes, missed a two-point conversion, then fumbled a recovery of an onside kick. Big win for the Texans, and they have a chance for as many as three more wins this year, with two games against the Titans and one against the Raiders still on the schedule.
The Raiders were competitive today, and actually had a 21-3 lead. However, they blew it, and Cleveland won, 24-21. I’m sure it was a competitive game, but there were games in the USFL and XFL that were competitive. That doesn’t mean it was a quality game. The Raiders are bad, bad, bad.
Atlanta put a whipping on the Cardinals, 32-10. What’s the over/under on Matt Leinart’s debut in Arizona?
The Carolina Panthers got win #2, 21-18 over the Saints. The Panthers are recovering from a slow start, and have Steve Smith back. The Saints are marching back to earth.
There was a barnburner in Landover, Maryland today, as Jacksonville and Washington lit up the scoreboard and went into overtime. Santana Moss picked overtime to catch his second touchdown pass. The Redskins needed the win, especially one over a quality team.
Just up I-95, the Ravens had a battle with San Diego. Last week’s comments apply here. Good teams find a way to win. The Ravens are a good team. Steve McNair is liking crab cakes, especially at 4-0.
Finally, the Bills beat the Vikings in Buffalo today. I got that pick wrong. The Vikings’ new uniforms are ugly, especially the road version with the white jerseys, purple pants, and white stripes. Bud Grant can’t be happy.
So Close, Yet So Far, and the Latest Big XII Rankings
Blogging while watching this sorry game between the Dolphins and the Texans. Thanks to the NFL's TV rules, the Cowboys-Titans game cannot be shown in Houston, because the Texans are home at the same time. So, it's the Dolphins and the Texans, or no football at all until 3:00 pm.
Last night was a fun night in college football, as there were three potential upsets brewing at the same time. Unfortunately, none of them came to fruition. The University of Houston outplayed Miami, but the Canes scored two touchdowns, and were able to win, 14-13. USC went up to the Palouse and barely beat Washington State, 28-22. SC is not invincible, but has tons of young talent. Oregon and Cal will give them all they want. And, Nebraska needed overtime to outlast Kansas, 39-32. The Huskers couldn't stop the Jayhawks, but KU botched an extra point early in the game which caused them problems later in the game.
Big XII rankings:
1. Texas. Still first, until Saturday in Dallas.
2. Oklahoma. Didn't lose to Open Date. Mad at the world, and primed to take it out on Texas.
3. Nebraska. Probably still the best team in the North, but looked very mortal against KU.
4. Missouri. Still undefeated, but must go out to the Plains of West Texas this week.
5. Texas Tech. Big win over A&M, which has become a regular occurence.
6. Kansas. Gave Nebraska all they wanted, and should have won the game.
7. Texas A&M. The vultures are circling in College Station.
8. Iowa State. Barely escaped against Northern Iowa.
9. Baylor. Put it together for conference win #1.
10. Oklahoma State. Also defeated Open Date. Winnable game at K-State this week.
11. Kansas State. Bad loss at Baylor, but OSU is a winnable game for them this week, as well.
12. Colorado. Improving, but must win to get out of the cellar.
Last night was a fun night in college football, as there were three potential upsets brewing at the same time. Unfortunately, none of them came to fruition. The University of Houston outplayed Miami, but the Canes scored two touchdowns, and were able to win, 14-13. USC went up to the Palouse and barely beat Washington State, 28-22. SC is not invincible, but has tons of young talent. Oregon and Cal will give them all they want. And, Nebraska needed overtime to outlast Kansas, 39-32. The Huskers couldn't stop the Jayhawks, but KU botched an extra point early in the game which caused them problems later in the game.
Big XII rankings:
1. Texas. Still first, until Saturday in Dallas.
2. Oklahoma. Didn't lose to Open Date. Mad at the world, and primed to take it out on Texas.
3. Nebraska. Probably still the best team in the North, but looked very mortal against KU.
4. Missouri. Still undefeated, but must go out to the Plains of West Texas this week.
5. Texas Tech. Big win over A&M, which has become a regular occurence.
6. Kansas. Gave Nebraska all they wanted, and should have won the game.
7. Texas A&M. The vultures are circling in College Station.
8. Iowa State. Barely escaped against Northern Iowa.
9. Baylor. Put it together for conference win #1.
10. Oklahoma State. Also defeated Open Date. Winnable game at K-State this week.
11. Kansas State. Bad loss at Baylor, but OSU is a winnable game for them this week, as well.
12. Colorado. Improving, but must win to get out of the cellar.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Ready For Prime Time?
I'm flipping channels late last night, and ESPN2 was showing a high school football game from California between Oaks Christian and Venice. For what it's worth, Oaks Christian won the game, 47-17.
This is the second week in a row that Oaks Christian has been on national TV, as they whipped a team called St. Bonaventure (which ended a 27 game winning streak) last week on FSN. They feature Notre Dame commitment Jimmy Clausen, brother of former Tennessee QBs Casey and Rick, and USC commitment Marc Tyler, son of former Ram and 49er Wendell Tyler. As far as high school teams go, they are really good. The school has only been around since 1997.
High school teams are getting a lot of exposure these days, and there are at least two polls that declare a mythical national high school champion. Sponsors are stepping up to the plate and flying teams great distances to play out-of-state teams. Fox Sports Net has a high school game of the week, and ESPN2 regularly shows high school games. Kirk Herbstreit, of Ohio State and College Gameday fame, promotes an annual event which this year brought nine nationally known high school teams to Ohio to play top Ohio programs. There is a group of programs that have quickly established themselves as magnets for talent, as parents will move their children into particular school districts so they will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level, and be looked at for potential college scholarships. I really don't have a problem with it, but I also realize that the vast majority of high schools will stay with the status quo: to provide a competitive outlet for students, to boost school spirit, and to be rallying point for students and members of the community. A state championship is a pipe dream for 95% of schools in a given state, and a national championship isn't even on the radar screen.
As I saw Oaks Christian last night, I recognized that they have been available on my TV as many times this year (twice) as the Dallas Cowboys, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. That's big time. That will change, of course, but it's still a big deal for a high school team to have its highlights on the Friday night news, much less be televised nationally.
I wish someone would fly them to Texas this year, though. It'd be good to see them stack up against a team like Southlake Carroll. :-)
This is the second week in a row that Oaks Christian has been on national TV, as they whipped a team called St. Bonaventure (which ended a 27 game winning streak) last week on FSN. They feature Notre Dame commitment Jimmy Clausen, brother of former Tennessee QBs Casey and Rick, and USC commitment Marc Tyler, son of former Ram and 49er Wendell Tyler. As far as high school teams go, they are really good. The school has only been around since 1997.
High school teams are getting a lot of exposure these days, and there are at least two polls that declare a mythical national high school champion. Sponsors are stepping up to the plate and flying teams great distances to play out-of-state teams. Fox Sports Net has a high school game of the week, and ESPN2 regularly shows high school games. Kirk Herbstreit, of Ohio State and College Gameday fame, promotes an annual event which this year brought nine nationally known high school teams to Ohio to play top Ohio programs. There is a group of programs that have quickly established themselves as magnets for talent, as parents will move their children into particular school districts so they will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level, and be looked at for potential college scholarships. I really don't have a problem with it, but I also realize that the vast majority of high schools will stay with the status quo: to provide a competitive outlet for students, to boost school spirit, and to be rallying point for students and members of the community. A state championship is a pipe dream for 95% of schools in a given state, and a national championship isn't even on the radar screen.
As I saw Oaks Christian last night, I recognized that they have been available on my TV as many times this year (twice) as the Dallas Cowboys, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. That's big time. That will change, of course, but it's still a big deal for a high school team to have its highlights on the Friday night news, much less be televised nationally.
I wish someone would fly them to Texas this year, though. It'd be good to see them stack up against a team like Southlake Carroll. :-)
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Picks-Week 4
This week: 9-5. Overall: 30-16
Dallas at Tennessee: Just another week in paradise at Valley Ranch. Not really. The new face of the franchise almost offed himself on Tuesday, then came back to practice on Thursday. How unstable. But, the Titans are terrible, and the Cowboys should get their heads right with ball long enough to win. Pick: Dallas
Miami at Houston: Two bad teams. Miami has a win because they played a worse team in the Titans. Which quarterback will be sacked more often: Daunte Culpepper, or David Carr? The Texans’ defense is horrible. The Dolphins get well, at least for a week. Pick: Miami
San Francisco at Kansas City: The Joe Montana Bowl. The Niners are young, and improving, but not where they need to be yet. The Chiefs are missing QB Trent Green immensely. Still, the Chiefs should have enough for this week. Pick: Kansas City
Arizona at Atlanta: Kurt Warner is the QB in Arizona, at least for one more week. Michael Vick is the QB in Atlanta. Pick: Atlanta
Indianapolis at New York Jets: There is a Manning playing QB at the Meadowlands this week, but it’s not Eli. It’s Peyton, and he’ll take care of business against the Jets. Pick: Indy
Minnesota at Buffalo: The Vikings are coming off of a tough loss against the Bears. Likewise for the Bills against the Jets. The Vikes are just a little better than the Bills. Pick: Minnesota
New Orleans at Carolina: The Panthers rescued their season last week in Tampa. The Saints have already matched last year’s win total. The Saints have to be spent emotionally after the reopening of the Superdome. The Panthers are back to business. Pick: Carolina
San Diego at Baltimore: Great matchup. Both teams are undefeated, and someone has to lose here. The Ravens’ defense will mess with first-year starter Phillip Rivers, and stuff L.T. Pick: Baltimore
Detroit at St. Louis: The Lions are one of several bad teams. The Rams are inconsistent, yet 2-1. They’ll be 3-1 after this week. Pick: St. Louis
Cleveland at Oakland: One of the worst games of this or any year. What a dud game. The Raiders are dreadful. Ya gotta look out for Cle. Pick: Cleveland
Jacksonville at Washington: Both teams coming off losses. Jacksonville is a contender, and Washington is a pretender. Pick: Jacksonville
New England at Cincinnati: The Pats are coming off an unexpected loss. The Bengals are coming off a big win in Pittsburgh. The streak continues. Pick: Cincinnati
Seattle at Chicago: The Seahawks are in trouble, as Shaun Alexander is out with an injury. The Bears have a good team, for the second year in a row. Sunday night in Chicago, give me Da Bears.
Green Bay at Philadelphia: Whatever the over/under is on this game, take the over. There will be a lot of offense in this one. Philly outscores the Pack. Pick: Philadelphia
Dallas at Tennessee: Just another week in paradise at Valley Ranch. Not really. The new face of the franchise almost offed himself on Tuesday, then came back to practice on Thursday. How unstable. But, the Titans are terrible, and the Cowboys should get their heads right with ball long enough to win. Pick: Dallas
Miami at Houston: Two bad teams. Miami has a win because they played a worse team in the Titans. Which quarterback will be sacked more often: Daunte Culpepper, or David Carr? The Texans’ defense is horrible. The Dolphins get well, at least for a week. Pick: Miami
San Francisco at Kansas City: The Joe Montana Bowl. The Niners are young, and improving, but not where they need to be yet. The Chiefs are missing QB Trent Green immensely. Still, the Chiefs should have enough for this week. Pick: Kansas City
Arizona at Atlanta: Kurt Warner is the QB in Arizona, at least for one more week. Michael Vick is the QB in Atlanta. Pick: Atlanta
Indianapolis at New York Jets: There is a Manning playing QB at the Meadowlands this week, but it’s not Eli. It’s Peyton, and he’ll take care of business against the Jets. Pick: Indy
Minnesota at Buffalo: The Vikings are coming off of a tough loss against the Bears. Likewise for the Bills against the Jets. The Vikes are just a little better than the Bills. Pick: Minnesota
New Orleans at Carolina: The Panthers rescued their season last week in Tampa. The Saints have already matched last year’s win total. The Saints have to be spent emotionally after the reopening of the Superdome. The Panthers are back to business. Pick: Carolina
San Diego at Baltimore: Great matchup. Both teams are undefeated, and someone has to lose here. The Ravens’ defense will mess with first-year starter Phillip Rivers, and stuff L.T. Pick: Baltimore
Detroit at St. Louis: The Lions are one of several bad teams. The Rams are inconsistent, yet 2-1. They’ll be 3-1 after this week. Pick: St. Louis
Cleveland at Oakland: One of the worst games of this or any year. What a dud game. The Raiders are dreadful. Ya gotta look out for Cle. Pick: Cleveland
Jacksonville at Washington: Both teams coming off losses. Jacksonville is a contender, and Washington is a pretender. Pick: Jacksonville
New England at Cincinnati: The Pats are coming off an unexpected loss. The Bengals are coming off a big win in Pittsburgh. The streak continues. Pick: Cincinnati
Seattle at Chicago: The Seahawks are in trouble, as Shaun Alexander is out with an injury. The Bears have a good team, for the second year in a row. Sunday night in Chicago, give me Da Bears.
Green Bay at Philadelphia: Whatever the over/under is on this game, take the over. There will be a lot of offense in this one. Philly outscores the Pack. Pick: Philadelphia
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
College Picks-Weekend of September 30
Last Week: 14-6 Overall: 64-16
The games become harder to pick as we move away from bodybag games and deeper into conference play. The 14-6 should have an asterisk by it, as Hardin-Simmons led Louisiana College 28-12 in the second quarter when the game was called due to lightning. The game was not restarted, and the game will not be made up. The statistics do not count for either team, but I will count it as a win, since HSU had a commanding lead and would probably have won by more.
Texas Tech at Texas A&M: The biggest game of the Franchione era. Lose, and Fran’s head goes on the chopping block. Win, and A&M goes to 5-0 and probably into the Top 25. Tech has been inconsistent. Will they go down to Aggieland and get the win? Before the season, I would have said yes. Tech’s loss to TCU didn’t worry me, as lots of teams would lose at TCU. Their lack of offense there concerns me a lot. The realtors in Bryan/College Station relax for at least a week, as Fran’s job is saved, and A&M wins.
Kansas at Nebraska: The Huskers had won 37 in a row over the Jayhawks until last year. Nebraska starts another streak this year. Pick: Nebraska
Colorado at Missouri: The Buffs have improved greatly, from a loss to Montana State in the opening week to a near-miss between the hedges at Georgia. Missouri went undefeated in their non-conference schedule. It’ll be closer than it ought to be, but Mizzou wins at home.
Kansas State at Baylor: Baylor is favored in a conference game for the first time since Dr. Pepper was invented. Well, not that long, but it’s been a while. This pick is a real crap shoot. I hope it’s not just plain crap. I don’t trust Baylor. Give me K-State.
Sam Houston State at Texas: Rhett Bomar is not eligible to play at Sam Houston as of yet. As if it would really matter. Pick: Texas
Northern Iowa at Iowa State: A no-win situation for the Cyclones. Northern Iowa is a strong Division 1-AA program. The ‘Clones have nothing to gain, and everything to lose. Iowa State’s program, though, has moved beyond losing games like this. Pick: ISU
BYU at TCU: I thought the Mountain West Conference was getting away from Thursday games with their new TV contract. Instead, CSTV/Versus/OLN/Public Access Cable/Channel 84 is having them play on Thursday night at 6 PM. That’s 6 PM Eastern Time. The game starts at 5 PM in Fort Worth, and 4 PM in Utah. Outrageous. Are they making them play early so they can show reruns of Survivor: Marquesas in prime time? The Y will give TCU a test, but the Frogs win at home. Pick: TCU
Ohio State at Iowa: tOSU’s toughest game before the end of the season clash with the School Up North. Iowa is good, and they’re playing at home under the lights. Ohio State’s the best thing going, though. If they can win in Austin, they can win in Iowa City. Pick: The Ohio State University
Auburn at South Carolina: Steve Spurrier has had quarterback issues, and the ‘Cocks only beat Wofford by 7 points, before creaming Florida Atlantic last week. Auburn slept through a scrimmage with Buffalo last week. War Eagle needs this one to stay unbeaten. I don’t know how the ‘Cocks will do here. Pick: Auburn
Alabama at Florida: The Tide goes down to the Swamp bruised after a double-overtime loss to the Hogs. The Gators are looking strong. Bama doesn’t have enough this week. Pick: Florida
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech: The Ramblin’ Wreck have a pretty good team. The Hokies are a little better, especially at home. Pick: VPI
Michigan at Minnesota: Minnesota always plays Michigan tough, and in recent years has created new ways to lose to the Wolverines. This year will be no exception. The Little Brown Jug stays in A-Squared. Pick: Michigan
Miami, Ohio at Cincinnati: Miami is usually better than UC. Cincinnati, though, has shown sparks of brilliance at times against Ohio State and Virginia Tech. The Bearcats put it together against their hated rivals. Pick: Cincinnati
Rutgers at South Florida: The State University of New Jersey has cracked the Top 25. How long will it last? USF isn’t chopped liver at home. Pick: USF
Houston at Miami: Things are upside down when Rutgers is ranked and Miami isn’t. The Canes are down, and Larry Coker is a dead man walking. The Coogs are undefeated, and have a chance to win this game. In the end, though, Miami has too much talent. Pick: Miami
Purdue at Notre Dame: Purdue is off to a good start after an off year. The Irish are coming off the “Comeback of The Century”. Aren’t all Notre Dame comebacks that great? The Irish will be a little flat. However, I can’t pick against them, as badly as I may want to. Pick: ND
Boise State at Utah: Ambush City. Boise State is ranked this week. That won’t last. Pick: Utah
Wyoming at Syracuse: Syracuse has won two games this year, doubling last year’s win total. This week will be win #3 for the Orange. Pick: Syracuse
Illinois at Michigan State: Many will question the quality of coaching in this game, as Ron Zook is on one sideline, and John L. Smith is on the other. The Green and White blew it last week, big time. However, they have more talent, and the home field this week. Pick: MSU
Slippery Rock at Clarion: Saturday night in the rocking metropolis of Clarion, PA. Slippery Rock has rolled over their three D-II foes thus far. Give me the Rock. Pick: Slippery Rock
The games become harder to pick as we move away from bodybag games and deeper into conference play. The 14-6 should have an asterisk by it, as Hardin-Simmons led Louisiana College 28-12 in the second quarter when the game was called due to lightning. The game was not restarted, and the game will not be made up. The statistics do not count for either team, but I will count it as a win, since HSU had a commanding lead and would probably have won by more.
Texas Tech at Texas A&M: The biggest game of the Franchione era. Lose, and Fran’s head goes on the chopping block. Win, and A&M goes to 5-0 and probably into the Top 25. Tech has been inconsistent. Will they go down to Aggieland and get the win? Before the season, I would have said yes. Tech’s loss to TCU didn’t worry me, as lots of teams would lose at TCU. Their lack of offense there concerns me a lot. The realtors in Bryan/College Station relax for at least a week, as Fran’s job is saved, and A&M wins.
Kansas at Nebraska: The Huskers had won 37 in a row over the Jayhawks until last year. Nebraska starts another streak this year. Pick: Nebraska
Colorado at Missouri: The Buffs have improved greatly, from a loss to Montana State in the opening week to a near-miss between the hedges at Georgia. Missouri went undefeated in their non-conference schedule. It’ll be closer than it ought to be, but Mizzou wins at home.
Kansas State at Baylor: Baylor is favored in a conference game for the first time since Dr. Pepper was invented. Well, not that long, but it’s been a while. This pick is a real crap shoot. I hope it’s not just plain crap. I don’t trust Baylor. Give me K-State.
Sam Houston State at Texas: Rhett Bomar is not eligible to play at Sam Houston as of yet. As if it would really matter. Pick: Texas
Northern Iowa at Iowa State: A no-win situation for the Cyclones. Northern Iowa is a strong Division 1-AA program. The ‘Clones have nothing to gain, and everything to lose. Iowa State’s program, though, has moved beyond losing games like this. Pick: ISU
BYU at TCU: I thought the Mountain West Conference was getting away from Thursday games with their new TV contract. Instead, CSTV/Versus/OLN/Public Access Cable/Channel 84 is having them play on Thursday night at 6 PM. That’s 6 PM Eastern Time. The game starts at 5 PM in Fort Worth, and 4 PM in Utah. Outrageous. Are they making them play early so they can show reruns of Survivor: Marquesas in prime time? The Y will give TCU a test, but the Frogs win at home. Pick: TCU
Ohio State at Iowa: tOSU’s toughest game before the end of the season clash with the School Up North. Iowa is good, and they’re playing at home under the lights. Ohio State’s the best thing going, though. If they can win in Austin, they can win in Iowa City. Pick: The Ohio State University
Auburn at South Carolina: Steve Spurrier has had quarterback issues, and the ‘Cocks only beat Wofford by 7 points, before creaming Florida Atlantic last week. Auburn slept through a scrimmage with Buffalo last week. War Eagle needs this one to stay unbeaten. I don’t know how the ‘Cocks will do here. Pick: Auburn
Alabama at Florida: The Tide goes down to the Swamp bruised after a double-overtime loss to the Hogs. The Gators are looking strong. Bama doesn’t have enough this week. Pick: Florida
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech: The Ramblin’ Wreck have a pretty good team. The Hokies are a little better, especially at home. Pick: VPI
Michigan at Minnesota: Minnesota always plays Michigan tough, and in recent years has created new ways to lose to the Wolverines. This year will be no exception. The Little Brown Jug stays in A-Squared. Pick: Michigan
Miami, Ohio at Cincinnati: Miami is usually better than UC. Cincinnati, though, has shown sparks of brilliance at times against Ohio State and Virginia Tech. The Bearcats put it together against their hated rivals. Pick: Cincinnati
Rutgers at South Florida: The State University of New Jersey has cracked the Top 25. How long will it last? USF isn’t chopped liver at home. Pick: USF
Houston at Miami: Things are upside down when Rutgers is ranked and Miami isn’t. The Canes are down, and Larry Coker is a dead man walking. The Coogs are undefeated, and have a chance to win this game. In the end, though, Miami has too much talent. Pick: Miami
Purdue at Notre Dame: Purdue is off to a good start after an off year. The Irish are coming off the “Comeback of The Century”. Aren’t all Notre Dame comebacks that great? The Irish will be a little flat. However, I can’t pick against them, as badly as I may want to. Pick: ND
Boise State at Utah: Ambush City. Boise State is ranked this week. That won’t last. Pick: Utah
Wyoming at Syracuse: Syracuse has won two games this year, doubling last year’s win total. This week will be win #3 for the Orange. Pick: Syracuse
Illinois at Michigan State: Many will question the quality of coaching in this game, as Ron Zook is on one sideline, and John L. Smith is on the other. The Green and White blew it last week, big time. However, they have more talent, and the home field this week. Pick: MSU
Slippery Rock at Clarion: Saturday night in the rocking metropolis of Clarion, PA. Slippery Rock has rolled over their three D-II foes thus far. Give me the Rock. Pick: Slippery Rock
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Choke?
The title of this blog is College and Pro Ball. Baseball counts as pro ball, and this is the most exciting time of the year. Normally, by this time of year, I'm used to baseball being irrelevant, as I'm used to being around the mediocre Rangers. But, I live in a baseball town now (at least as far as Texas goes), and the National League has been mediocre all year.
The Astros have been pedestrian all year, and just went over .500 tonight. Last week, when the Cardinals came to town, St. Louis had a 7 1/2 game lead in the Central Division with 12 games to play. The Astros swept four from the Cardinals, are now on a seven-game winning streak, and the Cardinals are gagging on this lead. The Cardinals just lost to San Diego, while Houston beat Pittsburgh tonight.
If the Astros pass the Cardinals, it would be a worse choke than 1964, when Philadelphia blew a 6 1/2 game lead with 12 games to play, and the Cardinals won the National League pennant.
This is really strange. The Astros are within 1 1/2 games of first place, with five games to play. Wow.
The Astros have been pedestrian all year, and just went over .500 tonight. Last week, when the Cardinals came to town, St. Louis had a 7 1/2 game lead in the Central Division with 12 games to play. The Astros swept four from the Cardinals, are now on a seven-game winning streak, and the Cardinals are gagging on this lead. The Cardinals just lost to San Diego, while Houston beat Pittsburgh tonight.
If the Astros pass the Cardinals, it would be a worse choke than 1964, when Philadelphia blew a 6 1/2 game lead with 12 games to play, and the Cardinals won the National League pennant.
This is really strange. The Astros are within 1 1/2 games of first place, with five games to play. Wow.
Turnabout-or correction?
It turns out that Kurt Warner is going to be the starter this week in Arizona, after all. How long he will remain the starter, no one knows. He was the veteran quarterback in New York when the G-Men drafted Eli Manning. Eli was starting by mid-season that year.
But, the question is: does Kurt Warner still suck?
Best of luck to Kurt Warner.
Thanks to Zee for the tip!
But, the question is: does Kurt Warner still suck?
Best of luck to Kurt Warner.
Thanks to Zee for the tip!
Monday, September 25, 2006
End Of An Era
I earlier questioned the direction of the Arizona Cardinals. Well, it looks like Kurt Warner is about to be benched.
I love Kurt Warner. His is one of the great stories in the history of the National Football League, as he went from stocking shelves at Hy-Vee to Super Bowl MVP. He's a great guy off the field, also. But, as my wife and I have joked for the past couple of years, he sucks now. Four turnovers yesterday sealed it for him.
That's ok. He had a great run. He'll still be paid well to be a backup quarterback in Arizona.
As for Matt Leinart: He goes from having Reggie Bush and a set of great receivers at USC to being surrounded by Edgerrin James, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin. To whom much is given, much is required.
I love Kurt Warner. His is one of the great stories in the history of the National Football League, as he went from stocking shelves at Hy-Vee to Super Bowl MVP. He's a great guy off the field, also. But, as my wife and I have joked for the past couple of years, he sucks now. Four turnovers yesterday sealed it for him.
That's ok. He had a great run. He'll still be paid well to be a backup quarterback in Arizona.
As for Matt Leinart: He goes from having Reggie Bush and a set of great receivers at USC to being surrounded by Edgerrin James, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin. To whom much is given, much is required.
NFL Week In Review-Week 3
A review of yesterday’s NFL action:
The Houston Texans continue to redefine the word suck. They got creamed yesterday by the Redskins, 31-15, in a game that could have been even worse. The Texans had a chance to get back in the game, as they returned a fumble for a touchdown, which would have cut the margin to 31-21. But, it was called back on a penalty for unnecessary roughness. The Texans have three chances for a win this year, as Oakland is on the schedule, in addition to two meetings with the Titans.
The New York Giants showed up for one quarter yesterday. Unfortunately for them, it was the 4th quarter. Seattle led 42-3, before calling off the dogs. The G-Men made it respectable and lost 42-30. Seattle looks really strong right now. They are the team to beat in the NFC after three weeks.
The Iggles showed up in the City by the Bay, winning comfortably over the 49ers. Brian Westbrook had three touchdowns, and the defense had a 98 yard fumble return. Philly is healthy, and they are back. You might could even call them the Dreaded and Feared.
What is up with Arizona? They have two great receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, a great running back in Edgerrin James, a still serviceable quarterback in Kurt Warner, and a brand new stadium. So far, though, they are the same old Cardinals. They found a new way to lose yesterday, as Marc Bulger of the Rams fumbled in Cardinals’ territory late in the game. The Cardinals were trying to set up a game-winning field goal, when Kurt Warner fumbled a snap, and the Rams recovered. The Cardinals are cursed, just as they were in Chicago and St. Louis.
I thought Cleveland was going to pull it off yesterday, but the Ravens found a way to win. Good teams do that. The Ravens are good. The Browns are not.
Speaking of Ohio, the Bengals went to Pittsburgh and got a big win over the Steelers. Carson Palmer was unconscious, throwing four touchdown passes. The Bengals are undefeated, and the Steelers are 1-2.
Chicago and Minnesota played an ugly one yesterday in the Twin Cities. Rex Grossman threw a touchdown pass to the Vikings, and one for the Bears. Lucky for him, the Bears won.
As many expected, Green Bay and Detroit had a shootout yesterday. Brett Favre threw for another million yards, and this time, the Packers won. The Lions are the most mediocre franchise in the NFL. I don’t know which is worse: being mediocre, or being sorry. At least when you're sorry, you have a chance for a good draft pick. Of course, ask the Houston Texans about high draft picks.
The Buccaneers had a horrible day yesterday. First, they lost their third in a row, 26-24 to the Panthers. Then, Chris Simms had to be rushed to the hospital, and was briefly in critical condition. He had been hit so hard that his spleen ruptured, and had to be removed. He is doing better, and should recover. The Bucs are in big trouble, however.
The Colts took care of business against the Jaguars. Peyton Manning had a rushing touchdown, on a quarterback bootleg around the right end from one yard out. I expected him to have a rough day, but he did pass for a touchdown and run for a touchdown. The Colts are still very good.
In the AFC East, the Jets went to Buffalo and took care of business. As long as they can stay healthy, they will be vastly improved over last year, when they went through five quarterbacks.
The Dolphins barely got their first win yesterday, squeaking by the Titans, 13-10. Daunte Culpepper has not fully recovered from his knee injury, and is a shell of his former self. Miami has a chance for another win next week, as they play the Texans.
Last night, the Patriots laid an egg against the Broncos. The Pats’ lack of receivers will come back to bite them. Speaking of receivers, Javon Walker had his coming out party, with 130 yards and two touchdowns. I need to put him back in my fantasy lineup after they come back from next week’s bye.
The Houston Texans continue to redefine the word suck. They got creamed yesterday by the Redskins, 31-15, in a game that could have been even worse. The Texans had a chance to get back in the game, as they returned a fumble for a touchdown, which would have cut the margin to 31-21. But, it was called back on a penalty for unnecessary roughness. The Texans have three chances for a win this year, as Oakland is on the schedule, in addition to two meetings with the Titans.
The New York Giants showed up for one quarter yesterday. Unfortunately for them, it was the 4th quarter. Seattle led 42-3, before calling off the dogs. The G-Men made it respectable and lost 42-30. Seattle looks really strong right now. They are the team to beat in the NFC after three weeks.
The Iggles showed up in the City by the Bay, winning comfortably over the 49ers. Brian Westbrook had three touchdowns, and the defense had a 98 yard fumble return. Philly is healthy, and they are back. You might could even call them the Dreaded and Feared.
What is up with Arizona? They have two great receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, a great running back in Edgerrin James, a still serviceable quarterback in Kurt Warner, and a brand new stadium. So far, though, they are the same old Cardinals. They found a new way to lose yesterday, as Marc Bulger of the Rams fumbled in Cardinals’ territory late in the game. The Cardinals were trying to set up a game-winning field goal, when Kurt Warner fumbled a snap, and the Rams recovered. The Cardinals are cursed, just as they were in Chicago and St. Louis.
I thought Cleveland was going to pull it off yesterday, but the Ravens found a way to win. Good teams do that. The Ravens are good. The Browns are not.
Speaking of Ohio, the Bengals went to Pittsburgh and got a big win over the Steelers. Carson Palmer was unconscious, throwing four touchdown passes. The Bengals are undefeated, and the Steelers are 1-2.
Chicago and Minnesota played an ugly one yesterday in the Twin Cities. Rex Grossman threw a touchdown pass to the Vikings, and one for the Bears. Lucky for him, the Bears won.
As many expected, Green Bay and Detroit had a shootout yesterday. Brett Favre threw for another million yards, and this time, the Packers won. The Lions are the most mediocre franchise in the NFL. I don’t know which is worse: being mediocre, or being sorry. At least when you're sorry, you have a chance for a good draft pick. Of course, ask the Houston Texans about high draft picks.
The Buccaneers had a horrible day yesterday. First, they lost their third in a row, 26-24 to the Panthers. Then, Chris Simms had to be rushed to the hospital, and was briefly in critical condition. He had been hit so hard that his spleen ruptured, and had to be removed. He is doing better, and should recover. The Bucs are in big trouble, however.
The Colts took care of business against the Jaguars. Peyton Manning had a rushing touchdown, on a quarterback bootleg around the right end from one yard out. I expected him to have a rough day, but he did pass for a touchdown and run for a touchdown. The Colts are still very good.
In the AFC East, the Jets went to Buffalo and took care of business. As long as they can stay healthy, they will be vastly improved over last year, when they went through five quarterbacks.
The Dolphins barely got their first win yesterday, squeaking by the Titans, 13-10. Daunte Culpepper has not fully recovered from his knee injury, and is a shell of his former self. Miami has a chance for another win next week, as they play the Texans.
Last night, the Patriots laid an egg against the Broncos. The Pats’ lack of receivers will come back to bite them. Speaking of receivers, Javon Walker had his coming out party, with 130 yards and two touchdowns. I need to put him back in my fantasy lineup after they come back from next week’s bye.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Big XII Rankings
This conference continues to define mediocrity. The conference just missed its signature non-conference win, as Colorado lost in the last minutes between the hedges at Georgia. Conference play gets into full swing this week, and the contenders will separate themselves from the pretenders.
1. Texas. At the top for now. Big game at Fair Park in Dallas in two weeks.
2. Nebraska. Thumping teams they would have struggled with during the last three years.
3. Oklahoma. Bounced back from the theft in Oregon to whip hapless Middle Tennessee.
4. Missouri. Undefeated and optimistic. Will challenge the Huskers in the North.
5. Texas Tech. Big game at A&M.
6. Texas A&M. Undefeated after four games with cream puffs.
7. Iowa State. Coming off losses to two quality teams in Iowa and Texas.
8. Kansas. Fighting Manginos are 3-1 and improving. Big game at Nebraska this week.
9. Kansas State. Stayed on the field with Louisville. Three wins in the Big XII put them into a bowl.
10. Oklahoma State. Lost on the road against Houston, their first legitimate opponent. Jury is still out.
11. Baylor. Tough overtime loss to Black Knights of Army.
12. Colorado. Close only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades.
1. Texas. At the top for now. Big game at Fair Park in Dallas in two weeks.
2. Nebraska. Thumping teams they would have struggled with during the last three years.
3. Oklahoma. Bounced back from the theft in Oregon to whip hapless Middle Tennessee.
4. Missouri. Undefeated and optimistic. Will challenge the Huskers in the North.
5. Texas Tech. Big game at A&M.
6. Texas A&M. Undefeated after four games with cream puffs.
7. Iowa State. Coming off losses to two quality teams in Iowa and Texas.
8. Kansas. Fighting Manginos are 3-1 and improving. Big game at Nebraska this week.
9. Kansas State. Stayed on the field with Louisville. Three wins in the Big XII put them into a bowl.
10. Oklahoma State. Lost on the road against Houston, their first legitimate opponent. Jury is still out.
11. Baylor. Tough overtime loss to Black Knights of Army.
12. Colorado. Close only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades.
Ralphie Went Down To Georgia and the Luck of the Irish
This was, as expected, a dud weekend in the world of college football. There were two notable near-misses, and a whole lot of other action that pretty much went according to form. The closest thing to an upset was the double overtime loss by the Crimson Tide in the hills of Arkansas.
The first disappointment of the day was the narrow defeat of the Colorado Buffaloes at Georgia. The Buffs, losers of seven straight, led for the entire game, until giving up a touchdown in the final minute. The game lasts 60 minutes, not 58. Ralphie, the Buffs' live buffalo mascot, made the cross-country road trip from Colorado to Georgia. It was his first road trip in 20 years, according to ESPN Gameday. That was surprising to me, because Colorado has had its best stretch of football in the last 20 years, including a national championship, a few conference championships, and several Big XII North championships. The Buffs still look to be the underdog in every remaining game, but they fought hard yesterday, and are improving. I doubt if they go 0-12.
The second disappointment of the day was in East Lansing, Michigan. I stepped out for a little while, when Michigan State had a comfortable 31-21 lead over Notre Dame. From what I have read, Michigan State started playing not to lose, and let the Irish back in the game. The Irish then returned an interception for a touchdown with less than 3 minutes to go for the go-ahead touchdown. The game also put Brady Quinn back on the map for Heisman Trophy consideration. ESPN was orgasmic in describing the comeback. I'm already sick of the Notre Dame lovefest. Barf. On the Spartans' side, coach John L. Smith's head goes back on the chopping block. A promising start now leads into a shaky entrance into Big 10 play. The Spartans will need to play well in the Big 10, or there will be a coaching change in East Lansing.
The first disappointment of the day was the narrow defeat of the Colorado Buffaloes at Georgia. The Buffs, losers of seven straight, led for the entire game, until giving up a touchdown in the final minute. The game lasts 60 minutes, not 58. Ralphie, the Buffs' live buffalo mascot, made the cross-country road trip from Colorado to Georgia. It was his first road trip in 20 years, according to ESPN Gameday. That was surprising to me, because Colorado has had its best stretch of football in the last 20 years, including a national championship, a few conference championships, and several Big XII North championships. The Buffs still look to be the underdog in every remaining game, but they fought hard yesterday, and are improving. I doubt if they go 0-12.
The second disappointment of the day was in East Lansing, Michigan. I stepped out for a little while, when Michigan State had a comfortable 31-21 lead over Notre Dame. From what I have read, Michigan State started playing not to lose, and let the Irish back in the game. The Irish then returned an interception for a touchdown with less than 3 minutes to go for the go-ahead touchdown. The game also put Brady Quinn back on the map for Heisman Trophy consideration. ESPN was orgasmic in describing the comeback. I'm already sick of the Notre Dame lovefest. Barf. On the Spartans' side, coach John L. Smith's head goes back on the chopping block. A promising start now leads into a shaky entrance into Big 10 play. The Spartans will need to play well in the Big 10, or there will be a coaching change in East Lansing.
Friday, September 22, 2006
NFL Picks: Week 3
Last Week: 12-4. Overall: 21-11.
At this point, the NFL has 11 teams with a record of 2-0, and 11 teams with a record of 0-2. That leaves 10 teams in the middle at 1-1, and creates symmetry for the league, with an even number of teams at the top and bottom. Useless information for the most part, but the trends make a lot of the picks easier.
Washington at Houston: In which way is the city of Houston better off: a) with the hard-luck Oilers, b) without a team, or c) with the sorry Texans? Each point is debatable. The Texans continue to redefine the word suck. The Redskins haven't been much better. Clinton Portis is back this week for the 'Skins. Pick: Washington.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: Big early game in the AFC North. Cincinnati has some guys banged up. Pittsburgh returns home after laying a big goose egg in Jacksonville. The Steelers bounce back. Pick: Pittsburgh.
Jacksonville at Indianapolis: The Jags are one of the few teams that can hang with the Colts. I'm struggling with whether to play Peyton Manning in my fantasy league this week. This will be a good game. Home dome advantage comes into play. Pick: Indy
Chicago at Minnesota: The Bears have added some offense, and the Vikings have shocked the world by winning their first two games. The HHH Metrodome will be rocking. That won't be enough. Pick: Da Bears
Carolina at Tampa Bay: Both teams need this win desperately. The Bucs need an offense in the worst way, scoring three points in the first two games. This one could end up being 6-3, but I'll take the Bucs.
Green Bay at Detroit: The Pack is really hard to figure. Brett Favre threw for a million yards last week, but the Pack still lost. Detroit still hasn't won a game. Someone has to win here. Give me Detroit.
New York Jets at Buffalo: The Jets are vastly improved. That happens when you get your starting quarterback back from injury. Buffalo is surprising, as well. Pick: J-E-T-S
Tennessee at Miami: Yuck. The Dolphins have been disappointing. The Titans just stink. Daunte Culpepper throws the Titans into his inferno. Pick: Miami.
Baltimore at Cleveland: Or, Old Browns vs. New Browns. The Ravens are getting good play from QB Steve McNair, Jamal Lewis is back into form, and the Ravens' defense is playing well, as usual. The Browns are pathetic. Pick: Baltimore.
New York Giants at Seattle: Good game, replay of one of last year's better regular season games. The G-Men are coming off of an incredible comeback last week in Philly. I can't see it happening two weeks in a row. Pick: Seattle.
Philadelphia at San Francisco: The Iggles travel to the Left Coast after blowing a big lead last week against the New York Football Giants. The 49ers are better this year, but not as good as the Eagles. Pick: Philly
St. Louis at Arizona: New St. Louis vs. Old St. Louis. The Rams can best be described as inconsistent. The Cardinals have a new lease on life in their new stadium. They are an offensive juggernaut waiting to explode. Pick: Arizona
Denver at New England: The Broncos stagger into Foxboro coming off of an ugly 9-6 win over the Chiefs. The Patriots have a two-headed running back monster of Corey Dillon and Lawrence Maroney. On this Weekend in New England, give me the Pats.
Atlanta at New Orleans: Both teams are undefeated. The Superdome has been repaired, and the Saints finally return to the Big Easy for their first home game in two years. This may be the best atmosphere for a regular-season NFL game in years, perhaps ever. I'd love to have a ticket for this one. How can you pick against the Saints in this one? Pick: New Orleans.
At this point, the NFL has 11 teams with a record of 2-0, and 11 teams with a record of 0-2. That leaves 10 teams in the middle at 1-1, and creates symmetry for the league, with an even number of teams at the top and bottom. Useless information for the most part, but the trends make a lot of the picks easier.
Washington at Houston: In which way is the city of Houston better off: a) with the hard-luck Oilers, b) without a team, or c) with the sorry Texans? Each point is debatable. The Texans continue to redefine the word suck. The Redskins haven't been much better. Clinton Portis is back this week for the 'Skins. Pick: Washington.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: Big early game in the AFC North. Cincinnati has some guys banged up. Pittsburgh returns home after laying a big goose egg in Jacksonville. The Steelers bounce back. Pick: Pittsburgh.
Jacksonville at Indianapolis: The Jags are one of the few teams that can hang with the Colts. I'm struggling with whether to play Peyton Manning in my fantasy league this week. This will be a good game. Home dome advantage comes into play. Pick: Indy
Chicago at Minnesota: The Bears have added some offense, and the Vikings have shocked the world by winning their first two games. The HHH Metrodome will be rocking. That won't be enough. Pick: Da Bears
Carolina at Tampa Bay: Both teams need this win desperately. The Bucs need an offense in the worst way, scoring three points in the first two games. This one could end up being 6-3, but I'll take the Bucs.
Green Bay at Detroit: The Pack is really hard to figure. Brett Favre threw for a million yards last week, but the Pack still lost. Detroit still hasn't won a game. Someone has to win here. Give me Detroit.
New York Jets at Buffalo: The Jets are vastly improved. That happens when you get your starting quarterback back from injury. Buffalo is surprising, as well. Pick: J-E-T-S
Tennessee at Miami: Yuck. The Dolphins have been disappointing. The Titans just stink. Daunte Culpepper throws the Titans into his inferno. Pick: Miami.
Baltimore at Cleveland: Or, Old Browns vs. New Browns. The Ravens are getting good play from QB Steve McNair, Jamal Lewis is back into form, and the Ravens' defense is playing well, as usual. The Browns are pathetic. Pick: Baltimore.
New York Giants at Seattle: Good game, replay of one of last year's better regular season games. The G-Men are coming off of an incredible comeback last week in Philly. I can't see it happening two weeks in a row. Pick: Seattle.
Philadelphia at San Francisco: The Iggles travel to the Left Coast after blowing a big lead last week against the New York Football Giants. The 49ers are better this year, but not as good as the Eagles. Pick: Philly
St. Louis at Arizona: New St. Louis vs. Old St. Louis. The Rams can best be described as inconsistent. The Cardinals have a new lease on life in their new stadium. They are an offensive juggernaut waiting to explode. Pick: Arizona
Denver at New England: The Broncos stagger into Foxboro coming off of an ugly 9-6 win over the Chiefs. The Patriots have a two-headed running back monster of Corey Dillon and Lawrence Maroney. On this Weekend in New England, give me the Pats.
Atlanta at New Orleans: Both teams are undefeated. The Superdome has been repaired, and the Saints finally return to the Big Easy for their first home game in two years. This may be the best atmosphere for a regular-season NFL game in years, perhaps ever. I'd love to have a ticket for this one. How can you pick against the Saints in this one? Pick: New Orleans.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
College Picks-Weekend of Sept 23
Last week: 16-4. Overall: 50-10
Last weekend was the so-called "Separation Saturday". Teams such as Notre Dame, LSU, and Oklahoma were separated from the ranks of the unbeaten, Miami was perhaps separated from its dynasty of the last 20+ years, and officiating was never more in question than in two separate incidents in Auburn, Alabama and Eugene, Oregon. Still, we march on through the season, and this week shapes up to be a dud compared to last week.
Predictions:
Middle Tennessee at Oklahoma: Middle Tennessee gets a big check. Oklahoma gets a big win. Pick: OU
Iowa State at Texas: First Big XII game of the year. It won't be a blowout, but Texas wins.
Oklahoma State at Houston: Houston looks to contend for at least a division title in C-USA. OSU looks to contend for 4th place in the Big XII South, despite their wins over three Class 5A high school teams. Should be a good game. I'll go with the home team, U of H.
Louisville at Kansas State: Louisville comes off perhaps the biggest win in school history, but have temporarily lost their star QB and RB. They won't need them this week. The Ville comes out of the Little Apple with a win.
Southeastern Louisiana at Texas Tech: Puhleeze. Tech needs this scrimmage in a big way, after last week's debacle in Fort Worth. Pick: Tech
Louisiana Tech at Texas A&M: The Ags barely escaped against the Black Knights of the Hudson. Louisiana Tech will stay on the field with the Aggies, but the Aggies should have enough to hold them off. Pick: A&M
Ohio at Missouri: Frank Solich returns to the Big XII with his Ohio Bobcats. Mizzou is on a roll. Pick: Misery
Colorado at Georgia: When this was scheduled, this was thought to be a great intersectional matchup. The Buffs are now on a collision course with 0-12. Pick: Georgia
South Florida at Kansas: The Fighting Manginos lost a heartbreaker last week. This will be a tight game, but the Jayhawks are at home. Pick: KU
Army at Baylor: The Black Knights of the Hudson return to Texas. Baylor needs this one. They're at home, though Army should have a good crowd from nearby Fort Hood at the game. Pick: Baylor
Troy at Nebraska: Nebraska goes from playing the Men of Troy (USC) to the Men of Troy, Alabama. Troy could have and should have beaten Florida State. They had a bit of a letdown against the Ramblin' Wreck of Georgia Tech. Look for Nebraska to win the game, but Troy could cover the points. Pick: NU
Tulsa at Navy: Tough road trip for the Golden Hurricane, as they get set to defend the option offense of Navy. Pick: Midshipmen.
Arizona State at Cal: Winner remains in race for second place in the Pacifist 10 behind USC. I don't trust Arizona State. Pick: Cal
Wisconsin at Michigan: The Wolverines whipped Notre Dame last week. Therefore, they are already being projected by some to be 11-0 when they meet Ohio State at the end of November. I'm not jumping on that bandwagon just yet. They'll handle Wisky at the Big House, though. Pick: Meechigan
Penn State at Ohio State: JoePa takes his young Lions to the Big Horseshoe On The Banks of the Olentangy. The Ohio State University looks way too strong for the young Lions. Pick: TOSU
Notre Dame at Michigan State: The Irish are reeling. The Spartans are starting strong, coming off a road win at Pittsburgh. The Irish go 0-for-Michigan. Maybe they should schedule Eastern Michigan. Pick: Michigan State
Boston College at N.C. State: BC visits Tobacco Road. The Wolfpack are in serious trouble, after back-to-back losses to Akron and Southern Miss. BC is a pretty good team. Pick: Boston College
Air Force at Wyoming: Two evenly matched teams. Air Force nearly knocked off Tennessee in Knoxville. Wyoming is tough at home. Give me Cowboy Joe. Pick: Wyoming
Alabama at Arkansas: The Pigs are hot, having won two in a row over Utah State and Vanderbilt. The Tide is still undefeated, as well. Alabama has a better team. Pick: Alabama
Hardin-Simmons at Louisiana College: Battle between two more obscure Baptist colleges. Paige Patterson is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons. That is irrelevant to football. My wife and most of my in-laws went there, as well. That is also irrelevant to football. HSU is a Division III powerhouse in Texas. Pick: Hardin-Simmons
Last weekend was the so-called "Separation Saturday". Teams such as Notre Dame, LSU, and Oklahoma were separated from the ranks of the unbeaten, Miami was perhaps separated from its dynasty of the last 20+ years, and officiating was never more in question than in two separate incidents in Auburn, Alabama and Eugene, Oregon. Still, we march on through the season, and this week shapes up to be a dud compared to last week.
Predictions:
Middle Tennessee at Oklahoma: Middle Tennessee gets a big check. Oklahoma gets a big win. Pick: OU
Iowa State at Texas: First Big XII game of the year. It won't be a blowout, but Texas wins.
Oklahoma State at Houston: Houston looks to contend for at least a division title in C-USA. OSU looks to contend for 4th place in the Big XII South, despite their wins over three Class 5A high school teams. Should be a good game. I'll go with the home team, U of H.
Louisville at Kansas State: Louisville comes off perhaps the biggest win in school history, but have temporarily lost their star QB and RB. They won't need them this week. The Ville comes out of the Little Apple with a win.
Southeastern Louisiana at Texas Tech: Puhleeze. Tech needs this scrimmage in a big way, after last week's debacle in Fort Worth. Pick: Tech
Louisiana Tech at Texas A&M: The Ags barely escaped against the Black Knights of the Hudson. Louisiana Tech will stay on the field with the Aggies, but the Aggies should have enough to hold them off. Pick: A&M
Ohio at Missouri: Frank Solich returns to the Big XII with his Ohio Bobcats. Mizzou is on a roll. Pick: Misery
Colorado at Georgia: When this was scheduled, this was thought to be a great intersectional matchup. The Buffs are now on a collision course with 0-12. Pick: Georgia
South Florida at Kansas: The Fighting Manginos lost a heartbreaker last week. This will be a tight game, but the Jayhawks are at home. Pick: KU
Army at Baylor: The Black Knights of the Hudson return to Texas. Baylor needs this one. They're at home, though Army should have a good crowd from nearby Fort Hood at the game. Pick: Baylor
Troy at Nebraska: Nebraska goes from playing the Men of Troy (USC) to the Men of Troy, Alabama. Troy could have and should have beaten Florida State. They had a bit of a letdown against the Ramblin' Wreck of Georgia Tech. Look for Nebraska to win the game, but Troy could cover the points. Pick: NU
Tulsa at Navy: Tough road trip for the Golden Hurricane, as they get set to defend the option offense of Navy. Pick: Midshipmen.
Arizona State at Cal: Winner remains in race for second place in the Pacifist 10 behind USC. I don't trust Arizona State. Pick: Cal
Wisconsin at Michigan: The Wolverines whipped Notre Dame last week. Therefore, they are already being projected by some to be 11-0 when they meet Ohio State at the end of November. I'm not jumping on that bandwagon just yet. They'll handle Wisky at the Big House, though. Pick: Meechigan
Penn State at Ohio State: JoePa takes his young Lions to the Big Horseshoe On The Banks of the Olentangy. The Ohio State University looks way too strong for the young Lions. Pick: TOSU
Notre Dame at Michigan State: The Irish are reeling. The Spartans are starting strong, coming off a road win at Pittsburgh. The Irish go 0-for-Michigan. Maybe they should schedule Eastern Michigan. Pick: Michigan State
Boston College at N.C. State: BC visits Tobacco Road. The Wolfpack are in serious trouble, after back-to-back losses to Akron and Southern Miss. BC is a pretty good team. Pick: Boston College
Air Force at Wyoming: Two evenly matched teams. Air Force nearly knocked off Tennessee in Knoxville. Wyoming is tough at home. Give me Cowboy Joe. Pick: Wyoming
Alabama at Arkansas: The Pigs are hot, having won two in a row over Utah State and Vanderbilt. The Tide is still undefeated, as well. Alabama has a better team. Pick: Alabama
Hardin-Simmons at Louisiana College: Battle between two more obscure Baptist colleges. Paige Patterson is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons. That is irrelevant to football. My wife and most of my in-laws went there, as well. That is also irrelevant to football. HSU is a Division III powerhouse in Texas. Pick: Hardin-Simmons
Monday, September 18, 2006
NFL Week In Review
This is not to be confused with a stroll down NFL Boulevard. I'm not going all the way down that street.
Could we see Adrian Peterson in the same backfield with Vince Young next year? If the Titans are as bad for the rest of the year as they were against the Chargers, it is a definite possibility. Of course, the Raiders and Texans are right there with them on the same level of sorriness. At least the Texans and Titans play each other twice. Of course, the Colts and Jaguars have four games each against both of those teams. That gives both of them a leg up in getting to the playoffs.
I missed the Giants' comeback against the Iggles, as Fox sent the 3:00 Arizona-Seattle game here, instead, so as to not compete with the sorry Texans' 12:00 game. Philly is going to wish they had that one for the rest of the year. The G-Men didn't need to start 0-2.
Speaking of 0-2, the Redskins have that record. Mark Brunell is a goat in Washington today. I'm just glad Dallas got that win.
Guess who's back? The Baltimore Ravens. Sure, they've played the slow-starting Bucs and the sorry Raiders, but they still look good. They even have a little bit of offense. The AFC North (I almost called it the Central, its former name) is pretty stout, with the Ravens, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. The Brownies don't stand a chance.
There was another 9-6 snoozer yesterday. Denver and Kansas City are the guilty culprits. It took overtime for Denver to find another field goal to win.
Look who else is 2-0: the Saints. They have a big, big game next Monday night, as they re-open the Superdome against the 2-0 Falcons. That would be a fun ticket.
The Buffalo Bills are officially not awful. They got a big win on the road in Miami. The Dolphins are quickly becoming victim to high expectations. Maybe Nick Saban should have had dinner with the President during training camp, when he was invited. It's obvious that time spent with football hasn't produced the desired results.
Just when you thought they were going away, the Patriots are 2-0. And, stud rookie Laurence Maroney helped my fantasy team by scoring his first NFL touchdown. The Jets aren't as bad as I thought they would be, now that Chad Pennington is back and somewhat healthy.
That's enough comments for now. Gotta get back to this scoreless game (3rd quarter) between the Steelers and the Jaguars.
Could we see Adrian Peterson in the same backfield with Vince Young next year? If the Titans are as bad for the rest of the year as they were against the Chargers, it is a definite possibility. Of course, the Raiders and Texans are right there with them on the same level of sorriness. At least the Texans and Titans play each other twice. Of course, the Colts and Jaguars have four games each against both of those teams. That gives both of them a leg up in getting to the playoffs.
I missed the Giants' comeback against the Iggles, as Fox sent the 3:00 Arizona-Seattle game here, instead, so as to not compete with the sorry Texans' 12:00 game. Philly is going to wish they had that one for the rest of the year. The G-Men didn't need to start 0-2.
Speaking of 0-2, the Redskins have that record. Mark Brunell is a goat in Washington today. I'm just glad Dallas got that win.
Guess who's back? The Baltimore Ravens. Sure, they've played the slow-starting Bucs and the sorry Raiders, but they still look good. They even have a little bit of offense. The AFC North (I almost called it the Central, its former name) is pretty stout, with the Ravens, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. The Brownies don't stand a chance.
There was another 9-6 snoozer yesterday. Denver and Kansas City are the guilty culprits. It took overtime for Denver to find another field goal to win.
Look who else is 2-0: the Saints. They have a big, big game next Monday night, as they re-open the Superdome against the 2-0 Falcons. That would be a fun ticket.
The Buffalo Bills are officially not awful. They got a big win on the road in Miami. The Dolphins are quickly becoming victim to high expectations. Maybe Nick Saban should have had dinner with the President during training camp, when he was invited. It's obvious that time spent with football hasn't produced the desired results.
Just when you thought they were going away, the Patriots are 2-0. And, stud rookie Laurence Maroney helped my fantasy team by scoring his first NFL touchdown. The Jets aren't as bad as I thought they would be, now that Chad Pennington is back and somewhat healthy.
That's enough comments for now. Gotta get back to this scoreless game (3rd quarter) between the Steelers and the Jaguars.
Apology from the Pac-10
Hell froze over today in Walnut Creek, California. The Pac-10 Conference apologized for the blown calls in Saturday's game between OU and Oregon. They also suspended the game officials and replay officials one game.
It doesn't bring the win back, but their action acknowledges the error. This is more than the Big XII did after the Texas Tech debacle last year.
Of course, the B12 supervisor of officials quietly stepped down after the season.
The Sooners owe Washington a game in Seattle, scheduled for 2008. This action greatly increases the chances of that game remaining on the schedule.
The Pac-10 is the only conference that uses its own officials in home non-conference games against major opponents. All of the other major conferences use visiting or neutral officials in home-and-home series. For instance, OU used Big XII officials when they played at Alabama, and the Crimson Tide brought SEC officials to Norman when they played there. Hopefully, the Pac-10 will follow the rest of college football, and allow visiting officials in non-conference games.
It doesn't bring the win back, but their action acknowledges the error. This is more than the Big XII did after the Texas Tech debacle last year.
Of course, the B12 supervisor of officials quietly stepped down after the season.
The Sooners owe Washington a game in Seattle, scheduled for 2008. This action greatly increases the chances of that game remaining on the schedule.
The Pac-10 is the only conference that uses its own officials in home non-conference games against major opponents. All of the other major conferences use visiting or neutral officials in home-and-home series. For instance, OU used Big XII officials when they played at Alabama, and the Crimson Tide brought SEC officials to Norman when they played there. Hopefully, the Pac-10 will follow the rest of college football, and allow visiting officials in non-conference games.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Big XII Rankings and other related comments
Did I tell you this conference is pretty ordinary? The Big XII went 5-7 against the rest of the world this weekend. The league lost every time it met a quality opponent this weekend, losing to such teams as Oregon, USC, TCU, Iowa, Arizona State, Toledo, and Washington State. I don't know if Washington State is a quality opponent, but it was a road game against a team better than Louisiana Tech. That's 0-4 against the Pac-10. At least a conference team didn't lose to anyone like Rice or Florida Atlantic.
Rankings:
1. TCU. Wait a minute, they're not in the Big XII! However, they've now won their last four games against Big XII teams. They'd more than hold their own with Texas and Nebraska, also. The Frogs go to Austin next year. This year, they are on a collision course with the BCS, with their last tough game being against the Fighting Utes in Salt Lake City. Big win in a defensive struggle against Tech yesterday.
2. Texas. Best of a mediocre bunch at this point. Hung half a hundred on Rice yesterday.
3 (tie). Nebraska. Didn't embarrass themselves at USC last night, and covered the point spread. Still the favorite to win the North.
3 (tie). Oklahoma. Got screwed yesterday at Oregon, but should not have put themselves in that position. Still have a chance to be really good if they can get their heads right with ball, and can learn how to tackle for an entire game.
4. Missouri. Only undefeated team left in the conference. They've Showed Me that they won't lose to a mediocre team. Better than expected.
5. Texas Tech. What happened to that high-powered offense?
6. Iowa State. Tripped up by archrival Iowa.
7. Texas A&M. Almost, and should have, lost to ARMY. Army lost to Arkansas State. Fran's lucky to not be calling realtors today.
8. Kansas. Tough loss in double overtime at Toledo.
9. Baylor. Props for taking the road trip to Washington State. Didn't come back with the win.
10. Kansas State. I can't move them up with this schedule they're playing.
11. Oklahoma State. See Kansas State.
12. Colorado. Didn't lose to Arizona State by as much as I thought they would. Still, they'll be the underdog in every game from here on out.
Rankings:
1. TCU. Wait a minute, they're not in the Big XII! However, they've now won their last four games against Big XII teams. They'd more than hold their own with Texas and Nebraska, also. The Frogs go to Austin next year. This year, they are on a collision course with the BCS, with their last tough game being against the Fighting Utes in Salt Lake City. Big win in a defensive struggle against Tech yesterday.
2. Texas. Best of a mediocre bunch at this point. Hung half a hundred on Rice yesterday.
3 (tie). Nebraska. Didn't embarrass themselves at USC last night, and covered the point spread. Still the favorite to win the North.
3 (tie). Oklahoma. Got screwed yesterday at Oregon, but should not have put themselves in that position. Still have a chance to be really good if they can get their heads right with ball, and can learn how to tackle for an entire game.
4. Missouri. Only undefeated team left in the conference. They've Showed Me that they won't lose to a mediocre team. Better than expected.
5. Texas Tech. What happened to that high-powered offense?
6. Iowa State. Tripped up by archrival Iowa.
7. Texas A&M. Almost, and should have, lost to ARMY. Army lost to Arkansas State. Fran's lucky to not be calling realtors today.
8. Kansas. Tough loss in double overtime at Toledo.
9. Baylor. Props for taking the road trip to Washington State. Didn't come back with the win.
10. Kansas State. I can't move them up with this schedule they're playing.
11. Oklahoma State. See Kansas State.
12. Colorado. Didn't lose to Arizona State by as much as I thought they would. Still, they'll be the underdog in every game from here on out.
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