(1/1) Ticket City Bowl: Texas Tech (-9.5) vs. Northwestern
Ticket City is trying to make a run at StubHub and a great indicator of this game will be how much the going rate on Friday is for a ticket to this game. My guess is about the price of a Wendy's #1 with a medium frosty. When NW lost QB Dan Persa to an achilles injury November 13th, they lost not only a quality QB, but a team leader and the offense has predictably struggled with redshirt freshman Evan Watkins. The bigger issue has been the NW defense which has given up 118 pts and 848 rushing yards in their last two games, both losses to Illinois and Wiscy. Texas Tech started off slow, 1-3 in conference play, but has found their stride under new coach Tommy Tuberville and senior QB Taylor Potts to WR Lyle Leong (17 TD's) is a dangerous duo. The Cotton Bowl venue should help Texas Tech, but not as much as the Persa injury and the NW, so I am laying the points with the favorite.
(1/1) Outback Bowl: Florida (-7) vs. Penn State
I have to admit I like Texas Roadhouse better, and the Texas Roadhouse bowl in Tampa seems like a naturally confusing bowl game that is about right for this time of year. You have to wonder what Florida's motivation is going to be in a mediocre bowl after a disapointing season in Urban Meyer's final game. Meyer has been a great coach, but you have to wonder what his legacy would have been had he retired after last season? You know what they say, if you have two QB's you don't have any, so what does it mean when you have three like Florida? The Gator offense has been worse than inept and has been held to 7 points or less 3 times this season, so giving 7 points seems like a lot in this game. I will take the 84 year old coach who is coming back and using this game as a building block for next year over the 46 year old coach who is burnt out and done after this game.
(1/1) Capital One Bowl: Alabama (-10) vs. Michigan State
My vote for second best commercials of any bowl game this year. Bama continues their year long trend of being loved by Vegas and Nick Saban has had over a month to get his team over the most confounding loss of the college football season. Bama's two biggest issues this year were the Ingram/Richardson duo battling nagging injuries all season and their awful secondary play. The month break before this game should benefit both as Ingram and Richardson are healthy and Saban has had a month to teach DB play, his forte. Michigan State has won, but has not played well since before Veteran's Day and I think the talent disparity between these two teams will be too much for MSU to overcome, so I will lay the points in this SEC/Big 10 matchup.
(1/1) Progressive Gator Bowl: Mississippi State (-10) vs. Michigan
Progressive is a great name for Michigan's bowl since they get progressively worse as the season continues under Rich Rod. Michigan is 8-0 out of conference the last two years, but 6-18 in Big 10 play during Rich Rod's tenure. I think it is safe to say that conference record would be worse if Michigan played in the SEC West. Miss St. is solid in all three phases with their only losses coming to top 20 teams. Both teams will move the ball on the ground, but I like Miss. St. to pull away late and I don't mind laying the points with that Michigan D.
(1/1) The Rose Bowl presented by Vizio: TCU (-2.5) vs. Wiscy
Some day that won't sound weird; for my money the hardest game to feel confident about either way. TCU is third in the nation vs. the run and first in points allowed, but they have not played a team as committed to the run with a NFL type O-line and RB's like Wiscy. The TCU defense will either stop the run and turn this into a QB battle, where they and Andy Dalton will have the advantage, or Wiscy will pound them into the ground physically. With as much confidence as Mike Singletary QB decision I will take TCU and Andy Dalton to make the plays at the end of the game to win and cover.
(1/1) Tositos Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma (-17.5) vs. UConn
Anything that ends in "tos" is good with me. So there is a bowl rematch (Nebraska/Washington) on a neutral field where the visitors won during the regular season by 35 and they are less of a favorite than Oklahoma is in this BCS game, ladies and gentlemen your 2010 Big East football conference. This is the matchup Oklahoma needed to break their 5 game BCS bowl losing streak. 17 and a hook are a lot of points, and UConn has been better lately, but I can't shake the thought of their losses to Temple, Rutgers, Michigan, and Cincy's fold up last year as the Big East representative.
(1/3) The Discover Orange Bowl: Stanford (-3) vs. VTech
Wouldn't this be a great playoff game, with the best 2 loss team vs. the best 1 loss team in the country? The 49ers should be on the phone right now with Jim Harbaugh, the way he has turned Stanford into a physical team that plays a pro style has been nothing short of remarkable. Stanford comes into this game with the 8th ranked scoring offense and the 11th ranked scoring defense and will face a team on an 11 game winning streak with a defense that has 14 INT's in their last 6 games. We will learn a lot about Andrew Luck and the ACC in this game. I like Stanford, Luck, and the ACC's 2-10 record in BCS bowls to take another hit.
(1/4) All-State Sugar Bowl: Ohio State (-3) vs. Arkansas
Anytime you have the President from "24" as your spokesman you are OK by me. So OSU is 0-9 in their last nine bowl games vs. the SEC and has 0.0 good wins this year and they are favored over an SEC West team? Arkansas has won 6 in a row while averaging 42.5 pts/game, and has 4 wins over top 25 teams. RB Knile Davis has added a new weapon to an offense that is better than a quarter of NFL teams. It is safe to say that I like Arkansas every which way and the SEC friendly Superdome will only help.
(1/6) GoDaddy.com Bowl: Miami OH (-1.5) vs. Middle Tennessee State
1 to 5 favorite to have the best commericals of any bowl game this year. Miami winning the MAC a year after winning 1 game seems to deserve more than a trip to Mobile, Alabama on the first Thursday in January. Most games it is very hard to hit a middle, but it looks pretty straight forward in this game, so I am taking the points.
(1/7) AT&T Cotton Bowl: LSU (-1) vs. Texas A&M
Two months ago I would have taken a Clippers finals future before I would have taken A&M to go to the Cotton Bowl. Coach Mike Sherman made a job saving move when he benched QB Jerrod Johnson for WR Ryan Tannehill, and shifted the offense focus to RB Cyrus Gray. The defense has also improved and this looks like a team on the rise after their 6 game win streak to close the season. LSU coach Les Miles rightfully takes a lot of heat for his decisions, but his team only has 2 losses, both to top 10 teams and an improved offense and rested defense has me laying the point with the favorite.
(1/8) BBVA Compass Bowl: Pittsburgh (-3) vs. Kentucky
BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt based financial institution, I would have needed over 20 guesses to get that one. Since Pittsburgh fired the Bernie Madoff of football I don't have much to say about this game, but I know I will not be taking a Big East team laying 3 points this bowl season.
(1/9) Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Nevada (-9.5) vs. Boston College
This game has been played in the San Francisco Giants home park since 02' and has previously been named the Emerald Bowl and Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl. Somehow BC has appeared in this bowl three times even though it is contracted to be a WAC/Pac-10 matchup, just another example of bowl season. I was one of 3 people on the East Coast awake when Nevada beat Boise, so I am riding Nevada in this one.
(1/10) BCS Title Game: Auburn (-3) vs. Oregon
The one and only game that means something, proving once again that the NCAA is the Wizard of Oz. Great offensive matchup as these two spread offenses will exchange more points than both of their respective basketball teams. I think the difference in this game will be Auburn's defensive line and Nick Fairley, the Oregon offense has been semi-slowed by powerful DL's and Fairley is the nation's best. Auburn QB Cam Newton has come up bigger and bigger in every situation that has presented itself this season and in a close game I will always take the team with the better QB.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Bowl Week Selections
I had so much fun picking the biggest games every weekend of the college football season that I couldn't resist taking a run at the 5,311 bowl games. With 5,311 bowl games I had to break the bowl season into 2 parts, so starting with the most wonderful time of the year "Bowl Week" (12/27 to 12/31) here are my picks, as always against the spread.
(12/27) Advocare V100 Independence Bowl: Air Force (-3.5) vs. GTech
It is never a good sign when you have to Google the first bowl game, "Advocare is a premier health and wellness company offering more than 70 exclusive nutritional and skincare products and a business opportunity that empowers." The Advocare 100 is a multi-vitamin and the company's slogan is "We Build Champions" so it only makes sense that the two teams in this game have a combined 10 losses. What is the quickest way to get out of Shreveport in December? Get two options teams that won't stop the clock and we can get this game over in less time than it takes to watch "The International". I am a sucker for points and a hook, so I will take Tech and even if they don't end their 5 game bowl losing streak I still might be OK.
(12/28) Champs Sports Bowl: WVU (-3.5) vs. NC State
Champs Sports offers "fan's gear" and some of the biggest selection of Nike and Jordan apparel. Maybe Bulls GM Gar Forman can buy some Jordan gear at Champs and then Jordan will trade him Stephen Jackson for nothing, like when Jordan gave away Tyson Chandler and Ray Felton. So WVU hires Bill Stewart's replacement and then lets Stewart coach another year while his replacement is on staff, Stewart must have really wanted to go to Orlando for this bowl game. The WVU situation has about as much chance of working as Jordan does winning NBA exec of the year. I'll take Russell Wilson and the points.
Insight Bowl: Missouri (-1) vs. Iowa
After reading Insight's website I still don't know what they do, but they sure use a lot of buzz words like "strategic, long range planning, and effective deployment". Maybe they could have strategized a better way to get these two border-states to meet other than deploying both teams 500 miles to the Southwest. Iowa has underperformed all year beginning with an awful loss on the road to Arizona and I don't think the return trip to the desert against a better team in Missouri will make this trip any more successful.
(12/29) The Millitary Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman: Maryland (-7) vs. East Carolina
Too bad this Washington DC bowl game couldn't get a service academy, like I don't know, how about Air Force? Especially since Northrop Grumman manufactures fighter jets. ECU gave up 76 points to Navy, so I can't take them in the "Millitary" bowl, so I will take the school that is trying to fire their coach even if he won't go. In Maryland's defense isn't Mike Leach always the answer when you want stability and sanity, like Hedo, JRich and Agent Zero being the answer for a struggling NBA team or Cameron Diaz as the answer to a leading lady role.
Texas Bowl: Baylor (-2) vs. Illinois
I wonder where this game is being played? How disappointed were these bowl executives that Texas couldn't beat Texas A&M or Baylor to become bowl eligible, that would be like going to see the Clark's with your buddy Clark. I have to go with Baylor, not only due to the home state advantage, but I never miss a chance to bet against Zook.
Valero Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State (-6) vs. Arizona
I can't say that I have ever stopped at a Valero station to get gas, but I am going to make a point to stop the next chance I get since not only do they sponsor a bowl game, but a PGA tour event as well. I know it must be quality company since Adam Scott won the golf tourney, since he only wins quality events like Jude Law only making quality movies, and they got both Mike Stoops and Mike Gundy's teams for this game. I will go with Gundy to screw up his team less in this game and get the win and with that Stoops gets the chance to make his own Coors Light commercial, which was only a matter of time anyway.
(12/30) Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl: SMU (-7.5) vs. Army
Like Northrop Grumman, Bell Helicopters is a defense company, do these companies really need to sponsor bowl games to get their names out? Is anyone watching this Thursday afternoon game going to say "That is it, my next helicopter is going to be a Bell"? This game is in Dallas and as I learned from the "30 for 30" Pony Excess so is SMU, so I am going with SMU in Dallas laying the points. By the way, "30 for 30" was the best thing on TV this year after "The Gulag" bringing back CT and T-shirt time on "Jersey Shore".
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Kansas State vs. Syracuse (PK)
I have to admit I loved the ND/Army game at Yankee stadium and the NW/Ill game at Wrigley, even if the offense could only go one way at Wrigley. I am all for bowl games at these venues every year, and Cuse gets a big advatange playing in their home state. They could turn this venue into a huge edge like their hoop team does at MSG, if only they didn't play football in the worst mid major conference north of the Sun Belt. KSU will win because they can run and they will run at will like every team does to the Yankee's and catcher Jorge Posada in this same venue.
Franklin American Mortgage, Music City Bowl: UNC (-2) vs. Tennessee
A local Nashville Mortgage company took over sponsorship of this game and when I was entering the company into Google, a complaints page was the first result that came up. This is fitting since UNC coach Butch Davis has a website devoted to his firing. Even money on what lasts longer, Davis as UNC coach or Franklin American staying solvent. I will take the SEC team playing in their home state with the points.
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl: Nebraska (-13.5) vs. Washington
Nothing like a rematch of an early season blowout when Nebraska beat UW by 35 in Husky stadium, this is punishment for Washington, like being forced to repeat an online class. A rematch is a perfect example of the over expansion of bowl games and this line is half of what it should be.
(12/31) Meineke Car Care Bowl: Clemson (-4.5) vs. South Florida
The first in a run of car related bowl games features two teams that have to head north for this showdown, we will have officially jumped the shark when the Artic Bowl is founded next year and pits Houston vs. Arizona State. Meineke is one of our favorites thanks to a friend of illbefrank and there are worse places to be on New Year's Eve than Charlotte, especially if you take Clemson and their stout defense laying the points against a Big East squad.
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami (-3) vs. Notre Dame
Hyundai's guarantee is 10 years, coaching gigs at these two schools are about 1/10th of that time as the Brian Kelly tenure is one year in and the Al Golden era is kicking off. I think both coaches are good fits, but I think ND is a little farther along and Brian Kelly has made this game important to his players. I like ND and the points in El Paso, where I once spent a week one night.
NAPA AutoCare Liberty Bowl: Georgia (-6.5) vs. Central Florida
Did you know NAPA has mechanical, collision, and truck service centers? They also have a wild slide show on the website, which along with the "Your NAPA" sections is supposed to distract you into thinking that they are not a chain who will rip you off. This is like saying this game features a real SEC team, it gets your attention until you realize it is Georgia. UCF plays good defense and I like them outright as does every UG fan who thinks a loss to a George O'Leary team will finally get Mark Richt fired.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: South Carolina (-3) vs. Florida State
One of my favorites and I just don't mean the sponsor, but that does help. I bet the players really load up on nugget trays and sandwiches in the days leading up to this game. Atlanta is a great city and the Georgia Dome on New Year's Eve night is a great venue for this SEC/ACC matchup. Both teams were embarrassed in their respective conference title games, so both should be ready to play in this one. I was just starting to like Christian Ponder until he came down with a mysterious injury and missed the VTech game, and Marcus Lattimore will make an early case for next year's Heisman as Spurrier takes down an old rival.
Season Record (57-41-1)
(12/27) Advocare V100 Independence Bowl: Air Force (-3.5) vs. GTech
It is never a good sign when you have to Google the first bowl game, "Advocare is a premier health and wellness company offering more than 70 exclusive nutritional and skincare products and a business opportunity that empowers." The Advocare 100 is a multi-vitamin and the company's slogan is "We Build Champions" so it only makes sense that the two teams in this game have a combined 10 losses. What is the quickest way to get out of Shreveport in December? Get two options teams that won't stop the clock and we can get this game over in less time than it takes to watch "The International". I am a sucker for points and a hook, so I will take Tech and even if they don't end their 5 game bowl losing streak I still might be OK.
(12/28) Champs Sports Bowl: WVU (-3.5) vs. NC State
Champs Sports offers "fan's gear" and some of the biggest selection of Nike and Jordan apparel. Maybe Bulls GM Gar Forman can buy some Jordan gear at Champs and then Jordan will trade him Stephen Jackson for nothing, like when Jordan gave away Tyson Chandler and Ray Felton. So WVU hires Bill Stewart's replacement and then lets Stewart coach another year while his replacement is on staff, Stewart must have really wanted to go to Orlando for this bowl game. The WVU situation has about as much chance of working as Jordan does winning NBA exec of the year. I'll take Russell Wilson and the points.
Insight Bowl: Missouri (-1) vs. Iowa
After reading Insight's website I still don't know what they do, but they sure use a lot of buzz words like "strategic, long range planning, and effective deployment". Maybe they could have strategized a better way to get these two border-states to meet other than deploying both teams 500 miles to the Southwest. Iowa has underperformed all year beginning with an awful loss on the road to Arizona and I don't think the return trip to the desert against a better team in Missouri will make this trip any more successful.
(12/29) The Millitary Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman: Maryland (-7) vs. East Carolina
Too bad this Washington DC bowl game couldn't get a service academy, like I don't know, how about Air Force? Especially since Northrop Grumman manufactures fighter jets. ECU gave up 76 points to Navy, so I can't take them in the "Millitary" bowl, so I will take the school that is trying to fire their coach even if he won't go. In Maryland's defense isn't Mike Leach always the answer when you want stability and sanity, like Hedo, JRich and Agent Zero being the answer for a struggling NBA team or Cameron Diaz as the answer to a leading lady role.
Texas Bowl: Baylor (-2) vs. Illinois
I wonder where this game is being played? How disappointed were these bowl executives that Texas couldn't beat Texas A&M or Baylor to become bowl eligible, that would be like going to see the Clark's with your buddy Clark. I have to go with Baylor, not only due to the home state advantage, but I never miss a chance to bet against Zook.
Valero Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State (-6) vs. Arizona
I can't say that I have ever stopped at a Valero station to get gas, but I am going to make a point to stop the next chance I get since not only do they sponsor a bowl game, but a PGA tour event as well. I know it must be quality company since Adam Scott won the golf tourney, since he only wins quality events like Jude Law only making quality movies, and they got both Mike Stoops and Mike Gundy's teams for this game. I will go with Gundy to screw up his team less in this game and get the win and with that Stoops gets the chance to make his own Coors Light commercial, which was only a matter of time anyway.
(12/30) Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl: SMU (-7.5) vs. Army
Like Northrop Grumman, Bell Helicopters is a defense company, do these companies really need to sponsor bowl games to get their names out? Is anyone watching this Thursday afternoon game going to say "That is it, my next helicopter is going to be a Bell"? This game is in Dallas and as I learned from the "30 for 30" Pony Excess so is SMU, so I am going with SMU in Dallas laying the points. By the way, "30 for 30" was the best thing on TV this year after "The Gulag" bringing back CT and T-shirt time on "Jersey Shore".
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Kansas State vs. Syracuse (PK)
I have to admit I loved the ND/Army game at Yankee stadium and the NW/Ill game at Wrigley, even if the offense could only go one way at Wrigley. I am all for bowl games at these venues every year, and Cuse gets a big advatange playing in their home state. They could turn this venue into a huge edge like their hoop team does at MSG, if only they didn't play football in the worst mid major conference north of the Sun Belt. KSU will win because they can run and they will run at will like every team does to the Yankee's and catcher Jorge Posada in this same venue.
Franklin American Mortgage, Music City Bowl: UNC (-2) vs. Tennessee
A local Nashville Mortgage company took over sponsorship of this game and when I was entering the company into Google, a complaints page was the first result that came up. This is fitting since UNC coach Butch Davis has a website devoted to his firing. Even money on what lasts longer, Davis as UNC coach or Franklin American staying solvent. I will take the SEC team playing in their home state with the points.
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl: Nebraska (-13.5) vs. Washington
Nothing like a rematch of an early season blowout when Nebraska beat UW by 35 in Husky stadium, this is punishment for Washington, like being forced to repeat an online class. A rematch is a perfect example of the over expansion of bowl games and this line is half of what it should be.
(12/31) Meineke Car Care Bowl: Clemson (-4.5) vs. South Florida
The first in a run of car related bowl games features two teams that have to head north for this showdown, we will have officially jumped the shark when the Artic Bowl is founded next year and pits Houston vs. Arizona State. Meineke is one of our favorites thanks to a friend of illbefrank and there are worse places to be on New Year's Eve than Charlotte, especially if you take Clemson and their stout defense laying the points against a Big East squad.
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami (-3) vs. Notre Dame
Hyundai's guarantee is 10 years, coaching gigs at these two schools are about 1/10th of that time as the Brian Kelly tenure is one year in and the Al Golden era is kicking off. I think both coaches are good fits, but I think ND is a little farther along and Brian Kelly has made this game important to his players. I like ND and the points in El Paso, where I once spent a week one night.
NAPA AutoCare Liberty Bowl: Georgia (-6.5) vs. Central Florida
Did you know NAPA has mechanical, collision, and truck service centers? They also have a wild slide show on the website, which along with the "Your NAPA" sections is supposed to distract you into thinking that they are not a chain who will rip you off. This is like saying this game features a real SEC team, it gets your attention until you realize it is Georgia. UCF plays good defense and I like them outright as does every UG fan who thinks a loss to a George O'Leary team will finally get Mark Richt fired.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: South Carolina (-3) vs. Florida State
One of my favorites and I just don't mean the sponsor, but that does help. I bet the players really load up on nugget trays and sandwiches in the days leading up to this game. Atlanta is a great city and the Georgia Dome on New Year's Eve night is a great venue for this SEC/ACC matchup. Both teams were embarrassed in their respective conference title games, so both should be ready to play in this one. I was just starting to like Christian Ponder until he came down with a mysterious injury and missed the VTech game, and Marcus Lattimore will make an early case for next year's Heisman as Spurrier takes down an old rival.
Season Record (57-41-1)
Friday, December 24, 2010
It's a Christmas Miracle
What a great night!
Pens beat Washington in an HBO production of a hockey game.
The Steelers inched closer to a first round bye with the dismantling of the Panthers.
Terrelle Pryor was suspended 5 games to start next season for brokering deals to get inked up.
From everyone at the I'll be Frank staff, have a Safe and Happy Holiday.
Pens beat Washington in an HBO production of a hockey game.
The Steelers inched closer to a first round bye with the dismantling of the Panthers.
Terrelle Pryor was suspended 5 games to start next season for brokering deals to get inked up.
From everyone at the I'll be Frank staff, have a Safe and Happy Holiday.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Vick or Brady?
The NFL MVP race has come down to two quarterbacks, Mike Vick and Tom Brady. They have been unquestionably the best two players throughout the season. Both are leading their teams to the playoffs, Philadelphia 10-4; 1st in NFC East; New England 12-2; 1st in AFC East, but both have followed different paths to reach this point.
Michael Vick:
11 Games Played - 2755 yards passing, 20 TD, 5 INT; 613 yards rushing 8 TD
Tom Brady:
14 Games Played - 3561 yards passing, 31 TD, 4 INT; 17 yards rushing 1 TD
Basically it comes down to the NFL Golden Boy vs the NFL Pariah.
Tom Brady, from the moment he walked into the spotlight during the 2001 season, he has done no wrong. Super Bowls and Super Models sums up this guys last 10 years of existence.
Michael Vick also exploded into the NFL in 2001 and quickly became the sports most electrifying player. While no one would have ever confused him with Dan Marino in the pocket, he brought an added element to the game that had never been seen before.
Then of course there was that little dog fighting incident that I'm sure everyone is quite familiar with that landed him in a federal prison and out of the NFL.
It would be easy for the NFL to make the decision to give the MVP to their Golden Boy and really no one could question them for doing it.
On the other hand they could give the MVP to the man who became the face of Roger Goodell's stance against off-field behavior.
This situation could work out positive for Goodell in both situations, and as we know from previous posts, Goodell likes to look all powerful and unarguably correct in all situations.
So if Brady wins, Goodell wins. The NFL's best player is a handsome, All-American quarterback who can be viewed as a perfect role model for kids (except for that whole dumping his pregnant girlfriend and having a child out of wedlock thing). The NFL looks good, Goodell looks good, and the league doesn't have to hear the backlash from anti-Vick groups.
If Vick wins, Goodell also wins. The NFL's best player is a convicted felon, Herpes infected, dog-killing, parolee who a few summers ago was the most hated man alive outside of Bernie Madoff, Osama Bin Laden, and Mel Gibson. Vick is the antithesis of Brady. Vick is the model for the young, black, urban player that makes up the majority of the NFL rosters. He's definately not the white, handsome, aw shucks, player that would paint a better public relations picture of Goodell's league. If Vick wins, there would be a great deal of backlash for the NFL to endure. But like I said earlier, Goodell would still win. Vick was the face of Goodell's zero tolerance policy, and if he comes back and earns the ultimate individual award in the sport, it will prove that Goodell's methods have worked. Vick would be the ultimate reclaimation project, and the prize example to show that Goodell's tyranous reign is working.
The best way to decide the winner would be to look at their individual seasons and decide who has had the better year.
Brady has made New England the favorite to win this year's Super Bowl. Right now they look unstoppable. They have beaten Baltimore, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, New York Jets, Chicago, and Green Bay enroute to their 12-2 record. All of those teams will likely be in the playoffs so that makes that list all the more impressive. Brady has thrown for over 3500 yards and over 30 TDs. He hasn't thrown a single interception since Week 6 and has been doing this all with players like Danny Woodhead, BenJarvis Green-Ellis, and Rob Gronkowski. I believe he is the favorite right now, because not only does he have incredible numbers but he is the leader of the league's best team. Because he doesn't have the weapons available to Vick, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy, I think that makes Brady's numbers that more impressive.
Michael Vick was brought into Philly as a gimmick player last season. Once the Eagles let McNabb go to rival Washington, Vick became the back-up to future star Kevin Kolb. An injury to Kolb gave Vick the opportunity to start and since then he hasn't looked back. His story is actually quite amazing. Going from a prison yard in Kansas to the top of the league that had previously disowned him. Sure he was amazing in Atlanta, but that was because of his legs and his ability to make plays happen when nothing looked to be available. He was electrifying, sure, but he was incapable of hitting a stationary receiver with a 10-yard pass. Other than throwing a NERF ball out of a stadium, his arm was useless. That's what makes this year so dumbfounding. This was a guy who before he went to jail couldn't complete a pass to save his life, rots for 2 years in a federal prison, and somehow comes out with pinpoint accuracy. Yeah it took him a season to get his legs back, but now that he can run at the same level he once did, combined with the new aerial attack, and a plethora of speedy weapons, Vick has made the Eagles' offense the most potent in the league. 28 total TDs to only 5 INTs makes Vick once again the leagues most feared offensive weapon.
So who will be the MVP?
I think Vick will win, despite all of the critics and backlash, Goodell will have his reformation project complete and be able to provide the world a sports with a rhyme and reason for his oppressive dictatorship.
Michael Vick:
11 Games Played - 2755 yards passing, 20 TD, 5 INT; 613 yards rushing 8 TD
Tom Brady:
14 Games Played - 3561 yards passing, 31 TD, 4 INT; 17 yards rushing 1 TD
Basically it comes down to the NFL Golden Boy vs the NFL Pariah.
Tom Brady, from the moment he walked into the spotlight during the 2001 season, he has done no wrong. Super Bowls and Super Models sums up this guys last 10 years of existence.
Michael Vick also exploded into the NFL in 2001 and quickly became the sports most electrifying player. While no one would have ever confused him with Dan Marino in the pocket, he brought an added element to the game that had never been seen before.
Then of course there was that little dog fighting incident that I'm sure everyone is quite familiar with that landed him in a federal prison and out of the NFL.
It would be easy for the NFL to make the decision to give the MVP to their Golden Boy and really no one could question them for doing it.
On the other hand they could give the MVP to the man who became the face of Roger Goodell's stance against off-field behavior.
This situation could work out positive for Goodell in both situations, and as we know from previous posts, Goodell likes to look all powerful and unarguably correct in all situations.
So if Brady wins, Goodell wins. The NFL's best player is a handsome, All-American quarterback who can be viewed as a perfect role model for kids (except for that whole dumping his pregnant girlfriend and having a child out of wedlock thing). The NFL looks good, Goodell looks good, and the league doesn't have to hear the backlash from anti-Vick groups.
If Vick wins, Goodell also wins. The NFL's best player is a convicted felon, Herpes infected, dog-killing, parolee who a few summers ago was the most hated man alive outside of Bernie Madoff, Osama Bin Laden, and Mel Gibson. Vick is the antithesis of Brady. Vick is the model for the young, black, urban player that makes up the majority of the NFL rosters. He's definately not the white, handsome, aw shucks, player that would paint a better public relations picture of Goodell's league. If Vick wins, there would be a great deal of backlash for the NFL to endure. But like I said earlier, Goodell would still win. Vick was the face of Goodell's zero tolerance policy, and if he comes back and earns the ultimate individual award in the sport, it will prove that Goodell's methods have worked. Vick would be the ultimate reclaimation project, and the prize example to show that Goodell's tyranous reign is working.
The best way to decide the winner would be to look at their individual seasons and decide who has had the better year.
Brady has made New England the favorite to win this year's Super Bowl. Right now they look unstoppable. They have beaten Baltimore, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, New York Jets, Chicago, and Green Bay enroute to their 12-2 record. All of those teams will likely be in the playoffs so that makes that list all the more impressive. Brady has thrown for over 3500 yards and over 30 TDs. He hasn't thrown a single interception since Week 6 and has been doing this all with players like Danny Woodhead, BenJarvis Green-Ellis, and Rob Gronkowski. I believe he is the favorite right now, because not only does he have incredible numbers but he is the leader of the league's best team. Because he doesn't have the weapons available to Vick, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy, I think that makes Brady's numbers that more impressive.
Michael Vick was brought into Philly as a gimmick player last season. Once the Eagles let McNabb go to rival Washington, Vick became the back-up to future star Kevin Kolb. An injury to Kolb gave Vick the opportunity to start and since then he hasn't looked back. His story is actually quite amazing. Going from a prison yard in Kansas to the top of the league that had previously disowned him. Sure he was amazing in Atlanta, but that was because of his legs and his ability to make plays happen when nothing looked to be available. He was electrifying, sure, but he was incapable of hitting a stationary receiver with a 10-yard pass. Other than throwing a NERF ball out of a stadium, his arm was useless. That's what makes this year so dumbfounding. This was a guy who before he went to jail couldn't complete a pass to save his life, rots for 2 years in a federal prison, and somehow comes out with pinpoint accuracy. Yeah it took him a season to get his legs back, but now that he can run at the same level he once did, combined with the new aerial attack, and a plethora of speedy weapons, Vick has made the Eagles' offense the most potent in the league. 28 total TDs to only 5 INTs makes Vick once again the leagues most feared offensive weapon.
So who will be the MVP?
I think Vick will win, despite all of the critics and backlash, Goodell will have his reformation project complete and be able to provide the world a sports with a rhyme and reason for his oppressive dictatorship.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
6 Can't Miss Early Season League Conference Games
A few weeks ago we took a look at some can't miss out of conference games and as those games finish with tonight's border war (Mizzou vs. Ill), it is a good time to take a look at 6 early season conference games that will go a long way to determining the major conference races. These games have a tendency to get lost in the shuffle since they are during the holidays and matched up against bowl week and the NFL playoff push. So while you are sweating out your bowl poll and trying to determine the Wild Card weekend matchups don't forget about these college hoops games.
Big East: UConn @ Pittsburgh (12/27)
The first "Big Monday" features two teams ranked in the top 6, but this game will be in the shadows of the "Monday Night Football" Saints @ Falcons showdown. During one of UConn coach Jim Calhoun's many compliant filled rants he railed against the date of this game, but upon further review this might be a good time for the Huskies to visit Pittsburgh, as UConn is undefeated and playing well, while Pittsburgh is coming off a confidence shaking home loss to Tennessee. UConn is led by early player of the year candidate, Kemba Walker, who used his summer practicing against the US World Championship team to develop his shot and is averaging 27 pts/game. Pittsburgh has made defense their calling card under Jaime Dixon and defense is what let them down vs. Tennessee and Scotty Hopson. They will get another chance against Walker, if Walker has the type of games he had vs. Mich. St. and Kentucky in Maui UConn could get a huge road conference win and the upper hand in this conference. An under the radar barometer of this game will be UConn 6'9" sophmore forward Alex Oriakhi, who is averaging 11.4 pts and 10 rpg against Pittsburgh's senior center, Gary McGhee, who has developed a reputation as a NBA type interior defender.
Big Ten: Minnesota @ Michigan State (12/31)
Minnesota will enter conference play with only one loss, to Virginia in the ACC/Big 10 challenge along with three nice wins, St. Joe's, UNC, and WVU. They have the toughest early season schedule in the toughest conference with this game, which comes after a trip to Wisconsin on 12/28, and we will know more about this team before the first of the year than any team in the country. Minnesota is well balanced with 5 players averaging between 14.8 and 9.2 ppg, and is a veteran team with toughness and size that will be required traits to compete in East Lansing vs. a talented team that is searching for an identity. Michigan State has struggled by their standards, with a brutal early season schedule, but this team is too talented not to contend in March. Kalin Lucas has struggled coming back from achilles surgery and stunningly does not lead the team in points or assists/game and needs to get his team shots, as the Spartans have turned the ball over at a much higher rate than past Izzo teams. A determining matchup in this game will be the leading scorers of both teams, Minnesota's hard working 6'4" Blake Hoffarber against Michigan State's ultra-talented 6'5" Durrell Summers.
Pac 10: Washington @ UCLA (12/31)
The talent level of this conference is improved from last year, but the Mountain West will still get more tourney invites, so any chance to make a statement is much needed out west. Washington was close in Maui with last minute losses to Kentucky and Michigan State and UCLA has a win over BYU and was robbed at Kansas coupled with losses to Nova, VCU, and a bad loss to Montana. Washington is balanced and athletic led by PG Isiah Thomas, who leads the team in scoring and pushes the pace relentlessly. UCLA will counter by slowing the game at home and isolating 6'8" sophomore Tyler Honeycutt, who is averaging 15.5 pts and 8.4 rpg and seems to relish the spotlight of a big game. UCLA will try to defend their home court and a win would signal a chance at the tourney, while an early season road win at the Pauley Pavilion would cement Washington as the Pac-10's most dangerous team.
ACC: Miami @ Duke (1/2)
Any team that goes into Cameron and beats the unanimous #1 in the country will have achieved the biggest upset of the year, Miami and the rest of the mediocre ACC have about as much chance of achieving this feat as Michael Jordan does of being named NBA executive of the year. On this last Sunday of the NFL regular season we will get to see how Duke continues to evolve with the loss of PG Kyrie Irving and the development of Seth Curry and Andre Dawkins, who will now be counted on to contribute in his place. A competitive game would give Miami an early confidence boast to contend in a league with a Grand Canyon like drop off after Duke. Miami is tough in the post, so a good showing by Mason Plumlee would alleviate some Duke fears of being too overly relient on perimeter scoring.
Big 12: Kansas State @ Oklahoma State (1/8)
Kansas State will have pre-season All American Jacob Pullen back for this game and should have Curtis Kelly back as well, both were suspended this week for receiving improper benefits through a department store. The Wildcats have been unable to live up to the pre-season hype due to the inability to find a point guard and rebound the basketball. Pullen looks about as comfortable running the point as the new Tiger Woods does interacting through Twitter and Pullen's 3.8 apg lead the team by almost two assists, which has to be a huge concern for coach Frank Martin along with Curtis Kelly only pulling down 4 boards/game. Oklahoma State has benefited from an easy out of conference schedule with only a loss to VTech, and getting a disjointed KState team at home so early in conference play should be a big advantage for the Cowboys and leading scorer Marshall Moses, who has taken over as this year's James Anderson for coach Travis Ford.
SEC: Florida @ Tennessee (1/11)
Florida has been up and down from week to week and game to game, while Tennessee started out 7-0 with the most impressive wins in college basketball over Nova in MSG and Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh and then lost three in a row, two to mid majors. This game should be fun to watch as both teams want to run, Florida has two athletic big men in Vernon Macklin and Alex Tyus who excel in transition, and Tennessee will press Florida's turnover prone guards and rely on the inside/outside combo of Scotty Hopson and Brian Williams. Hopefully this game features the Florida team that held KSU to 44 points in a blowout win and the UT team that never let Pittsburgh get close, and not the Florida team that lost to Jacksonville and the UT team that lost to Charlotte.
Big East: UConn @ Pittsburgh (12/27)
The first "Big Monday" features two teams ranked in the top 6, but this game will be in the shadows of the "Monday Night Football" Saints @ Falcons showdown. During one of UConn coach Jim Calhoun's many compliant filled rants he railed against the date of this game, but upon further review this might be a good time for the Huskies to visit Pittsburgh, as UConn is undefeated and playing well, while Pittsburgh is coming off a confidence shaking home loss to Tennessee. UConn is led by early player of the year candidate, Kemba Walker, who used his summer practicing against the US World Championship team to develop his shot and is averaging 27 pts/game. Pittsburgh has made defense their calling card under Jaime Dixon and defense is what let them down vs. Tennessee and Scotty Hopson. They will get another chance against Walker, if Walker has the type of games he had vs. Mich. St. and Kentucky in Maui UConn could get a huge road conference win and the upper hand in this conference. An under the radar barometer of this game will be UConn 6'9" sophmore forward Alex Oriakhi, who is averaging 11.4 pts and 10 rpg against Pittsburgh's senior center, Gary McGhee, who has developed a reputation as a NBA type interior defender.
Big Ten: Minnesota @ Michigan State (12/31)
Minnesota will enter conference play with only one loss, to Virginia in the ACC/Big 10 challenge along with three nice wins, St. Joe's, UNC, and WVU. They have the toughest early season schedule in the toughest conference with this game, which comes after a trip to Wisconsin on 12/28, and we will know more about this team before the first of the year than any team in the country. Minnesota is well balanced with 5 players averaging between 14.8 and 9.2 ppg, and is a veteran team with toughness and size that will be required traits to compete in East Lansing vs. a talented team that is searching for an identity. Michigan State has struggled by their standards, with a brutal early season schedule, but this team is too talented not to contend in March. Kalin Lucas has struggled coming back from achilles surgery and stunningly does not lead the team in points or assists/game and needs to get his team shots, as the Spartans have turned the ball over at a much higher rate than past Izzo teams. A determining matchup in this game will be the leading scorers of both teams, Minnesota's hard working 6'4" Blake Hoffarber against Michigan State's ultra-talented 6'5" Durrell Summers.
Pac 10: Washington @ UCLA (12/31)
The talent level of this conference is improved from last year, but the Mountain West will still get more tourney invites, so any chance to make a statement is much needed out west. Washington was close in Maui with last minute losses to Kentucky and Michigan State and UCLA has a win over BYU and was robbed at Kansas coupled with losses to Nova, VCU, and a bad loss to Montana. Washington is balanced and athletic led by PG Isiah Thomas, who leads the team in scoring and pushes the pace relentlessly. UCLA will counter by slowing the game at home and isolating 6'8" sophomore Tyler Honeycutt, who is averaging 15.5 pts and 8.4 rpg and seems to relish the spotlight of a big game. UCLA will try to defend their home court and a win would signal a chance at the tourney, while an early season road win at the Pauley Pavilion would cement Washington as the Pac-10's most dangerous team.
ACC: Miami @ Duke (1/2)
Any team that goes into Cameron and beats the unanimous #1 in the country will have achieved the biggest upset of the year, Miami and the rest of the mediocre ACC have about as much chance of achieving this feat as Michael Jordan does of being named NBA executive of the year. On this last Sunday of the NFL regular season we will get to see how Duke continues to evolve with the loss of PG Kyrie Irving and the development of Seth Curry and Andre Dawkins, who will now be counted on to contribute in his place. A competitive game would give Miami an early confidence boast to contend in a league with a Grand Canyon like drop off after Duke. Miami is tough in the post, so a good showing by Mason Plumlee would alleviate some Duke fears of being too overly relient on perimeter scoring.
Big 12: Kansas State @ Oklahoma State (1/8)
Kansas State will have pre-season All American Jacob Pullen back for this game and should have Curtis Kelly back as well, both were suspended this week for receiving improper benefits through a department store. The Wildcats have been unable to live up to the pre-season hype due to the inability to find a point guard and rebound the basketball. Pullen looks about as comfortable running the point as the new Tiger Woods does interacting through Twitter and Pullen's 3.8 apg lead the team by almost two assists, which has to be a huge concern for coach Frank Martin along with Curtis Kelly only pulling down 4 boards/game. Oklahoma State has benefited from an easy out of conference schedule with only a loss to VTech, and getting a disjointed KState team at home so early in conference play should be a big advantage for the Cowboys and leading scorer Marshall Moses, who has taken over as this year's James Anderson for coach Travis Ford.
SEC: Florida @ Tennessee (1/11)
Florida has been up and down from week to week and game to game, while Tennessee started out 7-0 with the most impressive wins in college basketball over Nova in MSG and Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh and then lost three in a row, two to mid majors. This game should be fun to watch as both teams want to run, Florida has two athletic big men in Vernon Macklin and Alex Tyus who excel in transition, and Tennessee will press Florida's turnover prone guards and rely on the inside/outside combo of Scotty Hopson and Brian Williams. Hopefully this game features the Florida team that held KSU to 44 points in a blowout win and the UT team that never let Pittsburgh get close, and not the Florida team that lost to Jacksonville and the UT team that lost to Charlotte.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Top 10 Sports Books
In a revelation about as shocking as Tiger Woods tweeting that he admires Brett Favre (there are enough jokes in that last statement for a 2 hour HBO comedy special) I along with writing about sports on a blog also enjoy reading sports books, so following the lead of the man in charge, "Frank" of illbefrank below are my 10 favorite sports books that I read in 2010. If you are looking for that last minute gift for someone on your list or just want a great read you can't go wrong with any one of these books.
10) The Wave: In pursuit of the Rogue's, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey (pub. 9/10)
The book opens aboard a scientific ship in the middle of the ocean as scientists are testing to determine how, when and why waves develop. Within a few pages you realize that the ocean's waves are one of the biggest mysteries of the natural world and how exciting the chase to understand this phenomenon is for some people. The book quickly jumps to world of top level surfers who chase these massive breaks around the world on a moment's notice. The book breezes through surfing's early days and settles into an adventure book about big wave surfers and focuses on the most prominent one, Laird Hamilton. Casey's writing makes you to feel the anticpation, excitement and fear as Hamilton pushes surfing to the human limits of survival. I wouldn't advise taking this book on a cruise, but you will get a real appreciation for the ocean and a subset of adrenaline seekers who are willing to risk it all in the name of the next big one, without the money and fame most all other top athletes are accustomed to receiving.
9) Death to the BCS: The Definite Case Against the Bowl Championship Series by Dan Wetzel, Josh Peter, Jeff Passon (10/10)
Did you ever wonder why there seems to be more and more bowl games every year? The authors answer that question and many others while advocating a 16 team playoff with home games until the "Final Four" which would be on neutral sites at traditional bowl venues. The case for the current bowl system is impossible to defend as most schools lose money due to forced ticket sales to games and destinations that are almost always undesirable, Birmingham in January anyone? The reason schools accept these bowl invitations is due to the fact that every coach and athletic director has a clause in their contract that stipulates a bonus for going to any bowl game. As a result the AD's, coaches, and bowls get rich while everyone else dreams of a playoff and a subsequent break-up of the power conference cartel that holds college football hostage.
8) Soccernomics by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski (6/09)
This book was published in 09', but became a must read around this year's World Cup as the authors broke down the world's game in a Moneyball like fashion and helped me become a better soccer fan. A glance at the table of contents reveals what an interesting read is ahead with chapter titles such as "Why England loses and others win", "Are penalty kicks cosmically unfair", "Silly mistakes in the transfer market", "The Country that loves soccer the most", and "Why poor countries have no chance". This is a book that uses psychology, sociology, and economics to tell a sport's story and though I read it in anticipation of the World Cup it left an impression on me that turned me into a soccer fan instead of a World Cup fan as evidenced by my DVR series recording of the English Premier League.
7) Willie Mays: The Life, the Legend by James Hirsch (2/10)
A biography of the greatest living baseball player became even more relevant with the Giants winning the World Series this year. Mays' career began in his home state for the Birmingham Barons of the Negro league in the 40's and his career paralleled the changes and expansion of America itself. He played in New York City, the center of the baseball world at the time, with the Giants in the 50's and moved west with team in the 60's and finished his career back in New York with the Mets in 73'. He was a complete five tool player whose greatness on the field was unquestioned and Hirsch covers these exploits and achievements, while also discussing his reluctance to follow Jackie Robinson's lead in race relations which earned his the nickname "Uncle Willie Mays" among some in the black community. At the core of Mays was his childlike love of the game and this book makes that point emphatically within the historical context of the man and his times.
6) The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America's Childhood by Jane Leavy (10/10)
Leavy grew up a Yankee and Mickey Mantle fan, but this book is not a fans invented version of a kinder, gentler Mickey Mantle. Leavy uses interviews she conducted with Mantle and everyone in his life to show the contradictions in America's biggest hero. Mantle rose from humble beginnings in Oklahoma to be the biggest star in the biggest city in the country, he was at the same time thought of as the best teammate and the worst father/husband, and as a guy who loved the game, but never got the most out of his talent. Using modern stats, Mantle's OBP and OPS show he was an even more dynamic offensive player than he was given credit for at the time and the pain he endured to play the game helps explain some of his self medicating tendencies. Leavy also documents the off field behavoir that was ignored by the media, who were the biggest Mantle fans of all, and the stories of a drunken and stumbling Mantle off the field are at the same time cringe inducing and the frailties that made "The Mick" a likeable hero who was know to hit a homer from each side of the plate and have a couple that night with you as well.
5) Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi (11/09)
Agassi's relationship with his overbearing father, his marriage to Brook Shields, and his admitted Crystal Meth use were the main discussion points when the book was initially published and these parts of Agassi's life make for great reading and have an US Weekly/car wreck type feel that makes this book a page turner, but the way an individual sport is played at the highest level around the world without an offseason is also great reading for a tennis fan. Agassi's tennis career spanned eras from McEnroe, Edberg, and Lendl to Sampras and Federer and his take on these champion's games and personalities is not information that would be found in the normal sports book. This book also has a different perspective since Agassi is the anti Tiger, Lebron, and Favre, an athlete who came on the scene as a person who was generally disliked due to his arrogance, but he matured and became a better person and player by the end of his career. Agassi's honest assesment of his life from an unhappy rebellious kid to a content champion and philanthropist is a success story and the best autobiography of an athlete I have read.
4) The Games that Changed the Game by Ron Jaworski (11/10)
The host of "NFL Matchup" and Monday Night Football's X and O guy is probably the only NFL analyst capable of writing a book about the strategic evolution of the NFL over 40 years by highlighting 7 coaches that changed the game (Sid Gilman, Don Coryell, Bill Walsh, Buddy Ryan, Bud Carson, Bill Belichick, and Dick LeBeau). Jaws brings the same passion and knowledge from "NFL Matchup" to the pages of this book and shows how the playbook designed by these coaches shapes individual games and in turn an entire league. This is not a book for a football novice or someone looking for a football novel, but for a book about the strategic game itself, there are none better.
3) The Greatest Game by Todd Denault (10/10)
On December 31st 1975 the two best hockey teams in the world met in hockey's greatest arena, the Montreal Forum. The Canadians were in the midst of their NHL dynasty and were led by Captain Guy Lafleur, while the Central Red Army team was on their first worldwide tour playing NHL teams. The game featured two teams at the height of their abilities and the game ended in a 3-3 tie with both teams admitting their opponent was the best team they had ever faced. This game had been 20 years in the making and was the real life Rocky IV as both teams played for pride with the weight of two nations and worldwide philosophies on their shoulders. This game led to increased international exposure for the Soviet Red Army team and was the catalyst for the global expansion of hockey and the increased quality of play that is enjoyed today. In a country where international hockey did not exist before Lake Placid in 1980 this book is an excellent history lesson and celebration of hockey at its finest.
2) Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger (6/90)
When you take a Pulitzer Prize winning author from Philadelphia and re-locate him to Odessa Texas for a book about a high school football season it is no surprise that you get what SI called the best sports book ever, and a book I have a tendency to re-read every fall on the cusp of football season. It is a book that spawned a movie and TV series along with an investigation into the Texas education system. Bissinger uses the real characters from a high school football team and town to tell a story of misplaced priorities, racism, and glory days. Even though I know the ending, I still feel Mike Winchell's nerves in the huddle of the Dallas-Carter game, Ivory Christian's conflicted heart, and the game and a chance at a better life slipping from James "Boobie" Miles' hands.
1) The Book of Basketball, paperback edition by Bill Simmons (12/10)
When the best sportswriter going is also the most knowledgeable NBA fan the possibility exists for an 800 page book about the game and its players. The discussion about the history of the game is unmatched and shows the research that was done, the footnotes are a Simmons staple that keeps you laughing and could only come from a comedy writer, and the "What If" and "Pyramid" sections display the passion that could only come from someone who truly loves the sport. The paperback contains revised sections on Kobe and the Lakers, Simmons' Celts, and Lebron that all played out this summer and the Multimedia guide accompanying the book is truly a breakthrough in the field of sports books and one that hopefully will be duplicated on future books. As you are reading about Moses Malone's rebounding ability or the 1988 NBA finals the multimedia guide allows you to pull up You Tube clips/games and relevant articles about the players/events you are reading about to further individual knowlege and discussion. For someone who grew up having to listen/read to people who actually saw players in other eras compete, the use of this technology allows you to make your own observations and conclusions about players before your time and in the case of this book makes everyone who reads it a better and more devoted fan.
10) The Wave: In pursuit of the Rogue's, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey (pub. 9/10)
The book opens aboard a scientific ship in the middle of the ocean as scientists are testing to determine how, when and why waves develop. Within a few pages you realize that the ocean's waves are one of the biggest mysteries of the natural world and how exciting the chase to understand this phenomenon is for some people. The book quickly jumps to world of top level surfers who chase these massive breaks around the world on a moment's notice. The book breezes through surfing's early days and settles into an adventure book about big wave surfers and focuses on the most prominent one, Laird Hamilton. Casey's writing makes you to feel the anticpation, excitement and fear as Hamilton pushes surfing to the human limits of survival. I wouldn't advise taking this book on a cruise, but you will get a real appreciation for the ocean and a subset of adrenaline seekers who are willing to risk it all in the name of the next big one, without the money and fame most all other top athletes are accustomed to receiving.
9) Death to the BCS: The Definite Case Against the Bowl Championship Series by Dan Wetzel, Josh Peter, Jeff Passon (10/10)
Did you ever wonder why there seems to be more and more bowl games every year? The authors answer that question and many others while advocating a 16 team playoff with home games until the "Final Four" which would be on neutral sites at traditional bowl venues. The case for the current bowl system is impossible to defend as most schools lose money due to forced ticket sales to games and destinations that are almost always undesirable, Birmingham in January anyone? The reason schools accept these bowl invitations is due to the fact that every coach and athletic director has a clause in their contract that stipulates a bonus for going to any bowl game. As a result the AD's, coaches, and bowls get rich while everyone else dreams of a playoff and a subsequent break-up of the power conference cartel that holds college football hostage.
8) Soccernomics by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski (6/09)
This book was published in 09', but became a must read around this year's World Cup as the authors broke down the world's game in a Moneyball like fashion and helped me become a better soccer fan. A glance at the table of contents reveals what an interesting read is ahead with chapter titles such as "Why England loses and others win", "Are penalty kicks cosmically unfair", "Silly mistakes in the transfer market", "The Country that loves soccer the most", and "Why poor countries have no chance". This is a book that uses psychology, sociology, and economics to tell a sport's story and though I read it in anticipation of the World Cup it left an impression on me that turned me into a soccer fan instead of a World Cup fan as evidenced by my DVR series recording of the English Premier League.
7) Willie Mays: The Life, the Legend by James Hirsch (2/10)
A biography of the greatest living baseball player became even more relevant with the Giants winning the World Series this year. Mays' career began in his home state for the Birmingham Barons of the Negro league in the 40's and his career paralleled the changes and expansion of America itself. He played in New York City, the center of the baseball world at the time, with the Giants in the 50's and moved west with team in the 60's and finished his career back in New York with the Mets in 73'. He was a complete five tool player whose greatness on the field was unquestioned and Hirsch covers these exploits and achievements, while also discussing his reluctance to follow Jackie Robinson's lead in race relations which earned his the nickname "Uncle Willie Mays" among some in the black community. At the core of Mays was his childlike love of the game and this book makes that point emphatically within the historical context of the man and his times.
6) The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America's Childhood by Jane Leavy (10/10)
Leavy grew up a Yankee and Mickey Mantle fan, but this book is not a fans invented version of a kinder, gentler Mickey Mantle. Leavy uses interviews she conducted with Mantle and everyone in his life to show the contradictions in America's biggest hero. Mantle rose from humble beginnings in Oklahoma to be the biggest star in the biggest city in the country, he was at the same time thought of as the best teammate and the worst father/husband, and as a guy who loved the game, but never got the most out of his talent. Using modern stats, Mantle's OBP and OPS show he was an even more dynamic offensive player than he was given credit for at the time and the pain he endured to play the game helps explain some of his self medicating tendencies. Leavy also documents the off field behavoir that was ignored by the media, who were the biggest Mantle fans of all, and the stories of a drunken and stumbling Mantle off the field are at the same time cringe inducing and the frailties that made "The Mick" a likeable hero who was know to hit a homer from each side of the plate and have a couple that night with you as well.
5) Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi (11/09)
Agassi's relationship with his overbearing father, his marriage to Brook Shields, and his admitted Crystal Meth use were the main discussion points when the book was initially published and these parts of Agassi's life make for great reading and have an US Weekly/car wreck type feel that makes this book a page turner, but the way an individual sport is played at the highest level around the world without an offseason is also great reading for a tennis fan. Agassi's tennis career spanned eras from McEnroe, Edberg, and Lendl to Sampras and Federer and his take on these champion's games and personalities is not information that would be found in the normal sports book. This book also has a different perspective since Agassi is the anti Tiger, Lebron, and Favre, an athlete who came on the scene as a person who was generally disliked due to his arrogance, but he matured and became a better person and player by the end of his career. Agassi's honest assesment of his life from an unhappy rebellious kid to a content champion and philanthropist is a success story and the best autobiography of an athlete I have read.
4) The Games that Changed the Game by Ron Jaworski (11/10)
The host of "NFL Matchup" and Monday Night Football's X and O guy is probably the only NFL analyst capable of writing a book about the strategic evolution of the NFL over 40 years by highlighting 7 coaches that changed the game (Sid Gilman, Don Coryell, Bill Walsh, Buddy Ryan, Bud Carson, Bill Belichick, and Dick LeBeau). Jaws brings the same passion and knowledge from "NFL Matchup" to the pages of this book and shows how the playbook designed by these coaches shapes individual games and in turn an entire league. This is not a book for a football novice or someone looking for a football novel, but for a book about the strategic game itself, there are none better.
3) The Greatest Game by Todd Denault (10/10)
On December 31st 1975 the two best hockey teams in the world met in hockey's greatest arena, the Montreal Forum. The Canadians were in the midst of their NHL dynasty and were led by Captain Guy Lafleur, while the Central Red Army team was on their first worldwide tour playing NHL teams. The game featured two teams at the height of their abilities and the game ended in a 3-3 tie with both teams admitting their opponent was the best team they had ever faced. This game had been 20 years in the making and was the real life Rocky IV as both teams played for pride with the weight of two nations and worldwide philosophies on their shoulders. This game led to increased international exposure for the Soviet Red Army team and was the catalyst for the global expansion of hockey and the increased quality of play that is enjoyed today. In a country where international hockey did not exist before Lake Placid in 1980 this book is an excellent history lesson and celebration of hockey at its finest.
2) Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger (6/90)
When you take a Pulitzer Prize winning author from Philadelphia and re-locate him to Odessa Texas for a book about a high school football season it is no surprise that you get what SI called the best sports book ever, and a book I have a tendency to re-read every fall on the cusp of football season. It is a book that spawned a movie and TV series along with an investigation into the Texas education system. Bissinger uses the real characters from a high school football team and town to tell a story of misplaced priorities, racism, and glory days. Even though I know the ending, I still feel Mike Winchell's nerves in the huddle of the Dallas-Carter game, Ivory Christian's conflicted heart, and the game and a chance at a better life slipping from James "Boobie" Miles' hands.
1) The Book of Basketball, paperback edition by Bill Simmons (12/10)
When the best sportswriter going is also the most knowledgeable NBA fan the possibility exists for an 800 page book about the game and its players. The discussion about the history of the game is unmatched and shows the research that was done, the footnotes are a Simmons staple that keeps you laughing and could only come from a comedy writer, and the "What If" and "Pyramid" sections display the passion that could only come from someone who truly loves the sport. The paperback contains revised sections on Kobe and the Lakers, Simmons' Celts, and Lebron that all played out this summer and the Multimedia guide accompanying the book is truly a breakthrough in the field of sports books and one that hopefully will be duplicated on future books. As you are reading about Moses Malone's rebounding ability or the 1988 NBA finals the multimedia guide allows you to pull up You Tube clips/games and relevant articles about the players/events you are reading about to further individual knowlege and discussion. For someone who grew up having to listen/read to people who actually saw players in other eras compete, the use of this technology allows you to make your own observations and conclusions about players before your time and in the case of this book makes everyone who reads it a better and more devoted fan.
Monday, December 13, 2010
No Glove No Love
A day after being eliminated from my fantasy football playoffs, losing to a team with a concussed Aaron Rodgers, I have been trying to avoid watching anything to do with sports, but felt I needed to make a post. Really poor team management was my demise, I didn't have much confidence in the team that got me to the playoffs and was matched up against the team I felt was the best in the league, so I made some bone-head manuevers that ended up killing me. Jay Cutler in a blizzard was a fatal mistake, Chris Ivory blew a hammy and killed me, and actually picking up and playing Roy Williams was an amateur move. I didn't deserve to win fielding a team like that.
Which gets me to the point of this whole post, I was watching the Dallas/Philly game hoping that Roy Williams could outscore a combination of Jeremy Maclin and Jason Witten by more than 2.5 points. Roy Williams stinks. How was this guy ever an actual decent receiver. Anyways I watched the whole game and even noticed after the game that during the obligatory handshakes Cowboys RB Tashard Choice, with Sharpie in tow, approached Eagles QB Michael Vick and had him sign his glove. At the time I didn't think anything was wrong with this happening, and to be honest, I still don't. TV personalities have been killing Choice for doing this. Why?
I have always been fascinated by the post-game handshakes, it is interesting to see who meets up with who, and then I try to figure out how they know each other and wonder how good of friends they really are. Do you think that some clown special teamer goes up to Peyton Manning and gives him a hug, and Manning gives him a pat on the shoulder and as he walks away goes, "Who the hell was that?" I'm sure it happens all the time. Do you think Jets strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi goes around ball tapping unsuspecting players from the opposing team?
You see it all the time, former teammates or players of the same position meet up at the 50 after the games, smile, say some words, do a goofy handshake and go on their ways. It seems that after beating each other up for 60 minutes they forget all of what happened during the game and become people again; friends, teammates, and ultimaely fans of the game.
This is why I don't see what Choice did as wrong. Yeah his team just lost, but they are not a playoff team and lost to a superior opponent. Choice grew up in Thomasville, Georgia, presumably rooting for the Atlanta Falcons. During Choice's high school and college (he went to Georgia Tech) years, who was the Falcons' QB? Michael Vick, the most explosive and exciting player in the game; the savior of the Falcons' franchise.
Choice probably grew up admiring and emulating Vick's game. He probably had a #7 Atlanta Falcons jersey in his closet. So what is wrong with getting the autograph of presumably his favorite player growing up? Nothing. The only thing that was wrong was it was captured on TV.
The TV personalities that are bashing Choice are who I have a problem with. What makes these guys so high and mighty that they can sit in their tailored suits and makeup and pass judgement on people they don't know. They are on TV, that is it. Thousands of people are on TV. Even George Lopez is on TV, so being on TV isn't saying much. But because they are on TV or write for a website, people adhere to their words as though they were gospel. Chris Mortensen could say that the sky is purple, and because he is on ESPN, some sports fans would believe him. Shannon Sharpe is a "respected" analyst. The guy can't even talk, it sounds like he has a mouth full of shit or is trying his hardest to be Lou Holtz. Frank Caliendo, a Frank that wasn't even considered for the top-Franks list, makes weekly picks on Fox. What? Just because he can do a John Madden voice he is somehow a football expert. This is what I can't stand about these TV personalities, their television and journalistic credentials are no different from Joe Schmo on the corner, but because they played in the NFL or can do perform a skit that only Dane Cook fans would laugh at, they are somehow experts.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Dan Bylsma meet Reg Dunlop
For the second straight game I watched Sidney Crosby get targeted and take cheap shots from a guy who has less hockey skills than would be on display at a midget all star game. On Saturday night in Buffalo it was Mike Weber, on Wednesday night in Pittsburgh it was Crosby's former linemate and road roomate Colby Armstrong. This has been a common strategy lately by Penguin opponenets as Crosby is in the midst of a historic point streak, 18 straight games. Both Toronto and Buffalo came out in the media and said that one of their stated goals was to "make Crosby uncomfortable" and get into his face. This is also nothing new in the game of hockey as this strategy is as old as the game itself and has been employed on superstars from the Rocket Richard to the Great One. I am not disturbed by this tactic employed by Crosby's and the Penguins opposition, but I am deeply concerned by Penguins coach Dan Bylsma's reaction to this ongoing strategy. Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero has developed a roster full of guys who are willing to play the enforcer role, but if they are not in the lineup or more importantly not on the ice they can not fill this much needed role on the team. If opponents such as Colby Armstrong and Mike Weber are allowed to take liberties on Sidney Crosby, what do you think upcoming opponents such as the Flyers Chris Pronger and Dan Carcillo and the Rangers Sean Avery will do?
The Penguins next two opponents are the two teams on their heels in the Atlantic division and most likely two teams they will face on the road to the Stanley Cup in the playoffs. It is time for Penguins coach Dan Bylsma to foget about his teams streak of 12 straight wins and make a statement that opponents who take runs at his star player will pay a steep price so the nightly cheap shots come to a stop. Sometimes you might loss a battle to win a war and this is the perfect example of that statement; dressing and playing Eric Godard, Mike Rupp, and Derek Engelland might not be the best strategy for winning a regular season game in December, but it will make a statement that Crosby hunting season is over. Is it not enought that Crosby has managed to lead the league in points and goals playing on a line with two guys who wouldn't make an AHL All Star game, but now he has to put up with taking punches on a nightly basis. Crosby even admitted after the game Saturday night that he figured Weber was got to "go after him", and he knew he would have to take the punishment and make them pay on the power play. This is a noble statement and one that follows Bylsma's strategy of piling up regular season points, but this should never be a statement that comes from a star. This was all a result of Godard and Engelland being healty scratches and Rupp playing only 8 minutes.
Godard and Rupp and two of the best at what they do and they are more than willing to protect Crosby and show why they are universally known as great teammates, but to do so they need Bylsma to do his job and put them on the ice. Rupp, Godard, and Engelland all need to dress for both games this week and Rupp and Engelland need at least 10 minutes of ice time while Godard plays at least 5. I know you will see a noticeable change in opponents of the Penguins in general and Crosby in specific if they know they will have to answer to one of these guys their next shift. I don't know what it is going to take, but I suggest Bylsma should take Monday to screen "Slap Shot" and take a few cues from Reg Dunlop to protect his and the Penguins meal ticket.
The Penguins next two opponents are the two teams on their heels in the Atlantic division and most likely two teams they will face on the road to the Stanley Cup in the playoffs. It is time for Penguins coach Dan Bylsma to foget about his teams streak of 12 straight wins and make a statement that opponents who take runs at his star player will pay a steep price so the nightly cheap shots come to a stop. Sometimes you might loss a battle to win a war and this is the perfect example of that statement; dressing and playing Eric Godard, Mike Rupp, and Derek Engelland might not be the best strategy for winning a regular season game in December, but it will make a statement that Crosby hunting season is over. Is it not enought that Crosby has managed to lead the league in points and goals playing on a line with two guys who wouldn't make an AHL All Star game, but now he has to put up with taking punches on a nightly basis. Crosby even admitted after the game Saturday night that he figured Weber was got to "go after him", and he knew he would have to take the punishment and make them pay on the power play. This is a noble statement and one that follows Bylsma's strategy of piling up regular season points, but this should never be a statement that comes from a star. This was all a result of Godard and Engelland being healty scratches and Rupp playing only 8 minutes.
Godard and Rupp and two of the best at what they do and they are more than willing to protect Crosby and show why they are universally known as great teammates, but to do so they need Bylsma to do his job and put them on the ice. Rupp, Godard, and Engelland all need to dress for both games this week and Rupp and Engelland need at least 10 minutes of ice time while Godard plays at least 5. I know you will see a noticeable change in opponents of the Penguins in general and Crosby in specific if they know they will have to answer to one of these guys their next shift. I don't know what it is going to take, but I suggest Bylsma should take Monday to screen "Slap Shot" and take a few cues from Reg Dunlop to protect his and the Penguins meal ticket.
Friday, December 10, 2010
I'll Be Frank, Don't You Wish You Could Be Too
As is a popular trend with the ending of another calendar year, I'll Be Frank will release it's final Top-10 list of the year.
This time I will be looking at the greatest Frank's in the history of the world. Yep that's right, the whole history of the world.
What a great name. Many dignified human beings have been lucky enough to carry around this moniker. The name doesn't seem as prevalent in today's world with douchy names like Hunter, Skylar, and Ryder dominating kindergartens, so we have to go back in time to find some good ol' Franks.
Lets get started with some Honorable Mentions:
H.M. - Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Franklin Delano Romanowski
H.M. - Aretha Franklin - Won't get too much R-E-S-P-E-C-T on this sports site
When did Jabba the Hut get a weave?
H.M. - L. Frank Baum - Writer of The Wizard of Oz As Matt Ryan would say if he was wearing Ruby Slippers "There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home." Speaking of Atlanta, are they really this good? Do we really think they can win a Super Bowl? Personally I would rank them third in the NFC (behind Green Bay and New Orleans) and I have three AFCs better than them (New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore). If the Super Bowl was played in the Georgia Dome then maybe I'd like their chances a little more. Luckily they will probably get the 1 seed in the NFC and play their games in their dome. Wouldn't a Philly-Hotlanta NFC championship game be kind of exciting.
H.M. - Frank Stallone - How is Sly the successful one?
H.M. - Anne Frank - You're gonna have to do more than hide in an attic to make this Top-10
H.M. - Frank Robinson - Hall of Famer before my time, I best remember him wilting away as the manager of the Expos and Nationals
H.M. - Frank Capra - What would Christmas be without It's a Wonderful Life?
H.M. - Frank Darabont - What would life be without Shawshank?
H.M. - Frank Thomas - The Big Hurt was always one of my favorite players. Of course growing up in the mid-90s every 12 year old's favorite player was Ken Griffey Jr., and I was no different. But being named Frank, he was my second favorite player. It was nice to see him finish his career off pretty strong with a good year in Oakland. What an underrated career really. He won multiple AL MVPs and dominated 90s pitching. If you asked me at this second, I would say second greatest nickname after Peyton Hillis' Avalanche.
H.M. - Frank Pietranglo- What a save
On that note, the Top-10 Franks of all time:
10. Frank the Tank - Not a huge Will Ferrell fan, but can't argue with this guy. "Once it hits your lips its so good!"
9. Frank Capelli - Anyone who grew up in Western PA will remember this mustachioed hero. Saw him in concert live at Hutchinson Elementary School. Yep he was that big a deal. Groupie teachers all looking for a mustache ride.
It's a good thing he was on-air before To Catch a Predator. Couldn't you just picture Chris Hansen telling Frank to have a seat and try some cookies and iced tea.
8. Frankenstein - If DeNiro thought he was good enough to portray, then he is good enough to make this list. Unless that DeNiro is the one from Righteous Kill, then we might have to rethink things. I don't know if any of you saw that movie, but it is DeNiro and Pacino's first collaboration since Heat. Obviously noone can complain about Heat, but Righteous Kill sucked. The two of them are Hollywood Icons, but I hate to admit it but they are past their primes when it comes to action and psychological thrillers (The Rock and Vin Diesel are now the kings of that scene). They need to stick to the Nursing Home for aging actors, Family Comedies.
7. Ron Francis - My favorite Penguin of all time. Blasphomy you might say, but of course I loved Mario, but I always like Ronnie Franchise a little more. It was probably because I had his jersey. Did you ever notice that if you own someone's jersey, you tend to stick up for that person more than you should. Like if you have a Brooks Orpik jersey and he takes a stupid hooking penalty (something he does from time-to-time) and someone in your group starts bad mouthing him, you tend to say Whoa Whoa Whoa, it wasn't that bad, it was a horrible call by the ref.
Anyways good news today. Francis will be lacing them up with Mario, Paul Coffey and Brian Trottier for the Pens Old-Timers as they face off against Capital Old-Timers on New Years Eve at Heinz Field as a way to open up the Winter Classic ceremonies. I hope for Washington Joey Juneau and Jim Carrey lace them up for the Caps. Full rosters will be released later in the week.
6. Ben Franklin - I guess he did some good things, most notable he played a pivotal role in National Treasure.
5. Frank Sinatra - Lived a pretty good life if you ask me.
4. Frank Reynolds - Always Sunny stepped it up a notch when they brought in DeVito in Season 2. I have been a little critical the past few seasons, saying the show has been reaching a little, but anytime they pair Frank and Charlie, it is still television gold.
3. Frankfurters - Who doesn't like a good ol' American classic. What says baseball and America better than hotdogs. We even celebrate the nation's birthday with sickos jamming as many of these delicasies down their gullets as possible. People are always saying that if you knew what was in a hotdog you wouldn't eat it ever again. Well guess what, how about you don't tell me what's in it, because I don't care. They are delicious. If you don't want to eat any more dogs thats fine you Commy bastard, more for me and the rest of us red-blooded Americans.
2. Frank Costanza - I gotta a lot of problems with you people.
1. Uncle Frank McAllister -
This time I will be looking at the greatest Frank's in the history of the world. Yep that's right, the whole history of the world.
What a great name. Many dignified human beings have been lucky enough to carry around this moniker. The name doesn't seem as prevalent in today's world with douchy names like Hunter, Skylar, and Ryder dominating kindergartens, so we have to go back in time to find some good ol' Franks.
Lets get started with some Honorable Mentions:
H.M. - Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Franklin Delano Romanowski
H.M. - Aretha Franklin - Won't get too much R-E-S-P-E-C-T on this sports site
When did Jabba the Hut get a weave?
H.M. - L. Frank Baum - Writer of The Wizard of Oz As Matt Ryan would say if he was wearing Ruby Slippers "There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home." Speaking of Atlanta, are they really this good? Do we really think they can win a Super Bowl? Personally I would rank them third in the NFC (behind Green Bay and New Orleans) and I have three AFCs better than them (New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore). If the Super Bowl was played in the Georgia Dome then maybe I'd like their chances a little more. Luckily they will probably get the 1 seed in the NFC and play their games in their dome. Wouldn't a Philly-Hotlanta NFC championship game be kind of exciting.
H.M. - Frank Stallone - How is Sly the successful one?
H.M. - Anne Frank - You're gonna have to do more than hide in an attic to make this Top-10
H.M. - Frank Robinson - Hall of Famer before my time, I best remember him wilting away as the manager of the Expos and Nationals
H.M. - Frank Capra - What would Christmas be without It's a Wonderful Life?
H.M. - Frank Darabont - What would life be without Shawshank?
H.M. - Frank Thomas - The Big Hurt was always one of my favorite players. Of course growing up in the mid-90s every 12 year old's favorite player was Ken Griffey Jr., and I was no different. But being named Frank, he was my second favorite player. It was nice to see him finish his career off pretty strong with a good year in Oakland. What an underrated career really. He won multiple AL MVPs and dominated 90s pitching. If you asked me at this second, I would say second greatest nickname after Peyton Hillis' Avalanche.
H.M. - Frank Pietranglo- What a save
On that note, the Top-10 Franks of all time:
10. Frank the Tank - Not a huge Will Ferrell fan, but can't argue with this guy. "Once it hits your lips its so good!"
9. Frank Capelli - Anyone who grew up in Western PA will remember this mustachioed hero. Saw him in concert live at Hutchinson Elementary School. Yep he was that big a deal. Groupie teachers all looking for a mustache ride.
It's a good thing he was on-air before To Catch a Predator. Couldn't you just picture Chris Hansen telling Frank to have a seat and try some cookies and iced tea.
8. Frankenstein - If DeNiro thought he was good enough to portray, then he is good enough to make this list. Unless that DeNiro is the one from Righteous Kill, then we might have to rethink things. I don't know if any of you saw that movie, but it is DeNiro and Pacino's first collaboration since Heat. Obviously noone can complain about Heat, but Righteous Kill sucked. The two of them are Hollywood Icons, but I hate to admit it but they are past their primes when it comes to action and psychological thrillers (The Rock and Vin Diesel are now the kings of that scene). They need to stick to the Nursing Home for aging actors, Family Comedies.
7. Ron Francis - My favorite Penguin of all time. Blasphomy you might say, but of course I loved Mario, but I always like Ronnie Franchise a little more. It was probably because I had his jersey. Did you ever notice that if you own someone's jersey, you tend to stick up for that person more than you should. Like if you have a Brooks Orpik jersey and he takes a stupid hooking penalty (something he does from time-to-time) and someone in your group starts bad mouthing him, you tend to say Whoa Whoa Whoa, it wasn't that bad, it was a horrible call by the ref.
Anyways good news today. Francis will be lacing them up with Mario, Paul Coffey and Brian Trottier for the Pens Old-Timers as they face off against Capital Old-Timers on New Years Eve at Heinz Field as a way to open up the Winter Classic ceremonies. I hope for Washington Joey Juneau and Jim Carrey lace them up for the Caps. Full rosters will be released later in the week.
6. Ben Franklin - I guess he did some good things, most notable he played a pivotal role in National Treasure.
5. Frank Sinatra - Lived a pretty good life if you ask me.
4. Frank Reynolds - Always Sunny stepped it up a notch when they brought in DeVito in Season 2. I have been a little critical the past few seasons, saying the show has been reaching a little, but anytime they pair Frank and Charlie, it is still television gold.
3. Frankfurters - Who doesn't like a good ol' American classic. What says baseball and America better than hotdogs. We even celebrate the nation's birthday with sickos jamming as many of these delicasies down their gullets as possible. People are always saying that if you knew what was in a hotdog you wouldn't eat it ever again. Well guess what, how about you don't tell me what's in it, because I don't care. They are delicious. If you don't want to eat any more dogs thats fine you Commy bastard, more for me and the rest of us red-blooded Americans.
2. Frank Costanza - I gotta a lot of problems with you people.
1. Uncle Frank McAllister -
Thursday, December 9, 2010
MLB Christmas Shopping
It happens every year, someone goes crazy Christmas shopping and over spends, maybe the same person does it every year, maybe you know that person or that person is you. There is also the person who shops with an eye towards value, that person finds deals in the market and also makes this a habit. The same thing happens for MLB teams every winter when they sign free agents, keeping that in mind and the fact that value is relative in the monopoly money world of MLB, below are some good and bad free agent signings of the winter.
Jayson Werth (7 yrs. $126 million, $18 million/year): Every year there is an early signing that sets the market and Werth's contract did that this winter. Even more surprisingly than the outrageous amount of the contract was the fact that the Washington Nationals were the team that paid this price. This is a team that is years away from contending with prized prospects Strasburg and Harper and by that time Werth will be a mid 30's outfielder finding it very difficult to put up the same above average numbers he was able to pile up as the Phillies 4th best hitter. .296 avg, 27 HR's, 85 RBI's, 106 Runs, .921 OPS were Werth's numbers last year playing in hitters friendly Citizens Bank park surrounded by Howard, Utley, Victorino, and Rollins, numbers he will find very difficult to duplicate without those surroundings and supporting cast. This contract has all the makings of an Ilya Kovalchuk or Juwan Howard like mistake that could strangle the Nat's for years to come and like those players in other sports Werth is not the best player in his position in the NL.
Adam Dunn (4 yrs. $56 million, $14 million/year): The natural comparison to Werth's deal, since Dunn left Washington to sign with the Chicago White Sox for what now looks like a great value. Dunn is 2 months younger than Werth and has hit at least 38 HR's and drove in at least 100 for three straight seasons, numbers Werth has never reached. Dunn will move mercifully from the field to full time DH and his numbers should improve further by playing in the AL and in hitter friendly US Cellular field. The length of this deal allows the White Sox to keep the proven run producer in their lineup until his 35th birthday and at a number that will allow GM Kenny Williams to make other moves. I love Web Gems as much as the next guy, but 3 years and $70 million seems like a hefty premium for Werth over Dunn.
Carl Crawford (7 yrs. $142 million, $20.2 million/year): When Werth, the second best positional player behind Crawford, signed for that "Dark Knight" like opening number it really cut the market for Carl Crawford down to only two teams that could realistically sign him, the Yankee's and Red Sox. With the Yankee's focused on Cliff Lee and his 7 yr. $165 million contract the door was open for the Red Sox and they signed Crawford. This contract puts Crawford in the top 8 highest paid players in MLB, and though talented he is not one of the best eight players in the game. Crawford's numbers last year were good (.307 avg, 19 HR's, 90 RBI's, 110 Runs, 47 SB's, .851 OPS) and should improve in Fenway with that lineup, but the career .296 hitter was more of a benefit of good luck and the Nat's irrationality.
Derek Jeter (3 yrs. 51 million, $17 million/year with a 8 million 4th year option): Only the Yankee's could make Jeter the highest paid middle infielder after career lows in BA and OBP, and only Jeter, showing Lebron or Tiger-like painful unawareness could say he was angry with how the process went. This would be like a bank robber expressing outrage that he wasn't offered bank employees car key's after robbing the place. So in a year or year and a half when it becomes obvious to everyone that Jeter can't play SS or hit at the top of the order he will still make more than Chase Utley and more than Hanley Ramirez and Brandon Phillips combined. This contract doesn't matter for a team where money is no object as evidenced by the fact that AJ Burnett and Kei Igawa got Yankee contracts for a combined $150 million, but it does make the Juan Uribe (7 million/year) and Miguel Tejada (6.5 million/year) look like deals for more productivity players.
Jorge De La Rosa (2 yrs. $21.5 million, $10.75 million/year with a 3rd year player option for $11 million): My advice to Jorge is to sign that 3rd year player option immediately and buy his agent a new car. Since the Rockies inception as a franchise they have been known as a team to spend haphazardly over pitching, and though this signing is not on the scale of Mike Hampton or Denny Neagle, it still smells of desperation. De La Rosa has a career record of (49-47) with a 5.02 ERA and is (34-24) with a 4.49 ERA in 81 games over three seasons with the Rockies. De La Rosa has also spent time on the DL every season as a Rocky and has yet to start 30 games in Colorado. This deal got lost in the Tulo signing and seems like too steep of a price to pay for productivity that you can get from most Triple A hurlers. Even in a market starved for pitching, value can be had as evidenced by John Garland (1 yr. $5 million), who is (131-114) with a 4.32 ERA for his career and is coming off a 3.47 ERA last year where he made 33 starts for the third straight year.
Javier Vazquez (1 year $7 million): My vote as the best signing of the off-season and it is no surprise that the Florida Marlins were the team to buy low on Vazquez. Vazquez has shown the ability to bounce back from a tough stint with the Yankee's and is a great bet to resemble the pitcher he was for the Braves in 09' when he was 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA and 238 K's and finished fourth in the Cy Young voting. He knows the NL and this division well and will fit in a rotation with Johnson, Nolasco, Sanchez, and Volstad nicely. This looks like an even better move when you consider Florida will pay Vasquez $3.75 and $4.75 million less than De La Rosa and Bronson Arroyo respectively this season.
Victor Martinez (4 yrs. $50 million, $12.5 million year): Martinez had value as a catcher who put up offensive numbers and last year was the only catcher to hit .300 with at least 20 HR's, but calling Martinez a catcher is a bit deceptive since he is awful behind the plate and will have to primarily DH in Detroit. He is an old 32 as his behind the plate time has taking a toll on him and his offensive numbers making a multi-year $50 million contract a big gamble.
Carlos Pena (1 year $10 million): The lovable losers outdid themselves with a 33 year old Pena who hit .196 last year with 158 K's in 484 AB's. On the bright side Pena hit 28 HR's and drove in 84 while playing gold glove defense. The Cubs better hope hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo can work his magic with this crew which looks headed to lead to league in K's with Soriano, Ramirez, and Pena leading the way. Adam LaRoche would have brought the same costs and benefits as Pena at half the cost.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Shooting 2
1) You know the saying “A man amongst boys”? Think Shaq when he was with the Magic against anyone other than the Rockets or Lebron in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pistons. It looked like a Division II college player in a scrimmage with 7th graders. Forget about the talent difference. You know he’s going to dominate the action because he’s physically bigger and stronger than them.
Blake Griffin is the opposite. He’s like a boy amongst men. Only in this situation, it’s a high school all-stater playing in the local YMCA 50 and over league...and they decide to play on 8-ft hoops. Everyone is the same size, but nine of the guys on the court have uniforms partially consisting of knee braces and Dr. Scholl’s products, while one guy is prancing around like a deer in heat.
When I was young, Shawn Kemp was my idol. I had three t-shirts from the Kemp clothing line (yep, that’s right, he had a clothing line) plus his Team USA jersey, his home Sonics jersey, and their away team shorts, so I could look just like him no matter if his games were home, on the road, or abroad. I cried when I figured out that my hair couldn’t hold a flat top (although that notion has to be partially credited to Boyz II Men). I watched him finish alley-oops from Hersey Hawkins and Gary Payton and I wanted to be just like him. (The nearest this desire ever came to fruition was at halftime of a Pittsburgh Piranhas game. The Piranhas were a “professional” basketball team from, I believe, the Continental Basketball Association. Sadly, it was the closest to the NBA that the city of Pittsburgh has gotten since the the movie ‘The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh’, and a halftime dunk contest on a Fisher Price hoop was the closest I got to the NBA, ever. I laced up my green Reeboks and strutted out to half court in front of those 325 screaming fans like a 4’8 Reign Man. I had gone over this situation 10,000 times on the hoop hanging on the back of my bedroom door. This was my chance. I approached the hoop like Carl Lewis approaching a triple jump and unleashed a windmill dunk that can best be described as a divine blend of Kemp, Dominique Wilkins, and Jesus, himself. However, my shining moment was clouded when some little punk who could barely reach the rim won on pity from the crowd’s applause. My consolation prize was a Piranhas shirt that would still be too large for me. As a prize for a children’s dunk contest, they awarded XXL shirts. With savvy like that, it’s a wonder why the franchise didn’t make it.)
I still make it a point to watch Kemp highlights on youtube when I'm feeling down (the top 3 are unreal):
Kemp could jump with more power than anyone else and he loved to show it off. It was like he played the whole game just for that one chance to make the highlight reel. And when that chance came, he took it with more ferocity than his predecessors like Connie Hawkins, Larry Nance, and Dominique. There have been others to come along and deserve to be in the discussion, but none looked like Kemp. Young Amare had similar power, but lacked a little of the athleticism (not to say that he isn’t an amazing athlete, his dunks just didn’t match Kemp’s) and Lebron has the athleticism, but lacks slightly in the ferocious category.
Amazingly, only twenty games into his rookie season, I think it’s safe to say that Blake Griffin is that next step. Griffin’s enthusiasm for dunking is my favorite part. Every game, it looks as though he just woke up that morning and discovered that his vertical leap went from 20 inches to 40 inches. Imagine if that happened to you. You would find the closest pick up game and every time you got within 12 feet of the hoop, you would attack the rim and try to flush it. Griffin plays every game like the ability to dunk is a new toy.
Luckily, they show Clippers games in San Diego and it’s turned into one of my favorite shows. (By the way, I think this is the first season the word “luckily” has preceded that last sentence.) When he faces up on the wing and puts the ball on the floor, you know his hand is getting to the rim. They may strip the ball or hack him on the drive, but his body isn’t going to stop until he gets to the rim. It’s amazing to see.
Of course, there are still phases of his game that need work. He needs to develop a better 16 foot jump shot and he tends to start off strong but then disappear for stretches of the second and third quarters. But, he is only a rookie. And he’s the most exciting rookie I can remember.
2) With the influence of Steve Nash and Jason Kidd, a generation of elite point guards have changed the league from a defensive struggle to an up-tempo sprint. One of the best debates in the NBA is who are the best at the position. Do you want score-first or pass-first? Would you rather have quickness or size? Here’s my top ten:
10. John Wall - (18 points, 9 assists, 2.7 steals per game) With the depth at this position, it’s a testament to how much he controls the game already to be considered top ten after only 11 games. He’s the best athlete out there 85% of the time he steps on the court and he has the confidence to hold up an arena while he Dougies for 30 seconds.
9. Jason Kidd - (8 ppg, 9 apg, 2 spg) His numbers are down across the board, but he’s still one of the better rebounding point guards in the league and has so much testosterone in his blood that his son had facial hair at birth, so that has to count for something. Bottom line is, if I were playing a game today, I’d take him over Wall.
8. Raymond Felton - (18 ppg, 8 apg, 2 spg) I wasn’t happy when the Knicks locked him in at $7 million a year this offseason, but then again, I’m used to having Isiah Thomas making decisions for my team, so I’ve grown skeptical. After a shaky start, he’s averaging over 10 assists in his last 6 games and has developed enough chemistry with Amare to win 8 of their last 9 games and sit at 2 games over .500. Let that one sink in a little...2 games OVER .500. That means the Knicks could lose their next two games and still wouldn’t have lost more than they’ve won. I have until at least Monday to say that I root for a winning basketball team. The air smells cleaner, the birds sound more delightful, ground beef tastes like filet mignon. Life is alright. I’m going to wear my Sprewell jersey with pride this weekend.
7. Tony Parker - (17 ppg, 7 apg, 1.7 spg) The frenchman has three titles and he’s still only 28. He might not be the best teammate in the world, but, at least on the court, he seems to be pretty unselfish. He definitely shares the wealth. He’s one of the best finishers around. He likes holding the trophy but he doesn’t care too much for the ring. He’s relentless. You can deny him and deny him and deny him, but in the end you both know he’s still going to come...alright and moving on...
6. Steve Nash - (18.5 ppg, 10 apg, 1 spg) - I both love and hate Steve Nash. On one hand, he seems to be a really likable guy. He’s funny, Canadian, and a top-notch soccer player. But on the other hand, he set the bar way too high for short white guys in the NBA. If there’s a 6’2 white guy, he’s inevitably going to be compared to Nash and if he doesn’t live up to those ridiculous standards, he might not make it in the league. It’s probably the sole reason I’m not in the NBA right now.
5. Russell Westbrook - (24.6 ppg, 8.6 apg, 2.2 spg) - This summer at the World Championships, I thought he looked a little out of control. He would get tot the hoop with ease, but he didn’t finish at a high enough rate when he got there. However, this season, he looks like the best player on his team. I still think Durant will step it up and prove he’s the leader, like he was this summer, but Westbrook is definitely pushing this next guy as the best athletic point guard in the game.
4. Derrick Rose - (26 ppg, 8 apg, 1spg) - His dunk against the Knicks earlier this year is all you need to see.
3. Rajon Rondo - (11.4 ppg, 14 apg, 2.2 spg) - He’s tied with Steve Logan of Cincy and Jeff Boschee of Kansas as my favorite college player of all time. Rondo’s playing in a true point guard’s dream right now in Boston. He is surrounded with determined veterans who can hit open shots, and most importantly, know that the offense starts with him. I love the fact that he realizes this and is blatantly going for the assist crown.
2. Chris Paul - (16 ppg, 10.5 apg, 3 spg) - Paul doesn’t have near the supporting cast that the previous three guys do, but he gets similar production out of them. He ran into a tough New York team on Friday, but having the Hornets at 13-6 has to give him the early lead for MVP.
1. Deron Williams - (22 ppg, 10.2 apg, 1 spg) - There isn’t one part of his game where you could say, “yeah, but I wish he did this a little better.” He’s got size and quickness. He can shoot, drive, dish and defend. I guess, if I wanted to nitpick, his tattoos could be better.
The best thing about this list is that 7 of the 10 have 5 years or less NBA experience. There is no deeper position in the league than point guard and the future is only looking better.
Blake Griffin is the opposite. He’s like a boy amongst men. Only in this situation, it’s a high school all-stater playing in the local YMCA 50 and over league...and they decide to play on 8-ft hoops. Everyone is the same size, but nine of the guys on the court have uniforms partially consisting of knee braces and Dr. Scholl’s products, while one guy is prancing around like a deer in heat.
When I was young, Shawn Kemp was my idol. I had three t-shirts from the Kemp clothing line (yep, that’s right, he had a clothing line) plus his Team USA jersey, his home Sonics jersey, and their away team shorts, so I could look just like him no matter if his games were home, on the road, or abroad. I cried when I figured out that my hair couldn’t hold a flat top (although that notion has to be partially credited to Boyz II Men). I watched him finish alley-oops from Hersey Hawkins and Gary Payton and I wanted to be just like him. (The nearest this desire ever came to fruition was at halftime of a Pittsburgh Piranhas game. The Piranhas were a “professional” basketball team from, I believe, the Continental Basketball Association. Sadly, it was the closest to the NBA that the city of Pittsburgh has gotten since the the movie ‘The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh’, and a halftime dunk contest on a Fisher Price hoop was the closest I got to the NBA, ever. I laced up my green Reeboks and strutted out to half court in front of those 325 screaming fans like a 4’8 Reign Man. I had gone over this situation 10,000 times on the hoop hanging on the back of my bedroom door. This was my chance. I approached the hoop like Carl Lewis approaching a triple jump and unleashed a windmill dunk that can best be described as a divine blend of Kemp, Dominique Wilkins, and Jesus, himself. However, my shining moment was clouded when some little punk who could barely reach the rim won on pity from the crowd’s applause. My consolation prize was a Piranhas shirt that would still be too large for me. As a prize for a children’s dunk contest, they awarded XXL shirts. With savvy like that, it’s a wonder why the franchise didn’t make it.)
I still make it a point to watch Kemp highlights on youtube when I'm feeling down (the top 3 are unreal):
Kemp could jump with more power than anyone else and he loved to show it off. It was like he played the whole game just for that one chance to make the highlight reel. And when that chance came, he took it with more ferocity than his predecessors like Connie Hawkins, Larry Nance, and Dominique. There have been others to come along and deserve to be in the discussion, but none looked like Kemp. Young Amare had similar power, but lacked a little of the athleticism (not to say that he isn’t an amazing athlete, his dunks just didn’t match Kemp’s) and Lebron has the athleticism, but lacks slightly in the ferocious category.
Amazingly, only twenty games into his rookie season, I think it’s safe to say that Blake Griffin is that next step. Griffin’s enthusiasm for dunking is my favorite part. Every game, it looks as though he just woke up that morning and discovered that his vertical leap went from 20 inches to 40 inches. Imagine if that happened to you. You would find the closest pick up game and every time you got within 12 feet of the hoop, you would attack the rim and try to flush it. Griffin plays every game like the ability to dunk is a new toy.
Luckily, they show Clippers games in San Diego and it’s turned into one of my favorite shows. (By the way, I think this is the first season the word “luckily” has preceded that last sentence.) When he faces up on the wing and puts the ball on the floor, you know his hand is getting to the rim. They may strip the ball or hack him on the drive, but his body isn’t going to stop until he gets to the rim. It’s amazing to see.
Of course, there are still phases of his game that need work. He needs to develop a better 16 foot jump shot and he tends to start off strong but then disappear for stretches of the second and third quarters. But, he is only a rookie. And he’s the most exciting rookie I can remember.
2) With the influence of Steve Nash and Jason Kidd, a generation of elite point guards have changed the league from a defensive struggle to an up-tempo sprint. One of the best debates in the NBA is who are the best at the position. Do you want score-first or pass-first? Would you rather have quickness or size? Here’s my top ten:
10. John Wall - (18 points, 9 assists, 2.7 steals per game) With the depth at this position, it’s a testament to how much he controls the game already to be considered top ten after only 11 games. He’s the best athlete out there 85% of the time he steps on the court and he has the confidence to hold up an arena while he Dougies for 30 seconds.
9. Jason Kidd - (8 ppg, 9 apg, 2 spg) His numbers are down across the board, but he’s still one of the better rebounding point guards in the league and has so much testosterone in his blood that his son had facial hair at birth, so that has to count for something. Bottom line is, if I were playing a game today, I’d take him over Wall.
8. Raymond Felton - (18 ppg, 8 apg, 2 spg) I wasn’t happy when the Knicks locked him in at $7 million a year this offseason, but then again, I’m used to having Isiah Thomas making decisions for my team, so I’ve grown skeptical. After a shaky start, he’s averaging over 10 assists in his last 6 games and has developed enough chemistry with Amare to win 8 of their last 9 games and sit at 2 games over .500. Let that one sink in a little...2 games OVER .500. That means the Knicks could lose their next two games and still wouldn’t have lost more than they’ve won. I have until at least Monday to say that I root for a winning basketball team. The air smells cleaner, the birds sound more delightful, ground beef tastes like filet mignon. Life is alright. I’m going to wear my Sprewell jersey with pride this weekend.
7. Tony Parker - (17 ppg, 7 apg, 1.7 spg) The frenchman has three titles and he’s still only 28. He might not be the best teammate in the world, but, at least on the court, he seems to be pretty unselfish. He definitely shares the wealth. He’s one of the best finishers around. He likes holding the trophy but he doesn’t care too much for the ring. He’s relentless. You can deny him and deny him and deny him, but in the end you both know he’s still going to come...alright and moving on...
6. Steve Nash - (18.5 ppg, 10 apg, 1 spg) - I both love and hate Steve Nash. On one hand, he seems to be a really likable guy. He’s funny, Canadian, and a top-notch soccer player. But on the other hand, he set the bar way too high for short white guys in the NBA. If there’s a 6’2 white guy, he’s inevitably going to be compared to Nash and if he doesn’t live up to those ridiculous standards, he might not make it in the league. It’s probably the sole reason I’m not in the NBA right now.
5. Russell Westbrook - (24.6 ppg, 8.6 apg, 2.2 spg) - This summer at the World Championships, I thought he looked a little out of control. He would get tot the hoop with ease, but he didn’t finish at a high enough rate when he got there. However, this season, he looks like the best player on his team. I still think Durant will step it up and prove he’s the leader, like he was this summer, but Westbrook is definitely pushing this next guy as the best athletic point guard in the game.
4. Derrick Rose - (26 ppg, 8 apg, 1spg) - His dunk against the Knicks earlier this year is all you need to see.
3. Rajon Rondo - (11.4 ppg, 14 apg, 2.2 spg) - He’s tied with Steve Logan of Cincy and Jeff Boschee of Kansas as my favorite college player of all time. Rondo’s playing in a true point guard’s dream right now in Boston. He is surrounded with determined veterans who can hit open shots, and most importantly, know that the offense starts with him. I love the fact that he realizes this and is blatantly going for the assist crown.
2. Chris Paul - (16 ppg, 10.5 apg, 3 spg) - Paul doesn’t have near the supporting cast that the previous three guys do, but he gets similar production out of them. He ran into a tough New York team on Friday, but having the Hornets at 13-6 has to give him the early lead for MVP.
1. Deron Williams - (22 ppg, 10.2 apg, 1 spg) - There isn’t one part of his game where you could say, “yeah, but I wish he did this a little better.” He’s got size and quickness. He can shoot, drive, dish and defend. I guess, if I wanted to nitpick, his tattoos could be better.
The best thing about this list is that 7 of the 10 have 5 years or less NBA experience. There is no deeper position in the league than point guard and the future is only looking better.
College Football Week 14
"Championship Saturday" brings us to the end of the college football season with only the convoluted bowl games left on the schedule. It has been an interesting 13 weeks and I hate to see it end, especially coming off a 5-2 week with are only losses being Mike Gundy and the Cowboys inability to "man up" at home vs. our "white whale" this season, Oklahoma, and the epic fold up by Saban's crew in the Iron Bowl. As for the Iron Bowl it was the best college football game of the year, Auburn and Cash (I mean Cam) Newton showed they are a team that never gives up and it was truly impressive to see them rally from 24-0 down on the road against a Nick Saban coached defense. As for Bama, it is going to be a long month of defensive practices after that showing and though Ingram's fumble was costly, I believe the tipping point was the 70 yard TD pass to open the second half. On that play Bama S Mark Barron looked as confused and inept as the red team trying to complete a challenge on Cut-throat. Not only did the score get Auburn to within 24-14 a minute into the second half, it gave Auburn the confidence they could score at will. Who am I, Bill Walton, enough looking in the past onto this week's slate.
SEC Championship; Auburn (-4.5) vs. South Carolina: A rematch of an Auburn comeback victory earlier this season and the last hurdle between Auburn and the title game. South Carolina has been very impressive the last two weeks in wins over Florida and Clemson, relying on RB Marcus Lattimore and an opportunistic defense that has forced 5 turnovers during that span. Lattimore will get a heavy workload, even against a top ten rushing defense, which should set up the play action pass and WR Alshon Jeffery will continue the trend of big time receivers shredding the Auburn defense. I expect South Carolina to score some points, but DT Nick Fairley will make enough defensive plays to allow the Auburn offense to outscore South Carolina on the way to the title game. I don't think it is a wise move to bet against Cam Newton after last week and I think he will be even more explosive on turf in the Georgia Dome making Auburn laying the points the play.
ACC Championship; VTech (-4.5) vs. Florida State: VTech has won 11 in a row featuring one of the most balanced offenses in the country with a versatile 3 headed RB combo (Evans/Wilson/Williams) and QB Tyrod Taylor who has thrown only 4 INT's to 20 TD's. The venue for this title game has changed as often as a Buffalo Bills home game, in the case the game being played in Charlotte should also benefit VTech. FSU has come on strong late and got into this game thanks to a Maryland upset of NC State. The key for the Seminoles will be if QB Christian Ponder can be smart with the football, his penchant for turning it over plays into the hands of the VTech defense which has 20 INT's this season. I like FSU's momentum and Jimbo Fisher's coaching job, I think Ponder will play smart making FSU and the points the play.
Big 12 Championship; Oklahoma (-5) vs. Nebraska: It is fitting these two former Big 8 rivals met in the last Big 12 title game. Nebraska's season has been in flux with all of QB Taylor Martinez's injuries and Martinez is again listed as questionable for this game. Even if a not 100% percent Martinez plays Nebraska will try to win this game by running the ball and playing solid defense. Regular readers know that Oklahoma has been our "white whale" this season and has probably accounted for 10 of our losses this season whether picking them to win or lose. The Landry Jones/Ryan Broyles combo has been explosive, and will be a great strength for strength matchup against Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara and the #1 ranked Nebraska pass defense. This game means more to Nebraska after being robbed in this game last year and I like their run the ball/solid defense game plan making Nebraska and the points the play.
Oregon (-16.5) @ Oregon State: Oregon State has been a roller coaster team all season and needs a win in this game to become bowl eligible. Meanwhile, Oregon is undefeated and like Auburn one win away from playing for the title. Oregon has made a habit of coming from behind and burying teams in the second half, but that shouldn't be necessary vs. an Ore. St defense that gives up more than 400 yds/game. An early lead would take Oregon State's best player, RB Jacquizz Rodgers out of the game and force the game into QB Ryan Katz's hands. Oregon hasn't had trouble laying double digits points all year and I am going to lay the points with the favorite again in this game.
Washington (-6) @ Washington State: Washington's year hasn't been pretty and nothing shows that more than QB Jake Locker's draft status from a pre-season top 5 pick to second rounder. This is an important game not just to get UW bowl eligible, but to push on their season win total. Playing one of the worst teams in a power conference should help on both fronts.
Last week (5-2)
Season (53-41-1)
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