Welcome to Part III of IV of my spectacular Bowl Preview. Most of the bad games have been played, and hopefully the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day games will be exciting. There definitely are some great games that have yet to be played, and for me to get any respect I am going to have to correctly guess some of them right. Going into tonight's Independence Bowl, I am 5-9 in my predictions. That is awful and I am doing more research and better picking then ever for the final 18 games. So here goes nothing, with the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Bowl Preview edition.
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
California vs. Air Force
Mon. Dec. 31st 12:30 pm ESPN @Fort Worth, TX
The most surprising point of this game is that California was once #2 in the Country with a 5-0 record, and on the brink of becoming #1. Then everything fell apart beginning with a loss to Oregon State. On the other side, Air Force brings the 2nd best rushing attack in country to this game, led by Chad Hall. Hall is an explosive player who leads the team in rushing and receiving yards, and returns punts and kicks. It will be hard for Cal to get up for this game after their promising season turned into such a disappointment. I would have loved to see Air Force vs. Navy in this game by the way. My prediction: Air Force 31 California 21.
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl
Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State
Mon. Dec. 31st 2 pm ESPN2 @Boise, ID
Neither of these teams beat a ranked team this season, and for Georgia Tech that is even more surprising considering they were ranked as high as 15th this season. This is quite possibly the worst Bowl for an ACC team, and Georgia Tech really may not be up to play this game for an Assistant Coach in a cold weather game. As for Fresno State, I think they will be looking to prove they can contend with a BCS school. Fresno State has a very good rushing attack, as Tech counters with one of the best rushing defenses in the country. My prediction: Fresno State 27 Georgia Tech 13.
Brut Sun Bowl
South Florida vs. Oregon
Mon. Dec. 31st 2 pm CBS @El Paso, TX
If you said in October that these two teams would be facing each other in a Bowl, the best guess would have been in a BCS Bowl Game. But now both teams started fast and faded early, as these two former #2's will play in the Sun Bowl. Without Dennis Dixon, Oregon looked like an awful team, and South Florida seemed to be a bit overrated. Look out for Matt Grothe, the South Florida QB, who threw for over 2400 yards and ran for over 800. The major difference between these teams is that South Florida has their QB healthy, and have won 3 games in a row to end the season. My prediction: South Florida 45 Oregon 31.
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Kentucky vs. Florida State
Mon. Dec. 31st 4pm ESPN @Nashville, TN
This game could have been real interesting, but now Florida State will be playing a bunch of walk-ons and no names after the cheating scandal at the school. Kentucky has been a real up and down team towards the end of the season, beating #1 LSU, but losing to the rest of the ranked opponents they faced in the 2nd half of the year. Andrew Woodson is real dangerous, and will be able to pick apart the FSU team, seeing that their will be mostly reserves playing on defense. Even with everyone I don't think FSU stood a chance. Kentucky: 34 Florida State 18.
Insight Bowl
Indiana vs. Oklahoma State
Mon. Dec. 31st 5:30pm NFL Network @Tempe, AZ
Both these teams are great offensive teams, and poor defensive teams, so expect lots of points. For Indiana, they are playing a Bowl game for the first time since 1993, and have dedicated this season to their former coach who passed away from cancer, Terry Hoppner. Adarius Bowman should be huge for the Cowboys, as he comes back from injury, and is QB Zac Robinson's favorite target. I expect Indiana to get out to a lead, but in the end the Big 12 will show its dominance in this game. My prediction: Oklahoma State 48 Indiana 42.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl
Clemson vs. Auburn
Mon. Dec. 31st 7:30pm ESPN @Atlanta, GA
These teams are very similar in the way they play, and they are both in the top 10 in points allowed in the country. The main difference is that Clemson can score at will sometimes, as they led the ACC in scoring this past season. Clemson is led by their 2 big RBs James Davis and C.J. Spiller, who ran for over 1600 yards combined. Auburn does have good experience playing in the best conference in the country, but Clemson's offense is too potent for Auburn's stingy defense. My prediction: Clemson 23 Auburn 17.
Outback Bowl
Wisconsin vs. Tennessee
Tue. Jan. 1st 11am ESPN @Tampa, FL
The first bowl game of the day will be a great game, definitely the best non BCS game of the day. The Vols are led by their Senior QB Erik Ainge who threw for over 3000 yards, in an offense that was always picking up their young defense. Wisconsin will be without their best RB, P.J. Hill, but Freshman Zach Brown stepped in well for him in the last few games of the year. This game should be a great one on paper, but I have to give the edge to the SEC teams this year, because of all the great games they have played in this year. My prediction: Tennessee 27 Wisconsin 21.
Cotton Bowl
Missouri vs. Arkansas
Tue. Jan. 1st 11:30am FOX @Dallas, TX
This is a strange match-up, with Arkansas playing after their coach left for Ole Miss, and Missouri is playing after getting snubbed by the BCS. Hopefully for the sake of the viewers. both teams show up to play this great offensive match-up. Chase Daniel and Darren McFadden are two household names that will definitely come to play in what could be their last college game. Everyone knows the 2 big stars, but the biggest player in this game is Felix Jones, the other Junior RB at Arkansas. He is just as elusive as McFadden, and may benefit from the Tigers over pursuing on McFadden. Missouri has something to prove to the country in this game, and should show up to play. My prediction: Missouri 38 Arkansas 31.
Capital One Bowl
Florida vs. Michigan
Tue. Jan 1st 1pm ABC @Orlando, FL
Since 1980 Heisman winning QBs are 5-7 in Bowl games. The difference between Tim Tebow and all the other's is that he is a Sophomore and still has lots of doubters to show that he really is 'that good.' Michigan had one of the strangest seasons in recent memory, starting and ending the season with 2 game losing streaks and winning 8 in a row in between. Not to mention their loss to Appalachian State and their no show against Ohio State. Florida has big time players that have played in big games. I think Michigan is really over matched in this game, and received such a good game because of their name. Lloyd Carr will go out on a sour note. Florida 55 Michigan 17.
Gator Bowl
Texas Tech vs. Virginia
Tue. Jan 1st 1pm CBS @ Jacksonville, FL
This is a very interesting match-up starting with the heart attack team at Virginia. The Cavaliers played and won 6 games that were decided by less than a TD, and 5 of those were by 2 points or less. Virginia has a great defense, but the caliber of teams they played in the ACC are not even close to what they will face in this game. Texas Tech was 1st in the country passing yards per game, 2nd in total yards, and 6th in total points. The Red Raiders offense is led by QB Graham Harrell who threw for 45 TDs and almost 5300 yards this season. He will be throwing to Freshman Michael Crabtree who set all kinds of Division 1-A records this season for receiving. My prediction: Texas Tech 59 Virginia 38.
The Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi
Illinois vs. USC
Tue. Jan 1st 4:30pm ABC @Pasadena, CA
Unfortunately for all the viewers, the Rose Bowl wanted to keep the Pac 10/Big 10 match-up tradition intact after Ohio State was picked for the championship game. Illinois is definitely not the best match-up for USC, as the Trojans have played their best football towards the end of the season. For all those people wanting a playoff system, USC could be the team to pull the upset and become National Champ. But for now USC has to stop Juice Williams, the elusive Illinois QB. For USC's offense, John David Booty should have a field day against the Illini defense. I would have loved to see USC/Hawaii in this game, but this will have to do for the opening game of the BCS schedule. My prediction: USC 35 Illinois 10.
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Hawaii vs. Georgia
Tue. Jan. 1st 8:30pm FOX @ New Orleans, LA
This game is very similar to last year's Oklahoma/Boise St match-up. An undefeated WAC team faces a pretty good BCS conference team in a game for respect. Georgia was passed over for the National Championship game, rightfully so, but Knowshon Moreno and the Bulldogs are one of the hottest teams in the country right now. Georgia has played great defense this year, but they haven't faced anything like Hawaii and Colt Brennan. Hawaii led the country in scoring this year, and have everything in the world to prove, as they try and finish undefeated. How many wins will it take until the BCS realizes the WAC teams are for really. My prediction: Hawaii 48 Georgia 45.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Sony Computer Entertainment of American Bowl Preview Part II
Well I am back after a small hiatus with Part II of IV of the wonderful College Bowl Preview (Please note it has been switched to 4 parts). Of course the only game which I will not preview and predict was last night's game between Purdue and Central Michigan. Purdue lost a huge lead than came back and hit a game-winning FG at the end of regulation to win 51-48. Hopefully some of the remaining games are this good, and we have a good start with tonight's game, which could be one of the most entertaining. So without further ado, Part II of the Bowl Preview.
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Arizona State vs. Texas
Thur. Dec. 27th 8pm ESPN @ San Diego, CA
In a match up of a 10-2 and 9-3 teams respectively, usually you get overachieving teams that are happy to be in a bowl. In this instance, ASU could easily have been in a BCS Bowl, and Texas was a Top 5 team for part of the season, and lost some games they probably shouldn't have. ASU finished the season ranked 11th in the nation and Texas 19th, meaning this game has the highest ranked teams not in the BCS games. The QB's will be the big guys in this game, as ASU's Rudy Carpenter has thrown for over 3000 yards and 28 TDs this season. On the other side, Texas Sophomore QB Colt McCoy has thrown for over 3100 yards and 21 TDs. Should be a shootout, and I'm pretty sure both these teams can beat a few of the teams that play in the NFL. My prediction: Arizona State 41 Texas 31.
Champs Sports Bowl
Boston College vs. Michigan State
Fri. Dec. 28th 5pm ESPN @ Orlando, FL
Former #2 ranked BC ended the season in disappointment with a loss to Virginia Tech, and are stuck playing a mediocre Big 10 team in Orlando. The good part about this game is we get to watch Matt Ryan play for the overrated Eagles. The Big East may be a bit overrated this year, which could lead to a possible upset situation with Michigan State. The Spartans have ran all over the field this year with Jehuu Caulcrick and Javon Riger running for 2159 yards and 27 TDs combined. Boston College just doesn't care enough about this game, and Matt Ryan doesn't want to get hurt in his final NFL audition. My prediction: Michigan State 27 Boston College 21.
Texas Bowl
Texas Christian vs. Houston
Fri. Dec. 28th 8pm NFL Network @ Houston, TX
The Battle of Texas should be a great game for anyone that loves Texas football and has a cable company with rights to the NFL Network, so that makes about 1,000 people. These former conference foes will face each other for the 25th time, and these old rivals have some very different styles of play. Houston is 4th in the country in total yards and 16th in total points, and TCU is 16th in total defense, so something will have to budge. My guess is TCU's defense, as they barely got into this bowl and may be over matched. My prediction: Houston 38 TCU 17
Emerald Bowl
Maryland vs. Oregon State
Fri. Dec. 28th 8:30 pm ESPN @ San Francisco, CA
The Terps beat 2 top 10 teams this year, although one of them was Rutgers, but they always seem to play well against good teams, and poorly against bad teams. In this case, Oregon State started the season slow, but are one of the hottest teams right now winning 6 of their last 7 and their defense was 2nd in the country giving up 74.9 rushing yards per game, so we know which team will show up for the Beavers. This game depends of which Maryland team shows up, as these 2 teams are the epitome of mediocrity. My prediction: Maryland 24 Oregon State 20.
Meineke Car Care Bowl
Connecticut vs. Wake Forest
Sat. Dec. 29th 1 pm ESPN @ Charlotte, NC
A great match up on the hard court, these two teams are surprising and up and coming football schools that are trying to make a 'football name' for themselves. I think this is going to be a really hard fought game with both teams leaving it all on the field. The problem is most of the stories are about the guys off the field, the head coaches. UCONN's Randy Edsall and Wake's Jim Grobe were both considered both better jobs, but have stayed at their current programs to make them better. Both teams plays incredibly aggressive defense, as UCONN was 2nd in the country with 22 interceptions, and Wake Forest CB Alphonso Smith led the country with 8 INTs, 3 of which he took to the house. In the end this is almost a home game for Wake, so when all else fails go with the home team. My prediction: Wake Forest 27 Connecticut 16.
Autozone Liberty Bowl
Central Florida vs. Mississippi State
Sat. Dec. 29th 4:30 pm ESPN @ Memphis, TN
If you are going to watch 1 player this entire Bowl year, watch Kevin Smith the RB for Central Florida. He is an amazing runner, and is only 181 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders single season rushing mark. UCF is 10-3 and 2 of those losses came to teams ranked in the Top 6 at the time. The problem for MSU is they don't score enough, and with Kevin Smith on the other side it's going to be tough for them to stay in the game. MSU is another year away from being really good with a Freshman QB and Sophomore RB. My prediction: Central Florida 34 Mississippi State 17.
Valero Alamo Bowl
Penn State vs. Texas A&M
Sat. Dec. 29th 8 pm ESPN @ San Antonio, TX
This is a game between two schools that were great at college football and are now just good at college football. In the early 90's, this would have been a great New Year's Day game, but now it's the game that will go against the undefeated Patriots on the same night. These two teams are so similar on paper, that it really is a hard game to guess. In the end it is so annoying watching Joe Paterno's corpse coach a game with marionette strings holding him up, I have to pick against the Nittany Lions. My prediction: Texas A&M 21 Penn State 10.
Petrosun Independence Bowl
Alabama vs. Colorado
Sun. Dec. 30th 8pm ESPN @ Shreveport, LA
The ultimate mediocre teams game. Both teams were 6-6 this past season, and both ended the season losing a few bad games. It doesn't get much worse than two mediocre teams on losing streaks playing each other in a game no one cares about. One of these teams has to end up with a losing record this season, and I give a small edge to Nick Saban, because he is suppose to be a good coach. My prediction: Alabama 10 Colorado 3.
4th and Goal
- Even if the Giants played all their good players and starters will they beat the Patriots? I don't think so, I'd rather see them rest the players that are banged up. Look I am a huge Giants fan, and I would love for them to win that game, but more importantly I would love for them to win a freakin' playoff game. For the 3rd time in their last 4 trips to the playoffs the Giants will face Jeff Garcia in the first round of the playoffs with 3 different teams (SF, PHI, TB). Best game of the final weekend will be San Francisco @ Cleveland. the Niners have looked good, and the Brown have to win to control their own destiny. One of the playoff teams will lose a big player to injury in the final week of the season that will impact them in the playoffs. Jacksonville is going to be really dangerous in the playoffs, and will make it to the Conference Championship. Isn't it funny how everyone's sleeper pick in the NFC was the Vikings, now they will be sleeping during the playoffs. Miami wins at least 7 games next year with Parcells in charge. Message to NY Football Giants Fans: Don't sell your tickets to this Saturday's game. Be a fan, what is a few hundred bucks mean to you. C'mon show that we are good fans.
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Arizona State vs. Texas
Thur. Dec. 27th 8pm ESPN @ San Diego, CA
In a match up of a 10-2 and 9-3 teams respectively, usually you get overachieving teams that are happy to be in a bowl. In this instance, ASU could easily have been in a BCS Bowl, and Texas was a Top 5 team for part of the season, and lost some games they probably shouldn't have. ASU finished the season ranked 11th in the nation and Texas 19th, meaning this game has the highest ranked teams not in the BCS games. The QB's will be the big guys in this game, as ASU's Rudy Carpenter has thrown for over 3000 yards and 28 TDs this season. On the other side, Texas Sophomore QB Colt McCoy has thrown for over 3100 yards and 21 TDs. Should be a shootout, and I'm pretty sure both these teams can beat a few of the teams that play in the NFL. My prediction: Arizona State 41 Texas 31.Champs Sports Bowl
Boston College vs. Michigan State
Fri. Dec. 28th 5pm ESPN @ Orlando, FL
Former #2 ranked BC ended the season in disappointment with a loss to Virginia Tech, and are stuck playing a mediocre Big 10 team in Orlando. The good part about this game is we get to watch Matt Ryan play for the overrated Eagles. The Big East may be a bit overrated this year, which could lead to a possible upset situation with Michigan State. The Spartans have ran all over the field this year with Jehuu Caulcrick and Javon Riger running for 2159 yards and 27 TDs combined. Boston College just doesn't care enough about this game, and Matt Ryan doesn't want to get hurt in his final NFL audition. My prediction: Michigan State 27 Boston College 21.
Texas Bowl
Texas Christian vs. Houston
Fri. Dec. 28th 8pm NFL Network @ Houston, TX
The Battle of Texas should be a great game for anyone that loves Texas football and has a cable company with rights to the NFL Network, so that makes about 1,000 people. These former conference foes will face each other for the 25th time, and these old rivals have some very different styles of play. Houston is 4th in the country in total yards and 16th in total points, and TCU is 16th in total defense, so something will have to budge. My guess is TCU's defense, as they barely got into this bowl and may be over matched. My prediction: Houston 38 TCU 17
Emerald Bowl
Maryland vs. Oregon State
Fri. Dec. 28th 8:30 pm ESPN @ San Francisco, CA
The Terps beat 2 top 10 teams this year, although one of them was Rutgers, but they always seem to play well against good teams, and poorly against bad teams. In this case, Oregon State started the season slow, but are one of the hottest teams right now winning 6 of their last 7 and their defense was 2nd in the country giving up 74.9 rushing yards per game, so we know which team will show up for the Beavers. This game depends of which Maryland team shows up, as these 2 teams are the epitome of mediocrity. My prediction: Maryland 24 Oregon State 20.
Meineke Car Care Bowl
Connecticut vs. Wake Forest
Sat. Dec. 29th 1 pm ESPN @ Charlotte, NC
A great match up on the hard court, these two teams are surprising and up and coming football schools that are trying to make a 'football name' for themselves. I think this is going to be a really hard fought game with both teams leaving it all on the field. The problem is most of the stories are about the guys off the field, the head coaches. UCONN's Randy Edsall and Wake's Jim Grobe were both considered both better jobs, but have stayed at their current programs to make them better. Both teams plays incredibly aggressive defense, as UCONN was 2nd in the country with 22 interceptions, and Wake Forest CB Alphonso Smith led the country with 8 INTs, 3 of which he took to the house. In the end this is almost a home game for Wake, so when all else fails go with the home team. My prediction: Wake Forest 27 Connecticut 16.
Autozone Liberty Bowl
Central Florida vs. Mississippi State
Sat. Dec. 29th 4:30 pm ESPN @ Memphis, TN
If you are going to watch 1 player this entire Bowl year, watch Kevin Smith the RB for Central Florida. He is an amazing runner, and is only 181 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders single season rushing mark. UCF is 10-3 and 2 of those losses came to teams ranked in the Top 6 at the time. The problem for MSU is they don't score enough, and with Kevin Smith on the other side it's going to be tough for them to stay in the game. MSU is another year away from being really good with a Freshman QB and Sophomore RB. My prediction: Central Florida 34 Mississippi State 17.
Valero Alamo Bowl Penn State vs. Texas A&M
Sat. Dec. 29th 8 pm ESPN @ San Antonio, TX
This is a game between two schools that were great at college football and are now just good at college football. In the early 90's, this would have been a great New Year's Day game, but now it's the game that will go against the undefeated Patriots on the same night. These two teams are so similar on paper, that it really is a hard game to guess. In the end it is so annoying watching Joe Paterno's corpse coach a game with marionette strings holding him up, I have to pick against the Nittany Lions. My prediction: Texas A&M 21 Penn State 10.
Petrosun Independence Bowl
Alabama vs. Colorado
Sun. Dec. 30th 8pm ESPN @ Shreveport, LA
The ultimate mediocre teams game. Both teams were 6-6 this past season, and both ended the season losing a few bad games. It doesn't get much worse than two mediocre teams on losing streaks playing each other in a game no one cares about. One of these teams has to end up with a losing record this season, and I give a small edge to Nick Saban, because he is suppose to be a good coach. My prediction: Alabama 10 Colorado 3.
4th and Goal
- Even if the Giants played all their good players and starters will they beat the Patriots? I don't think so, I'd rather see them rest the players that are banged up. Look I am a huge Giants fan, and I would love for them to win that game, but more importantly I would love for them to win a freakin' playoff game. For the 3rd time in their last 4 trips to the playoffs the Giants will face Jeff Garcia in the first round of the playoffs with 3 different teams (SF, PHI, TB). Best game of the final weekend will be San Francisco @ Cleveland. the Niners have looked good, and the Brown have to win to control their own destiny. One of the playoff teams will lose a big player to injury in the final week of the season that will impact them in the playoffs. Jacksonville is going to be really dangerous in the playoffs, and will make it to the Conference Championship. Isn't it funny how everyone's sleeper pick in the NFC was the Vikings, now they will be sleeping during the playoffs. Miami wins at least 7 games next year with Parcells in charge. Message to NY Football Giants Fans: Don't sell your tickets to this Saturday's game. Be a fan, what is a few hundred bucks mean to you. C'mon show that we are good fans.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Sony Computer Entertainment of America Bowl Preview
The college bowl season begins tonight, and lasts until January 7th, and in reality only 1 of the games matters, but the other 31 will still be played. The first set of games from now until Sunday are not the most attractive match-ups, but it's still competitive football. Plus most people don't have the NFL Network, and even if you do who wants to watch Pittsburgh at St. Louis, so what other sports are there to watch. It's always a good time to see some teams that you aren't used to seeing. So without further ado, here is part 1 of 3 of my short but sweet bowl rundown and picks.
San Diego County Credit Union Bowl
Navy vs. Utah
Thur. Dec. 20th 9pm ESPN @ San Diego, CA
The first bowl game of the year happens to be pretty good teams, 1 of which leads the nation in rushing, Navy. The problem for Navy though is their coach, Paul Johnson, has already left them to begin coaching at Georgia Tech. Navy runs a very exciting triple option with there fast and agile quarterback, the only problem is pronouncing his name, Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada. Utah has a great DT Gabe Long who will need to be at his best to beat the Midshipmen. My pick: Navy 28 Utah 17
R & L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic
Fri. Dec. 21st 8pm ESPN2 @ New Orleans, LA
For a school that didn't even have a football team 7 years ago, it's pretty good that Florida Atlantic is in any bowl. Memphis is a good story of a turnaround season after finishing with only 2 wins last year, but I can't imagine anyone really being interested in this game outside of people who went or go to those school. My pick: Memphis 34 Florida Atlantic 10
Papajohns.com Bowl
Southern Miss vs. Cincinnati
Sat. Dec. 22nd 1pm ESPN2 @ Birmingham, AL
Cincinnati had a good season finishing 9-3 in the Big East, which was sub par compared to the other BCS conferences. Cincy's QB Ben Mauk finished the season with 27 TDs and only 6 INTs, and will need to have a huge game to lead the Bearcats past the Golden Eagles. On paper Cincinnati looks a lot better than Southern Miss, and it will probably show during the game, as Southern Miss has no real offensive power. My pick: Cincinnati 41 Southern Miss 17
New Mexico Bowl
Nevada vs. New Mexico
Sat. Dec. 22nd 4:30pm ESPN @ Albuquerque, NM
2 teams that barley belong in bowls, and played 2 of the easiest schedule may actually play a close game, but if 2 teams play a game and no one watches, does it matter who wins? One of the things I hate the most about the bowls, when a team plays a virtual home game. In this case New Mexico playing at home against a 6-6 Nevada team. Not much else to say. My pick: New Mexico 27 Nevada 23
Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA vs. BYU
Sat. Dec. 22nd 8pm ESPN @ Las Vegas, NV
This game may be one of the best early bowl games of the season. BYU finished the season 10-2 and one of its losses was to UCLA. BYU is on a nine game winning streak, and are hitting their stride at the perfect time. UCLA on the other hand has an injured QB and finished the season 6-6 in the PAC Ten. BYU finally has a chance to show the country that they can beat a team in a major conference, but UCLA showed already that they can beat BYU. My pick: BYU 30 UCLA 24
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Boise State vs. East Carolina
Sun. Dec. 23rd 8pm ESPN Honolulu, HI
Last years surprise team Boise State finished 10-2 this season in the WAC, but little known East Carolina has Chris Johnson, the countries leader in all purpose yards this season. This game will definitely be a high scoring game and a fun one to watch if you like offense and points. Taylor Tharp stepped right into Boise State's offense and continued to reel off points, as the Broncos were the 5th highest scoring team in the country. Whoever has the ball last, will win this game. My pick: Boise State 55 East Carolina 49
Navy vs. Utah
Thur. Dec. 20th 9pm ESPN @ San Diego, CA
The first bowl game of the year happens to be pretty good teams, 1 of which leads the nation in rushing, Navy. The problem for Navy though is their coach, Paul Johnson, has already left them to begin coaching at Georgia Tech. Navy runs a very exciting triple option with there fast and agile quarterback, the only problem is pronouncing his name, Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada. Utah has a great DT Gabe Long who will need to be at his best to beat the Midshipmen. My pick: Navy 28 Utah 17
R & L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic
Fri. Dec. 21st 8pm ESPN2 @ New Orleans, LA
For a school that didn't even have a football team 7 years ago, it's pretty good that Florida Atlantic is in any bowl. Memphis is a good story of a turnaround season after finishing with only 2 wins last year, but I can't imagine anyone really being interested in this game outside of people who went or go to those school. My pick: Memphis 34 Florida Atlantic 10
Papajohns.com Bowl
Southern Miss vs. Cincinnati
Sat. Dec. 22nd 1pm ESPN2 @ Birmingham, AL
Cincinnati had a good season finishing 9-3 in the Big East, which was sub par compared to the other BCS conferences. Cincy's QB Ben Mauk finished the season with 27 TDs and only 6 INTs, and will need to have a huge game to lead the Bearcats past the Golden Eagles. On paper Cincinnati looks a lot better than Southern Miss, and it will probably show during the game, as Southern Miss has no real offensive power. My pick: Cincinnati 41 Southern Miss 17
New Mexico Bowl
Nevada vs. New Mexico
Sat. Dec. 22nd 4:30pm ESPN @ Albuquerque, NM
2 teams that barley belong in bowls, and played 2 of the easiest schedule may actually play a close game, but if 2 teams play a game and no one watches, does it matter who wins? One of the things I hate the most about the bowls, when a team plays a virtual home game. In this case New Mexico playing at home against a 6-6 Nevada team. Not much else to say. My pick: New Mexico 27 Nevada 23
Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl
UCLA vs. BYU
Sat. Dec. 22nd 8pm ESPN @ Las Vegas, NV
This game may be one of the best early bowl games of the season. BYU finished the season 10-2 and one of its losses was to UCLA. BYU is on a nine game winning streak, and are hitting their stride at the perfect time. UCLA on the other hand has an injured QB and finished the season 6-6 in the PAC Ten. BYU finally has a chance to show the country that they can beat a team in a major conference, but UCLA showed already that they can beat BYU. My pick: BYU 30 UCLA 24
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Boise State vs. East Carolina
Sun. Dec. 23rd 8pm ESPN Honolulu, HI
Last years surprise team Boise State finished 10-2 this season in the WAC, but little known East Carolina has Chris Johnson, the countries leader in all purpose yards this season. This game will definitely be a high scoring game and a fun one to watch if you like offense and points. Taylor Tharp stepped right into Boise State's offense and continued to reel off points, as the Broncos were the 5th highest scoring team in the country. Whoever has the ball last, will win this game. My pick: Boise State 55 East Carolina 49
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
An $88 million Piece of Crap
The New York Knicks
The Knicks were once one of the best teams in the league every year, and now thanks to Isiah Thomas and James Dolan they are the laughing stock of not only the NBA, but professional sports. Dolan is deaf and blind to chants of thousands of Knicks fans that want Thomas fired, and the team to start from scratch and quit getting players that are over payed and under perform. The Knicks were my first favorite team in sports, and now they are unwatchable and a joke. As Thomas's 4 year anniversary with the team approaches, here is a long list in chronological order of the Knicks downfall.
1956- James Dolan, Chairman of the Board of Cablevision- Parent company of Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks, is born.
4/30/61- Isiah Thomas, one of the best point guards to ever play in the NBA, is born in Chicago, IL.
8/3/99- Isiah Thomas purchases the Continental Basketball Association, a "minor league" for the NBA, but not owned by the NBA.
2/24/01- A year and a half after Thomas purchases the CBA, they declare bankruptcy, and the first of his many horrible decisions is felt in the basketball world.
12/22/03- A day that almost every Knicks fan can tell you, the day Isiah Thomas was hired as President of Basketball Operations for the New York Knicks, the 2nd best Eastern Conference team of the 90's.
12/30/03- A mere 8 days into his reign, Isiah makes his first trade, Clarence Weatherspoon to Houston for Moochie Norris and the now openly homosexual John Amechi who never plays a game for them. A small trade in terms of players, but an early sign of ineptitude as the Knicks now have 4 Point Guards on their roster.
1/5/04- The blockbuster trade of the Thomas era came only 2 weeks into his reign of terror, Antonio McDyess, Howard Eisley, Charlie Ward, 2 other players, 2 1st Round Draft Picks, and cash are traded to Phoenix for Stephon Marbury, Penny Hardaway, and another player. Penny had three years left on a deal that paid him $13.5 million that season, $14.625 million in 2004-05 and $15.75 million in 2005-06. He barley left the bench for the Knicks, and the Suns saved nearly $25 million that season and the next, and now make perennial runs at the Finals. More on Starbury to come.
1/15/04- Isiah hires the all-time wins leader, Lenny Wilkens to coach the Knicks. Stay tuned to see how that works out.
2/16/04- Knicks trade Keith Van Horn, Michael Doleac, and a 2nd Round Pick for Tim Thomas and Nazr Mohammed. Both Thomas and Mohammed are making or have made contributions to Championship caliber teams.
3/10/04- Kurt Thomas receives a 4 year $30 million extension. The heart of a team that has traded away 6 of its players, and plays great defense and unselfish basketball, deserved this deal, and it looked like the Knicks were doing the right thing, then....
3/13/04- Vin Baker signs with the Knicks. A few months after failing out of his AA class, Isiah picks up the 32 year old even though Baker was quoted as saying that not listening to alcohol counselors led to his relapse, and it kind of "snuck up on me." Awesome.
5/04- After revamping half of the roster, the Knicks finish 39-43 and get swept by the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the playoffs, their last time in the playoffs to date.
8/4/04- Beginning where he left off last season, Isiah trades Othella Harrington, Frank Williams, Dikembe Mutumbo, and another player to Chicago for Jamal Crawford and Jerome Williams. This move leaves Kurt Thomas, the always injured Allan Houston, the most out of shape player in the league for now Mike Sweetney, and the soon to be gone Shandon Anderson as the only players remaining from when Thomas took over the team.
8/19/04- "NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Knicks on Wednesday re-signed forward Vin Baker despite his history of alcohol-related problems." I have no words for this.
11/11/04- The Knicks buyout Shandon Anderson's contract for $20 million, meaning the Knicks are paying Anderson $20 million to not play for them.
1/25/05- As the Knicks continue to suck, Lenny Wilkens can't put up with it anymore and he quits.
2/25/05- Knicks get Maurice Taylor and Malik Rose in two separate deals. Two guys that will end up on the Knicks Buyout All-Stars.
6/29/05- Knicks trade Kurt Thomas and their draft pick to Phoenix for Quinten Richardson and Nate Robinson. Richardson has chronic back problems, and no one wanted him, and Robinson had chronic sucking at basketball problems and is 5 feet 7 inches, and the Knicks just gave Thomas, their only great defensive player, a great extension. Sound like a good move?
7/29/05- Larry Brown is signed as Knicks Head Coach, and he is soon to be coaching the Knicks Buyout All-Stars.
8/3/05- Isiah Thomas trades Mike Sweetney, Tim Thomas, another player, a 2006 1st round draft pick, and the right to switch 1st round picks in 2007 to Chicago for Eddy Curry and Antonio Davis. Thomas mortgaged the teams future in the most overweight player in the league who refused to take a DNA test because he had a heart issue.
8/3/05- In an unrelated move, the Knicks sign Jerome James to a 5 year $30 million deal, no joke. James earned 1 cent of his money, and his chronic foot problems leave him on the injured list.
8/16/05- The Knicks waive Jerome Williams under the "Allan Houston Rule" that a team doesn't need to pay luxury tax on 1 player they waive. Ironically the Knicks had Allan Houston, who the rule was invented for because he was injured and not playing even though he was still owed $40 million for 2 years. Houston retired later in the month, and the Knicks paid Houston to not play, leaving no players remaining on the roster Isiah took over 20 months before.
1/06-2/06- Lots of happenings in this 2 month period; Jerome James suspended indefinably from the team for being out of shape, but not out of money. Knicks get Jalen Rose and Steve Francis in separate trades adding just under $60 million to the Knicks team salary for players no one else wanted, and were without an actual position.
1/25/06- Isiah Thomas and MSG are named in a sexual harassment suit filed by former team executive Anucha Browne Sanders, more later.
6/23/06- After a 23-59 season, the Knicks fire Larry Brown, and Isiah hires himself to coach the team. The Knicks pay Brown a little under $40 million for 4 years to not coach the team.
8/06-9/06- Knicks sign Jared Jeffries for 5 years $30 million, Knicks buyout Maurice Taylor and Jalen Rose's contracts.
12/16/06- Thomas talks 'crap' to Carmelo Anthony of the Nuggets, and orders his team to bully the Nuggets, starting a huge fight that leaves 10 players ejected, and 7 suspended.
3/12/07- Isiah Thomas is given a contract extension by James Dolan, citing Thomas and the Knicks have shown, "evident progress." What Dolan didn't and still might not know is that since the deal the Knicks are 11-32.
9/07- Isiah and Dolan go on the stand to defend themselves in the Browne Sanders sexual harassment case. Browne Sanders claims Isiah called her a bitch and ho, came onto her during a H-O-R-S-E game, dismissed her efforts to get more players to show up for corporate events by yelling things at her like, "Bitch, I don't give a f--- about the sponsors. I don't give a f--- about ticket sales," and "We're not going to do any more of these f------ community events. I'm here to win f------ basketball games." And I'm here to make money writing blogs on the Internet.
11/14/07- Stephon Marbury leaves the team after flying to the West Coast and learning that he was being benched. Marbury claims to have yelled afterwards that he has "so much stuff on Isiah." In regards to the sexual harassment claim. Marbury is fined the league maximum by the team, and the Knicks players vote for him to not return to the starting lineup, which Isiah ignores and Marbury plays the next game.
12/10/07- Knicks and MSG pay $11.6 million to Anucha Browne Sanders to settle the lawsuit, as Isiah still claims he did nothing wrong.
12/11/07- Isiah Thomas says that even though the Knicks have a horrendous record, and the crowds continue to chant 'Fire Isiah', he will "Fight 'til I die- It's win or die, and I literally mean death. I don't mean walk away, I mean death." We could only be so lucky.
The Knicks now have the highest salary in the league at almost $90 million and over $90 next year, and as of today they are tied for the worst record in the Eastern Conference. All in all the Knicks bought out the contracts of; Shandon Anderson, Maurice Taylor, Jalen Rose, Jerome Williams, and coach Larry Brown. They have given up 1st round draft picks to 2 teams, and continue to show no change in their play or their stance in keeping Isiah. I would literally rather have the kid in the picture to the right coaching the team. Go Knicks!
The Knicks were once one of the best teams in the league every year, and now thanks to Isiah Thomas and James Dolan they are the laughing stock of not only the NBA, but professional sports. Dolan is deaf and blind to chants of thousands of Knicks fans that want Thomas fired, and the team to start from scratch and quit getting players that are over payed and under perform. The Knicks were my first favorite team in sports, and now they are unwatchable and a joke. As Thomas's 4 year anniversary with the team approaches, here is a long list in chronological order of the Knicks downfall.
1956- James Dolan, Chairman of the Board of Cablevision- Parent company of Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks, is born.
4/30/61- Isiah Thomas, one of the best point guards to ever play in the NBA, is born in Chicago, IL.8/3/99- Isiah Thomas purchases the Continental Basketball Association, a "minor league" for the NBA, but not owned by the NBA.
2/24/01- A year and a half after Thomas purchases the CBA, they declare bankruptcy, and the first of his many horrible decisions is felt in the basketball world.
12/22/03- A day that almost every Knicks fan can tell you, the day Isiah Thomas was hired as President of Basketball Operations for the New York Knicks, the 2nd best Eastern Conference team of the 90's.
12/30/03- A mere 8 days into his reign, Isiah makes his first trade, Clarence Weatherspoon to Houston for Moochie Norris and the now openly homosexual John Amechi who never plays a game for them. A small trade in terms of players, but an early sign of ineptitude as the Knicks now have 4 Point Guards on their roster.
1/5/04- The blockbuster trade of the Thomas era came only 2 weeks into his reign of terror, Antonio McDyess, Howard Eisley, Charlie Ward, 2 other players, 2 1st Round Draft Picks, and cash are traded to Phoenix for Stephon Marbury, Penny Hardaway, and another player. Penny had three years left on a deal that paid him $13.5 million that season, $14.625 million in 2004-05 and $15.75 million in 2005-06. He barley left the bench for the Knicks, and the Suns saved nearly $25 million that season and the next, and now make perennial runs at the Finals. More on Starbury to come.
1/15/04- Isiah hires the all-time wins leader, Lenny Wilkens to coach the Knicks. Stay tuned to see how that works out.
2/16/04- Knicks trade Keith Van Horn, Michael Doleac, and a 2nd Round Pick for Tim Thomas and Nazr Mohammed. Both Thomas and Mohammed are making or have made contributions to Championship caliber teams.
3/10/04- Kurt Thomas receives a 4 year $30 million extension. The heart of a team that has traded away 6 of its players, and plays great defense and unselfish basketball, deserved this deal, and it looked like the Knicks were doing the right thing, then....
3/13/04- Vin Baker signs with the Knicks. A few months after failing out of his AA class, Isiah picks up the 32 year old even though Baker was quoted as saying that not listening to alcohol counselors led to his relapse, and it kind of "snuck up on me." Awesome.
5/04- After revamping half of the roster, the Knicks finish 39-43 and get swept by the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the playoffs, their last time in the playoffs to date.
8/4/04- Beginning where he left off last season, Isiah trades Othella Harrington, Frank Williams, Dikembe Mutumbo, and another player to Chicago for Jamal Crawford and Jerome Williams. This move leaves Kurt Thomas, the always injured Allan Houston, the most out of shape player in the league for now Mike Sweetney, and the soon to be gone Shandon Anderson as the only players remaining from when Thomas took over the team.
8/19/04- "NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Knicks on Wednesday re-signed forward Vin Baker despite his history of alcohol-related problems." I have no words for this.
11/11/04- The Knicks buyout Shandon Anderson's contract for $20 million, meaning the Knicks are paying Anderson $20 million to not play for them.
1/25/05- As the Knicks continue to suck, Lenny Wilkens can't put up with it anymore and he quits.
2/25/05- Knicks get Maurice Taylor and Malik Rose in two separate deals. Two guys that will end up on the Knicks Buyout All-Stars.
6/29/05- Knicks trade Kurt Thomas and their draft pick to Phoenix for Quinten Richardson and Nate Robinson. Richardson has chronic back problems, and no one wanted him, and Robinson had chronic sucking at basketball problems and is 5 feet 7 inches, and the Knicks just gave Thomas, their only great defensive player, a great extension. Sound like a good move?7/29/05- Larry Brown is signed as Knicks Head Coach, and he is soon to be coaching the Knicks Buyout All-Stars.
8/3/05- Isiah Thomas trades Mike Sweetney, Tim Thomas, another player, a 2006 1st round draft pick, and the right to switch 1st round picks in 2007 to Chicago for Eddy Curry and Antonio Davis. Thomas mortgaged the teams future in the most overweight player in the league who refused to take a DNA test because he had a heart issue.
8/3/05- In an unrelated move, the Knicks sign Jerome James to a 5 year $30 million deal, no joke. James earned 1 cent of his money, and his chronic foot problems leave him on the injured list.
8/16/05- The Knicks waive Jerome Williams under the "Allan Houston Rule" that a team doesn't need to pay luxury tax on 1 player they waive. Ironically the Knicks had Allan Houston, who the rule was invented for because he was injured and not playing even though he was still owed $40 million for 2 years. Houston retired later in the month, and the Knicks paid Houston to not play, leaving no players remaining on the roster Isiah took over 20 months before.
1/06-2/06- Lots of happenings in this 2 month period; Jerome James suspended indefinably from the team for being out of shape, but not out of money. Knicks get Jalen Rose and Steve Francis in separate trades adding just under $60 million to the Knicks team salary for players no one else wanted, and were without an actual position.
1/25/06- Isiah Thomas and MSG are named in a sexual harassment suit filed by former team executive Anucha Browne Sanders, more later.
6/23/06- After a 23-59 season, the Knicks fire Larry Brown, and Isiah hires himself to coach the team. The Knicks pay Brown a little under $40 million for 4 years to not coach the team.
8/06-9/06- Knicks sign Jared Jeffries for 5 years $30 million, Knicks buyout Maurice Taylor and Jalen Rose's contracts.
12/16/06- Thomas talks 'crap' to Carmelo Anthony of the Nuggets, and orders his team to bully the Nuggets, starting a huge fight that leaves 10 players ejected, and 7 suspended.
3/12/07- Isiah Thomas is given a contract extension by James Dolan, citing Thomas and the Knicks have shown, "evident progress." What Dolan didn't and still might not know is that since the deal the Knicks are 11-32.
9/07- Isiah and Dolan go on the stand to defend themselves in the Browne Sanders sexual harassment case. Browne Sanders claims Isiah called her a bitch and ho, came onto her during a H-O-R-S-E game, dismissed her efforts to get more players to show up for corporate events by yelling things at her like, "Bitch, I don't give a f--- about the sponsors. I don't give a f--- about ticket sales," and "We're not going to do any more of these f------ community events. I'm here to win f------ basketball games." And I'm here to make money writing blogs on the Internet.
11/14/07- Stephon Marbury leaves the team after flying to the West Coast and learning that he was being benched. Marbury claims to have yelled afterwards that he has "so much stuff on Isiah." In regards to the sexual harassment claim. Marbury is fined the league maximum by the team, and the Knicks players vote for him to not return to the starting lineup, which Isiah ignores and Marbury plays the next game.
12/10/07- Knicks and MSG pay $11.6 million to Anucha Browne Sanders to settle the lawsuit, as Isiah still claims he did nothing wrong.
12/11/07- Isiah Thomas says that even though the Knicks have a horrendous record, and the crowds continue to chant 'Fire Isiah', he will "Fight 'til I die- It's win or die, and I literally mean death. I don't mean walk away, I mean death." We could only be so lucky.
The Knicks now have the highest salary in the league at almost $90 million and over $90 next year, and as of today they are tied for the worst record in the Eastern Conference. All in all the Knicks bought out the contracts of; Shandon Anderson, Maurice Taylor, Jalen Rose, Jerome Williams, and coach Larry Brown. They have given up 1st round draft picks to 2 teams, and continue to show no change in their play or their stance in keeping Isiah. I would literally rather have the kid in the picture to the right coaching the team. Go Knicks!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Taking a Look Back
I wasn't going to write anything today, but after watching ESPN's telecast of the 'Top 10 Games of 2007' I figured I'd take a quick look at the results of ESPN's top 10 in comparison to mine.
ESPN LIST
10 Warner Robins, GA vs. Tokyo, Japan LLWS Finals 8 innings
- My pick: #5. I guess I gave the kids too much credit, and ESPN wanted more professional and college events at the higher spots. I'm sticking with this game though, it doesn't get much better than a walk off World Series Home run.
9 Padrig Harrington/Sergio Garcia The Open Championship in a playoff
- My pick: Honorable Mention. This was my first game not to make the list, so I have no beef with it being selected ninth.
8 Stanford vs. USC 41 Point Underdogs Upset
- My pick: Honorable Mention. Another tough pick, I went with the ARK/LSU 3 OT game as the best regular season game of the College Football season. I thought that the three OT's were more exciting than just a huge underdog scoring with a tie game.
7 Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal Wimbledon Finals 5 Sets
- My pick: #7. Right on, one of the best tennis matches in a while, people should start watching these two play each in matches. If you like competitive sports this is the best of the best.
6 Oklahoma State vs. Texas 3 OT
- My pick: #8. I didn't think a regular season College Basketball game should be one of the best 6 games, but it is still pretty close to where I thought it would be.
5 Appalachian State vs. Michigan D1-AA Upset
- My pick: #5. Right on, not too much surprise when an upset this crazy happens it has to be on the top of the list, but it could never be ahead of the top 4, because they were all with playoff or post-season implications.
4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons East Finals 2 OT
- My pick: #4. Right on again, Lebron James put on the best performance from one person in a game during 2007.
3 Colorado Rockies vs. San Diego Padres Wild Card Playoff 13 innings
- My pick: #2. I am pissed because I should have realized that ESPN would put the NFL ahead of MLB. In my opinion this game was better than the Colts/Pats game, the only thing the football game had over the baseball game was that it was for the Super Bowl. Having Peyton Manning involved didn't hurt either.
2 Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots AFC Championship Game
- My pick: #3. See above.
1 Boise State vs. Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl OT
- My pick: #1. A no-brainer for anyone who follows or watches sports on a regular basis. This game was not only the best game of the year, it may have been one of the best games in the history of sports, and I am not exaggerating. Ask people who were watching this game, where they were during the events of the last quarter? I guarantee they will remember, I do. If my words weren't enough to describe the final quarter yesterday, here's a link. http://youtube.com/watch?v=xvfpK67RjEE&feature=related .
All in all I had 8 of the 10 games in my Top 10, and correctly guess 4 out of the 10 in their exact spots. I am still a little pissed about the 2/3 games swap, but after hours of research I was pretty accurate. Now some baseball thoughts in anticipation of the steroid list tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Bottom of the Ninth
- I am very excited about finding out who did steroids tomorrow, as all the SF Giants will have some company for their misery. It is impossible to guess who will be on the list, but I'll give a few
names that would not be crazy to see: Miguel Tejada, Ivan Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, Jay Buhner (yeah he seems obvious to me), Edgar Martinez, Adrian Beltre, Kerry Wood, Ty Wiggington, Todd Hundley, and Edgardo Alfonzo. Those are just a few names off the top of my head, but as I said it is almost impossible to tell who's going to be on the list. Personally there are only two players I don't want to see: Mike Piazza, as he is my favorite player of all time, and I would be pretty crushed about that, and Alex Rodriguez, because I want someone is just really nasty as baseball to break all the records not big headed Bonds.
- How is Andruw Jones the 5th highest paid player in the league this year? Luckily for my Dodgers, getting Jones opens up a possible trade of Juan Pierre for a mediocre pitcher. If I was in charge of the Yankees I would definitely trade Hideki Matsui for a good pitcher. He isn't that good. I would rather give him up than a bunch of good prospects for Santana. Speaking of steroids, one guy who could be on the list and anther who was already suspended for steroid use are reunited, Eric Gagne and Guillermo Mota in Milwaukee. During Gagne's best 3 season of a closer ever, Mota was his setup man in Los Angeles, and they were lights out together. After 3 years though they both have taken a huge hit, but it will be fun to see if they can rekindle the flames from their youth. Am I crazy or have the Mets taken steps backwards this off-season. LoDuca and Milledge gone, Schneider and Church in? On an already old team, they are 1 year older, and they resigned a lot of other old players. I hope Brian Schneider can speak Spanish or the Mets may be in trouble.
ESPN LIST
10 Warner Robins, GA vs. Tokyo, Japan LLWS Finals 8 innings
- My pick: #5. I guess I gave the kids too much credit, and ESPN wanted more professional and college events at the higher spots. I'm sticking with this game though, it doesn't get much better than a walk off World Series Home run.
9 Padrig Harrington/Sergio Garcia The Open Championship in a playoff
- My pick: Honorable Mention. This was my first game not to make the list, so I have no beef with it being selected ninth.
8 Stanford vs. USC 41 Point Underdogs Upset
- My pick: Honorable Mention. Another tough pick, I went with the ARK/LSU 3 OT game as the best regular season game of the College Football season. I thought that the three OT's were more exciting than just a huge underdog scoring with a tie game.
7 Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal Wimbledon Finals 5 Sets
- My pick: #7. Right on, one of the best tennis matches in a while, people should start watching these two play each in matches. If you like competitive sports this is the best of the best.
6 Oklahoma State vs. Texas 3 OT
- My pick: #8. I didn't think a regular season College Basketball game should be one of the best 6 games, but it is still pretty close to where I thought it would be.
5 Appalachian State vs. Michigan D1-AA Upset
- My pick: #5. Right on, not too much surprise when an upset this crazy happens it has to be on the top of the list, but it could never be ahead of the top 4, because they were all with playoff or post-season implications.
4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons East Finals 2 OT
- My pick: #4. Right on again, Lebron James put on the best performance from one person in a game during 2007.
3 Colorado Rockies vs. San Diego Padres Wild Card Playoff 13 innings
- My pick: #2. I am pissed because I should have realized that ESPN would put the NFL ahead of MLB. In my opinion this game was better than the Colts/Pats game, the only thing the football game had over the baseball game was that it was for the Super Bowl. Having Peyton Manning involved didn't hurt either.
2 Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots AFC Championship Game
- My pick: #3. See above.
1 Boise State vs. Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl OT
- My pick: #1. A no-brainer for anyone who follows or watches sports on a regular basis. This game was not only the best game of the year, it may have been one of the best games in the history of sports, and I am not exaggerating. Ask people who were watching this game, where they were during the events of the last quarter? I guarantee they will remember, I do. If my words weren't enough to describe the final quarter yesterday, here's a link. http://youtube.com/watch?v=xvfpK67RjEE&feature=related .
All in all I had 8 of the 10 games in my Top 10, and correctly guess 4 out of the 10 in their exact spots. I am still a little pissed about the 2/3 games swap, but after hours of research I was pretty accurate. Now some baseball thoughts in anticipation of the steroid list tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Bottom of the Ninth
- I am very excited about finding out who did steroids tomorrow, as all the SF Giants will have some company for their misery. It is impossible to guess who will be on the list, but I'll give a few
names that would not be crazy to see: Miguel Tejada, Ivan Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, Jay Buhner (yeah he seems obvious to me), Edgar Martinez, Adrian Beltre, Kerry Wood, Ty Wiggington, Todd Hundley, and Edgardo Alfonzo. Those are just a few names off the top of my head, but as I said it is almost impossible to tell who's going to be on the list. Personally there are only two players I don't want to see: Mike Piazza, as he is my favorite player of all time, and I would be pretty crushed about that, and Alex Rodriguez, because I want someone is just really nasty as baseball to break all the records not big headed Bonds.- How is Andruw Jones the 5th highest paid player in the league this year? Luckily for my Dodgers, getting Jones opens up a possible trade of Juan Pierre for a mediocre pitcher. If I was in charge of the Yankees I would definitely trade Hideki Matsui for a good pitcher. He isn't that good. I would rather give him up than a bunch of good prospects for Santana. Speaking of steroids, one guy who could be on the list and anther who was already suspended for steroid use are reunited, Eric Gagne and Guillermo Mota in Milwaukee. During Gagne's best 3 season of a closer ever, Mota was his setup man in Los Angeles, and they were lights out together. After 3 years though they both have taken a huge hit, but it will be fun to see if they can rekindle the flames from their youth. Am I crazy or have the Mets taken steps backwards this off-season. LoDuca and Milledge gone, Schneider and Church in? On an already old team, they are 1 year older, and they resigned a lot of other old players. I hope Brian Schneider can speak Spanish or the Mets may be in trouble.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Top 10 Games of 2007
After realizing that ESPN was going to be running a show titled 'Top 10 Games of 2007', I figured I would see if I could predict what they believe are the Top 10 Games of the past year. After lots of debate with myself, I finally wound the list down to the Top 10 games of 2007, even though there are 2 and a half weeks remaining this year, so without further ado here is my list.
Honorable Mention: Padraig Harrington/Sergio Garcia The Open Championship, Week 9 NFL New England Patriots/Indianapolis Colts Both Undefeated, Vancouver Canucks/Dallas Stars Game 1 First Round 4 OT, Kentucky Wildcats/LSU Tigers 3 OT, VCU Rams/Duke Blue Devils 1st Round NCAA Upset, Vanderbilt Commodores/Washington State Cougars 2nd Round NCAA 2 OT, Novak Djokovic/Radek Stepanek 2nd Round US Open 5 hour Match, Stanford Cardinal/USC Trojans Upset, New England Patriots/San Diego Chargers AFC Div Championship
NUMBER 10: November 23rd, Arkansas Razorbacks 50 LSU Tigers 48, 3 OT
With LSU looking towards a BCS National Championship, and Arkansas having to only play for pride, this game seemed like it would never end. LSU was coming off a 3 OT loss earlier this season to Kentucky, and had seemed to turn it around since and were on track for a National Championship visit.
The first half of the game was a non story, as LSU kicked 2 field goals in the 1st quarter and Arkansas scored a TD in the 2nd quarter for all the scoring. Then in the 2nd Half the scoring came and did not stop. The teams exchanged 3 TD's in the 2nd Half starting with Darren McFadden 's 73 yard run, and ending with Matt Flynn's 2 yard TD pass to Demetrius Byrd.
The game took a turn to crazy in the OT's as the teams were scoring at will into the 3rd OT where the teams by rule have to go for the 2 point conversion. Peyton Hillis scored four TDs, the last in the third overtime, and Felix Jones ran for the critical 2-point conversion for Arkansas to make it 50-42. Flynn came back to throw his 3rd TD of the game in the 3rd OT, and LSU had to go for the game tying 2 point conversion. Arkansas' Matterral Richardson intercepted Flynn's final pass of the game to clinch the upset victory of #1 LSU.
NUMBER 9: March 23rd, Ohio State 85 Tennessee 84, Sweet Sixteen
Ohio State, the 1 seed in the bracket, was able to hold off Tennessee, the 5 seed in an epic comeback that carried the Buckeyes to the elite eight and ultimatley NCAA Finals. Tennessee led 49-29 in the final minute of the first half before a three-point play from David Lighty in the final second before halftime.
The Buckeyes came out in the 2nd Half with a 16-5 run to cut the deficit as they tried to work their way back into the game. Ron Lewis fueled the comeback scoring 18 of his 25 points in the 2nd half, and Ohio State finally tied the game at 64. After exchanging baskets for a few minutes, David Lightly hit a 3 pointer to tie the game at 79 with 2:44 left, and Ohio State would never lose the lead after that.
With 6.5 seconds left, Mike Conley Jr. hit 1 of 2 free throws to take a 85-84 lead, leaving Tennessee one last chance to win the game. Ramar Smith grabbed the rebound from the missed free throw and went all the way to the rim with Conley defending him, and as time expired Greg Oden blocked a potential game winning shot to preserve the win.
NUMBER 8: January 16th, Oklahoma State 105 Texas 103, 3 OT
In the most exciting regular season college basketball game in years, Mario Boggan was able to get the best of Freshman star Kevin Durant. Boggan set career highs with 37 points and 20 rebounds and hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 3.2 seconds left in the third overtime to lift the Cowboys over the Longhorns. Oklahoma State had a 3 point lead going into the half, and throughout the 2nd Half neither team could take a large lead to run away with the game.
Oklahoma State scored the first five points of the third overtime but Texas tied the game at 100 on Connor Atchley's 3-pointer from the left corner. A.J. Abrams drove the lane, and Durant was able to grab his missed runner and put it back while getting fouled by David Monds, and he stepped to the line and made his free throw to give Texas a one point lead before Boggan's 3 to win the game.
NUMBER 7: July 8th, Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, 7-6(9-7), 4-6, 7-6(7-3), 2-6, 6-2, Wimbledon Finals
In what was another record breaking year for Federer, he had to outlast Rafael Nadal in this classic match between the 2 highest ranked players in Men's Tennis. The first two sets were split by the two players. Federer won the first in a tie breaker where he won the set by 7-6,
which was 56 minutes long. The second went in favor of Rafael Nadal where he won the set by 4-6 in just 40 minutes.
The third set went to Roger Federer as he won 7-6 again in a tie breaker lasting 54 minutes. Similarly to the first two sets, the fourth set was won by Rafael Nadal with the score 2-6 which took only 37 minutes. Then it was the deciding set, which Federer won with the score of 6-2. Federer came through by winning the tiebreak in the first and third sets, and faced four break points before victory in the final set.
NUMBER 6: August 26th, Warner Robins, GA 3 Tokyo, Japan 2, 8 Innings, Little League World Series Finals
Although it was not a profesional event, it still was one of the most exciting games during the 2007 season. Leading 1-0, Japan added a run in the second inning after Masaya Ogino squeaked a bouncer up the middle that went off starter Keaton Allen with the bases loaded. Georgia reliever Kendall Scott than precedated to stike out 10 and allow one hit over five-plus innings to quiet Japan's bats after taking the early 2-0 lead.
Warner Robins was able to fight back on the biggest stage for Little League Baseball, and they tied the game with a little luck. Keaton Allen's check-swing double went all the way to the warning track in centerfield, and tied the game in the bottom of the second for Warner Robins.
The game was gridlocked for the next five and a half innings, as the game rolled along into extra innings, as Little League only plays 6 innings. After holding Tokyo in the top of the 8th, Georgia came up to bat looking to make something happen. Dalton Carriker hit a 2-1 pitch over the right-field wall from Japan's Junsho Kiuchi for the walk-off victory for Georgia.
NUMBER 5: September 1st, Appalachian State 34 Michigan 32
In what is now known as the biggest upset in College Football history, the Division 1-AA Appalachian State Mountaineers beat the number five ranked team in Division 1-A. Michigan started as they expected to, leading 14-7 after the 1st quarter with Mike Hart and Greg Matthews scoring TDs. Than the Mountaineers took over and scored 21 straight points before Michigan kicked a FG at the end of the half to cut the lead to 28-17.
After App. State's FG midway through the 3rd quarter, Mike Hart returned from a thigh injury during the game for the Wolverines, and scored a TD. After failing on the 2 point conversion, Michigan trailed 31-26 going into the 4th quarter. With 4:36 remaining in the game, Hart ran for 54 yards and a TD, but the 2 point conversion failed again, and the Wolverines took a 32-31 lead.
Michigan's Brandent Englemon intercepted the ensuing Mountaineers possession, and with 1:37 left, Michigan lined up for a FG, but it was blocked and Appalachian State gained possession. Throwing through the swiss cheese defense of Michigan, Armanti Edwards got the Mountaineers into position for a game winning FG, which they made with 26 seconds left to take a 34-32 lead. On the 2nd play for Michigan after the Appalachian State's FG, Mario Manningham caught a 46 yard pass to set up a 37 yard FG attempt. Just when it looked like Michigan would win the game, Appalachian State blocked the FG, and pulled off the upset.
NUMBER 4: May 31st, Cleveland Cavaliers 109 Detroit Pistons 107, 2OT, East Finals
Lebron James entered all out superstar status after leading the Cavs in double overtime, as they stunned the Pistons on their home court, which lead to an 0-2 comeback and a trip to the NBA Finals. In a close game throughout, Detroit held a 1 point lead at the half, until James took over the game like no one else in the NBA ever has.
Scoring a playoff career-high 48 points, to go along with 9 rebounds and 7 assists, James scored the Cavaliers' final 25 points of the game and 29 of the final 30. The Pistons blew a seven-point lead with 3:15 left in regulation during Lebron's run as the game headed into 2 OTs as, James shot an airball just before the shot clock expired with 6.6 seconds left in the first overtime that gave Detroit a chance to force another period.
The problem for Detroit was that Lebron was too hot to handle, and scored all 18 of the Cavs points in overtime, and the Cavs held on to win the game, and ultimately the series with their superstar leading the way.
NUMBER 3: January 21st, Indianapolis Colts 38 New England Patriots 34, AFC Championship Game
In a game that saw two offensive linemen score TDs, and three linemen all together scored TDs, Peyton Manning and the Colts were able to overcome an early deficit to beat the Patriots and go to the Super Bowl. The Colts were out of sync in the first half, as they fell behind with a lack of the defensive power that they showed in the first two playoff games they played. After Asante Samuel returned a Peyton Manning interception return for a TD, Indy found themselves down 21-3 with nine minutes remaining in the first half.
The Colts managed a FG before the 2nd half started and were down 21-6 beginning the half. The Colts then came out firing in the 2nd half and were able to tie the game before the Patriots knew it. Manning ran for a 1 yard TD, and Dan Klecko caught a TD from Manning for the second score. On the second TD, Marvin Harrison scored on a pass for the 2 point conversion, and tie the game at 21.
The teams exchanged TDs and FG's and with 13:24 left in the game, the score was 31-31 and the Patriots had the ball. After the drive stalled, Stephen Gostkoswki kicked a FG for New England, and with 2:17 left in the 4th Indy had the ball and was down 34-31. Manning took the ball and after 3 big plays to move the ball down the field, Joseph Addai scored on a 3 yard run to give the Colts their first lead of the game 38-34 with exactly 1:00 remaining. In what ended as the biggest comeback in conference championship history, Tom Brady threw an interception on his 4th play on his last drive to seal the win for the Colts.
NUMBER 2: October 1st, Colorado Rockies 9 San Diego Padres 8, 13 innings.
This game was played only because of the tie for the Wild Card between the two teams, and forced this 163rd game of the season for both teams. Colorado came into this game winning 13 of their last 14 just to get in this position. San Diego put Cy Young Jake Peavy on the mound to face the Rockies, but the Rockies did not care who they were going against. They scored 3 runs in the 1st 2 innings for a 3-0 lead early on. The Padres answered though with a grand slam from Adrian Gonzalez, and San Diego was able to take a 5-3 lead after the 3rd inning.
The Rockies, like always, were able to fight back and take a 6-5 lead after the 6th inning, even after an apparent home run by Garrett Atkins of the Rockies was ruled a ground-rule double and kept the difference at 1 run. Just when the Rockies thought they were ready to celebrate, LF Matt Holliday misplayed a Brian Giles liner in the Top of the 8th, and allowed the game tying run to score.
After four innings of no runs and little action, San Diego's Scott Hairston hit a 2 run homer off Jorge Julio to give the Padres an 8-6 lead with all-time Saves leader Trevor Hoffman waiting in the bullpen. This season though, was Colorado's, and they didn't care what pitcher or team they were facing. The first three batters of the bottom of the 13th got extra-base hits, the last being a triple by Matt Holliday to tie the game at 8. After an intentional walk to Todd Helton, fielding replacement Jamey Carroll hit a shallow flyball to Brian Giles in rightfield. Holliday chose to run on Giles, and on a very questionable call, slid headfirst past Michael Barrett for the win and to clinch the Rockies 2nd playoff appearance.
NUMBER 1: January 1st, Boise State 43 Oklahoma 42, OT, Fiesta Bowl
In what should be a no brainer, the game of the year was definitely this crazy game from the first day of the year. Skipping ahead to the 2nd half, Boise St. led OK 21-10 at halftime of what was going to become a classic. Marty Tadman scored on an interception return to give Boise St a 28-10 lead in what looked like an easy upset victory for the Broncos.
But Adrian Peterson and the Sooners had different thoughts on the game, and fought back immediatley with a TD run at the end of the 3rd quarter and a FG early in the 4th to cut the lead to 28-20. The remaining parts of the game are hard to describe through words, and by now most people have seen what happened, but here goes.
Sooner WR Quentin Chaney caught a tipped 5 yard TD pass from quarterback Paul Thompson with 1:26 remaining in the fourth quarter, and scored on the two point conversion on their third attempt, because of penalties, to tie the game up at 28. After the ensuing kickoff, on the next play from scrimmage, Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky was intercepted by Marcus Walker, who returned it 34 yards for a touchdown, and OK came all the way back and then some to take the lead 35-28 with 1:02 left in the game.
On the ensuing drive the Broncos drove to the OU 42, but were stopped on 3 straight plays, and forced into a 4th and 18 with only 18 seconds remaining. Zabransky passed for 15 yards to Drisan James, and with five Oklahoma defenders going one way to prevent the long conversion, James quickly scooped the ball to Jerard Rabb going in the opposite direction, and turning a flawless "hook and lateral" to tie the game with 7 seconds left and forcing OT.
Boise State won the toss and elected to play defense, but they did very little playing of defense as OK's Peterson scored on the first play of OT, a 25 yard run. On Boise State's drive, the Broncos were down to 4th and 2 on the Sooners' 5 yard line when QB Zabransky ran in motion to his left while backup wide receiver Vinny Perretta, slotted as a running back, took the snap, rolled to his right, and threw a TD to TE Derek Schouman to bring Boise State within one point at 42-41.
Instead of kicking the extra-point to tie the game and send it into a second overtime, Broncos coach Chris Petersen chose to go for the two-point conversion to win the game, and ran "The Statue of Liberty" as Zabransky faked a quick pass directly to his right with his right hand, he quickly handed off the ball backhanded with his left hand to running back Ian Johnson, who ran it in for the miraculous 1 point win.
TO SEE THE ACTUAL LIST, AND TO SEE HOW CLOSE I WAS, CHECK ESPN CLASSIC WED. AT 7 PM OR ESPN THUR. AT 8 PM.
Honorable Mention: Padraig Harrington/Sergio Garcia The Open Championship, Week 9 NFL New England Patriots/Indianapolis Colts Both Undefeated, Vancouver Canucks/Dallas Stars Game 1 First Round 4 OT, Kentucky Wildcats/LSU Tigers 3 OT, VCU Rams/Duke Blue Devils 1st Round NCAA Upset, Vanderbilt Commodores/Washington State Cougars 2nd Round NCAA 2 OT, Novak Djokovic/Radek Stepanek 2nd Round US Open 5 hour Match, Stanford Cardinal/USC Trojans Upset, New England Patriots/San Diego Chargers AFC Div Championship
NUMBER 10: November 23rd, Arkansas Razorbacks 50 LSU Tigers 48, 3 OT
With LSU looking towards a BCS National Championship, and Arkansas having to only play for pride, this game seemed like it would never end. LSU was coming off a 3 OT loss earlier this season to Kentucky, and had seemed to turn it around since and were on track for a National Championship visit.
The first half of the game was a non story, as LSU kicked 2 field goals in the 1st quarter and Arkansas scored a TD in the 2nd quarter for all the scoring. Then in the 2nd Half the scoring came and did not stop. The teams exchanged 3 TD's in the 2nd Half starting with Darren McFadden 's 73 yard run, and ending with Matt Flynn's 2 yard TD pass to Demetrius Byrd.
The game took a turn to crazy in the OT's as the teams were scoring at will into the 3rd OT where the teams by rule have to go for the 2 point conversion. Peyton Hillis scored four TDs, the last in the third overtime, and Felix Jones ran for the critical 2-point conversion for Arkansas to make it 50-42. Flynn came back to throw his 3rd TD of the game in the 3rd OT, and LSU had to go for the game tying 2 point conversion. Arkansas' Matterral Richardson intercepted Flynn's final pass of the game to clinch the upset victory of #1 LSU.
NUMBER 9: March 23rd, Ohio State 85 Tennessee 84, Sweet Sixteen
Ohio State, the 1 seed in the bracket, was able to hold off Tennessee, the 5 seed in an epic comeback that carried the Buckeyes to the elite eight and ultimatley NCAA Finals. Tennessee led 49-29 in the final minute of the first half before a three-point play from David Lighty in the final second before halftime.
The Buckeyes came out in the 2nd Half with a 16-5 run to cut the deficit as they tried to work their way back into the game. Ron Lewis fueled the comeback scoring 18 of his 25 points in the 2nd half, and Ohio State finally tied the game at 64. After exchanging baskets for a few minutes, David Lightly hit a 3 pointer to tie the game at 79 with 2:44 left, and Ohio State would never lose the lead after that.
With 6.5 seconds left, Mike Conley Jr. hit 1 of 2 free throws to take a 85-84 lead, leaving Tennessee one last chance to win the game. Ramar Smith grabbed the rebound from the missed free throw and went all the way to the rim with Conley defending him, and as time expired Greg Oden blocked a potential game winning shot to preserve the win.
NUMBER 8: January 16th, Oklahoma State 105 Texas 103, 3 OT
In the most exciting regular season college basketball game in years, Mario Boggan was able to get the best of Freshman star Kevin Durant. Boggan set career highs with 37 points and 20 rebounds and hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 3.2 seconds left in the third overtime to lift the Cowboys over the Longhorns. Oklahoma State had a 3 point lead going into the half, and throughout the 2nd Half neither team could take a large lead to run away with the game.
Oklahoma State scored the first five points of the third overtime but Texas tied the game at 100 on Connor Atchley's 3-pointer from the left corner. A.J. Abrams drove the lane, and Durant was able to grab his missed runner and put it back while getting fouled by David Monds, and he stepped to the line and made his free throw to give Texas a one point lead before Boggan's 3 to win the game.
NUMBER 7: July 8th, Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, 7-6(9-7), 4-6, 7-6(7-3), 2-6, 6-2, Wimbledon Finals
In what was another record breaking year for Federer, he had to outlast Rafael Nadal in this classic match between the 2 highest ranked players in Men's Tennis. The first two sets were split by the two players. Federer won the first in a tie breaker where he won the set by 7-6,
which was 56 minutes long. The second went in favor of Rafael Nadal where he won the set by 4-6 in just 40 minutes.
The third set went to Roger Federer as he won 7-6 again in a tie breaker lasting 54 minutes. Similarly to the first two sets, the fourth set was won by Rafael Nadal with the score 2-6 which took only 37 minutes. Then it was the deciding set, which Federer won with the score of 6-2. Federer came through by winning the tiebreak in the first and third sets, and faced four break points before victory in the final set.
NUMBER 6: August 26th, Warner Robins, GA 3 Tokyo, Japan 2, 8 Innings, Little League World Series Finals
Although it was not a profesional event, it still was one of the most exciting games during the 2007 season. Leading 1-0, Japan added a run in the second inning after Masaya Ogino squeaked a bouncer up the middle that went off starter Keaton Allen with the bases loaded. Georgia reliever Kendall Scott than precedated to stike out 10 and allow one hit over five-plus innings to quiet Japan's bats after taking the early 2-0 lead.
Warner Robins was able to fight back on the biggest stage for Little League Baseball, and they tied the game with a little luck. Keaton Allen's check-swing double went all the way to the warning track in centerfield, and tied the game in the bottom of the second for Warner Robins.
The game was gridlocked for the next five and a half innings, as the game rolled along into extra innings, as Little League only plays 6 innings. After holding Tokyo in the top of the 8th, Georgia came up to bat looking to make something happen. Dalton Carriker hit a 2-1 pitch over the right-field wall from Japan's Junsho Kiuchi for the walk-off victory for Georgia.
NUMBER 5: September 1st, Appalachian State 34 Michigan 32
In what is now known as the biggest upset in College Football history, the Division 1-AA Appalachian State Mountaineers beat the number five ranked team in Division 1-A. Michigan started as they expected to, leading 14-7 after the 1st quarter with Mike Hart and Greg Matthews scoring TDs. Than the Mountaineers took over and scored 21 straight points before Michigan kicked a FG at the end of the half to cut the lead to 28-17.
After App. State's FG midway through the 3rd quarter, Mike Hart returned from a thigh injury during the game for the Wolverines, and scored a TD. After failing on the 2 point conversion, Michigan trailed 31-26 going into the 4th quarter. With 4:36 remaining in the game, Hart ran for 54 yards and a TD, but the 2 point conversion failed again, and the Wolverines took a 32-31 lead.
Michigan's Brandent Englemon intercepted the ensuing Mountaineers possession, and with 1:37 left, Michigan lined up for a FG, but it was blocked and Appalachian State gained possession. Throwing through the swiss cheese defense of Michigan, Armanti Edwards got the Mountaineers into position for a game winning FG, which they made with 26 seconds left to take a 34-32 lead. On the 2nd play for Michigan after the Appalachian State's FG, Mario Manningham caught a 46 yard pass to set up a 37 yard FG attempt. Just when it looked like Michigan would win the game, Appalachian State blocked the FG, and pulled off the upset.
NUMBER 4: May 31st, Cleveland Cavaliers 109 Detroit Pistons 107, 2OT, East Finals
Lebron James entered all out superstar status after leading the Cavs in double overtime, as they stunned the Pistons on their home court, which lead to an 0-2 comeback and a trip to the NBA Finals. In a close game throughout, Detroit held a 1 point lead at the half, until James took over the game like no one else in the NBA ever has.
Scoring a playoff career-high 48 points, to go along with 9 rebounds and 7 assists, James scored the Cavaliers' final 25 points of the game and 29 of the final 30. The Pistons blew a seven-point lead with 3:15 left in regulation during Lebron's run as the game headed into 2 OTs as, James shot an airball just before the shot clock expired with 6.6 seconds left in the first overtime that gave Detroit a chance to force another period.
The problem for Detroit was that Lebron was too hot to handle, and scored all 18 of the Cavs points in overtime, and the Cavs held on to win the game, and ultimately the series with their superstar leading the way.
NUMBER 3: January 21st, Indianapolis Colts 38 New England Patriots 34, AFC Championship Game
In a game that saw two offensive linemen score TDs, and three linemen all together scored TDs, Peyton Manning and the Colts were able to overcome an early deficit to beat the Patriots and go to the Super Bowl. The Colts were out of sync in the first half, as they fell behind with a lack of the defensive power that they showed in the first two playoff games they played. After Asante Samuel returned a Peyton Manning interception return for a TD, Indy found themselves down 21-3 with nine minutes remaining in the first half.
The Colts managed a FG before the 2nd half started and were down 21-6 beginning the half. The Colts then came out firing in the 2nd half and were able to tie the game before the Patriots knew it. Manning ran for a 1 yard TD, and Dan Klecko caught a TD from Manning for the second score. On the second TD, Marvin Harrison scored on a pass for the 2 point conversion, and tie the game at 21.
The teams exchanged TDs and FG's and with 13:24 left in the game, the score was 31-31 and the Patriots had the ball. After the drive stalled, Stephen Gostkoswki kicked a FG for New England, and with 2:17 left in the 4th Indy had the ball and was down 34-31. Manning took the ball and after 3 big plays to move the ball down the field, Joseph Addai scored on a 3 yard run to give the Colts their first lead of the game 38-34 with exactly 1:00 remaining. In what ended as the biggest comeback in conference championship history, Tom Brady threw an interception on his 4th play on his last drive to seal the win for the Colts.
NUMBER 2: October 1st, Colorado Rockies 9 San Diego Padres 8, 13 innings.
This game was played only because of the tie for the Wild Card between the two teams, and forced this 163rd game of the season for both teams. Colorado came into this game winning 13 of their last 14 just to get in this position. San Diego put Cy Young Jake Peavy on the mound to face the Rockies, but the Rockies did not care who they were going against. They scored 3 runs in the 1st 2 innings for a 3-0 lead early on. The Padres answered though with a grand slam from Adrian Gonzalez, and San Diego was able to take a 5-3 lead after the 3rd inning.
The Rockies, like always, were able to fight back and take a 6-5 lead after the 6th inning, even after an apparent home run by Garrett Atkins of the Rockies was ruled a ground-rule double and kept the difference at 1 run. Just when the Rockies thought they were ready to celebrate, LF Matt Holliday misplayed a Brian Giles liner in the Top of the 8th, and allowed the game tying run to score.
After four innings of no runs and little action, San Diego's Scott Hairston hit a 2 run homer off Jorge Julio to give the Padres an 8-6 lead with all-time Saves leader Trevor Hoffman waiting in the bullpen. This season though, was Colorado's, and they didn't care what pitcher or team they were facing. The first three batters of the bottom of the 13th got extra-base hits, the last being a triple by Matt Holliday to tie the game at 8. After an intentional walk to Todd Helton, fielding replacement Jamey Carroll hit a shallow flyball to Brian Giles in rightfield. Holliday chose to run on Giles, and on a very questionable call, slid headfirst past Michael Barrett for the win and to clinch the Rockies 2nd playoff appearance.
NUMBER 1: January 1st, Boise State 43 Oklahoma 42, OT, Fiesta Bowl
In what should be a no brainer, the game of the year was definitely this crazy game from the first day of the year. Skipping ahead to the 2nd half, Boise St. led OK 21-10 at halftime of what was going to become a classic. Marty Tadman scored on an interception return to give Boise St a 28-10 lead in what looked like an easy upset victory for the Broncos.
But Adrian Peterson and the Sooners had different thoughts on the game, and fought back immediatley with a TD run at the end of the 3rd quarter and a FG early in the 4th to cut the lead to 28-20. The remaining parts of the game are hard to describe through words, and by now most people have seen what happened, but here goes.
Sooner WR Quentin Chaney caught a tipped 5 yard TD pass from quarterback Paul Thompson with 1:26 remaining in the fourth quarter, and scored on the two point conversion on their third attempt, because of penalties, to tie the game up at 28. After the ensuing kickoff, on the next play from scrimmage, Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky was intercepted by Marcus Walker, who returned it 34 yards for a touchdown, and OK came all the way back and then some to take the lead 35-28 with 1:02 left in the game.
On the ensuing drive the Broncos drove to the OU 42, but were stopped on 3 straight plays, and forced into a 4th and 18 with only 18 seconds remaining. Zabransky passed for 15 yards to Drisan James, and with five Oklahoma defenders going one way to prevent the long conversion, James quickly scooped the ball to Jerard Rabb going in the opposite direction, and turning a flawless "hook and lateral" to tie the game with 7 seconds left and forcing OT.
Boise State won the toss and elected to play defense, but they did very little playing of defense as OK's Peterson scored on the first play of OT, a 25 yard run. On Boise State's drive, the Broncos were down to 4th and 2 on the Sooners' 5 yard line when QB Zabransky ran in motion to his left while backup wide receiver Vinny Perretta, slotted as a running back, took the snap, rolled to his right, and threw a TD to TE Derek Schouman to bring Boise State within one point at 42-41.
Instead of kicking the extra-point to tie the game and send it into a second overtime, Broncos coach Chris Petersen chose to go for the two-point conversion to win the game, and ran "The Statue of Liberty" as Zabransky faked a quick pass directly to his right with his right hand, he quickly handed off the ball backhanded with his left hand to running back Ian Johnson, who ran it in for the miraculous 1 point win.
TO SEE THE ACTUAL LIST, AND TO SEE HOW CLOSE I WAS, CHECK ESPN CLASSIC WED. AT 7 PM OR ESPN THUR. AT 8 PM.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Football Year in New England
Home is Where the Patriots Will Be
It is becoming more and more obvious that the New England Patriots are not only the best team in the NFL by far, but are heading towards becoming the best team ever in the history of the
NFL. After their convincing 34-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots could probably play their starters for 1 half in each of the 3 games and still go 16-0. Everyone knows that the Patriots are great, but now they are just flirting with luck and fate regarding their schedule, beginning with the last three opponents that stand in their way of a perfect regular season.
The New York Jets (3-10) and Miami Dolphins (0-13) are the first two victims to stand in the way of the unstoppable force called the Patriots. The only question regarding the Patriots next 2 games is whether or not they will score over 70 pointsin each of those games. Than their final game is against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands, maybe the worst looking 9-4 team ever. To make matters worse for all the Patriots-haters, the Giants are most likely going to have the 1st NFC Wild Card spot locked up, and play their starters little to no time. It also doesn't help that the Patriots will be at home for almost 2 straight months (assuming they make the Super Bowl), minus a short road trip from Boston to New York the last game of the year.
New England's Schedule (Week 14 to Super Bowl)
12/9 vs. PIT
12/16 vs. NYJ
12/23 vs. MIA
12/29 @ NYG
1/5 BYE
1/12 Home DIV PLAYOFF
1/19 Home AFC CHAMP
1/26 BYE
2/3 @ ARZ SUPER BOWL
Playoffs? You Wanna talk about Playoffs?
The last 3 weeks are turning out to be exciting for the last Wild Card spot in the NFC, and both the Wild Card spots in the AFC. In the NFC the Giants have all but locked up the top Wild Card spot with a 2 game lead, but there are some huge games left to be played with Minnesota, Washington, and Arizona. If Washington can beat the Giant in New York and Minnesota takes care of business in Chicago next week, than the winner of the Week 16 matchup of Washington @ Minnesota could determine who gets the last playoff spot in the NFC. But the biggest benefactor of that game though may be the Arizona Cardinals, who has the easiest schedule of the three teams with games against New Orleans, Atlanta, and St. Louis remaining.
The past few weeks have been awful for Detroit and Philadelphia has their seasons have been put to an end with a stretch of tough games that neither could get through. Starting with Detroit which has lost 5 in a row against some pretty good competition ( ARI, NYG, GB, MIN, DAL). The rest of the season doesn't get much easier as they play @SD, KC and @GB. The Lions could easily end up 6-10 after starting the season 6-2. Philly entered their tough stretch later than Detroit, but it was just as crippling to their playoff hopes. They have lost 3 in a row to New England, the Giants, and Seattle, and they still have to play: Dallas next week, a still alive New Orleans team, and a Buffalo team that will be fighting for its playoff life the last game of the season.
The AFC playoff picture is even less clear than the NFC, as Jacksonville sits atop the Wild Card standings, but only by 1 game over the Cleveland Browns. Assuming Jacksonville wins 2 out their last 3 and clinches the top Wild Card spot, that pretty much leave 3 teams for 1 spot, much like the NFC. Cleveland has a 1 game lead on Tennessee and Buffalo, but next week is the biggest game in the rest of the AFC, which could decide the final playoff spot, as Buffalo travels to Cleveland. The winner of that game will have a small lead for the final playoff spot, and control their own destiny. Tennessee lost a huge game to San Diego in OT this week, which they seem to do all the time, and their season may come down tothe final game of the season @ Indianapolis.
All in all only 5 of the 12 Playoff spots have been clinched, and with 3 games remaining anything can happen, and something crazy probably will happen, so Denver and New Orleans be ready as neither of those teams are out of it yet.
4th and Goal
The amount of teams with 1 stable Quarterback is getting less and less, as many teams have been forced to use 2 or sometimes 3 QB's to start games this season. With the injury to Jason Campbell of the Redskins this week, that leaves only 13 teams that haven't had a major QB issue this season, and have relied on just 1 guy under center:
NFC: T Romo DAL, E Manning NYG, M Hasselbeck SEA, J Kitna DET, B Favre GB, D Brees SD
AFC: T Brady NE, J Cutler DEN, P Rivers SD, C Palmer CIN, B Roethlisberger, P Manning IND,
D Anderson CLE
The Monday Night Football games have been terrible this season, and they don't get any better the last 3 starting with tomorrow's game: NO@ATL, CHI@MIN, and DEN@SD on Christmas Eve. 7 of the games have been decided by 10 points or more and a handful of the others were never good games. Even close games like DAL/BUF, and maybe the worst game of the year MIA/PIT, were hard to watch. Quick predictions- Derek Anderson gets big money next year from a team other than the Browns, and Brady Quinn sucks in Cleveland in 2008. Miami beats Baltimore next week and finishes 1-15. San Francisco gets the 2nd pick in the draft, and has to give that pick to New England (bastards).
It is becoming more and more obvious that the New England Patriots are not only the best team in the NFL by far, but are heading towards becoming the best team ever in the history of the
NFL. After their convincing 34-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots could probably play their starters for 1 half in each of the 3 games and still go 16-0. Everyone knows that the Patriots are great, but now they are just flirting with luck and fate regarding their schedule, beginning with the last three opponents that stand in their way of a perfect regular season.The New York Jets (3-10) and Miami Dolphins (0-13) are the first two victims to stand in the way of the unstoppable force called the Patriots. The only question regarding the Patriots next 2 games is whether or not they will score over 70 pointsin each of those games. Than their final game is against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands, maybe the worst looking 9-4 team ever. To make matters worse for all the Patriots-haters, the Giants are most likely going to have the 1st NFC Wild Card spot locked up, and play their starters little to no time. It also doesn't help that the Patriots will be at home for almost 2 straight months (assuming they make the Super Bowl), minus a short road trip from Boston to New York the last game of the year.
New England's Schedule (Week 14 to Super Bowl)
12/9 vs. PIT
12/16 vs. NYJ
12/23 vs. MIA
12/29 @ NYG
1/5 BYE
1/12 Home DIV PLAYOFF
1/19 Home AFC CHAMP
1/26 BYE
2/3 @ ARZ SUPER BOWL
Playoffs? You Wanna talk about Playoffs?
The last 3 weeks are turning out to be exciting for the last Wild Card spot in the NFC, and both the Wild Card spots in the AFC. In the NFC the Giants have all but locked up the top Wild Card spot with a 2 game lead, but there are some huge games left to be played with Minnesota, Washington, and Arizona. If Washington can beat the Giant in New York and Minnesota takes care of business in Chicago next week, than the winner of the Week 16 matchup of Washington @ Minnesota could determine who gets the last playoff spot in the NFC. But the biggest benefactor of that game though may be the Arizona Cardinals, who has the easiest schedule of the three teams with games against New Orleans, Atlanta, and St. Louis remaining.
The past few weeks have been awful for Detroit and Philadelphia has their seasons have been put to an end with a stretch of tough games that neither could get through. Starting with Detroit which has lost 5 in a row against some pretty good competition ( ARI, NYG, GB, MIN, DAL). The rest of the season doesn't get much easier as they play @SD, KC and @GB. The Lions could easily end up 6-10 after starting the season 6-2. Philly entered their tough stretch later than Detroit, but it was just as crippling to their playoff hopes. They have lost 3 in a row to New England, the Giants, and Seattle, and they still have to play: Dallas next week, a still alive New Orleans team, and a Buffalo team that will be fighting for its playoff life the last game of the season.
The AFC playoff picture is even less clear than the NFC, as Jacksonville sits atop the Wild Card standings, but only by 1 game over the Cleveland Browns. Assuming Jacksonville wins 2 out their last 3 and clinches the top Wild Card spot, that pretty much leave 3 teams for 1 spot, much like the NFC. Cleveland has a 1 game lead on Tennessee and Buffalo, but next week is the biggest game in the rest of the AFC, which could decide the final playoff spot, as Buffalo travels to Cleveland. The winner of that game will have a small lead for the final playoff spot, and control their own destiny. Tennessee lost a huge game to San Diego in OT this week, which they seem to do all the time, and their season may come down tothe final game of the season @ Indianapolis.
All in all only 5 of the 12 Playoff spots have been clinched, and with 3 games remaining anything can happen, and something crazy probably will happen, so Denver and New Orleans be ready as neither of those teams are out of it yet.
4th and Goal
The amount of teams with 1 stable Quarterback is getting less and less, as many teams have been forced to use 2 or sometimes 3 QB's to start games this season. With the injury to Jason Campbell of the Redskins this week, that leaves only 13 teams that haven't had a major QB issue this season, and have relied on just 1 guy under center:
NFC: T Romo DAL, E Manning NYG, M Hasselbeck SEA, J Kitna DET, B Favre GB, D Brees SDAFC: T Brady NE, J Cutler DEN, P Rivers SD, C Palmer CIN, B Roethlisberger, P Manning IND,
D Anderson CLE
The Monday Night Football games have been terrible this season, and they don't get any better the last 3 starting with tomorrow's game: NO@ATL, CHI@MIN, and DEN@SD on Christmas Eve. 7 of the games have been decided by 10 points or more and a handful of the others were never good games. Even close games like DAL/BUF, and maybe the worst game of the year MIA/PIT, were hard to watch. Quick predictions- Derek Anderson gets big money next year from a team other than the Browns, and Brady Quinn sucks in Cleveland in 2008. Miami beats Baltimore next week and finishes 1-15. San Francisco gets the 2nd pick in the draft, and has to give that pick to New England (bastards).
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Heisman History
The Heisman Goes to...
In a year of uncertainty, it's tough to guess who is going to win anything, especially a Heisman race that should be one of the closest votes in history. Names have been thrown around since
the beginning of the season that we may not even remember, and now we finally have the final 4 candidates coolest looking trophy in sports. It seems that Tim Tebow is a lock to win it, even though a few weeks people were moaning and groaning that he shouldn't even be invited because hes a sophomore. I think that because he is a sophomore than more power to him, for being that good this year in his career. The same people who think a sophomore shouldn't be Heisman, think that HDTV and regular TV are the same. It's an old school thing that people like to stick to, and in a year of improbable events, why shouldn't a sophomore, who is the first college player to ever throw for 20 TD's and run for 20 TD's, get the award.
Always a Runner-Up, Never a Heisman
I'm not taking anything away from the other 3 candidates who had great seasons in a year where arguments can be made for 10 different players to win. History though could be made, and probably will as Darren McFadden enters another Saturday night in December looking for the Heisman, and may be a bit short again. Last year McFadden was 2nd to QB Troy Smith of OSU in the Heisman voting, and this year he could be 2nd to the Florida QB Tim Tebow. Only other people have been runner up for Heisman twice, and only 1 of them didn't win one eventually.
Hesiman Runner Up Twice
Glenn Davis Army '44 and '45
Charlie Justice UNC '48 and '49
Darren McFadden Arkansas '06 and '??
Glenn Davis did end up winning the Heisman on his third try in 1946, but for McFadden there probably won't be a third time, as he most likely will enter the NFL Draft in April. On the other hand though if McFadden can pull the small upset and beat Tebow, Chase Daniel (Missouri), and Colt Brennan (Hawaii) for the Heisman he would be only the fifth player to get 2nd in one year and than win the Heisman in another year.
Win and Place
Tom Harmon Michigan Win '40 2nd '39
Angelo Bertelli Notre Dame Win '43 2nd '41
O.J. Simpson USC Win '68 2nd '67
Herschel Walker Georgia Win '81 2nd '82
Darren McFadden Arkansas Win ?? 2nd '06
So for Darren McFadden there is some history he would like to make, and some history that he doesn't want to be a part of. Whatever happens, a Heisman trophy or a 2nd place finish never guarantees a great NFL career. There have been some awful NFL players win a Heisman with the luck of a good system in college. And there have been hundreds of great Hall of Fame players that never got close to a Heisman Trophy. 8 winners of the Heisman went on to become NFL Hall of Famers, and only 2 (John Elway Stanford and Steve Young BYU) runners up went onto the NFL Hall of Fame.
LOOK FOR A NEW POST ON LOTS OF SPORTS TOPICS SUNDAY NIGHT!
In a year of uncertainty, it's tough to guess who is going to win anything, especially a Heisman race that should be one of the closest votes in history. Names have been thrown around since
the beginning of the season that we may not even remember, and now we finally have the final 4 candidates coolest looking trophy in sports. It seems that Tim Tebow is a lock to win it, even though a few weeks people were moaning and groaning that he shouldn't even be invited because hes a sophomore. I think that because he is a sophomore than more power to him, for being that good this year in his career. The same people who think a sophomore shouldn't be Heisman, think that HDTV and regular TV are the same. It's an old school thing that people like to stick to, and in a year of improbable events, why shouldn't a sophomore, who is the first college player to ever throw for 20 TD's and run for 20 TD's, get the award.Always a Runner-Up, Never a Heisman
I'm not taking anything away from the other 3 candidates who had great seasons in a year where arguments can be made for 10 different players to win. History though could be made, and probably will as Darren McFadden enters another Saturday night in December looking for the Heisman, and may be a bit short again. Last year McFadden was 2nd to QB Troy Smith of OSU in the Heisman voting, and this year he could be 2nd to the Florida QB Tim Tebow. Only other people have been runner up for Heisman twice, and only 1 of them didn't win one eventually.
Hesiman Runner Up Twice
Glenn Davis Army '44 and '45
Charlie Justice UNC '48 and '49
Darren McFadden Arkansas '06 and '??
Glenn Davis did end up winning the Heisman on his third try in 1946, but for McFadden there probably won't be a third time, as he most likely will enter the NFL Draft in April. On the other hand though if McFadden can pull the small upset and beat Tebow, Chase Daniel (Missouri), and Colt Brennan (Hawaii) for the Heisman he would be only the fifth player to get 2nd in one year and than win the Heisman in another year.
Win and Place
Tom Harmon Michigan Win '40 2nd '39
Angelo Bertelli Notre Dame Win '43 2nd '41
O.J. Simpson USC Win '68 2nd '67
Herschel Walker Georgia Win '81 2nd '82
Darren McFadden Arkansas Win ?? 2nd '06
So for Darren McFadden there is some history he would like to make, and some history that he doesn't want to be a part of. Whatever happens, a Heisman trophy or a 2nd place finish never guarantees a great NFL career. There have been some awful NFL players win a Heisman with the luck of a good system in college. And there have been hundreds of great Hall of Fame players that never got close to a Heisman Trophy. 8 winners of the Heisman went on to become NFL Hall of Famers, and only 2 (John Elway Stanford and Steve Young BYU) runners up went onto the NFL Hall of Fame.
LOOK FOR A NEW POST ON LOTS OF SPORTS TOPICS SUNDAY NIGHT!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Big Crappy System
It's the 10th anniversary of Deja Vu All Over Again for College Football and there wonderful system called the BCS. Every December since the BCS began in 1998, the argument to get rid of the BCS and start a playoff system begins and ends the same way. A playoff system is not going to happen with all the revenue bowls bring in, and I'm okay with that. I like the other Bowls, plus there's a football game on everyday, which is nothing to complain about. So instead of complaining let me discuss the end of the College Football season, because everything in sports is flawed (Not including the NFL Office Patriots of 2007).
OSU/LSU
At the end of the season we can only hope the Championship game is between two high level teams that won their conferences, and it is. Hey, it could be the '01 Nebraska team that couldn't even win their conference championship, in the championship. LSU has been a favorite for this game ever since the preseason rankings, and it's clear that they are the best 2 loss team in the nation. Throughout the year, both teams remained in the top 12 of the AP rankings, and LSU spent the entire season in the top 10. Beginning with week 5 there was only 1 week that both these teams weren't in the top 5 in the country. So, with regards to the BCS Championship Game, there is really little complaining that could be done. On the other hand though, there are some issues with the remaining games on the BCS docket.
Where's Missouri? And I don't mean geographically.
Well actually maybe I do, as it does sit in between the states of Illinois and Kansas, the two teams that squeezed Missouri out of the BCS picture. How can a team be ranked #6 in the BCS, get passed over for a BCS
game by a team ranked #8? And to make matters worse, #6 beat #8 11 days ago pretty easily for the right to play in their conference championship game. Kansas did have a better record than Missouri, but that was because Missouri beat Kansas and played an extra game. If Kansas had beat Missouri and lost to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship game, I wonder what would've happened.
After digging deeper you see that Missouri played a decent schedule, whereas Kansas played everyone except a high school team. You can't blame Kansas for getting lucky with an easy Big 12 schedule, but you can blame Kansas for playing: Central Michigan, SE Louisiana, Toledo, and Florida International as their first 4 games. They outscored those 4 opponents 214-23. I'd say that is kind of 1 sided. Missouri actually went out and not only played teams, but beat Illinois, who is in the Rose Bowl and beat Ohio State, and a team from the best conference (SEC) Ole Miss.
OSU/LSU
At the end of the season we can only hope the Championship game is between two high level teams that won their conferences, and it is. Hey, it could be the '01 Nebraska team that couldn't even win their conference championship, in the championship. LSU has been a favorite for this game ever since the preseason rankings, and it's clear that they are the best 2 loss team in the nation. Throughout the year, both teams remained in the top 12 of the AP rankings, and LSU spent the entire season in the top 10. Beginning with week 5 there was only 1 week that both these teams weren't in the top 5 in the country. So, with regards to the BCS Championship Game, there is really little complaining that could be done. On the other hand though, there are some issues with the remaining games on the BCS docket.
Where's Missouri? And I don't mean geographically.
Well actually maybe I do, as it does sit in between the states of Illinois and Kansas, the two teams that squeezed Missouri out of the BCS picture. How can a team be ranked #6 in the BCS, get passed over for a BCS
game by a team ranked #8? And to make matters worse, #6 beat #8 11 days ago pretty easily for the right to play in their conference championship game. Kansas did have a better record than Missouri, but that was because Missouri beat Kansas and played an extra game. If Kansas had beat Missouri and lost to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship game, I wonder what would've happened.After digging deeper you see that Missouri played a decent schedule, whereas Kansas played everyone except a high school team. You can't blame Kansas for getting lucky with an easy Big 12 schedule, but you can blame Kansas for playing: Central Michigan, SE Louisiana, Toledo, and Florida International as their first 4 games. They outscored those 4 opponents 214-23. I'd say that is kind of 1 sided. Missouri actually went out and not only played teams, but beat Illinois, who is in the Rose Bowl and beat Ohio State, and a team from the best conference (SEC) Ole Miss.
Highest BCS Ranked Team not in BCS Bowl
5 California '04
5 Oregon '05
6 Kansas St '99
6 Tennessee '01
6 Texas '03
6 Missouri '07
This list does not include Kansas State '98 who was ranked 3rd, but no rule was in place where the BCS #3 automatically gets a BCS Berth. Also take into account the fact that starting last season there are 10 BCS teams, and 4 BCS At-Large Berths (As opposed to 8 BCS teams, and 2 At-Large Berths). It may be a while before we see a higher ranked team excluded from the BCS Bowls, so for now Kansas gets the honor of getting smashed by Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl, and Missouri gets to beat up on Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl.
4th and Goal
(Random College Football Thoughts)
If Oklahoma kills West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl, and LSU/OSU is a crappy 13-10 like game there will be a split National Champion. Every BCS conference needs to have a Conference Championship Game, or not, as long as all 6 conferences DO THE SAME THING. I would've liked to see USC/Hawaii play in the Rose Bowl, but as long as Hawaii's in a BCS bowl you can't complain. BCS is so messed up Congress looked into what they were doing in '05, no use of steroids or HGH was found, although it probably could've used it. There were 24 different teams in the AP Top 10 this year including Rutgers, Louisville, and Penn State. The last of those 24 top 10 teams, the only undefeated team in the nation, Hawaii. A little early Bowl talk (Look for my column discussing all the bowls latter this month)...best non New Years Bowl is ASU/Texas in the Holiday Bowl. Best smaller Bowl, BYU/UCLA both good teams that no one knows about. Final thought which could determine the BCS Champion, Ohio State is 0-8 vs. SEC teams in Bowls and the SEC is 3-0 in BCS Championship Games, so now you know who's gonna win, maybe?
5 California '04
5 Oregon '05
6 Kansas St '99
6 Tennessee '01
6 Texas '03
6 Missouri '07
This list does not include Kansas State '98 who was ranked 3rd, but no rule was in place where the BCS #3 automatically gets a BCS Berth. Also take into account the fact that starting last season there are 10 BCS teams, and 4 BCS At-Large Berths (As opposed to 8 BCS teams, and 2 At-Large Berths). It may be a while before we see a higher ranked team excluded from the BCS Bowls, so for now Kansas gets the honor of getting smashed by Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl, and Missouri gets to beat up on Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl.
4th and Goal
(Random College Football Thoughts)
If Oklahoma kills West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl, and LSU/OSU is a crappy 13-10 like game there will be a split National Champion. Every BCS conference needs to have a Conference Championship Game, or not, as long as all 6 conferences DO THE SAME THING. I would've liked to see USC/Hawaii play in the Rose Bowl, but as long as Hawaii's in a BCS bowl you can't complain. BCS is so messed up Congress looked into what they were doing in '05, no use of steroids or HGH was found, although it probably could've used it. There were 24 different teams in the AP Top 10 this year including Rutgers, Louisville, and Penn State. The last of those 24 top 10 teams, the only undefeated team in the nation, Hawaii. A little early Bowl talk (Look for my column discussing all the bowls latter this month)...best non New Years Bowl is ASU/Texas in the Holiday Bowl. Best smaller Bowl, BYU/UCLA both good teams that no one knows about. Final thought which could determine the BCS Champion, Ohio State is 0-8 vs. SEC teams in Bowls and the SEC is 3-0 in BCS Championship Games, so now you know who's gonna win, maybe?
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
MLB Trade
Marlins Swap BIG Boys for Young Tigers
The race for the newly svelte Miguel Cabrera has supposedly ended according to Peter Gammons, as the Detroit Tigers came out of nowhere and put together a package of 6 prospects to get Cabrera and left handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis
Obviously this trade moves the Tigers to the top of the pack in the AL, which in reality means nothing on December 4th. To go along with the addition of Edgar Renteria, the acquisition of a perennial All-Star third baseman, and a legitimate left handed starting pitcher who is looking to prove himself as a big time pitcher, the Tigers are looking strong to quite strong for the 2008 Season.
PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Curtis Granderson
SS Edgar Renteria
3B Miguel Cabrera
RF Magglio Ordonez
DH Gary Sheffield
1B Carlos Guillen
C Ivan Rodriguez
2B Placido Polanco
LF Marcus Thams
PROJECTED ROTATION
Justin Verlander
Dontrelle Willis
Jeremy Bonderman
Kenny Rogers
Nate Robertson
On the surface this trade looks great for the Tigers, but looking back on the major 'firesale deals' done by the Marlins since their 1998 World Series title, the deals haven't worked out for the other team involved, take a look.
1998
Kevin Brown to San Diego for Derrek Lee and a prospect. San Diego lost the '98 World Series and are 1-6 in the playoffs since being swept by the Yankees that year.
Gary Sheffield/Bobby Bonilla and others to the Dodgers for Mike Piazza/Todd Zeile. The Dodgers have won 1 playoff game since the trade, and Sheffield talked himself out of LA. In the meantime, the Marlins flipped Piazza to the Mets for prospects, and the Mets could only get as far the 2000 World Series (More on the Mets later).
1999
Livan Hernandez to San Francisco for 2 prospects. The NLCS and World Series MVP from '98 was shipped to the Giants, and the Giants went on the make it to the 2002 World Series, but we all know how that worked out for Dusty Baker and the Giants.
2003
Derrek Lee to the Cubs for Hee Seop Choi and a prospect. The past 4 years for the Cubs has not been great, and as recently as this year they were swept by the D-Backs in the first round of the playoffs.
2004
Brad Penny/Choi to the Dodgers for Paul LoDuca/Guillermo Mota/Juan Encarnacion. This trade totally ruined the Dodgers 2004 clubhouse and team, and the effects are still being felt today in Tinseltown.
2005
Carlos Delgado and Paul LoDuca to the Mets for 3 prospects and 2 prospects respectively. After losing the 2006 NLCS, the Mets set records while falling apart in September of this past season. LoDuca will not be resigned by the Mets, and Delgado may as well not show up after his poor performance last year.
BOTTOM OF THE 9TH
(RANDOM MLB THOUGHTS)
- Don't be surprised to see Erik Bedard traded during the Winter Meetings, Johan Santana starts the season as a Minnesota Twin, Andruw Jones gets way too much money from a West Coast team, Scott Rolen is playing 3B for an NL team not called the Cardinals, Aaron Rowand goes back to the Phils, Dan Haren stays with the A's, the Mariners make a big trade, and the Mets pursue the entire Dominican Republican National Team.
The race for the newly svelte Miguel Cabrera has supposedly ended according to Peter Gammons, as the Detroit Tigers came out of nowhere and put together a package of 6 prospects to get Cabrera and left handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis
Obviously this trade moves the Tigers to the top of the pack in the AL, which in reality means nothing on December 4th. To go along with the addition of Edgar Renteria, the acquisition of a perennial All-Star third baseman, and a legitimate left handed starting pitcher who is looking to prove himself as a big time pitcher, the Tigers are looking strong to quite strong for the 2008 Season.
PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Curtis Granderson
SS Edgar Renteria
3B Miguel Cabrera
RF Magglio Ordonez
DH Gary Sheffield
1B Carlos Guillen
C Ivan Rodriguez
2B Placido Polanco
LF Marcus Thams
PROJECTED ROTATION
Justin Verlander
Dontrelle Willis
Jeremy Bonderman
Kenny Rogers
Nate Robertson
On the surface this trade looks great for the Tigers, but looking back on the major 'firesale deals' done by the Marlins since their 1998 World Series title, the deals haven't worked out for the other team involved, take a look.
1998
Kevin Brown to San Diego for Derrek Lee and a prospect. San Diego lost the '98 World Series and are 1-6 in the playoffs since being swept by the Yankees that year.
Gary Sheffield/Bobby Bonilla and others to the Dodgers for Mike Piazza/Todd Zeile. The Dodgers have won 1 playoff game since the trade, and Sheffield talked himself out of LA. In the meantime, the Marlins flipped Piazza to the Mets for prospects, and the Mets could only get as far the 2000 World Series (More on the Mets later).
1999
Livan Hernandez to San Francisco for 2 prospects. The NLCS and World Series MVP from '98 was shipped to the Giants, and the Giants went on the make it to the 2002 World Series, but we all know how that worked out for Dusty Baker and the Giants.
2003
Derrek Lee to the Cubs for Hee Seop Choi and a prospect. The past 4 years for the Cubs has not been great, and as recently as this year they were swept by the D-Backs in the first round of the playoffs.
2004
Brad Penny/Choi to the Dodgers for Paul LoDuca/Guillermo Mota/Juan Encarnacion. This trade totally ruined the Dodgers 2004 clubhouse and team, and the effects are still being felt today in Tinseltown.
2005
Carlos Delgado and Paul LoDuca to the Mets for 3 prospects and 2 prospects respectively. After losing the 2006 NLCS, the Mets set records while falling apart in September of this past season. LoDuca will not be resigned by the Mets, and Delgado may as well not show up after his poor performance last year.
BOTTOM OF THE 9TH
(RANDOM MLB THOUGHTS)
- Don't be surprised to see Erik Bedard traded during the Winter Meetings, Johan Santana starts the season as a Minnesota Twin, Andruw Jones gets way too much money from a West Coast team, Scott Rolen is playing 3B for an NL team not called the Cardinals, Aaron Rowand goes back to the Phils, Dan Haren stays with the A's, the Mariners make a big trade, and the Mets pursue the entire Dominican Republican National Team.
Go Sports.
Hi my name is Tim Bozzone and I am recent college graduate living in central New Jersey who loves sports, and loves to discuss sports and argue about sports. I figured instead of just talking and arguing about sports with my friends, I might as well bring the discussions to this new thing called "The Internet"....maybe I'll even get an IPOD soon also.
So a few times a day I'll post different discussions or post comments on different subjects in the World of Sports, because that really is the only World to me.
Once I get rolling with this site I may be adding some trivia questions, links, and other fun and exciting things, as long they pertain to sports.
So a few times a day I'll post different discussions or post comments on different subjects in the World of Sports, because that really is the only World to me.
Once I get rolling with this site I may be adding some trivia questions, links, and other fun and exciting things, as long they pertain to sports.
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