Saturday was an exciting day with numerous overtime games and buzzer beater attempts. Sunday didn't have that drama, though the National Game of Tennessee-Virginia feaured a last-second attmept to force overtime to hook the viewers for the remaining 7 games in the second and third timeslots.
I was impressed that Texas A&M effectively won a road game against Louisville in Lexington while Acie Law IV wasn't dominating the last 4 minutes of regulation like he normally does. UCLA-Indiana: glad that I didn't get tickets to that abomniation in Sacramento. That offensive display made the 1990's Big East look smooth.
No double-digit seeds still alive: all of the top seeds understood the risks associated with a single-game elimination tournament and were ready to meet the challenge of the underdog... it's a good thing that I spent my time on the ski slopes on Thursday and Friday instead of at the Lake Tahoe sportsbooks. Spring conditions were fun, sunny all day with high temps in the 60's on the mountain.
CBS has ditched the sideline girl from their coverage... will NBC and FOX follow? I don't think that ESPN(ABC) will since Bonnie Bernstein went there from CBS and landed the Sunday Night Baseball spot and they have both Suzy Kolber and Michele Tafoya on the sidelines for Monday Night football.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Super Bowl 41
Indianapolis 31 (-7.5) Chicago 20. The Bears shouldn't be viewed as large underdogs, QB Rex Grossman isn't a bad quarterback, he's an inexperienced QB. They should try to hammer the Colts with their power running game. RBs Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson will take aim at the weak Colts run defense... speaking of which, the Colts did add 2 better players (LB Rob Morris and S Bob Sanders) to their starting lineup for the playoffs, which can explain how a defense that allowed more than 100 yards rushing in every game during the regular season can hold 3 straight playoff opponents under 100 yards rushing. The Colts' offense has been more ball-control than pass-happy... perhaps that's why they're playing in their first Super Bowl in 36 years! The Colts will continue the AFC run in the Super Bowl.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Wow
What a game in the AFC Championship tonight. The Colts exorcised their demon tonight. I was driving home from reserve duty and tuned in time to listen to Asante Samuel's INT for a TD to give the Patriots a 21-3 lead over the Colts. The Colts had won their last 2 meetings against the Pats, but accomplished that by taking an early lead and dictating the flow and pace of the game. When the Colts scored before halftime to make it 21-6, they were still on the edge. The Pats didn't go down easy, re-taking the lead 3 times after the Colts tied the game up. Unfortunately for them, the last 2 times, they only added field goals, leaving the Colts an opportunity to pass them. On the Colts' third attempt, they scored the TD that they needed to take the lead.
Marty-ball struck the Patriots... WR Reche Caldwell had a couple of drops, he was picked up by a teammate on the drop in the end zone, but the other one the Pats weren't able to overcome. Then, Colts DB Marvin Jackson simply went down after intercepting Brady in the final minute, not allowing Troy Brown the opportunity to take the ball away.
I was able to see part of the 1st quarter of the Bears-Saints game during lunch. The Saints had 3 turnovers, but only dug themselves a 6-0 hole. They fell further behind, but got a TD before half, and then early in the 3rd, Reggie Bush scored from 88 yards out to cut the deficit to 2. But with only 56 yards rushing, they weren't able to win the line of scrimmage, and the Bears scored 3 TDs in the 4th to pull away.
Marty-ball struck the Patriots... WR Reche Caldwell had a couple of drops, he was picked up by a teammate on the drop in the end zone, but the other one the Pats weren't able to overcome. Then, Colts DB Marvin Jackson simply went down after intercepting Brady in the final minute, not allowing Troy Brown the opportunity to take the ball away.
I was able to see part of the 1st quarter of the Bears-Saints game during lunch. The Saints had 3 turnovers, but only dug themselves a 6-0 hole. They fell further behind, but got a TD before half, and then early in the 3rd, Reggie Bush scored from 88 yards out to cut the deficit to 2. But with only 56 yards rushing, they weren't able to win the line of scrimmage, and the Bears scored 3 TDs in the 4th to pull away.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Divisional Playoffs
The Colts and the Patriots will meet for the 3rd time in 4 seasons Sunday night. It will be the first meeting in the RCA Dome though. Unlike previous postseasons, this time the Colts are playing their best defensively. Peyton Manning hasn't produced great numbers (1 TD, 5 INT), but has led the Colts to 2 wins. The long drive for K Adam Viniateri's 5th FG last Saturday was a drive that previous Colts teams didn't get the chance to execute since they played from behind in their losses to New England.
No doubt LT was incensed at the end of the NE-SD game... 4 turnovers, numerous personal fouls, dropped passes, etc., etc., etc. by his teammates. NE QB Tom Brady made the lion's share of the Patriots' mistakes, but without a running game, he was the center of their offense. Brady kept returning to the line to make the next play without thinking about getting chippy with the opponent.
Neither the Colts or Patriots are as formidable as they were in 2003 or 2004... some of the names that won't be on the backs of jerseys... IND: RB Edjerrin James, WR Brandon Stokeley, NE: DE/LB Willie McGinnest, S Rodney Harrison, and CB Ty Law. Neither team had a bye, an advantage that the Patriots had before the 2003 and 2004 playoff meetings. I'm looking forward to the late game on Sunday, the Colts had better show up ready to play; in the 2004 game they looked defeated at halftime despite only trailing 6-3.
No doubt LT was incensed at the end of the NE-SD game... 4 turnovers, numerous personal fouls, dropped passes, etc., etc., etc. by his teammates. NE QB Tom Brady made the lion's share of the Patriots' mistakes, but without a running game, he was the center of their offense. Brady kept returning to the line to make the next play without thinking about getting chippy with the opponent.
Neither the Colts or Patriots are as formidable as they were in 2003 or 2004... some of the names that won't be on the backs of jerseys... IND: RB Edjerrin James, WR Brandon Stokeley, NE: DE/LB Willie McGinnest, S Rodney Harrison, and CB Ty Law. Neither team had a bye, an advantage that the Patriots had before the 2003 and 2004 playoff meetings. I'm looking forward to the late game on Sunday, the Colts had better show up ready to play; in the 2004 game they looked defeated at halftime despite only trailing 6-3.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Swamped!
I hope that Ohio St QB Troy Smith made a beeline for his Heisman Trophy and handed it to WR Ted Ginn Jr. when the Buckeyes' plane landed in Columbus. If Smith was auditioning for the Raiders' QB position for next season, well he didn't show them anything they didn't already have on their roster!
Florida was outstanding in all phases of the game after the opening kickoff. They spread the field horizontally on offense, didn't do it veritcally because they didn't need to take that risk. It was such a dominating performance, I thought Florida must have had 12 men on the field the WHOLE GAME! Were they playing Canadian Rules?
I would have liked to have seen USC's speedier defense against UF's offense. I don't think that the Trojans would have fared too much better against the Gator defense though. USC couldn't run the ball against an above-average defense, forget about an outstanding one.
Florida was outstanding in all phases of the game after the opening kickoff. They spread the field horizontally on offense, didn't do it veritcally because they didn't need to take that risk. It was such a dominating performance, I thought Florida must have had 12 men on the field the WHOLE GAME! Were they playing Canadian Rules?
I would have liked to have seen USC's speedier defense against UF's offense. I don't think that the Trojans would have fared too much better against the Gator defense though. USC couldn't run the ball against an above-average defense, forget about an outstanding one.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
BCS Championship Game
It's finally going to be played tomorrow night... I'll need to read the previews in SI and TSN before kickoff to remember the names of anyone besides Ohio State QB Troy Smith, WR Ted Ginn Jr., and Florida QB's Chris Leak and Tim Tebow. Oh, and New England WR Reche Caldwell's brother since CBS's Jim Nantz dropped that bit in during today's AFC Playoff Game.
My pick: Ohio State 33 (-8) Florida 20. The Buckeyes have been aggressive on offense this season in contrast to their 2001-2 Championship team. They've played against Northwestern's version of the spread offense and held Vince Young's Longhorns to 22 points in an early season game last year, so I think that they're more likely to contain Florida's offense than vice versa.
NFL Wildcards:
I figured that the Colts would win, but 0 first downs allowed in the first 40 minutes? Peyton had better get back on track with Marvin Harrison; they won't survive 3 INT's in Baltimore next week.
The Cowboys... John Madden tried to call for Romo to hit Witten in the back of the end zone, similar to Stabler hitting Dave Casper in OT against the Colts back in the 77.... his reminder that there's no such thing as a sure thing in the kicking game. Thus, the Seachickens were able to earn their first victory against a team with a winning record this season! Next up are the Bears, who have been showing Rex Grossman film of their 37-6 pounding of Seattle to try to restore his skills.
The Patriots pulled away from the Jets late, they will need similar balance and more big plays next week in San Diego. I'll definitely be watching that game on the wall.
The Eagles ran an awful lot, and ran effectively. It's been a few years since the Saints were in the playoffs, so I'm not sure how well they will perform. Their offense has a lot of options and creative play calling to take advantage of their skills.
My pick: Ohio State 33 (-8) Florida 20. The Buckeyes have been aggressive on offense this season in contrast to their 2001-2 Championship team. They've played against Northwestern's version of the spread offense and held Vince Young's Longhorns to 22 points in an early season game last year, so I think that they're more likely to contain Florida's offense than vice versa.
NFL Wildcards:
I figured that the Colts would win, but 0 first downs allowed in the first 40 minutes? Peyton had better get back on track with Marvin Harrison; they won't survive 3 INT's in Baltimore next week.
The Cowboys... John Madden tried to call for Romo to hit Witten in the back of the end zone, similar to Stabler hitting Dave Casper in OT against the Colts back in the 77.... his reminder that there's no such thing as a sure thing in the kicking game. Thus, the Seachickens were able to earn their first victory against a team with a winning record this season! Next up are the Bears, who have been showing Rex Grossman film of their 37-6 pounding of Seattle to try to restore his skills.
The Patriots pulled away from the Jets late, they will need similar balance and more big plays next week in San Diego. I'll definitely be watching that game on the wall.
The Eagles ran an awful lot, and ran effectively. It's been a few years since the Saints were in the playoffs, so I'm not sure how well they will perform. Their offense has a lot of options and creative play calling to take advantage of their skills.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Did Notre Dame deserve their BCS Berth?
ND lost decisively to 2 BCS teams, Michigan and USC. Thus, the 27-point margin of victory by LSU in its home state in the Sugar Bowl's return to New Orleans shouldn't be a surprise.
In terms of not deserving to being the BCS, lets look at facts.
1. Money drives the BCS.
A. ND is the "home" college football team for the Northeast Megalopolis from Washington to Boston. (Penn St. probably has a majority in Philly, but that is it.) How many Rutgers fans were there before this season? Growing up in NYC, the Scarlet Knights DIDN'T have highlights shown from their games, just the scores. BC has had its moments and is building a successful program, but is a "safety" school for ND applicants. Our nation's money is concentrated in the NE, so ND offers the ability to generate the money for the BCS bowls ($15 million PER bowl).
B. With the Plus-1 game and a limit of 2 teams per BCS Conference, there is a pretty good chance that a low-revenue team or two will earn a BCS berth. How many fans did Wake and its 4,500 student body bring to the Orange Bowl? Or Boise State to the Fiesta Bowl? ND could fill a bowl game in each time zone if it were to play that type of schedule during the length of the Bowl Season. A guaranteed revenue generator is needed to offset the likes of Louisville, Wake Forest, and Boise State.
C. How many regular season Division I-A college football games has NBC televised in the last 25 years that weren't at Notre Dame Stadium? ZERO. That number WOULDN'T be higher if CBS, FOX, or ABC had negotiated for the contract.
D. Of the teams in BCS Conferences that didn't make the BCS, which ones earned a spot? Texas lost twice in a row to close the season to Kansas St and AM. There was no guarantee that their BE was going to be back for the bowl game. ND beat Georgia Tech. Rutgers or West Virginia - you can't lose to the likes of Cincinnati or South Florida in November and lay claim to a BCS berth. Cal - Tennessee is still scoring Tads against them.
E. Matchups - The bowls pick the matchups. 1 v 2 in the Title Game. Big 10-Pac 10 in the Rose Bowl. ACC in Orange, SEC in Sugar, Big 12 in Fiesta. The Sugar picked first for the open slot (since it was played closest to the Title game) and picked the best money generator from Boise St, Notre Dame, Louisville, and the rest (LSU beat out the other 108 I-A teams to be their opponent as a substitution for Florida).
2. I don't like ND's "automatic" qualification for the BCS, do the Yankees get a playoff berth if they win 85 games regardless of what place they finish? That being said, ND players don't charge the field and windmill their helmets into the opposition like some players team captains do!
The answer: Yes.
From Zap2It Ratings for Tuesday Night's Louisville-Wake Forest Game:
TV viewers were more into "SVU" than the BCS Tuesday, allowing NBC to score a ratings win opposite FOX's college football.
NBC averaged an 8.6 rating/13 share for the night, scoring a fairly sizable victory over FOX, 6.4/10. CBS was a close third at 6.2/10. ABC came in fourth with a 3.9/6, and The CW trailed at 1.3/2.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, NBC's 4.1 rating was tops, beating out FOX's 3.4. CBS averaged 2.5, followed by ABC, 2.0, and The CW, 0.8.
Wednesday Night's Ratings post:
FOX won the night with a 9.0 rating/14 share among households. CBS finished second at 6.9/11, a point ahead of NBC's 5.9/9. ABC drew a 4.1/6, and The CW came in fifth with a 3.0/5.
College football also led FOX to the top among adults 18-49, where it scored a 4.9 rating. CBS finished second in the demographic with a 3.2. NBC was third at 3.0, followed by ABC, 2.5, and The CW, 2.2.
The Sugar Bowl, featuring LSU and Notre Dame, delivered an 8.4/13 for FOX at 8 p.m. "The King of Queens" and a "Two and a Half Men" repeat were second for CBS. "According to Jim" premiered on ABC with two episodes, averaging 4.6/7. NBC's "Friday Night Lights" drew a 4.3/7 in its Wednesday debut, on par with its average on Tuesdays. The season premiere of "Beauty and the Geek" on The CW earned a 2.8/4.
FOX's Sugar Bowl coverage jumped to a 9.3/14 at 9 p.m., holding off CBS' "Criminal Minds" rerun, 7.9/12. NBC moved up to third with "Deal or No Deal," 7.1/11. ABC dropped one spot with the premieres of "The Knights of Prosperity," 4.4/7, and "In Case of Emergency," 3.9/6. "Beauty and the Geek" improved a little on The CW.
The Sugar Bowl held steady for FOX at 10 p.m., posting a 9.3/15. A "CSI: NY" rerun on CBS was second at 7.1/12. "Medium," 6.3/10, put NBC in third, ahead of ABC's "Primetime."
In terms of not deserving to being the BCS, lets look at facts.
1. Money drives the BCS.
A. ND is the "home" college football team for the Northeast Megalopolis from Washington to Boston. (Penn St. probably has a majority in Philly, but that is it.) How many Rutgers fans were there before this season? Growing up in NYC, the Scarlet Knights DIDN'T have highlights shown from their games, just the scores. BC has had its moments and is building a successful program, but is a "safety" school for ND applicants. Our nation's money is concentrated in the NE, so ND offers the ability to generate the money for the BCS bowls ($15 million PER bowl).
B. With the Plus-1 game and a limit of 2 teams per BCS Conference, there is a pretty good chance that a low-revenue team or two will earn a BCS berth. How many fans did Wake and its 4,500 student body bring to the Orange Bowl? Or Boise State to the Fiesta Bowl? ND could fill a bowl game in each time zone if it were to play that type of schedule during the length of the Bowl Season. A guaranteed revenue generator is needed to offset the likes of Louisville, Wake Forest, and Boise State.
C. How many regular season Division I-A college football games has NBC televised in the last 25 years that weren't at Notre Dame Stadium? ZERO. That number WOULDN'T be higher if CBS, FOX, or ABC had negotiated for the contract.
D. Of the teams in BCS Conferences that didn't make the BCS, which ones earned a spot? Texas lost twice in a row to close the season to Kansas St and AM. There was no guarantee that their BE was going to be back for the bowl game. ND beat Georgia Tech. Rutgers or West Virginia - you can't lose to the likes of Cincinnati or South Florida in November and lay claim to a BCS berth. Cal - Tennessee is still scoring Tads against them.
E. Matchups - The bowls pick the matchups. 1 v 2 in the Title Game. Big 10-Pac 10 in the Rose Bowl. ACC in Orange, SEC in Sugar, Big 12 in Fiesta. The Sugar picked first for the open slot (since it was played closest to the Title game) and picked the best money generator from Boise St, Notre Dame, Louisville, and the rest (LSU beat out the other 108 I-A teams to be their opponent as a substitution for Florida).
2. I don't like ND's "automatic" qualification for the BCS, do the Yankees get a playoff berth if they win 85 games regardless of what place they finish? That being said, ND players don't charge the field and windmill their helmets into the opposition like some players team captains do!
The answer: Yes.
From Zap2It Ratings for Tuesday Night's Louisville-Wake Forest Game:
TV viewers were more into "SVU" than the BCS Tuesday, allowing NBC to score a ratings win opposite FOX's college football.
NBC averaged an 8.6 rating/13 share for the night, scoring a fairly sizable victory over FOX, 6.4/10. CBS was a close third at 6.2/10. ABC came in fourth with a 3.9/6, and The CW trailed at 1.3/2.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, NBC's 4.1 rating was tops, beating out FOX's 3.4. CBS averaged 2.5, followed by ABC, 2.0, and The CW, 0.8.
Wednesday Night's Ratings post:
FOX won the night with a 9.0 rating/14 share among households. CBS finished second at 6.9/11, a point ahead of NBC's 5.9/9. ABC drew a 4.1/6, and The CW came in fifth with a 3.0/5.
College football also led FOX to the top among adults 18-49, where it scored a 4.9 rating. CBS finished second in the demographic with a 3.2. NBC was third at 3.0, followed by ABC, 2.5, and The CW, 2.2.
The Sugar Bowl, featuring LSU and Notre Dame, delivered an 8.4/13 for FOX at 8 p.m. "The King of Queens" and a "Two and a Half Men" repeat were second for CBS. "According to Jim" premiered on ABC with two episodes, averaging 4.6/7. NBC's "Friday Night Lights" drew a 4.3/7 in its Wednesday debut, on par with its average on Tuesdays. The season premiere of "Beauty and the Geek" on The CW earned a 2.8/4.
FOX's Sugar Bowl coverage jumped to a 9.3/14 at 9 p.m., holding off CBS' "Criminal Minds" rerun, 7.9/12. NBC moved up to third with "Deal or No Deal," 7.1/11. ABC dropped one spot with the premieres of "The Knights of Prosperity," 4.4/7, and "In Case of Emergency," 3.9/6. "Beauty and the Geek" improved a little on The CW.
The Sugar Bowl held steady for FOX at 10 p.m., posting a 9.3/15. A "CSI: NY" rerun on CBS was second at 7.1/12. "Medium," 6.3/10, put NBC in third, ahead of ABC's "Primetime."
Thursday, December 28, 2006
NFC 6 Seed, Anyone? Anyone?
Can the NFL just cancel the NFC's #6 playoff seed this season? 5 teams are 7-8 heading into the final weekend; amazingly, none of them play one another. That means there could be a 7-9 playoff team for the first time in league history. And the late Lamar Hunt wanted to add two more playoff teams! It's the NFL, not the NHL!
The pretenders:
NY Giants - they have won once since November 5th, over a Carolina team that hadn't learned the best way to win with Chris Weinke at QB was to take him OFF the field on 3rd downs and run the single wing offense with an extra TE to block. The Giants are without a bunch of top players, they haven't been playing to the level of their opponent, the Redskins, the past 2 months. Outcome: LOSS.
St Louis - they face the Vikings, who amassed 3 first downs and about 100 yards last week in Green Bay. The Rams got close to that in OVERTIME last week against the Redskins. This game will be in a dome; outcome: WIN.
Carolina - last week they learned how to win with Chris Weinke at QB... bench him on 3rd downs to prevent the possibility of interceptions. He did throw a 1 TD pass for the winning margin in a 10-3 win over the Falcons. The bad news: they will need more than 1 TD to defeat the high-scoring Saints. Outcome: LOSS.
Atlanta - they couldn't extend Weinke's losing streak to 18 games because they were as bad offensively. The Eagles are due for a letdown after sweeping all 3 NFC East rivals on the road, but the division title is in sight for them and I don't see the Falcons showing up ready to play in this one. Outcome: LOSS.
Green Bay - they'll know their fate when they take the field in the PrimeTime Game on NBC. The Bears didn't play last season's "meaningless" finale to win, will they do the same this year? Outcome: WIN.
SEATTLE - they are 8-7 and clinched their division title the Mike Tice way - by losing! They dropped games to powerhouses Arizona and San Francisco before coming from ahead to lose to San Diego last week. Aizona's victory over SF clinched the division title for Seattle, will they show up to play in Tampa, on the East Coast? Outcome: LOSS. The result: an 8-8 division champion to host a 9-7 or 10-6 wild card team (PHI or DAL)!
The pretenders:
NY Giants - they have won once since November 5th, over a Carolina team that hadn't learned the best way to win with Chris Weinke at QB was to take him OFF the field on 3rd downs and run the single wing offense with an extra TE to block. The Giants are without a bunch of top players, they haven't been playing to the level of their opponent, the Redskins, the past 2 months. Outcome: LOSS.
St Louis - they face the Vikings, who amassed 3 first downs and about 100 yards last week in Green Bay. The Rams got close to that in OVERTIME last week against the Redskins. This game will be in a dome; outcome: WIN.
Carolina - last week they learned how to win with Chris Weinke at QB... bench him on 3rd downs to prevent the possibility of interceptions. He did throw a 1 TD pass for the winning margin in a 10-3 win over the Falcons. The bad news: they will need more than 1 TD to defeat the high-scoring Saints. Outcome: LOSS.
Atlanta - they couldn't extend Weinke's losing streak to 18 games because they were as bad offensively. The Eagles are due for a letdown after sweeping all 3 NFC East rivals on the road, but the division title is in sight for them and I don't see the Falcons showing up ready to play in this one. Outcome: LOSS.
Green Bay - they'll know their fate when they take the field in the PrimeTime Game on NBC. The Bears didn't play last season's "meaningless" finale to win, will they do the same this year? Outcome: WIN.
SEATTLE - they are 8-7 and clinched their division title the Mike Tice way - by losing! They dropped games to powerhouses Arizona and San Francisco before coming from ahead to lose to San Diego last week. Aizona's victory over SF clinched the division title for Seattle, will they show up to play in Tampa, on the East Coast? Outcome: LOSS. The result: an 8-8 division champion to host a 9-7 or 10-6 wild card team (PHI or DAL)!
Friday, December 01, 2006
Justin Timberlake?
What is CBS thinking having him perform next week during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show? Don't they remember what happened the last time that he appeared on national TV with a woman not wearing much clothing, maybe even some Victoria's Secret clothing? Carolina v. New England in the Super Bowl... a Super Bowl that aired on CBS!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Baseball HOF Voting
Mark McGwire - no way. He hit a very significant portion (42%) of his career home runs between 1996 and 1999 while he was on the juice. He had to be on the juice, the only logical conclusion one could draw following his Congressional Testimony before the 2005 season "I'm not here to talk about the past." His career numbers from 1987 to 1995 weren't above average for the league. He had some nice home run totals, but didn't hit for a respectable average from 1989-91 (.235 OR LESS). He missed most of 1993 and 1994 due to injuries. When the steriod wing of the Hall of Fame opens in Tijuana (late Padres 3B Ken Caminiti's source), McGwire can be inducted in the innaugural class. Similarly, hit leader Pete Rose can go in with Joe Jackson to the Vegas wing.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Thanksgiving Football
There is a third game in the 8ET timeslot. It's Denver at Kansas City, of note is an AFC team hosting a game. It will air on the NFL Network (available in HD depending on satellite/cable service provider) instead of broadcast or ESPN (though I think the DEN and KC network affiliates will have the opportunity to air the game locally. I wonder if it will draw a higher rating than the lame Lions in the 12ET time slot.
12:30 PM ET - Miami 23 Detroit 10. I'm wondering if the NFL is going to cancel the Lions' hosting Thanksgiving football if GM Matt Millen isn't gone before the next schedule is made. Maybe they can threaten Detroit with Flex Scheduling for THEIR Thanksgiving game. I'm not too disappointed that I'll be in the car for the start of this game!
4:15 PM ET - Dallas 27 Tampa Bay 13. Tampa will have to come up with a Herculean effort to defeat the surging Cowboys. I fear having to listen to Joe Buck announce this game.
I'm not surprised by Cowboy PK Mike Vanderjagt's struggles, search for his name (CTRL-F) in my post following the Steelers-Colts game last season:
http://webjavaworld.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_webjavaworld_archive.html
2005 Playoffs - Steelers 20, Colts 17. MV missed way wide right at end of regulation (46 yds)
2004 Opener - Patriots 30, Colts 27. MV missed way wide right at end of regulation (44 yds)
2000 Playoffs - MV missed way wide right in overtime (42 yds).
Once, an isolated incident. Twice, a trend. Three times, ... Houston, we have a problem.
8:00 ET Denver 23 Kansas City 17. Al Davis can't be happy that the AFC West rivalry being showcased in this one doesn't involve his Raiders, but I can't remember the last time they won an AFC West game. OK, it was in the snow against the Broncos in 2004 (the snow is the only reason I remember that). The Broncos were ambushed by LaDanian Tomlinson and the Chargers in the second half last week, the East Coast newspaper audience had to think that the writers just changed some names and numebrs from the Cincinnati game the week before! QB Jake Plummer hasn't played well this season and needs to rediscover his 2005 form.
BCS - Michigan played well enough in my mind that they could end up behind USC, Florida, Arkansas, or maybe West Virginia should those teams win out. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, college football polling isn't like a golf competition where a low score can be posted early and hold up on its own merit. USC, Florida, and Arkansas all have games left against good (UCLA, Florida State) and excellent (Notre Dame, LSU, Ark-Fla: each other) teams on their schedule that offer the opportunity to leave a strong impression with the voters. The challengers to #2 ranked according to the probability they can pass Michigan:
USC - Still has to win two more games, and this team has been winning ugly. They called on a backup kicker to kick a 49-yard field goal to tie up Cal at 9-9 in the 3rd quarter. Their last TD came on a 4th and 2 downfield pass (I was happy to see a formation with WR's in it, unlike last year's alignment agianst Texas).
Fla - They cleaned up on Western Carolina last week. I-AA opponent? This week's game against FSU shouldn't be a difficult victory, even if it's a rivalry game.
WV - Their one loss was on the road to Louisville, stud RB Steve Slaton was injured in the second half, they fell behind while he was out. If they beat Rutgers at home they might (unlikely based on current BCS rankings) challenge the Wolverines.
Ark - They lost 50-14 to USC, and their SEC road wasn't as challenging as Florida's.
ND - They won't be able to overcome their 47-21 loss to Michigan; the Wolverines are in the BCS clubhouse ahead of the Irish.
12:30 PM ET - Miami 23 Detroit 10. I'm wondering if the NFL is going to cancel the Lions' hosting Thanksgiving football if GM Matt Millen isn't gone before the next schedule is made. Maybe they can threaten Detroit with Flex Scheduling for THEIR Thanksgiving game. I'm not too disappointed that I'll be in the car for the start of this game!
4:15 PM ET - Dallas 27 Tampa Bay 13. Tampa will have to come up with a Herculean effort to defeat the surging Cowboys. I fear having to listen to Joe Buck announce this game.
I'm not surprised by Cowboy PK Mike Vanderjagt's struggles, search for his name (CTRL-F) in my post following the Steelers-Colts game last season:
http://webjavaworld.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_webjavaworld_archive.html
2005 Playoffs - Steelers 20, Colts 17. MV missed way wide right at end of regulation (46 yds)
2004 Opener - Patriots 30, Colts 27. MV missed way wide right at end of regulation (44 yds)
2000 Playoffs - MV missed way wide right in overtime (42 yds).
Once, an isolated incident. Twice, a trend. Three times, ... Houston, we have a problem.
8:00 ET Denver 23 Kansas City 17. Al Davis can't be happy that the AFC West rivalry being showcased in this one doesn't involve his Raiders, but I can't remember the last time they won an AFC West game. OK, it was in the snow against the Broncos in 2004 (the snow is the only reason I remember that). The Broncos were ambushed by LaDanian Tomlinson and the Chargers in the second half last week, the East Coast newspaper audience had to think that the writers just changed some names and numebrs from the Cincinnati game the week before! QB Jake Plummer hasn't played well this season and needs to rediscover his 2005 form.
BCS - Michigan played well enough in my mind that they could end up behind USC, Florida, Arkansas, or maybe West Virginia should those teams win out. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, college football polling isn't like a golf competition where a low score can be posted early and hold up on its own merit. USC, Florida, and Arkansas all have games left against good (UCLA, Florida State) and excellent (Notre Dame, LSU, Ark-Fla: each other) teams on their schedule that offer the opportunity to leave a strong impression with the voters. The challengers to #2 ranked according to the probability they can pass Michigan:
USC - Still has to win two more games, and this team has been winning ugly. They called on a backup kicker to kick a 49-yard field goal to tie up Cal at 9-9 in the 3rd quarter. Their last TD came on a 4th and 2 downfield pass (I was happy to see a formation with WR's in it, unlike last year's alignment agianst Texas).
Fla - They cleaned up on Western Carolina last week. I-AA opponent? This week's game against FSU shouldn't be a difficult victory, even if it's a rivalry game.
WV - Their one loss was on the road to Louisville, stud RB Steve Slaton was injured in the second half, they fell behind while he was out. If they beat Rutgers at home they might (unlikely based on current BCS rankings) challenge the Wolverines.
Ark - They lost 50-14 to USC, and their SEC road wasn't as challenging as Florida's.
ND - They won't be able to overcome their 47-21 loss to Michigan; the Wolverines are in the BCS clubhouse ahead of the Irish.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
BCS Analysis and Forecast
#1 Ohio State v. #2 Michigan - The winner is in the title game, the loser goes to the Rose Bowl unless every other Division 1 team has at least 2 losses. The loser might be #2, but I don't think that it has distinguished itself so much from the other 115 Div I-A teams to get two shots at the #1 team before the other 1-loss teams get a 1st (save for ND v. Michigan rematch. If Ohio State is competitive w/ the Wolverines and ND is 10-1, then I would consider a rematch since ND was trounced by Michigan).
#3 USC - I think that they are correctly ranked here. I am a fan, but believe that their non-conference schedule of likely SEC West Champ Arkansas, likely Big 12 North Champ Nebraska, and Notre Dame (see #5) more than overcomes the difference between the Pac-10 and the SEC, Big 10, etc. That being said, I don't see this team winning its reamining 3 games in LA. Cal, Notre Dame, and UCLA are all much better than the triumverate of Arizona State, Washington State, and Washington, all of whom were within a TD of USC in the 4th quarter and had possession of the football.
#4 Florida - They have stumbled since their loss to Auburn but have avoided a second loss. Non-conference schedule: Florida State (which hasn't lost LESS than 4 games since 2000), Southern Miss (ok), Central Florida (?), and Western Carolina (??). No non-conference games against a quality BCS conference team? Did Bill Snyder of Kansas State make this schedule?
#5 Notre Dame - Beat Georgia Tech, tops in ACC. 3-1 against the Big 11, but was mauled by Michigan 47-21, so I don't like the idea of putting them in a rematch. 2-0 against the Pac 10 w/ USC remaining. 2-0 against the Service Academies w/ Army remaining. They might want to look into playing SEC teams more frequently to take away some the SEC fodder "it's the best conference"... they don't (need to play) Army and Air Force every year.
#6 Rutgers - This probably is where they should be until we see them play West Virginia. Before any of their supporters point out that they defeated Illinois by 33 while Ohio State won by 7, they only beat a horrific North Carolina team by 5. The Big East is easliy the weakest of all the BCS conferences and Rutgers' non-conference schedule isn't that tough (Hey Florida, at least it has some BCS conference teams!): North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Howard, and Navy. Navy is the only team heading to a bowl, but they don't earn many of the required 6 wins against BCS conference teams.
#7 Arkansas - They were taken behind the woodshed by USC in their opener 50-14. The rest of the non-conference slate: Utah St. (?), SE Mo St.(??), Lousiana Monroe (???). They are probably even with Notre Dame in my mind.
#8 West Virginia - I think that they will defeat Rutgers at home. Many BCS suits will be pulling for them as well to prevent the playoff talk that will erupt if an undefeated Rutgers team is displaced in the title game by a 1-loss USC, Florida, or Notre Dame team.
This season is a great example to me of why a playoff isn't in college football's best interest. USC had 1 too many turnovers against Oregon State and had no shot at the championship game until FOUR 1-loss teams lost last Saturday. Florida's lackluster non-conference schedule has it behind a similar 1-loss USC team. Rutgers is undefeated, but there might be more than 3 undefeated Div I-A teams if they played the Scarlet Knights' schedule. I'd be intrigued by a 12-0 Rutgers team, I need to see that first.
Forecast:
#1 Ohio State over Michigan (Jim Tressel owns the Wolverines the way they owned John Cooper).
#3 USC loses at least once to Cal, ND, or UCLA.
#4 Florida wins out over Western Carloina, Florida State, and Arkansas.
#5 Notre Dame wins out.. If the over/under for USC is in the 50s, go under. The two offenses will try to limit the amount of time their defenses are on the field.
#6 Rutgers - loses to West Virginia.
#7 Arkansas - loses to LSU and Florida.
Title Game - Ohio State v. Florida (****FOX, PLEASE SPARE US FROM JOE BUCK. JUST ONCE!****)
#3 USC - I think that they are correctly ranked here. I am a fan, but believe that their non-conference schedule of likely SEC West Champ Arkansas, likely Big 12 North Champ Nebraska, and Notre Dame (see #5) more than overcomes the difference between the Pac-10 and the SEC, Big 10, etc. That being said, I don't see this team winning its reamining 3 games in LA. Cal, Notre Dame, and UCLA are all much better than the triumverate of Arizona State, Washington State, and Washington, all of whom were within a TD of USC in the 4th quarter and had possession of the football.
#4 Florida - They have stumbled since their loss to Auburn but have avoided a second loss. Non-conference schedule: Florida State (which hasn't lost LESS than 4 games since 2000), Southern Miss (ok), Central Florida (?), and Western Carolina (??). No non-conference games against a quality BCS conference team? Did Bill Snyder of Kansas State make this schedule?
#5 Notre Dame - Beat Georgia Tech, tops in ACC. 3-1 against the Big 11, but was mauled by Michigan 47-21, so I don't like the idea of putting them in a rematch. 2-0 against the Pac 10 w/ USC remaining. 2-0 against the Service Academies w/ Army remaining. They might want to look into playing SEC teams more frequently to take away some the SEC fodder "it's the best conference"... they don't (need to play) Army and Air Force every year.
#6 Rutgers - This probably is where they should be until we see them play West Virginia. Before any of their supporters point out that they defeated Illinois by 33 while Ohio State won by 7, they only beat a horrific North Carolina team by 5. The Big East is easliy the weakest of all the BCS conferences and Rutgers' non-conference schedule isn't that tough (Hey Florida, at least it has some BCS conference teams!): North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Howard, and Navy. Navy is the only team heading to a bowl, but they don't earn many of the required 6 wins against BCS conference teams.
#7 Arkansas - They were taken behind the woodshed by USC in their opener 50-14. The rest of the non-conference slate: Utah St. (?), SE Mo St.(??), Lousiana Monroe (???). They are probably even with Notre Dame in my mind.
#8 West Virginia - I think that they will defeat Rutgers at home. Many BCS suits will be pulling for them as well to prevent the playoff talk that will erupt if an undefeated Rutgers team is displaced in the title game by a 1-loss USC, Florida, or Notre Dame team.
This season is a great example to me of why a playoff isn't in college football's best interest. USC had 1 too many turnovers against Oregon State and had no shot at the championship game until FOUR 1-loss teams lost last Saturday. Florida's lackluster non-conference schedule has it behind a similar 1-loss USC team. Rutgers is undefeated, but there might be more than 3 undefeated Div I-A teams if they played the Scarlet Knights' schedule. I'd be intrigued by a 12-0 Rutgers team, I need to see that first.
Forecast:
#1 Ohio State over Michigan (Jim Tressel owns the Wolverines the way they owned John Cooper).
#3 USC loses at least once to Cal, ND, or UCLA.
#4 Florida wins out over Western Carloina, Florida State, and Arkansas.
#5 Notre Dame wins out.. If the over/under for USC is in the 50s, go under. The two offenses will try to limit the amount of time their defenses are on the field.
#6 Rutgers - loses to West Virginia.
#7 Arkansas - loses to LSU and Florida.
Title Game - Ohio State v. Florida (****FOX, PLEASE SPARE US FROM JOE BUCK. JUST ONCE!****)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
R.I.P. John F. Kerry
This JFK is a complete IDIOT. I've heard hime attempt to tell jokes and his delivery of "Stuck in Iraq" doesn't sound at all like his joke-telling delivery, honed over the course of his 60-year (estimated) life. I'm not satisfied with our current President, but every time a reporter puts a microphone in front of Kerry, he gives me another reason to be satisfied with the 2004 Presidential Election result. Listening to JFK explain the losers, dummies, and disadvantaged that serve in our military, I have no idea how our military was able to win WWI or WWII. The way that JFK sees things, our military is the equivalent of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, MLB's Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and the NBA's/Isiah Thomas' New York Knicks. But our country TRULY VALUES patriotism, something that clearly escapes JFK. MY QUESTION: How does he not grasp the concept of patriotism after serving in the Armed Forces and then holding office in our national government for the past 20+ years? "Reporting for Duty" at the 2004 DNC Convention, YEAH RIGHT! He ought to retreat to one of his mansions NOW and spend a lot of time fishing, windsurfing, skiing, golfing, SUV touring, etc. What are the Jerry Lewis Telethon info-babes at MSNBC going to do with this one? Especially since JFK won't apologize! They had better find some cheerleading outfits complete w/ pom-pom's if they aren't going to report this event with zeal. Stick a fork in you JFK, you are done. Will Massachusetts have the dignity to run a different candidate for Senate in 2008 when JFK's term is up? Too bad it's a rhetorical question.
Monday, October 30, 2006
The Dark Season is Here
The end of Daylight Savings means that the sun goes down to early. I'll be ready to spring ahead in a couple of weeks!
World Series - The Tigers finally played their age and experience level. They didn't need the DH, they needed a DF... their pitchers set a record with 5 errors in 5 games, 1 in each! National TV ratings were down, I'm not surprised since neither DET or STL is a huge TV market, and the Tigers certainly haven't been maintaining their fan base over the past 15 years. Add in the 8:30 first pitch times, Joe Buck (I've never liked), Tim McCarver (I like him but I know that most don't), 2:30 between innings and pitching changes, and it's no surprise that ratings are down. Next year the WS starts on a TUE, I'm figuring that there will be a 3-day shift to the right to include a travel day in between games 4 and 5 in the first round. The other 2 days, I guess 1 before the start of the playoffs and 1 between the LCS and the WS. I've heard that TBS will have an LCS and FOX will have one similar to the NBA arrangement w/ ESPN and TNT; hopefully that will be an improvement.
NFL Sunday Ticket should be comp'ed for any fan that goes to 1 Raider OR 49er game in person. The 49ers fell behind to CHI 41-0 in first half before making the final score a respectable 41-10! The Niners must have been blinded by those orange jerseys. The Raiders were sacked more often than they completed a pass (6 to 5). They finished with 14 yards passing, 98 yards of total offense. Their offense earned more first downs (5) by penalty than by actually gaining yardage (4). Most importantly, their defense had 1 less catch (4) than the offense (5) and OUTGAINED that offense on one play! Two INT returns for TDs (100, 24) were enough to beat the Steelers 20-13. I listened to the DEN-IND game on the radio to remember what a quality NFL game sounds like.
Good Games This Week:
NCAA: #3 West Virginia at #5 Louisville 7:30 ET Thursday on ESPN HD
NFL: Indianapolis (7-0) at New England (6-1) 8:00 ET Sunday on NBC HD
World Series - The Tigers finally played their age and experience level. They didn't need the DH, they needed a DF... their pitchers set a record with 5 errors in 5 games, 1 in each! National TV ratings were down, I'm not surprised since neither DET or STL is a huge TV market, and the Tigers certainly haven't been maintaining their fan base over the past 15 years. Add in the 8:30 first pitch times, Joe Buck (I've never liked), Tim McCarver (I like him but I know that most don't), 2:30 between innings and pitching changes, and it's no surprise that ratings are down. Next year the WS starts on a TUE, I'm figuring that there will be a 3-day shift to the right to include a travel day in between games 4 and 5 in the first round. The other 2 days, I guess 1 before the start of the playoffs and 1 between the LCS and the WS. I've heard that TBS will have an LCS and FOX will have one similar to the NBA arrangement w/ ESPN and TNT; hopefully that will be an improvement.
NFL Sunday Ticket should be comp'ed for any fan that goes to 1 Raider OR 49er game in person. The 49ers fell behind to CHI 41-0 in first half before making the final score a respectable 41-10! The Niners must have been blinded by those orange jerseys. The Raiders were sacked more often than they completed a pass (6 to 5). They finished with 14 yards passing, 98 yards of total offense. Their offense earned more first downs (5) by penalty than by actually gaining yardage (4). Most importantly, their defense had 1 less catch (4) than the offense (5) and OUTGAINED that offense on one play! Two INT returns for TDs (100, 24) were enough to beat the Steelers 20-13. I listened to the DEN-IND game on the radio to remember what a quality NFL game sounds like.
Good Games This Week:
NCAA: #3 West Virginia at #5 Louisville 7:30 ET Thursday on ESPN HD
NFL: Indianapolis (7-0) at New England (6-1) 8:00 ET Sunday on NBC HD
Monday, October 23, 2006
Kenny Rogers Pine Tar Roasters
What bothers me the most about this escapade is how soft we've become. It was ok, since he washed the stuff off his hand after the first inning. The Cardinals didn't complain... why? They didn't want to offend the other team's fans? These are the fans that burn their cities, incite riots w/ NBA players, etc. Manager Tony LaRussa should have bolted from the dugout moments after FOX slow-mo'd the close-ups on Rogers' hand. It was apparent in SD that he had something on his pitching hand. I know that it was football weather and not baseball weather, but then document the rules properly for substances allowed on pitcher's hands when the game time temp is less than 40F in swirling rain, sleet, and snow at night. Until then, no hitter should dig in lest one of those pitchers not be able to grip his pitch through the windup to the release point.
West Coast College Football Rant
HD Football availability on the West Coast for ESPN on ABC.
Is essentially 0. While the rest of the nation was able to watch Texas v. Nebraska in HD last Saturday, the West Coast was stuck w/ San Jose St v. Nevada in SD. Is there any means of allowing/enabling/encouraging the West Coast affiliates to air HD Sports feeds on their HD Channels, for both broadcast and cable/satellite providers? I checked the cartoons that were on at 9:30 am PT; those weren't in HD, so it's not as if any alternative programming would be diminished by airing HD sports in its place. That's just one example. Most of the regional 8ET/5PT games have the west coast game in SD and the rest of the nation able to see HD. (Check the map at http://espn-att.starwave.com/espntv/topics/coveragemaps/map102106_12.jpg) The HD games should be simulcast in HD on the west coast affiliates when the regional game won't be broadcast in HD. An HD set, tuner, and subscription is an expensive investment, and the inability to watch HD programming because a viewer lives west of the Rocky Mountains is ridiculous. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Is essentially 0. While the rest of the nation was able to watch Texas v. Nebraska in HD last Saturday, the West Coast was stuck w/ San Jose St v. Nevada in SD. Is there any means of allowing/enabling/encouraging the West Coast affiliates to air HD Sports feeds on their HD Channels, for both broadcast and cable/satellite providers? I checked the cartoons that were on at 9:30 am PT; those weren't in HD, so it's not as if any alternative programming would be diminished by airing HD sports in its place. That's just one example. Most of the regional 8ET/5PT games have the west coast game in SD and the rest of the nation able to see HD. (Check the map at http://espn-att.starwave.com/espntv/topics/coveragemaps/map102106_12.jpg) The HD games should be simulcast in HD on the west coast affiliates when the regional game won't be broadcast in HD. An HD set, tuner, and subscription is an expensive investment, and the inability to watch HD programming because a viewer lives west of the Rocky Mountains is ridiculous. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Kenny Rogers Roasters
Detroit is turning to the 41-year old who hasn't allowed a run in his 2 postseason starts to even the World Series at 1. The game tonight figures to have some interesting plays in it because of the wintery conditions (snow flurries, rain, sleet?, temps in the low 30's). I think the Tigers will win, I don't see their bats being stymied by the Cardinals rotation over the duration of the series. I'll miss Scott Spezio's Cardinal Red Goatee after the series ends.
Oakland - The A's pennance for not taking the tarps off the upper deck of McAffee Colesium was losing in 4 straight. It's too bad that Raider owner Al Davis didn't force his team to win a game before ok'ing sodding over the infield dirt.
New York - The Corey Lidle tragedy took the attention away from 3B Alex Rodriguez. The Mets got to Game 7 of the LCS despite losing SPs Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez right before the playoffs and LF Cliff Floyd during them. Unfortunatley, PH-1B Julio Franco was starting to look his age (48) at the plate in the playoffs.
NCAA - What was Miami HC Larry Coker watching during the fight between his team and FIU? He needs to check the tape to see what really happened? Did he need binoculars to see a helmet being used as part of aroundhouse right to an opposing player? Does he rememeber broadcaster Keith Jackson's comments during an on-field fracas between Miami and Colorado 10-15 years ago "If this is what college football is about now-adays, I'm not sure that I want to be associated with it". The Hurricanes barely beat Duke this weekend, and if the Orange Bowl would be 75% empty for a couple of games that would be nice (it was half-empty for the FIU game).
NBA - Stephen Jackson of the Pacers fired his handgun after leaving a men's entertainment club in the wee hours of the morning. This guy doesn't seem to have had success improving his judgment skills since charging into the stands behind Ron Artest at the Palace a couple of years ago.
NFL - 8:30 ESPN MNF Dallas (-3) 27 NY Giants 20. The home team generally wins this series, TO is happy (at least for a week), and the Giants have a bad tendency this season to fall far behind early in the game.
Oakland - The A's pennance for not taking the tarps off the upper deck of McAffee Colesium was losing in 4 straight. It's too bad that Raider owner Al Davis didn't force his team to win a game before ok'ing sodding over the infield dirt.
New York - The Corey Lidle tragedy took the attention away from 3B Alex Rodriguez. The Mets got to Game 7 of the LCS despite losing SPs Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez right before the playoffs and LF Cliff Floyd during them. Unfortunatley, PH-1B Julio Franco was starting to look his age (48) at the plate in the playoffs.
NCAA - What was Miami HC Larry Coker watching during the fight between his team and FIU? He needs to check the tape to see what really happened? Did he need binoculars to see a helmet being used as part of aroundhouse right to an opposing player? Does he rememeber broadcaster Keith Jackson's comments during an on-field fracas between Miami and Colorado 10-15 years ago "If this is what college football is about now-adays, I'm not sure that I want to be associated with it". The Hurricanes barely beat Duke this weekend, and if the Orange Bowl would be 75% empty for a couple of games that would be nice (it was half-empty for the FIU game).
NBA - Stephen Jackson of the Pacers fired his handgun after leaving a men's entertainment club in the wee hours of the morning. This guy doesn't seem to have had success improving his judgment skills since charging into the stands behind Ron Artest at the Palace a couple of years ago.
NFL - 8:30 ESPN MNF Dallas (-3) 27 NY Giants 20. The home team generally wins this series, TO is happy (at least for a week), and the Giants have a bad tendency this season to fall far behind early in the game.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Division Series Observations
The Yankees face an elimination game against the Tigers and have shaken up their lineup a bit. Highest-paid free agent from the 2001 off-season, 1B/DH Jason Giambi ($119M/7 yrs) is on the bench. Highest-paid free agent from the 2000 off-season, 3B Alex Rodriguez ($250M/10 yrs) is hitting 8th. A-Rod hasn't hit 8th since his first full season in the major leagues. I wonder if George had Torre ask Sheffield if he wanted to try 3B again (his position when Julio Franco was only in his 30s).
The A's broke their ALDS jinx, the tarps over the upper-deck in McAffee Colesium must have been the key. They don't plan on taking the tarps off for the ALCS either. I don't understand it from a financial standpoint, the lower 2 levels sold out right away for the ALDS.
The Padres finally took a lead today, they even retired 1B Albert Pujols in a couple of dangerous situations to keep their lead through the 8th.
Auburn lost to Arkansas this afternoon when the Tigers couldn't prevent big plays, add them to the list of teams that need help to reach the BCS title game.
TO returns to the field in Philadelphia tomorrow with Dallas. The fans who booed Santa Claus will provide plenty of entertainment for the viewers and temptation for TO, how will he respond?
The A's broke their ALDS jinx, the tarps over the upper-deck in McAffee Colesium must have been the key. They don't plan on taking the tarps off for the ALCS either. I don't understand it from a financial standpoint, the lower 2 levels sold out right away for the ALDS.
The Padres finally took a lead today, they even retired 1B Albert Pujols in a couple of dangerous situations to keep their lead through the 8th.
Auburn lost to Arkansas this afternoon when the Tigers couldn't prevent big plays, add them to the list of teams that need help to reach the BCS title game.
TO returns to the field in Philadelphia tomorrow with Dallas. The fans who booed Santa Claus will provide plenty of entertainment for the viewers and temptation for TO, how will he respond?
Monday, October 02, 2006
October Baseball
The first postseason since 1991 that won't include the Atlanta Braves begins tomorrow. The last time that happened, I was in college, Ross Perot wasn't a household name, Julio Franco was an everyday player winning a batting title, ESPN2 didn't exist, let alone ESPNEWS, ESPNU, or ESPN360! SP John Smoltz was the only player on all 14 division winning teams, and his long-time Braves teammates Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine wil face one another when the Mets and Dodgers play Game 2 of their division series. Television note of interest: the Yankees-Tigers series will be at 8 ET for all 5 games, why wouldn't FOX try to get the top 2 media markets (NYM vs. LAD) into the prime-time slot instead of all Yankees all the time. I mean, Tim McCarver is aware that other baseball teams exist. He's not former Yanke broadcaster Phil Rizzuto who talked more about Italian dinners than baseball during 1980's casts. It's too bad that the Tigers limped to the finish line one heartbeat faster than the Cardinals and will likely only play 3 games in October.
NY Mets over LA Dodgers in 5 - I can't remember teh last meaningful games that the Mets played... can they?
SD Padres over StL Cardinals in 4 - If the Cardinals and Tigers played a game right now, would either team win?
NY Yankees over Det Tigers in 3 - See above.
Minnesota over Oakland in 5 - The Twins are a solid team and can score runs more ways than Oakland can.
NFL - Titans DT Albert Haynesworth should have been suspended for the rest of the season for Leattnering an opposing player with his cleats in the head. The bandage on the Cowboys player was the size of a PGA putting green!
Patriots - not dead yet. They Cowboy'ed up and took out the Bengals to stay ahead of the rest of the lackluster AFC East. Maroney ripped off some good runs, Brady had his mind in the game, and the defense silenced the powerful Bengal offense.
TO - was quiet off the field and all posts pertaining to him will be of that varitey. He brought it upon himself, he's now a circus attraction with a sideshow for 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon.
NY Mets over LA Dodgers in 5 - I can't remember teh last meaningful games that the Mets played... can they?
SD Padres over StL Cardinals in 4 - If the Cardinals and Tigers played a game right now, would either team win?
NY Yankees over Det Tigers in 3 - See above.
Minnesota over Oakland in 5 - The Twins are a solid team and can score runs more ways than Oakland can.
NFL - Titans DT Albert Haynesworth should have been suspended for the rest of the season for Leattnering an opposing player with his cleats in the head. The bandage on the Cowboys player was the size of a PGA putting green!
Patriots - not dead yet. They Cowboy'ed up and took out the Bengals to stay ahead of the rest of the lackluster AFC East. Maroney ripped off some good runs, Brady had his mind in the game, and the defense silenced the powerful Bengal offense.
TO - was quiet off the field and all posts pertaining to him will be of that varitey. He brought it upon himself, he's now a circus attraction with a sideshow for 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Mr. Clinton and some light fare
I was able to view Mr. Clinton's appearance on the Fox New Channel Sunday in between the NFL games and was disappointed and unsurprised. He expressed the same anger as when asked about Monica Lewinsky and wagged his finger at Chris Wallace as only he and 1B Rafael Palmeiro can. Then he went on and on about trying... when in reality under his command the U.S. never responded to continuing attacks by the Islamic fascists. WTC in 93, Khobar Towers in 96, African Embassies in 98, USS COLE in 2000. His idea was to try the first batch of WTC bombers in court, as a legal matter, not a military one. That didn't do much to deter future attacks. Killing the people responsible would, that is what we are doing now, and it is necessary. Would courtrooms have been successful against the Japanese or Germans? This post would be in a different language if we tried that strategy.
On the lighter side - watched Studio 60 this week. They are poking fun at all things conservative, don't know how long I'll be able to watch the show. I'll remind myself that it's healthy to laugh at oneself.
KAS - thanks for the link to prompt this post. MSNBC - I'll have it on when they have one of their attractive info-babes (Roback, Witt, Brewer, etc) reading the news for a pleasent background noise. Olbermann is interesting talking about sports but why he can't apply the same logic when thinking about current events is an unsolved mystery.
NFL - The Patriots are vulnerable, but Miami isn't taking advantage with new QB Daunte Culpepper struggling. The Jets and Bills are surprisingly strong so the AFC East may be an interesting race.
TO - I heard the 911 audio and don't buy his explanation. Best commentary that I heard was from SF radio host Ralph Barberi - TO's therapist should be the one talking but the problem is that TO doesn't have a therapist. The man needs help, is he smart enough to seek it and follow it?
NCAA - Auburn edged South Carolina tonight 24-17 to stay undefeated. Of note, South Carolina ran 0, that's not a typo, zero, offensive plays in the 3rd quarter. Auburn ran 4 in the 4th quarter, the 4th being the kneel down after stopping the potential game-tying drive at the 6 yard line in the final seconds.
MLB
On the lighter side - watched Studio 60 this week. They are poking fun at all things conservative, don't know how long I'll be able to watch the show. I'll remind myself that it's healthy to laugh at oneself.
KAS - thanks for the link to prompt this post. MSNBC - I'll have it on when they have one of their attractive info-babes (Roback, Witt, Brewer, etc) reading the news for a pleasent background noise. Olbermann is interesting talking about sports but why he can't apply the same logic when thinking about current events is an unsolved mystery.
NFL - The Patriots are vulnerable, but Miami isn't taking advantage with new QB Daunte Culpepper struggling. The Jets and Bills are surprisingly strong so the AFC East may be an interesting race.
TO - I heard the 911 audio and don't buy his explanation. Best commentary that I heard was from SF radio host Ralph Barberi - TO's therapist should be the one talking but the problem is that TO doesn't have a therapist. The man needs help, is he smart enough to seek it and follow it?
NCAA - Auburn edged South Carolina tonight 24-17 to stay undefeated. Of note, South Carolina ran 0, that's not a typo, zero, offensive plays in the 3rd quarter. Auburn ran 4 in the 4th quarter, the 4th being the kneel down after stopping the potential game-tying drive at the 6 yard line in the final seconds.
MLB
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