This year's college football season is nearing its end. With that comes the announcement of the BCS bowl games and other bowl games. I am particularly disappointed as I think any football fan should be in this year's BCS games. Here is a breakdown of the five BCS Games and their increasingly disappointing format.
BCS National Championship Game:
No.1 Alabama vs No.2 Texas.
Personally I was hoping either Boise or TCU would get the second bid. It was clear that the SEC Champion would be in this game, and I had picked them at the half way point of the season. I do believe that Texas and Colt McCoy should have a chance at this game. Other than the dibocle at the end of the Big Twelve Championship game, Texas has earned the right to play in this game. And with McCoy a Heisman finalist at the helm, I doubt anyone can deny the appeal of two big name schools with two Heisman finalists.
Rose Bowl
No.7 Oregon vs. No.8 OSU
No surprises here. The conference buy-ins put these two teams against each other. Truly I think that the winner of this game has the most to gain as far as post season rankings are concerned. Also I believe that is will most likely be the most entertaining game of the five. OSU comes in after a very unlikely winning of the Big Ten. They had their backs against the wall with games at PSU and at home for Iowa. They prevailed and deservingly play in a BCS bowl. Oregon also took a very interesting route to the Rose Bowl. After beginning the season with an embarassing loss to Boise State, and losing their RB for the majority of the season, they geled. They defeated Pac 10 top dog USC, and also floundered away the championship to Stanford... until they fought tooth and nail to gain it back against Oregon State in the Civil War.
Fiesta Bowl
No. 4 TCU vs No. 6 Boise State
This is the bowl that I have the biggest problem with. First off, its the third time these two teams will play within the last seven years. Repition makes the bowl season more boring than watching paint dry. Secondly, these two teams have fought hard all season. TCU has beaten 7 bowl eligible teams this season which is more than no. 2 Texas. Boise may have had an easier schedule but they embarassed the now no. 7 Oregon Ducks, and never truly rose the ranking they deserved (Florida who lost last saturday is still ranked above the undefeated Broncos at no. 5). Finally, my biggest problem with this game is apprehensiveness of the BCS system to put these two "davids" against a "goliath" I think that the pollsters and computers are afraid of the system falling apart upon another upset like Boise vs Oklahoma a few years ago. My simple solution, Let Boise play Florida, or TCU play OSU. Instead we are left with a rematch of last year's Poinsetta Bowl. And when one of these immensely talented teams win, they'll have no claim to a national championship and no cries for a playoff.
Sugar Bowl
No.3 Cincinatti vs No. 5 Florida
I think this is a very intriguing matchup. Cincy has had a great season and beaten some very good teams out of the underrated Big East. However, they haven't yet played a team with the vast depth of talent that Florida has. I'm not picking Florida to win this match-up as I believe Brian Kelly is much more talented than Urban Meyer, but I do believe it will be an incredibly close game. The fact of the matter is, if Florida had the big play ability of Mardy Gilyard, they'd win this game.
Orange Bowl
No. 9 Ga. Tech vs No.10 Iowa
Who cares? Sorry to all you Hawkeyes and Ramblin' Wreck fans, but this game has absolutely no appeal to anyone outside of Iowa and parts of Georgia. Georgia tech isn't even the most popular team in its state (however the most talented) and The Big Ten isn't nearly deep enough to justify the involvement of two teams in the BCS.
MY SOLUTION:
I'm not going to cry playoffs like everyone else. I think that the system to an extent works. Especially in the case of the National Champion. As a stated before I'd rather see TCU play for it, and I think their resume provides a good argument to that end, however I understand the appeal of Texas, and its not like they've selected a one loss team to play for it. However, it would be nice if the pollsters could help swing the BCS to provide its viewers with more entertaining and creative match ups. After all, without the entertainment of the viewers, the BCS wouldn't exist. I can easily see three out of the five games being blowouts. That is NOT good for college football, and niether is keeping great teams and schools like TCU and Boise in the dark when clearly they have the talent, coaching, and right to be talked about among the elite teams in the country.
Let's hear it sports fans, What do you think?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
SEC Question of the week
Jonathan Crompton may be the most polarized player in all of NCAAF much less the Southeastern Conference. The QB for Tennessee has thrown for 21 TDs, which ties him for the SEC lead, and 10 INTs. He also averages 216 Passing yards per game, in a season in which he hasn't broken the 100 passing yard mark in two contests and under 150 in another.
All that being said, and in light of the recent off field issues of the UT football program, I pose this question: Is Jonathan Crompton the kind of on and off field leader to take the Tennessee Volunteers to 9 wins in Lane Kiffin's first year as coach. That would require winning out in the regular season and a bowl win, most likely the Outback bowl against a Big Ten team (Wisconsin?).
Follow up: What does Jonathan Crompton's draft status look like? Erik Ainge who started for three and a half seasons at UT didn't go till late in the 2007 draft. Crompton I think has shown much greater physical ability. His ability to move the pocket, scramble, and a very underrated arm causes me to think he could go in the Fifth round of this year's draft. Obviously the season is far from over, and a lot can still happen. But if Crompton continues to lead the nation's "Toughest conference", amid a Heisman winner and current hopeful (Tim Tebow), in TDs, minimize INTs and pick up the yardage, this guy could play on Sundays.
All that being said, and in light of the recent off field issues of the UT football program, I pose this question: Is Jonathan Crompton the kind of on and off field leader to take the Tennessee Volunteers to 9 wins in Lane Kiffin's first year as coach. That would require winning out in the regular season and a bowl win, most likely the Outback bowl against a Big Ten team (Wisconsin?).
Follow up: What does Jonathan Crompton's draft status look like? Erik Ainge who started for three and a half seasons at UT didn't go till late in the 2007 draft. Crompton I think has shown much greater physical ability. His ability to move the pocket, scramble, and a very underrated arm causes me to think he could go in the Fifth round of this year's draft. Obviously the season is far from over, and a lot can still happen. But if Crompton continues to lead the nation's "Toughest conference", amid a Heisman winner and current hopeful (Tim Tebow), in TDs, minimize INTs and pick up the yardage, this guy could play on Sundays.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
NFL Mid-Season Review
Hello Sports Fans. Its half-way through this NFL season and its time to hand out first half awards and analysis.
MVP
There are probably ten viable candidates for NFL MVP through the first half. Due to the League's love of offense, only three are really being mentioned thus far, and of course they are QBs. My first half MVP comes after a great deal of deliberation, and a whole lot of hesitation...
Brett Favre. Its true, I have a man-crush on Favre. I think he is one of the greatest, if not the greatest QB of all time. But the fact of the matter is, he's having a career year that shines amongst the luster of an already amazing career. He is j ust 600 yds off pace of Peyton Manning and 400 short of Drew Brees. The statistic that drops my jaw is his 16:3 td/int ratio. I'll admit, as much as I wanted to see Brett play again, I never thought his marraige to the purple and gold would turn out this well. One word of caution for Viking fans and Favre fans alike: Last season after the first half of the season people were talking MVP for Favre. How did that end?
Coach of the Year
There are many great candidates for this award as well. Two new NFL coaches have their clubs undefeated and a very respectable 6-2 (Jim Caldwell and Josh McDaniels respectively). However, My coach of the year through the first half goes to a guy who is somehow flying under the radar after an 8-0 start...
Sean Payton. His New Orleans Saints are 8-0, and all of the credit goes to Drew Brees or Greg Williams defense. Ultimately this guy is calling the shots, and he has yet to be off base this season. We knew his offense would be spectacular, and Williams has definitely improved the defense, but Payton is the one who brought this relationship to fruition and he should receive the credit. If his Saints continue on their regular season tear, its clear who should come out with Coach of the Year honors.
Defensive MVP
As a Denver Broncos fan I thought very hard about Elvis Dumervil. However his league leading 10.5 sacks have largely come in just three games. For this award I look for consistency and leadership.
With those Criteria in mind I award SS Darren Sharper of the NO Saints defensive MVP. He is probably the biggest reason for the Saints defensive surge and undefeated record. He has scored the most defensive touchdowns and is currently tied for the league lead in INTs with 7.
Comeback player of the Year
I thought long and hard about Cedric Benson of the Cincinnati Bengals. But then I realized in order to "comeback" you must be prominent first. Before this season at Cincy the only thing anyone remembered about Benson's career were his cripling fumbles in Superbowl XLI.
The first half CPY is Steven Jackson RB (St. Louis Rams). He won't get the acclaim due to his teams terrible record. However he is currently ranked third amongst the NFL's leading rushers. HE has struggled to find the endzone, but the endgame for this discussion is his career that has been devastated by injuries the past two seasons, and his immense success despite teams stacking the box to stop him.
Disappointment of the Year
My Disappoint this season is the Washington Redskins. After making a huge splash in the free agent market for what seems like the twentieth year in a row, they are once again at the bottom of the NFC East. Jim Zorn clearly isn't the guy at head Coach, and Daniel Snyder is too stubborn to fire him. Injuries are once again plaguing this team, and the 100 million dollar man Albert Haynesworth is not himself this year.
Rookie of the Year
Jerious Byrd of the Buffalo Bills shares the league lead in INTs with the wiley vet Darren Sharper. With number like those Byrd is pretty much a lock through the first half. Other standouts include Knowshon Moreno from Denver who leads rookie runningbacks in rushing yards and Mark Sanchez in New York, who has his club sitting in the thick of the AFC East race.
Surprise of the Year
Cedric Benson is exactly the player who deserves this award. Coming to Cincy out of obscurity being a failed no. 4 pick by the Chicago Bears, he currently sits second in NFL Rushing. Proving not only to be a workhorse between the tackles but also an explosive break away threat. His amazing first half performance has his Cincinnati Bengals in the Driver's seat of the AFC North.
Lets hear it sports fans... what do you think?
MVP
There are probably ten viable candidates for NFL MVP through the first half. Due to the League's love of offense, only three are really being mentioned thus far, and of course they are QBs. My first half MVP comes after a great deal of deliberation, and a whole lot of hesitation...
Brett Favre. Its true, I have a man-crush on Favre. I think he is one of the greatest, if not the greatest QB of all time. But the fact of the matter is, he's having a career year that shines amongst the luster of an already amazing career. He is j ust 600 yds off pace of Peyton Manning and 400 short of Drew Brees. The statistic that drops my jaw is his 16:3 td/int ratio. I'll admit, as much as I wanted to see Brett play again, I never thought his marraige to the purple and gold would turn out this well. One word of caution for Viking fans and Favre fans alike: Last season after the first half of the season people were talking MVP for Favre. How did that end?
Coach of the Year
There are many great candidates for this award as well. Two new NFL coaches have their clubs undefeated and a very respectable 6-2 (Jim Caldwell and Josh McDaniels respectively). However, My coach of the year through the first half goes to a guy who is somehow flying under the radar after an 8-0 start...
Sean Payton. His New Orleans Saints are 8-0, and all of the credit goes to Drew Brees or Greg Williams defense. Ultimately this guy is calling the shots, and he has yet to be off base this season. We knew his offense would be spectacular, and Williams has definitely improved the defense, but Payton is the one who brought this relationship to fruition and he should receive the credit. If his Saints continue on their regular season tear, its clear who should come out with Coach of the Year honors.
Defensive MVP
As a Denver Broncos fan I thought very hard about Elvis Dumervil. However his league leading 10.5 sacks have largely come in just three games. For this award I look for consistency and leadership.
With those Criteria in mind I award SS Darren Sharper of the NO Saints defensive MVP. He is probably the biggest reason for the Saints defensive surge and undefeated record. He has scored the most defensive touchdowns and is currently tied for the league lead in INTs with 7.
Comeback player of the Year
I thought long and hard about Cedric Benson of the Cincinnati Bengals. But then I realized in order to "comeback" you must be prominent first. Before this season at Cincy the only thing anyone remembered about Benson's career were his cripling fumbles in Superbowl XLI.
The first half CPY is Steven Jackson RB (St. Louis Rams). He won't get the acclaim due to his teams terrible record. However he is currently ranked third amongst the NFL's leading rushers. HE has struggled to find the endzone, but the endgame for this discussion is his career that has been devastated by injuries the past two seasons, and his immense success despite teams stacking the box to stop him.
Disappointment of the Year
My Disappoint this season is the Washington Redskins. After making a huge splash in the free agent market for what seems like the twentieth year in a row, they are once again at the bottom of the NFC East. Jim Zorn clearly isn't the guy at head Coach, and Daniel Snyder is too stubborn to fire him. Injuries are once again plaguing this team, and the 100 million dollar man Albert Haynesworth is not himself this year.
Rookie of the Year
Jerious Byrd of the Buffalo Bills shares the league lead in INTs with the wiley vet Darren Sharper. With number like those Byrd is pretty much a lock through the first half. Other standouts include Knowshon Moreno from Denver who leads rookie runningbacks in rushing yards and Mark Sanchez in New York, who has his club sitting in the thick of the AFC East race.
Surprise of the Year
Cedric Benson is exactly the player who deserves this award. Coming to Cincy out of obscurity being a failed no. 4 pick by the Chicago Bears, he currently sits second in NFL Rushing. Proving not only to be a workhorse between the tackles but also an explosive break away threat. His amazing first half performance has his Cincinnati Bengals in the Driver's seat of the AFC North.
Lets hear it sports fans... what do you think?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
ACTA hire, way off base.
Manny Acta has been named the Cleveland Indians' Manager for the 2010 season. As if Cleveland fans were not already disappointed in their team's lack of production (or trading back to back Cy Young winners in back to back seasons). Their reward is the Manager who was fired just over half way through this MLB season by the team with the worst record in the league.
In two and half years at Washington, Acta had a record of 158-252... a .385 winning percentage. Are Indians fans supposed to be excited about a coach whose career record is not losing but almost 100 games below .500?
Cleveland has seemed more like a farm team to larger market teams in the past couple seasons. And the addition of Acta makes it seem like they could be in that position for years to come.
In two and half years at Washington, Acta had a record of 158-252... a .385 winning percentage. Are Indians fans supposed to be excited about a coach whose career record is not losing but almost 100 games below .500?
Cleveland has seemed more like a farm team to larger market teams in the past couple seasons. And the addition of Acta makes it seem like they could be in that position for years to come.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
I'm Back!
After a short vacation, that just so happened to coincide with the Broncos' Bye week, I will be returning to the blog this evening with an assortment of opinions and stories.
Friday, October 16, 2009
NFL Forecast: Week 6
This week's NFL Picks.
Houston @ Cincinnati- Cincinnati
Detroit @ Green Bay- Green Bay
Baltimore @ Minnesota- Baltimore
New York Giants @ New Orleans- New Orleans Saints
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh- Pittsburgh
Carolina @ Tampa- Carolina
Kansas City @ Washington- Washington
St. Louis @ Jacksonville- Jacksonville
Arizona @ Seattle- Seattle
Philadelphia @ Oakland- Philadelphia
Tennessee @ New England- New England
Buffalo @ New York Jets- New York Jets
Chicago @ Atlanta- Atlanta
Denver @San Diego- San Diego
Houston @ Cincinnati- Cincinnati
Detroit @ Green Bay- Green Bay
Baltimore @ Minnesota- Baltimore
New York Giants @ New Orleans- New Orleans Saints
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh- Pittsburgh
Carolina @ Tampa- Carolina
Kansas City @ Washington- Washington
St. Louis @ Jacksonville- Jacksonville
Arizona @ Seattle- Seattle
Philadelphia @ Oakland- Philadelphia
Tennessee @ New England- New England
Buffalo @ New York Jets- New York Jets
Chicago @ Atlanta- Atlanta
Denver @San Diego- San Diego
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
NFL Power Rankings: Week 6
1. Indianapolis Colts (5-0): Peyton Manning is showing no signs of slowing down. Manning has thrown for 300+ yards in every game this season, without his No.2 receiver Anthony Gonzalez. With seemingly no one able to challenge them in their division, and a soon to be returning Bob Sanders, things are looking up for the Colts.
2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0): The Vikings are cruising against a relatively easy schedule. However, the Bears and Packers are not going to roll over and die this season.
3. New York Giants (5-0): The Giants continue to surge and look to remain undefeated this week.
4. (5) Denver Broncos (5-0): The Broncos move up one slot after taking down the Patriots this week. The defense continues to be stingy after halftime and the offense remains timely.
5. (4) New Orleans Saints (4-0): A bye week drops the Saints one slot this week. But Drew Brees and the boys will come out firing on all cylinders this week.
6. (13) Cincinatti Bengals (4-1): I'm not saying that the Bengals are going to the Superbowl, but this team has guts, and is in a prime position to win the AFC North.
7. (10) Atlanta Falcons (3-1): After dismantling this year's NFC darlings, the Falcons travel home and have to prove their value against the 3-1 Bears.
8. (9) Philadelphia Eagles (3-1): McNabb is back and the offense is finding a great rhythm. If Maclin continues to excel, this offense is scary.
9. (12) Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2): The Steelers have found their swagger on offense. Mendenhall is making a case to start and Polomalu will be back this week, restoring the spark to their Defense.
10. (7) Baltimore Ravens (3-2): This team has a chance to rebound with a clutch win at Minnesota.
11. (6) New England Patriots (3-2): A tough loss in Denver leaves this team with a lot of offensive questions.
12. (8) New York Jets (3-2): The "Sanchise" is looking like a rookie. Hopefully the Brayon situation continues to look promising.
13. (14) Chicago Bears (3-1): If they can go into Atlanta after a bye week and come away with a win, they establish themselves as contenders in the NFC.
14. (22) Miami Dolphins: Henne is looking like he belongs behind the center. The wild cat is torching opposing defenses, and I'm eating a lot of crow.
15. (11) San Francisco 49ers (3-2): Ouch, that home loss hurts. Hopefully Gore rejoins the team after a bye.
16. (15) Green Bay Packers (2-2): These guys just need to protect No.12. If Rogers has time, he is scary good.
17. (18) San Diego Chargers (2-2): The Chargers need to beat the Broncos this week at home.
18. (17) Dallas Cowboys (3-2): A barely win is still a win. But a barely win against the Chiefs is cause for concern.
19. (19) Arizona Cardinals (2-2): A good win, but this defense has a lot to worry about.
20. (25) Seattle Seahawks (2-3): If Hasselbeck is healthy, this team can score.
21. (17) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3): MJD needs to find his stride again after being held to 34 yards in week 5.
22. (20) Houston Texans (2-3): This team has the weapons to be a factor. But with the young defense faltering, its looking a lot like an 8-8 season.
23. (27) Carolina Panthers: (1-3): Its only one win, over a tumbling 'Skins team. But hopefully its only just begun.
24. (23) Washington Redskins (2-3): The team is tumbling and blaming the owner for it.
25. (24) Detroit Lions (1-4): They stuck around against a good Steelers team without the rookie or Megatron.
26. Tennessee Titans (0-5): They stay the same in hopes that the VY sighting last week is going to be a permanent change in Nashville.
27. (28) Cleveland Browns (1-4): Derek Anderson had 2 completions...2. but a win's a win.
28. (21) Buffalo Bills (1-4): That team that almost upset the Pats in week one feels like years ago.
29. (30) St. Louis Rams (0-5): With Bulger back at the helm in the fourth , they moved the ball surprisingly well against a stingy Minnesota defense.
30. (29) Oakland Raiders (1-4): At least in the past they could say "at least we have a good defense". After being throttled by the Giants in week 5 they can't rest easy on anything.
31. (32) Kansas City Chiefs (0-5): Cassel showed that he might be the real deal with 250 yards and 2 TDs.
32 (31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-5): The only thing that's looking up for this franchise is the No.1 pick.
2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0): The Vikings are cruising against a relatively easy schedule. However, the Bears and Packers are not going to roll over and die this season.
3. New York Giants (5-0): The Giants continue to surge and look to remain undefeated this week.
4. (5) Denver Broncos (5-0): The Broncos move up one slot after taking down the Patriots this week. The defense continues to be stingy after halftime and the offense remains timely.
5. (4) New Orleans Saints (4-0): A bye week drops the Saints one slot this week. But Drew Brees and the boys will come out firing on all cylinders this week.
6. (13) Cincinatti Bengals (4-1): I'm not saying that the Bengals are going to the Superbowl, but this team has guts, and is in a prime position to win the AFC North.
7. (10) Atlanta Falcons (3-1): After dismantling this year's NFC darlings, the Falcons travel home and have to prove their value against the 3-1 Bears.
8. (9) Philadelphia Eagles (3-1): McNabb is back and the offense is finding a great rhythm. If Maclin continues to excel, this offense is scary.
9. (12) Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2): The Steelers have found their swagger on offense. Mendenhall is making a case to start and Polomalu will be back this week, restoring the spark to their Defense.
10. (7) Baltimore Ravens (3-2): This team has a chance to rebound with a clutch win at Minnesota.
11. (6) New England Patriots (3-2): A tough loss in Denver leaves this team with a lot of offensive questions.
12. (8) New York Jets (3-2): The "Sanchise" is looking like a rookie. Hopefully the Brayon situation continues to look promising.
13. (14) Chicago Bears (3-1): If they can go into Atlanta after a bye week and come away with a win, they establish themselves as contenders in the NFC.
14. (22) Miami Dolphins: Henne is looking like he belongs behind the center. The wild cat is torching opposing defenses, and I'm eating a lot of crow.
15. (11) San Francisco 49ers (3-2): Ouch, that home loss hurts. Hopefully Gore rejoins the team after a bye.
16. (15) Green Bay Packers (2-2): These guys just need to protect No.12. If Rogers has time, he is scary good.
17. (18) San Diego Chargers (2-2): The Chargers need to beat the Broncos this week at home.
18. (17) Dallas Cowboys (3-2): A barely win is still a win. But a barely win against the Chiefs is cause for concern.
19. (19) Arizona Cardinals (2-2): A good win, but this defense has a lot to worry about.
20. (25) Seattle Seahawks (2-3): If Hasselbeck is healthy, this team can score.
21. (17) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3): MJD needs to find his stride again after being held to 34 yards in week 5.
22. (20) Houston Texans (2-3): This team has the weapons to be a factor. But with the young defense faltering, its looking a lot like an 8-8 season.
23. (27) Carolina Panthers: (1-3): Its only one win, over a tumbling 'Skins team. But hopefully its only just begun.
24. (23) Washington Redskins (2-3): The team is tumbling and blaming the owner for it.
25. (24) Detroit Lions (1-4): They stuck around against a good Steelers team without the rookie or Megatron.
26. Tennessee Titans (0-5): They stay the same in hopes that the VY sighting last week is going to be a permanent change in Nashville.
27. (28) Cleveland Browns (1-4): Derek Anderson had 2 completions...2. but a win's a win.
28. (21) Buffalo Bills (1-4): That team that almost upset the Pats in week one feels like years ago.
29. (30) St. Louis Rams (0-5): With Bulger back at the helm in the fourth , they moved the ball surprisingly well against a stingy Minnesota defense.
30. (29) Oakland Raiders (1-4): At least in the past they could say "at least we have a good defense". After being throttled by the Giants in week 5 they can't rest easy on anything.
31. (32) Kansas City Chiefs (0-5): Cassel showed that he might be the real deal with 250 yards and 2 TDs.
32 (31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-5): The only thing that's looking up for this franchise is the No.1 pick.
Get your brooms ready!!!
The first round of the MLB playoffs have produced 3 sweeps... While the games themselves have been pretty entertaining (see: history being made by the Angels and Phillies), I have to think that the parity of the MLB is diminishing.
The biggest surprise of the first round was the LA Dodgers sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals. LA came into the series with the most wins in the NL and the Cardinals had the worst record of all of the NL playoff teams. Still most experts picked the Cards to win the series. Ultimately this round proved that above all things, money wins championships.
The four divisional series winners are in the top 11 payroll teams in the MLB. The only team to lose that fell into this category was the Boston Red Sox.
My picks for the remainder of the playoffs are as such...
Phillies over Dodgers in 6
Yankees over Angels in 7
Phillies over Yankees in 6.
The biggest surprise of the first round was the LA Dodgers sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals. LA came into the series with the most wins in the NL and the Cardinals had the worst record of all of the NL playoff teams. Still most experts picked the Cards to win the series. Ultimately this round proved that above all things, money wins championships.
The four divisional series winners are in the top 11 payroll teams in the MLB. The only team to lose that fell into this category was the Boston Red Sox.
My picks for the remainder of the playoffs are as such...
Phillies over Dodgers in 6
Yankees over Angels in 7
Phillies over Yankees in 6.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
NFL Forecast: Week 5
Here are my picks for this week in the NFL...
Cleveland @ Buffalo- Cleveland
Dallas @ Kansas City- Dallas
Minnesota @ St. Louis- Minnesota
Oakand @ NY Giants- Giants
Tampa @ Philly- Philly
Pittsburgh @ Detroit- Pittsburgh
Washington @ Carolina- Carolina
Cincinnati @ Baltimore- Baltimore
Atlanta @ San Francisco- Atlanta
Jacksonville @ Seattle- Jacksonville
Houston @ Arizona- Houston
New England @ Denver- Denver
Indianapolis @ Tennessee- Indianapolis
NY Jets @ Miami- NY Jets
Last Week's results:
8-6
Not a good week for picks last week, but I feel confident in this week's picks.
Cleveland @ Buffalo- Cleveland
Dallas @ Kansas City- Dallas
Minnesota @ St. Louis- Minnesota
Oakand @ NY Giants- Giants
Tampa @ Philly- Philly
Pittsburgh @ Detroit- Pittsburgh
Washington @ Carolina- Carolina
Cincinnati @ Baltimore- Baltimore
Atlanta @ San Francisco- Atlanta
Jacksonville @ Seattle- Jacksonville
Houston @ Arizona- Houston
New England @ Denver- Denver
Indianapolis @ Tennessee- Indianapolis
NY Jets @ Miami- NY Jets
Last Week's results:
8-6
Not a good week for picks last week, but I feel confident in this week's picks.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Quarterly Awards
With most teams having played a quarter of their season, I will now feature my quarterly awards.
MVP
Peyton Manning (QB, Indy): Manning has thrown for at least 300 yards in the first four games. He's also tied for most touchdowns with 9. By the way his Colts without Marvin Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez, Bob Sanders, and a running game are 4-0. 'Nuff Said.
Coach of the Year
Josh McDaniels (Denver): No one foresaw a 4-0 start for the Broncos. No one but Josh McDaniels that is. After an offseason filled with change and distraction they couldn't be happier with the second youngest coach in the league four games into the season.
Surprise of the Year
Tennessee Titans: Currently last year's best record couldn't be worse. Kerry Collins is showing his age, and the defense looks like swiss cheese without Albert Haynesworth. Fisher may need to call on the Back-up QB to stir things up a bit and maybe salvage an already forgettable season.
Rookie of the Year
Mark Sanchez (QB, NYJ): The stats aren't perfect. But he's off to a 3-1 start. He's also the only QB to ever begin his career 3-0.
Defensive Player of the Year
This one's a split:
Elvis Dumervil (OLB, Denver) and Antwan Odom (DE, Cincinatti): They lead the league with 8 sacks, and are both a huge factor their defenses are dominating this year. Both players blew up in week two, with four and five sacks rescpectively.
MVP
Peyton Manning (QB, Indy): Manning has thrown for at least 300 yards in the first four games. He's also tied for most touchdowns with 9. By the way his Colts without Marvin Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez, Bob Sanders, and a running game are 4-0. 'Nuff Said.
Coach of the Year
Josh McDaniels (Denver): No one foresaw a 4-0 start for the Broncos. No one but Josh McDaniels that is. After an offseason filled with change and distraction they couldn't be happier with the second youngest coach in the league four games into the season.
Surprise of the Year
Tennessee Titans: Currently last year's best record couldn't be worse. Kerry Collins is showing his age, and the defense looks like swiss cheese without Albert Haynesworth. Fisher may need to call on the Back-up QB to stir things up a bit and maybe salvage an already forgettable season.
Rookie of the Year
Mark Sanchez (QB, NYJ): The stats aren't perfect. But he's off to a 3-1 start. He's also the only QB to ever begin his career 3-0.
Defensive Player of the Year
This one's a split:
Elvis Dumervil (OLB, Denver) and Antwan Odom (DE, Cincinatti): They lead the league with 8 sacks, and are both a huge factor their defenses are dominating this year. Both players blew up in week two, with four and five sacks rescpectively.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
NFL POWER RANKINGS
1. Indianapolis Colts (4-0): Peyton Manning looks as good as ever through four games. He has thrown 300 yards in each of the first four games and looks unstoppable with one of the youngest offenses in the league. With the eventual return of Bob Sanders; the Colts are the team to beat in the AFC.
2. Minnesota Vikings (4-0): They haven't exactly hit a rough point in their schedule, but for now there is not a scarier team in the NFC. Normally I'd have put the New York Giants here, but with Eli's injury toward the end of last week's game, I've bumped them down. For this team; its all about Favre's health.
3. New York Giants (4-0): No NFC team has looked as dominant, or answered as many questions as the Giants. They're WRs have stepped up and the defense has been solid all season long. If Eli can play this team will be No.2 next week.
4. New Orleans Saints (4-0): They proved this week that even without Drew Brees they can win... Didn't believe that? Neither do I. However the defense was superb in this week's game vs the NY Jets. If they can keep it up, I think we'll be talking about this team all season long.
5. Denver Broncos (4-0): Before anyone gets on my about the Broncos being so high I'll remind you that they are 4-0. Winning games is difficult, not matter the opposition. And for that reason the Broncos will rank ahead of teams with losses. It's as simple as that. I'm not punching their ticket to the Superbowl. Of all the undefeated teams they are the worst, so far. Which is why they are fifth.
6.New England Patriots (3-1): They get the nod this week after defeating the Ravens. I do think the Ravens are a superior team but the Pats got the W, and the higher ranking.
7. Baltimore Ravens (3-1): If Michael Clayton makes a clutch reception; this team could be 4-0. They are still among the serious Superbowl contenders in the AFC.
8. New York Jets (3-1): This week we learned that Mark Sanchez is indeed a rookie QB. But no worries; as long as the defense continues to play lights out, this team is in the mix.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1): With McNabb returning to the helm this week, the Eagles are poised to give the Giants fits in an otherwise tame division.
10. Atlanta Falcons (2-1): So they lost to the Patriots... in Foxboro! I know you haven't written them off yet. They are still among the teams to beat in the NFC.
11. San Francisco 49ers (3-1): I originally had them slotted a bit lower. Today, however they finally signed no.10 pick Michael Crabtree. He won't be an impact player any time soon, but that's one less distraction and one more playmaker for the already impressive 49ers.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2): Mike Tomlin and the rest of his squad got their groove back on Sunday night. If the offense continues to perform as it did, we'll be asking Troy who?
13. Cincinatti Bengals (3-1): Yes they beat Pittsburgh. Yes they're one fluke play away from 4-0. Call me skeptical. I just want to be sure that the jungle cats can maintain their dominate play. They do have a tendency to look really good, then fall off the planet.
14. Chicago Bears (3-1): Since the week 1 dibacle, Jay Cutler has thrown 7 TDs and 1 INT. This story is tired but true. As Jay Cutler goes, so goes the Broncos... or Bears... or whoever he plays for.
15. Green Bay Packers (2-2): Rogers proves to be nearly unstoppable. That is of course when the offensive line decides not to allow him to be devoured by Jared Allen.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2): This upstart club has worked its way back to five hundred, and appears to have the tools to be the second best team in the division.
17. Dallas Cowboys (2-2): There may not be a team in the league that can match this one in talent. That said, there might not be a coach in the league worse for this team than Wade Phillips.
18. San Diego Chargers (2-2): The defense is looking very familiar. Merriman is limited due to injury, Williams is out, and Pittsburgh just put up 48 points. If Rivers can't find a running game, and the defense can't get healthy this team looks a lot like a Packers team from last year.
19. Arizona Cardinals (1-2): Will the real Arizona Cardinals please stand up? please? I'm begging you...
20. Houston Texans (2-2): Good, strike that, Great offense. What happened to the equally great young defense?
21. Buffalo Bills (1-3): After almost beating the PATS in Foxboro week 1 this offense has disappeared.
22. Miami Dolphins (1-3): I'm not a Chad Henne believer. With that running game, I might not have to be.
23. Washington Redskins (2-2): The record is a mirage. This team may well be the highest paid terrible team in the history of high paid terrible teams. That's the owner's fault, not the QB's.
24. Detroit Lions (1-3): If Stafford can play this team will surprise a lot of opposing defenses.
25. Seattle Seahawks ( 1-3): In the preseason I had this team winning the division. If Matt Hasselbeck misses more time they could very well end right where they did last season.
26. Tennessee Titans (0-4): That Heisman runner-up, National Championship winning, Rookie of the Year QB on the bench is starting to look very good.
27. Carolina Panthers (0-3): I think this team can recover. But they are a bit too far back in a tough division to be thinking playoffs.
28. Cleveland Browns (0-4): A spark of life on Offense! And a drop prone receiver out of the picture. I hope for their sake, that they can beat the Bills.
29. Oakland Raiders (1-3): This offense started off great against SD. Where did it go?
30: St. Louis Rams (0-4): Rush Limbaugh wants to buy them. Just when things might have started looking up.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4): Its going to be a loooooooooong year.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (0-4): How's that QB investment going?
2. Minnesota Vikings (4-0): They haven't exactly hit a rough point in their schedule, but for now there is not a scarier team in the NFC. Normally I'd have put the New York Giants here, but with Eli's injury toward the end of last week's game, I've bumped them down. For this team; its all about Favre's health.
3. New York Giants (4-0): No NFC team has looked as dominant, or answered as many questions as the Giants. They're WRs have stepped up and the defense has been solid all season long. If Eli can play this team will be No.2 next week.
4. New Orleans Saints (4-0): They proved this week that even without Drew Brees they can win... Didn't believe that? Neither do I. However the defense was superb in this week's game vs the NY Jets. If they can keep it up, I think we'll be talking about this team all season long.
5. Denver Broncos (4-0): Before anyone gets on my about the Broncos being so high I'll remind you that they are 4-0. Winning games is difficult, not matter the opposition. And for that reason the Broncos will rank ahead of teams with losses. It's as simple as that. I'm not punching their ticket to the Superbowl. Of all the undefeated teams they are the worst, so far. Which is why they are fifth.
6.New England Patriots (3-1): They get the nod this week after defeating the Ravens. I do think the Ravens are a superior team but the Pats got the W, and the higher ranking.
7. Baltimore Ravens (3-1): If Michael Clayton makes a clutch reception; this team could be 4-0. They are still among the serious Superbowl contenders in the AFC.
8. New York Jets (3-1): This week we learned that Mark Sanchez is indeed a rookie QB. But no worries; as long as the defense continues to play lights out, this team is in the mix.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1): With McNabb returning to the helm this week, the Eagles are poised to give the Giants fits in an otherwise tame division.
10. Atlanta Falcons (2-1): So they lost to the Patriots... in Foxboro! I know you haven't written them off yet. They are still among the teams to beat in the NFC.
11. San Francisco 49ers (3-1): I originally had them slotted a bit lower. Today, however they finally signed no.10 pick Michael Crabtree. He won't be an impact player any time soon, but that's one less distraction and one more playmaker for the already impressive 49ers.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2): Mike Tomlin and the rest of his squad got their groove back on Sunday night. If the offense continues to perform as it did, we'll be asking Troy who?
13. Cincinatti Bengals (3-1): Yes they beat Pittsburgh. Yes they're one fluke play away from 4-0. Call me skeptical. I just want to be sure that the jungle cats can maintain their dominate play. They do have a tendency to look really good, then fall off the planet.
14. Chicago Bears (3-1): Since the week 1 dibacle, Jay Cutler has thrown 7 TDs and 1 INT. This story is tired but true. As Jay Cutler goes, so goes the Broncos... or Bears... or whoever he plays for.
15. Green Bay Packers (2-2): Rogers proves to be nearly unstoppable. That is of course when the offensive line decides not to allow him to be devoured by Jared Allen.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2): This upstart club has worked its way back to five hundred, and appears to have the tools to be the second best team in the division.
17. Dallas Cowboys (2-2): There may not be a team in the league that can match this one in talent. That said, there might not be a coach in the league worse for this team than Wade Phillips.
18. San Diego Chargers (2-2): The defense is looking very familiar. Merriman is limited due to injury, Williams is out, and Pittsburgh just put up 48 points. If Rivers can't find a running game, and the defense can't get healthy this team looks a lot like a Packers team from last year.
19. Arizona Cardinals (1-2): Will the real Arizona Cardinals please stand up? please? I'm begging you...
20. Houston Texans (2-2): Good, strike that, Great offense. What happened to the equally great young defense?
21. Buffalo Bills (1-3): After almost beating the PATS in Foxboro week 1 this offense has disappeared.
22. Miami Dolphins (1-3): I'm not a Chad Henne believer. With that running game, I might not have to be.
23. Washington Redskins (2-2): The record is a mirage. This team may well be the highest paid terrible team in the history of high paid terrible teams. That's the owner's fault, not the QB's.
24. Detroit Lions (1-3): If Stafford can play this team will surprise a lot of opposing defenses.
25. Seattle Seahawks ( 1-3): In the preseason I had this team winning the division. If Matt Hasselbeck misses more time they could very well end right where they did last season.
26. Tennessee Titans (0-4): That Heisman runner-up, National Championship winning, Rookie of the Year QB on the bench is starting to look very good.
27. Carolina Panthers (0-3): I think this team can recover. But they are a bit too far back in a tough division to be thinking playoffs.
28. Cleveland Browns (0-4): A spark of life on Offense! And a drop prone receiver out of the picture. I hope for their sake, that they can beat the Bills.
29. Oakland Raiders (1-3): This offense started off great against SD. Where did it go?
30: St. Louis Rams (0-4): Rush Limbaugh wants to buy them. Just when things might have started looking up.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4): Its going to be a loooooooooong year.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (0-4): How's that QB investment going?
Friday, October 2, 2009
NFL Forecast
This is my Weekly prediction post for the NFL.
NYJ @ NO------NO
BALT@NE-----BALT
BUF@MIA------MIA
CINCY@CLE----CLE
SD@PITT-------PITT
SEA@INDY-----INDY
OAK@HOU-----HOU
TENN@JAX----TENN
DAL@DEN-----DEN
NYG@KC------NYG
TAMPA@WASH-TAMPA
GB@MINN----GB
DET@CHI-----CHI
STL@SF-------SF
Those are the picks for this week. I'll post picks every Friday evening for the rest of the season. Tomorrow I'll post my final record predictions along with my playoff predictions for this season.
Let's hear it Sports Fans, What do you think?
Douglas
NYJ @ NO------NO
BALT@NE-----BALT
BUF@MIA------MIA
CINCY@CLE----CLE
SD@PITT-------PITT
SEA@INDY-----INDY
OAK@HOU-----HOU
TENN@JAX----TENN
DAL@DEN-----DEN
NYG@KC------NYG
TAMPA@WASH-TAMPA
GB@MINN----GB
DET@CHI-----CHI
STL@SF-------SF
Those are the picks for this week. I'll post picks every Friday evening for the rest of the season. Tomorrow I'll post my final record predictions along with my playoff predictions for this season.
Let's hear it Sports Fans, What do you think?
Douglas
NFL Hot Seat
Good Day Sports Fans!
In this weekly update, I'll be calculating the sizzling seats of the NFL.
The pressure is on already in week four, for the following NFL coaches, owners, and players:
1. JaMarcus Russell (QB, Oak): As of now the Raiders have no other options at QB. However, if Russell cannot put together a game with a completion percent over 50%, his tenure in Oakland is over. Cable's Raiders face the porous Houston Texans defense this week, so if its going to happen it better this Sunday.
2. Jim Zorn (Head Coach, Wash): After assisting the Lions in breaking their losing streak, the heat has set the pants of Zorn on fire. If the 'Skins drop a home game to the win-less Bucs, Zorn might not survive this week, much less this season.
3. Tom Brady (QB, NE): Alright, so he's not having a BAD year. But he's not having a BRADY year. This week against Baltimore is the perfect opportunity to silence his critics this season. Baltimore has a shaky secondary but a crazy good pass rush. If Brady can take a couple hits and manufacture some fourth quarter points, I think he'll have everyone convinced that he's back from last year's season ending knee injury.
4. Eric Mangini (Head Coach, Cleveland): After pulling Brady Quinn during half time last week, he's going with Derek Anderson this week. If Anderson has a bad game and Mangini is stuck with the controversy all season, he will likely find himself with the first pick in next year's draft. A priviledge that Brown's fans are not going to be pleased with.
5. Derek Anderson (QB, Cleveland): Re:Mangini. In Cleveland it seems in recent years that no one is as popular as the back-up QB. Well now the back-up is the starter. This is DA's chance to prove that he is the right guy. Will he throw three INTs like last week? or torch the Bengals secondary like in 2006?
That's all for now Sports Fans.
Douglas
In this weekly update, I'll be calculating the sizzling seats of the NFL.
The pressure is on already in week four, for the following NFL coaches, owners, and players:
1. JaMarcus Russell (QB, Oak): As of now the Raiders have no other options at QB. However, if Russell cannot put together a game with a completion percent over 50%, his tenure in Oakland is over. Cable's Raiders face the porous Houston Texans defense this week, so if its going to happen it better this Sunday.
2. Jim Zorn (Head Coach, Wash): After assisting the Lions in breaking their losing streak, the heat has set the pants of Zorn on fire. If the 'Skins drop a home game to the win-less Bucs, Zorn might not survive this week, much less this season.
3. Tom Brady (QB, NE): Alright, so he's not having a BAD year. But he's not having a BRADY year. This week against Baltimore is the perfect opportunity to silence his critics this season. Baltimore has a shaky secondary but a crazy good pass rush. If Brady can take a couple hits and manufacture some fourth quarter points, I think he'll have everyone convinced that he's back from last year's season ending knee injury.
4. Eric Mangini (Head Coach, Cleveland): After pulling Brady Quinn during half time last week, he's going with Derek Anderson this week. If Anderson has a bad game and Mangini is stuck with the controversy all season, he will likely find himself with the first pick in next year's draft. A priviledge that Brown's fans are not going to be pleased with.
5. Derek Anderson (QB, Cleveland): Re:Mangini. In Cleveland it seems in recent years that no one is as popular as the back-up QB. Well now the back-up is the starter. This is DA's chance to prove that he is the right guy. Will he throw three INTs like last week? or torch the Bengals secondary like in 2006?
That's all for now Sports Fans.
Douglas
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The College Quarterly
Hello Sports Fans!
In today's post I'll be recapping the college football season's first quarter. From upsets to trophy picks its all here.
First thing's first, every week this season we've had a top five team fall. Interestingly enough, this season hasn't been the same heart pounding pace of last...yet.
Heisman Watch
1. Tim Tebow (QB, UF): We'll have to see how he responds to this concussion, but he has given us no reason to believe he isn't the Heisman winner...yet. The schedule has been very generous to Tebow and his Gators. However, if he manages to stay undefeated putting up the numbers he's capable of, with less talent than ever from the WR and RB positions; He will be the Heisman trophy winner.
2. Case Keenum (QB Hou): This is a product of his "WOW" abilty. Normally I'd put Colt McCoy here, but Keenum has led his undefeated Cougars to 12th in the latest AP poll with a huge win (the biggest of any Heisman candidates) against then No. 5 Oklahoma State. This guy is clutch. He boasts an 8:2 TD:INT ratio plus three more TD's on the ground. And he seems to have all of the intangible skills of the sometimes overhyped Tebow.
3. Colt McCoy (QB, Texas): This is mainly based on past success and the hope that he will match it. The stats aren't terribly. Some can argue they are great. The fact of the matter is, the nation is expecting more from Colt this season. 9 TDs to 5 INTs isn't exactly the Colt we all imagined. He's lacking a bit rushing the ball this year as well, perhaps only because he doesn't have to as much. Either way, He's in the conversation and will be all season long.
4. Montario Hardesty (RB, Tenn): This is my Heisman Sleeper pick this year. With the campaign Tennessee has laid out for Eric Berry, their best offensive weapon is being drastically overlooked. He ranks seventh this season in rushing yards, over fellow RB Jahvid Best of Cal. While Best has more rushing TDs, I rank Hardesty above him based on his overall importance to the team. Without Hardesty, Tennessee does not have an offense. He's averaging 120 yards per game and if that keeps up in the tough SEC, we could be hearing his name in this race later in the year.
5. Jahvid Best (RB, Cal): As mentioned before Best leads the NCAA in rushing TDs. However, in last week's game vs Oregon, I believe a blue print was laid out to stop him in the future. For now he's in the Heisman talks, but unless he can overcome 8-9 men in the box, he could quickly be forgotten about.
Coach of the Year
1. Kirk Ferentz (Iowa): After almost blowing their entire season in week 1 against FCS Northern Iowa, he proved that there's a reason he's been head coach at Iowa for 10 years. Two years in a row he's knocked off a much better Penn State team dashing their hopes at a National Championship run. This year however, 4-0 and ranked 13th in the AP poll, he's put his own team in position to play for that same bowl.
2. Brian Kelly (Cincinatti): Cincinatti is currently ranked 10th in the AP poll. Tony Pike, their QB, is by most considered a Heisman caliber player. Brian Kelly, has taken this team in just three short years and put them on the national stage. Currently undefeated, and rolling over the Big East, this coach has his team right in the thick of things.
3. Chris Petersen (Boise State): I'm lovin' the little guys this week. True, Boise has only beaten one ranked team this season. However, they did demolish said team. Petersen is looking in all probability at an undefeated season. And being that his team's current rank is 5th, he's got the best shot at a non-BCS National Champion.
Biggest Upset:
The Biggest upset of the young season is not what most people think. I believe that it happened last weekend as Iowa defeated Penn State in Happy Valley. For the second straight year Iowa upsets PSU, and this time on the national stage during a white out. I know a lot of people think USC losing to Washington was big. It was, however we've come to expect at least one PAC 10 loss for the Men of Troy. And it seems that this year's Washington squad led by Locker is a bit better than we all thought coming off of terrible season.
My National Championship Pick
Call me crazy but based on team's performances through the first 3-4 games I think the National Championship will be played between...
Alabama and Boise State.
Let's hear it Sports Fans, What do you think?
Douglas
In today's post I'll be recapping the college football season's first quarter. From upsets to trophy picks its all here.
First thing's first, every week this season we've had a top five team fall. Interestingly enough, this season hasn't been the same heart pounding pace of last...yet.
Heisman Watch
1. Tim Tebow (QB, UF): We'll have to see how he responds to this concussion, but he has given us no reason to believe he isn't the Heisman winner...yet. The schedule has been very generous to Tebow and his Gators. However, if he manages to stay undefeated putting up the numbers he's capable of, with less talent than ever from the WR and RB positions; He will be the Heisman trophy winner.
2. Case Keenum (QB Hou): This is a product of his "WOW" abilty. Normally I'd put Colt McCoy here, but Keenum has led his undefeated Cougars to 12th in the latest AP poll with a huge win (the biggest of any Heisman candidates) against then No. 5 Oklahoma State. This guy is clutch. He boasts an 8:2 TD:INT ratio plus three more TD's on the ground. And he seems to have all of the intangible skills of the sometimes overhyped Tebow.
3. Colt McCoy (QB, Texas): This is mainly based on past success and the hope that he will match it. The stats aren't terribly. Some can argue they are great. The fact of the matter is, the nation is expecting more from Colt this season. 9 TDs to 5 INTs isn't exactly the Colt we all imagined. He's lacking a bit rushing the ball this year as well, perhaps only because he doesn't have to as much. Either way, He's in the conversation and will be all season long.
4. Montario Hardesty (RB, Tenn): This is my Heisman Sleeper pick this year. With the campaign Tennessee has laid out for Eric Berry, their best offensive weapon is being drastically overlooked. He ranks seventh this season in rushing yards, over fellow RB Jahvid Best of Cal. While Best has more rushing TDs, I rank Hardesty above him based on his overall importance to the team. Without Hardesty, Tennessee does not have an offense. He's averaging 120 yards per game and if that keeps up in the tough SEC, we could be hearing his name in this race later in the year.
5. Jahvid Best (RB, Cal): As mentioned before Best leads the NCAA in rushing TDs. However, in last week's game vs Oregon, I believe a blue print was laid out to stop him in the future. For now he's in the Heisman talks, but unless he can overcome 8-9 men in the box, he could quickly be forgotten about.
Coach of the Year
1. Kirk Ferentz (Iowa): After almost blowing their entire season in week 1 against FCS Northern Iowa, he proved that there's a reason he's been head coach at Iowa for 10 years. Two years in a row he's knocked off a much better Penn State team dashing their hopes at a National Championship run. This year however, 4-0 and ranked 13th in the AP poll, he's put his own team in position to play for that same bowl.
2. Brian Kelly (Cincinatti): Cincinatti is currently ranked 10th in the AP poll. Tony Pike, their QB, is by most considered a Heisman caliber player. Brian Kelly, has taken this team in just three short years and put them on the national stage. Currently undefeated, and rolling over the Big East, this coach has his team right in the thick of things.
3. Chris Petersen (Boise State): I'm lovin' the little guys this week. True, Boise has only beaten one ranked team this season. However, they did demolish said team. Petersen is looking in all probability at an undefeated season. And being that his team's current rank is 5th, he's got the best shot at a non-BCS National Champion.
Biggest Upset:
The Biggest upset of the young season is not what most people think. I believe that it happened last weekend as Iowa defeated Penn State in Happy Valley. For the second straight year Iowa upsets PSU, and this time on the national stage during a white out. I know a lot of people think USC losing to Washington was big. It was, however we've come to expect at least one PAC 10 loss for the Men of Troy. And it seems that this year's Washington squad led by Locker is a bit better than we all thought coming off of terrible season.
My National Championship Pick
Call me crazy but based on team's performances through the first 3-4 games I think the National Championship will be played between...
Alabama and Boise State.
Let's hear it Sports Fans, What do you think?
Douglas
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
3-0's vs. 0-3's
Good Evening Sports Fans!
Hot topic tonight is contenders/pretenders, and the super unlucky in the NFL.
First the good news.
Undefeated Teams of the NFL:
Baltimore Ravens
Denver Broncos
Indianapolis Colts
Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints
New York Giants
New York Jets.
Contenders:
Baltimore is a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. Sure two of their three victories are against the lowly (and winless) Chiefs and Browns, but this team dismantled the reigning AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers. The score of that game was much closer than the game actually was. It appears with the three headed running back team, featuring a resurgent Willis McGahee, and the cool hand of second year started Joe Flacco, the Ravens are poised to run away with the AFC North.
One team in New York is Legit. The Giants have been asking only one question all season long... Plaxico who? With the emergence of young wide outs such as Mario Manningham and Steve Smith, this team looks even better than their 12-4 2008 campaign. A much bigger story is the play of the defense. The secondary hosts a list of players that we'd never heard of to start the 2009 campaign but i assure you if they keep it up, they will be household names by the end of this season. Great secondary play will not be difficult with the continued success of their front seven. Umenyiora and Tuck figure to be the most productive Bookend tandem in the league this season.
The Inadianapolis Colts have scratched and clawed their way once again to the top of the AFC South. Simple as this ; as long as this team has Peyton Manning at the helm they are a sure fire favorite to make the playoffs. Not to mention that defense will look much better once Bob Sanders returns. If you don't believe reference their 2006 playoff run... here's a hint, it ended with a Super Bowl.
Pretenders:
The Denver Broncos have shocked the world starting out 3-0. Not that their competition has been too fierce, but after all the turmoil this was unexpected to say the least. While I lable them a pretender, it is not because I don't think they are a good team. I'm just not sure yet. With wins over the hapless Browns and Raiders, and a miraculous catch to beat the upstart Bengals, its difficult to gauge their successes. All of that can change this Sunday however, when they host the Dallas Cowboys. In the NFL momentum is 90% of the battle and if Denver can rattle off a win against the Cowboys, it'll put New England, San Diego and Pittsburgh (their next three games) on notice.
The New York Jets are in a similar boat to Denver. While they have won some big games (in fact they have the best opponent record of the undefeated teams) I have to think that Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez's moxy will bite them in the behind before too long. The defense is playing really well and Marky Mark hasn't made the big mistake...yet. and the defining moment of this team will be after those two things occur. How will the fragile mind of a rookie QB be affected.
New Orleans needs to fix that defense. Unlike Indy they won't be returning a pro bowl safety mid-season. so its up to that current roster to fix the problems. ASAP, or Drew Brees will finish runner up in the MVP voting on a playoff missing team... again.
And Now for the Bad News Bears... or at least the winless teams of 2009.
Keep in mind that these teams currently have a worse record than the Detroit Lions... ouch.
Kansas City Chiefs
Cleveland Browns
Tennessee Titans
Miami Dolphins
Saint Louis Rams
Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Teams that are in for a long season:
The Miami Dolphins just lost their starting QB and the catalyst to last years rise to the top of the AFC East. That paired with the wild kitten purring instead of roaring, this team is in for a long season.
The Rams can't seem to score, or catch a break. Injuries are piling up, including starting QB Marc Bulger. It looks like more of the same for this once great franchise.
Tampa Bay proves that firing your O-Coordinator weeks before the season starts is a bad idea. And it cost Byron Leftwich his job. Who replaces him? NOT the first round pick Josh Freeman, but last years late rounder Josh Johnson... interesting. It seems even the franchise doesn't think this team will recover and contend.
Teams that could fix this:
The Tennessee Titans are only one season away from being 13-3. While they've already matched last years loss total, their opponents combined record is 5-4 and one of those teams just won a superbowl. However, if Collins doesn't shape up soon this could once again become Vince Young's team. And while his stat line won't impress, he has a knack for winning games.
The Cleveland Browns may have thrown their season away by reigniting the QB controversy. However they are the only team in the NFL whose opponent's record is 9-0. No matter how you slice it, that's tough. If they can find some playmakers on offense and makes sure their defense can play for a whole game and not just the first half, they could go as high as 8-8.
Carolina is hurt. Once health returns to their decimated defense they will start to turn some heads. This team will not be a cellar dweller for long and I fully see a surge to kick and claw their way back to five hundred.
That's all for now Sports Fans. Let me know, what you think. Hit my Mail Bag and I might feature you in the Mail Bag later this week.
Douglas
Hot topic tonight is contenders/pretenders, and the super unlucky in the NFL.
First the good news.
Undefeated Teams of the NFL:
Baltimore Ravens
Denver Broncos
Indianapolis Colts
Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints
New York Giants
New York Jets.
Contenders:
Baltimore is a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. Sure two of their three victories are against the lowly (and winless) Chiefs and Browns, but this team dismantled the reigning AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers. The score of that game was much closer than the game actually was. It appears with the three headed running back team, featuring a resurgent Willis McGahee, and the cool hand of second year started Joe Flacco, the Ravens are poised to run away with the AFC North.
One team in New York is Legit. The Giants have been asking only one question all season long... Plaxico who? With the emergence of young wide outs such as Mario Manningham and Steve Smith, this team looks even better than their 12-4 2008 campaign. A much bigger story is the play of the defense. The secondary hosts a list of players that we'd never heard of to start the 2009 campaign but i assure you if they keep it up, they will be household names by the end of this season. Great secondary play will not be difficult with the continued success of their front seven. Umenyiora and Tuck figure to be the most productive Bookend tandem in the league this season.
The Inadianapolis Colts have scratched and clawed their way once again to the top of the AFC South. Simple as this ; as long as this team has Peyton Manning at the helm they are a sure fire favorite to make the playoffs. Not to mention that defense will look much better once Bob Sanders returns. If you don't believe reference their 2006 playoff run... here's a hint, it ended with a Super Bowl.
Pretenders:
The Denver Broncos have shocked the world starting out 3-0. Not that their competition has been too fierce, but after all the turmoil this was unexpected to say the least. While I lable them a pretender, it is not because I don't think they are a good team. I'm just not sure yet. With wins over the hapless Browns and Raiders, and a miraculous catch to beat the upstart Bengals, its difficult to gauge their successes. All of that can change this Sunday however, when they host the Dallas Cowboys. In the NFL momentum is 90% of the battle and if Denver can rattle off a win against the Cowboys, it'll put New England, San Diego and Pittsburgh (their next three games) on notice.
The New York Jets are in a similar boat to Denver. While they have won some big games (in fact they have the best opponent record of the undefeated teams) I have to think that Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez's moxy will bite them in the behind before too long. The defense is playing really well and Marky Mark hasn't made the big mistake...yet. and the defining moment of this team will be after those two things occur. How will the fragile mind of a rookie QB be affected.
New Orleans needs to fix that defense. Unlike Indy they won't be returning a pro bowl safety mid-season. so its up to that current roster to fix the problems. ASAP, or Drew Brees will finish runner up in the MVP voting on a playoff missing team... again.
And Now for the Bad News Bears... or at least the winless teams of 2009.
Keep in mind that these teams currently have a worse record than the Detroit Lions... ouch.
Kansas City Chiefs
Cleveland Browns
Tennessee Titans
Miami Dolphins
Saint Louis Rams
Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Teams that are in for a long season:
The Miami Dolphins just lost their starting QB and the catalyst to last years rise to the top of the AFC East. That paired with the wild kitten purring instead of roaring, this team is in for a long season.
The Rams can't seem to score, or catch a break. Injuries are piling up, including starting QB Marc Bulger. It looks like more of the same for this once great franchise.
Tampa Bay proves that firing your O-Coordinator weeks before the season starts is a bad idea. And it cost Byron Leftwich his job. Who replaces him? NOT the first round pick Josh Freeman, but last years late rounder Josh Johnson... interesting. It seems even the franchise doesn't think this team will recover and contend.
Teams that could fix this:
The Tennessee Titans are only one season away from being 13-3. While they've already matched last years loss total, their opponents combined record is 5-4 and one of those teams just won a superbowl. However, if Collins doesn't shape up soon this could once again become Vince Young's team. And while his stat line won't impress, he has a knack for winning games.
The Cleveland Browns may have thrown their season away by reigniting the QB controversy. However they are the only team in the NFL whose opponent's record is 9-0. No matter how you slice it, that's tough. If they can find some playmakers on offense and makes sure their defense can play for a whole game and not just the first half, they could go as high as 8-8.
Carolina is hurt. Once health returns to their decimated defense they will start to turn some heads. This team will not be a cellar dweller for long and I fully see a surge to kick and claw their way back to five hundred.
That's all for now Sports Fans. Let me know, what you think. Hit my Mail Bag and I might feature you in the Mail Bag later this week.
Douglas
Monday, September 28, 2009
Mail Bag!
Welcome Sports Fans!
this is my first official Mail bag request. hit up my email thesportsgeek621@yahoo.com with questions, and i'll do my best to answer them on this blog.
Douglas
this is my first official Mail bag request. hit up my email thesportsgeek621@yahoo.com with questions, and i'll do my best to answer them on this blog.
Douglas
QB Controversy
Alright Sports Fans,
My first topic is about the Cleveland Browns and new head coach Eric Mangini.
This Sunday in Cleveland's 34-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, "Mangenius" decided to pull Brady Quinn at the half in favor of strong armed back-up Derek Anderson. What a bone-headed move!
I'll be the first to admit that I am not a Browns fan. Furthermore, I have no attachment to either QB. However, in a game that is already well out of reach, the score at halftime was 20-0, it seems unnecessary to start a QB controversy. Let's face it, down 20-0, Cleveland had no shot to win that game. And while the offense sputtered under Quinn, he played well enough against one of the top defenses in the league to stay in the game. His line when pulled was a mere 6-8 for 34 yds and 1 INT. Not impressive, I get it. But not only did DA continue to get blown out, he threw another 3 INTs and started a controversy that will plague the Browns for the remainder of the season.
Alright all you Cleveland fans out there, defend your coach. Or do what you should do and throw him under a bus. What will it be? leave me your comments. I'm very interested to hear what you have to say.
Douglas
My first topic is about the Cleveland Browns and new head coach Eric Mangini.
This Sunday in Cleveland's 34-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, "Mangenius" decided to pull Brady Quinn at the half in favor of strong armed back-up Derek Anderson. What a bone-headed move!
I'll be the first to admit that I am not a Browns fan. Furthermore, I have no attachment to either QB. However, in a game that is already well out of reach, the score at halftime was 20-0, it seems unnecessary to start a QB controversy. Let's face it, down 20-0, Cleveland had no shot to win that game. And while the offense sputtered under Quinn, he played well enough against one of the top defenses in the league to stay in the game. His line when pulled was a mere 6-8 for 34 yds and 1 INT. Not impressive, I get it. But not only did DA continue to get blown out, he threw another 3 INTs and started a controversy that will plague the Browns for the remainder of the season.
Alright all you Cleveland fans out there, defend your coach. Or do what you should do and throw him under a bus. What will it be? leave me your comments. I'm very interested to hear what you have to say.
Douglas
Inaugural Blog!!!
Hello Fellow Sports Fans!
This is the beginning of what I hope to be a very successful sports talk blog. I'm looking forward to evaluating different teams from different sports year round; as well as defining moments of games, seasons, and the off-season. I hope that this will be an interactive experience, as i answer questions and become involved in debate and casual conversation with all followers and fellow sports fans. I look forward to the coming posts, questions, and conversations.
Douglas
This is the beginning of what I hope to be a very successful sports talk blog. I'm looking forward to evaluating different teams from different sports year round; as well as defining moments of games, seasons, and the off-season. I hope that this will be an interactive experience, as i answer questions and become involved in debate and casual conversation with all followers and fellow sports fans. I look forward to the coming posts, questions, and conversations.
Douglas
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