So this is really what people are calling for?
I know that this article by Gregg Easterbrook is well intentioned. He talks about how the NFL playoff system is broken because of the possibility of 11-5 teams missing the playoffs while 8-8 teams are in. Well, I will say I severely disagree.
1. The system isn't broken because the division winners are being rewarded for exceptional division play. There are no division leaders that are playing at least .600 in division. The cardinals 5-0 in division. Some would argue that's easy because the division is awful but you still have to reward them for winning those games and putting themselves into clinching the division so that they haven't had anything to play for for the last 3 weeks.
2. For you to just have a seeded tournament where the best 12 play, the schedule must be a true round-robin format to be fair. I could see NFL owners going for a 31 game schedule, but I can't see the players doing it. The reason that is the only way to be fair is the same reason the NFL went to consolidated schedules for divisions. For each team within a division, they play 14 common games, 6 in the division, 4 against a specific AFC division and 4 against a specific NFC division. That makes rewarding division winners with a playoff spot makes sense. If they play the same schedule, the one that does the best should be in. If a team went 6-0 in the division and 0-10 outside of it and still won their division I would still have the same argument. Maybe they played 8 playoff teams. I don't know.
I think that was a pretty shallow argument and was more of a porr attempt at getting the people on the side of a bad argument. Thanks, Gregg
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
I really just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. But I just can't stop there.
So the Houston Rockets traded Steve Francis to the Memphis Grizzlies. Fhis complete his full-circle career path. Remember, Francis forced a trade from the Grizz to the Rockets before he ever played a game. The Grizz were in Vancouver at the time though. But the more interesting part of this trade was The Grizzlies gave up a conditional second-round pick in 2011, and the Rockets gave the Grizzlies a second-round pick this year and enough money to pay off the rest of his salary for the year. So its pretty wierd but it seems like The Rockets were like we don't want him SO MUCH that we'll give you your second round pick and some money. The Grizz who are struggling and need some help with point guard are like "Hell Yeah we'll give this guy a shot!" So now Memphis has a new 31 year old point guard who is coming off of knee surgery. Merry Chirstmas Steve Francis, you might need it for your mental well-being.
So the Houston Rockets traded Steve Francis to the Memphis Grizzlies. Fhis complete his full-circle career path. Remember, Francis forced a trade from the Grizz to the Rockets before he ever played a game. The Grizz were in Vancouver at the time though. But the more interesting part of this trade was The Grizzlies gave up a conditional second-round pick in 2011, and the Rockets gave the Grizzlies a second-round pick this year and enough money to pay off the rest of his salary for the year. So its pretty wierd but it seems like The Rockets were like we don't want him SO MUCH that we'll give you your second round pick and some money. The Grizz who are struggling and need some help with point guard are like "Hell Yeah we'll give this guy a shot!" So now Memphis has a new 31 year old point guard who is coming off of knee surgery. Merry Chirstmas Steve Francis, you might need it for your mental well-being.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Rob Parker = Attention Whore?
So I get it, Rob Parker made a bad joke when he asked Rod Marinelli if he wished his daughter married a better defensive coordinator. Yeah, I chuckled when I heard it. I thought it was funny. It was definitely in poor taste but it was still funny. It got better when Marinelli didn't accept his apology, telling at the reporters to "bring it." It was funny when he called the press conference room a "room of stink". I feel bad for Marinelli, not only does he have to deal with having the worst team of all time, he has to deal with giant bag o' douche Rob Parker.
I'm not a big fan of Parker's and don't understand why he's been able to move up the media ladder. He had a column and his own radio show nightly, now he's a frequent guest on ESPN's first and 10 where he debates Skip Bayless and he is also on ESPN radio 1050 in New York. But I am now coming to my main point of this post.
HE IS AN ATTENTION WHORE!!
Please, check his wikipedia page. Don't you find it peculiar that he has had 5 controversies in 9 months. And those aren't even all of the controversies. There was the time he falsely reported that Manny Harris was caught in a drug house in Detroit. Guess what? Just a grab at some more attention. Then, last season he said Mario Manningham was going to be suspended for the whole season because of some altercations. Well, Manningham was never suspended.
Parker, I know you'll probably read this because you're looking for all the attention you can get.
Please, stop your shenanigans and just be a normal journalist who reports stuff that is true and someone who doesn't become the story.
I'm not a big fan of Parker's and don't understand why he's been able to move up the media ladder. He had a column and his own radio show nightly, now he's a frequent guest on ESPN's first and 10 where he debates Skip Bayless and he is also on ESPN radio 1050 in New York. But I am now coming to my main point of this post.
HE IS AN ATTENTION WHORE!!
Please, check his wikipedia page. Don't you find it peculiar that he has had 5 controversies in 9 months. And those aren't even all of the controversies. There was the time he falsely reported that Manny Harris was caught in a drug house in Detroit. Guess what? Just a grab at some more attention. Then, last season he said Mario Manningham was going to be suspended for the whole season because of some altercations. Well, Manningham was never suspended.
Parker, I know you'll probably read this because you're looking for all the attention you can get.
Please, stop your shenanigans and just be a normal journalist who reports stuff that is true and someone who doesn't become the story.
Hypothetical situation.
Say you were watching a bowl game that was tied in the fourth quarter with 25 seconds left. The ball is near the 50 yard line. It is 3rd and 10 and the team runs a play that gets them 47 yards from the goal-line and it will be 4th down. The coach lets the clock run down without ever letting the Qarterback leave the field and calls a time-out with 4 seconds left. What are you going to assume?
A. The team is going to like up and try a field goal that would be the 6th longest of all-time in NCAA and would be longer than the current NFL record.
B. The team is going to line up and try and throw a pass into the end-zone.
Personallly, I think the obvious answer is B. But Eric Collins the play-by-play guy for last night's Southern Miss v. Troy game thought the answer was A. He showed Gus Johnson-like excitement in saying "Are they gonna attempt a field goal here Shaun?" It was an epic-fail once Shaun King said no and nothing else.
This is why I am trying to be a sports broadcaster. I can't do much worse than these guys.
A. The team is going to like up and try a field goal that would be the 6th longest of all-time in NCAA and would be longer than the current NFL record.
B. The team is going to line up and try and throw a pass into the end-zone.
Personallly, I think the obvious answer is B. But Eric Collins the play-by-play guy for last night's Southern Miss v. Troy game thought the answer was A. He showed Gus Johnson-like excitement in saying "Are they gonna attempt a field goal here Shaun?" It was an epic-fail once Shaun King said no and nothing else.
This is why I am trying to be a sports broadcaster. I can't do much worse than these guys.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Start looking at your draft boards people.
If it wasn't certain, well now its official, the Lions have clinched the number one pick in the draft. Somehow, they couldn't find a way to screw this up. The last few times they had a shot at the #1 pick, they screwed it up. They won a couple of games towards the end of the year in 2001, to end up with the #3 pick and the lovable, huggable Joey "BlueSkies" Harrington. In 2006 they decided to go to Dallas and beat the Cowboys the last week of the season. Thank God, because the lions could have had another bust at QB in JaMarcus Russell and instead we got one of the only worthwhile pieces in Calvin Johnson.
Okay, so instead of listing what the Lions need, I will list what they don't.
-Wide Receiver, I am happy with Calvin, Keary Colbert, and Standeford.
-Kicker, assuming Jason Hanson comes back for an 18th season
-Punter, Nick Harris is just fine
-Running Back, Kevin Smith is looking good.
-Tight End, Gaines, Campbell, Fitzsimmons are good enough for me.
Everyone seems to think the Lions need a Quarterback. I agree they need a QB, but the first pick of the draft is not the place to do it. The Falcons succeded with a rookie QB this year because they had a good line around them, note they have in the top of rushing stats for the last couple of years. Joe Flacco was able to succeed because they had a decent, if not good line around him already. The Lions on the other hand, have an inconsistent, mediocre offensive line. They should be drafting on the O-line. Whoever comes in needs to see that Jeff Backus and his league lead in holding penalties (it seems like it at least) is not the answer at the left Tackle spot. Andre Smith from Alabama seems like he could be a good fit in Detroit. I don't want Matthew Stafford because most of his positives are just his size and body type, not his consistency and accuracy. I don't want Graham Harrell or Sam Bradford because they have come from a typically Spread offensein college and probably will need some time developing before they can be plugged into an NFL offense. This year's draft needs to be one where they can solidify the o-line and d-line and a couple of other holes so next year they can focus on using a first round draft pick on a QB.
Okay, so instead of listing what the Lions need, I will list what they don't.
-Wide Receiver, I am happy with Calvin, Keary Colbert, and Standeford.
-Kicker, assuming Jason Hanson comes back for an 18th season
-Punter, Nick Harris is just fine
-Running Back, Kevin Smith is looking good.
-Tight End, Gaines, Campbell, Fitzsimmons are good enough for me.
Everyone seems to think the Lions need a Quarterback. I agree they need a QB, but the first pick of the draft is not the place to do it. The Falcons succeded with a rookie QB this year because they had a good line around them, note they have in the top of rushing stats for the last couple of years. Joe Flacco was able to succeed because they had a decent, if not good line around him already. The Lions on the other hand, have an inconsistent, mediocre offensive line. They should be drafting on the O-line. Whoever comes in needs to see that Jeff Backus and his league lead in holding penalties (it seems like it at least) is not the answer at the left Tackle spot. Andre Smith from Alabama seems like he could be a good fit in Detroit. I don't want Matthew Stafford because most of his positives are just his size and body type, not his consistency and accuracy. I don't want Graham Harrell or Sam Bradford because they have come from a typically Spread offensein college and probably will need some time developing before they can be plugged into an NFL offense. This year's draft needs to be one where they can solidify the o-line and d-line and a couple of other holes so next year they can focus on using a first round draft pick on a QB.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
College BBall
What a big day for college basketball. 5 games with ranked teams going against each other.
#6 Duke crushed #7 Xavier 82-64.
IT was never close as the dukies jumped out to a big lead and never looked back.
#2 UConn beat #7 Gonzaga 88-83 in OT.
UConn was able to battle bak even with their big man fouled out. It was a back and forth game and the Zags were up early in the second half by 15.
(by the way i realize that gonzaga and xavier are both #7, that's how espn has them labeled.)
#22 Michigan State beat #5 Texas 67-63
MSU led 2-0 and then fell behind for awhile but the furthest they were back was 7 points. A big three by Durrell Summers in the last 20 seconds gave MSU the lead.
#18 Purdue beat #20 Davison 76-58
Stephen Curry could never catch fire at Conseco Fieldhouse and shot 3-14 in the first half and 5-26 overall. Purdue got their first win this year over a ranked team and look to keep rolling with sure wins over IPFW and Valpo going into their Big 10 schedule.
#11 Syracuse beat #21 Memphis 72-65
Syracuse was shorthanded with the suspension of Eric Devendorf, but the first game back for Jonny Flynn has been a big one. He scored 24 points, dished out 6 assists and grabbed 4 rebounds.
The biggest story of the day was #9 Louisville losing to unranked Minnesota 70-64. It will be interested when there is talk come tournament time and finally no one says the Big 10 is one of the worst BCS conferences.
#6 Duke crushed #7 Xavier 82-64.
IT was never close as the dukies jumped out to a big lead and never looked back.
#2 UConn beat #7 Gonzaga 88-83 in OT.
UConn was able to battle bak even with their big man fouled out. It was a back and forth game and the Zags were up early in the second half by 15.
(by the way i realize that gonzaga and xavier are both #7, that's how espn has them labeled.)
#22 Michigan State beat #5 Texas 67-63
MSU led 2-0 and then fell behind for awhile but the furthest they were back was 7 points. A big three by Durrell Summers in the last 20 seconds gave MSU the lead.
#18 Purdue beat #20 Davison 76-58
Stephen Curry could never catch fire at Conseco Fieldhouse and shot 3-14 in the first half and 5-26 overall. Purdue got their first win this year over a ranked team and look to keep rolling with sure wins over IPFW and Valpo going into their Big 10 schedule.
#11 Syracuse beat #21 Memphis 72-65
Syracuse was shorthanded with the suspension of Eric Devendorf, but the first game back for Jonny Flynn has been a big one. He scored 24 points, dished out 6 assists and grabbed 4 rebounds.
The biggest story of the day was #9 Louisville losing to unranked Minnesota 70-64. It will be interested when there is talk come tournament time and finally no one says the Big 10 is one of the worst BCS conferences.
Hey ESPN
I'm not sure how i thought of this but when its the first-ever of something like the magicJack St. Petersburg bowl, don't put a stat on the bottom line saying it is both teams first appearance in that specific bowl game. Please just don't do it.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Bowl Pick 'em
34 Bowls is a lot. Only 51 teams did not make a bowl game. if you fielded a team you had nearly a 60 percent chance of making a bowl game.
EagleBank Bowl
Dec. 20 / 11 a.m.. ET Washington, D.C.
Wake Forest vs. Navy
Well, the Eagle in not a good animal to represent these teams. Wake ran the ball 100 more times than they passed and Navy threw the ball less than 100 times while running over 650 times. Navy beat Wake earlier this year at Wake. I'm going with Navy.
Navy 24, Wake 10.
New Mexico Bowl
Dec. 20/12:30 p.m. Albuquerque, N.M. ESPN
Colorado State vs. Fresno State
Fresno was this years hot non-BCS team when the season started and especially after they beat rutgers. Once they lost to Wisconsin they kinda gave up. Colorado state, I have no clue what they do and I don't feel like researching. I'm going with the familiar side.
Fresno 28, CSU 24
Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl
Dec. 20 / 8 p.m. ET Las Vegas, Nev. ESPN
BYU vs. Arizona
BYU was all set for a BCS game until they lost to TCU and then they were supposed to stop Utah from being a BCS-buster. Well, they failed and now they are in snowy Las Vegas taking on the David Hasselhoff-inspired Wildcats. BYU beat two Pac-10 teams. I think they will make it three in a romp.
BYU 42, Arizona 17
magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl
Dec. 20 / 9 p.m. ET St. Petersburg, Fl.
South Florida vs. Memphis
I don't know much about these two teams. I know South Florida still has Matt Groethe. He's pretty good. Memphis on the other hand, they have.....
South Florida 35, Memphis 14
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Dec. 21 / 8 p.m. ET New Orleans, La. ESPN
Troy vs. Southern Miss
The sun belt conference is my specialty..... NOT. At this point, I am just picking games out of the air.
So. Miss 24, Troy 7
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Dec. 23 / 8 p.m. ET San Diego, Calif. ESPN
TCU vs. Boise State
Boise State got a semi-raw deal from the BCS. TCU is a really good football team, but not good enough.
Boise St. 28, TCU 21
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Dec. 24 / 8 p.m. ET Honolulu, Hawaii ESPN
Notre Dame vs. Hawaii
I've gone back and forth on this game many times. I don't like Notre Dame, but can they really be that bad? In the few games I watched Hawaii they still needed a little Colt Brennan and June Jones.
Hawaii 35, Notre Dame 31
Motor City Bowl
Dec. 26 / 7:30 p.m. ET Detroit, Mich. ESPN
Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan
This is where rooting interests come in to play. Dan Lefevour and CMU's offense is good but the defense has been inversely bad. FAU like to throw the ball. CMU likes to let other teams complete a record number of passes (still a little bitter over the loss to EMU). Can you say SHOOTOUT? Go Fire Up Chips!!
CMU 48, FAU 38
Champs Sports Bowl
Dec. 27 / 4:30 p.m. ET Orlando, Fla. ESPN
Florida State vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin has been a creappy team this year (See: L @Michigan). Florida State hasn't been a world beater either. Mediocre team from ACC > Mediocre at best team from Big 10.
FSU 35, Wisconsin 10
Emerald Bowl
Dec. 27 / 8:30 p.m. ET San Francisco, Calif. ESPN
Miami vs. California
Miami will be missing their hotshot freshman QB Robert Marve. Cal will be missing Marshawn Lynch and DeSean Jackson.
Cal 21, Miami 10
Meineke Car Care Bowl
Dec. 27 / 1 p.m. ET Charlotte, N.C. ESPN
North Carolina vs. West Virginia
West Va. has been a major disappointment. UNC has been a slight surprise. UNC can't stop the run. WVU has Pat White.
WVU 24, UNC 14
PapaJohn’s.com Bowl
Dec. 29 / 3 p.m. ET Birmingham, Ala. ESPN2
Rutgers vs. NC State
Rutgers is an intriguing team. But I think NC State is more interesting. Losing to South Carolina 34-0 to open the season and then running off 4 straight wins (3 against other bowl teams: Wake, UNC, Miami) to be bowl eligible. That couple weeks off is gonna hurt 'em
Rutgers 21 NC State 17
Independence Bowl
Dec. 28 / 8 p.m. ET Shreveport, La. ESPN
Louisiana Tech vs. Northern Illinois
A super-mediocre team from the MAC against a barely mediocre team from the WAC. I like NIU but not that much.
LTU 28, NIU 10
Alamo Bowl
Dec. 29 / 8 p.m. ET San Antonio, Texas ESPN
Northwestern vs. Missouri
A battle between two of the non-perennial powers in the Big 10 and Big 12. Northwestern is a fluke. Mizzou not so much.
Missouri 35, Northwestern 7
Texas Bowl
Dec. 30 / 8 p.m. Houston, Texas NFL Network
Western Michigan vs. Rice
I thought Central can throw the ball well, Rice has an All-American at WR in Jared Dillard. He's good. WMU secondary is OK.
Rice 24, WMU 21
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Dec. 30 / 8 p.m. ET San Diego, Calif. ESPN
Oklahoma State vs. Oregon
Everyone has been on their knees praising the Big 12 this year. I, for no good reason other than Oregon hung 65 on Oregon State, am picking the Ducks
Oregon 27, OSU 20
Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl
Dec. 30/4:30 p.m. Boise, Idaho ESPN
Maryland vs. Nevada
Maryland has been a good member of the ACC and has been mediocre like the rest of them. Nevada hasn't been impressive but they have Colin Kaepernick and the pistol offense. I'm rollin with the pack.
Nevada 21, Maryland 14
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Dec. 31 / 12 p.m. ET Fort Worth, Texas ESPN
Air Force vs. Houston
These teams couldn't be more different. Air Force runs the vaunted triple option. Houston runs a spread offense that rivals Texas Tech.
Houston 42, Air Force 24
Sun Bowl
Dec. 31 / 2 p.m. ET. El Paso, Texas CBS
Pitt vs. Oregon State
Two of the best young running backs in the country are in this game. JacQuizz Rodgers is slightly better than Lesean McCoy. Lets go Beavers.
Oregon State 24, Pitt 20
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Dec. 31 / 3:30 p.m. ET Nashville, Tenn. ESPN
Boston College vs. Vanderbilt
Vandy started off hot but the colled down tremendously. BC just can't beat Viginia Tech in the ACC championship game but they handle Vandy just fine.
BC 35, Vandy 7
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Dec. 31 / 7:30 p.m. ET Atlanta, Ga. ESPN
Georgia Tech vs. LSU
Georaia Tech got Paul Johnson and has been succesful with their Option attack all year. LSU has been a major disappointment. They will continue to disappoint.
Georgia Tech 28, LSU 10
Insight Bowl
Dec. 31 / 5:30 ET Tempe, Ariz. NFL Network
Minnesota vs. Kansas
Any team in the Big 10 that lost to Michigan is bad in my book. Minnesota is another one of those. Kansas hasn't been able to recreate the magic they had last year. But the Fighting Manginos will get it done.
Kansas 38, Minnesota 10
Outback Bowl
Jan. 1 / 11 a.m. ET Tampa, Fla. ESPN
Iowa vs. South Carolina
Shonn Greene is really good. South Carolina has Chris Smelley leading the Cocks. Smelley + Cocks = comedy gold. The team has been just as funny.
Iowa 24, South Carolina 10
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
Jan. 1 / 1 p.m. ET Jacksonville, Fla. CBS
Clemson vs. Nebraska
Clemson has been a major disappointment, I've heard they had two NFL ready running backs all year, and i totally agree. The rest of the team has struggled. Nebraska is rebuilding and trying to get out of Tom Osborne's shadow but they will definitely be in the dark for this game.
Clemson 27, Nebraska 13
Capital One Bowl
Jan. 1 / 1 p.m. Orlando, Fla. ABC
Michigan State vs. Georgia
I want to pick MSU, I really do. Javon Ringer will do all he can do, but Knowshon Moreno and Matt Stafford will be too much. Brian Hoyer just isn't good enough to win a bowl game.
Georgia 27, MSU 20
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Jan. 2 / 5:00 p.m. ET Memphis, Tenn. ESPN
East Carolina vs. Kentucky
ECU was gonna be the first non-BCS team to play in the championship game, or at least i thought so. Then they stumbled a couple times down the way and now they find themselves playing an over-matched Kentucky team. I think they will bring their record to 3-2 against BCS teams.
ECU 21, Kentucky 7
AT&T Cotton Bowl
Jan. 2 / 2 p.m. ET Dallas, Texas FOX
Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss
Texas Tech was a media darling for a couple of weeks and i didn't even dream it up. Oh, i crack myself up. But Jevan Snead is a really good young QB for Ole MIss. I knod fo want to pick Ole Miss but I can't bring myself to do it.
TTU 35, Ole Miss 31
International Bowl
Jan. 3 / 12 p.m. ET Toronto, Canada ESPN2
Connecticut vs. Buffalo
Buffalo is in its first bowl EVER. UConn has a NCAA-leading runner. He continues to run he may run for a mile in this game.
UConn 38, Buffalo 17.
GMAC Bowl
Jan. 6 / 8 p.m. ET Mobile, Ala. ESPN
Tulsa vs. Ball State
Tulsa is an explosive offense. They can turn the ball over with the best of them too. Ball State is really good and when they turn it over they lose. I hope the weather is good in Mobile otherwise this is going to be an awful game.
Ball State 45, Tulsa 42
BCS GAMES
Rose Bowl presented by Citi
Jan. 1 / 5:10 p.m. ET Pasadena, Calif. ABC
USC vs. Penn State
There is NO love for the Big 10 this year. USC is favored by 10 in this game. I don't think they will win by more than 10 but I can't bring myself to pick against USC in Pasadena.
USC 17, Penn St 14
FedEx Orange Bowl
Jan. 1 / 8 p.m. Miami Gardens, Fla. FOX
Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati
This is the least interesting of the BCS games. I don't like either team that much but I am going with the familiar quantity in Brian Kelly. The Bearcats will barely pull this one off.
Cinci 21, Va. Tech 20
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Jan. 2 / 8:30 p.m. ET New Orleans, La. FOX
Alabama vs. Utah
Alabama loses to Florida instead of playin in the championship, they are trying to show why non-BCS schools shouldn't be in the National Championship discussion. This Utah team isn't like the Hawaii team from last year. I may be off my rocker, but I am going to take Utah in a major upset.
Utah 27, BAMA 20
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Jan. 5 / 8 p.m. Phoenix, Ariz. FOX
Texas vs. Ohio State
One more case where there is no love for the Big 10. Texas favored by 10 in this one. The difference is I think this one is justified.
Texas 35, OSU 24
FedEx BCS National Championship
Jan. 8 / 8 p.m. Miami Gardens, Fla. FOX
Oklahoma vs. Florida
Man, do I hate Tim Tebow. But gosh darnit I respect him. Just not enough to give him a national championship. O yea, hey Tim enjoy being a fullback in the NFL.
Oklahoma 42, Florida 24
EagleBank Bowl
Dec. 20 / 11 a.m.. ET Washington, D.C.
Wake Forest vs. Navy
Well, the Eagle in not a good animal to represent these teams. Wake ran the ball 100 more times than they passed and Navy threw the ball less than 100 times while running over 650 times. Navy beat Wake earlier this year at Wake. I'm going with Navy.
Navy 24, Wake 10.
New Mexico Bowl
Dec. 20/12:30 p.m. Albuquerque, N.M. ESPN
Colorado State vs. Fresno State
Fresno was this years hot non-BCS team when the season started and especially after they beat rutgers. Once they lost to Wisconsin they kinda gave up. Colorado state, I have no clue what they do and I don't feel like researching. I'm going with the familiar side.
Fresno 28, CSU 24
Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl
Dec. 20 / 8 p.m. ET Las Vegas, Nev. ESPN
BYU vs. Arizona
BYU was all set for a BCS game until they lost to TCU and then they were supposed to stop Utah from being a BCS-buster. Well, they failed and now they are in snowy Las Vegas taking on the David Hasselhoff-inspired Wildcats. BYU beat two Pac-10 teams. I think they will make it three in a romp.
BYU 42, Arizona 17
magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl
Dec. 20 / 9 p.m. ET St. Petersburg, Fl.
South Florida vs. Memphis
I don't know much about these two teams. I know South Florida still has Matt Groethe. He's pretty good. Memphis on the other hand, they have.....
South Florida 35, Memphis 14
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Dec. 21 / 8 p.m. ET New Orleans, La. ESPN
Troy vs. Southern Miss
The sun belt conference is my specialty..... NOT. At this point, I am just picking games out of the air.
So. Miss 24, Troy 7
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Dec. 23 / 8 p.m. ET San Diego, Calif. ESPN
TCU vs. Boise State
Boise State got a semi-raw deal from the BCS. TCU is a really good football team, but not good enough.
Boise St. 28, TCU 21
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Dec. 24 / 8 p.m. ET Honolulu, Hawaii ESPN
Notre Dame vs. Hawaii
I've gone back and forth on this game many times. I don't like Notre Dame, but can they really be that bad? In the few games I watched Hawaii they still needed a little Colt Brennan and June Jones.
Hawaii 35, Notre Dame 31
Motor City Bowl
Dec. 26 / 7:30 p.m. ET Detroit, Mich. ESPN
Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan
This is where rooting interests come in to play. Dan Lefevour and CMU's offense is good but the defense has been inversely bad. FAU like to throw the ball. CMU likes to let other teams complete a record number of passes (still a little bitter over the loss to EMU). Can you say SHOOTOUT? Go Fire Up Chips!!
CMU 48, FAU 38
Champs Sports Bowl
Dec. 27 / 4:30 p.m. ET Orlando, Fla. ESPN
Florida State vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin has been a creappy team this year (See: L @Michigan). Florida State hasn't been a world beater either. Mediocre team from ACC > Mediocre at best team from Big 10.
FSU 35, Wisconsin 10
Emerald Bowl
Dec. 27 / 8:30 p.m. ET San Francisco, Calif. ESPN
Miami vs. California
Miami will be missing their hotshot freshman QB Robert Marve. Cal will be missing Marshawn Lynch and DeSean Jackson.
Cal 21, Miami 10
Meineke Car Care Bowl
Dec. 27 / 1 p.m. ET Charlotte, N.C. ESPN
North Carolina vs. West Virginia
West Va. has been a major disappointment. UNC has been a slight surprise. UNC can't stop the run. WVU has Pat White.
WVU 24, UNC 14
PapaJohn’s.com Bowl
Dec. 29 / 3 p.m. ET Birmingham, Ala. ESPN2
Rutgers vs. NC State
Rutgers is an intriguing team. But I think NC State is more interesting. Losing to South Carolina 34-0 to open the season and then running off 4 straight wins (3 against other bowl teams: Wake, UNC, Miami) to be bowl eligible. That couple weeks off is gonna hurt 'em
Rutgers 21 NC State 17
Independence Bowl
Dec. 28 / 8 p.m. ET Shreveport, La. ESPN
Louisiana Tech vs. Northern Illinois
A super-mediocre team from the MAC against a barely mediocre team from the WAC. I like NIU but not that much.
LTU 28, NIU 10
Alamo Bowl
Dec. 29 / 8 p.m. ET San Antonio, Texas ESPN
Northwestern vs. Missouri
A battle between two of the non-perennial powers in the Big 10 and Big 12. Northwestern is a fluke. Mizzou not so much.
Missouri 35, Northwestern 7
Texas Bowl
Dec. 30 / 8 p.m. Houston, Texas NFL Network
Western Michigan vs. Rice
I thought Central can throw the ball well, Rice has an All-American at WR in Jared Dillard. He's good. WMU secondary is OK.
Rice 24, WMU 21
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Dec. 30 / 8 p.m. ET San Diego, Calif. ESPN
Oklahoma State vs. Oregon
Everyone has been on their knees praising the Big 12 this year. I, for no good reason other than Oregon hung 65 on Oregon State, am picking the Ducks
Oregon 27, OSU 20
Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl
Dec. 30/4:30 p.m. Boise, Idaho ESPN
Maryland vs. Nevada
Maryland has been a good member of the ACC and has been mediocre like the rest of them. Nevada hasn't been impressive but they have Colin Kaepernick and the pistol offense. I'm rollin with the pack.
Nevada 21, Maryland 14
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Dec. 31 / 12 p.m. ET Fort Worth, Texas ESPN
Air Force vs. Houston
These teams couldn't be more different. Air Force runs the vaunted triple option. Houston runs a spread offense that rivals Texas Tech.
Houston 42, Air Force 24
Sun Bowl
Dec. 31 / 2 p.m. ET. El Paso, Texas CBS
Pitt vs. Oregon State
Two of the best young running backs in the country are in this game. JacQuizz Rodgers is slightly better than Lesean McCoy. Lets go Beavers.
Oregon State 24, Pitt 20
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Dec. 31 / 3:30 p.m. ET Nashville, Tenn. ESPN
Boston College vs. Vanderbilt
Vandy started off hot but the colled down tremendously. BC just can't beat Viginia Tech in the ACC championship game but they handle Vandy just fine.
BC 35, Vandy 7
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Dec. 31 / 7:30 p.m. ET Atlanta, Ga. ESPN
Georgia Tech vs. LSU
Georaia Tech got Paul Johnson and has been succesful with their Option attack all year. LSU has been a major disappointment. They will continue to disappoint.
Georgia Tech 28, LSU 10
Insight Bowl
Dec. 31 / 5:30 ET Tempe, Ariz. NFL Network
Minnesota vs. Kansas
Any team in the Big 10 that lost to Michigan is bad in my book. Minnesota is another one of those. Kansas hasn't been able to recreate the magic they had last year. But the Fighting Manginos will get it done.
Kansas 38, Minnesota 10
Outback Bowl
Jan. 1 / 11 a.m. ET Tampa, Fla. ESPN
Iowa vs. South Carolina
Shonn Greene is really good. South Carolina has Chris Smelley leading the Cocks. Smelley + Cocks = comedy gold. The team has been just as funny.
Iowa 24, South Carolina 10
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
Jan. 1 / 1 p.m. ET Jacksonville, Fla. CBS
Clemson vs. Nebraska
Clemson has been a major disappointment, I've heard they had two NFL ready running backs all year, and i totally agree. The rest of the team has struggled. Nebraska is rebuilding and trying to get out of Tom Osborne's shadow but they will definitely be in the dark for this game.
Clemson 27, Nebraska 13
Capital One Bowl
Jan. 1 / 1 p.m. Orlando, Fla. ABC
Michigan State vs. Georgia
I want to pick MSU, I really do. Javon Ringer will do all he can do, but Knowshon Moreno and Matt Stafford will be too much. Brian Hoyer just isn't good enough to win a bowl game.
Georgia 27, MSU 20
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Jan. 2 / 5:00 p.m. ET Memphis, Tenn. ESPN
East Carolina vs. Kentucky
ECU was gonna be the first non-BCS team to play in the championship game, or at least i thought so. Then they stumbled a couple times down the way and now they find themselves playing an over-matched Kentucky team. I think they will bring their record to 3-2 against BCS teams.
ECU 21, Kentucky 7
AT&T Cotton Bowl
Jan. 2 / 2 p.m. ET Dallas, Texas FOX
Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss
Texas Tech was a media darling for a couple of weeks and i didn't even dream it up. Oh, i crack myself up. But Jevan Snead is a really good young QB for Ole MIss. I knod fo want to pick Ole Miss but I can't bring myself to do it.
TTU 35, Ole Miss 31
International Bowl
Jan. 3 / 12 p.m. ET Toronto, Canada ESPN2
Connecticut vs. Buffalo
Buffalo is in its first bowl EVER. UConn has a NCAA-leading runner. He continues to run he may run for a mile in this game.
UConn 38, Buffalo 17.
GMAC Bowl
Jan. 6 / 8 p.m. ET Mobile, Ala. ESPN
Tulsa vs. Ball State
Tulsa is an explosive offense. They can turn the ball over with the best of them too. Ball State is really good and when they turn it over they lose. I hope the weather is good in Mobile otherwise this is going to be an awful game.
Ball State 45, Tulsa 42
BCS GAMES
Rose Bowl presented by Citi
Jan. 1 / 5:10 p.m. ET Pasadena, Calif. ABC
USC vs. Penn State
There is NO love for the Big 10 this year. USC is favored by 10 in this game. I don't think they will win by more than 10 but I can't bring myself to pick against USC in Pasadena.
USC 17, Penn St 14
FedEx Orange Bowl
Jan. 1 / 8 p.m. Miami Gardens, Fla. FOX
Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati
This is the least interesting of the BCS games. I don't like either team that much but I am going with the familiar quantity in Brian Kelly. The Bearcats will barely pull this one off.
Cinci 21, Va. Tech 20
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Jan. 2 / 8:30 p.m. ET New Orleans, La. FOX
Alabama vs. Utah
Alabama loses to Florida instead of playin in the championship, they are trying to show why non-BCS schools shouldn't be in the National Championship discussion. This Utah team isn't like the Hawaii team from last year. I may be off my rocker, but I am going to take Utah in a major upset.
Utah 27, BAMA 20
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Jan. 5 / 8 p.m. Phoenix, Ariz. FOX
Texas vs. Ohio State
One more case where there is no love for the Big 10. Texas favored by 10 in this one. The difference is I think this one is justified.
Texas 35, OSU 24
FedEx BCS National Championship
Jan. 8 / 8 p.m. Miami Gardens, Fla. FOX
Oklahoma vs. Florida
Man, do I hate Tim Tebow. But gosh darnit I respect him. Just not enough to give him a national championship. O yea, hey Tim enjoy being a fullback in the NFL.
Oklahoma 42, Florida 24
Thursday, December 18, 2008
In the past 59 days....
-I have made 0 posts.
-I have deleted 5 drafts that were actually somewhat substantial.
-My computer has frozen almost every time I try to open an internet browser plus it won't charge.
-The Pistons traded for Allen Iverson after starting out 4-0.
-The Pistons have since been 10-9.
-The Tigers have added two mediocre catchers to their roster in Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor.
-The more noteworthy move was the Tigers trading away the promising Matt Joyce for a flame throwing young arm in Edwin Jackson.
-The Red Wings started their season by losing to my Toronto Maple Leafs.
-The Leafs have since been mediocre AT BEST (but at least their better than Ottawa).
-The Wings are the third best team in hockey and just walloped the best team tonight 6-0.
-The Lions STILL haven't won a game and the over/under on their XFL wins is falling fast.
-The Lions have started four different quarterbacks and played five, who woulda thought Drew Henson would get ANY playing time on any NFL team this year?
-One of my eight predicted division winners is leading their division. Thank you Minnesota.
-Three of my picks are in last place in their division.
I am going to make a conscious effort to update this guy every day for the next week. Then I am not sure what I will be able to do since I am not sure what computer I am going to use.
-I have deleted 5 drafts that were actually somewhat substantial.
-My computer has frozen almost every time I try to open an internet browser plus it won't charge.
-The Pistons traded for Allen Iverson after starting out 4-0.
-The Pistons have since been 10-9.
-The Tigers have added two mediocre catchers to their roster in Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor.
-The more noteworthy move was the Tigers trading away the promising Matt Joyce for a flame throwing young arm in Edwin Jackson.
-The Red Wings started their season by losing to my Toronto Maple Leafs.
-The Leafs have since been mediocre AT BEST (but at least their better than Ottawa).
-The Wings are the third best team in hockey and just walloped the best team tonight 6-0.
-The Lions STILL haven't won a game and the over/under on their XFL wins is falling fast.
-The Lions have started four different quarterbacks and played five, who woulda thought Drew Henson would get ANY playing time on any NFL team this year?
-One of my eight predicted division winners is leading their division. Thank you Minnesota.
-Three of my picks are in last place in their division.
I am going to make a conscious effort to update this guy every day for the next week. Then I am not sure what I will be able to do since I am not sure what computer I am going to use.
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