Thursday, December 3, 2009

0-18.....Thursday Night Football Games.

Sorry about there being no Part 2 of this Weekends Wrap-Up. I got swamped and had no time to do it.

I did get to watch history last night though.

The New Jeresy Nets broke the NBA record for losses to start a season. They did it in style as well, as the Dallas Mavericks almost put up an 80 spot and shot 84% from the field at halftime!

The Mavs pumped the brakes a bit, but the Nets took another beating. Former Nets franchise face Jason Kidd relished this win, considering he almost put a triple double on their heads.

It is brutal for Nets fans this season. How far does this streak go? 20, 25, 30 games?

Sad part is, that it is not an effort problem. The Nets DO play hard everynight. There are CYO teams that shoot the basketball better than the Nets though. Right now, they have zero depth or talent on the wings (shooting guard-small fowards).

I will play the optimist in all of this for Nets fans.

The rebuilding plan is being done right, and it will not take them long to be good again.

The Nets right now do have some players to build around. Brook Lopez and Devin Harris are good. Terrence Williams may never be a star, but he can be an excellent and very good glue guy. I am not big on Chris Douglas Roberts, but on a good team, he could come off the bench and be some instant offense.

Here is the real silver lining...

The Nets have the most cap room in the biggest free agent offseason ever, and will have a top 5 pick in a deep, loaded draft.

Let's play a hypothetical game right now.

What if the Nets sign say Lebron James (I think they actually have a better shot at Bron than the Knicks) and a mid level guy, say Marcus Camby or Udonis Haslem. Then, in the draft, say they hit the Lottery and get John Wall from Kentucky?

Do you think that you can argue with me that a lineup of Harris, Wall, King James, Camby/Haslem, and Lopez, with Douglas-Roberts and T. Williams coming off the bench is not a playoff team in the East?

I think that is an argument that you would lose.

Keep your heads up Nets fans, this is only a one year thing.



We have a treat tonight.

Not only do we have the NFL game on Thursday night, we have a monster rivalry college game that is a playoff for the Rose Bowl.

The Buffalo Bills take one of their home games, and completely waste it tonight in Toronto, against the Jets. There is NO reason for these games being in Toronto, in a domed stadium (The Bills home games in December are major home field advatages with the weather, etc.), other than the fact to line the pockets of a greedy owner that acts like he cares about the city that has made him millions of dollars a year.

I guess there really was a reason for someone to flip him the double barrel birds.

The Jets come into this game coming off their best game in a month. My whipping boy Kerry Rhodes came out of hibernation and actually played to his talent, and the Jets harassed another SportsTown whipping boy, Jake "Pick 6" Delhomme.

I see the Jets running the ball about 40 times in tonight's game, making sure that The Sanchize does not throw picks like they were stadium gift give-a-ways.

Although Terrell Owens has played alot better since the coaching switch, he will be lined up all night against the NFL's best CB in Darrelle Revis, or how the CBS guys call him "Revis Island".

New York Jets 20, Buffalo Bills 13.

The Civil War!

One of College Football's biggest and oldest rivalries gets centerstage tonight on ESPN, as Oregon St. and Oregon get it on for a shot at Ohio St. in the Rose Bowl.

The Ducks are at home, and QB Jeremiah Masoli has been playing like a Heisman candidate since the Boise St. mudstomping. RB LaMichael James has had a fantasic Frosh. season replacing SportsTown's Golden Gloves Champ LeGarette Blount.

The Beavers are the Pac 10 team that does the most with the least. Head Coach Mike Riley really does not get enough respect from the country. He seldom gets a to recruit, but somehow grooms his players into talents. (Beavers had the 2nd most players drafted last year.)

This will be a shootout, with both offenses being high octane. Turnovers will be monster in this game. The fact that the Ducks are close to double digit faves in this game is a joke. So.....

UPSET SPECIAL!

Oregon St. 42, Oregon 38

Monday, November 30, 2009

Weekend Wrap-Up Part 1

How can we avoid this?

Everything and their mother has had an opinion on Tiger Woods driving his SUV into a fire hydrant and into an oak. It really should not be a big deal. Tiger did not harm anyone but himself in this situation or damage anyone's property except the counties hydrant, and perhaps his neighbor's tree.

Why has this not gone away?

Well, besides the American public being complete whores for gossip and always wanting to see the rich and powerful stumble to their levels, because the whole story has more holes in it than Swiss cheese.

Why was Tiger leaving his house at 2:30am? Was he fighting with his wife? Is the rumored affair with the Long Island hostess the reason for that fight? Did Mrs. Woods go after him with a 7 Iron like she was William Wallace in Braveheart?

Although Tiger Woods has no committment at all to going public with this, he has to realize that his so called private life became very public, whether he likes it or not. TMZ, National Enquirer, and others will make sure of that. Although, ESPN has done their best to protect Tiger. (Sickening how the biggest Sports Network, who shows an entire round of Tiger's in highlights, was the LAST to report of this!) I think ESPN sent Tom Rinaldi to be a bodyguard, and not a reporter.

It is not helping matters that Tiger blew off the cops several times (although did not have to by law give the cops a statement), made a statement over his website and not in person, and cancelled his appearance at a golf tourney that helps his own charity. People that have minor injuries and scraps to the face do not do that.

Something smells awfully fishy about all of this, and the way Tiger is trying to control his privacy in this is only fanning the flames. Hopefully, it all comes out, because if it does not, the public like the whores we are, will speculate until speculation becomes the truth.


Did everyone see the end of the UCLA-USC game? I know it was tough if you lived on the East Coast like me, but it might of been the most hysterical thing I have seen in sports all year.

Of course you already seen it!

Does the entire Pac 10 Head Coach Fraternity think they can take shots at Top Dog of the Conference, who is the master of giving out shots and think he was going to lay quiet?

Big mistake.

There is a reason Pete Carroll is not in the NFL, where the talent is mostly equal, and is at USC, where he gets whatever talent he wants. Carroll is The Bully.

So when UCLA head guy Rick Neuheisel takes out giant ads in LA newspapers saying that USC does not own LA anymore, it was not forgotten. When Stanford's Jim Harbaugh went for 2 up 20+ points in the 4th quarter, it was definitely not forgotten. And lastly, when Neuheisal is taking timeouts when Carroll was giving mercy and taking a knee with less than a minute left.

UCLA became live game, and was made an example.

We all know what happened. 45 yard TD bomb, USC sideline acting like they just went back in time and beat Texas in the Rose Bowl, and a riot almost breaks out.

These are heated rivalries. Anything goes, especially when The Bully has been taking shots to the mouth.

Remember The Empire Strikes Back? The Empire took a shot in the mouth (end of Star Wars), and went after who gave them those shots tenfold. In the Pac 10, USC is the Empire.

The boys are the Pac 10 might of awoken a sleeping giant. Carroll might be a jerkoff, but you guys made your bed with all of this, now it is time to sleep in it.


Monday Night Game:

Big game tonight in New Orleans. Offensive fireworks should be going off for 3+ hours straight.

This game reminds me of the 1985 Monday Night Game between the undefeated Bears, and the Miami Dolphins.

An awesome QB (Marino-Brady), going into a hostile envoirment and beating an undefeated team by going nuts aerially with his WR's (Clayton-Duper, Moss-Welker).

New England Patriots 38, New Orleans 27.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

NFL Picks for Week 12

I started to write this post early, since I could not stand the Bromance CBS has with Tim Tebow. I really believe Verne Lundquivst and Gary Danielson are told by their producers to act like its Brokeback Tebow. Well, perhaps I am slightly wrong, I do not think Danielson is acting.

Three games in the books this NFL week. (SportsTown is 3-0 so far this week!) The Thanksgiving games were boring and very predictable. I thought the Giants-Broncos game at night would of given us a breath of fresh air.

I was wrong.

The Giants stink. They got abused by the struggling Broncos. Both sides of the ball, OLine and DLine got manhandled by the Broncos, which is a scary thought for the Giants considering that the past few years, that has been their strength.

How hard was everyone laughing when Giants DE Osi Umenyiora was verbally hammering his team on the sidelines on two different occasions? This is the same guy that got the goose egg against the Broncos and All-World LT Ryan Clady.

Osi, if you are going to call out your team, do not do it in the game that you are one of the main reasons that the Giants got manhandled.

Now, onto the rest of this week's picks:

Miami Dolphins 23, Buffalo Bills 20 - I actually had to flip a coin in this one. The Bills Run Defense is prime to get shredded by the High-On-Life Ricky Williams and the Wildcat, but Buffalo last week whipped out a passing attack we have not seen all season from them. The Dolphins are horrible against the aerial assault. In the end, last minute FG wins it and keeps the Dolphins slim playoffs chances alive.

Carolina Panthers 27, New York Jets 16 - I see the Jets have been reading this blog, and they took my advice and benched Kerry Rhodes. Smart idea, but Mark Sanchez is throwing more interceptions now than Lindsey Lohan has run-ins with paparazzi nowadays. Panthers defense scores in this game.

Cincinnati Bengals 45, Cleveland Browns 13 - Bengals got humiliated last week in Oakland, and have hard nosed coaches Marvin Lewis and Mike Zimmer that probaly made the team go through hell this week in practice. On Sunday, they take it out on the Browns. After the game, Eric Mangini will complain that the Bengals played too hard.

Atlanta Falcons 38, Tampa Bay Bucs 20 - Josh Freeman has not looked bad behind the Center for the Bucs, but this franchise is a complete mess. Head Coach Raheem Morris is too immature for a head gig right now, and the Falcons will take advantage of it.

Houston Texans 31, Indianapolis Colts 28 - UPSET SPECIAL! Yes, I am going back to the well on this one. I was going to pick the Colts until I found out that Dwight Freeney was out. Matt Schaub will have a much easier time without having to worry about his blindside all day long. Peyton Manning does his best John Elway impersonation under 2 minutes in the game, but but it is no good.

Minnesota Vikings 31, Chicago Bears 13 - Took this long for these two teams to play this season? Bad scheduling. Jay Cutler is going to get pounded by this Vikings front four. I hate to stomach this, but with a big game, Brett Favre is in MVP talk. Do you know how hard that was just to even type?

Sidenote: What an awesome Mizzou-Kansas game going on! Looks like Mizzou is going to win on a last minute Field Goal. Mark Mangino murder watch starts in about 7 minutes.

Arizona Cardinals 24, Tennessee Titans 17 - I wanted to pull the upset special on this game, but the Cardinals passing attack should carve up the Titans. Tough to dismiss the fact that the Cardinals are 5-0 on the road this year as well. Remember though, the dreaded "Pacific Time Zone team playing at 1pm on the East Coast" is in effect though.

Philadelphia Eagles 23, Wshington Redskins 16 - The Skins defense is playing top notch right now, and Donovan Mcnabb is not 100% on the same page with all these young guns in the Eagles offense. This game will be close, but talent just rises to the top. Mccoy and Jackson have big days.

Seattle Seahawks 34, St. Louis Rams 27 - I just remember how Matt Hasselback carved up this defense earlier in the season. The Rams play hard, and Steven Jackson is an absolute monster, but they just do not have enough to win. If you have Hasselback and Jackson on your fantasy teams, be prepared to reap the benefits.

San Francisco 49ers 23, Jacksonville Jaguars 17 - The Vegas handicappers forbid me from making this game an upset special (SF is 3 point faves). This is just a horrible matchup for the kittens. 49ers Run Defense is very stout, and The Pinball Wizard (New Maurice Jones-Drew nickname, tell me if it is fitting.) is going to have a hard time against the big guy in the middle Aubrayo Franklin, who should be headed to The Kapunu Suite in Feburary.

If you do not get that term, go rent or buy Forgetting Sarah Marshall immediately! Although I want to investigate if Bill Hader gets these side roles in funny movies because he performs fallice acts to movie executives. The guy is not funny at all, along with the rest of Saturday Night Live of the past decade.

San Diego Chargers 38, Kansas City Chiefs 17 - The Bolts have really turned it on the past month and change. I see no way in hell the Chiefs pull off two monster upsets in a row. We can leave it at that.

Baltimore Ravens 20, Pittsburgh Steelers 10 - This pick is made now knowing that Big Ben's coconut is not fully healed yet. Dennis Dixon will make his first start, in a horrible venue for QB's. The Steelers defense really has to crank it up in this game, but I think there is too much Flacco/Rice/Mason in this game.

Last Week: 9-7

Season: 100-58

College Football Picks of the Week 11/28

First off, I hope everyone had themselves a fun Thanksgiving.

A good chunk of the picks are already in for the week, but lets recap what happened in the past two days.

-Colt Mccoy single handedly willed Texas from a possible upset. 500 total yards and 5 touchdowns, which included 175 yards rushing. Wow.

I said in my last post, that Mccoy had the spotlight to himself on Thanksgiving night, especially considering that the New York Giants stunk the joint up in Denver, and all the NFL fans switched over to the Texas-Texas A&M game. He did not disappoint.

He might of just won the Heisman on Thursday night.

- I am eating my own words when I stated that Pitt is a top 5 team right now.

It was a tough, hard fought game, but Pitt should not be losing to the likes of West Virginia. They are just too talented. I did come out of that game thinking one think positive on the Panthers side.

Dion Lewis is the 2nd best Freshmen RB I have ever seen with my own two eyes. The first being Adrian Peterson at Oklahoma.

- After watching Texas A&M shred the Texas defense, plus watching the Nebraska-Colorado game, I have come to the conclusion that Nebraska can upset Texas.

The Nebraska defense can stop anyone. If you are a bettor, just bet the Under blind in that game. It has 12-7 written all over it.

Heisman Watch

1. Kellen Moore QB Boise St. - Just after watching Moore add another five touchdowns passes to his resume, I am down to 3 options if I had a Heisman voting. Right now, Moore is the frontrunner.

2. Colt Mccoy QB, Texas - He has made me eat some serious crow. The guy has been a video game the past month. He reminded me of Michael Vick in Madden '00, where Vick was not only a good passing QB, but the fastest guy in the entire game.

If Mccoy goes trigger happy against Nebraska in the Big 12 Title Game, he leapfrogs Moore.

3. Toby Gerhart RB, Stanford - If Mccoy stumbles, and Gerhart has a monster (And I mean monster on the level of 225 yards-5 TDs), Gerhart's numbers might just be too eye-popping to say no to. Best thing for Toby is, he does play against Notre Dame, who I could run for 115 and a score on.

4. Mark Ingram RB, Alabama - In my eyes, he cannot win it anymore. Getting stone-walled by the likes of Auburn to me would stick out even more than trashing the Gators next week. He may get invited to New York though. All exspenses paid.

5. Tony Pike QB, Cincinnati - Now, I know he has no shot at winning the Heisman. I just am down to 3 players, and I wanted to make a point with Pike.

Pike missed several games due to injury, and came back and tossed 6 touchdown passes! Pike is the "What If" this season. Just what if Pike never lost time due to injury?

Honorable Mention: Golden Tate WR Notre Dame, Tim Tebow QB Florida, Dion Lewis RB Pitt, Jerry Hughes DE TCU, CJ Spiller RB Clemson.


We are 3-1 with the picks so far this week, as Pitt let me down hardcore. Here are the rest of the picks:

Florida 41, Florida St. 23 - I would of liked to seen this game with Seminoles QB Christian Ponder playing. No crying over spilled milk, so we watch the Gators steamroll one of the more pathetic defenses in college football. Bobby Bowden does not have the likes of Marvin Jones, Peter Boulware, and Donnie Abraham anymore.

Oklahoma 28, Oklahoma St. 27 - UPSET SPECIAL! This pick is not who I think could win this game. For me, it is about two things:

1. Vegas has this line extremely fishy. Oklahoma is a 9 point fave, against a ranked opponenet, when they have not beaten anyone this season.

2. Oklahoma St., my original pick to go to the Title Games, is a major roadblock for Boise St. going to a BCS Bowl game. We are now channeling Ronald Regan.

"Oklahoma Sooners, tear down that wall!"

South Florida 23, Miami 20 - UPSET SPECIAL #2!! The Bulls finally have a shot at the celebrity Canes. South Florida may have slid the 2nd half of the year, but I bet my mortage that they have had this one circled on the calendar since it was announced that this game would be scheduled.

LSU 24, Arkansas 20 - I wanted to pick the Razorbacks, but if Arkansas somehow won this game, the lynch mob in Louisiana would have the knoose tighly wrapped around Les Miles neck fast. I root for chaos, not bloodshed.

Clemson 27, South Carolina 17 - I think the Tigers run CJ Spiller down the tough Gamecocks throats. Steve Spurrier just needs to find a good enough QB and he will start winning SEC titles. The defense has been very good for years now. It is time for the Old Ball Coach to get a QB that he can turn into the next Shane Matthews.

Utah 34, BYU 31 - The Holy War. My two cents, the best rivalry game nickname. I just think BYU is a bunch of frauds. Max Hall throws way too many INTs, and the Utes can still score.

Stanford 63, Notre Dame 28 - Yes, I really believe this score. It would be fitting for Charlie Weis's execution. There is no shot in hell that the Irish can stop Toby Gerhart, not to mention QB Andrew Luck. This game is on primetime ABC, which would mean it is the first time we see an execution on national television.

Last Week: 6-5

Season: 80-46

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thanksgiving Day NFL/College Games

We all know what is tradition on Thanksgiving Day and weekend. The family all gets together, you have the 13-course meal, including the turkey, stuffing, yams, the 3 different types of pie after, and it is all done for "giving thanks". There is another major part of this tradition though.

NFL Football on the Turkey Day.

Some people go into Manhattan to watch the Parade, with the balloon floats in the air and somehow not falling down in the wind tunnels the tall NYC building make the city blocks. Most people watch NFL football spread across 12 hours of the day.

We have three games, spread across the entire day, and 3 networks.

Heres are the Gooble Day NFL Predictions:

Green Bay Packers 38, Detroit Lions 13 - I would love to pick the Lions on Thanksgiving, especially given the fact that the Lions and Cowboys on T-Giving is as American as apple pie. I do not believe SportsTown new hero Matthew Stafford is playing on a short week after going Eric Roberts in Best of the Best on us.

If Brady Quinn torched this secondary, what do you think Aaron Rodgers is going to do? I am scared about it, the guy I am playing in Fantasy Football this week has both Rodgers and Greg Jennings. OUCH!

(Quick Sidenote: I lost this week in FF. The Johnson's, both Chris and Andre let me down. Lendale White vultured a touchdown off of me, and Gary Kubiak will not call a pass play for his freak inside the 10 yard line.)


Dallas Cowboys 31, Oakland Raiders 10 - I cannot wait for this game. Why? Because some crazy Raider fans actually think that Bruce Gradkowski is good enough to move the ball on offense on the road. Do you people realize that the Cowboys defense is very good? Gradkowski is going to be performing an Iron Maiden song going back to pass. Run to the Hills....Run for your Liiiiiiiaffeeeeeeee!!!

Denver Broncos 24, New York Giants 21 - This game actually intrigues me. Both team are seriously on the downside and are desperate for W's. The Giants will have a gimped out Brandon Jacobs and no Ahmad Bradshaw in the lineup, meaning the Broncos can focus on Eli Manning and the passing game.

The Giants defense when it matters could not stop Miss Daisy if she were walking. Kyle Orton and friends should be able to move the ball and score. Best part is, we get more Matt Millen in the booth, who is the only good thing about the NFL Network. Remember, before he did the equivalence of W. Bush to our country to the Lions, Millen was a great analyst. Sticks to your strengths Matty.



The added bonus of Thanksgiving Weekend is we get a huge Friday full of College games as well. Not all the games are stale as well, some of these games actually have the potential to shake the system around.

Chaos on a Holiday weekend.... I love it!!! The college predictions:

Texas 45, Texas A@M 17 - There are two reasons why this made the list this week. One, College Station has been hell to Texas recently, and the Aggies have beaten the Horns 2 out of 3.

The second reason is, this is the only college game played on Thanksgiving, giving the entire stage for Colt Mccoy to really make a surge in the Heisman rankings with a big day.

Alabama 27, Auburn 17 - Rivalry games always bring the best out of underdogs. Gives them a purpose to play hard. Auburn will surprise the Tide early, but they just do not have the talent or grit to end it.

Pittsburgh 41, West Virginia 27 - This as an ugly and hated rivalry as there is. The Moutaineers will love nothing more than to put the kibosh on the Panthers potential BCS showdown with Cincinnati. Noel Devine should have a big game, but....

I think Pitt is a top 5 team right now. They have all the components. A QB playing out of his mind, a Frosh RB that is consistent, big physical WR's, aand their defensive front four is awesome. I think they win this game, and setup a massive showdown with the Bearcats.

Boise St. 63, Nevada 45 - I so wanted to call the upset on this one. If the game was not on the Smurf Turf, I think I might have. Nevada right now could run on the 85 Bears and they will rack up points on the Boise St. defense. I do not think they can stop Kellen Moore though.


There is the Thanksgiving picks.

I hope everyone has a good and safe Thanksgiving.

Enjoy.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Weekend Wrap-Up Part 2

I just got finished watching the physical and dirty Titans-Texans clash and I had to start off with this game.

First off, excellent clock management by Jeff Fisher and the Titans on that final drive. They were confident in Rob Bironas and just made sure they sucked up the clock.

Secondly, yet again, Gary Kubiak let this game slide between his fingertips because of playcalling. It is excellent inbetween the Red Zones. The Texans can moved the ball up and down the field. When they get there, they have major problems, and this is not the first time I have mentioned it.

The Texans have a 6'3" 230 pound freak of a beast at WR in Andre Johnson. Why is it that I have barely seen the Texans just throw a fade route/jumpball into the endzone for him inside the 10 yard line? He would win that contest 8 out of 10 times against any CB in football. I just do not understand it.

This Texans team should be 7-3 at the very least. They have the talent and the explosiveness. There is just something missing from this franchise, and I think it is the Head Coach's problem.

Last thing about this game. The officiating was awful. They missed a blantant trip against the Texans, followed by a phantom horse-collar tackle on Chris Johnson.

I am starting to believe Barry Melrose when he states that the NHL refs are by far the best officals in the world.


-I am still stunned that the Toilet Bowl game turned out to be the best game of the day by far. The Brownies and Brady Quinn came out with guns blazing. The Lions and Matthew Stafford fired right back. Classic shootout game, but then something special happened.

On the last play of the game, Stafford rolled out, tried to make a play, threw up the Hail Mary and got completely flattened by a Browns linemen. It wound up being pass interference and Stafford, because of a completely boneheaded timeout by our favorite jelly donut Eric Mangini, was allowed to go back into the game, without doctor's approval, and threw the game winning TD pass with what we found out to be a separated left shoulder.

Stafford showed complete moxy and guts right there. If he did not already win over his team and the fans, he did it right then and there. Just awesome. He was like Eric Roberts in Best of the Best, when he continued despite getting hurt. "Pop it Tommy!!!!"


-Last week, I was listening to Mike Francesa on WFAN, and I was actually hearing these dillusional Steeler fans that were stating that Big Ben is better than Dan Marino and Peyton Manning...

Good God are you kidding me? Your boy is a good NFL QB that just happens to ride on the coattails of an excellent defense. Big Ben can make plays, especially outside the pocket, but do not dare compare him to two of the best 5-6 Quarterbacks that ever lived. Francesa was about to knock over his Diet Coke he was so aggitated about these clowns.

Oh and by the way Steeler fans, you should be complaining more about how the lowly Chiefs punched you guys right in the kisser on Sunday and why your Special Teams cannot stop an 85 year old man with a walker.

The same thing goes for the Bengals as well. How the hell do the Bengals and Steelers lose to the Chiefs and the Raiders? Awful, especially that fumble by Andre Caldwell on the kickoff return.


-I dunno who are bigger frauds in East Rutherford. I know the Giants won against the Falcons on Sunday, and Eli Manning looked awesome, but that defense could not stop Matty Ice Ryan at all in the 2nd half.

Francesa made an excellent point on his Miked Up Sunday Night show. The only thing the Giants really won was the Coin Toss before overtime.

The Jets are even worse.

Mark Sanchez after 10 NFL games, does not know how to look off defenders. He stares directly at one receiver the entire time like he was a blonde walking into a bar. The Jets have 6 more games and an offseason to get him out of that habit.

Kerry Rhodes got steamrolled several times by Laurence Maroney. Rhodes, is playing, pardon my french, like he has his giant head and ego up his ass.

I will say it one more time. It is time for Kerry Rhodes to stop making music videos, doing photo shoots, and Tweeting non-stop. It is time to get your head back into football. If you do not realize this soon, you will be cut by a Head Coach that does not tolerate weak play.


-Now, I am done with the NFL, let's talk about the College game, and what a week it was...

The Oregon-Arizona game was a complete classic. It was the best game I have seen all year long. Jeremiah Masoli turned in a Heisman-like performance. Too bad about the Boise St. game.

Arizona is up late, and the students already started to jump from the stands onto the sidelines. I think they put the jinx on.


-I have been killing Colt Mccoy all season long, about how he does not deserve to be considered with his play. Well, I think Mccoy has started to play his way back into the discussion. The stats the past month are insane, but the one thing that would stop me from voting for Mccoy if I had a ballot.

The Longhorns creampuff schedule....

Speaking of creampuff schedules, if the BCS somehow puts Penn St. into a major Bowl game, they should be arrested. It would such a crime, that John Gotti somewhere in hell is laughing.


-Something is very fishy with what is going on in Kansas with Mark Mangino. I understand that he is a half a ton, and is prolly taking that frustartion out on his players both physically and verbally, but I remember playing sports in high school and the coaches being able to verball pound the snot out of us.

What gives here? Is Mangino going over the line, or does someone have a complete hard on for his job? Now, when the Kansas program is on a losing streak, all these players come out of the woodwork. something is not being said about this situation, and it smells like a landfill.


- College Basketball is here, which means two things. Alot more of Dick Vitale and his oil shooting mouth, and no more Charlie Weis press conferences. Oh yes, the latter is coming soon.


- Sports Look-A-Likes: Anyone see that Kurt Busch Miller Lite commerical when he is walking in the bar? He looks identical to Dante from Clerks. I started cracking up as soon as I realized it.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Weekend Wrap Up Part I/Monday Night Selction

We will get the brunt of the Weekend Wrap-Up in after the exciting Titans-Texans game tonight. Before the rest of the weekend action, I want to talk about two sports journalist/personalities that made me really scratch my head this week.

The first being ESPN's newly crowned Stat-Nerd Keith Law, who was one of two people (the other being Will Carroll) to keep Cardinals Ace Chris Carpenter off his NL Cy Young ballot. The latter being NFL Network's Jamie Dukes.

Law, who is a really smart guy (*cough* Egghead *cough*), decided to vote for Braves pitcher Javier Vazquez on his ballot instead of Carpenter. Now, I understand someone offering a different opinion than others, but it is the way he expressed his decision is what really bothers me.

Law explained that there are certain sabermetric numbers, team defense, run support, luck (Yes, Law actually used the term luck),etc. that went into his decision. I agree with him in the most part about this. Those stats should be looked at. There is only one problem.

Law comes off as if these are the only things he looked at. Mr. Law? Did you even watch a baseball game this season? The numbers in baseball mean alot, but when pitcher's have similar stats, what you see with your own eyes factor in as well.

Carpenter and Wainwright, carried their teams into the playoffs with tremendous Post All-Star Break performances. Vazquez did do all he could to get the Braves into the postseason, but the eventual winner, Tim Lincecum, went 1-3 with a 3.60 ERA in September when his Giants still were alive for a playoff berth.

I read Keith Law's ESPN Chat that week, and he was barraged with questions over this. He came off arrogant about how he knows the numbers to base his opinion. That is fine, but if you are a voter for a specific baseball award, at least act like you watched these pitchers throw, instead of coming off like you just read a computer or a piece of paper with their numbers on it.

Yes, that is how you come off Mr. Law. The way you argued your stance, you come off in two ways. One, that you are just trying to be different, just to be different. Second, that you made this vote just to prove that the sabermetric (WAR, etc.)numbers mean more than what a person sees.

That is not the case. It is a combination of everything put together. Next time you make a vote like that and you need to argue your stance, use all the angles, because this time, you just sound like a Fantasy Baseball nerd that wanted to make a point.

And I will spare Rob Neyer from ESPN, that tried to defend Law's voting. I will eventually get to that stiff one day, but I have another beef.

That beef is with NFL Network's Jamie Dukes.

Before I make my point, how did this guy get that cushy job? Does he have incriminating photos of the Network President and Rich Eisen doing the nasty? It really is baffling.

Yesterday, around 4pm, I am flipping between the games and the NFL Network. The announcing crew, Dukes, along with Tom Waddell and Fran Charles, were in the midst of talking about the Redskins-Cowboys game when Dukes made this outrageous statement. (Do not remember it literal, but I will try my best.)

That even if the Cowboys win the Super Bowl, they made the wrong move with Terrell Owens....

Um, what?

This is not the first time Dukes has mentioned this situation with the Cowboys and TO. When Fran Charles decided to take the stance that the Cowboys are better off without TO, Dukes, as unprofessional as they get could not even look into the camera and argued his point like he was about to get into a barfight with someone and did not want to look them in the eye.

This is the best the NFL Network can do? Jamie Dukes is, at best, below average as an analyst. Even Tom Waddell is a stiff, but at least he a professional stiff. This leads me to believe that Dukes has some serious dirt on someone in the higher up to actually have that job. My 14 year old cousin that does not follow football can do a better, more professional job than that crying stiff.

Hey, Mr. Dukes? You should read this blog and not get angry over the truth I mentioned about you, but you should listen to what I have to say and perhaps fix what you do wrong on television.

It is obvious that you will not be fired anytime soon, might as well do your gift job correctly.


Now, onto tonight's game....

The first time the Titans and Texans played this year, it was a complete shootout. The Texans could not stop Chris Johnson, and the Titans could not stop anything about the Texans offense.

I expect some more of the same, but the Titans defense has stiffened up a bit. Steve Slaton will have a hard time running the ball, so it will be up to Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson to provide an aerial attack that Afganistan would be freightened over.

The Texans will not be able to stop Chris Johnson. He will get his 125 yards and 2 Touchdowns. They have to makes sure that Johnson does not break those 60 yard runs. Big test for the Texans defense, who has played very well the past month.

Houston needs this game, and somehow pulls it out....

Houston Texans 34, Tennessee Titans 27

(Fun Fact. I actually am in a Fantasy Football league that I am down 49 points going into tonight, with Chris Johnson and Andre Johnson left for me. I am not worried one bit that I will lose. That is sick!)

Sunday, November 22, 2009

NFL Picks for Week 11

It is coming in late, thanks to a classic Oregon-Arizona double OT thriller that I fell asleep right after. We will do a quick predictions and a first, MVP Watch.

MVP Watch

1. Peyton Manning QB, Colts - He is not the MVP of this team. He IS this team.

2. Drew Brees QB, Saints - Holding the 2nd spot strong, even after a few sub-par games for Brees standards. Will hold at spots 1 or 2 as long as the Saints are undefeated.

3. Adrian Peterson RB, Vikings - Eventhough the fumbling is an issue, he is having a monster season and I do not have the stones to put The Days of Our Favre here.

4. Chris Johnson RB, Titans - Tough to put up on here since the Titans have a sub .500 record, but have you seen the stats the past 3 weeks? He should be on this list if you have him in any Fantasy Football league.

5. Steven Jackson RB, Rams - This one must be scratching your head even more, but hear me out. The Rams have zero offense after Jackson. Teams put eight, nine guys in the box to stop him. What is Jackson's stats pro-rated to end the 09 season? 1627 yards rushing on 4.8 per carry. Name another RB in football other than Chris Johnson that could pull that feat off?

Honorable Mention: Tom Brady QB Patriots, Carson Palmer QB Bengals, Jared Allen DE Vikings, Maurice Jones Drew RB Jags.

We lost the Thursday Night game, as Ricky Williams hit the Fountain of Youth and had himself perhaps his best game in his career. Here are the rest of the games:

Detroit Lions 24, Cleveland Browns 15 - What a God-awful game. The Brownies actually played good defense the other night, but does anyone think Brady Quinn can lead this team into the endzone? Neither do I. Stafford to Megatron Johnson for 2 scores, and the Brownies boot 5 field goals.

San Francisco 49ers 23, Green Bay Packers 20 - I have zero faith in Aaron Rodgers right now. Let me rephrase that, I have no faith in his Offensive Line. 49ers will bring some heat, and Frank Gore can run on anyone.

Pittsburgh Steelers 38, Kansas City Chiefs 17 - No Troy Polamalu, which any team can exploit, but do you really think the Steelers are going to lose to a stiff team like the Chiefs after getting their butts kicked last week? There is a better chance of Paulie Shore getting the next acting lead in Ridley Scott's next blockbuster.

Jacksonville Jaguars 27, Buffalo Bills 20 - Usually this is where I take the Jags, and they put up a complete egg (See the Seattle game). The Bills just cannot stop the run, and Tiny Jones Drew is a human pinball.

New Orleans Saints 37, Tampa Bay Bucs 27 - Herm Edwards of ESPN predicted the monster upset here, espeically if the Bucs are wearing the creamsicles (Love those Unis!), but I do not have the minerals to make that selection. Saints running game should feast no the Bucs.

New York Giants 31, Atlanta Falcons 20 - The Giants are back after a much, much needed Bye Week, and they will finally have starting CB Aaron Ross back. No Michael Turner for the Falcons, meaning that Matt Ryan will try to do too much on the road. Giants get back on track.

Washington Redskins 17, Dallas Cowboys 16 - UPSET SPECIAL! The Redskins still play tough defense. Any NFC East game is always up for grabs, and the Cowboys laid an egg last week. Stranger things have happened.

Minnesota Vikings 34, Seattle Seahawks 17 - One of our all time faves Matt Hasselback has what it takes to pull off this upset. He just cannot pull it off on his back. Hawks OLine is shoddy, and the Vikings front 4 is the best in the league. Along with Hasselback's bad back, just a nightmare matchup for Matty.

Indianapolis Colts 27, Baltimore Ravens 14 - Yes, the Ravens won on Monday Night, but by default. They looked flat against the worst team in football. Now, they face the best team in football. Manning sees this secondary and is looking to sew up the MVP right now. Stay thirsty my friends....

Cincinnati Bengals 41, Oakland Raiders 9 - I heard that this could be a trap game for the Bengals. Get real. This coaching staff is too hardcore to let this team think past any other team. Larry Johnson will get action, and could enjoy a decent game against this Raiders rushing defense. Well, that is what we have to offically call it. I call jogging.

St. Louis Rams 23, Arizona Cardinals 21 - UPSET SPECIAL #2! The Rams have been playing good ball the past few weeks, and the offense has awoken. The Cardinals do have a very good run defense, but has that stopped Steven Jackson? Jackson has ran for 100+ yards against the Colts, Saints, Packers, and Redskins.

San Diego Chargers 27, Denver Broncos 18 - We dunno how effective Kyle Orton will be, but the Bolts defense has gotten better throughout the season, applying more and more pressure each week. The LT Revival continues this week.

New England Patriots 41, New York Jets 17 - Now, I am a Jets fan, but there are several things going against them this week.

1. No Kris Jenkins

2. Wes Welker is playing this game.

3. Belichick lost last week, combined with a home game this week (We mentioned this formula already in the past.).

4. The Eff-You Factor. Jets talked way too much trash for the first game. Pats will not take their foot off their throats.

5. Kerry Rhodes had another photo shoot this week, missing another film session. (Ok, this is not true, but you get the idea right?)

Philadelphia Eagles 38, Chicago Bears 20 - Just a bad, bad matchup for the Bears defense. Think what the Bengals did to this secondary, and I raise you Deshaun Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Too much speed for the Bears to contest with. The only reason Lovie Smith will keep his job after this season is because of money owed to him.

This Week : 0-1

Last Week: 10-4

Season: 91-51 (Will not count this week's games until they are all over with.)

Saturday, November 21, 2009

College Football Picks of the Week 11/21

Quick predictions and Heisman Watch.

Started to watch some College Basketball this week, and the Big East is 40-0 combined so far! That is insane.

There is no way Syracuse, who just waxed 12th ranked California and 4th ranked defending champions North Carolina, are the 6th best team in the Conference. The coaches of the Big East predicted that for the Orange. Better chance of finding diamonds in your basement.

Heisman Watch

The field really dwindled after last week. In our eyes, Golden Tate, Case Keenum, Ryan Matthews, and Jimmy Clausen all took gutshots to their hardware dreams. Here is the list of the survivors:

1. Mark Ingram RB, Alabama - 7 yards a pop and is smoking the SEC weekly. Big game against Florida wraps it up for him.

2. Kellen Moore QB, Boise St. - Leads the nation in TD passes and passing eff., Moore becomes the leading QB in this race.

3. Toby Gerhart RB, Stanford - This guy has plowed his way through Top 10 opponents, and into my Heisman Race. Leads the nation with 19 TD's and looks unstoppable now. He will destroy Notre Dame when they play.

4. CJ Spiller RB, Clemson - The guy is doing it all. Last week, ran, caught, and threw touchdowns. The ACC title game could really vault him with a great showing against a medicore Georgia Tech defense.

5. Jerry Hughes DE, TCU - The most disruptive defensive force I have seen in College Football since Charles Woodson. Hughes is a Dwight Freeney clone that just abuses Offensive Linemen.

Honorable Mention: Colt Mccoy QB, Texas, Dion Lewis RB, Pitt, Josh Nesbitt QB, GT.

Picks

Nebraska 16, Kansas St. 6 - Nebraska goes to the Big 12 Title Game, where they will give Texas, and the Networks a serious scare.

Notre Dame 45, UConn 38 - The Irish Boys (Clausen and Tate) make their final stand on Heisman voters with huge days.

Texas 41, Kansas 13 - Colt Mccoy and the Longhorns send Mark Mangino back to the ghetto.

Air Force 31, BYU 27 - Upset Special #1! Air Force wins on a textbook Max Hall pick 6. How funny would it be if the Carolina Panthers drafted this guy to be Jake Delhomme's heir?

Michigan St. 27, Penn St. 21 - Upset Special #2! I just want to see all of these soft 2 loss, Big Conference teams to get smacked up to clear an easy path for Boise St. into a BCS Bowl. This includes Penn St., Iowa, Oklahoma St., and possibly Stanford. Speaking of...

Stanford 45, California 23 - The Cardinal are a juggernaut right now. I loved what Jim Harbaugh did to Pete Carroll. I hope Harbaugh stays at Stanford and now we have a new hated rivalry.

Ohio St. 37, Michigan 20 - I want to know one thing. How can Michigan's defense be so bad, but the consenus is that they have 2 1st round locks on that side of the ball? It boggles the mind. Btw, quick tidbit, these two against one another when one team is ranked and the other is not, the ranked team is only 7-6. Just something to think about.

Clemson 45, Virginia 23 - I just wanted to put this bloodbath in for two reasons. 1. Because CJ Spiller is going to go bananas in this game and 2. As a Jet fan, im awaiting the Al Groh roast, with apple stuffed into his gullet and all the trimmings.

Oklahoma 31, Texas Tech 20 - It is amazing how far the cream has fallen. This time last season, both teams were vying for a spot in the national title game. This season, they are both trying to avoid their 5th loss.

Ole Miss 28, LSU 17 - Upset Special #3! Les Miles, meet Dexter Mccluster. He is the one that is destroying your defense this weekend.

Oregon 34, Arizona 28 - The Ducks wrap up the Pac 10 and head to the Rose Bowl, where they will obliterate Ohio St. Yes, you heard it here first. Rose Bowl, Oregon 41, Ohio St. 17.

Last Week: 8-3

Season: 74-41

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Full Weekend Wrap-Up

I just got finished watching the Monday Night Football game, and all season long I was wondering what would make Ron Jaworwski and Jon Gruden to get their tongues out of the two teams openings.

The answer was the Cleveland Browns.

Brady Quinn in the pocket shakes as much as a heroin addict in detox, Jamal Lewis hits the hole slower than McLovin without alcohol, and their WR's could not run a paper route, let alone a receiving route.

I cannot even praise the Ravens, they basically won by default. They could not even score on this defense, while not completely inept like the Browns offense, is still ranked in the lower half of the NFL.

Eric Mangini is yelling at his Defensive Coordinator, Rob Ryan on the sidelines. Rob Ryan's defense was the only thing that was respectable on the field for the Browns last night with the exception of a fanbase that is as loyal as a bloodhound. I was waiting for Ryan to deck Mangini on the sidelines.

It would of been the most progress this franchise has made in 18 months.


Roy Williams of the Cowboys cried like another certain WR that was in Dallas last season about getting the ball thrown at him. Williams's cries were answered, as Tony Romo lately has been throwing in his direction more often than Miles Austin.

Hey. Roy? You cried and got your way, and now you are dropping passes with alligator arms and fumbling balls left and right. Be happy, you are NOT a star, but at least you are being paid like one.

I do not want to hear one more New York Jets player talking trash in the media anymore. Enough is enough, you are 4-5 and not making the playoffs. This includes Head Coach Rex Ryan, who is talking like he has even been to the AFC Championship Game already. The two that really need to shut up though are Bart Scott and Kerry Rhodes.

Scott, who is a great defender, has to realize that all he is now doing is giving the opposing team's bulletin board material and making an ass out of himself in the media. Scott is nowhere near close to the worst in this.

That would be Rhodes, who has never even played in a Pro Bowl (Granted, he did get ripped off one year in 2006), has not played remotely close to a Pro Bowl caliber player in two years, and has gotten burnt like toast all 2009 season long. Rhodes does not have an interception, but he was suppose to be the Ed Reed in this Rex Ryan defense. Kerry, it is time to stop messing with Twitter non-stop, and start actually playing like a solid NFL starter, forget about being a star.

I had no problem with the infamous call heard round the world now. Who am I to judge a Head Coach that has won 3 Super Bowls? I can though rip both Bill Belichick and Tom Brady for burning two timeouts so poorly. Besides, I have heard enough of this between, ESPN, CNNSI, WFAN, etc, etc. with all the experts and former players playing Armchair Quarterback. Belichick is the only one that had the minerals to make that call. Let's leave it at that.

I now have a Man-Crush on Bud Adams. He did exactly what all fans do to the opposing fans. We abused them. I remember being in Foxboro for the Jets-Pats Wild Card Game a few years back, wearing my green Jets jeresy, flipping off all the drunken stupor Pats fans when Jerricho Cotchery scored on a 75 TD pass from Chad Pennington. I get it Bud, you wanted a change of QB, you were the laughing stock of the league, and now, you are the one laughing because you were right. Unfortunatley, Roger Goodell does not have a sense of humor. Speaking of...

Bud Adams gets 250 large for flipping double barrel birds, Chad Ochocinco gets 20 large for a joke, but Tom Cable still has a job? Hypocrite.

And in the sense of tough guy coaches, I give it 8 more games, give or take 2 games, that a player completely coldcocks him right in his grill. I am sorry Todd, but you are getting too close to player's faces in a verbal assault. I still think if it were not the NFC Title Game, Anquan Boldin would of sent you into Mid-March.

Chris Johnson is a freak...enough said.



If Ole Miss fed Dexter Mccluster the ball like they have been doing the past few games, Mccluster runs away with the Heisman and the Rebels are playing Florida on December 5th.

TCU can play with the big boys. They just pulverized Utah, who is a top 20 team in terms of talent. Jerry Hughes is a Dwight Freeney clone, and this offense has speed and can score. I feel bad for the Bama-Florida loser. They will most likely play TCU, and get beat by at least 10.

I told you in my College Football Preview that USC would not win the Pac 10. I told you that they had to replace too many starters and that they were not winning anything with a Freshmen QB.

I did not expect them to be a complete sieve on defense though. This is Pete Carroll's worst team in years, and teams can making Carroll know it. Everyone see Stanford go for a 2 point conversion up 48-21? Smack the kingdom while it is down. I love it.

Remember though Stanford fans, USC will be back next year, so do not cry in the upcoming years that Pete Carroll and Matt Barkley ran up the score on your Cardinal. Cry that the Head Coach that put you in this situation, took the Michigan job!

It was nice knowing you Charlie Weis, sorry that you did not win, but please, leave with these parting gifts ($-$-$).

I have killed the SEC officals, so I have to be fair, good job Big East by protecting your jewels. Both calls in the Cincinnati and Pittsburgh games were a joke. Unreal what people and Conferences will do for millions and millions of dollars.



Lebron James said that next season, he will switch his number from 23 to 6 in respect to Michael Jordan. When you first look at that, it seems like a genuine respectful thing, until I realized two things.

1. No one in the right mind would respect Michael Jordan nowadays. He is literally the most abrasive person on the planet.

2. How much money will Lebron James make off the new #6 Cleveland Cavs jeresy?

It is all marketing...

Knick fans jumped off the Williamsburgh Bridge the other night when Bucks PG Brandon Jennings put up 55 points. What has your 1st round pick done so far? Seat warmer? Does the laundry? Is Jordan Hill in the Practice and Shoot-A-Round Hall of Fame? Karma just keeps on throwing dirt on poor Knick fans.


Quick MLB Awards Predictions:

-I had Happ and Bailey as the ROY's.... went 1 for 2.

-Zach Greinke for AL CY (I talked enough about him.)

-Adam Wainwright for NL CY

-Ron Washington and Jim Tracy for Manager of the Year.

-Albert Pujols for NL MVP

-Joe Mauer for AL MVP

Quick Thursday Night Football Prediction:

I will not be here for the rest of the week, so I will hand in my Panthers-Dolphins score.

No Ronnie Brown. The Panthers defense is playing good, and Jake Delhomme remembered what team he has played for. We even saw Steve Smith sighting.

Carolina Panthers 24, Miami Dolphins 19

Monday, November 16, 2009

Weekend Wrap-Up

We started the Weekend Wrap-Up the other night by adding the Cotto-Pacquiao fight to the NFL Picks since it was fresh in the mind. I am convinced Manny Pacquiao is a V (ABC TV show). He cannot be human.

The Wrap-Up will come after the Monday Night Game tonight.

Prediction:

Do I even need to spell this one out? A hungry Ravens team that desperately needs to win to stay involved in the playoff talk, or, the single most pathetic roster of talent in the NFL?

Our boy, and Rutgers alum Ray Rice has his coming out party on National TV tonight. 170 Total Yards and three scores.

Balitmore Ravens 34, Cleveland Browns 9

Sunday, November 15, 2009

NFL Week 10 Picks/Cotto-Pacquiao Fight

Sorry this is coming out late, but I got caught up in the monster performance Manny Pacquiao put on display tonight in Las Vegas.

I thought the fight would be alot tougher than this. The first four round were epic action, with Cotto early hitting PacMan with some bomb left hooks, but the little guy has a chin that is as granite as the handwraps Antonio Margarito used in his gloves.

Pacquiao dropped Cotto in the 3rd, then again in the 4th with a vicious uppercutt. Cotto started backing up instead of being the aggressor. When this happened, the fight was all but over.

I will give Miguel Cotto all the credit in the world. He has always went toe to toe with the best of the best, unlike some other loudmouth Welterweights that TheSportsTown has ripped apart in the past. Cotto came in prime shape, and looked great early, but Pacquiao I do not think is human.

Cotto started bleeding in the latter rounds like Rocky Balboa fighting Drago, adn to his credit again, he kind of wanted to go out on his shield.

In the 12th round, Referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight in the first minute of the round when Cotto was getting pounced with combos and backing up constantly. It was the right call by the offical, unlike most BCS Conferences.

Next for the inhumane freak we call PacMan? It has to be Mayweather. I just do not think after Mayweather saw this fight, he would want any part of Pacquiao. I do not blame him, but if he does not take the fight, it will taint his career. Undefeated or not.

Now, onto the NFL Picks. We already are 1-0 for Week 10, as we somehow won that God awful game on Thursday Night. The Degenerates Corner (A special section of SportsTown), had the house riding on the 49ers -3.5.

Did they flinch at the end when the Bears were 10 yards away?

Not for a second. That is how predictable and bad Jay Cutlet is.....


Miami Dolphins 31, Tampa Bay Bucs 13 - The Dolphins are getting a trend that they run the Wildcat like mad men early in games (NO, NE), then slow down as the game goes on. The Bucs rushing defense is so dreadful that Fantasy owners of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will be quite smitten.

New York Jets 24, Jacksonville Jaguars 10 - I do not want to be the team that has to face a Rex Ryan defense after their Bye week and a loss. That defense is going to go nuts.

Kansas City Chiefs 20, Oakland Raiders 13 - I am on record, that this might be the worst NFL ever played in my lifetime. The Raiders are a joke. Their QB looks like a contestant on The Biggest Loser more than a pocket passer. The Chiefs, well just play like (Larry Johnson slur).

(I wish the Browns did not play on Monday Night, otherwise, the last game would of been a good introduction to THE worst franchise in the NFL)

I will have to settle for...

Minnesota Vikings 45, Detroit Lions 10 - Megatron is shooting blanks in Detroit this season. Rumor has it that Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford do not see eye to eye. Meanwhile, the fresh off Bye week Vikes are their opponent. Hide the women and children from this game. Maybe even putting the Direct TV on block for the channel.

Atlanta Falcons 23, Carolina Panthers 16 - How great was it that a Head Coach wants to yell and fight with opponents as much as the players do? I love Mike Smith. I could of played for Mike Smith for sure. Carolina keeps this close, but the always Delhomme Picky 6 awaits, followed by the MMA sanctioned fight between Steve Smith and whoever gets in his way.

Washington Redskins 14, Denver Broncos 10 - UPSET SPECIAL! Yes, I know the Redskins are a bigger mess than Jessica Simpson at the end of the Tony Romo relatonship, but their defense is nails. What has Kyle Orton done against very good defenses? The Steelers in the 2nd half are the blueprint.

Tennessee Titans 24, Buffalo Bills 20 - Chris Johnson already has 125 yards and a TD in this game.... kickoff is not for hours. The Bills have given up a few 300 rushing yard days, and now they have to face Ussain Bolt in pads? Lonnnnnnnng Day coming up.

New Orleans Saints 63, St. Louis Rams 10 - This is more of a mismatch than me setting foot in a boxing ring with Mike Tyson circa 1987. At least I beat Mike Tyson in the Nintendo game. The Rams have a better shot at finding an eskimo to sell ice to.

Arizona Cardinals 31, Seattle Seahawks 21 - I want to pick Seattle, but all I see in my head is the beating the Cards gave the Hawks a few weeks back in Seattle. It was 14-0 before Matt Hasselback got one snap. I cannot see the outcome any different.

Philadelphia Eagles 34, San Diego Chargers 27 - Phillip Rivers, meet the blitz that willmake you not get out of bed Monday morning. The Eagles are due for a big game by their defense. Brian Westbrook will be back, so him and Tomlinson can star in Grumpy Old Men 3: I can still run for 4 yards a carry. Remember, it is a fiction.

Cincinnati Bengals 20, Pittsbrugh Steelers 17 - Kind of an upset, except for the fact that the Bengals won round 1. Big Ben is passing like a wildman, but he is facing maybe the best CB tandem in the league now, consisting of Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph. This would be a massive win for the Bengals and would all but assure them of the divison with the tiebreaker and their remaining schedule.

New England Patriots 34, Indianapolis Colts 31 - The only reason why I am picking The Brady Bunch is because the Colts are on their 13th and 14th DB's this season. If 6 DB's are the dime, then what the bumbleclot is the 13th and 14th? The Peso? Peyton the MVP keeps it close, but finally takes defeat this season.


Last Week: 9-4

Season 81-47

Friday, November 13, 2009

College Football Picks of the Week 11/14

Before I get into the picks and preview for this week's games, I would just like to congratulate the SEC and their officals for successfully making sure that Florida and Alabama smoothly got into the SEC Title game without any hiccups.

Not only did the officals make sure that the top two teams would remain unscathed, but they also made sure that they had the high ranking competition to make them seem even better to the computers and on paper.

This all started with the LSU-Georgia game, where the refs called an awful excessive celebration call on Georgia, after an AJ Green TD catch. LSU gets prime field position, and they score. What happened two days later? LSU was ranked 4th, and were headed into a showdown with? Florida. Did I mention that CBS had this game on primetime?

Then, the massacare happened that we now call the Arkansas-Florida game, where the referees were really wearing Gator uniforns in the 4th quarter. Urban Meyer needed the help that day, as the Gators squeeked by a hungry Razorbacks team.

In my opinion, the worst one of all came last Saturday, when LSU's Patrick Peterson CLEARLY had two feet inbounds for an interception at midfield late in the 4th quarter. Now, LSU might not of scored, but why should the SEC leave it up to the kids on the field? Somehow, the refs called it incomplete, and then somehow, the booth did as well. That is a catch even in the NFL!!

Yes, the SEC did suspend a referee crew, but after the fact that they were part of two of these instances! How do they even have a job anymore? I will say this, the refs only getting suspended does make sense considering the SEC did not even suspend Brandon Spikes for trying to rip a players eyes out. Oh yeah, Spikes is a Gator. I forgot.

The officating has been so awful, that the SEC has basically put a gag order on the coaches, even smacking Meyer with a 30 large fine.

Well, you cannot fine me SEC, and I will easily trash how bad the officals and Conference has been in reguards to their officals. The title game is set, you guys got your wish, now let the kids play some fair ball!

Big props to Rutgers last night, completely pasting South Florida on ESPN. That is a big win for Greg Schianno's program, as he continues to bring in better recruits. I basically inherited Rutgers since I am from the Northeast, and have no football program to root for. Rutgers is the closest to me, so they are mine to root for now.

Heisman Watch took a shift from last week. Although having a good game in defeat, Jimmy Clausen has to slide. Here is your Heisman Top 5 and Honorable Mentions:

1. Mark Ingram RB, Alabama - I know I just completely trashed the SEC, but the fact is, Ingram is running over the best Conference in the nation. Last week, Ingram ran for 144 yards on a stout LSU defense. He now has 1148 yards, on 6.6 yards per carry. If Ingram has a monster game against Florida, yuo might just have to wrap this baby up.

2. Casey Keenum QB, Houston - I know Keenum is not exactly putting up these monster stats against the best competition possible, but how can you ignore the stats? He has a 28/5 TD/Int ratio, he completes 71% of his passes, and he has thrown for over 500 yards three times this season.

3. Jimmy Clausen QB, Notre Dame - The Golden Boy has a monster game, going for 450 and 2 TD's against Navy. The drop came because of the loss to a bad team and a costly fumble on the goal line. I will not blame Clausen for the Int, since Michael Floyd messed up.

4. Ryan Matthews RB, Fresno St. - With all due respect to Ingram and others, Matthews is the best RB in the nation. Close to 1,500 yards and 14 scores already, Matthews is automatic for 140 a game. He will not win the Heisman, but he has to garner consideration.

5. Kellen Moore QB, Boise St. - The newcomer on this list. Does anyone realize that Moore has 27 TD passes to only 3 interceptions? That is crazy. Moore also is 1st in the nation in Passer Eff. (media darlings Tim Tebow and Colt Mccoy are 9th and 16th respectively).

Honorable Mention: Tim Tebow QB, Florida, Toby Gerhart RB, Stanford, Dion Lewis RB, Pittsburgh, Golden Tate WR, Notre Dame, Jerry Hughes DE, TCU.



Before I get to the picks, I want to know how a daunting powerhouse like Louisiana Tech can schedule LSU, Auburn, and Navy in out of conference, but Texas's non-conf. schedule consists of Louisiana Monroe, Wyoming, Central Florida, and UTEP? How about Florida's schedule of Charleston Southern, Troy, Florida International and Florida St.?

Time for the big boys to schedule like they are big boys. Disgraceful.

Now, to the picks:

Tennessee 20, Ole Miss 16 - Anytime Jevan Snead faced a formidable defense this season, he has laid an egg. Monte Kiffin probaly has been in the office all week, laughing at Snead being a deer in the headlights.

Wisconsin 31, Michigan 20 - What a classic meltdown by the Wolverines this year huh? Rich Rodriguez is in deep trouble here, and for his coaching life.

Ohio St. 16, Iowa 6 - I really wanted to see this game on fair ground. No Ricky Stanzi for Iowa, which will make it hard to score off this stingy Buckeyes defense.

Cincinnati 44, West Virginia 24 - A very good Friday night game on ESPN. This game, along with the potential Pitt. showdown will vault the Bearcats big time in the BCS rankings. Brian Kelly is going with the hot hand of Zach Collaros over the now healthy Tony Pike. I cannot blame him.

Texas Tech 51, Oklahoma St. 44 - UPSET SPECIAL! I lost all respect for the Cowboys when they laid down to Texas. It does not matter who QB's for Coach Leach, as the Red Raider system is a QB's wet dream. Cowboys will not even force one punt.

Pittsburgh 40, Notre Dame 24 - As much as we love Clausen here at Sportstown, he is not the only great QB in this game. Pitt's Bill Stull has been a pleasant surprise, ranked 5th in Pass. Eff. The Panthers are loaded with offensive weapons, and can do more damage than what Navy did last week.

Nebraska 16, Kansas 10 - A once Big 12 North clash, has turned into a medicore game in a 3 week span. Nebraska's defense prevails in this game.

Florida 24, South Carolina 10 - Tim Tebow better have a monster game here, because he really is slipping in that Heisman race. We all know Steve Spurrier will try to win this game at all costs.

Arizona 34, California 16 - No Jahvid Best, no win for the Bears. Nice job by the Wildcats this season as a whole, as they could somehow get into the Rose Bowl. They have Oregon and USC still to come. Speaking of the Trojans.....

Stanford 38, USC 31 - UPSET SPECIAL #2! - USC is toast this season. I am praying that they do not get into the BSC Bowls with 2 losses and stiff a team like Boise St. Stanford is coming off a monster win over Oregon and can run the football on anyone. Bye Bye Petey Carroll. Hope you like the Holiday Bowl. Big game for Toby Gerhart.

TCU 31, Utah 13 - The game of the week. The Horned Frogs will be looking for revenge from last years lost to the Utes in a tough close game. Although, I do not agree with Vegas on this one. Twenty points is too high of an outcome. TCU will solidify there 4th ranking with a solid win here.

Last Week: 7-4

Season: 66-41

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thoughts on Andre Agassi, Cotto-PacMan, Thrusday Night Football Game

When I was a kid, I thought the sport of tennis was a waste of time. Granted, even as a mighty mite, I loved to hear John Mcenroe mouth off to the officals, but I thought the sport was entirely dull.

Then, Andre Agassi came.

Andre Agassi got the general public interested in tennis, because of his brash image. He was the exact opposite of what tennis was basically since time started. He was a rock star(The guy actually messed around with Barbara Streisand. I know that is not exactly most of my generations cup of tea, but for someone of Streisand image to mess around with a guy in his mid 20's? that was impressive), and I was part of the population that got interested in what Agassi had to offer.

So when I found about his new autobiography, "Open, An Autobiography", I was obviously intrigued to read it. Then the topics of the book came out, and the revelation that Agassi was a meth-head, tanked matches, and basically was the kid that was forced to do something until he hated it.

Now, I do not know if Agassi admitted this stuff about his past to finally get his skeletons out of the closet, or that he wants to be on the New York Times Best Seller List, but the backlash Agassi took from former and current players was far too harsh.

Martina Navartilova compared Agassi to Roger Clemens. Are you out of your mind? Name me one person that enchanced anything they did by sucking on a glass dick? Agassi, unlike Clemens, was not asked the question of drug use out in public forum everyday for chunks of his life. That would be the equivlence of someone saying Martina's titles should be tained because she was a lesbian. Yes, it sounds stupid Martina, doesn't it?

Russian tennis player Marat Safin came out and said that Agassi should forfeit his winnings and titles because he lied about using a banned substance. Same answer Safin. Crystal Meth is not steroids, HGH, or even too much caffeine. Matter of fact, if Agassi is not on Meth and tanked matches because frankly, he was a brat, he more than likely has 10-12 Grand Slam titles, and is one of the Top 3 players ever. By the way, this is coming from the most anal crybaby the sport of tennis has ever seen, and that is saying alot.

Do I condone what Agassi did? Not in the slightest, but I just cannot stand has-beens and never-was people jabbing their two cents on an issue because the media has totally forgotten about them. What are these people's opinions on Agassi's charity contributions? In the long run, Agassi has made up for his wrong doings, and then some.

People like Marat Safin have to realize that a huge reason why he is a multi-millionare today, is because Andre Agassi had to go through all the crap with his father, the image, etc. that brought the advertising and sponsor dollars in tennis to all time highs.

I am a bigger fan of Agassi today than ever. People can relate to someone who really was flawed in many ways. I will lean towards the side that Agassi just wanted to finally get this off his chest than selling books. Agassi and his wife Steffi Graf have enough money for 50 lifetimes already.

If that is the case, he is a bigger man to admit his flaws and mistakes than most of us.



-This Saturday night, boxing has it's potential Fight of the Year, when Miguel Cotto puts his Welterweight Title on the line against the public Pound for Pound champion, Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao is about a 2 to 1 favorite in the fight, but after watching HBO's 24/7 series, I am kind of leaning towards Cotto now.

Pacquiao did not have the greatest of training camps. The monsoons in the Phillipines, the war between his strength conditioner and his advisor, and even Freddie Roach looking to quit after Pacquiao refusing to leave Manila, all setbacks in this training camp.

Cotto seemed like he had a solid training camp, but could be exposed by the lack of experience his new trainer has, especially by one of the best like Freddie Roach.

I do not think Pacquiao can withstand Cotto's power. He is facing a true Welterweight this time around (Oscar De La Hoya was a shell of his former self, and a complete joke). Cotto wins by unamimous decison.




-Thursday Night Football is here!


Shame some people will not be able to see it because of stupid cable companies and networks crying over cents on the dollar.

When is the last time the Bears went into SF and won a game? 1985? The 49ers usually roll the Bears at home.

The Bears defense is in shambles and they give up 4.5 yards per carry on the ground. Frank Gore is salivating.

San Francisco 49ers 27, Chicago Bears 17

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Weekend Wrapup Part II

Wow, two Weekend Wrap-Ups in one weekend? I am either excited that I am getting better at writing or that I am depressed about a lack of life. Either way, it is your gain!

Let's start off with the Polls. Can we finally get the Coach's ballots out in the open? Until then, I am going to assume that Pete Carroll put USC #2 in his ballot and Oregon off the top 25. There is NO way USC should be ranked ahead of Oregon just a week after getting destroyed by 25+ points in Eugene. Sad part is, even USC has a gripe, because Ohio St. is somehow ahead of them in the polls. Such political bullshit.

We hope here at SportsTown that Cal RB Jahvid Best is alright. That was one of the more brutal falls I have ever seen. It is time for RB's to realize that vaulting 8 feet in the air over defenders is not exactly the best way to get into the endzone.

Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson just got my respect this week. In overtime, going for it on 4th Down and 2, when a chipshot FG ties the game took some serious minerals to do. Billy Raftery was somewhere in the US screaming out "ONIONS!".

The main game of the week was the LSU-Alabama clash that was a good physical game. Alabama was the better team of the two in the game, but Alabama was also very fortunate on two occasions. First, LSU stud CB Patrick Peterson getting hurt. Peterson had Julio Jones on lockdown and there is no way Jones gets the big touchdown if Peterson is on the field.

The second part was the refs blowing a clear interception by Peterson while Bama was driving in the 4th quarter around midfield. Now, we all know that the SEC referees have been working like they take an evelope from some guy in a trenchcoat named Guido, but then the replay Crew did not overturn it. NCAA rules state that one foot has to be inbounds. Peterson got both feet in. At least the SEC cannot fine me 30k for saying outloud how awful their officiating is.

Notre Dame loses to Navy. The lynch mob is back after Charlie Weis's neck. We already heard the Jon Gruden and Brian Kelly rumors, but ND fans should think about one thing. If Weis is canned, kiss Jimmy Clausen goodbye to the NFL. He might bolt to the NFL anyway, but there is no way Clausen sticks around for one season to learn a new playbook. Clausen stays, the Irish are a pre-season Top 5 program.

-Now, onto Week 9 of the NFL season. I have to get one thing off my chest before I get into any of the games, and yes, my hatred will be shown.

The Patriots showed how much of a cutthroat, classless organization they are when they mocked Joey Porter on the big screen at the end of their home game. It is one thing for Tom Brady to grab a mic from Rachel Nichols and trash Joey Porter. It is entirely different when a franchise is alright with publicly displaying how a certain player had a subpar game. An organization has to at least come off as appearing above nonsense like that.

Ladies and Gentleman... I called the Bengals being a tough team from jumpstreet. I did not think they would be 6-2 at the cut off point, but I knew they had a stingy defense that started showing up in the 2nd half of last season. Now, they are 4-0 in their own divison, smacked up the Ravens twice and have a win against the Steelers. Their offense is now rolling to the point where Chad Ochocinco is back having fun on the field. Watch out for this team...

I also said I thought the Texans would be the darkhorse team, and although they really should be, have failed me miserably. This team is actually 2 goal line stands and a missed FG from potentially being 8-1. They are just a team that cannot finish, kinda like Brian Fuentes looking like he just saw Freddy Kruger when taking the hill in the 9th inning of a postseason game.

How scary has this season been when the Giants looked like gangbusters and dropped like a middle aged woman's chest? They have looked awful, but the coaching might even be worse. They miss former Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Tom Coughlin is making some bonehead decisons in the Red Zone.

Hey, look at that, Vince Young is 2-0 as a starter this season. Making the Titans have to make a big decison in the offseason. Stay tuned to this one.

Finally, the game of the week was the Cowboys-Eagles tilt on Sunday Night. Whether the NFC East is perhaps on a down year or not, they always give a smashmouth game. I came out of watching this game thinking three things:

1. Andy Reid is the best dumb coach of all time. It is amazing that he has won this much, with the way he uses clock management, timeouts, and short yardage situations.

2. Tony Romo can win a big game. It looks like without TO, Romo can be himself and spread the ball out. It is working.

3. The Dallas defense is for real. Holding that high powered offense to 16 points on their turf is very impressive.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Weekend Wrap-Up-World Series of Poker Edition-Monday Night Football Prediction

We usually start with the football weekend, but I have to start off with a quasi non-sports story.

The World Series of Poker held their final table for the Main Event on Saturday night. Now called the "November Nine", you would think that this is where you would find the best skill level involved in the game.

No chance of that.

Long story short, the two players that made the worst moves on the table for 18+ hours, were rewarded by going against one another tonight Heads-Up for the bracelet. Darvin Moon and Joe Cada both literally sucked out and got gifts put into their laps to advance for the multi-million dollar first prize, and immortal fame in the poker world.

Cada, who could wind up being the youngest person to win the Main Event, two times played a hand over-aggressive Pre-Flop, had his tourney on the line against an overpair, and hit his own set. That right there is roughly 60-1 to happen. He also got a gift, from Moon.

Moon, who obviously is the ultimate "dead money" player to ever hit the Final Table, somehow survived in a tourney that is mostly skill and some luck. Well, Moon proved that it can be mostly luck and no skill. Moon's play had most pros shaking their heads, and even got Phil Gordon to say about one of Moon's hands as, "That was a gift.", and others whispering "That's about the worst play I've ever seen".(BTW, excellent coverage by the ESPN.com guys on the blog for the final table.)

Poker hit the mainstream a few years back when a string of ameteurs started to win the Main Event, starting with Robert Varkonyi, and of course, Chris Moneymaker. This is the first year that the WSOP could of really hit a higher level of popularity, if Phil Ivey (The Tiger Woods of poker), was at least heads up in the event or even won it all. It has been awhile since a top pro won it all, and would of given Poker a real superstar, excluding Phil Hellmuth of course, who is the best self-promoter since Muhammad Ali.

Prediction for the Heads-Up? Well, Cada does know how to play the game. He just sometimes is way over-aggressive, which is a trait most online players have. That will also be his major advantage over Moon one on one. Cada also has the chip lead. Barring a meltdown by Cada, I cannot see Moon beating the 21 year old kid on skill alone.

Cada the winner of the bracelet, breaking Peter Eastgate's record from last year.

Monday Night Football Prediction:

I will give the full Weekend Wrapup late tonight, but I had to give the game tonight. Should be a smashmouth game. Both defenses are top 5, and can expose the other offenses weaknesses.

The Steelers should give a healthy dose of Rashard Mendenhall tonight, and make Kyle Orton play from behind.

Pittsburgh Steelers 17, Denver Broncos 13

Sunday, November 8, 2009

NFL Picks for Week 9

I put this up late because I got all caught up and involved with a crazy sports day. Ranked teams in College Football dropping like flies, including 3 Top 10 teams, two good boxing events, and some guy named Fedor beating the snot of another guy on CBS. Then, I doozed off, but the picks are here!

Atlanta Falcons 24, Washington Redskins 13 - The Falcons will bounce back today after a tough loss on Monday Night to the Saints that they stayed in the entire time. I love Washington's defense (3rd in Total Yards, 5th in PPG), but the offense is just ripped apart by injuries, and moronic Quarterback play.

Green Bay Packers 45, Tampa Bay Bucs 13 - We all know that the Pack can ascore at will on a defense as stiff as the Bucs, but does anyone realize that the Packers defense is top 10? They cause a ton of turnovers, which does not bode well for Josh Freeman's first start in the NFL. This WILL get as ugly as a Nick Nolte mugshot.

Jacksonville Jaguars 27, Kansas City Chiefs 20 - Can someone finally hammer Chiefs Head Coach Todd Haley for having the 2nd most pathetic playbook in the NFL after Cleveland? Everything is a run or a dump off less than 10 yards. Advice for Haley, you have a physical freak of a WR in Dwayne Bowe. USE HIM!!

Arizona Cardinals 31, Chicago Bears 23 - What an egg the Cardinals put on us last week against the Carolina Pick 6's. Funny thing is, Cards play better on the road, and should expose a poor pass defense of the Bears. Have fun trying to run today Matt Forte.

Baltimore Ravens 24, Cincinnati Bengals 21 - This Bengal team has me believing. They are good on all sides of the ball. I just cannot see the Ravens losing a revenge game after smacking the Broncos in the mouth like they did last week. That Bye was exactly what the Doctor ordered.

Houston Texans 34, Indianapolis Colts 31 - UPSET SPECIAL!! I was going to predict the Colts by 10, until I saw that most of the Colts secondary is out for this game. Matt Schaub and company can tear apart any secondary in football, especially backups. And to think, if the Kubiak/Jr. Shannahan combo did not have such a love affair for Chris Brown at the goal line, they could of been tied for the divison with Indy after this game.

New England Patriots 41, Miami Dolphins 20 - Hmmm... Belichick after a bye week and at home. That is an equation I want no part of picking against. The weather is suppose to be bad at Foxboro today as well, which would favor the Dolphins run attack. I just cannot see the Pats losing this game, knowing that the schedule after today goes like this: @ Indy, Jets, @ Saints, @ Fins.

Tennessee Titans 23, San Francisco 49ers 20 - Bill Simmons of ESPN hit this comment right on the head. 49ers -4 is the fishiest line of the year. It really does show how scare the oddsmakers are of Chris Johnson, and they have a great deal to be worried about. When in doubt of the game, look at how Vegas figures it. They are the experts.

New York Giants 38, San Diego Chargers 31 - This is going to be a shootout of two teams that had a reputation for defense. It is all a myth now. This is the game Brandon Jacobs runs wild, as the Bolts will sorely miss Jamal Williams in this game. Rivers will carve up the Giants secondary, but it will not be enough.

Seattle Seahawks 34, Detroit Lions 23 - When he is healthy, Matt Hasselback always exposes horrific defenses. Expect a monster day from our favorite bald spokesperson. Lions do get Megatron Johnson back for this game, and they will at elast try to keep it close, but the Lions defense is swiss cheese.

New Orleans Saints 41, Carolina Panthers 17 - Impressive win by the Panthers in the desert last week, but the Saints will put 8-9 players in the box and take away the run game. That will leave Delhommme the Donkey to throw against a secondary that is ballhawk crazy. Over/Under on Delhomme Ints- 2.5, Over/Under on Delhomme Pick 6's- .5. Take the Over on both.

Dallas Cowboys 28, Philadelphia 27 - I really like how the Cowboys have been playing the past few weeks. The defense is playing at a high level, and they are getting big Special Teams play. The NFC always gives us a curveball. This is it. Miles Austin continues his insane play in this one.



Last Week: 9-4 (Also hit the World Series game) Bonus Game: 1-0

Season: 72-43

Friday, November 6, 2009

College Football Picks of the Week for 11/7

I am laughing at this College Football season. This is the Doomsday scenario for the BCS. Who would of thought that a possible SIX teams could go undefeated(Florida-Alabama are on a collision course for one another).

While I did like SI.com's Stewart Mandel's idea of a Plus-One scenario, even that possibility would be hammered in this season. Mandel's theory would worked fantastic in any other season, but 2009.

This is the perfect year for the arguement of an 8 team tourney for the title. Florida, Texas, Alabama, Iowa, TCU, Boise St., Cincinnati, and Oregon are clearly the top 8 teams in the country, barring no setbacks. A team like Georgia Tech could sneak their way into this if a team like Iowa, TCU, or Oregon fell.

I just love chaos in College Football. To watch all teams, coaches, Universities, fans, etc. cry and plead their cases for an obvious outcome that was premeditated. That is why we have Pre-Season Rankings right?

The Heisman Race is just as messy as the BCS. Instead of eight teams all fighting and presently deserving of a Title Game, there are about a dozen players that have had good seasons, but just cannot pull away from the pack. Here is my first Heisman rankings.

1. Jimmy Clausen, Jr. QB, Notre Dame - He has played the most consistent so far. 19 Touchdowns and only 2 Int's, Clausen has put up big stats against defenses like USC. Even in the Irish's 2 losses, it was not because of lack of offense.

2. Mark Ingram, Soph., RB, Alabama - The workhorse for a contending program. With over 1,000 yards rushing and 11 total TD's against SEC defenses, Ingram is plowing his way to New York City. Ingram also has two monster games left on National TV to showcase. LSU and the possible showdown against Florida.

3. Ryan Matthews, Jr., RB, Fresno St. - He does not get the national recgonition that he deserves, but Matthews is tearing up the country. With over 1,300 yards, Matthews is leading the NCAA in Rushing Yards per Game. Also, do not make the argument that Matthews plays a weak schedule. He ran over Wisconsin (107 yards), Boise St. (234 yards, 3 TDs), and Cincy (145 yards and a TD). Oh yeah, they were all on the road as well.

4. Casey Keenum, Jr., QB, Houston - I just cannot take my eyes off of these stats. Close to 3,300 passing yards, and 25 TDs, with only 5 Ints. He is the lone reason why Houston is nationally ranked. He may not win it this year, but he punched his name as a frontrunner next season.

5. Tim Tebow, Sr., QB, Florida - It pains me to put Tebow on this list. I am tired of hearing how valuable he is and how his fortitude is surpassed by no one, blah, blah, blah, blah! Until last week, his numbers were plain average. The Georgia game was his first real "Tebow-ish" game he has had in the SEC this season. He put one great game together, he will go to NYC if he can string some of them together now.

Honorable Mention: Cincy QB Tony Pike, Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh, Boise St. QB Kellen Moore, Notre Dame WR Golden Tate, and TCU DE Jerry Hughes.

Now, onto the picks:

Kansas St. 41, Kansas 38 - Do you believe that Kansas St. could actually be playing in the Big 12 Title Game? The Jayhawks were destined to be there, but have decided to meltdown the past few weeks. Bill Synder always has had Kansas's number.

Georgia Tech 34, Wake Forest 13 - Wake will be playing without QB Riley Skinner, which is a huge loss. Georgia Tech is the team that could of snuck into a playoff system and given fits to any of the top 8 teams because of their style of play.

Arkansas 31, South Carolina 23 - The Old Ball Coach Spurrier wishes he had a Ryan Mallette to groom and win a SEC Title with. Gamecocks keep it close, but will miss key starters on defense in this game.

Houston 54, Tulsa 51 - Do not blink watching this game, you will most likely miss one of the 15 touchdowns that will be put up in this game. Vegas must be going nuts trying to set the point total on this one.

Oklahoma 24, Nebraska 10 - Could wind up being a defensive struggle. Both teams have very good defenses, but the Sooners can muster enough offense to open the lead late.

Cincinnati 38, UConn 24 - This Huskie bunch will stay in the game, as they play everyone close, but the Bearcats just have too many weapons to burn you with, reguardless of who is playing QB.

Oregon St. 34, California 28 - UPSET SPECIAL! The Beavers always play better in the stretch run, and the Rodgers brothers are just too much for Cal to handle.

Notre Dame 38, Navy 20 - Just when you thought that you can stop Golden Tate, he gets back his partner in crime. Irish WR Michael Floyd will be back and playing. The Heisman Meter on Clausen could be hitting record levels now.

Oregon 42, Stanford 17 - There is no way you can put the Ducks ahead of Boise St., but do you think any team would want to face this team right now? What they did to the Trojans was boarderline criminal. I loved it.

Penn St. 17, Ohio St. 10 - Low scoring game, with two of the better defenses in the nation squaring off. I just cannot see the Lions losing in Happy Valley. Turns out to be a very disappointing season for Jim Tressel and the people of Columbus.

Alabama 20, LSU 9 - Notice that I did not mention LSU as a team that could sneak into a theoretical playoff system? The Tigers could not score off a an inferior Florida defense. Do you think that they could be any different against a better defense? No way. I am foaming from the mouth to see the Julio Jones-Patrick Peterson duel though.

Last Week: 5-5

Season: 59-38

Thursday, November 5, 2009

World Series Champs

People that really know me realize how tough this next article will be for me to write. It is not that I am a Yankees hater, but I am not exactly a fan of their fanbase.

That will be another article, on another date. Right now, I want to congratulate the New York Yankees on their World Series victory.

There is a certain level of congratulating with this roster and personnel of Yankees though. I will point them out right now.

Congrats to:

Phil Coke, Brett Gardner, David Robertson, Alfredo Aceves, Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Robinson Cano for being mostly homegrown young Yankees that got their first taste of being a champion.

Brian Bruney, for not being punched out by someone on the field this season.

Chad Gaudin and Jerry Hairston, for being the type of pickups the Yankees would of made in the 98-00 Era.

Jose Molina, for becoming the last of the trio of catching brothers to get a ring.

Damaso Marte, for saving his only quality pitching with the Yankees since last July, in the ALCS and World Series.

Eric Hinske, for getting even with the Phillies in the World Series the very next year.

Nick Swisher, for coming in and loosening up a clubhouse that was in much need of exactly that.

CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and AJ Burnett, for living up to the 400 million in contracts they received, and winning in Year One.

Johnny Damon, for the moment that I thought won the World Series. That was one of the best 4-5 at bats I ever seen. Even better than Shawn Dunston's dozen pitch single to lead off the Robin Ventura Grand-Single game. Then coming up with a clutch, hustle play that is usually reserved for Derek Jeter in Yankee folklore.

Hideki Matsui, for abusing Phillies pitching and winning Game 6 by himself in what might be his Yankee swan song.

Alex Rodriguez, for getting that monkey off his back. He is now offically, a real Yankee.

Brian Cashman, for being able to tell Randy Levine where to go now.

Joe Girardi, for being able to get out of that shadow that was Joe Torre.

George Steinbrenner, for one more moment of glory before riding in the the sunset. The best owner sports might of ever seen.

Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, for showing their father that his baby in his in very good hands for a long time.

But, most of all, these four:

Congrats to Jorge Posada, who has gone from a rookie that rarely played for his first ring, and coming full circle as the unoffical Team Captain for his 5th ring.

To Andy Pettitte, for being a slightly lesser verison of Whitey Ford in this era of pinstripes. He might of left for three seasons, but he was always a Yankee. I still feel that the game that really cemented the first dynasty was Pettitte's 1-0 gem against John Smoltz in 96 at 24 years old. This Game 6, on 3 days rest at the now rugged age of 37, might of been the game that catapaulted the Yanks into their next one.

To Mariano Rivera, for being the Grim Reaper to an opposing team at the end of the game. No pitcher ever has put the fear of God into an opponent in the playoffs like you.

And finally, to Derek Jeter, for enchancing your mythical being in Yankee history. Of all the great players and future Hall of Famers on this team (At least 3, Minimum), Jeter is the one that stands out. He is the closest thing to what Mantle, Mays, Snider were in the eyes of how my father and his generation saw ballplayers. They were heroes. Icons. Jeter has that feel to him, and it is the only player in baseball today that comes close to that.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Weekend Wrap-Up

Ah, the first week that all four major sports are going at full steam. A sports junkie's wet dream. To be top it all off, it was bad weather around here. Rained all week, so there was no interruptions in my sports frenzy except for sleep.

-I watched the Bucks 1st round pick Brandon Jennings go one rebound and assist short of a Triple-Double in his debut. Then followed that game up with 24 points the next night. This is the same fast, up-tempo point guard that the Knicks passed up in the draft? This kid would of been perfect for Mikey D ball. Knicks figure they could grab John Wall in the next draft. Wait, they cannot? Ouch!

- Carmelo Anthony finally "gets" it. He gets the idea that if he is in top shape, no one can guard him in this league. Small Fowards are too small in frame and Power Fowards are just way too slow. The first three games were very interesting to watch.

-I watched the New York football teams meltdown this weekend, and I am not just talking about the Jets and Giants. Syracuse proved that they are completely inane as well. Jets give up 30 points, on 105 total yards of offense by the Dolphins, which is horrific, but not as bad Giants.

The Giants have shown that they can hammer the creampuffs, but when faced against a real team? They get smacked around like these teams were The Zohan. Eli Manning is throwing wounded ducks like Chad Pennington in the Meadowlands circa 2007. The defense cannot generate a pass rush, forget about trying to stop the pass. CC Brown is putrid! How did this clown even get a job as a Special Teamer, let alone a backup spot?

-Speaking of teams that have beaten the Giants recently, the Cardinals follow up that huge win on the East Coast by getting thumped by the Panthers? What the hell happened here? Cardinals are #1 in the NFL against the run, and the Panthers run roughshot all over them. Kurt Warner channeled his inner Jake Delhomme and tossed around a handful of Int's.

I am sorry, but serious contenders do not get pimpsmacked at home by a team that is incompetent as the Panthers after a road win like that the week before. I do not care if this was a revenge game for the Panthers or not. Zero excuse there.

-Memo to TJ Houshmanzadeh: You are NOT an elite WR that can go to the sidelines and trash your teammates in that fashion. You got that contract based on reaping the benefits of Chad Johnson/Ocho Cinco double teams for years. You have zero speed, and you have a warrior QB that is getting hammered to the ground with broken ribs. Be happy you got rich, and pardon my french, shut the f*ck up! You are getting paid like a top WR, but you have never been near a top WR.

-We all agree that Adrian Peterson is the best RB in the world. Yesterday we saw the battle for #2 in Maurice Jones Drew and Chris Johnson. They combined to run for roughly nine holes of a golf course. Johnson leads the league in rushing, and Jones Drew leads the league in Rush TDs. Fun game to watch. It felt like the US 4x100 relay race.

-Congrats to the Green Bay Packers for what it actually looked like bending over for Brett Favre. This is the guy that basically bitchslapped your franchise, employers, and most important, your teammates over the course of a two year saga to get to a divison rival to stomp on your heads.

The defense did not touch him. Some of the players are hugging him like two old lovers having one last one night stand for closure. It made me sick. Only one guy in green last night did not bend over. Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers played like a guy that was dissed by Favre. He did everything humanly possible to mount a comeback, eventhough he was getting creamed by a Vikings defense that was plowing through a lazy, weak Packers OLine. Rodgers got up everytime and tried again. After getting sacked 15 times in 2 games against the Vikes, would any of us flinch or critique Rodgers if he ran into his Left Tackle with his car in the parking garage? I know I would not care.

-Speaking of getting ran over, I told everyone a couple of months ago that USC had no shot in hell in making the Title Game with a Frosh QB at the helm. Now, I know it was not Matt Barkley's fault in this, but what a blowout that game was in the 2nd half. Oregon just crippled a Trojan defense for over 600 yards! BCS has no choice but to drop USC now.

-Now, all of my predictions do not come to fruition. Oklahoma St. took the gaspipe as well. Texas went into Stillwater and clobbered the Cowboys, although at least they were missing Dez Bryant and Kendall Hunter. I will hold onto that excuse if questioned!

-The media will never kill the Gators huh? In a day where Tim Tebow finally put it all together and had a Tebow-like game, it really should not be the headlight of that game. Neither should the fact that Florida has a stranglehold on the BCS #1 ranking.

It should be all about how much of a cheap shot LB Brandon Spikes was pulling, when he was literally trying to eye gouge a Bulldog player at the bottom of a pile. This was ten times worse than LeGarrette Blount. At least the Bryon Hout was not pinned down. I am glad that Urban Meyer is going to be strict with his punishment....

Wait a second, ONE HALF!!! Spikes gets to sit for one half of a football game when he tried to rip a player's eyes out? I am begging the NCAA to get involved in this one, and while you are at it, suspend Meyer for a bad joke.

- There are seven undefeated teams left in college. I do not know which Doomsday scenario I want more. All of the teams to somehow lose, or for all the teams to somehow stay undefeated as long as possible. I do know one thing...

Iowa will not remain in this group. After watching Indiana carve up their defense, there is not a snowballs chance in hell that the Hawkeyes go into Columbus and beat Ohio St.

- I have not written much about baseball eventhough it is by far my favorite sport. It is alot easier and more smooth to write about football and basketball, but I have to comment on the greatness of Johnny Damon last night.

First, he is the one that derailed Brad Lidge with a brutally laboring nine pitch at bat, then singling on a good outside corner fastball. Damon just flicked it into Left Field.

Then, he realizes how slow Lidge is to the plate and takes off for 2nd. This I knew was going to be a play before it went off. Now, I take pride in knowing baseball situations, but I had no idea what Damon was doing when he went off for third. I have no idea that teams played Big Tex in the infield like that played Jason Giambi. Damon did not hesitate.

Lidge now could not throw his slider in the dirt, and it cost him when he had to come fat with a fastball to ARod. The rest is history. Yankees up 3-1.

I think the Phillies though bring it back to Yankee Stadium, but the Yankees still win in 6.

Monday Night Game:

Just expect fireworks tonight. Alot of fireworks from both offenses. There will be more less punts in this game than wins by the Detroit Lions.

Saints do not lose at home though.

New Orleans Saints 45, Atlanta Falcons 38.