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
Friday, November 13, 2009
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
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.
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
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
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
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