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