Well sports fans, another weekend of great gridiron action is upon us. It has been awesome to get back into the swing of football weekends. This weekend promises to be pretty a solid weekend with a few more marquee games now that the season is in full swing.
Things kick off early as LSU and Mississippi State square off in an early SEC West showdown. Mississippi State will keep this game close, despite LSU's incredible talent. I won't go with a straight pick, but I will say that if the Bulldogs can intercept two Jarret Lee passes, they will win the game. Otherwise, LSU's run defense is going to be able to pack the box against Mississippi State's outstanding running back tandem.
Fans hopping on the Boise State bandwagon again this year can watch the Broncos play against a Toledo team that almost surprised in-state kingpin Ohio State last week. Don't expect this game to be anything resembling competitive though as the Broncos will try and prove that they are deserving of the lofty praise they are growing accustomed to. Then the games really get cranked up on a weekend with some interesting regional matchups and some important road games for contenders.
Saturday's rating: Laying back with a beer
There are a couple potentially great games this weekend, but I get a sense that many of the games could turn quickly into blowouts, so I'm giving this weekend's college mania an average rating.
The 11 o'clock hour features a couple interesting contests. Auburn tries to keep its title defending season equally perfect against Clemson. I think the Alabama tigers escape in a close one here. Meanwhile, further North the Mountaineers of West Virginia travel to College Park to visit upstart Maryland. I am picking the Terps as I think that Randy Edsall has finally gotten over the hump of beating the Mountaineers with last year's win with his UConn squad.
The 2 o'clock hour pits old rivals Tennessee and Florida against each other in the opening SEC on CBS game of the season. I will be rooting for the Gators, but I think that this is the year that UT gets over the hump and finally beats the Gators for the first time in 6 years. And in a testament to how average this weekend of college football will be, I am still talking about the Irish as the marquee game. I'm picking the Irish to compete again, but dash the hearts of their faithful, and put a good coach who deserves a shot and a team that doesn't turn the ball over 10 times in 2 games on the hot seat. Michigan State 31-24 with a last gasp effort by the Irish.
Unfortunately the next moderately appealing game comes at 6 when the Sun Devils who shocked Missouri last week travel to Champaign to take on Illinois. I say the fighting Dennis Erickson's keep the streak rolling and beat the Illini in a high-scoring affair. Finally, in the nightcap it may be worth heading out to somewhere with a few more TV screens as Miami and Ohio State square off and Oklahoma rolls the wagon train into Tallahassee to take on Florida State. Miami upsets Ohio State vaulted by the return of key defensive players like Sean Spence, and EJ Manuel puts forth an impressive Heisman-esque performance with a late touchdown to shock the world as Big-Game Bob continues his tradition of failing to live up to his nickname.
If you are looking for a late night sleeper game, you can always watch Andrew Luck put on a passing clinic against Nick Foles and the Arizona Wildcats.
Sunday also gets a Laying Back with a Beer rating. Some intriguing games as some contenders look to rebound from rough starts and a few marquee games make for a decent day of NFL action. We'll do straight pick'ems this week.
For the noon games: Lions over my Chiefs (it hurts), Bucs over Vikings, Raiders over Bills, North over South as the Ravens and Browns beat the Titans and Colts respectively, the Saints passing attack overwhelms an emotionally charged Bears team with Urlacher grieving, the Jets overwhelm the Jags, the Steelers recover, the Redskins are a lucky 2-0, and the Pack prove what champions are made of in the NFL to Cam Newton's Panthers.
In the 3 o'clock spot: Patriots offense is just too much for the Bolts, Tony Romo doesn't falter against the Niners, Kyle Orton silences idiotic fans who wasted tickets to the Super Bowl to put up an ad calling for Tebow in Denver, and the Texans prove they have some defensive ability against the Dolphins. Side note: this will be the Texans year into the postseason, and in a bold prediction they will be 8-2 heading into their Week 11 bye.
For the primetime games: Atlanta gets back on track in the NFC South and the Rams squeak out a win in the injury bowl on Monday Night.
That's all for this weekend sports fans, see you next Thursday On the Couch.
Showing posts with label Couch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Couch. Show all posts
September 15, 2011
September 1, 2011
On the Couch Returns: Amateur Showcase
And we're back!
It's been awhile since we've seen a wonderful weekend of college football, and even longer since you guys have read me talking about it. Amid a bevy of scandals and suspensions, it is still comforting to see football on the tube again.
The season kicks off tonight with a Thursday night clash between the Running Rebels of UNLV and the Badgers of Wisconsin. Unfortunately for the Rebels, Wisconsin just lost a kind of important bowl game to fellow Mountain West school TCU. Though the Horned Frogs will not be on the field, don't be surprised if the Badgers have a little extra fight for this game.
We've all watched week 1 of the college season before, and seen our beloved teams pummel FCS schools like Grand Valley State, but there are a few games well worth watching this labor day weekend.
The aforementioned Horned Frogs open up the post-Andy Dalton era with a hard-fought regional matchup with steadily improving Baylor on Friday night. With a sophomore quarterback at the helm, this game is nowhere near an automatic win for the Horned Frogs, who are coming off an undefeated season and a Rose Bowl win.
Unfortunately for us TV viewers, both marquis games on Saturday occur in the primetime slot. I guess I'm actually going to have to do something with my Saturday then. Nonetheless, it is awesome to see two five-star games in the first weekend.
First, number 3 ranked Oregon meets number 4 LSU in Arlington, TX so that Jerry Jones can show off Cowboys Stadium to even more people. Look at the bright side, with punters unfamiliar to Cowboys stadium, maybe we will see a live ball bounce off Jerry's megatron. Realistically, I hope your focus is more on the action on the field because this early showdown could certainly have huge BCS title implications. Don't expect a one-loss Oregon to be in the title game, so I suspect they will be very hungry for the win. If it weren't for the fact that LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson is suspended for this game, I would take the SEC powerhouse in this dogfight. Replacement quarterback Jarret Lee is just far too prone to making mistakes, so I'm taking the Ducks sealing the deal with a late interception.
In the other primetime slot, the Boise State Broncos head for a showdown with the Bulldogs from Athens, Georgia in another "neutral" site game in none other than Hotlanta at the Georgia Dome. With both quarterbacks losing their leading receivers to the NFL, don't be surprised to see the offenses use the running game more in this game. While Boise State's running backs match up on paper with Washaun Ealy from Georgia, the clear defensive advantage goes to the SEC team. I am sticking with SEC dominance in this game and predicting a Bulldog win, as much as it pains me to do so.
Well, if these two games aren't enough to delay your trip to the lake until Sunday, I don't really know what else to tell you. Anyway, have a great labor day weekend, and enjoy your time to relax on the couch and take in a couple great gridiron showdowns on Saturday night.
It's been awhile since we've seen a wonderful weekend of college football, and even longer since you guys have read me talking about it. Amid a bevy of scandals and suspensions, it is still comforting to see football on the tube again.
The season kicks off tonight with a Thursday night clash between the Running Rebels of UNLV and the Badgers of Wisconsin. Unfortunately for the Rebels, Wisconsin just lost a kind of important bowl game to fellow Mountain West school TCU. Though the Horned Frogs will not be on the field, don't be surprised if the Badgers have a little extra fight for this game.
We've all watched week 1 of the college season before, and seen our beloved teams pummel FCS schools like Grand Valley State, but there are a few games well worth watching this labor day weekend.
The aforementioned Horned Frogs open up the post-Andy Dalton era with a hard-fought regional matchup with steadily improving Baylor on Friday night. With a sophomore quarterback at the helm, this game is nowhere near an automatic win for the Horned Frogs, who are coming off an undefeated season and a Rose Bowl win.
Unfortunately for us TV viewers, both marquis games on Saturday occur in the primetime slot. I guess I'm actually going to have to do something with my Saturday then. Nonetheless, it is awesome to see two five-star games in the first weekend.
First, number 3 ranked Oregon meets number 4 LSU in Arlington, TX so that Jerry Jones can show off Cowboys Stadium to even more people. Look at the bright side, with punters unfamiliar to Cowboys stadium, maybe we will see a live ball bounce off Jerry's megatron. Realistically, I hope your focus is more on the action on the field because this early showdown could certainly have huge BCS title implications. Don't expect a one-loss Oregon to be in the title game, so I suspect they will be very hungry for the win. If it weren't for the fact that LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson is suspended for this game, I would take the SEC powerhouse in this dogfight. Replacement quarterback Jarret Lee is just far too prone to making mistakes, so I'm taking the Ducks sealing the deal with a late interception.
In the other primetime slot, the Boise State Broncos head for a showdown with the Bulldogs from Athens, Georgia in another "neutral" site game in none other than Hotlanta at the Georgia Dome. With both quarterbacks losing their leading receivers to the NFL, don't be surprised to see the offenses use the running game more in this game. While Boise State's running backs match up on paper with Washaun Ealy from Georgia, the clear defensive advantage goes to the SEC team. I am sticking with SEC dominance in this game and predicting a Bulldog win, as much as it pains me to do so.
Well, if these two games aren't enough to delay your trip to the lake until Sunday, I don't really know what else to tell you. Anyway, have a great labor day weekend, and enjoy your time to relax on the couch and take in a couple great gridiron showdowns on Saturday night.
November 21, 2008
On the Couch: Week 2
Thank God homework is over! I'm ready to veg on the couch for another weekend, and it's gonna be a good one! Here's On the Couch for week 2:
Saturday: Putting on Team Colors
My Hawkeyes play fellow 7-4 Minnesota for a potential bowl seed this weekend, so I'm wearing Black and Gold tomorrow, but there are tons of great games on Saturday. Here are some of the highlights.
In the noon hour, the Ohio State-Michigan game lacks some of its normal importance. But if Michigan State beats Penn State, it's really important that the Buckeyes, led by a constantly improving Terrell Pryor, secure this win.
Later, things begin to heat up. Boston College at Wake Forest should be a hotly contested game, but I think the Eagles win a nail-biter. The aforementioned Penn State-Michigan State game will hang on the Nittany Lions ability to stop Javon Ringer. If they can, the Rose Bowl is beckoning for 'ole Joe Pa and company. And finally in this time slot, the most likely overlooked matchup of Air Force and TCU. Both teams have competed well in the Mountain West Conference, and both deserve bowl bids, so we'll see which one wants it most.
A little bit later, two more small conference teams match up with #14 BYU coming to #7 Utah in hopes of busting Utah's hopes of crashing the BCS. Some have mentioned BYU throwing this game for the conference. Don't count on it, this team will gut it out against the Utes, and I think Max Hall leads the Cougars to the upset.
In addition to the Big East showdown between Pittsburgh and Cincinatti, the night is highlighted by the game we have all been anticipating for two weeks now...the shootout in Norman as the Red Raiders draw the Sooners on their way to the Big 12 Championship. Tackling will be the key for the Sooners, but I think that the Raiders prevail because the Sooners haven't proven that they can be a pass only team like the Raiders have. Hint to Coach Stoops: If you have the choice, receive and take advantage of your run game early, because once Harrell gets the ball the game will revert to passing.
Sunday: Team Colors again!
Ok. So there's not much to get excited about as a Chiefs fan this year. Yes I know that Tyler Thigpen has been more consistent than we could have dreamed, but let's not get hasty. Look at Derek Anderson this year for proof, and the Chiefs don't have a Brady Quinn waiting in the wings. But Sunday's action will far exceed anything the Chiefs will do this weekend.
The noon hour is headed by the Jets-Titans matchup that will give the improved Jets defensive line its tallest task of the year in controlling both Chris Johnson and Lendale White. Johnson hasn't had great weeks the last couple weeks, but if he can get out to the edge, he may have a big game. New England at Miami is also an intriguing matchup during the noon hour and the Eagles need a win against the Ravens to stay alive in the NFC East.
Two great games follow in the 3 o'clock hour with the New York Football Giants visiting the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons trying to avenge their first home loss against the division leading Carolina Panthers.
Sunday Night will not disappoint as rivals San Diego and Indianapolisget the nod for Game of the Weekend. Both teams are fighting to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Although the game is probably more critical for San Diego, Indianapolis has an uphill climb in its division as well.
Well sports fans! That's the weekend for you... Enjoy!
Saturday: Putting on Team Colors
My Hawkeyes play fellow 7-4 Minnesota for a potential bowl seed this weekend, so I'm wearing Black and Gold tomorrow, but there are tons of great games on Saturday. Here are some of the highlights.
In the noon hour, the Ohio State-Michigan game lacks some of its normal importance. But if Michigan State beats Penn State, it's really important that the Buckeyes, led by a constantly improving Terrell Pryor, secure this win.
Later, things begin to heat up. Boston College at Wake Forest should be a hotly contested game, but I think the Eagles win a nail-biter. The aforementioned Penn State-Michigan State game will hang on the Nittany Lions ability to stop Javon Ringer. If they can, the Rose Bowl is beckoning for 'ole Joe Pa and company. And finally in this time slot, the most likely overlooked matchup of Air Force and TCU. Both teams have competed well in the Mountain West Conference, and both deserve bowl bids, so we'll see which one wants it most.
A little bit later, two more small conference teams match up with #14 BYU coming to #7 Utah in hopes of busting Utah's hopes of crashing the BCS. Some have mentioned BYU throwing this game for the conference. Don't count on it, this team will gut it out against the Utes, and I think Max Hall leads the Cougars to the upset.
In addition to the Big East showdown between Pittsburgh and Cincinatti, the night is highlighted by the game we have all been anticipating for two weeks now...the shootout in Norman as the Red Raiders draw the Sooners on their way to the Big 12 Championship. Tackling will be the key for the Sooners, but I think that the Raiders prevail because the Sooners haven't proven that they can be a pass only team like the Raiders have. Hint to Coach Stoops: If you have the choice, receive and take advantage of your run game early, because once Harrell gets the ball the game will revert to passing.
Sunday: Team Colors again!
Ok. So there's not much to get excited about as a Chiefs fan this year. Yes I know that Tyler Thigpen has been more consistent than we could have dreamed, but let's not get hasty. Look at Derek Anderson this year for proof, and the Chiefs don't have a Brady Quinn waiting in the wings. But Sunday's action will far exceed anything the Chiefs will do this weekend.
The noon hour is headed by the Jets-Titans matchup that will give the improved Jets defensive line its tallest task of the year in controlling both Chris Johnson and Lendale White. Johnson hasn't had great weeks the last couple weeks, but if he can get out to the edge, he may have a big game. New England at Miami is also an intriguing matchup during the noon hour and the Eagles need a win against the Ravens to stay alive in the NFC East.
Two great games follow in the 3 o'clock hour with the New York Football Giants visiting the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons trying to avenge their first home loss against the division leading Carolina Panthers.
Sunday Night will not disappoint as rivals San Diego and Indianapolisget the nod for Game of the Weekend. Both teams are fighting to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Although the game is probably more critical for San Diego, Indianapolis has an uphill climb in its division as well.
Well sports fans! That's the weekend for you... Enjoy!
November 14, 2008
ON THE COUCH: WEEK 1
This week I am introducing a new weekly post: On the Couch. This will highlight the weekend's sporting events and rate each day's total worth to fellow sports fans. My ranking system will include three tiers. First, falling asleep obviously means a lousy day of sports watching; secondly, laying back with a beer will signify an average day, and finally putting on the team colors means a great day in sports.
So without further ado: this week's edition of On the Couch
Saturday: Falling asleep (this will be a long nap)
Usually, there is at least one great matchup in the college football season, especially this late in the year, but I am so bored with this week's matchups. Truthfully the best game may be North Carolina at Maryland because of its ACC implications.
Not a single one of the 11:oo games is worth watching, and the Tar Heels and Terps may be worth skipping too at 2:30. Even the night cap is lowlighted by a Boston College-Florida State matchup, although the recent suspension of 5 FSU wide receivers could make that a closer game.
I've pretty much concluded that Saturday will be my homework day, because the normal routine isn't really worth it.
Sunday: Laying back with a beer
I'm definitely more excited about Sunday's offerings on the tube. In addition to Jimmie Johnson probably wrapping up his third NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship in as many years, there are several great football matchups. I'm predicting some good old fashioned blowouts, and a few hard fought divisional games that have important momentum swings tied to their outcomes.
We'll start with the important divisional games and other games that will affect division leaders.
-Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers: I can't wait to see how the Packers defense does against breakout rookie running back Matt Forte, and you know that both teams will leave it all out on the field this week for a share of the lead in the NFC North
-Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts: Yes, I am aware that the Texans have laid clunkers several times this year, but they have also shown flashes of brilliance, and led the Colts earlier this year before the epic collapse of Sage Rosenfels in a 3 minute span. Steve Slaton is dangerous, but I expect Bob Sanders will do just enough to give Indy a solid hold on second place in the AFC South, and put them well on their way to a wild card berth.
-Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars: Tough, scrappy game that will make your head hurt just watching it, but the Titans are too strong against the run for the Jaguars to win this game. Amazing stat of the day for the Titans: they have outscored their opponents nearly two-to-one with a 220-117 points for-and-against ratio. If Kerry Collins keeps throwing and Chris Johnson is able to get things restarted after a down game last week (darn him, ruined my fantasy week), this could turn into a blowout, but expect the league to be handing out fines for rough hits on Monday.
-Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins: Clinton Portis may be out, but the Cowboys have more questions than a Peter Jennings round of Jeopardy. The Cowboys running game may be the difference this week in a must win game for America's favorite team.
-San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers: Both of these teams are fighting for first place in their divisions. Antonio Cromartie will have to break out of his slump and linebacker Shaun Phillips has to get some pressure on Ben Roethlisberger for the Chargers to pull this one off in Pittsburgh.
There could also be some huge blowouts this week.
-New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs: As improved as Tyler Thigpen is at quarterback, Drew Brees will have a field day against the cornerback duo of Maurice Leggett and Brandon Carr. Could he throw for 500 yards? Maybe.
-Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers: No explanation needed, I'm predicting 34-7 at half.
-Philadelphia Eagles at Cincinnati Bengals: Cincinnati is improving, but the Eagles must be peaved about Monday's loss to the Giants. Brian Westbrook will have a big day as the Eagles get back to their screen plays against a weak defense.
-Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins: Somewhere Dan Marino is smiling because people are again saying that the Dolphins will blowout an opponent. But the Raiders offense had -2 TOTAL yards of offense in the first half last week, so don't get too excited about the comeback. Dolphins fans can enjoy this one though.
And finally the Game of the Weekend:
-Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons: Both need the win to maintain a share of the lead in their respective divisions. Matt Ryan got my pro-bowl vote and has been impressive as a rookie, while Denver is battling injuries and a lack of the running game that is almost unheard of on a Mike Shanahan Broncos team. I've got the Falcons because of the home-field advantage where they have been perfect thus far this season.
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
So without further ado: this week's edition of On the Couch
Saturday: Falling asleep (this will be a long nap)
Usually, there is at least one great matchup in the college football season, especially this late in the year, but I am so bored with this week's matchups. Truthfully the best game may be North Carolina at Maryland because of its ACC implications.
Not a single one of the 11:oo games is worth watching, and the Tar Heels and Terps may be worth skipping too at 2:30. Even the night cap is lowlighted by a Boston College-Florida State matchup, although the recent suspension of 5 FSU wide receivers could make that a closer game.
I've pretty much concluded that Saturday will be my homework day, because the normal routine isn't really worth it.
Sunday: Laying back with a beer
I'm definitely more excited about Sunday's offerings on the tube. In addition to Jimmie Johnson probably wrapping up his third NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship in as many years, there are several great football matchups. I'm predicting some good old fashioned blowouts, and a few hard fought divisional games that have important momentum swings tied to their outcomes.
We'll start with the important divisional games and other games that will affect division leaders.
-Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers: I can't wait to see how the Packers defense does against breakout rookie running back Matt Forte, and you know that both teams will leave it all out on the field this week for a share of the lead in the NFC North
-Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts: Yes, I am aware that the Texans have laid clunkers several times this year, but they have also shown flashes of brilliance, and led the Colts earlier this year before the epic collapse of Sage Rosenfels in a 3 minute span. Steve Slaton is dangerous, but I expect Bob Sanders will do just enough to give Indy a solid hold on second place in the AFC South, and put them well on their way to a wild card berth.
-Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars: Tough, scrappy game that will make your head hurt just watching it, but the Titans are too strong against the run for the Jaguars to win this game. Amazing stat of the day for the Titans: they have outscored their opponents nearly two-to-one with a 220-117 points for-and-against ratio. If Kerry Collins keeps throwing and Chris Johnson is able to get things restarted after a down game last week (darn him, ruined my fantasy week), this could turn into a blowout, but expect the league to be handing out fines for rough hits on Monday.
-Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins: Clinton Portis may be out, but the Cowboys have more questions than a Peter Jennings round of Jeopardy. The Cowboys running game may be the difference this week in a must win game for America's favorite team.
-San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers: Both of these teams are fighting for first place in their divisions. Antonio Cromartie will have to break out of his slump and linebacker Shaun Phillips has to get some pressure on Ben Roethlisberger for the Chargers to pull this one off in Pittsburgh.
There could also be some huge blowouts this week.
-New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs: As improved as Tyler Thigpen is at quarterback, Drew Brees will have a field day against the cornerback duo of Maurice Leggett and Brandon Carr. Could he throw for 500 yards? Maybe.
-Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers: No explanation needed, I'm predicting 34-7 at half.
-Philadelphia Eagles at Cincinnati Bengals: Cincinnati is improving, but the Eagles must be peaved about Monday's loss to the Giants. Brian Westbrook will have a big day as the Eagles get back to their screen plays against a weak defense.
-Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins: Somewhere Dan Marino is smiling because people are again saying that the Dolphins will blowout an opponent. But the Raiders offense had -2 TOTAL yards of offense in the first half last week, so don't get too excited about the comeback. Dolphins fans can enjoy this one though.
And finally the Game of the Weekend:
-Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons: Both need the win to maintain a share of the lead in their respective divisions. Matt Ryan got my pro-bowl vote and has been impressive as a rookie, while Denver is battling injuries and a lack of the running game that is almost unheard of on a Mike Shanahan Broncos team. I've got the Falcons because of the home-field advantage where they have been perfect thus far this season.
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
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