Sorry this is up kinda late guys, but here's your NFL news for today. But first, a note to self... Never pick the Cal Golden Bears in any game with a point spread under 20 points in their favor! Geez! Could I have looked any dumber than picking them the last 2 weeks? Maybe I should send a letter asking for monetary compensation for the pain and suffering like that Oregon fan who got a refund.
For the early games: the Chiefs will score 3 points in the entire game, the Redskins luck into playing one of the two or three teams less talented than they are (but I still give Tampa a smidgen of a chance to surprise them). Heck, as Shannon Sharpe always says, "Never under-estimate a team's power to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory" especially when it's the Redskins. Houston will begin a recovery towards a solid season, Indianapolis rolls, and Chicago discovers the potency of their offense against the Lions. There's a toss up for game of the hour between the Jags-Titans game and the Ravens-Patriots, the difference is one is being played for supremacy and the other is being played to maintain mediocrity. I think that the Titans will finally find the win column (hopefully behind a good game from my new fantasy quarterback Kerry Collins). I just heard Ditka pick the Ravens for the Super Bowl representatives of the AFC; can't say that I blame him, and I'm picking them to stop an emerging New England rushing attack. (That may be another bad idea: picking against the Patriots 2 weeks in a row)
In the late hour, the 49ers recover from a heartbreaking loss last week, and then everyone will be tuning into 2 more great games. The Saints offense will be tested against the fighting Rex Ryans from the Jets, but I think the Saints edge out the game (I was very surprised to see the experts at ESPN unanimously pick the Saints, don't be surprised if the Jets pull it off). And my sort-of-upset pick of the week: The Broncos will continue their run with a home win against the Cowboys. Key statistic of the game: Denver has yet to allow a passing touchdown this season. This will fall this weekend, but the Brian Dawkins will pick off a retarded Tony Romo throw at some point today. The Cowboys will definitely miss Marion Barber this week.
The Sunday night game will showcase that Philip Rivers is finally living up to his insanely loud mouth as the Chargers offense will go into Steel-town and shock the Steelers, who will be a surprising 1-3 at the end of the week.
I'm beginning to think that my support for Brett Favre returning to the Vikings is directly due to the fact that the only reason I liked the Packers growing up was him, and with my ties to Minnesota, it is officially time to make my NFC allegiance clear. Not only will the Vikings win, they are also my NFC Super Bowl pick, and Adrian Peterson will reopen his MVP candidacy against a sometimes porous Green Bay rush defense.
Alright guys, enjoy the games, and most importantly: Do your homework!
October 4, 2009
October 2, 2009
This Weekend's Campus Crawl
Friday and Saturday morning feature thoroughly uninteresting games, even with the trans-Michigan match-up between the Wolverines and Spartans in East Lansing. On that note, I think that will be a very unimpressive game, and look for Michigan to put it away mid 4th quarter. I am not sold on Michigan State being in the top tier of the Big 10 this year, and see them more as a spoiler team for good, but not great teams like Minnesota, and yes, my Hawkeyes.
As a side note, I think my Hawkeyes are a little overrated at 13 in the polls, but fortunately they face Arkansas State on Saturday morning, which should keep us even in the polls for at least a week (Anymore, it seems like keeping the same ranking for two weeks is harder than the Chiefs making a Super Bowl run this season).
In the mid-afternoon games, things begin to get more exciting, highlighted by the LSU-Georgia game which should be the showcase game for 2nd place in the SEC East. On a surprising note, Indiana may be more competitive with Ohio State than many people might think,I still give them no shot at winning the game though.
In the evening Ole Miss will kick things off against Vandy as they look to put that embarassing loss at South Carolina behind them. Even though the Bears got pounded last week in Oregon, I will stand by them as my Pac-10 pick, as they will win a nail-biter to USC with a strong rushing attack from Best, who wants to get back into Heisman talk. A key thing to watch in that game is the rush defense of USC as the departure of the entire starting linebacking corps (3 of whom were 1st round picks by the way) will prove to be the team's achilles heel.
Finally, Oklahoma-Miami will be the best game of the week. With Sam Bradford officially not starting, the Hurricanes might look to jump on the Sooners early. That could lead to some mistakes though. The loss to Virginia Tech will serve as fuel for the fire rather than a demoralizing force for an improving Miami team. I put that squarely on the shoulders of Randy Shannon, who is my early Coach of the Year. His ability to turn the Miami program around from field goal melees could be the greatest coaching story in the last 3 years aside from Urban Meyer's 2 championships at Florida.
Hope you enjoy the games guys, and be on the lookout for guys that display great sportsmanship. It's always good to see what people do right.
As a side note, I think my Hawkeyes are a little overrated at 13 in the polls, but fortunately they face Arkansas State on Saturday morning, which should keep us even in the polls for at least a week (Anymore, it seems like keeping the same ranking for two weeks is harder than the Chiefs making a Super Bowl run this season).
In the mid-afternoon games, things begin to get more exciting, highlighted by the LSU-Georgia game which should be the showcase game for 2nd place in the SEC East. On a surprising note, Indiana may be more competitive with Ohio State than many people might think,I still give them no shot at winning the game though.
In the evening Ole Miss will kick things off against Vandy as they look to put that embarassing loss at South Carolina behind them. Even though the Bears got pounded last week in Oregon, I will stand by them as my Pac-10 pick, as they will win a nail-biter to USC with a strong rushing attack from Best, who wants to get back into Heisman talk. A key thing to watch in that game is the rush defense of USC as the departure of the entire starting linebacking corps (3 of whom were 1st round picks by the way) will prove to be the team's achilles heel.
Finally, Oklahoma-Miami will be the best game of the week. With Sam Bradford officially not starting, the Hurricanes might look to jump on the Sooners early. That could lead to some mistakes though. The loss to Virginia Tech will serve as fuel for the fire rather than a demoralizing force for an improving Miami team. I put that squarely on the shoulders of Randy Shannon, who is my early Coach of the Year. His ability to turn the Miami program around from field goal melees could be the greatest coaching story in the last 3 years aside from Urban Meyer's 2 championships at Florida.
Hope you enjoy the games guys, and be on the lookout for guys that display great sportsmanship. It's always good to see what people do right.
October 1, 2009
A Surprising Approval
I have found myself in surprising agreement with the President on the issue of the Olympics coming to Chicago. I also think it fantastic that he personally went to lobby for the games. Politically, I think it is a great tool to demonstrate unity by lobbying for what should be and (aside from the games in Beijing) normally is a unifying global experience.
I think Chicago is a great sports town that deserves a shot at hosting the most prolific international competition of the world. The rich sports history of Soldier Stadium and Wrigley Field will be the perfect fit for the Olympic games.
I also think that it will provide an economic stimulus to the city, and to the Midwest. I think the Midwest deserves a shot at hosting an international competition, and Chicago would not have to do a lot to make room for the Olympic games.
Anyway, that's all I got. I guess this is part pat-on-the-back for the President, half a show of support for the cause, but either way it is deserved. Stay posted for a bold prediction and this week's college football highlights.
I think Chicago is a great sports town that deserves a shot at hosting the most prolific international competition of the world. The rich sports history of Soldier Stadium and Wrigley Field will be the perfect fit for the Olympic games.
I also think that it will provide an economic stimulus to the city, and to the Midwest. I think the Midwest deserves a shot at hosting an international competition, and Chicago would not have to do a lot to make room for the Olympic games.
Anyway, that's all I got. I guess this is part pat-on-the-back for the President, half a show of support for the cause, but either way it is deserved. Stay posted for a bold prediction and this week's college football highlights.
September 27, 2009
NFL Late Picks
Sorry I didn't get early game picks up. Unfortunately I left it at a friends house as it was the source for a solid power hour last night. I am currently watching the destruction of the Chiefs at the hands of the Eagles.
Anyway, the Lions will win! In the late games, Chicago runs over Seattle, Drew Brees will continue his hot streak, and Denver will keep their surprise season going against the Raiders. Miami is definitely coming back down to earth this year. I think that their defense isn't surprising anyone anymore.
In the nightcap, Indianapolis will help keep the Cardinals in the middle of the NFC, and on Monday night, Carolina will struggle more, but Jerry Jones will get his stadium-christening win. (A perfect example of why I hate Jerry Jones as an owner: it is repulsive that I feel obliged to mention how much Jones wants a win in the new stadium. Most of the pundits have spent the week talking about it too. No owner should be mentioned that much.
Enjoy the games guys
Hambone
Anyway, the Lions will win! In the late games, Chicago runs over Seattle, Drew Brees will continue his hot streak, and Denver will keep their surprise season going against the Raiders. Miami is definitely coming back down to earth this year. I think that their defense isn't surprising anyone anymore.
In the nightcap, Indianapolis will help keep the Cardinals in the middle of the NFC, and on Monday night, Carolina will struggle more, but Jerry Jones will get his stadium-christening win. (A perfect example of why I hate Jerry Jones as an owner: it is repulsive that I feel obliged to mention how much Jones wants a win in the new stadium. Most of the pundits have spent the week talking about it too. No owner should be mentioned that much.
Enjoy the games guys
Hambone
September 25, 2009
Classic football
For his preview article of tomorrow's Iowa-Penn State matchup, ESPN columnist begins with a few important life questions(sort of). My reaction: If you like your steak grilled (duh), your potato baked (with bacon, broccoli and cheese thank you) and your whiskey straight (now you're really speaking my language), tune into Iowa's visit to Penn State on Saturday night. (Wouldn't miss it for the world). This really is my kind of football. I would love a 13-7 game with one offensive touchdown the entire game.
Interestingly, the Hawkeyes under Kirk Ferentz are 6-2 against the Nittany Lions. And what kind of fan would I be if I didn't think they will make it 7-2? Exactly; my call is 14-13 Iowa, no last second field goals in this one.
For the other big games tomorrow my picks are:
North Carolina edges out Georgia Tech, and Cincinnati and KU continue their winning ways during the noon hour. At 3:30, Cal will control time of possession and Jahvid Best will emerge as an early Heisman front-runner as the Bears win solidly over the Oregon Ducks, and Miami continues its run to an ACC championship with a win at Virgina Tech solely due to the ineptitude of the Tech offense. And just for my cousin at Colorado State, hate to admit it, but BYU will roll over your Rams. After the Iowa game, the West Coast games conclude the night with Texas Tech falling just short against new trendy BCS buster pick Houston, and USC recovers from the Washington loss by winning at the only team more inept in the PAC-10 last season (Though I will call it right now that USC will lose 2-3 games and Cal will finally unseat them atop the PAC-10).
Enjoy the games, and check back tomorrow night for NFL picks.
Interestingly, the Hawkeyes under Kirk Ferentz are 6-2 against the Nittany Lions. And what kind of fan would I be if I didn't think they will make it 7-2? Exactly; my call is 14-13 Iowa, no last second field goals in this one.
For the other big games tomorrow my picks are:
North Carolina edges out Georgia Tech, and Cincinnati and KU continue their winning ways during the noon hour. At 3:30, Cal will control time of possession and Jahvid Best will emerge as an early Heisman front-runner as the Bears win solidly over the Oregon Ducks, and Miami continues its run to an ACC championship with a win at Virgina Tech solely due to the ineptitude of the Tech offense. And just for my cousin at Colorado State, hate to admit it, but BYU will roll over your Rams. After the Iowa game, the West Coast games conclude the night with Texas Tech falling just short against new trendy BCS buster pick Houston, and USC recovers from the Washington loss by winning at the only team more inept in the PAC-10 last season (Though I will call it right now that USC will lose 2-3 games and Cal will finally unseat them atop the PAC-10).
Enjoy the games, and check back tomorrow night for NFL picks.
September 24, 2009
Ole Miss
The first three weeks of the college football season have seen many trendy contenders fall. Houston took down popular Oklahoma State, and Boise State lost following their dismantling of contender Oregon, who looked like they didn't belong on the same field as any BCS team. This week, Ole Miss will win, but the world will see that they are nowhere near deserving of the #4 ranking they have been gifted. South Carolina is nowhere near the skill of Alabama and LSU in the SEC West, but they aren't Memphis or Southeastern Louisiana either (the two teams Ole Miss justifiably annihilated in weeks 1 & 2). Picks for Saturday's games will be up after classes tomorrow.
P.S. An AL Central update from my post this summer: The Tigers are indeed still winning, but the Twins are characteristically putting up a helluva fight. Feeling pretty awesome about that post. We'll see what their final 4 games against each other hold.
For more information on the Michael Crabtree post, check out Elizabeth Merrill's fantastic new post at espn.com, it's on the front, so I won't even bother giving you the link.
That's it sports fans, get back to you tomorrow.
P.S. An AL Central update from my post this summer: The Tigers are indeed still winning, but the Twins are characteristically putting up a helluva fight. Feeling pretty awesome about that post. We'll see what their final 4 games against each other hold.
For more information on the Michael Crabtree post, check out Elizabeth Merrill's fantastic new post at espn.com, it's on the front, so I won't even bother giving you the link.
That's it sports fans, get back to you tomorrow.
New Format
I know many of you have been waiting for a post for weeks now. And believe it or not, I have worked on several posts, just never finished them. I have realized that with the old format that this problem probably won't stop in the near future with school being so busy (it actually is now that I'm trying and working on the side).
So, I'm switching things up a little. I'm going to do several shorter posts instead of long essay-like ones. I'm still going to focus on the same things and get a long post in occasionally, but I think this new format should help a lot. Hope you guys enjoy it still.
Hambone
So, I'm switching things up a little. I'm going to do several shorter posts instead of long essay-like ones. I'm still going to focus on the same things and get a long post in occasionally, but I think this new format should help a lot. Hope you guys enjoy it still.
Hambone
August 25, 2009
Leadership
Everyone knows the Baltimore Ravens by their defense and by default by that guy screaming across the field known as Ray Lewis. I'm not going to lie, Lewis is probably the most intense player in the NFL, and he is an incredible leader. And the great thing about Lewis is that even though his individual ability has suffered a bit, the team has still remained dominant under his leadership.
Last night I watched tidbits of the Jets-Ravens preseason game, and just happened to catch most of Bart Scott's interview with Suzy Kolber. Immediately I was struck by Scott's ability to be the face of the new Jets defense. In the few minutes of the game I had watched earlier I remembered that Scott was all over the place for several plays, behind the offensive line and at Joe Flacco's throat every down. This included a perfect form wallop that just missed getting credit for a sack on a deep throw. I'm pretty sure I cringed at that hit, it was that good.
The funny thing is when we see a player who is that intense, we almost expect that all those hits have taken their toll on the brain cells scrambled around in that player's head. And yet both Ray Lewis and Bart Scott are great in interviews. Probably the most underrated part about being the leader of a team is being respectful and informative to the media. Scott handled the interview perfectly: it was the best sideline interview I can ever recall seeing. And as much as people say that any press is good press, a great interview goes a long way toward winning the support of fans.
I suppose there may be better leaders in the league than Lewis and Scott, but I will say that I left extremely impressed by the professionalism of Scott. And amazing as it sounds, I am confident that Scott's leadership will lead to at least 1 or 2 extra wins this season. In a tough division with a rookie quarterback lined up to start, Scott being the face of the Jets will be imperative, but so far he has proven to be very game to that challenge.
Last night I watched tidbits of the Jets-Ravens preseason game, and just happened to catch most of Bart Scott's interview with Suzy Kolber. Immediately I was struck by Scott's ability to be the face of the new Jets defense. In the few minutes of the game I had watched earlier I remembered that Scott was all over the place for several plays, behind the offensive line and at Joe Flacco's throat every down. This included a perfect form wallop that just missed getting credit for a sack on a deep throw. I'm pretty sure I cringed at that hit, it was that good.
The funny thing is when we see a player who is that intense, we almost expect that all those hits have taken their toll on the brain cells scrambled around in that player's head. And yet both Ray Lewis and Bart Scott are great in interviews. Probably the most underrated part about being the leader of a team is being respectful and informative to the media. Scott handled the interview perfectly: it was the best sideline interview I can ever recall seeing. And as much as people say that any press is good press, a great interview goes a long way toward winning the support of fans.
I suppose there may be better leaders in the league than Lewis and Scott, but I will say that I left extremely impressed by the professionalism of Scott. And amazing as it sounds, I am confident that Scott's leadership will lead to at least 1 or 2 extra wins this season. In a tough division with a rookie quarterback lined up to start, Scott being the face of the Jets will be imperative, but so far he has proven to be very game to that challenge.
August 21, 2009
Nice Guy Finishes First
All the time we see athletes promoting national brands like Nike, Adidas, Foot Locker, etc. It seems that inevitably these individuals either follow these huge endorsement deals with a DUI charge, sex scandal, or bar brawl. So it was refreshing when I turned on the tube the other day (for the first time in almost a week!)and saw a commercial featuring Houston Texans' wideout Andre Johnson.
I know some of you may be thinking, he's good, but who cares? That's exactly the point! A lot of people don't know of Andre Johnson's talent because he plays on a mediocre team in a tough division, and because he hasn't shot himself, driven drunk, or gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd.
Here's the skinny on Johnson: At the University of Miami, he was a two sport standout in football and track and field. He was an all-American wide receiver and MVP of the 2002 Rose Bowl where he caught 2 touchdowns and racked up 199 yards receiving. Then he went to the draft. After being picked 3rd by the Texans, he fired his agents and brought his uncle in to deal with his contract negotiations. Uh-oh! Here comes that rookie contract thing again! But wait, Johnson had his deal worked out in time for mini camp. You mean some stars actually want to play football? What a shock!
In his 6 year NFL career, Johnson has made 3 pro bowls and been chosen as all-Pro twice, including last season. Although he has battled injuries in 2005 and 2007, he has consistently been productive, last year leading the league in receptions and yards. His touchdown numbers are somewhat lacking, most likely due to playing with the Texans (although the team is quickly improving). But have you ever heard Johnson's name on Sportscenter screaming at his coaches on the sideline or in the media about how he never gets the ball? That's what I thought.
So yeah, it may just be a regular commercial for receiving gloves sold at Dick's. But it is good to see that Johnson's hard work has paid off. Here's an athlete that should get a brighter piece of the spotlight.
I know some of you may be thinking, he's good, but who cares? That's exactly the point! A lot of people don't know of Andre Johnson's talent because he plays on a mediocre team in a tough division, and because he hasn't shot himself, driven drunk, or gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd.
Here's the skinny on Johnson: At the University of Miami, he was a two sport standout in football and track and field. He was an all-American wide receiver and MVP of the 2002 Rose Bowl where he caught 2 touchdowns and racked up 199 yards receiving. Then he went to the draft. After being picked 3rd by the Texans, he fired his agents and brought his uncle in to deal with his contract negotiations. Uh-oh! Here comes that rookie contract thing again! But wait, Johnson had his deal worked out in time for mini camp. You mean some stars actually want to play football? What a shock!
In his 6 year NFL career, Johnson has made 3 pro bowls and been chosen as all-Pro twice, including last season. Although he has battled injuries in 2005 and 2007, he has consistently been productive, last year leading the league in receptions and yards. His touchdown numbers are somewhat lacking, most likely due to playing with the Texans (although the team is quickly improving). But have you ever heard Johnson's name on Sportscenter screaming at his coaches on the sideline or in the media about how he never gets the ball? That's what I thought.
So yeah, it may just be a regular commercial for receiving gloves sold at Dick's. But it is good to see that Johnson's hard work has paid off. Here's an athlete that should get a brighter piece of the spotlight.
August 6, 2009
Do What You Love, Love What You Do
Most people are called to their profession. Many of your mentors, parents, older siblings have probably told you to find your passion and to make your profession a vocation. The simplest and most natural reason to make your profession is the mantra "Do what you love and love what you do". It doesn't take a psychologist to figure out that one is more fulfilled in a profession that they love. Many of us have guides along the way that are able to help you discover your passions. It is great to have an "adviser" to helps us develop within our profession. But for some reason it seems that the sports world has a knack for attracting bad career advisers.
This was brought to my attention by an ESPN article that quoted wide receiver Michael Crabtree's cousin and adviser David Wells saying that Crabtree was prepared to sit out the season if he was not payed more. What happened to the guys that just wanted to get out on the field? Later in the article Crabtree's agent asserted that no threats had been made from his side toward the 49ers (the team that drafted Crabtree last April). Who is this guy, Jerry Maguire? Since when has an agent seemed like the voice of reason? I'm sure I just have a bias towards agents because all I hear is Scott Boras and Drew Rosenhaus defending ridiculous contacts and sleez balls. I'm sure most agents are perfectly reasonable people, I even had a friend in high school whose dad is a big-time agent, but I just have never seen the profession as the beacon of truth in a dark world.
Anyway, what is this cousin thinking? If he wanted the best for Michael, wouldn't he want him playing? Does he not realize the history of athletes taking a year off? Maurice Clarett anyone? For those of you that haven't heard, Clarett is currently serving a prison sentence for armed robbery. Taking a year off seems to be just the right thing! Here's an idea Michael: play the game you love to play! Every time I have seen Crabtree interviewed he has seemed a decent fellow, so I hope that this is just a guy out blowing hot air. But I am more concerned about the trend that seems to be growing in sports of bad advisers.
In Kansas City, Chiefs fans had to deal with Larry Johnson getting caught up with the wrong crowd. Michael Vick can point to his old "friends" for getting him involved with the dog-fighting schemes. I am not trying in any way to take the heat off either of those two for their decisions, they have both done incredibly stupid things, but it's a lot easier not to have to say no. How many times have you heard of schools caught up in recruiting scandals because these "advisers" pop up and buy all sorts of new stuff for these athletes? The NCAA should do as much as it possibly can to avoid these moronic people from meddling in the affairs of these athletes. And it starts in high school now too! I can't imagine going under the microscope that NCAA athletes have to go through to maintain eligibility. It is time that the NCAA helped to shield athletes from people who can ruin their lives.
In closing, I will admit that I don't have the slightest idea what the NCAA should do about this, but I also think that in order for athletes to get back to playing the game that they love, it would sure help if the NCAA could help eliminate some of the outside pressure exerted upon them.
This was brought to my attention by an ESPN article that quoted wide receiver Michael Crabtree's cousin and adviser David Wells saying that Crabtree was prepared to sit out the season if he was not payed more. What happened to the guys that just wanted to get out on the field? Later in the article Crabtree's agent asserted that no threats had been made from his side toward the 49ers (the team that drafted Crabtree last April). Who is this guy, Jerry Maguire? Since when has an agent seemed like the voice of reason? I'm sure I just have a bias towards agents because all I hear is Scott Boras and Drew Rosenhaus defending ridiculous contacts and sleez balls. I'm sure most agents are perfectly reasonable people, I even had a friend in high school whose dad is a big-time agent, but I just have never seen the profession as the beacon of truth in a dark world.
Anyway, what is this cousin thinking? If he wanted the best for Michael, wouldn't he want him playing? Does he not realize the history of athletes taking a year off? Maurice Clarett anyone? For those of you that haven't heard, Clarett is currently serving a prison sentence for armed robbery. Taking a year off seems to be just the right thing! Here's an idea Michael: play the game you love to play! Every time I have seen Crabtree interviewed he has seemed a decent fellow, so I hope that this is just a guy out blowing hot air. But I am more concerned about the trend that seems to be growing in sports of bad advisers.
In Kansas City, Chiefs fans had to deal with Larry Johnson getting caught up with the wrong crowd. Michael Vick can point to his old "friends" for getting him involved with the dog-fighting schemes. I am not trying in any way to take the heat off either of those two for their decisions, they have both done incredibly stupid things, but it's a lot easier not to have to say no. How many times have you heard of schools caught up in recruiting scandals because these "advisers" pop up and buy all sorts of new stuff for these athletes? The NCAA should do as much as it possibly can to avoid these moronic people from meddling in the affairs of these athletes. And it starts in high school now too! I can't imagine going under the microscope that NCAA athletes have to go through to maintain eligibility. It is time that the NCAA helped to shield athletes from people who can ruin their lives.
In closing, I will admit that I don't have the slightest idea what the NCAA should do about this, but I also think that in order for athletes to get back to playing the game that they love, it would sure help if the NCAA could help eliminate some of the outside pressure exerted upon them.
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