Yesterday Cam Newton threw for an NFL debut record 422 yards. It was a truly impressive debut, and it is no small feat to throw for 400+ yards against any NFL team. That said, it brought up an interesting reflection on records in sports. How much credit is due to the level of competition in any given record.
I'm not by any means arguing that Newton does not deserve credit for his record, nor am I arguing that Newton is the exception rather than the rule. I know that there are other records out there that are present because of fortunate circumstances like weak opponents.
It is just interesting that most records are never told with the context surrounding them. I'm pretty sure that many people made a big deal in 2007 when the Patriots went undefeated during the regular season that they had a favorable schedule, but that is the last instance of people discrediting a record for mitigating circumstances that I can think of. It just seems that after the fact, no one bothers to preserve the context. I don't mean for this to only include mitigating circumstances; I suppose there are several records that could be more impressive than others given the circumstances (this seems more likely in baseball where we have "clubs" like the 40-40, 500, 300, etc).
Maybe that is something essential about records though: that their contexts are forgotten. Part of the appeal of records is the sense of immortality in an accomplishment, even if that record may be broken eventually. When someone joins a mile-marking club in baseball, they have still reached an elite, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. When a team achieves a historic season, it probably doesn't matter whether their schedule might have been easier than the average team. And perhaps it is not our place to try and find mitigating circumstances to these records, because it robs us of the true essence of the accomplishment.
September 12, 2011
September 11, 2011
Reaping What You Sow
Serena Williams just lost the US Open to Samantha Stosur from Australia. Stosur absolutely deserves credit for the win, and played an incredibly dominant match. She was the only person able to play her own game against Serena throughout this tournament. But this is not about what Samantha Stosur did right, it is about what Serena Williams did wrong.
During the opening game of the second set, after losing the first set 6-2, Serena was serving and facing a break point when she yelled "Come on!" during the point. This resulted in the point being awarded to Stosur, infuriating Williams. She then proceeded to rip into the chair umpire during several breaks between every game.
The commentators made the point that Serena's screaming happens all the time. While this may be true, it was entirely unnecessary to spend every break yelling at the umpire, including calling her different variations of a bad/mean person. One could not help but relive Serena's profanity laced 2009 tirade against the poor line judge that included a facetious threat. Unfortunately, this time around the crowd began to get behind Serena.
I understand getting frustrated at a referee over a bad call for a bit. I don't mind when a crowd boos a bad pass interference call for a play or two. What bothered me was that Serena was constantly berating the umpire, for making what was later confirmed to be the right call. The utter lack of sportsmanship became blatantly apparent after a few games, especially after Stosur maintained graceful composure and maintained her serve throughout the next few games.
It truly felt like karma was smiling on Stosur as she exuded such grace and went on to win her first grand slam final. Equally, it was relieving to see that such outbursts aimed personally at officials are not rewarded in the field of play.
During the opening game of the second set, after losing the first set 6-2, Serena was serving and facing a break point when she yelled "Come on!" during the point. This resulted in the point being awarded to Stosur, infuriating Williams. She then proceeded to rip into the chair umpire during several breaks between every game.
The commentators made the point that Serena's screaming happens all the time. While this may be true, it was entirely unnecessary to spend every break yelling at the umpire, including calling her different variations of a bad/mean person. One could not help but relive Serena's profanity laced 2009 tirade against the poor line judge that included a facetious threat. Unfortunately, this time around the crowd began to get behind Serena.
I understand getting frustrated at a referee over a bad call for a bit. I don't mind when a crowd boos a bad pass interference call for a play or two. What bothered me was that Serena was constantly berating the umpire, for making what was later confirmed to be the right call. The utter lack of sportsmanship became blatantly apparent after a few games, especially after Stosur maintained graceful composure and maintained her serve throughout the next few games.
It truly felt like karma was smiling on Stosur as she exuded such grace and went on to win her first grand slam final. Equally, it was relieving to see that such outbursts aimed personally at officials are not rewarded in the field of play.
September 8, 2011
The Greatest Birthday Gift- On the Couch Edition
Yes, that's right, it's my birthday today! Perhaps the best gift of all is that this weekend's edition of On the Couch now also features a full Sunday of NFL games as well. I certainly had moments of fear this summer considering the possibility of a birthday weekend without NFL action. It just wouldn't be the same breaking in my 24th year without my Chiefs opening up a new season.
Fortunately for me and all of you gridiron gurus, the NFL has blessed us with a great Thursday matchup this week to really crank things up. The reigning Super Bowl Champion Packers will take on fellow NFC offensive juggernaut New Orleans in a game that promises to put some points on the board. Even though New Orleans has added key players in Sedrick Ellis and Shaun Rogers in the last few years to their defensive line, I don't see them being able to make a significant pass rush with their linebacker blitzes. With Aaron Rodgers on his feet for most of the game, he will pick apart the Saints secondary. Add that to a Green Bay defense which is certainly capable of getting a few stops, I'm taking the Pack in a not as close as expected 35-24 victory.
Make sure you are heading to a sports bar or have the remote in hand on Thursday night to watch bits of the underrated matchup in college football between Pac-12 up-and-comer Arizona and the dying conference's Oklahoma State Cowboys. I'm taking the Cowboys in another game that will feature a lot of aerial attacks.
Friday night is not a lost cause either, especially not for the Tigers fans in the area. A showdown between Mizzou and Arizona State pits the Big-12 and Pac-12 against one another again. I'm gonna take the hometeam Sun Devils stealing the upset in the desert on Friday night.
Things start heating up this weekend as school pride is on the line during the second weekend of college football. My pride rests in the morning with the Black and Gold as my Hawkeyes take on their neighbors across the state the Cyclones in a battle for the CyHawk trophy. I don't feel like I need to make it clear for any of you that this game had better not be anywhere close to competitive if the Hawkeyes want to take advantage of a favorable schedule and compete for a division title in the newly organized Big Ten. Other games worth watching at this hour on Saturday morning include an SEC West showdown between Mississippi State and Auburn and the first legitimate test for the Wisconsin Badgers as Oregon State travels to Madison. I'm going with the Badgers and the Bulldogs here.
In the 2 30 hour, tradition reigns as Alabama and Penn State rematch last year's battle in Tuscaloosa, but transport it up to Happy Valley. With 2 new quarterbacks on the roster, Alabama might struggle and Penn State will be able to remain competitive, but I will go with SEC power here in a nail-biter.
Just a little after at 3 30, look for the SEC to impress as South Carolina takes on Georgia in an early SEC East battle. I'm taking South Carolina big as pressure builds on Mark Richt to improve or start polishing up that resume.
In primetime, look for struggling programs rich with tradition to look forward to a new day as Notre Dame visits Ann Arbor to take on the Wolverines in the first night game ever at the Big House. I'll take the improving Wolverines over the Irish in a clash that is surely going to be competitive regardless of how little may actually be at stake. The only other game in a somewhat lackluster primetime lineup is Utah-USC meeting at the Coliseum.
And Sunday brings good cheer! NFL on Sundays is back! Wives everywhere are pissed again, and girlfriends can forget about getting any attention for a few more months. Just kidding, I suggest cheering along beside us! Anyway, there are some big clashes at the noon hour. First, the Ravens and Steelers always leave everything they have out on the field. I'm taking the Ravens in this one. Also, the Texans look to defeat a Peyton-less Colts team and NFC powerhouses the Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears look to prove that they are ready to compete for a title this year starting week 1.
For regional fans, both the Chiefs and Rams play at this hour. While the Chiefs will look to keep a struggling offense going with an injured Matt Cassel, the Rams will need to pressure the Eagles offense to keep Michael Vick at bay. Both teams have the chance to win, but preventing mistakes will be critical.
The late afternoon games are highlighted by an NFC West battle between the 49ers and the Seahawks, and a fight for the most style points between the Cowboys and Jets. In all, Sunday should be an exciting return for professional football.
And, on Monday Night Football, we will be treated to a double-header divisional struggle between the Dolphins and Patriots and Broncos and Raiders. The Patriots will show that they are perenially going to compete for a division title as they run over the Dolphins, and I expect that the Raiders running game will be too much even for an improved Broncos defense to solve.
It will be a great weekend of football, and don't forget to set your fantasy lineups for tonight's game.
Fortunately for me and all of you gridiron gurus, the NFL has blessed us with a great Thursday matchup this week to really crank things up. The reigning Super Bowl Champion Packers will take on fellow NFC offensive juggernaut New Orleans in a game that promises to put some points on the board. Even though New Orleans has added key players in Sedrick Ellis and Shaun Rogers in the last few years to their defensive line, I don't see them being able to make a significant pass rush with their linebacker blitzes. With Aaron Rodgers on his feet for most of the game, he will pick apart the Saints secondary. Add that to a Green Bay defense which is certainly capable of getting a few stops, I'm taking the Pack in a not as close as expected 35-24 victory.
Make sure you are heading to a sports bar or have the remote in hand on Thursday night to watch bits of the underrated matchup in college football between Pac-12 up-and-comer Arizona and the dying conference's Oklahoma State Cowboys. I'm taking the Cowboys in another game that will feature a lot of aerial attacks.
Friday night is not a lost cause either, especially not for the Tigers fans in the area. A showdown between Mizzou and Arizona State pits the Big-12 and Pac-12 against one another again. I'm gonna take the hometeam Sun Devils stealing the upset in the desert on Friday night.
Things start heating up this weekend as school pride is on the line during the second weekend of college football. My pride rests in the morning with the Black and Gold as my Hawkeyes take on their neighbors across the state the Cyclones in a battle for the CyHawk trophy. I don't feel like I need to make it clear for any of you that this game had better not be anywhere close to competitive if the Hawkeyes want to take advantage of a favorable schedule and compete for a division title in the newly organized Big Ten. Other games worth watching at this hour on Saturday morning include an SEC West showdown between Mississippi State and Auburn and the first legitimate test for the Wisconsin Badgers as Oregon State travels to Madison. I'm going with the Badgers and the Bulldogs here.
In the 2 30 hour, tradition reigns as Alabama and Penn State rematch last year's battle in Tuscaloosa, but transport it up to Happy Valley. With 2 new quarterbacks on the roster, Alabama might struggle and Penn State will be able to remain competitive, but I will go with SEC power here in a nail-biter.
Just a little after at 3 30, look for the SEC to impress as South Carolina takes on Georgia in an early SEC East battle. I'm taking South Carolina big as pressure builds on Mark Richt to improve or start polishing up that resume.
In primetime, look for struggling programs rich with tradition to look forward to a new day as Notre Dame visits Ann Arbor to take on the Wolverines in the first night game ever at the Big House. I'll take the improving Wolverines over the Irish in a clash that is surely going to be competitive regardless of how little may actually be at stake. The only other game in a somewhat lackluster primetime lineup is Utah-USC meeting at the Coliseum.
And Sunday brings good cheer! NFL on Sundays is back! Wives everywhere are pissed again, and girlfriends can forget about getting any attention for a few more months. Just kidding, I suggest cheering along beside us! Anyway, there are some big clashes at the noon hour. First, the Ravens and Steelers always leave everything they have out on the field. I'm taking the Ravens in this one. Also, the Texans look to defeat a Peyton-less Colts team and NFC powerhouses the Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears look to prove that they are ready to compete for a title this year starting week 1.
For regional fans, both the Chiefs and Rams play at this hour. While the Chiefs will look to keep a struggling offense going with an injured Matt Cassel, the Rams will need to pressure the Eagles offense to keep Michael Vick at bay. Both teams have the chance to win, but preventing mistakes will be critical.
The late afternoon games are highlighted by an NFC West battle between the 49ers and the Seahawks, and a fight for the most style points between the Cowboys and Jets. In all, Sunday should be an exciting return for professional football.
And, on Monday Night Football, we will be treated to a double-header divisional struggle between the Dolphins and Patriots and Broncos and Raiders. The Patriots will show that they are perenially going to compete for a division title as they run over the Dolphins, and I expect that the Raiders running game will be too much even for an improved Broncos defense to solve.
It will be a great weekend of football, and don't forget to set your fantasy lineups for tonight's game.
September 6, 2011
Lightning in a Bottle
Occasionally I wonder how Roger Federer's recent struggles in grand slams could happen so quickly to such a dominant player. In a weird way it really doesn't seem that most of the time it is a matter of Roger struggling, but it has become clear that for awhile he has not been able to command a match as he did so skillfully in the peak of his dominance.
And then...
I watched him play last night. Juan Monaco had the unfortunate mischance of playing Federer on a night where he clearly asserted his dominance as if it were three years ago. Almost every point was dominated by Federer. He served four aces in a row to win one game. His backhand was out of this world again, and it seemed that Monaco could never pass Federer if he came to the net.
I remarked earlier that night to a friend that I don't like that tennis broadcasts do not comment during the rallies. I miss a great play-by-play announcer who can help artfully craft the drama of the moment. I miss the growing anticipation as the point seems to sway in favor of one player, and the alternating growth of a miraculous comeback. And yet, when Roger Federer was playing last night, I didn't need that commentator. You could see and feel the dominance through the TV. You could feel the aggression of Roger dominating his opponent when he would whiz a backhand down the line. There was ZERO competitive tension in this match. Monaco was overmatched from the word go. But you could still feel the electricity of the match because you knew that you were seeing one of the best at his best.
I don't know whether this is a stepping stone for Roger to bring back the magic for the rest of the US Open, or whether this was just lightning in a bottle. But I can tell you that it was well worth watching that lightning strike. It could not have been clearer last night that Roger absolutely belongs in the conversation as the greatest player to ever play the game, and why for two years I never missed a grand slam final that he played in. He really is that fun to watch.
And then...
I watched him play last night. Juan Monaco had the unfortunate mischance of playing Federer on a night where he clearly asserted his dominance as if it were three years ago. Almost every point was dominated by Federer. He served four aces in a row to win one game. His backhand was out of this world again, and it seemed that Monaco could never pass Federer if he came to the net.
I remarked earlier that night to a friend that I don't like that tennis broadcasts do not comment during the rallies. I miss a great play-by-play announcer who can help artfully craft the drama of the moment. I miss the growing anticipation as the point seems to sway in favor of one player, and the alternating growth of a miraculous comeback. And yet, when Roger Federer was playing last night, I didn't need that commentator. You could see and feel the dominance through the TV. You could feel the aggression of Roger dominating his opponent when he would whiz a backhand down the line. There was ZERO competitive tension in this match. Monaco was overmatched from the word go. But you could still feel the electricity of the match because you knew that you were seeing one of the best at his best.
I don't know whether this is a stepping stone for Roger to bring back the magic for the rest of the US Open, or whether this was just lightning in a bottle. But I can tell you that it was well worth watching that lightning strike. It could not have been clearer last night that Roger absolutely belongs in the conversation as the greatest player to ever play the game, and why for two years I never missed a grand slam final that he played in. He really is that fun to watch.
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 3, 2010
Moss the Titan
Here is why Moss can work out in Tennessee: Jeff Fisher. In the last few weeks, many people have realized that Moss' relationship with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was much healthier than once thought soon after he was traded to the Vikings. Just like Belichick had enough status and respect in the locker room to control potential problem players, so can Fisher.
Even more than that, Fisher is more prone to keep problem players around and handle things in house. He has already handled players like Albert Haynesworth with rebellious streaks. The Titans image as a tough, no prisoners football team is well known. Moss improves the Titans immensely from a football standpoint, and Fisher will have no trouble dealing with any behavior issues that may arise.
Even more than that, Fisher is more prone to keep problem players around and handle things in house. He has already handled players like Albert Haynesworth with rebellious streaks. The Titans image as a tough, no prisoners football team is well known. Moss improves the Titans immensely from a football standpoint, and Fisher will have no trouble dealing with any behavior issues that may arise.
November 2, 2010
Brief Note on a Playoff Bracket
I love reading ESPN's Pat Forde. Particularly, his Forde Yard Dash. Every Tuesday, I look forward to reading it between two of my classes. Those of you who have read Forde will know that he is most likely Boise State's most prominent promoter for the BCS title game. I couldn't agree with him more. I absolutely agree that Boise State deserves a shot as an unbeaten team over any one loss team. Yes, even a one loss Alabama who redeems its only loss to South Carolina in a potential SEC Championship game. But, this week, Forde took the opportunity in Forde Yard Dash to promote a playoff bracket. This bus, I cannot jump on.
Forde used the example of the Butler basketball team which came so close to winning the NCAA tournament this year after winning the Horizon league. Forde argues that just like basketball, football should have a playoff. When the heck are people going to realize that football and basketball are not the same sport! A basketball team plays over 30 games throughout a season. Going undefeated through a 20 game regular conference schedule, even if that schedule is weaker than in automatically qualifying conferences is much more telling of a basketball team's success than a 8 to 10 game conference season like that of football.
It also needs to be considered how much more likely upsets are in college basketball. Nearly every week of the basketball season features a small school upsetting the mammoth powerhouse schools. And, more importantly, many great teams will occasionally lose to lesser competition, yet still end an incredible season with a winning tournament. But, think about the last few years of upsets in college football. Almost all of the championship subdivision upsets over big schools come over schools that are having down years. In 2007, when Michigan lost to Appalachian State, the Wolverines ended 9-4. While this is not a terrible record by any stretch, no one was barking for the Wolverines to be in the title game, and wouldn't have done so if you had wiped away the loss to Appalachian State. The NCAA basketball season ends perfectly with a thrilling postseason tournament. But, tournaments fit basketball better than they do football.
One final note. The column features a quote from Butler basketball coach Brad Stevens saying that Boise's schedule is different because everyone expects perfection out of them but not others, putting the Broncos under a unique pressure. I couldn't disagree with this more. When any football team loses a game in the regular season, what is the immediate reaction for all of the pundits? Oh yeah, that's right... to talk about which teams are left in the title picture. 8 of the 12 teams that have been crowned BCS champions have been undefeated. Additionally, in only 2 of the years where a BCS champion has had a loss has there been an undefeated team. The point is that the voters do expect perfection out of the football teams. In basketball, they don't.
I'm fine with entertaining notions of a playoff system in college football, though I will continue to stand behind the BCS system. That said, arguing that a football playoff is logical because a playoff is effective in crowning a basketball champion is absurd.
Forde used the example of the Butler basketball team which came so close to winning the NCAA tournament this year after winning the Horizon league. Forde argues that just like basketball, football should have a playoff. When the heck are people going to realize that football and basketball are not the same sport! A basketball team plays over 30 games throughout a season. Going undefeated through a 20 game regular conference schedule, even if that schedule is weaker than in automatically qualifying conferences is much more telling of a basketball team's success than a 8 to 10 game conference season like that of football.
It also needs to be considered how much more likely upsets are in college basketball. Nearly every week of the basketball season features a small school upsetting the mammoth powerhouse schools. And, more importantly, many great teams will occasionally lose to lesser competition, yet still end an incredible season with a winning tournament. But, think about the last few years of upsets in college football. Almost all of the championship subdivision upsets over big schools come over schools that are having down years. In 2007, when Michigan lost to Appalachian State, the Wolverines ended 9-4. While this is not a terrible record by any stretch, no one was barking for the Wolverines to be in the title game, and wouldn't have done so if you had wiped away the loss to Appalachian State. The NCAA basketball season ends perfectly with a thrilling postseason tournament. But, tournaments fit basketball better than they do football.
One final note. The column features a quote from Butler basketball coach Brad Stevens saying that Boise's schedule is different because everyone expects perfection out of them but not others, putting the Broncos under a unique pressure. I couldn't disagree with this more. When any football team loses a game in the regular season, what is the immediate reaction for all of the pundits? Oh yeah, that's right... to talk about which teams are left in the title picture. 8 of the 12 teams that have been crowned BCS champions have been undefeated. Additionally, in only 2 of the years where a BCS champion has had a loss has there been an undefeated team. The point is that the voters do expect perfection out of the football teams. In basketball, they don't.
I'm fine with entertaining notions of a playoff system in college football, though I will continue to stand behind the BCS system. That said, arguing that a football playoff is logical because a playoff is effective in crowning a basketball champion is absurd.
October 28, 2010
We've Been Here Before
The Texas Rangers have been here before. Yes, Cliff Lee was not the impetus of the last Game 1 loss. Yes, Cliff Lee has been an incredible leader for this team during this postseason, mostly due to the fact that everyone seemed to think he would infallibly have a good game, even a great game. But the fact is, that the Rangers have reached the World Series on more than just Cliff Lee's pitching.
Against the Yankees, the Rangers could not take advantage of Lee's first good outing. This is exactly why it is incredibly important for them to realize that they got here together. Without their aggressive hitting, their other starters, and the improvement of the bullpen, the team would not have beaten the Yankees in the ALCS. Today, it seemed as if everyone was dismissing the team because of Lee's bad outing. Many people cited that this reflects some new comfort that the Giants' hitters have found with Texas pitching, but the reality is they are hitting .231 this postseason.
Everyone has treated the Giants' hitting last night as if was their normal production. They have scored more than 4 runs in a whopping 1 other game since September! They have scored 41 runs, with 38 RBI this postseason. The Rangers on the other hand are batting .283, and have scored 66 runs with 62 RBI. The truth is that last night was an aberration, and the Rangers only have to go out and be the TEAM that they have been throughout this postseason. Even more comforting should be the fact that the Rangers scored 4 runs in 5+ innings on Lincecum, the Giants' own ace. The Rangers continued their normal rhythm of aggressive hitting last night, the Giants had a great game. Credit to them for that, but it is important to realize that the Giants in no way took the Rangers out of their game. The Giants are now playing the Rangers game, and even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and again. The Rangers aren't going to win every slugfest, but they will win the majority of them, and as a team, they will keep up this great postseason, and return to their winning ways.
Against the Yankees, the Rangers could not take advantage of Lee's first good outing. This is exactly why it is incredibly important for them to realize that they got here together. Without their aggressive hitting, their other starters, and the improvement of the bullpen, the team would not have beaten the Yankees in the ALCS. Today, it seemed as if everyone was dismissing the team because of Lee's bad outing. Many people cited that this reflects some new comfort that the Giants' hitters have found with Texas pitching, but the reality is they are hitting .231 this postseason.
Everyone has treated the Giants' hitting last night as if was their normal production. They have scored more than 4 runs in a whopping 1 other game since September! They have scored 41 runs, with 38 RBI this postseason. The Rangers on the other hand are batting .283, and have scored 66 runs with 62 RBI. The truth is that last night was an aberration, and the Rangers only have to go out and be the TEAM that they have been throughout this postseason. Even more comforting should be the fact that the Rangers scored 4 runs in 5+ innings on Lincecum, the Giants' own ace. The Rangers continued their normal rhythm of aggressive hitting last night, the Giants had a great game. Credit to them for that, but it is important to realize that the Giants in no way took the Rangers out of their game. The Giants are now playing the Rangers game, and even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and again. The Rangers aren't going to win every slugfest, but they will win the majority of them, and as a team, they will keep up this great postseason, and return to their winning ways.
October 20, 2010
Inspiration
Honestly, I started this blog in an effort to legitimize all of the time that others thought I wasted watching sports. Yes, I watch sports, all the time. It has been something I have warned nearly every girlfriend of mine about. In some distant memory, sports has always been the lost regret of my high school career, always wishing I had played. But when I started this blog, it was something different inspiring me. There was another pull beside my time-wasting and my regrets of my past: it was the brilliance of writers who evoke an experience of sports.
The other day I watched the interview between Buster Olney from espn.com and Cliff Lee after Game 3 of the ALCS, and I was struck by the admiration Buster had for Lee's performance. After his first question, you'll notice that Buster cracks an immense smile. Some might consider this a lack of journalistic integrity. I call it an appreciation for the beauty of the game. Buster clearly grasped the tremendous accomplishment of Lee's postseason, and recognized how it glorified the sport he loved. After all, isn't a no-hitter, 14 K's, and multiple shutouts the essence of complete dominance in pitching! Buster understood not only that this was the year of the pitcher, but that with every great postseason pitching performance, this postseason becomes more magical. Not only do I not consider this a biased perspective from Olney, I consider it a refreshing reminder of the beauty of America's greatest game. (The interview can be found by searching Buster Olney on espn.com)
Tonight, I read Joe Posnanski's blog post about Cliff Lee's game (Labeled "Natural Lee" at joeposnanski.blogspot.com), and was again struck by the brilliance of Posnanski's words. Joe, unlike any other sportswriter right now, makes you believe in the glory and goodness of baseball. I hate the Yankees more than any other team in baseball, and yet when Joe writes about Mariano Rivera's brilliance, I can't help but appreciate how much Rivera has accomplished in his career. When I read Joe's columns or blogposts, I absolutely forget all my preconceived notions of baseball. I get lost in the beauty of the world that he describes, whether I love or hate the player or team Joe is talking about. Joe has an ability to transform your understanding as a reader. He enables you to see your mistakes and provide you with new information without making you feel like you are trading in all of your feelings. When I reflect on what it means to make sports important, to make them mean something, I look at the writers I admire most.
I don't know what it is about sportswriting, but there is an ability in a good sports journalist to evoke an experience out of the reader. When I read Joe Posnanski's column on the 32 Greatest Calls in History, I didn't just admire his retelling of these stories, I loved that Joe enabled me to better experience each call. When I hear Joe talk about Vin Scully's calls, I gain an appreciation for the artistry of Scully as well as Posnanski. I will never understand this gift of great sportswriters, but I will certainly always cherish it.
And I think the most important influence of mine has been seeing what the "little guys" can do in sportswriting. To this day, one of my favorite sports columns is my best friend and ex-roommate Blake's article about a Truman basketball player (http://www.trumanindex.com/2.10112/from-cameroon-to-kirksville-1.1461402). The thing I love about this article is the way it inspires the reader. I can honestly say that if I had had 20 negative experiences with Patrick Fandja before that column, I think that column would have erased that resentment. There is something about good sportswriting that can inspire a person to think better of someone after reading about that person.
When people ask me why I have a blog about sports, the easy answer is to say that it is my way of legitimizing all of the time I spend watching sports. But the truth is, it is my small attempt at emulating the sportswriters who I have read and admired so immensely. And it is important to make it clear that my goal has never been to provide others with my experience of the sports world, but to allow them to have their own experience with that world, just like the sportswrters I admire have allowed me to do.
The other day I watched the interview between Buster Olney from espn.com and Cliff Lee after Game 3 of the ALCS, and I was struck by the admiration Buster had for Lee's performance. After his first question, you'll notice that Buster cracks an immense smile. Some might consider this a lack of journalistic integrity. I call it an appreciation for the beauty of the game. Buster clearly grasped the tremendous accomplishment of Lee's postseason, and recognized how it glorified the sport he loved. After all, isn't a no-hitter, 14 K's, and multiple shutouts the essence of complete dominance in pitching! Buster understood not only that this was the year of the pitcher, but that with every great postseason pitching performance, this postseason becomes more magical. Not only do I not consider this a biased perspective from Olney, I consider it a refreshing reminder of the beauty of America's greatest game. (The interview can be found by searching Buster Olney on espn.com)
Tonight, I read Joe Posnanski's blog post about Cliff Lee's game (Labeled "Natural Lee" at joeposnanski.blogspot.com), and was again struck by the brilliance of Posnanski's words. Joe, unlike any other sportswriter right now, makes you believe in the glory and goodness of baseball. I hate the Yankees more than any other team in baseball, and yet when Joe writes about Mariano Rivera's brilliance, I can't help but appreciate how much Rivera has accomplished in his career. When I read Joe's columns or blogposts, I absolutely forget all my preconceived notions of baseball. I get lost in the beauty of the world that he describes, whether I love or hate the player or team Joe is talking about. Joe has an ability to transform your understanding as a reader. He enables you to see your mistakes and provide you with new information without making you feel like you are trading in all of your feelings. When I reflect on what it means to make sports important, to make them mean something, I look at the writers I admire most.
I don't know what it is about sportswriting, but there is an ability in a good sports journalist to evoke an experience out of the reader. When I read Joe Posnanski's column on the 32 Greatest Calls in History, I didn't just admire his retelling of these stories, I loved that Joe enabled me to better experience each call. When I hear Joe talk about Vin Scully's calls, I gain an appreciation for the artistry of Scully as well as Posnanski. I will never understand this gift of great sportswriters, but I will certainly always cherish it.
And I think the most important influence of mine has been seeing what the "little guys" can do in sportswriting. To this day, one of my favorite sports columns is my best friend and ex-roommate Blake's article about a Truman basketball player (http://www.trumanindex.com/2.10112/from-cameroon-to-kirksville-1.1461402). The thing I love about this article is the way it inspires the reader. I can honestly say that if I had had 20 negative experiences with Patrick Fandja before that column, I think that column would have erased that resentment. There is something about good sportswriting that can inspire a person to think better of someone after reading about that person.
When people ask me why I have a blog about sports, the easy answer is to say that it is my way of legitimizing all of the time I spend watching sports. But the truth is, it is my small attempt at emulating the sportswriters who I have read and admired so immensely. And it is important to make it clear that my goal has never been to provide others with my experience of the sports world, but to allow them to have their own experience with that world, just like the sportswrters I admire have allowed me to do.
October 19, 2010
Yankees Pitching
The way I see it, you put your best guy out there. I still don't understand how Joe Girardi cannot go to CC Sabathia on short rest for tonight's game. The TBS commentators went on forever about how that wouldn't work because it would put Hughes and Pettite on short rest as well. But, as TBS broadcasters do, they neglected the apparent idea of pitching Sabathia tonight to even the series, and then Burnett with the possibility of a good boost and a lead in the series. I'll never understand why a TBS producer was not yelling in the ear of the commentators, whose names I regrettably do not recall, this impossibly easy puzzle to solve. Enjoy the game, but my money is on the Rangers to exploit an ability to be aggressive with Burnett.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
