Saturday, April 14, 2012
Monday, April 09, 2012
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Car of the Day: 2013 SRT Viper GTS
Chrysler unveiled the new Viper today which will arrive in the fall. Key facts: 640 HP, 600 lbs. of torque, top speed of 206 mph, and "the highest naturally aspirated torque engine... in the world."
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
New Nike Lions Uniform
Any complaints? There look to be some changes on the technical side, but no major adjustments to the design, except for the Pro Combat-style gloves. Gallery here.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Hmmmm...Too much Testosterone???
Check out the link and watch the video on the webpage. It's a video of Baylor's Brittney Griner dunking on Florida in the WOMEN'S tournament. Key word - "Women's"
What you want to watch is not the highlight of the dunk, but the post-game, on-court interview with the Baylor Women's coach with Griner standing next to her, who gets interviewed last.
After watching the video, you will be asking a question. I think you'll know what I'm talking about.
What you want to watch is not the highlight of the dunk, but the post-game, on-court interview with the Baylor Women's coach with Griner standing next to her, who gets interviewed last.
After watching the video, you will be asking a question. I think you'll know what I'm talking about.
RE: ? (that probably doesn't narrow it down)
From Stack: "Is it just me, or is the NCAA tourney 50% commercials this year?"
I noticed college basketball has decided to get into the "timeout" era where every other sport (basically footall) has a graphic that shows how many timeouts a team has. Because in basketball, especially the tournament, one would easily think each team has 20...per half. But it's only FIVE total. I know, that's impossible. Here's the deal. They have scheduled media timeouts at the 16:00, 12:00, 8:00, and 4:00 marks from what I've noticed or can tell. I'm 100% sure on the 16:00 and 12:00. I may have seen a TO at the 10:00 yesterday, but you get the point.
I always love it when they just come back from a media TO and one of the teams goes on a mini-run in about a 2-minute period. So, one team calls TO to stay in the game. They come back from commercials and play for two more minutes and...another media TO. It feels like three separate 4-minute commercial breaks. Four minutes of action, 12 minutes of cars/beer/insurance. So, yeah, it does feel like the NCAA tourney is 50% commercials this year.
I noticed college basketball has decided to get into the "timeout" era where every other sport (basically footall) has a graphic that shows how many timeouts a team has. Because in basketball, especially the tournament, one would easily think each team has 20...per half. But it's only FIVE total. I know, that's impossible. Here's the deal. They have scheduled media timeouts at the 16:00, 12:00, 8:00, and 4:00 marks from what I've noticed or can tell. I'm 100% sure on the 16:00 and 12:00. I may have seen a TO at the 10:00 yesterday, but you get the point.
I always love it when they just come back from a media TO and one of the teams goes on a mini-run in about a 2-minute period. So, one team calls TO to stay in the game. They come back from commercials and play for two more minutes and...another media TO. It feels like three separate 4-minute commercial breaks. Four minutes of action, 12 minutes of cars/beer/insurance. So, yeah, it does feel like the NCAA tourney is 50% commercials this year.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Snakebit
You know who has really bad luck? Drew Stanton. First, an injury in a bowl game cost him a large part of a season as starting QB at MSU. Then he gets drafted by the Lions. Next, he's injured and loses a season. He recovers, but the Lions draft Matthew Stafford. Stafford has spent a large part of his career injured, but the Lions seemed unwilling to give Stanton a shot, even going so far as to get Daunte Culpepper out of retirement. So Stanton finally leaves the Lions and goes to the Jets with a chance to become the backup behind an inconsistent Mark Sanchez. And then the Jets trade for Tim Tebow. Stanton wasn't thrilled with being a #3 QB again and wanted to be traded. Well, he's been traded, but to the Indianapolis Colts, who will take a QB (probably Andrew Luck, irony?) in the draft. On the bright side, as Trevor Vittatoe (who?) is currently the only other QB on the roster, Stanton pretty much has the backup role to himself.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
?
Which is stranger: Brett Favre playing for another team than the Packers or Peyton Manning playing for the Broncos?
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
2012 Cass City Monkies Tourney Pick 'Em
Picks have to be made by Thursday, so if anyone still wants to join use this link. You should all know the password.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Bounties
From ESPN:
I'm not sure which is more disgusting, the fact that the Saints (and likely other teams) were doing this or the excuses I've read people making for the practice. Football is a physical game, no doubt. If you have a chance to make a clean, hard hit on a star player, go for it. But paying for intentional injuries isn't about physicality sportsmanship and ethical play. If you're not this guy:
You shouldn't be worried about collecting bounties. I hope the NFL throws the book at everyone involved.
New Orleans Saints players and at least one assistant coach maintained a bounty pool of up to $50,000 the last three seasons to reward game-ending injuries inflicted on opposing players, including Brett Favre and Kurt Warner, the NFL said Friday. "Knockouts" were worth $1,500 and "cart-offs" $1,000, with payments doubled or tripled for the playoffs.
I'm not sure which is more disgusting, the fact that the Saints (and likely other teams) were doing this or the excuses I've read people making for the practice. Football is a physical game, no doubt. If you have a chance to make a clean, hard hit on a star player, go for it. But paying for intentional injuries isn't about physicality sportsmanship and ethical play. If you're not this guy:
You shouldn't be worried about collecting bounties. I hope the NFL throws the book at everyone involved.
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Friday, March 02, 2012
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Car of the Day: 2012 Holden Ute SS V-Series Redline Edition
$62,028 plus import fees to get it to the US from Australia.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
2012 Tourney Pick 'Em
If you missed the email, the 2012 Cass City Monkies Tourney Pick 'Em group at Yahoo is now available. The group ID is 672 (that's right, under 1000) and you all know the password.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
In The Jungle
You know you're big time if you're in "The Jungle" and Draymond Green "visited" yesterday on the Jim Rome Show. He's definately the difference in MSU's season. What an impact he makes now that he's 40 lbs lighter than other years.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Super Bowl Thoughts
Whatever you do, don't have a child within a weekend of the Super Bowl. Forever your child's birthday party will be tied into a Super Bowl party...which means you are hosting EVERYONE (and I mean EVERYONE) at your house. I believe the final tally was 15-4 from each family. 19. 19! Just family! No friends or extras. 19! (That 19 does NOT include our family of three, so mark it up to 22 in the house.)
Solution? Well, you're stuck with the kid, so here's a few tips. Don't do anything to your TV to make it more appealing to want to stay at the B-day party longer to watch the game. Get out your old 19" black and white box and make people suffer. The flood gates will open! Or, just don't upgrade your 26" standard definition TV. ANYONE'S house will always seem a better idea. And, if you are in good with the wifey, maybe you can have an excuse to leave too. (Editor's note: None of those above ideas were attemped or worked.)
My only hope is the next baby is deep enough into February that when we do a combined family b-day party, the middle date will be two weeks after the Super Bowl. Or a large snow storm.
1. Didn't start watching until 13:00 left in 2nd quarter.
2. Saw most of the commercials, but distracted at times so I didn't get real into them. Didn't closely see "It's Halftime America" but saw enough to want to strap on a helmet and hit somebody.
3. Thought the Patriots and Brady played very well. Giants were just a really good team (under the radar?) that under-achieved all year. They were 7-6 at one point. First SB winner ever to be 9-7 in regular season.
4. Has a player ever felt more quilty scoring a TD in the SB? I really hoped they would lose when that happened. He had no clue what to do. Like they didn't even think it would happen (that the Pats would just let them score).
5. Play of the game was the 12-Men-On-The-Field penalty. I'll put 12 guys on the field all day long if it only cost me 5 yards but the other team 00:15 (crucial) seconds. That rule will definately get looked into. I've noticed other penalties like that over the years. Eventually even one less second on the clock for the losing team is worth a lot more than a 5 yard penalty, especially if a FG will not win the game.
6. It'd still rather be 3-2 (or 3-3, 3-4, 3-5) in the Super Bowl than 3-0 if I'm Tom Brady. He still took a weaker team to the SB...and nearly won. Again, he/they played very well.
7. What did more for the other quarterbacks legacy? Tom Brady losing and now being 3-2 in SB's or Eli winning another SB? I believe Eli winning was bigger than Brady losing again.
8. Who feels even better after the Super Bowl? Joe Montana
I thought I had more. Can't think of anything else right now.
Solution? Well, you're stuck with the kid, so here's a few tips. Don't do anything to your TV to make it more appealing to want to stay at the B-day party longer to watch the game. Get out your old 19" black and white box and make people suffer. The flood gates will open! Or, just don't upgrade your 26" standard definition TV. ANYONE'S house will always seem a better idea. And, if you are in good with the wifey, maybe you can have an excuse to leave too. (Editor's note: None of those above ideas were attemped or worked.)
My only hope is the next baby is deep enough into February that when we do a combined family b-day party, the middle date will be two weeks after the Super Bowl. Or a large snow storm.
1. Didn't start watching until 13:00 left in 2nd quarter.
2. Saw most of the commercials, but distracted at times so I didn't get real into them. Didn't closely see "It's Halftime America" but saw enough to want to strap on a helmet and hit somebody.
3. Thought the Patriots and Brady played very well. Giants were just a really good team (under the radar?) that under-achieved all year. They were 7-6 at one point. First SB winner ever to be 9-7 in regular season.
4. Has a player ever felt more quilty scoring a TD in the SB? I really hoped they would lose when that happened. He had no clue what to do. Like they didn't even think it would happen (that the Pats would just let them score).
5. Play of the game was the 12-Men-On-The-Field penalty. I'll put 12 guys on the field all day long if it only cost me 5 yards but the other team 00:15 (crucial) seconds. That rule will definately get looked into. I've noticed other penalties like that over the years. Eventually even one less second on the clock for the losing team is worth a lot more than a 5 yard penalty, especially if a FG will not win the game.
6. It'd still rather be 3-2 (or 3-3, 3-4, 3-5) in the Super Bowl than 3-0 if I'm Tom Brady. He still took a weaker team to the SB...and nearly won. Again, he/they played very well.
7. What did more for the other quarterbacks legacy? Tom Brady losing and now being 3-2 in SB's or Eli winning another SB? I believe Eli winning was bigger than Brady losing again.
8. Who feels even better after the Super Bowl? Joe Montana
I thought I had more. Can't think of anything else right now.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Sunday, February 05, 2012
?
You know how I said UM vs MSU in basketball didn't excite me much? Turns out when I actually watch the game that's not true at all. Victory for MSU!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Paying College Athletes
I just thought of something the other day that may be a stretch, but could it hold water for a short while?: The big conversation is about paying NCAA athletes and that the NCAA makes a ton of money off their athletes yet "all they get is a full ride scholarship."
What about this: Without the NCAA, what exposure would these athletes be getting? They are on TV every single weekend and talked about in every form of print media. Look at all the other levels of college sports. Division II, Division III, NAIA, Junior College, etc. What exposure do those levels get compared to the D-1 athletes? Nothing even close. Which in turn makes a big difference in their chances of making big money as a pro, let alone even getting recognition to have a shot at the next level.
Would some of these players be getting $100 million contracts if the NCAA wasn't as big as it is? What's easier for a pro scout? Seeing Andrew Luck every Saturday night on TV, or traveling 1000's of miles looking at a mid-major prospect?
What about this: Without the NCAA, what exposure would these athletes be getting? They are on TV every single weekend and talked about in every form of print media. Look at all the other levels of college sports. Division II, Division III, NAIA, Junior College, etc. What exposure do those levels get compared to the D-1 athletes? Nothing even close. Which in turn makes a big difference in their chances of making big money as a pro, let alone even getting recognition to have a shot at the next level.
Would some of these players be getting $100 million contracts if the NCAA wasn't as big as it is? What's easier for a pro scout? Seeing Andrew Luck every Saturday night on TV, or traveling 1000's of miles looking at a mid-major prospect?
Car of the Day Series
Great series you have going. Any possibility (without adding too much extra work) to throwing on a price tag to some of these sleds? I'm way out of touch on the expense of these 2000 lb. bullets.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
?
Would anyone be interested in getting league t-shirts for the 2012 fantasy football season? The idea occurred to me after poking around TeeFury.com, which sells limited run geek-oriented t-shirts. That doesn't actually help here, it was just an inspiration. Anyway, there's another website, Custom Ink, that let's you design your own t-shirts. Here's a quick example:
Or one more:
Something like that would run about $13 (shipped) for 12 shirts. I'm sure there are other places that offer similar services, this is just the first I found and it allowed me to find a ballpark price. Anyone interested?
UPDATE: One more, with custom art:
Or one more:
Something like that would run about $13 (shipped) for 12 shirts. I'm sure there are other places that offer similar services, this is just the first I found and it allowed me to find a ballpark price. Anyone interested?
UPDATE: One more, with custom art:
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Ouch
I'm going to have to throw a flag on Spartan AD Mark Hollis for unsportsmanlike conduct, illegal blow to the wallet after the announcement of season ticket price increases. Of course the University would claim the price of most season tickets aren't increasing, they're just adding a mandatory contribution to the Spartan Fund. I don't think my bank account will appreciate the distinction as my tickets are increasing 30%. Or maybe decreasing 100% if I abandon them completely, which seems more and more likely.
I also have to observe that it is pretty galling to read (in the email announcement to season ticket holders): "To reach our ultimate goals, it will take a championship effort from all of our stakeholders: our coaches, administration, alumni and fans." I don't seem to remember anyone apologizing for a less-than championship effort previously, not that this season was technically a "championship effort" either. I certainly resent the insinuation that anyone who doesn't pony up the cash is less than a true Spartan.
I also have to observe that it is pretty galling to read (in the email announcement to season ticket holders): "To reach our ultimate goals, it will take a championship effort from all of our stakeholders: our coaches, administration, alumni and fans." I don't seem to remember anyone apologizing for a less-than championship effort previously, not that this season was technically a "championship effort" either. I certainly resent the insinuation that anyone who doesn't pony up the cash is less than a true Spartan.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
9 Years, $214 Million
Prince Fielder is exchanging bratwurst for Little Caesar's Pizza, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. You can buy a lot of pizza for $214 million.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
FF Top Scorers '11
Here are the top scorers from the fantasy football league. This will be updated weekly. * denotes current record holder for the year. All-time is based on '04 on, which I have records for. The scoring was changed for the '05 season to include points for receptions, and then in '07 to reduce points per yard for the QB. The highest team score in '04 was The Living Legend (Bader) with 206.95 pts. The highest team score from '05-'06 was Battletoads (Stack, '06) with 232.40 pts. See the '05 data here, the '06 data here, the '07 data here, the '08 data here, the '09 data here, and the '10 data here.
Week 1
Top Player: Tom Brady, 48.15 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 126.25 pts
Week 2
Top Player: Tom Brady, 39.45 pts
Top Team: Life is Good, 151.80 pts
Week 3
Top Player: Wes Welker, 38.80 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 160.65 pts
Week 4
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 58.00 pts*
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 142.30 pts
Week 5
Top Player: Ben Roethlisberger, 39.40 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 141.55 pts
Week 6
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 33.00 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 117.35 pts
Week 7
Top Player: Drew Brees, 46.25 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 151.05 pts
Week 8
Top Player: Cam Newton, 33.80 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 142.05 pts
Week 9
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 41.55 pts
Top Team: Third and Long, 147.75 pts
Week 10
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 38.60 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 131.25 pts
Week 11
Top Player: Matthew Stafford, 42.95 pts
Top Team: Life is Good, 135.95 pts
Week 12
Top Player: Drew Brees, 48.95 pts
Top Team: Game Changers, 127.60 pts
Week 13
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 43.65 pts
Top Team: Third and Long, 169.40 pts*
Playoffs
Week 14
Top Player: Tony Romo, 40.05 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 152.65 pts
Week 15
Top Player: Drew Brees, 49.00 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 144.05 pts
Week 16
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 45.95 pts
Top Team: VICKtorious, 132.15 pts
Week 1
Top Player: Tom Brady, 48.15 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 126.25 pts
Week 2
Top Player: Tom Brady, 39.45 pts
Top Team: Life is Good, 151.80 pts
Week 3
Top Player: Wes Welker, 38.80 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 160.65 pts
Week 4
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 58.00 pts*
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 142.30 pts
Week 5
Top Player: Ben Roethlisberger, 39.40 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 141.55 pts
Week 6
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 33.00 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 117.35 pts
Week 7
Top Player: Drew Brees, 46.25 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 151.05 pts
Week 8
Top Player: Cam Newton, 33.80 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 142.05 pts
Week 9
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 41.55 pts
Top Team: Third and Long, 147.75 pts
Week 10
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 38.60 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 131.25 pts
Week 11
Top Player: Matthew Stafford, 42.95 pts
Top Team: Life is Good, 135.95 pts
Week 12
Top Player: Drew Brees, 48.95 pts
Top Team: Game Changers, 127.60 pts
Week 13
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 43.65 pts
Top Team: Third and Long, 169.40 pts*
Playoffs
Week 14
Top Player: Tony Romo, 40.05 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 152.65 pts
Week 15
Top Player: Drew Brees, 49.00 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 144.05 pts
Week 16
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 45.95 pts
Top Team: VICKtorious, 132.15 pts
Upside Down
MSU football has beaten UM football four straight times. UM basketball has beaten MSU basketball three straight.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Reflections on the College Football Season
-I didn't watch any of the national championship game. As far as I was concerned the season ended on Jan. 2 and I just couldn't bring myself to care about the game.
-I really noticed during bowl season that the sports media seemed to latch on to a narrative and ignored any inconvenient facts that did not match it. Andrew Luck didn't win the Heisman, a national championship, a conference championship, or his bowl game? Not worth mentioning, he's still the best QB ever! MSU (Big Ten) beat Georgia (SEC)? Well, that doesn't really count, I mean it was a 3OT game and since when is kicking really part of football anyway? Again, not worth mentioning, let's talk about how a mediocre Ohio State team got beat instead.
-Despite all the issues with college football, I've never become very disillusioned until this year:
1. The Penn State scandal. 'Nuff said.
2. The $ugar Bowl. Multiple deserving teams (not MSU) were passed over in favor of two teams that the organizers thought would make more money. I get that, but the BCS bowls are supposed to have a higher standard, or at least not be blatantly money-grubbing. The national championship selections through the BCS have been satisfactory to me, but this was rotten and really makes me question the entire system.
3. The polls. I wrote about this before and it bears repeating. The blatant bias a lack of seriousness evident in the polls is appalling, especially considering how important the polls are to the final results of the season. You might as well have fans do the official voting, at least there's enough of us that we'd cancel each other out.
-I think both MSU and UM could be better teams next year and do worse. Wisconsin though is screwed.
-I do think UM was ridiculously overrated, an opinion that, as far as I can tell, everyone who doesn't wear maize and blue or work in sports media seems to share.
-Boise State is going to be a nerve-wracking way for MSU to start the 2012 season.
-I really noticed during bowl season that the sports media seemed to latch on to a narrative and ignored any inconvenient facts that did not match it. Andrew Luck didn't win the Heisman, a national championship, a conference championship, or his bowl game? Not worth mentioning, he's still the best QB ever! MSU (Big Ten) beat Georgia (SEC)? Well, that doesn't really count, I mean it was a 3OT game and since when is kicking really part of football anyway? Again, not worth mentioning, let's talk about how a mediocre Ohio State team got beat instead.
-Despite all the issues with college football, I've never become very disillusioned until this year:
1. The Penn State scandal. 'Nuff said.
2. The $ugar Bowl. Multiple deserving teams (not MSU) were passed over in favor of two teams that the organizers thought would make more money. I get that, but the BCS bowls are supposed to have a higher standard, or at least not be blatantly money-grubbing. The national championship selections through the BCS have been satisfactory to me, but this was rotten and really makes me question the entire system.
3. The polls. I wrote about this before and it bears repeating. The blatant bias a lack of seriousness evident in the polls is appalling, especially considering how important the polls are to the final results of the season. You might as well have fans do the official voting, at least there's enough of us that we'd cancel each other out.
-I think both MSU and UM could be better teams next year and do worse. Wisconsin though is screwed.
-I do think UM was ridiculously overrated, an opinion that, as far as I can tell, everyone who doesn't wear maize and blue or work in sports media seems to share.
-Boise State is going to be a nerve-wracking way for MSU to start the 2012 season.
Monday, January 09, 2012
My Favorite Phrase
I'll never forget that morning of my senior year in Mrs. Tuckey's government class. It was during our weekly mandatory reading of newspapers on a Monday morning (or that's just what we did every morning during lecture). Heath, who just got finished filling out college applications to Arizona State on a basketball scholarship, was reading an article where a fan told New York Knick Patrick Ewing "to do something anatomically impossible." I remember Heath audibly asking "what does anatomically impossible mean?" Stack pondered for a moment and said, "I've heard that before and I think it basically means 'go ______ ________.'" We all then paused and "Ohhhh yeahhhhh"-ed together.
I've always wanted to use that phrase. Well, today I got my chance. There was a 6th grade student in my PE class who was talking while I was. I paused and looked at the student for a long time and finally kindly/quietly asked him to sit over by the wall. It should be mentioned that this student is very, very highly emotional and doesn't know how to control himself. It is a problem he's apparently had for many school years and documented. He's been doing much better this year, but still has his moments. He's basically a normal, competitive kid, just can "blow up" at times.
He doesn't like to get into trouble, especially in front of classmates, so when I carefully asked him to sit by the wall, he started crying, got up, and ran out of the gym. However, as he was leaving the area, he was able to get off this blast: "GO SCREW YOURSELF!"
Thankfully I'm always on my toes and without hesitation, calmly responded with "That's anatomically impossible."
And yes, the class was quite amused.
I've always wanted to use that phrase. Well, today I got my chance. There was a 6th grade student in my PE class who was talking while I was. I paused and looked at the student for a long time and finally kindly/quietly asked him to sit over by the wall. It should be mentioned that this student is very, very highly emotional and doesn't know how to control himself. It is a problem he's apparently had for many school years and documented. He's been doing much better this year, but still has his moments. He's basically a normal, competitive kid, just can "blow up" at times.
He doesn't like to get into trouble, especially in front of classmates, so when I carefully asked him to sit by the wall, he started crying, got up, and ran out of the gym. However, as he was leaving the area, he was able to get off this blast: "GO SCREW YOURSELF!"
Thankfully I'm always on my toes and without hesitation, calmly responded with "That's anatomically impossible."
And yes, the class was quite amused.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Rome Takes
I meant to post this 3 months ago just haven't had time. Either way, still excellent Rome takes. Sorry they are so long, but those were funny at the time. September 30, 2011
Worst 3 Minutes In Red Sox History
As for the Red Sox, where do I even start? Give me some space; this is going to take sometime. While that may have been an epic night for the sport, it has to be the worst three minutes in Red Sox history. And given that they were the ones that sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees and have suffered some of the sport’s most monumental collapses ever, that’s really saying something. And I couldn’t be more proud of you fellas. I mean, I did call it right here yesterday, but I didn’t say it would go down like that. No one could have seen that coming. I know I didn’t. Because the Red Sox I saw for most of last night’s game were not the same guys who had gripped their way through September, choking away a 9 game lead in less than a month. No, these cats were different. They were composed, confident and on the verge of getting over. And just when it looked like they were going to choke, meltdown…, and win…, they dug deep, clutched up and found a way to implode. In the most spectacular chowd fashion. It would have been so easy just to give in, fold their tents and win that game. But they refused to let the dream die and I couldn’t be more proud of the way they manned up. And cowboy downed.
But again, I had my doubts: especially in the 9th when Jonathan Papelbon hit the bump. Terry Francona had gone to him time and time again, and he had to be hanging. But you’d never know it seeing him gas the first two batters he faced. The dude’s a horse, he was peaking on adrenaline, and the Orioles were seriously overmatched. They couldn’t catch up to his filth. Dude looked like he wanted to fight the entire City of Baltimore: he was just giving off this vibe of: this all ends right now: we’re not choking. Not on my watch. Get on my back losers; I’ll finish this thing myself. But then, instead of going to the rosin bag, he reached for his gas can instead, dousing the infield…and fired off one of his blue tips. And that blaze sparked dramatically and spread tragically.
Chris Davis doubles to right on the very first pitch. Tying run in scoring position and the Sox are no longer smirking in the dugout, they’re gripping. Hard. Up steps Nolan Reimold, .167 lifetime against Papelbon. But not this Papelbon. They had gone to him so many times: the adrenaline had to be draining, yet he just kept pumping fastball after fastball. He gets two strikes on Reimold and looks to reach back one last time. One strike away from choking and winning, Papelbon digs deep and keeps the dream alive by grooving one to Reimold, who whacks it into right field. Tie game! Now all hell is breaking loose: it’s really going to happen! The Sox are about to pull off the most catastrophic tank job ever in sports. Robert Andino then shoots a liner to left. And there’s Carl Crawford, Boston’s $142 million dollar bust and that ball is sinking quickly with the winning run on the move. He can’t come up with it, which isn’t going to make the Red Sox fans like him any more than they already don’t. The winning run scores and the choke is complete! Absolutely incredible! One strike away from at least forcing a playoff today in Tampa, the Sox are D.O.A. It was sudden and it was spectacular. Shell-shocked, they walk numb into the clubhouse, to get on their knees and hope the Yankees, who hate them, and have nothing to play for pick them up against the Rays in extra innings.
And no sooner do they arrive in the clubhouse; they see their worst nightmare unfolding. Evan Longoria digging in against Scott Proctor in the bottom of the 12th. Again, the Yankees had nothing on the line, the Rays everything, and they had already battled back from a 7-0, 7th inning deficit. And Longoria was the one who brought them back with a 3 runner. And now he was facing Proctor, the Yankees 11th pitcher of the night! And a dude who missed most of 2009 and 2010, had an ERA north of 7 and…well….is Scott Proctor. A huge mismatch that played out pretty much the way you’d think it would, given the situation: Uh-oh! Pandemonia: guarantee all the Red Sox hadn’t even settled into their barcaloungers to see Longoria cross home plate to wrap the worst three minutes in Red Sox history. And I couldn’t be more proud of them for it: as I always say, and have been hammering for the last two weeks: give me an A or give me an F. Staggering into the playoffs only to be murdered in the first round would have been worthless and utterly forgettable. But blowing a 9 game September lead and getting within one strike on the last day of the season of at least forcing a playoff and then having it all rip apart?! That’s epic. And legendary and will never be forgotten. Way to cowboy down, men. I knew you fellas had it in you, but you just surpassed even my wildest expectations. I couldn’t be more proud of you as if you were my own sons.
Man Down Boston
Although they looked terrified and did their absolute best to implode against Baltimore last night, the Red Sox somehow hung on and lived to fight one more day. Which is tremendous, because now it gives them the opportunity to pull off one of the most catastrophic tank jobs ever by choking out on day number 162. It couldn’t set up any better: Boston and Tampa Bay are in a dead - tie for the Wild Card. If they both win or both lose tonight, they play it off, sudden death tomorrow, in Tampa. But I don’t think the Sox are going to get it to tomorrow. I’ve said it before and obviously, I need to say it again right now, because the Sox are still actually trying. Blowing a 9 game September lead and staggering into the postseason like a battered fighter who’s out on his feet, only to eat one last haymaker in the postseason and go to sleep forever…, gets you nothing. There’s nothing memorable in that. But, blowing that huge lead, choking out on the last day of the season and missing the playoffs altogether: now, that’s legendary. That’s something Red Sox fans will take with them to their graves. Stop thinking you just need to get in, any way possible, hit the reboot button, and start over from scratch. That ain’t happening. There’s no force quit on this tank job: you can’t reboot off this meltdown: you’re too beat up mentally and physically. There is no new season for you once the playoffs start. So man down…and finish it right now. And it says here, they will.
Because from where I’m sitting there’s not a whole lot to like about Boston tonight. They’re running Jon Lester out there, who is coming off his worst start of the season and is taking the ball on three day’s rest. And they’re battling a Baltimore team that is looking to make their season by wrecking Boston’s. The O’s are battling Boston like it’s the World Series. The O’s are in last place. This is their World Series. Buck Showalter probably has the champagne on ice and the lockers covered in plastic for when the O’s rip the Sox hearts’ out tonight. The Rays, meanwhile, are sending their ace David Price to the bump against a Yankees team that has nothing to play for. They’ve already wrapped up the home field throughout, and they’re not doing anything to jeopardize their chances in the playoffs. And you know they’re not looking to pick the Red Sox up in any way. The Rays are playing with house money while the Red Sox are playing with their hands around their throats. Hard to imagine this ending any other way but horribly for the Red Sox.
Worst 3 Minutes In Red Sox History
As for the Red Sox, where do I even start? Give me some space; this is going to take sometime. While that may have been an epic night for the sport, it has to be the worst three minutes in Red Sox history. And given that they were the ones that sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees and have suffered some of the sport’s most monumental collapses ever, that’s really saying something. And I couldn’t be more proud of you fellas. I mean, I did call it right here yesterday, but I didn’t say it would go down like that. No one could have seen that coming. I know I didn’t. Because the Red Sox I saw for most of last night’s game were not the same guys who had gripped their way through September, choking away a 9 game lead in less than a month. No, these cats were different. They were composed, confident and on the verge of getting over. And just when it looked like they were going to choke, meltdown…, and win…, they dug deep, clutched up and found a way to implode. In the most spectacular chowd fashion. It would have been so easy just to give in, fold their tents and win that game. But they refused to let the dream die and I couldn’t be more proud of the way they manned up. And cowboy downed.
But again, I had my doubts: especially in the 9th when Jonathan Papelbon hit the bump. Terry Francona had gone to him time and time again, and he had to be hanging. But you’d never know it seeing him gas the first two batters he faced. The dude’s a horse, he was peaking on adrenaline, and the Orioles were seriously overmatched. They couldn’t catch up to his filth. Dude looked like he wanted to fight the entire City of Baltimore: he was just giving off this vibe of: this all ends right now: we’re not choking. Not on my watch. Get on my back losers; I’ll finish this thing myself. But then, instead of going to the rosin bag, he reached for his gas can instead, dousing the infield…and fired off one of his blue tips. And that blaze sparked dramatically and spread tragically.
Chris Davis doubles to right on the very first pitch. Tying run in scoring position and the Sox are no longer smirking in the dugout, they’re gripping. Hard. Up steps Nolan Reimold, .167 lifetime against Papelbon. But not this Papelbon. They had gone to him so many times: the adrenaline had to be draining, yet he just kept pumping fastball after fastball. He gets two strikes on Reimold and looks to reach back one last time. One strike away from choking and winning, Papelbon digs deep and keeps the dream alive by grooving one to Reimold, who whacks it into right field. Tie game! Now all hell is breaking loose: it’s really going to happen! The Sox are about to pull off the most catastrophic tank job ever in sports. Robert Andino then shoots a liner to left. And there’s Carl Crawford, Boston’s $142 million dollar bust and that ball is sinking quickly with the winning run on the move. He can’t come up with it, which isn’t going to make the Red Sox fans like him any more than they already don’t. The winning run scores and the choke is complete! Absolutely incredible! One strike away from at least forcing a playoff today in Tampa, the Sox are D.O.A. It was sudden and it was spectacular. Shell-shocked, they walk numb into the clubhouse, to get on their knees and hope the Yankees, who hate them, and have nothing to play for pick them up against the Rays in extra innings.
And no sooner do they arrive in the clubhouse; they see their worst nightmare unfolding. Evan Longoria digging in against Scott Proctor in the bottom of the 12th. Again, the Yankees had nothing on the line, the Rays everything, and they had already battled back from a 7-0, 7th inning deficit. And Longoria was the one who brought them back with a 3 runner. And now he was facing Proctor, the Yankees 11th pitcher of the night! And a dude who missed most of 2009 and 2010, had an ERA north of 7 and…well….is Scott Proctor. A huge mismatch that played out pretty much the way you’d think it would, given the situation: Uh-oh! Pandemonia: guarantee all the Red Sox hadn’t even settled into their barcaloungers to see Longoria cross home plate to wrap the worst three minutes in Red Sox history. And I couldn’t be more proud of them for it: as I always say, and have been hammering for the last two weeks: give me an A or give me an F. Staggering into the playoffs only to be murdered in the first round would have been worthless and utterly forgettable. But blowing a 9 game September lead and getting within one strike on the last day of the season of at least forcing a playoff and then having it all rip apart?! That’s epic. And legendary and will never be forgotten. Way to cowboy down, men. I knew you fellas had it in you, but you just surpassed even my wildest expectations. I couldn’t be more proud of you as if you were my own sons.
Man Down Boston
Although they looked terrified and did their absolute best to implode against Baltimore last night, the Red Sox somehow hung on and lived to fight one more day. Which is tremendous, because now it gives them the opportunity to pull off one of the most catastrophic tank jobs ever by choking out on day number 162. It couldn’t set up any better: Boston and Tampa Bay are in a dead - tie for the Wild Card. If they both win or both lose tonight, they play it off, sudden death tomorrow, in Tampa. But I don’t think the Sox are going to get it to tomorrow. I’ve said it before and obviously, I need to say it again right now, because the Sox are still actually trying. Blowing a 9 game September lead and staggering into the postseason like a battered fighter who’s out on his feet, only to eat one last haymaker in the postseason and go to sleep forever…, gets you nothing. There’s nothing memorable in that. But, blowing that huge lead, choking out on the last day of the season and missing the playoffs altogether: now, that’s legendary. That’s something Red Sox fans will take with them to their graves. Stop thinking you just need to get in, any way possible, hit the reboot button, and start over from scratch. That ain’t happening. There’s no force quit on this tank job: you can’t reboot off this meltdown: you’re too beat up mentally and physically. There is no new season for you once the playoffs start. So man down…and finish it right now. And it says here, they will.
Because from where I’m sitting there’s not a whole lot to like about Boston tonight. They’re running Jon Lester out there, who is coming off his worst start of the season and is taking the ball on three day’s rest. And they’re battling a Baltimore team that is looking to make their season by wrecking Boston’s. The O’s are battling Boston like it’s the World Series. The O’s are in last place. This is their World Series. Buck Showalter probably has the champagne on ice and the lockers covered in plastic for when the O’s rip the Sox hearts’ out tonight. The Rays, meanwhile, are sending their ace David Price to the bump against a Yankees team that has nothing to play for. They’ve already wrapped up the home field throughout, and they’re not doing anything to jeopardize their chances in the playoffs. And you know they’re not looking to pick the Red Sox up in any way. The Rays are playing with house money while the Red Sox are playing with their hands around their throats. Hard to imagine this ending any other way but horribly for the Red Sox.
A Game of Shadows
Hit the movie circuit last night and wasn't disappointed. Of course seeing the teaser trailer for the next Batman on the big screen didn't hurt.
Thoughts:
- Seemed to have more action than the first one
- Not as dark and sinister as the first
- Could have used more Rachel McAdams for a certain crowd
- I thought it would tie in more with the first movie, but they didn't really do much of a connection to it. I know the first movie ended with a heads-up on what the sequel would be about, but I still thought there'd be a "ahh ha" moment.
- Well worth seeing opening night
Thoughts:
- Seemed to have more action than the first one
- Not as dark and sinister as the first
- Could have used more Rachel McAdams for a certain crowd
- I thought it would tie in more with the first movie, but they didn't really do much of a connection to it. I know the first movie ended with a heads-up on what the sequel would be about, but I still thought there'd be a "ahh ha" moment.
- Well worth seeing opening night
Friday, December 16, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
GI Joe: Retaliation
The first movie was awful, but if this is half as good as it looks it could be awesome:
RE: Tebow
Very interesting articles about Tebow that was in a previous post. Is this story amazing or what? Say what you want, he's a terrible quarterback...but WINS! God has an AMAZING sense of humor going on right now. He must be sitting up in heaven saying, "All right, all you people care about are wins, well, Tebow is only going to complete two passes all game but your team will win." Then, "Hmmm, let's try this. Tebow is going to play absolutely terrible for 3 and a half quarters and then the rest of the game everything will go perfect for the Denver offence and Denver wins." Or, "In the 4th quarter, the opponent won't be able to hang on to the football and won't be able to tackle Tebow."
Think about it, YOU DON'T MAKE 59 AND 51 YARD FIELD GOALS...IN DECEMBER...IN THE WINDY CITY. In the words of Vince Lombardi, "What the _____ is going on here?" Absolute divine intervention. There is no other explanation.
He is 7-1 as a starter! Unfortunately he still hasn't beaten a playoff team except maybe the Jets. 5 of those 7 wins were on the road, that doesn't stink. Also, the combined record of the seven teams he's beaten is 39-52. Not the most overachieving group. As I said, maybe one is a playoff team, and three of the seven wins were against teams that barely had a winning record.
I'm just peeved that CBS kept shoving the Packer game down our throat yesterday. It was 347-10 with 12 freakin' minutes left in the game, however they wouldn't switch over to the Bears/Broncos with 2 minutes left in a close game with both teams fighting for the playoffs...and Tim Tebow!
Think about it, YOU DON'T MAKE 59 AND 51 YARD FIELD GOALS...IN DECEMBER...IN THE WINDY CITY. In the words of Vince Lombardi, "What the _____ is going on here?" Absolute divine intervention. There is no other explanation.
He is 7-1 as a starter! Unfortunately he still hasn't beaten a playoff team except maybe the Jets. 5 of those 7 wins were on the road, that doesn't stink. Also, the combined record of the seven teams he's beaten is 39-52. Not the most overachieving group. As I said, maybe one is a playoff team, and three of the seven wins were against teams that barely had a winning record.
I'm just peeved that CBS kept shoving the Packer game down our throat yesterday. It was 347-10 with 12 freakin' minutes left in the game, however they wouldn't switch over to the Bears/Broncos with 2 minutes left in a close game with both teams fighting for the playoffs...and Tim Tebow!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Doctor Who Christmas Special Prequel
I'm mostly posting this because I love the words "smithereened" and "smithereening."
Bowls as Movies
Darren Everson of the Wall Street Journal has determined what movie various bowls would be. If you're curious, the Outback Bowl is "The Losers" and the Sugar Bowl "Cruel Intentions." The title game? "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." Okay, I admit I'd love to see the camera zoom out as Saban yells: "MMMIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLESSSSSS!"
More on Votes (Moron Votes?)
The odd voting by some of the coaches mentioned below was so blatant that even the Wall Street Journal is picking up the story. I really don't think this is getting enough attention. Many of those votes are obviously biased, not even remotely impartial, and often self-serving. So why does the Coaches Poll matter?
Tebow
After 5-straight wins as the quarterback of the Denver Broncos Tim Tebow is getting even more attention. Here's a quick roundup from just today that you might be interested in:
Dan Foster of National Review on Tebow.
Rich Lowry of National Review on Tebow.
A post by Shannen Coffin at The Corner.
Jason Gay of the Wall Street Journal on Tebow (and Tiger).
Dan Foster of National Review on Tebow.
Rich Lowry of National Review on Tebow.
A post by Shannen Coffin at The Corner.
Jason Gay of the Wall Street Journal on Tebow (and Tiger).
Monday, December 05, 2011
Votes that Count
My Dad and I were discussing voting in the various football polls last night and questioning if the coaches, as busy as they are, actually could evaluate teams outside of their own conference fairly, of if they (or their assistants) watch a few ESPN highlights and then fill in the ballots. Well, you can check out how they voted here. There's also a little bit of commentary here and here. It's worse than you think. And now that I see Houston coach Kevin Sumlin ranked the Spartans #21, I'm really glad his team lost that game and a pile of money.
Other Bowl Stats
I realize you need six wins to become bowl eligible, but is it asking too much to not suck in your conference?
Iowa St: 3-6 in Big 12, 6-6 overall
Wake Forest: 5-3 in ACC, yet only 6-6 overall. How?
Miss St: 2-6 in SEC, 6-6 overall. Oh wait, they are in the almighty SEC
Northwestern: 3-5 in Big 10, 6-6 overall
Illinois: 2-6 in Big 10, 6-6 overall
UCLA: 6-7 overall = LOSING record
Can we make the conference record mean more? Oh wait, that would reduce the number of bowls. But, blowing off the conference games to schedule some cupcakes so you can make a bowl isn't right either.
Did you see that Gator Bowl selection? No politics involved there. 6-6 Florida v 6-6 OSU.
Here is how I'd rank the Top 6 BCS eligible conferences:
1. SEC
2. Big Ten
3. Pac 12 - much improved
4. Big 12 - so-so
5. ACC - who?
6. Big East - they stink out loud
Iowa St: 3-6 in Big 12, 6-6 overall
Wake Forest: 5-3 in ACC, yet only 6-6 overall. How?
Miss St: 2-6 in SEC, 6-6 overall. Oh wait, they are in the almighty SEC
Northwestern: 3-5 in Big 10, 6-6 overall
Illinois: 2-6 in Big 10, 6-6 overall
UCLA: 6-7 overall = LOSING record
Can we make the conference record mean more? Oh wait, that would reduce the number of bowls. But, blowing off the conference games to schedule some cupcakes so you can make a bowl isn't right either.
Did you see that Gator Bowl selection? No politics involved there. 6-6 Florida v 6-6 OSU.
Here is how I'd rank the Top 6 BCS eligible conferences:
1. SEC
2. Big Ten
3. Pac 12 - much improved
4. Big 12 - so-so
5. ACC - who?
6. Big East - they stink out loud
Bowl Thoughts
-The BCS is supposed to pick the two best teams. I'm not crazy about the matchup, but I think there's at least a strong argument for why it was picked. I'm probably not still not going to watch though.
-The other thing the BCS does is dictate automatic qualifiers. That wasn't a big deal as all the potentially controversial schools that could have automatically qualified did something to miss out on that possibility. So obviously the bowls could pick who they wanted to fill the available spots...
-...but that doesn't mean they chose well. Honestly, I think the Sugar Bowl has done more damage to the credibility of the BCS bowls than any championship matchup we've seen. Boise State and Arkansas would have been a good game and both teams deserved a BCS bowl. Michigan and Virginia Tech didn't. I understand the reasons the Sugar Bowl would make such a decision, but it's hard to put up much of a defense of college football when money is being chased so blatantly and shamelessly.
-We mentioned before that it seems wrong that a team gets penalized for playing in a conference championship game and losing and I still agree with that. No answers here, but it sucks.
-The frakking Outback Bowl!?! That's a slap in the face. I'd just as soon have the Spartans stay home.
-January 2nd is a bad day to play a bowl game, and there's way too many scheduled.
-Too many 6-6 teams are in bowl games. I don't mind the number of games, but could we at least restrict it to teams with a winning record?
-The other thing the BCS does is dictate automatic qualifiers. That wasn't a big deal as all the potentially controversial schools that could have automatically qualified did something to miss out on that possibility. So obviously the bowls could pick who they wanted to fill the available spots...
-...but that doesn't mean they chose well. Honestly, I think the Sugar Bowl has done more damage to the credibility of the BCS bowls than any championship matchup we've seen. Boise State and Arkansas would have been a good game and both teams deserved a BCS bowl. Michigan and Virginia Tech didn't. I understand the reasons the Sugar Bowl would make such a decision, but it's hard to put up much of a defense of college football when money is being chased so blatantly and shamelessly.
-We mentioned before that it seems wrong that a team gets penalized for playing in a conference championship game and losing and I still agree with that. No answers here, but it sucks.
-The frakking Outback Bowl!?! That's a slap in the face. I'd just as soon have the Spartans stay home.
-January 2nd is a bad day to play a bowl game, and there's way too many scheduled.
-Too many 6-6 teams are in bowl games. I don't mind the number of games, but could we at least restrict it to teams with a winning record?
Saturday, December 03, 2011
?
Does anyone in the media remember that the score was tied when Kirk Cousins threw the Hail Mary touchdown pass to Keith Nichol to beat Wisconsin? The game would have went to overtime otherwise, which is far from a guaranteed Badger win.
!
Southern Miss just cost Conference USA approximately $11 million by winning the conference championship game against Houston and knocking the Cougars out of a BCS bowl game.
Another Poll Comment
Want another example of the poll insanity I mentioned below? As you know, MSU plays Wisconsin tonight for the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis. In the BCS the Spartans and Badgers are ranked #13 and #15, in the AP #11 and #15, and in the USA Today poll #9 and #12. The Badgers are favored by 9 points. Note once again that the game is being played on a neutral field, not in Madison or East Lansing. Regardless of the outcome on the field, either the polls or the line are completely screwed up.
As for the game itself, commenter "billinwilliamston" on the Yahoo preview of the game posted this notable stat:
I suspect the Big Ten hopes this game remains true to form.
As for the game itself, commenter "billinwilliamston" on the Yahoo preview of the game posted this notable stat:
A little history for those predicting a blow-out.
2011 MSU 37 UW 31 @ East Lansing
2010 MSU 34 UW 24 @ East Lansing
2009 UW 38 MSU 30 @ Madison
2008 MSU 25 UW 24 @ East Lansing
2007 UW 37 MSU 34 @ Madison
I suspect the Big Ten hopes this game remains true to form.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Mayhem
While I was at my parents somehow we got to commenting on the excellent job the actor who portrays "Mayhem" in the Allstate commercials does. I just looked him up after seeing another commercial and his name is Dean Winters. He's largely done television work, most notably in "Oz", "Rescue Me", and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles".
?
You know who really suffers from USC's postseason ban? Everyone watching the Pac 12 Championship Game.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
RE: Twisted
This got too long for a comment, so it's a post instead. I think I realized this issue before, but now that I'm staring it in the face I'm really appreciating it. As you said, MSU and Wisconsin seem to clearly be the best teams in the conference (though not necessarily by a lot), and one of them is going to be penalized while a team that didn't defeat either of them is going to benefit. It doesn't seem fair, but I don't think the problem is so much the BCS as the "logic" that the polls use. Those voting in the polls vote certain ways because that's the way it is done, not because they actually think a team is better. Does anyone think Michigan is a better team if MSU loses to Wisconsin? How about South Carolina? Baylor? Did Florida State get better because Notre Dame lost to Stanford? And so on. I'm sure this won't change, so there probably isn't a good answer. As I heard on Mike & Mike last week, whatever you do, don't lose late.
Twisted
I think it is unfair that the loser of the Big Ten Championship game will be penalized in the BCS rankings if they lose. The idea that a MSU/Wisconsin team will have 3 losses and a 2-loss Michigan team will jump ahead is not right. It's not right because only two teams are playing (risking a loss) and someone has to lose. It almost rewards a team for not being in a conference title game. Wisconsin and MSU are the two best teams in the Big Ten. Just because one of them loses on Saturday doesn't necessarily mean Michigan is now "better" than them because of the loss column...except in the Alabama-Georgia scenario. Georgia isn't the second best team in the SEC. But it's not Georgia's fault the way the division is set up.
Dream Season
Here is my dream. That one year Michigan and OSU will enter the final regular season game undefeated (assuming they are the top ranked teams) and the home team wins by 1 point or overtime. Regardless of the result, they are also in the Big Ten Conference Championship game at a neutral site. Now I want the other team to win by 1 point or overtime. Then I want everyone to be screaming their heads off for ANOTHER rematch for the National Championship game.
I hate the argument that Alabama isn't the best team in their conference so they shouldn't be allowed in the Championship game. What if Alabama is the second-best team in the world? Who cares if they didn't win their conference championship game. What if UCLA beats Oregon? Then they get to play in the Rose Bowl and what if they win that? UCLA is terrible. They only got in because of the USC sanctions.
Here is what would be awesome: If LSU loses to Georgia on Saturday...UH-OH! Now what? If Alabama was in the other division, then we'd possibly have a dream-come-true based on the above scenario. Alabama, given a rematch on a neutral site, wouldn't shock anyone if they beat LSU. If that happened, you'd still have to say LSU and Alabama were the two best teams...and DESERVE TO PLAY AGAIN FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
Let it be noted that I'm not in favor of four super-conferences with two eight-team divisions in each conference. You'd have eight total division champions, which makes four super-conference championship games. Then you'd have four conference champions for a 4-team playoff format. I don't like that because if Alabama is in the same division as LSU, like they are now, they still wouldn't be in any of the conference championship games, let alone the playoff, yet THEY'D STILL BE THE 2ND BEST TEAM IN THE COUNTRY!
I hate the argument that Alabama isn't the best team in their conference so they shouldn't be allowed in the Championship game. What if Alabama is the second-best team in the world? Who cares if they didn't win their conference championship game. What if UCLA beats Oregon? Then they get to play in the Rose Bowl and what if they win that? UCLA is terrible. They only got in because of the USC sanctions.
Here is what would be awesome: If LSU loses to Georgia on Saturday...UH-OH! Now what? If Alabama was in the other division, then we'd possibly have a dream-come-true based on the above scenario. Alabama, given a rematch on a neutral site, wouldn't shock anyone if they beat LSU. If that happened, you'd still have to say LSU and Alabama were the two best teams...and DESERVE TO PLAY AGAIN FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
Let it be noted that I'm not in favor of four super-conferences with two eight-team divisions in each conference. You'd have eight total division champions, which makes four super-conference championship games. Then you'd have four conference champions for a 4-team playoff format. I don't like that because if Alabama is in the same division as LSU, like they are now, they still wouldn't be in any of the conference championship games, let alone the playoff, yet THEY'D STILL BE THE 2ND BEST TEAM IN THE COUNTRY!
Coach 'em Up!
With Jack Del Rio getting the axe, I did a little background search on his coaching resume. While doing that, I ran across Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh. One would think they have a clear progression up the coaching tree. Basically Tomlin was a Defensive Backs guru and Harbaugh was a special teams guy. Then bam, all of a sudden they apply for a head coaching gig and are tearing it up. They aren't even former players of "The Shield." Obviously there is no set criteria for determining what will make a great coach and what will make a loser. The ingrediants are different for all of them. Why one succeeds and another fails usually comes down to the groceries, but how do you explain Jim Harbaugh and Brady Hoke in their first year success?
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Primetime Overkill
I did some research today because of curiosity. It sure seems like the NFL schedule contained a lot of weeks that featured a team that played back-to-back weeks on primetime and/or national television. (I will be using "primetime" and "national TV" synonymously.) What spiked my interest was the tiresomeness of seeing the Jets in so many primetime slots. I decided to dive into the NFL schedule and here is what I found:
On 10 occasions, an NFL team played back-to-back weeks in the national TV spotlight. I consider primetime to be they are the only game on during that time slot.
IND: Wk 3 and 4
CHI: Wk 5 and 6
PHI: Wk 8 and 9
JETS: Wk 10 and 11
NE: Wk 10 and 11
KC: Wk 11 and 12
NYG: Wk 11 and 12
NO: Wk 12 and 13
DAL: Wk 14 and 15
PIT: Wk 14 and 15
Is this normal? Is it on purpose?
I did some more digging. 27 of the 32 teams had at least one primetime game. That seemed high to me, considering the length of time the Lions went without a primetime game BESIDES the Thanksgiving game. (I consider the Thanksgiving game a primetime game.) You would have thought that if in every season 27 teams get a chance to be in the national TV spotlight, what are the odds the Lions are one of the five teams to continuously be excluded? Did KC and JAX deserve THREE primetime games this year? I realize KC made the playoffs in 2010 and that has a ton to do with it, but are those markets bigger than Detroit?
Out of the 27 teams that received a primetime game, 12 play at least 25% of their season in the national spotlight. I don't have a problem with the NFL trying to focus on a select group of teams to sell their product. They all deserve it. But do the JETS deserve 5 games? Do we deserve to have to watch 5 JETS games? That's the bigger deal.
Here is the schedule breakdown for some of the 12 teams that received at least 4 primetime games:
New Orleans, Green Bay, Jets, Philadelphia, B-more, Pittsburgh, and Indy all received 5 games.
"America's Team" received 6.
Also interesting is 7 of the 12 teams come from the NFC.
On 10 occasions, an NFL team played back-to-back weeks in the national TV spotlight. I consider primetime to be they are the only game on during that time slot.
IND: Wk 3 and 4
CHI: Wk 5 and 6
PHI: Wk 8 and 9
JETS: Wk 10 and 11
NE: Wk 10 and 11
KC: Wk 11 and 12
NYG: Wk 11 and 12
NO: Wk 12 and 13
DAL: Wk 14 and 15
PIT: Wk 14 and 15
Is this normal? Is it on purpose?
I did some more digging. 27 of the 32 teams had at least one primetime game. That seemed high to me, considering the length of time the Lions went without a primetime game BESIDES the Thanksgiving game. (I consider the Thanksgiving game a primetime game.) You would have thought that if in every season 27 teams get a chance to be in the national TV spotlight, what are the odds the Lions are one of the five teams to continuously be excluded? Did KC and JAX deserve THREE primetime games this year? I realize KC made the playoffs in 2010 and that has a ton to do with it, but are those markets bigger than Detroit?
Out of the 27 teams that received a primetime game, 12 play at least 25% of their season in the national spotlight. I don't have a problem with the NFL trying to focus on a select group of teams to sell their product. They all deserve it. But do the JETS deserve 5 games? Do we deserve to have to watch 5 JETS games? That's the bigger deal.
Here is the schedule breakdown for some of the 12 teams that received at least 4 primetime games:
New Orleans, Green Bay, Jets, Philadelphia, B-more, Pittsburgh, and Indy all received 5 games.
"America's Team" received 6.
Also interesting is 7 of the 12 teams come from the NFC.
Suspended
I heard some interesting thoughts on sports radio today:
1. If the incident would not have been on Thanksgiving and/or national television but instead just a regular 1:00pm Sunday afternoon game, would that have changed things?
2. If he would have owned it right from the beginning instead of the denial, same penalty?
3. If it was any other player in the league and/or without the "dirty" player reputation, same suspension?
1. If the incident would not have been on Thanksgiving and/or national television but instead just a regular 1:00pm Sunday afternoon game, would that have changed things?
2. If he would have owned it right from the beginning instead of the denial, same penalty?
3. If it was any other player in the league and/or without the "dirty" player reputation, same suspension?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Rumbling, Stumbling Joel Foreman
If you check out the box score for MSU's game against the Hoosiers yesterday, besides a lot of Spartan scoring you'll see that Joel Foreman had one carry for 3 yds. That doesn't seem too unusual as the game was a blowout and many backs had a chance to handle the ball. But Foreman is a guard. Like the '97 CC vs. Marlette JV game, the coaches drew up a play for the senior co-captain. After the play Foreman went to midfield, saluted the Spartan logo, and ran to the sidelines. Not a bad way to end your last career home game.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Legendary
Congratulations to Michigan State Spartans, especially the record-breaking seniors, on winning the Big Ten Legends Division. And, of course, the Old Brass Spittoon.
So, think I should get tickets to the Championship Game?
So, think I should get tickets to the Championship Game?
Monday, November 14, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Thoughts on the Carrier Classic
-It's disappointing to see the Spartans lose, but that was still very, very cool.
-Mark Hollis deserves a lot of credit for actually making this thing come together. It was a crazy idea that ended up working fantastically.
-The presentation of the evening colors was a great inclusion to the broadcast. I'm glad they showed it instead of running commercials.
-While MSU and UNC were excellent choices for this game, I wish it had happened when they were a little closer together in talent and experience. It's tough to start the year against a team that everyone is ready to give the trophy to in November.
-And Duke next. You certainly can't fault MSU for playing a soft schedule.
-At least the Spartans actually looked like an MSU basketball team. I'm less and less of a basketball guy all the time, but I sure love watching MSU beat someone on the boards.
-I'm no fan of the President, but I was willing to listen to him until he started talking legislation and turned his comments into a campaign speech. Was that really necessary?
-I'm pretty tired of hearing the media, even Dick Vitale, talk about how attractive and glamorous Michelle Obama is. Come on. I'm sure Brooklyn Decker was drawing many more glances than Mrs. Obama.
-Is the U.S.S. Carl Vinson available as a venue in a video game yet? I would play every game there.
-Mark Hollis deserves a lot of credit for actually making this thing come together. It was a crazy idea that ended up working fantastically.
-The presentation of the evening colors was a great inclusion to the broadcast. I'm glad they showed it instead of running commercials.
-While MSU and UNC were excellent choices for this game, I wish it had happened when they were a little closer together in talent and experience. It's tough to start the year against a team that everyone is ready to give the trophy to in November.
-And Duke next. You certainly can't fault MSU for playing a soft schedule.
-At least the Spartans actually looked like an MSU basketball team. I'm less and less of a basketball guy all the time, but I sure love watching MSU beat someone on the boards.
-I'm no fan of the President, but I was willing to listen to him until he started talking legislation and turned his comments into a campaign speech. Was that really necessary?
-I'm pretty tired of hearing the media, even Dick Vitale, talk about how attractive and glamorous Michelle Obama is. Come on. I'm sure Brooklyn Decker was drawing many more glances than Mrs. Obama.
-Is the U.S.S. Carl Vinson available as a venue in a video game yet? I would play every game there.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Common Denominator
The opening sentence of an article in the Detroit News about the struggling Spartan offense: "First-year Michigan State offensive coordinator Dan Roushar can't pinpoint a common denominator for the Spartans' poor offensive performance on the road this season." I've got a common denominator for you: Dan Roushar.
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Quote of the Day
We came out kind of flat, and when we had our backs really up against the wall, you know, middle of the second half, you're kind of saying, 'Holy crap, we gotta get going.'
-Max Bullough, Spartan LB, referencing the 31-24 win over Minnesota on Saturday, via the Detroit News
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
I Agree With Kirk
Kirk Cousins is going to be speaking at the MSU Auditorium about his faith. You can read a little of his testimony here. It sounds like the event has caused a bit of a stir on campus this week, Coach Dantonio was even asked about it at the weekly press conference. Obviously Cousins is catching some flack for it, for example a comment on a State News story: "Is he trying to be the next Tim Tebow?" I'm behind him 100%. Of course now I really hope he plays a good game against Minnesota because I'd hate his critics to have that ammunition.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Camouflage
MSU will be sporting special uniforms for the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic. The Spartans will be sporting home whites with a gray camouflage pattern. The uniforms also feature an American flag and will say USA on the back rather than the player names. Unfortunately the much-hated (by me at least) bronze numeral border is also featured. North Carolina will also wear a camouflage uniform which you can see here. The game will be played 11/11/11 on board the U.S.S. Carl Vinson in San Diego.
UPDATE: Pics:
UPDATE: Pics:
Saturday, October 29, 2011
@#$*&%!
Now that I've cooled off a bit:
-I'm a big Kirk Cousins fan, but he does seem to have the emotional fragility of a 15-year-old girl. He just can't shake a bad play.
-However, his WRs weren't doing him any favors. It takes a real team effort to look that bad.
-That includes the coaches. I don't recall that last time I watched a game and thought the coaches were just plain stupid. Nebraska played defense with seven men in the box most of the game, daring the Spartans to run the ball. MSU claims to be a running team (Pound Green Pound), but instead they throw into double coverage all day long. This is the only game all year where they haven't stuck with the running game to a ridiculous extent. Why change when your opponent is giving you your bread and butter? It's shockingly idiotic. Chris Spielman and Urban Meyer seemed absolutely confused by this during the broadcast and I'm right there with them. Bad, awful, very, very not good coaching.
-I saw some fans on Facebook were suggesting getting rid of Dantonio. This is stupid, almost as stupid as today's coaching, but they've had enough bad losses on the road that it's definitely a trend. This really needs to be figured out.
-Penalties were back today (zero last week), and plenty of those lead to Nebraska first downs. The team has shown they can play flawless football, the coaches need to make sure they do.
-I hate the Huskers.
-If I ever meet one of these commentators in person I will punch them in the face, because I'm absolutely sick of them calling the MSU football team the "Sparties." Sparty is the mascot, the team is the Spartans. Get it right. It's disrespectful to say otherwise.
-I'm a big Kirk Cousins fan, but he does seem to have the emotional fragility of a 15-year-old girl. He just can't shake a bad play.
-However, his WRs weren't doing him any favors. It takes a real team effort to look that bad.
-That includes the coaches. I don't recall that last time I watched a game and thought the coaches were just plain stupid. Nebraska played defense with seven men in the box most of the game, daring the Spartans to run the ball. MSU claims to be a running team (Pound Green Pound), but instead they throw into double coverage all day long. This is the only game all year where they haven't stuck with the running game to a ridiculous extent. Why change when your opponent is giving you your bread and butter? It's shockingly idiotic. Chris Spielman and Urban Meyer seemed absolutely confused by this during the broadcast and I'm right there with them. Bad, awful, very, very not good coaching.
-I saw some fans on Facebook were suggesting getting rid of Dantonio. This is stupid, almost as stupid as today's coaching, but they've had enough bad losses on the road that it's definitely a trend. This really needs to be figured out.
-Penalties were back today (zero last week), and plenty of those lead to Nebraska first downs. The team has shown they can play flawless football, the coaches need to make sure they do.
-I hate the Huskers.
-If I ever meet one of these commentators in person I will punch them in the face, because I'm absolutely sick of them calling the MSU football team the "Sparties." Sparty is the mascot, the team is the Spartans. Get it right. It's disrespectful to say otherwise.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Quote of the Day
That said, I can't imagine a stretch more difficult than the one Michigan State is enduring, having beaten five straight opponents that used to horribly torment it — Central Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan, Personal Fouls, Wisconsin.
-Bob Wojnowski, "Aw, shucks: Spartans' next test is the Cornhuskers," Detroit News
Sunday, October 23, 2011
What!?!?
You know something went down big if I'm burning on MSU at 12:30am as a UM fan.
I didn't see the game via my antenna, but I wanted to see what highlights they would show on the local TV sports news, assuming it was heading to overtime according to the ESPN/ABC ticker during the Stanford/Washington game. Then, since I am rarely awake at 11:30, I decided to keep it on channel 25 for the start of "SNL" and when they came back from the commercial break, instead of "one last look at our seven day forecast" they broke the news MSU won on a Hail Mary. Of course, no highlight, so I had to wait until midnight after the ABC game of the week and see it on channel 12.
So what's going on? I guess I'm not shocked. At all. MSU is good. A lot of people knew this game was coming soon and were dreading it. Wisconsin this, Wisconsin that. Yeah, I get it, they are ranked in the Top 10. But they get smoked every year by the SEC. DEFENSE WINS! All week long on The Huge Show, callers and anyone else talking about the MSU/Wisconsin game were not only expecting a loss, they were just hoping to keep it within 3 touchdowns. I don't get it. Great defense, combined with two very good running backs, a senior QB who is supposed to have a great year, a home game under the lights at 8pm which means the fans have extra time to get "lubed up" creates an easy atmosphere for a win. Even my cousin who is an MSU diehard couldn't even enjoy last Saturday's UM win because he knew Wisconsin was coming to town. I don't get it. Oh, they crushed Nebraska. Big deal. Even Stack already had Wisconsin's name etched on the Big Ten championship trophy.
I would have to think this game may be better than last year's Notre Dame finish. I realize both games took a "Hail Mary," but tonights was literally a Hail Mary to win. I would have liked to seen the game on TV because while the outcome was delayed to review the play, the crowd had to have been getting the information via text or voice from friends watching the game at home on TV telling them it's a TOUCHDOWN before the referees made the offical announcement. So the crowd had to have been rocking about 10 seconds before the guy in the white hat turned his mic back on.
I also think the UM/MSU rivalry is revved back up. It's definately a big game for both schools, but I think bigger for MSU. UM never wants to lose to MSU, but always expects to win. UM fan always expects to win (except the last 4 years) but I don't think MSU fan always expects to win. It's like the 8th grade team v the 7th grade team. The 8th grade team never wants to lose to the 7th grade team, but it's not the game they care the MOST about. The game may get close some years, but the 8th grade always wins. They are more concerned about beating another schools 8th grade team. But, the 7th grade team puts everything they've got into beating the 8th grade team. So if the 7th grade team wins, it makes their season. That is how I look at UM/MSU football. But that has changed. UM Fan is tired of losing to MSU and it matters more now. I don't think the UM/MSU game is what the UM/ND or UM/OSU game is. To UM Fan, if ND or OSU lose on a Saturday, it's a good weekend. We want to beat ND and OSU 50-0 and ND/OSU lose every game. If MSU loses, it's not the same feeling. It's okay if MSU goes 11-1...as long as the one loss was against UM. You always want to be the best college football team in the state, but as a UM fan, I hate losing to ND or OSU more. But I think that is changing for all UM Fan Nation. UM is going to start caring a lot more and putting the game in a new perspective. That doesn't mean MSU needs to get nervous, it just means UM's attitude has been adjusted.
Stack, what, no tickets for the game tonight?
I didn't see the game via my antenna, but I wanted to see what highlights they would show on the local TV sports news, assuming it was heading to overtime according to the ESPN/ABC ticker during the Stanford/Washington game. Then, since I am rarely awake at 11:30, I decided to keep it on channel 25 for the start of "SNL" and when they came back from the commercial break, instead of "one last look at our seven day forecast" they broke the news MSU won on a Hail Mary. Of course, no highlight, so I had to wait until midnight after the ABC game of the week and see it on channel 12.
So what's going on? I guess I'm not shocked. At all. MSU is good. A lot of people knew this game was coming soon and were dreading it. Wisconsin this, Wisconsin that. Yeah, I get it, they are ranked in the Top 10. But they get smoked every year by the SEC. DEFENSE WINS! All week long on The Huge Show, callers and anyone else talking about the MSU/Wisconsin game were not only expecting a loss, they were just hoping to keep it within 3 touchdowns. I don't get it. Great defense, combined with two very good running backs, a senior QB who is supposed to have a great year, a home game under the lights at 8pm which means the fans have extra time to get "lubed up" creates an easy atmosphere for a win. Even my cousin who is an MSU diehard couldn't even enjoy last Saturday's UM win because he knew Wisconsin was coming to town. I don't get it. Oh, they crushed Nebraska. Big deal. Even Stack already had Wisconsin's name etched on the Big Ten championship trophy.
I would have to think this game may be better than last year's Notre Dame finish. I realize both games took a "Hail Mary," but tonights was literally a Hail Mary to win. I would have liked to seen the game on TV because while the outcome was delayed to review the play, the crowd had to have been getting the information via text or voice from friends watching the game at home on TV telling them it's a TOUCHDOWN before the referees made the offical announcement. So the crowd had to have been rocking about 10 seconds before the guy in the white hat turned his mic back on.
I also think the UM/MSU rivalry is revved back up. It's definately a big game for both schools, but I think bigger for MSU. UM never wants to lose to MSU, but always expects to win. UM fan always expects to win (except the last 4 years) but I don't think MSU fan always expects to win. It's like the 8th grade team v the 7th grade team. The 8th grade team never wants to lose to the 7th grade team, but it's not the game they care the MOST about. The game may get close some years, but the 8th grade always wins. They are more concerned about beating another schools 8th grade team. But, the 7th grade team puts everything they've got into beating the 8th grade team. So if the 7th grade team wins, it makes their season. That is how I look at UM/MSU football. But that has changed. UM Fan is tired of losing to MSU and it matters more now. I don't think the UM/MSU game is what the UM/ND or UM/OSU game is. To UM Fan, if ND or OSU lose on a Saturday, it's a good weekend. We want to beat ND and OSU 50-0 and ND/OSU lose every game. If MSU loses, it's not the same feeling. It's okay if MSU goes 11-1...as long as the one loss was against UM. You always want to be the best college football team in the state, but as a UM fan, I hate losing to ND or OSU more. But I think that is changing for all UM Fan Nation. UM is going to start caring a lot more and putting the game in a new perspective. That doesn't mean MSU needs to get nervous, it just means UM's attitude has been adjusted.
Stack, what, no tickets for the game tonight?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Embarrassing
You know, it's funny that Desmond Howard says he's "embarrassed" for Michigan State and William Gholston after Gholston's play last week because I feel embarrassed for the University of Michigan and ESPN every time I see Desmond Howard on College GameDay attempting to be an analyst.
37-31
The win against Wisconsin might not be the most exciting MSU game ever, but it's darn close. I didn't even expect them to be in the game, so I'm thrilled to see them win, even if it took the most exciting play you'll see all year. The best (or worst) part? There's a really good chance these teams will meet in the first Big Ten Championship Game.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Gholston suspended...
...by the Big Ten for one game. My only problem with this is that Dantonio had not done it already. I'm not too concerned about the impact on the game against Wisconsin because, honestly, the Spartans are going to be beat up no matter what.
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