Ranking every World Series in MLB history
-
Scandals, scapegoats, superstars and, yes, the Yankees. Sam Miller judges
every October since 1903.
4 years ago
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Good Bye Cool Hand Luke: Paul Newman January 26, 1925 - September 27, 2008
Paul Newman died this morning...he will be remembered for many great roles, but my favorite was Cool Hand Luke...Born January 26, 1925...
Friday, September 26, 2008
Washington - Dallas Preview: How bout dem Cowboys?
Washington @ Dallas
Sunday, September 28 - 4:15 (EST) Fox
Texas Stadium - Irving, Texas
Dallas -12.4
Summary
Most people are not surprised that Dallas is 3-0 coming into this game...but some are surprised the Redskins are sitting at 2-1...two weeks ago, Fox studio analyst Jimmy Johnson was dissecting the NFC East...he commented there are three good teams and one bad team - yep, the Redskins were his bad team...in fact, he even took a shot at new head coach Jim Zorn...
The Redskins lack gaudy numbers as they are ranked 14th both offensively and defensively in the league...quarterback Jason Campbell has thrown only 4 touchdowns (3 to Santana Moss) but 0 INTs...
Dallas on the other hand has the number one rated offense and third best scoring offense...defensively, the Cowboys are rated 10th best...Tony Romo has been getting all the press, but he has thrown 5 TDs and 3 INTs - which is just average on paper...what makes the Cowboys tough is the weapons on offense, especially at running back with Marion Barber and the rookie Felix Jones...finally it seems as if T.O. "gets it" as he is sacrificing stats in order to win, which was evident last Sunday against Green Bay...
The teams split their two meetings last season...however, in the game at Dallas, T.O. scored four touchdowns...
Washington Redskins
Jason LaCanfora of The Washington Post writes how the Redskins will be facing another 3-4 defense in which they have had problems with... "The last time the Washington Redskins faced a 3-4 defense, Coach Jim Zorn was less than pleased with the results." ...
Jason LaCanfora
ESPN NFC East blogger Matt Mosley writes about the impact of Jason Taylor's injury... "The Eagles, Browns and Packers haven't been able to get pressure on Romo, and he's burned them all with long passes. Taylor's absence will force defensive coordinator Greg Blache to blitz more Sunday, and that's not the strength of the Redskins' defense." ...Matt Mosley
David Elfin of the Washington Times writes about the match-up between Terrell Owens and Shawn Springs... "Although he yields three inches and 11 pounds to the six-time All-Pro, Springs prefers covering big, strong receivers rather than smaller, quicker wideouts." ...David Elfin
Dallas Cowboys
Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News writes about the impact of rookie running back Felix Jones... "An offense
that sent seven Cowboys to the Pro Bowl and returns all of those players in 2008 once again got a huge lift from rookie Felix Jones on Sunday night." ... Tim Cowlishaw
Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes how double teaming T.O. does not work... "Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has grown accustomed to seeing Pro Bowl receiver Terrell Owens draw two defenders, but Sunday night he had never seen anything like Green Bay’s sellout coverage. Owens had two shadows on every play — run or pass." ...Mac Engel
Jean Jacques-Taylor of the Dallas Morning News is surprised that Cowboy fans are shocked about T.O.'s hustle... "No one, though, has ever questioned his effort or intensity. Not Jeff Garcia. Not Andy Reid. Not Donovan McNabb. And very unlike Randy Moss, whose inconsistent effort is among the reasons Minnesota and Oakland got rid of the game's best receiver. That's why it's hard to figure out why so many of you seem shocked at T.O.'s hustle in the Cowboys' 27-16 win over Green Bay the other day." ...Jean Jacques-Taylor
ESPN NFC East blogger Matt Mosley writes how Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is building a $1.3 billion legacy... "On that dreary morning, more than 1,600 workers were on the property, which seems like a lot. Jones' football temple -- scheduled to open in 2009 -- appears to be about 70 percent complete. A couple blocks away, the Texas Rangers' Ballpark -- one of several Camden Yards knock-offs that sprang up in the 1990s -- looks like a three-bedroom, two-bath by comparison." ...Matt Mosley
Sunday, September 28 - 4:15 (EST) Fox
Texas Stadium - Irving, Texas
Dallas -12.4
Summary
Most people are not surprised that Dallas is 3-0 coming into this game...but some are surprised the Redskins are sitting at 2-1...two weeks ago, Fox studio analyst Jimmy Johnson was dissecting the NFC East...he commented there are three good teams and one bad team - yep, the Redskins were his bad team...in fact, he even took a shot at new head coach Jim Zorn...
The Redskins lack gaudy numbers as they are ranked 14th both offensively and defensively in the league...quarterback Jason Campbell has thrown only 4 touchdowns (3 to Santana Moss) but 0 INTs...
Dallas on the other hand has the number one rated offense and third best scoring offense...defensively, the Cowboys are rated 10th best...Tony Romo has been getting all the press, but he has thrown 5 TDs and 3 INTs - which is just average on paper...what makes the Cowboys tough is the weapons on offense, especially at running back with Marion Barber and the rookie Felix Jones...finally it seems as if T.O. "gets it" as he is sacrificing stats in order to win, which was evident last Sunday against Green Bay...
The teams split their two meetings last season...however, in the game at Dallas, T.O. scored four touchdowns...
Washington Redskins
Jason LaCanfora of The Washington Post writes how the Redskins will be facing another 3-4 defense in which they have had problems with... "The last time the Washington Redskins faced a 3-4 defense, Coach Jim Zorn was less than pleased with the results." ...
ESPN NFC East blogger Matt Mosley writes about the impact of Jason Taylor's injury... "The Eagles, Browns and Packers haven't been able to get pressure on Romo, and he's burned them all with long passes. Taylor's absence will force defensive coordinator Greg Blache to blitz more Sunday, and that's not the strength of the Redskins' defense." ...
David Elfin of the Washington Times writes about the match-up between Terrell Owens and Shawn Springs... "Although he yields three inches and 11 pounds to the six-time All-Pro, Springs prefers covering big, strong receivers rather than smaller, quicker wideouts." ...
Dallas Cowboys
Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News writes about the impact of rookie running back Felix Jones... "An offense
that sent seven Cowboys to the Pro Bowl and returns all of those players in 2008 once again got a huge lift from rookie Felix Jones on Sunday night." ... Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes how double teaming T.O. does not work... "Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has grown accustomed to seeing Pro Bowl receiver Terrell Owens draw two defenders, but Sunday night he had never seen anything like Green Bay’s sellout coverage. Owens had two shadows on every play — run or pass." ...
Jean Jacques-Taylor of the Dallas Morning News is surprised that Cowboy fans are shocked about T.O.'s hustle... "No one, though, has ever questioned his effort or intensity. Not Jeff Garcia. Not Andy Reid. Not Donovan McNabb. And very unlike Randy Moss, whose inconsistent effort is among the reasons Minnesota and Oakland got rid of the game's best receiver. That's why it's hard to figure out why so many of you seem shocked at T.O.'s hustle in the Cowboys' 27-16 win over Green Bay the other day." ...
ESPN NFC East blogger Matt Mosley writes how Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is building a $1.3 billion legacy... "On that dreary morning, more than 1,600 workers were on the property, which seems like a lot. Jones' football temple -- scheduled to open in 2009 -- appears to be about 70 percent complete. A couple blocks away, the Texas Rangers' Ballpark -- one of several Camden Yards knock-offs that sprang up in the 1990s -- looks like a three-bedroom, two-bath by comparison." ...
Beers with Bloggers: The Zone Blitz responds to Brady Quinn and Sarah Palin
Tbone of The Zone Blitz took the time to respond to questions about the NFL, presidential politics, and if Sarah Palin is hot...I want to thank Tbone for his time...
Q1. Who do you think will be the first head coach fired this season? Why?
A. This is an interestingly sad question. Because there are so many good candidates (and I mean "good candidates" in a bad way). You have to look at all the coaches who are winless -- Romeo Crennel, Scott Linehan, Rod Marinelli, Herm Edwards, Marvin Lewis and Gary Kubiak. I think most of these guys get most of the season, if not all of the season. The first three (Crennel, Linehan, and Marinelli) are the odds on favorites.
Marinelli probably gets some extra time to see how things go without Matt Millen. But not too much time. They may want to clean house by the end of the year. Linehan could go because the Rams appear to be a mess. Crennel could go because the Browns are not nearly what fans had hope. It comes down to a matchup of Crennel vs. Linehan. It really is a dead heat. Crennel is my choice, but both could be gone within a month. The only thing that can save Crennel is a super hot streak by Brady Quinn, which leads into your second question.
Q2. If yo
u were the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, would you put Brady Quinn in as the starting quarterback against the Bengals?
A. Yes. You drafted him to start. Derek Anderson has been terrible this season. Okay, terrible maybe too strong. How about not so good? Anderson needs to return to his 2007 season. Yes, he has played three pretty good defenses -- Dallas, Baltimore and Pittsburgh. But 26 points? Not good enough. Someone gets the blame. It's Anderson. Sorry, Derek. Besides, I have said it before, Quinn can be great. A loss this weekend, and the Browns' playoff hopes are officially over. Anderson had three games. Like I said, you drafted Quinn to start. The time is now.
Q3. Do you think the Dallas Cowboys are for real? What are your thoughts about Tony Romo so far?
A. The Cowboys are for real. They are the closest thing we have to the 2007 Patriots. They're not going to go undefeated. But they are a potential 14-win team. Only one team can stop them in the playoffs, and that's the Giants. Romo? It's a love-hate relationship. I think he and the Manning brothers are the best in the league. Peyton is hurting and will get better as the season goes on. Eli is Aikman-like in that all he will do in the future is win. Stats will never be great for Eli, but the wins will continue to come. And by the way, Tom Brady is out of the league, so he doesn't get in my top three.
Back to Romo. He has been compare to Favre many, many times. Favre makes terrible decisions a few times a game. Romo has meltdowns every few games. Like Sunday against the Packers. He was great at times, and he was terrible at times. He's had his bad game against the Packers, so he should be good for a few games. And this is what will happen to Romo in the playoffs. Will he have his lousy game in the Cowboys' first playoff game, second or in the Super Bowl. And will Dallas as a team be able to overcome his bad game? His girlfriend hot. You have to play that one video of her. HOT. And by the way, the next great NFL quarterback is going to be Jay Cutler.
Q4. Real quick - best player in the NFL and why?
A. Tom Brady was. I always put him and Peyton at the top. But the way the Patriots are playing without him, you have to wonder whether he isn't the best. With him out, I go with a healthy Peyton Manning, which should be midway through the season.
Q5. Obama or McCain?
a. Obama. But I was a Hillary backer in the primary. She was the best candidate for the job and still is.
Q6. Sarah Palin - is she a babe?
A. She is a 44-year-old babe. She's the kind of woman who would get my attention if I saw her out. The best way to put it is that every guy would wish his wife looked that hot at 44.
Q7. What are your thoughts about Brett Favre with the Jets? Will they make the playoffs?
A. Favre is a diva. He loves the attention. What really bothers me about him is that everyone just LOVES him. Madden, Peter King, Kornheiser, and many, many more. Get a room, guys. Jeez. I do not hate Favre. In fact, I like him. But it is hard to root for him when you know the media will fall all over itself if he makes the playoffs. Plus, he makes STUPID mistakes. STUPID. If anyone other than Peyton Manning or Tom Brady (each of whom would get passes because of past greatness) made the mistakes Favre makes, the media would be very unforgiving. Will the Jets make the playoffs? I am not even going to bother quoting Jim Mora. Just know that me and Mora share the same sentiments. Besides, I do not think Man-genuis (Mangini) is all that.
Q8. Jim Brown or Walter Payton or Barry Sanders?
1. Jim Brown.
2. Barry Sanders.
3. Walter Payton.
Q9. Your updated Super Bowl teams.
A. At the start of the season, I said the Manning brothers. I am sticking with it. Peyton and the Colts may limp into the playoffs at 10-6, but never count Peyton Manning out. Eli will play in a few more Super Bowls. Eli is not stats-great. He is becoming win-great. If I were to make win, place and show picks, they would be:
AFC -- 1. Indy; 2. Denver; 3. New England (after Belichick figures things out).
NFC -- 1. NY Giants; 2. Dallas; 3. Green Bay (just ahead of New Orleans).
Once again, I thank Tbone for his time...
Q1. Who do you think will be the first head coach fired this season? Why?
A. This is an interestingly sad question. Because there are so many good candidates (and I mean "good candidates" in a bad way). You have to look at all the coaches who are winless -- Romeo Crennel, Scott Linehan, Rod Marinelli, Herm Edwards, Marvin Lewis and Gary Kubiak. I think most of these guys get most of the season, if not all of the season. The first three (Crennel, Linehan, and Marinelli) are the odds on favorites.
Marinelli probably gets some extra time to see how things go without Matt Millen. But not too much time. They may want to clean house by the end of the year. Linehan could go because the Rams appear to be a mess. Crennel could go because the Browns are not nearly what fans had hope. It comes down to a matchup of Crennel vs. Linehan. It really is a dead heat. Crennel is my choice, but both could be gone within a month. The only thing that can save Crennel is a super hot streak by Brady Quinn, which leads into your second question.
Q2. If yo
u were the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, would you put Brady Quinn in as the starting quarterback against the Bengals?A. Yes. You drafted him to start. Derek Anderson has been terrible this season. Okay, terrible maybe too strong. How about not so good? Anderson needs to return to his 2007 season. Yes, he has played three pretty good defenses -- Dallas, Baltimore and Pittsburgh. But 26 points? Not good enough. Someone gets the blame. It's Anderson. Sorry, Derek. Besides, I have said it before, Quinn can be great. A loss this weekend, and the Browns' playoff hopes are officially over. Anderson had three games. Like I said, you drafted Quinn to start. The time is now.
Q3. Do you think the Dallas Cowboys are for real? What are your thoughts about Tony Romo so far?
A. The Cowboys are for real. They are the closest thing we have to the 2007 Patriots. They're not going to go undefeated. But they are a potential 14-win team. Only one team can stop them in the playoffs, and that's the Giants. Romo? It's a love-hate relationship. I think he and the Manning brothers are the best in the league. Peyton is hurting and will get better as the season goes on. Eli is Aikman-like in that all he will do in the future is win. Stats will never be great for Eli, but the wins will continue to come. And by the way, Tom Brady is out of the league, so he doesn't get in my top three.
Back to Romo. He has been compare to Favre many, many times. Favre makes terrible decisions a few times a game. Romo has meltdowns every few games. Like Sunday against the Packers. He was great at times, and he was terrible at times. He's had his bad game against the Packers, so he should be good for a few games. And this is what will happen to Romo in the playoffs. Will he have his lousy game in the Cowboys' first playoff game, second or in the Super Bowl. And will Dallas as a team be able to overcome his bad game? His girlfriend hot. You have to play that one video of her. HOT. And by the way, the next great NFL quarterback is going to be Jay Cutler.
Q4. Real quick - best player in the NFL and why?
A. Tom Brady was. I always put him and Peyton at the top. But the way the Patriots are playing without him, you have to wonder whether he isn't the best. With him out, I go with a healthy Peyton Manning, which should be midway through the season.
Q5. Obama or McCain?
a. Obama. But I was a Hillary backer in the primary. She was the best candidate for the job and still is.
Q6. Sarah Palin - is she a babe?
A. She is a 44-year-old babe. She's the kind of woman who would get my attention if I saw her out. The best way to put it is that every guy would wish his wife looked that hot at 44.
Q7. What are your thoughts about Brett Favre with the Jets? Will they make the playoffs?
A. Favre is a diva. He loves the attention. What really bothers me about him is that everyone just LOVES him. Madden, Peter King, Kornheiser, and many, many more. Get a room, guys. Jeez. I do not hate Favre. In fact, I like him. But it is hard to root for him when you know the media will fall all over itself if he makes the playoffs. Plus, he makes STUPID mistakes. STUPID. If anyone other than Peyton Manning or Tom Brady (each of whom would get passes because of past greatness) made the mistakes Favre makes, the media would be very unforgiving. Will the Jets make the playoffs? I am not even going to bother quoting Jim Mora. Just know that me and Mora share the same sentiments. Besides, I do not think Man-genuis (Mangini) is all that.
Q8. Jim Brown or Walter Payton or Barry Sanders?
1. Jim Brown.
2. Barry Sanders.
3. Walter Payton.
Q9. Your updated Super Bowl teams.
A. At the start of the season, I said the Manning brothers. I am sticking with it. Peyton and the Colts may limp into the playoffs at 10-6, but never count Peyton Manning out. Eli will play in a few more Super Bowls. Eli is not stats-great. He is becoming win-great. If I were to make win, place and show picks, they would be:
AFC -- 1. Indy; 2. Denver; 3. New England (after Belichick figures things out).
NFC -- 1. NY Giants; 2. Dallas; 3. Green Bay (just ahead of New Orleans).
Once again, I thank Tbone for his time...
Predictions for the big games
There are four big games this weekend, therefore, I asked some friends and fellow bloggers to give their thoughts on the games...
Zach of The Big Picture
Wisconsin 34 Michigan 6 - Remember when this would decide the Rose Bowl?
Georgia 17 Alabama 14 - Georgia's blacking out Sanford Stadium...will fans need to get blacked out after this one?
Penn State 31 Illinois 21 - Juice is gonna be on the run like OJ.
Dallas 31 Washington 14 - Cowboys and Indians...very politically correct.
Graig of The Money Shot
Wisconsin 20 Michigan 6
Georgia 16 Alabama 12
Penn State 38, Illinois 21
Washington 24 Dallas 23
Munch of WKNR Radio - Cleveland
Wisconsin
Georgia
Penn State
Dallas
Triple H - The Hickory Hornet of Hermitage
Wisconsin 20 Michigan 7 - Wisconsin is always one of the most overlooked teams...hard to imagine a Michigan team 1-3...
Alabama 27 Georgia 23 - Both teams look like national title contenders...
Penn State 34 Illinois 16 - Penn State looks like the class of a weak Big-10...Illinois has been unimpressive...
Dallas 30 Washington 20 - Redskins have improved immensely...still too much talent in Dallas...
G2 of Campbell, Ohio
Wisconsin 24 Michigan 14 - Michigan has been off a week, but it is not enough for a victory over the Badgers...
Alabama 31 Georgia 28 - this is Alabama's coming out party...
Penn State 16 Illinois 10 - It is a "not so Happy" Valley for the Fightin' Illini...Illinois just not as good as advertised...
Washington 34 Dallas 24 - it is hard to buck the Cowboys, but Dallas is in for a game...Redskins in an upset...
The Geek of Youngstown
Wisconsin BIG 31-17
Georgia 17-14
Take the points but Penn State wins 35-28
Washington 35-34
rstiles of Stiles Points
Michigan 23 Wisconsin 21 - Michigan eliminates turnovers and starts the "new" season off with a W...
Georgia 31 Alabama 21 - the Bama offense is not clicking on all cylinders...
Penn State 31 Illinois 21 - Penn State dominates because Illinois has no running game...
Washington 31 Dallas 27 - don't sleep on he Skins...
Zach of The Big Picture
Wisconsin 34 Michigan 6 - Remember when this would decide the Rose Bowl?
Georgia 17 Alabama 14 - Georgia's blacking out Sanford Stadium...will fans need to get blacked out after this one?
Penn State 31 Illinois 21 - Juice is gonna be on the run like OJ.
Dallas 31 Washington 14 - Cowboys and Indians...very politically correct.
Graig of The Money Shot
Wisconsin 20 Michigan 6
Georgia 16 Alabama 12
Penn State 38, Illinois 21
Washington 24 Dallas 23
Munch of WKNR Radio - Cleveland
Wisconsin
Georgia
Penn State
Dallas
Triple H - The Hickory Hornet of Hermitage
Wisconsin 20 Michigan 7 - Wisconsin is always one of the most overlooked teams...hard to imagine a Michigan team 1-3...
Alabama 27 Georgia 23 - Both teams look like national title contenders...
Penn State 34 Illinois 16 - Penn State looks like the class of a weak Big-10...Illinois has been unimpressive...
Dallas 30 Washington 20 - Redskins have improved immensely...still too much talent in Dallas...
G2 of Campbell, Ohio
Wisconsin 24 Michigan 14 - Michigan has been off a week, but it is not enough for a victory over the Badgers...
Alabama 31 Georgia 28 - this is Alabama's coming out party...
Penn State 16 Illinois 10 - It is a "not so Happy" Valley for the Fightin' Illini...Illinois just not as good as advertised...
Washington 34 Dallas 24 - it is hard to buck the Cowboys, but Dallas is in for a game...Redskins in an upset...
The Geek of Youngstown
Wisconsin BIG 31-17
Georgia 17-14
Take the points but Penn State wins 35-28
Washington 35-34
rstiles of Stiles Points
Michigan 23 Wisconsin 21 - Michigan eliminates turnovers and starts the "new" season off with a W...
Georgia 31 Alabama 21 - the Bama offense is not clicking on all cylinders...
Penn State 31 Illinois 21 - Penn State dominates because Illinois has no running game...
Washington 31 Dallas 27 - don't sleep on he Skins...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Juice Williams or Daryll Clark: who will make a big play?
Illinois @ Penn StateSaturday, September 27 - 8:00 (EST) ABC Sports
Happy Valley, Pennsylvania - Beaver Stadium
Penn State -14.5
Summary
Miami may have the oranges, but Illinois has The Juice...junior quarterback Juice Williams has led the Illini to the 17th best offense in football...Juice has thrown seven touchdowns and five interceptions...he has also accounted for two touchdown runs...once again, the knock on him is his inconsistency at throwing the ball...Juice has carried the ball as much as the team's top running back Daniel Dufrene (Juice 46-219 yards; Dufrene 45-300)...the team's dangerous wideout Arrelious Benn has only 15 receptions for 150 yards and zero TDs...the defense is ranked 75th, however, they have two stud linebackers in Brit Miller and Martez Wilson...Miller already has six sacks and Wilson with 4.5...Illinois has a good field goal kicker in Matt Eller who is 4 for 5 with a 51 yarder already this year...
The Penn State defense has not allowed a point in the first quarter this year...nationally, the Nittany Lions have the 7th best defense and the 6th best offense...the offense has averaged 538 yards per game and has scored 28 touchdowns led by Youngstown, Ohio native Daryll Clark at quarterback...Clark has thrown seven touchdowns and only one interception...he has also rushed for two touchdowns...like Illinois, Penn State has a solid place kicker in Kevin Kelly who is 4 for 5 this year including a 52-yard field goal...
Illinois Fighting Illini
Here are the Illinois game notes for the Penn State game...
Loren Tate of the Champaign News-Gazette writes about the Illini's rough road ahead... "The Big Ten emerged from the major portion of the nonconference football schedule with a 7-7 record against teams viewed here as "worthy" – it was a mistake to include Syracuse in that grouping – and a 24-1 record against the rest. Indiana's 42-20 loss to Ball State was the only conference loss to what is loosely described as a midmajor." ...
Terry Bannon of the Chicago Tribune writes about the Illinois defense... "It'll be a chance for Illinois' defensive line to show the nation its potential. It is a mixture of late bloomers, a position switcher and, more recently, highly sought after young players who have embellished Ron Zook's reputation as a recruiter." ...
Penn State Nittany Lions
Here are the Penn State game notes for the Illinois game...(photo of Youngstown, Ohio native and starting quarterback Daryll Clark)...
Vinny Pezzimenti of the State College Centre Times writes how Joe Paterno will determine when it is time to retire... "I don’t know what makes Joe Paterno tick. I’m not sure if any of us do. But wouldn’t you think this guy would coach in a full body cast if he had to?" ...
Ron Musselman of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes how Penn State must bottle up the Juice... "Williams is a great scrambler -- he already holds the school record for career rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,550 -- but still needs to improve his passing accuracy." ...
Bernard Fernandez of the Philadelphia News writes about the return of two suspended Penn State players... "Evans and Koroma have sat out the last three games since the Sept. 2 raid on their apartment. Police at that time responded to a call about loud noise at their apartment, and investigators said in court papers that a small amount of marijuana was found. The two players were charged Sept. 17 with marijuana possession. Penn State coach Joe Paterno said last week the fate of Evans and Koroma was "out of my hands" and ultimately would be determined by the university's Office of Judicial Affairs." ...
Below is a 1:10 clip taken by a fan after last year's Illinois victory over Penn State...
Even though he is no longer allowed, it is always nice to see Chief Illiniwek...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Alabama - Georgia Preview: Something has to give
Alabama @ Georgia
Saturday, September 27 - 7:45 (EST) ESPN
Athens, Georgia - Sanford Stadium
Georgia -6.5
Summary
Nick Saban has the Tide rolling again as they enter the Black Out at Sanford Stadium with a 4-0 mark...this will mark only the sixth time that these two teams are meeting as nationally ranked teams...interestingly, Georgia has won all five previous encounters...Bama has the 14th ranked defense in the country as they have allowed only four touchdowns all year...last week against Arkansas, the Tide brought back two interceptions for touchdowns and held the Hogs to only 92 yards rushing...the Alabama offense is ranked 57th nationally...
On the Georgia side, the Bulldogs defense, led by coordinator Willie Martinez, is ranked 24th nationally...the Dawgs offense is a bit better than Alabama as they are ranked 22nd...of course, the offense is led by Heisman candidate, running back, Knowshon Moreno...and what seems like his 8th year at Georgia, wide out Mohammed Massaquoi...
The ESPN College Gameday will be doing their show live from Athens this Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Here are the Alabama game notes for the Georgia game...
Christopher Walsh of the Tuscaloosa News writes how Alabama is getting used to the national attention... "'What's the dude's name, the old dude?' junior cornerback Javier Arenas about who he liked on the show. Um, Lee Corso?" ...
Jon Solomon of the Birmingham News writes in his blog "Solomon's Wisdom" about Bama quarterback John Parker Wilson... "There was an edge to John Parker Wilson's voice this week when a reporter made the premise that Alabama hasn't needed the vertical passing game yet." ...
Georgia Bulldogs
Here is the Georgia game notes for the Alabama game...
Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that legendary Georgia broadcaster Larry Munson retired on Monday after calling Bulldog football for 43 years... "Due to declining health, Munson gave up traveling to road games last season and worked only Georgia’s two home games this season. According to a statement released by the school Monday evening, Munson decided over the weekend to stay home and watch Saturday’s game between Georgia and Alabama with family and friends." ...
Below is a 4:42 tribute to Larry Munson...the best is his call of Lindsay Scott's touchdown over Florida in 1980...
Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal Constitution writes how Georgia has had a problem with penalties this season... "The veracity of those penalties aside, the 12 Georgia was flagged for Saturday night were added to the 31 fouls they had already been penalized for this season. So for those keeping count — and the NCAA is — that is 43 penalties for 357 yards this season, which ranks the Bulldogs last among 119 Division I schools." ...
Below is a 1:59 clip of last season's thriller between Bama and the Dawgs...Georgia won 26-23 in overtime...
Wisconsin - Michigan: The Big 10 Opener
Wisconsin @ Michigan
Saturday, September 27 - 3:30 (EST)
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Wisconsin -7.5
Summary
Both teams are coming off a bye week...the Wolverines are coming into the game 1-2 after their agonizing loss in South Bend to Notre Dame 35-17...despite committing six turnovers, Michigan's offense did show some
signs of improvement as Sam McGuffie rushed for 131 yards and Steven Threet did a good job managing the game and moving the ball...Michigan held Notre Dame to 260 total yards while racking up 388 of their own...
Wisconsin stands at 3-0 and are ranked 9th in the A.P. and 8th in the USA Today Coaches poll...the Badgers are coming off a "muscle" win at Fresno State 13-10...Wisky had a balanced attack as they passed for 150 yards and rushed for 154...112 of those 154 rushing yards came from P.J. Hill (photo, left)...this is the first of three consecutive big games for Wisky...next week the Badgers head home to play Ohio State then host Penn State the following week...
Wisconsin Badgers
Here are the Wisconsin game notes for the Michigan game...Wisconsin Game Notes
Nate Carey of the Madison Capital writes how the bye week came at the right time for the Badgers... "Wisconsin (3-0), which slipped a spot in The Associated Press poll to No. 9 but remains No. 8 according to the coaches, opens its quest for its first Big Ten championship since 1999 on Saturday at Michigan (1-2). And Bielema believes the week of rest was exactly what the doctor ordered." ...Nate Carey
Michigan Wolverines
Here are the Michigan game notes for the Wisconsin game...Michigan Game Notes
Here is the transcript from Rich Rodriguez's September 22nd press confernce...Rodriguez press conference
Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press writes how Michigan will be using starters on the practice squad to prepare for Wisky... "Michigan will work early this week by using some of its regulars to practice against the defensive starters, simulating Wisconsin's physical pounding style." ...Mark Snyder
Below is a 4:00 clip of the last time Wisconsin played at the Big House in 2006...Michigan won the game 27-13...
Saturday, September 27 - 3:30 (EST)
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Wisconsin -7.5
Summary
Both teams are coming off a bye week...the Wolverines are coming into the game 1-2 after their agonizing loss in South Bend to Notre Dame 35-17...despite committing six turnovers, Michigan's offense did show some
signs of improvement as Sam McGuffie rushed for 131 yards and Steven Threet did a good job managing the game and moving the ball...Michigan held Notre Dame to 260 total yards while racking up 388 of their own...
Wisconsin stands at 3-0 and are ranked 9th in the A.P. and 8th in the USA Today Coaches poll...the Badgers are coming off a "muscle" win at Fresno State 13-10...Wisky had a balanced attack as they passed for 150 yards and rushed for 154...112 of those 154 rushing yards came from P.J. Hill (photo, left)...this is the first of three consecutive big games for Wisky...next week the Badgers head home to play Ohio State then host Penn State the following week...
Wisconsin Badgers
Here are the Wisconsin game notes for the Michigan game...
Nate Carey of the Madison Capital writes how the bye week came at the right time for the Badgers... "Wisconsin (3-0), which slipped a spot in The Associated Press poll to No. 9 but remains No. 8 according to the coaches, opens its quest for its first Big Ten championship since 1999 on Saturday at Michigan (1-2). And Bielema believes the week of rest was exactly what the doctor ordered." ...
Michigan Wolverines
Here are the Michigan game notes for the Wisconsin game...
Here is the transcript from Rich Rodriguez's September 22nd press confernce...
Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press writes how Michigan will be using starters on the practice squad to prepare for Wisky... "Michigan will work early this week by using some of its regulars to practice against the defensive starters, simulating Wisconsin's physical pounding style." ...
Below is a 4:00 clip of the last time Wisconsin played at the Big House in 2006...Michigan won the game 27-13...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Jimmy the Cab Driver - MTV Does the Thinking for You
MTV once ran one of the greatest series of commercials involving Jimmy the Cab Driver...Jimmy McBride was a fictional greaseball cabbie from Boston who would talk to his riders about MTV videos...
Over the next few weeks, Stiles Points is bringing back some of the best Jimmy the Cab Driver commercials...in this clip, Jimmy describes to this old lady how MTV does the thinking for you...
Over the next few weeks, Stiles Points is bringing back some of the best Jimmy the Cab Driver commercials...in this clip, Jimmy describes to this old lady how MTV does the thinking for you...
Tommy John and Dr. Frank Jobe: Forever Linked - The History of Tommy John Surgery
Jerry Crowe of the Los Angeles Times writes how the term Tommy John surgery has kept the old southpaw's name out there...John admits that some of the younger people think Tommy John was a doctor..."But what keeps his name fresh in the minds of sports fans is not his pitching exploits, nor is it his current position as manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish of the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. It is this: He was the first to undergo an ulnar collateral ligament transplant, a career-saving procedure more commonly known as Tommy John surgery." ... Johnny Bright photographer dies plus other blog entries
Here are a few interesting posts today...The Zone Blitz has an interesting story about Don Ultang, who died on September 18th...Ultang along with John Robinson, won a Pulitzer Prize for a series of photos that show a brutal attack on Johnny Bright (photo, right), an African-American football player, during the Drake University-Oklahoma A&M football game on Oct. 20, 1951, in Stillwater, Oklahoma...the photo was shot for the Des Moines Register...the attack became known as the "Johnny Bright Incident."...at the time, Bright was seen as the country's first black Heisman Trophy candidate. The photographs highlighted the racial tension in the years preceding the civil rights era, made the cover of Life magazine and won Ultang and Robinson the Pulitzer Prize...
The Big Picture has his latest edition of "Who Would You Do" tournament...today's match-up is the 8th seed Hannah Storm vs. the 9th seed Tina Cervasio...I voted for Cervasio...
G Money from The Money Shot gives his worst of the weekend wrap-up...
Zell's Pinstripe Blog has a nice wrap-up of the final game at the great Yankee Stadium...
Random thoughts about sports
Here are some random thoughts about sports...
The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals are both 0-3 and face each other this upcoming Sunday...I predict the losing coach will be fired after the game...
The New York Yankees are 85-71 but because the standard is so high in The Bronx, it is considered a poor season...
I think it is funny that people do not want to see a team like the Milwaukee Brewers or Tampa Bay Devil Rays make the World Series...I have friends who stated it would not be an exciting World Series with teams like that...but these are the same people who complain if the New York Yankees are in the World Series...
Being that the U.S. team was so young, I think it helped that Tiger Woods did not participate in this year's Ryder Cup...Tiger's presence would have put more pressure on the players competing for the first time...
Needing a touchdown and field goal, why didn't Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin attempt a field goal instead of going for it on fourth down?...dumb move...
Is it just me or is Gilbert Arenas always hurt?...this dude just got a restructured contract and he is already out for the first 6 weeks of the NBA season...
As a Michigan fan, my biggest fear is that the Wolverines do not become Nebraska or Florida State - a once powerful college team that has underachieved...
Ohio State will not win the Big Ten...look for Penn State or Michigan State to win the conference....
Say what you want, but I love Les Miles...
I still say the New England Patriots will make the playoffs...the road will not be easy, but they will end up 10-6...
The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals are both 0-3 and face each other this upcoming Sunday...I predict the losing coach will be fired after the game...
The New York Yankees are 85-71 but because the standard is so high in The Bronx, it is considered a poor season...
I think it is funny that people do not want to see a team like the Milwaukee Brewers or Tampa Bay Devil Rays make the World Series...I have friends who stated it would not be an exciting World Series with teams like that...but these are the same people who complain if the New York Yankees are in the World Series...
Being that the U.S. team was so young, I think it helped that Tiger Woods did not participate in this year's Ryder Cup...Tiger's presence would have put more pressure on the players competing for the first time...
Needing a touchdown and field goal, why didn't Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin attempt a field goal instead of going for it on fourth down?...dumb move...
Is it just me or is Gilbert Arenas always hurt?...this dude just got a restructured contract and he is already out for the first 6 weeks of the NBA season...
As a Michigan fan, my biggest fear is that the Wolverines do not become Nebraska or Florida State - a once powerful college team that has underachieved...
Ohio State will not win the Big Ten...look for Penn State or Michigan State to win the conference....
Say what you want, but I love Les Miles...
I still say the New England Patriots will make the playoffs...the road will not be easy, but they will end up 10-6...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Carolina cheerleader identified as TopCat Jana
On Friday I posted a photo of a Carolina Panthers cheerleader who looked like she was 50-years-old...through the comments section, I now know she is TopCat Jana...her profile does not give her age, but it states that she is a college student...here is TopCat Jana's profile and sorry if I stated she looked 50-years-old...TopCat Season: 3rd
Hometown: Lawndale, NC
Education: Queens University of Charlotte
Occupation: Student
Future Goal: Obtain master's degree in social work and raise a family
Hobbies: Dancing, riding horses, shopping, and spending time with family and friends
Favorite Charity: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Favorite TV Show: Grey's Anatomy
Favorite Food: My daddy's chicken and ribs
Favorite Music: Country and dance
Favorite Quote: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.
Most Important Thing In Life: God, family, friends and health
Achievements: UCA all-star cheerleader, Winterfest Queen (2003) and making the TopCats
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