Why Michigan fans should root for LSU

Monday is the day when Ohio State takes on LSU for the alleged national title....as most know, I am a Michigan fan who lives in Ohio.....and I am not just an average Michigan fan.....I bleed Maize and Blue.....so over the last few weeks, the Buckeye faithful in the Youngstown area have asked me who I am rooting for on Monday night.....the answer is easy – LSU!!!!.....

This usually riles up Ohio State fans because they feel I should support a Big Ten team.....Here are my two reasons why I want Ohio State to lose....

1) Ohio State and Michigan compete for the same recruits...when the coaches go into the homes of these families, they will use whatever they can to convince these young men to attend their school.....a win Monday will be Jim Tressel’s second national title in six years....this is something that he will (and should) use when he is recruiting....so why would any Michigan fan want Tressel to have this advantage????....so what a Big Ten team wins the national title?!?!....when all the hoopla is over, an Ohio State win does not help Michigan nor any other Big Ten team....

2) Ohio State and Michigan are rivals...rivals should not be rooting for each other....when Michigan plays in a bowl game against another non-conference opponent, I don’t want any Ohio State fans rooting for the Maize and Blue.....why should Michigan fans root for Ohio State when their head coach (Tressel) clearly took the first shot at the Wolverines on the day he was introduced as head coach.....who can forget those words, "you will be proud of your team in 310 days"....he did not single out Penn State nor Michigan State nor Purdue nor any other Big Ten team....he put the bulls eye on Michigan.....

In the Woody Hayes Center in Columbus there is a clock that continually is running until the next Michigan game...Ohio State scum always like to sing the song "We Don't Give a Damn About the Whole State of Michigan"....if they don't give a damn about Michigan, then why should we as Michigan fans back them on Monday????.....also, last season Tressel refused to support a Big Ten school (Michigan) when the final coaches poll was conducted....instead he slithered around the situation by trying to take the high road.....

I have two words - Fuck em!!!!....Big Ten or not, I hate Ohio State....Tressel has had his way with Michigan, but hopefully on Monday a Michigan Man in purple and gold will take care of business....

Geaux Tigers!!!....

Fiesta Bowl News and Saturday's NFL Playoffs

Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma vs. West Virginia - 8:00 Fox
Norman Transcript sports reporter Clay Horning writes about the quiet leader of the Sooners - Sam Bradford..... "Bradford has been so good this season, he's reached the rarest of levels. The one where he's being taken for granted." .....

Clay Horning

Mitch Vingle of the Charleston Gazette writes how interim West Virginia head coach Bill Stewart has stole the show down in Glendale.... "And then WVU interim coach Bill Stewart took his seat, raised above the masses. He grabbed the microphone. And made people smile. He made them laugh. He made them remember that, hey, this football stuff can be fun." ....

Mitch Vingle

NFL Wildcard
Washington @ Seattle - Saturday 4:00 EST - NBC
Jason LaCanfora of the Washington Post writes how cornerback Shawn Springs is the leader of the Redskins defense.... "When starting corner Carlos Rogers was lost for the season because of a knee surgery in October, Springs began assuming a larger role again and finished second on the team with four interceptions -- all in the final four games." ....

Jason LaCanfora

Claire Farnsworth of the Seattle Post Intelligencer writes that Matt Hasselbeck is healthy and ready to go on Saturday - even with a new look..... "The status of the team's starting quarterback appeared to be in question after he fell on his right wrist Sunday during a 44-41 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. There was, however, no questioning what Hasselbeck was able to do on the practice field Tuesday." ....

Claire Farnsworth

Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh - Saturday 8:00 EST - NBC
Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes how the Steelers defense will need more than spirit to slowdown the Jaguars running game... "Can that spirit tackle? Can it play the proper gaps and prevent long runs? Can it make a play or two on third down and get the defense off the field? Can it stop giving up touchdown passes and long scoring drives?" ....

Ron Cook

For all the latest on Jacksonville, check out the Jacksonville Sun's Jaguar page...

Jaguars

A disgrace in the Sugar Bowl - Hawaii Sucks!!!

When reviewing the New Year's Day bowl games, there are three conclusions that I have come up with.....1. Southern Cal is the best team in the nation no matter who wins the LSU-Ohio State game on Monday night......2. Hawaii's performance in the Sugar Bowl was a disgrace....3. Colt Brennan will not make it in the NFL....

I want to elaborate a bit more about Hawaii's perforamance....all season long we had to hear about Brennan and all the records that he and his receivers set throughout their career.....but for the first time, Hawaii played a real college team - Georgia - and look what happened....Hawaii ran their mouth how they wanted to come to the mainland and show how good of a team they are.....I will say this, they will not be asked to another BCS Bowl game even if they go 12-0 again.....

I think it was unfair for the Fox announcers, Tom Brennaman and Charles Davis to baby the Hawaii team.....with the score standing 38-3, the announcers were defending Hawaii's season and how hard it was for them to make it to a BCS game.....that may be true, but let me say this, if Georgia was beating say, Notre Dame, Ohio State, or Southern Cal 38-3, these same announcers would not be coddling those teams.....these announcers did not have the guts to flat out say "Hawaii did not deserve to be in the Sugar Bowl"....a team like Arizona State or Clemson should have been playing Georgia....so if Hawaii wants to run with the big boys, then they should also take the criticism like the big boys.....Aloha and don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way back to the island....

Michigan defeats Florida

LLOYD GOES OUT A WINNER

What I Have Learned

I was born January 1, 1969....so today is my birthday and my last year of being in the 30s....I always like reading in Esquire the section "What I Have Learned".....the editors always have someone famous spew off what they have learned over the course of their life.....well, here are some of the things that I have learned and what I believe over the first 38 years of being alive.....

When a crisis occurs, do not lie - tell the truth...

Living in Ohio, it is easy to be an Ohio State fan, but it takes a real man to be a Michigan fan...

Smile...

Don't worry what other people think about you - Fuck 'em!!!...

I do not like phoney people...I also do not like professional bullshitters...

Wearing a suit to work does not mean that you are making a difference...

Rocky is the best movie I ever saw...I cannot believe that Burgess Meredith never won an Oscar for his role as Mickey...

Everyone should see a counselor at least once in their life...

Being married does not bring happiness...

You never learn anything by talking - Listen!!!...

The most I was ever focused was when I completed two marathons...

It's okay to not own a gun...

It is a crime that Yankee Stadium will be demolished...

There is not a "soulmate" for everyone...some are destined to be alone...

My dad is the most honorable man I know...

If you are able, help those who are less fortunate...you don't have to donate hundreds of dollars...even a few dollars here and there do make a difference...

September 11, 2001 still bothers me when I think about all those innocent people who died...

The 1980 Olympic hockey game between the USA and USSR was the greatest game ever played....

As I get older, I become more aware that my time on earth is slowly running out...

I hate change...

It is truly amazing how the U.S. Postal system works...as big as this country is, in a matter of days, a letter from Niles, Ohio could be sent to another small town in say Montana...

Being in the eighth grade was the best time of my youth...all we did was go to school and play basketball in the evenings...no one could drive, so we all had to walk or have one of our parents drive us...life was simple...

Many sports fans hate him, but every sports fan wishes that George Steinbrenner was the owner of their favorite sports team because The Boss wants to win...too many owners stuff the profits into their own pockets instead of fielding a championship contender team...

I hate parents who think their kid is going to be some prodigy just because the kid could wipe his own ass at the age of three....

Do not raise your child because some whacko intellectual doctor told you to do it a certain way in a book....you will make mistakes, but remember, you are raising a human being, not some damn robot....

Just because someone goes to church every Sunday, that does not make him/her morally better than someone else....it's what you do every day and how you treat people - not just for that hour on Sunday....

Respect is the most powerful word in the dictionary.....if I respect someone, even if we don't see eye-to-eye, we can set aside our differences in order to get something accomplished....

People deserve a second chance....

Capital punishment should be allowed for the most horrible and inhumane crimes....

If you treat a dog well, he will be your best friend....

The legs are the best part of a woman's body.....nothing beats a great pair of legs....

I am a very passionate person...not enough people have passion...

I use my hands when I speak....I guess that is part of my passion...for those who don't like that - deal with it!!...

Jim Valvano's speech during the first ESPYs is one of the greatest speeches ever...Valvano only had weeks to live and he spoke from the heart...not enough people speak from the heart...

Like Howard Cosell said, "I tell it like it is"....if people don't like it - too fucking bad!!...

Ice Bowl - 40th Anniversary

As I was walking my dog it dawned on me that today is the 40th anniversary of maybe the greatest NFL game ever played - the Ice Bowl between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.....the game was played on December 31, 1967 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay....the actual game time temperature at kick-off was 13 below zero with windchills hovering around 40 below.....the game pitted two of the greatest coaches Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry.....including Lombardi, there were 8 future Hall of Famers for the Packers who were involved in that game while there were five future Hall of Famers for the Cowboys....it was so cold, the referees could not use their whistles.....

Below are some pictures and various links to this great game....

Green Bay Packers 21, Dallas Cowboys 17
Scoring
GB - Dowler 8 pass from Starr (Chandler kick)
GB - Dowler 46 pass from Starr (Chandler kick)
DAL - Andrie 7 fumble return (Villanueva kick)
DAL - FG Villanueva 21
DAL - Rentzel 50 pass from Reeves (Villanueva kick)
GB - Starr 1 run (Chandler kick)

NFL - Ice Bowl

South Endzone Blog

New Year's Day Bowl Tidbits

Cotton Bowl - Missouri vs. Arkansas - January 1 - Fox 11:00 a.m.
Dallas Morning News sports columnist Kevin Sherrington writes how the Cotton Bowl will be the last game that Frank Broyles will serve as Arkansas athletic director..... "But don't let the white hair and silver tongue fool you. His coaches did so at their own peril. Since confirming in February that he'd retire at the end of the year, Broyles has outlasted two of the Razorbacks coaches that showed up in honor of his announcement." .....

Kevin Sherrington

Missourian sports reporter Drew Schemenner writes how Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel is a rarity among college coaches.... "Pinkel and his coaching staff are tortoises in a profession full of hares. While other coaches have quickly hopped from job to job in the frantic chase for success, Pinkel has remained faithful to his teams, gradually emerging from his shell in order for the Tigers to reach uncommon heights." .....

Drew Schemenner

Capital One Bowl - Michigan vs. Florida - January 1 - ABC 1:00
Detroit Free Press reports that Urban Meyer is not interested in becoming the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.....

Detroit Free Press

Detroit Free Press reporter Mark Snyder writes about Jake Long's last game as a Wolverine.... "Long, who made his first start as a Wolverine against San Diego State in 2004, has set a standard at Michigan rarely matched in the program's illustrious history. His achievements place him among the all-time greats." ....

Mark Snyder

Orlando Sentinel sports reporter Dave Curtis writes how Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English was surprised how well Tim Tebow could throw the ball..... "The comments bring full circle the "Can Tebow throw?" fun of 2007. Tebow doubters popped up throughout the country in the spring, and Coach Urban Meyer joked this summer that the Gators might run the ball on every play." ....

Dave Curtis

Rose Bowl - Illinois vs. Southern Cal - January 1 - ABC 4:30
Chicago Sun-Times sports reporter Herb Gould writes how Illinois needs to work through the mental side of playing in the Rose Bowl..... "The Illini -- two-touchdown underdogs, the biggest of this bowl season -- are playing not only to validate themselves. They also are carrying the hopes of a supposedly down Big Ten and an Illini Nation that wants to atone for a 45-9 drubbing by UCLA in the 1983 season, Illinois' only other Rose Bowl trip since 1963." ....

Herb Gould

Los Angeles Times sports reporter Gary Klein writes how Trojan linebacker Keith Rivers wants to uphold the honor of wearing number 55..... "Tatupu was referring to the No. 55 jersey that USC coaches bestowed upon Rivers when he arrived on campus in 2004 from Lake Mary, Fla. Trojans linebackers such as Junior Seau, Willie McGinest and Chris Claiborne, all of who were top 10 NFL draft picks, had worn 55." .....

Gary Klein

Sugar Bowl - Hawaii vs. Georgia - January 1 - Fox 8:00
Honolulu Sun Bulletin sports reporter Gary Chun writes how New Orleans is fast becoming green..... "Mostly wearing forest green and black shirts and jackets, a good number of the Hawaii fans were also bedecked with special Warrior green beads and the occasional green-and-white feather boa." ....

Gary Chun

Atlanta Journal-Constitution sports reporter Carter Strickland writes how Georgia head coach Mark Richt has learned that running the ball is the key to win the SEC..... "Yes, but Georgia may be better set up to win in the future because it has built, quite literally, from the ground game up this season. Never before under Richt has Georgia rushed for more yards than it did this season." .....

Carter Strickland

Odds on Presidential Race

Here are the latest odds on who will win their party's nomination....all of these are based on what you would win on a $10.00 bet

Democrat
Hillary Clinton - $3.64
Barak Obama - $22.50
John Edwards - $100.00

Republican
Rudy Giuliani - $16.00
Mitt Romney - $25.00
John McCain - $35.00
Mike Huckabee - $50.00
Ron Paul - $100.00
Fred Thompson - $160.00

Tidbits from around the league

Boston Globe sports columnist Jackie MacMullen writes how Tom Brady and Randy Moss stepped up when the Patriots perfect season looked bleak..... "The Patriots, quite frankly, were in trouble. Their defense was unable to contain Manning and his receivers. Brandon Jacobs literally ran over some of New England's top personnel, including team leader Rodney Harrison." ....

Jackie MacMullen

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes how some within the Dolphins organization question if Ted Ginn Jr., will ever become a number one receiver..... "Becoming a legitimate, long-term No. 1 receiver isn't too much to expect from the No. 9 draft pick." .....

Barry Jackson

Miami Herald sports reporter Armando Salguero writes how Bill Parcells is quickly learning how bad the Dolphins really are..... "Sure, he knew the Dolphins were bad. But now, as he studies and watches more closely, he will come to understand that they are truly this bad. And he will come to understand why." .....

Armando Salguero

Washington Post sports reporter Jason La Canfora writes how the Redskins have been down this road before.... "In 2005, a previously pedestrian Redskins team found a way to reel off five straight wins to close the regular season, then defeat Tampa Bay in its playoff opener before losing a close second-round contest to Seattle." ....

Jason La Canfora

Tennessean sports reporter Jim Wyatt writes how, in college, Vince Young always played his best when the national spotlight was on him..... "The national television spotlight blinds some players, but so far Vince Young isn't one of them." ....

Jim Wyatt

Minnesota Star-Tribune sports reporter Kevin Seifert writes how the Vikings may not be sold on Tarvaris Jackson as its quarterback in 2008.... "On Monday, a day after Jackson threw two interceptions in a 32-21 loss to Washington, coach Brad Childress used the word "decent" to describe Jackson's decision-making, making clear that 14 turnovers in 11 starts is too high of a number." ....

Kevin Seifert

Los Angeles Times sports columnist Bill Plaschke writes how Rick Neuheisel needs to do the right thing now that he got his dream job..... "After spending a month apparently trying to talk themselves out of it, UCLA officials have finally sighed and wiped their palms and handed their football program to Rick Neuheisel, boy wonder turned boy blunder turned . . . new man?" ....

Bill Plaschke

Michigan Man Sets NFL Record

MICHIGAN MAN SETS NFL RECORD

50 TOUCHDOWN PASSES!!!!!!

Liberty and Alamo Bowl Previews & Giants-Pats Preview

Liberty Bowl - Mississippi State vs. Central Florida - 4:30 ESPN
Jackson (Miss) Clarion-Ledger sports reporter Kyle Veazey writes how Mississippi State is motivated to keep up the SEC dominance..... "Soon comes the inevitable question, the one that asks about UCF, the Conference USA champion, playing a team out of the big, bad Southeastern Conference." ....

Kyle Veazey

Orlando Sentinel sports reporter Kyle Hightower writes how Central Florida had 1 goal when they broke camp back in August..... "Back in August when UCF broke its first team huddle to end a practice, they did it with a simple cadence: "One blood, one heart, one mission: To the champs." ......

Kyle Hightower

Alamo Bowl - Penn State vs. Texas A&M - 8:00 ESPN
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports reporter Ron Musselman writes how Penn State is focused on putting pressure on Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee..... "Several Penn State defensive players said McGee's scrambling ability is similar to that of Illinois quarterback Juice Williams. They agreed, however, that McGee is a much better passer." ....

Ron Musselman

San Antonio Express-News sports reporter Tim Griffin writes how Texas A&M can upset Penn State.... "The Aggies' biggest challenge will test their offensive strength. A&M's mammoth offensive line will be challenged to push Penn State's athletic defensive front." ...

Tim Griffin

New England Patriots vs. New York Giants - 8:00 NFL Network, NBC, CBS
Boston Globe sports columnist Bob Ryan writes how Bill Belichick does not want people to think that he knows how big tonight's game is against the Giants.... "And, that done, he will remind one and all that 16-0 is nice, but it won't be worth a book of 1963 game plans if his team doesn't win three playoff games." ....

Bob Ryan

New York Daily News sports columnist Lisa Olson writes the Giants are dreaming of an upset.... "Here is how the Giants envision the final seconds on Saturday night in the Meadowlands, as the clock creeps toward midnight: New York's defense, exhausted but as healthy as it can be after surviving the 16th game of the season, a game that has been far more punishing mentally and physically than any of the 15 games that came before it, sacks Tom Brady, aka the prince, one last time." ....

Lisa Olson

Stu Nahan Dies - Announcer in the Rocky series

Longtime sports announcer Stu Nahan died this week....he may best be remembered as the ringside announcer in the Rocky series

Stu Nahan

Dream Playoff - National Title Game - Southern Cal vs. Oklahoma

We are down to the last game - the National Title Game between Southern Cal and Oklahoma.....therefore, I officially call to order the Kings of the Roundtable....I have brought together the blogosphere's best and brightest to breakdown college football....the Fab Five are Zach of The Big Picture, Graig of Money Shot, Jon of Complete Sports, Virgil of The Ship of Fools (formerly of Wasting Company Time), and me (Rick) of Stiles Points.....

Semi-Final Game USC Trojans vs. Oklahoma Sooners
USC favored by 2.5
Game to be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena

Jon of Complete Sports
USC comes in riding high. After upsetting LSU in the first round, they easily dispatched Virginia Tech to secure their spot in the title game. For Oklahoma, it's been a tough road, as they eeked out a win against Georgia before upsetting top-ranked Ohio St. in the semfinals. Both teams are playing well. However, while this one won't be as lopsided as the national title game between these teams a few years ago, I think the result will be the same. USC might have just a little too much firepower offensively and too much speed defensively. Oklahoma will have to effectively run the ball and control the clock, but I don't think they're quite good enough to do it for 60 minutes.
USC 27 Oklahoma 17

Graig of Money Shot
Two of the richest histories in college football get together to decide our champion. Both teams have fierce and physical defenses. Both teams have two-headed monsters at running back. Both have good but inconsistent quarterbacks. Both have great coaches who have won a title before. So who the hell is the difference maker if both of these teams are virtually the same? The Oklahoma offensive line. They have one of the biggest and best that college football has seen over the past few decades. I think that USC could hang with them for the most part, but that gargantuan O-line wears them down in the second half. Having beaten a very physical LSU team in the semifinals still lingers for the Trojans. So I'm putting on my Jim Ross cowboy hat and screaming "Boomer Sooners", baby!
Oklahoma 23 USC 21

Virgil of The Ship of Fools
How we ended up with this matchup of two-loss disappointments in the finals is beyond me. But here they are. In my opinion, the key to this game will be the propensity of USC quarterback John David Booty to make mistakes. Booty threw at least one interception in four of the Trojans' first five games, including four INTs in the loss against Stanford. OU QB Sam Bradford, on the other hand, threw 34 TD passes and only 7 INTs. I think that the steady play of Bradford, along with the Sooner running game, will be the difference.
Oklahoma 21 USC 10

Rick of Stiles Points
A few years back these two faced off for the national title in the Orange Bowl and USC destroyed Oklahoma.....Bradford and OU are playing well, but to me, Southern Cal has too much talent, especially on defense.....it would not be a blow out this time, but in the end, USC wins again....
USC 24 Oklahoma 21

So with the Kings tied at 2 apiece and Zach not responding, I once again had to go to my 76-year-old father, Ignatius to break the tie.....after a few minutes of pondering the decision, he chose Southern Cal because they came on strong at the end of the year and are rolling.....he also said these two teams should be playing in the BCS Title game, not LSU-Ohio State.....So Let It Be Written - So Let it Be Done - the Roundtable rules 3-2 in favor of Southern Cal winning our Dream Playoff.....I want to thank my fellow bloggers for participating....it was much appreciated......I leave you with a few photos of the lovely Southern Cal Song Girls.....

Holiday Bowl and other Bowl News

For the last week or so I have been a bit lazy on my blog....but starting today, I will provide links to the various upcoming bowl games....plus, tomorrow will be the predictions in our Dream National Title Game between Oklahoma and Southern Cal....

Holiday Bowl - Texas vs. Arizona State - Thursday 8:00 p.m. (EST)
Suzanne Haliburton of the Austin American-Statesman writes how Texas head coach Mack Brown worked his team hard before this year's Holiday Bowl..... "Four years ago — the last time his Longhorns played in the Holiday Bowl — Texas coach Mack Brown knew something was wrong two days before the team took on Washington State. Practice was void of emotion." .....

Suzanne Haliburton

Jeff Metcalfe of the Arizona Republic offers a preview of tonight's Holiday Bowl.... "It's not where you play a bowl game, Texas coach Mack Brown said, but who you play. Arizona State has plenty of respect for Texas, its opponent in Thursday's 30th annual Holiday Bowl. The Longhorns were national champions two years ago and are trying for their seventh consecutive 10-win-or-better season and a school-record fourth consecutive bowl victory." ....

Jeff Metcalfe

College Football News's Pete Fiutak previews tonight's Texas-Arizona State game....

College Football News

Champs Sports Bowl - Michigan State vs. Boston College - Friday 5:00 p.m. (EST)
Spartan beat reporter Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal writes how Michigan State will be without their top sack master..... "Senior defensive end Jonal Saint-Dic, a first-team All-Big Ten selection and second team All-American, is academically ineligible for Friday's Champs Sports Bowl." ....

Joe Rexrode

The Boston Globe's Matt Blaudschun writes about how the Boston College seniors will be ending a good era in BC football.... "Twelve of the 17 started for the Eagles, comprising the bulk of a senior class that compiled a 38-12 record, the best in school history. The group has never lost a bowl game, part of an NCAA-best seven straight bowl victories." ....

Matt Blaudschun

BCS Title Game - #2 LSU vs. #1 Ohio State - January 7
Columbus Dispatch reporter Garrett Downing writes about what swag the Buckeye players will be taking home with them from the BCS title game.... "When the Ohio State University football team earned a bid to the national championship game, the players could cross some items off their Christmas wish lists." ....

Garrett Downing

New Orleans Times Picayune's James Varney writes about LSU defense coordinator Bo Pelini and his days as a Buckeye..... "He said this week he remembers the atmosphere at Tiger Stadium in 1987, when No. 7 Ohio State and No. 4 LSU battled to a 13-13 tie, and he remembered LSU defensive end Karl Dunbar deflecting a 47-yard field-goal attempt in the final seconds that would have won the game for the Buckeyes. The next year in Ohio Stadium, when Ohio State scored 16 points in the final 1:56 to shock the No. 9 Tigers, Pelini said, "We probably shouldn't have won that game." ....

James Varney

Strip clubs in Texas
If you plan on going to a strip club in Texas, starting in 2008, you will have a $5.00 tax added to your admission.... "The group of Texas strip clubs fighting an upcoming $5-per-customer fee is focusing on what it calls an unconstitutional tax, and, at least for now, is setting aside its First Amendment argument." .....

Texas Strip Club Tax

Semi-Final Game - USC vs. Virginia Tech

We are down to the last semi-final game - Southern Cal vs. Virginia Tech - with the winner playing Oklahoma....therefore, I officially call to order the Kings of the Roundtable....I have brought together the blogosphere's best and brightest to breakdown college football....the Fab Five are Zach of The Big Picture, Graig of Money Shot, Jon of Complete Sports, Virgil of The Ship of Fools (formerly of Wasting Company Time), and me (Rick) of Stiles Points.....today, only 4 Kings give their views...

Semi-Final Game
#3 Virginia Tech (11-2) vs. #7 USC Trojans (11-2)
USC favored by 7.5
Game to be played at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans

Zach The Big Picture
SC is hot, hot, hot. Throw out the loss to Stanford and we don't have any doubt who the top team in the country is. USC has a solid QB, 800 solid running backs and good receiver. And Sed Ellis on defense is about as good as they get. Va Tech's D is impressive as well, and Beamer Ball could always lead to some unexpected points. But Sean Glenn will look like a Pee Wee football passer against this vaunted Trojan defense.
USC 35 Virginia Tech 20

Craig of Money Shot
The second semifinal features two of the best coached teams in the nation. This one will not be for the faint of heart as both teams successes are due to their strong defenses. John David Booty will have to make plays as the Hokie defense will be looking to stop the Trojan run game first. Pete Carroll has beaten Beamer Ball before and will find a way to stop the duo of QB's Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor. In the end, the Trojans' talent shines and gets them into the finals.
USC 26 Virginia Tech

Jon of Complete Sports
Virginia Tech might have the best defense that USC has faced all year, but they will have a hard time slowing down a Trojans offense that is starting to click. With John David Booty back and healthy, along with the talent at the skill positions (especially in the backfield), the Trojans have lots of options. Oh yeah, and they're pretty good defensively. Virginia Tech keeps it close for a while because of the defense, but they simply don't have the firepower for USC.
USC 31 Virginia Tech 14

Rick of Stiles Points
If you remember a few years back these two teams opened the season and Tech almost pulled the upset....not this time people...Tech has a solid defense, but they will not be able to slow down USC
USC 35 Virginia Tech 14

A decision has been made....So Let It Be Written - So Let it Be Done - the Roundtable rules 4-0 in favor of Southern Cal advancing to the Title Game to play Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl..so check back on Christmas Eve for our thoughts on that game...

Random Thoughts

Just some random thoughts about random things.....

I believe Carolina was trying to tank some games this year to help their draft position....why would you start Vinny Testaverde for all those weeks....you mean there wasn’t any other quarterback out there?......

Is it me or did Katie Couric put on some weight.....

Does Scott Boras still get a percentage of Arod’s new contract?.....

The new slogan in Ann Arbor - In Rod We Trust.....

I think there is always going to be a suspicion of steroid use whenever any baseball player does something out of the ordinary....

During the course of your day today, smile and tell someone Merry Christmas....

Was I the only person wanting to see the Dolphins lose all their games?.....

Am I the only person wanting to see the Patriots win all their games?.....

Not so fast Dallas fans, you better not be making your reservations for Glendale just yet.....

Isn’t it funny how the Cleveland Plain Dealer is so in love with LeBron James....but when he was in high school they smashed him because some store owner gave him a Wes Unseld throwback jersey.....

Talking about The Plain Dealer - love Bill Livingston’s columnn.....

Marvin Lewis has to be let go after the season....I believe he has taken the Bengals as far as he could - they need new leadership......

Mike Singletary deserves to be the next head coach in Atlanta....

Whatever happened to Forrest Gregg?....

I think Carolina will hold on to John Fox one more year.....then if he has another bad season - it is Bill Cowher’s job.....

Will Matt Millen finally be shown the door since the Lions have melted down over the last half of the season?....

And if anyone sees my girl from CNBC - Maria Bartiromo - tell her I said Hi.....

Semi-Final Game - Ohio State vs. Oklahoma

We are down to the Final Four - Ohio State vs. Oklahoma and Southern Cal vs. Virginia Tech....therefore, I officially call to order the Kings of the Roundtable....I have brought together the blogosphere's best and brightest to breakdown college football....the Fab Five are Zach of The Big Picture, Graig of Money Shot, Jon of Complete Sports, Virgil of The Ship of Fools (formerly of Wasting Company Time), and me (Rick) of Stiles Points.....today we breakdown the Ohio State-Oklahoma match-up...now to our thoughts on today's match-up.....

Semi-Final Game
#1 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) vs. #4 Oklahoma Sooners (11-2)
Ohio State favored by 1.5
Game to be played at the old Orange Bowl in Little Havanna

Jon of Complete Sports
Once again, Ohio St. will need to rely on their defense and running game against a very talented Oklahoma team. Chris Wells will see the ball a lot. However, I think Oklahoma's firepower on offense will be a little too much to overcome for the Buckeyes. Sam Bradford leads the offense, and he has a bevy of options, including guys like DeMarco Murray, Allen Patrick, and Malcolm Kelly. They'll make just enough big plays to sneak by and into the championship game.
Oklahoma 24, Ohio St. 20

Zach of The Big Picture
Ohio State plays solid football. Hard-nosed, dull, Big 10 football. Key word: dull. Oklahoma, meanwhile, isn't the most entertaining team in the world, but an exciting, young QB could be what this team needs to win another big game. Who knows, maybe they'll put a hook and ladder in the playbook, too.
Oklahoma 28 Ohio State 24

Virgil of The Ship of Fools
Both teams are very strong up front, both are led by stud running backs (Allen Patrick and DeMarco Murray for OU, Chris Wells for OSU) and both have efficient game-managers at quarterback (Sam Bradford for the Sooners, and Todd Boeckmann for the Buckeyes). In many ways, these teams are mirror-images of each other. I think that will make for a close, low-scoring game. In the end, I think that the strength that the Buckeyes have in the front seven will be the difference. Oklahoma did not face anyone of the caliber of DE Vernon Gholston, or MLB James Laurenitis in the Big 12, and I think that will be the difference.
Ohio State 17 Oklahoma 14

Graig of Money Shot
This one should be physical. Both teams feature power running games and stout run defenses. The key to the game will be whether Todd Boeckman will able to move the ball downfield against the best and quickest defense that he's ever seen. Sam Bradford should be able to make a few plays off of play-action after the Sooners establish the running game. In the end, the Sooners defense has too much talent for Todd Boeckman and will force a few turnovers that to points for the Big 12 champions.
Oklahoma 31 Ohio State 17

Rick of Stiles Points
This is the Battle of Youngstown, Ohio....Bob Stoops was born and bred in Youngstown vs. the city's adopted favorite son - Jim Tressel....Oklahoma was playing as well as anyone at the end of the season.....Sam Bradford has various weapons to utilize which will challenge the Buckeye defense....look what Illinois did....the Sooners will put the heat on Boeckman like no other team has this year....this will show his weaknessed....Ohio State will not go down easy, but in the end, Boomer Sooner prevails....
Oklahoma 24 Ohio State 13

A decision has been made....So Let It Be Written - So Let it Be Done - the Roundtable rules 4-1 in favor of Oklahoma advancing to the Title Game in the Rose Bowl and playing the winner of the Southern Cal-Virginia Tech game.....so check back Wednesday for our thoughts on that game...

NCAA Playoff Game - First Round - USC vs. LSU

Here we go for the final first round game.... I officially call to order the Kings of the Roundtable....today we breakdown maybe the best first round game.....

First round playoff game
#2 LSU Tigers (11-2) vs. #7 Southern Cal Trojans (10-2)
LSU favored by 1.5
Game to be played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas

Zach of The Big Picture
Tough D vs. Tough D. Really tough to call. Based on LSU being mildly convincing and USC being solid, I'll give the Trojans the nod. Could be a faux national title.
USC

Jon of Complete Sports
Sorry... not gonna be able to get a writeup... been studying for a test all day and I have to go take it (I will leave literally right after I hit send). But my pick:
USC 31 LSU 30

Graig Money Shot
Ah yes, the best first round matchup. LSU has all the talent in the world but tend to not rise to the occasion each week. No matter which QB is back there, the offense is just average. The defense has underachieved all year as they should NEVER be allowing 43 and 50 points in a game. USC has also been underwhelming. They should be mauling teams each and every week but have also had the propensity to play down to the competition every week. However, USC can run and run and run with Joe McKnight and others. The deciding factor in this game will be Pete Carroll outmaneuvering the overrated and often crazy, Les Miles, in every facet of the game. This one won't be pretty with the defenses dominating...but that's the way the Trojans have played all year.
USC 20 LSU 16

Virgil of The Ship of Fools
Finally, we get these teams on the same (hypothetical) field! The best in the west against the best from down south.

Anyone that knows me knows that I have always thought that the Pac-10 was a little overrated. As it turned out, Arizona St. wasn't very good, Oregon fell apart without Dennis Dixon, and Cal proved to be a complete fraud. So I do not have as much respect for a USC team with two conference losses as others might. I think that the Trojans' defense is inconsistent, and John David Booty showed a lot of warts now that he isn't throwing to All-America WRs. LSU on the other hand, looked like the best team in the nation for much of the season. They had two triple OT losses, a couple more close wins (Florida & Auburn) and pretty much blew everyone else out in a very tough SEC. USC's strength is speed, and LSU's is power. I think that LSU has the speed to match up with the Trojans, but USC doesn't have nearly enough power to match up with the Tigers.
LSU 31 USC 17

Rick of Stiles Points
This is flat out the best first round game....in fact, I have seen other playoffs scenarios where either LSU or USC were the champs.....as a Michigan Man, I love Les Miles and dream of him to be wearing Maize and Blue.....I think he brings that edge to the game....LSU is talented as heck even though they lost twice this year....but my pick is going to be Southern Cal.....USC is the hottest team in the country right now.....yeh, yeh, they lost to Stanford - that was back in October though....plus, if this game were to be played in the first round, LSU's defense and quarterback are banged up.....Dorsey and Flynn would not be healthy for this game against USC.....that also has to be taken into factor....
Southern Cal 38 LSU 27

A decision has been made....So Let It Be Written - So Let it Be Done - the Roundtable rules 4-1 in favor of USC advancing and playing Virginia Tech in the semi-finals.....so check back Monday for our thoughts on the one semi-final between Ohio State and Oklahoma.....that game will be played in the Orange Bowl in Miami.....the winner advances on to the National Title Game....

Dream Playoffs - First Round - Missouri vs. Virginia Tech

Here we go again, I officially call to order the Kings of the Roundtable....I have brought together the blogosphere's best and brightest to breakdown college football....the Fab Five are Zach of The Big Picture, Graig of Money Shot, Jon of Complete Sports, Virgil of The Ship of Fools (formerly of Wasting Company Time), and me (Rick) of Stiles Points.....today we breakdown the third of the four first round games in our Dream 8-team playoff to determine this year's National Champion....now to our thoughts on today's match-up.....

First round playoff game
#6 Missouri Tigers (11-2) vs. #3 Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2)
Virginia Tech favored by 1.5
Game to be played at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta

Graig of Money Shot
One of the great mysteries that no one is discussing is the fact that Va Tech was ranked #1 in 3 of the 6 computer polls yet were not given an opportunity to play in the BCS title game. After the week 2 pounding in Baton Rouge, the Hokies have played great football and had it not been for the crazy Matt Ryan comeback, would only have that one loss. Frank Beamer's utilization of playing both Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor at QB has infused a ton of life in the offense. While Missouri is led by Heisman candidate Chase Daniel and talented freshman Jeremy Maclin, Oklahoma showed how to beat them. If you play physical and keep everything in front of you on defense, you can beat the Tigers. I think that the Hokie defense continues to play great football and Beamer Ball gets big special teams play. In the end, the Tigers settle for FG's instead of TD's and lose to the ACC champs.
Virginia Tech 27 Missouri 19

Jon of Complete Sports
It's a matchup between a very talented offense for Missouri and a very talented defense of Virginia Tech. For the Hokies, as always they have a lot of talent and speed defensively, as they gave up only 15.5 PPG on the season. Offensively, they are not very explosive, but they can move the ball with Sean Glennon and Brandon Ore. On the Missouri side, the offense has been excellent while the defense has been suspect at times. They are led by Chase Daniel, who makes quick decisions and gets the ball to where it needs to be. But the offense is not just Daniel, as there are playmakers all around. Martin Rucker is surehanded as a TE, Jeremy Macklin makes plays in every aspect of the game, and Tony Temple is a solid option running the football. Virginia Tech's defense is very good, but I think they'd have some troubles with the playmakers of Missouri.
Missouri 31 Virginia Tech 20

Zach of The Big Picture
Missouri was exposed as a fraud in the Big XII title game. The Tigers aren't good, never were good, and the fact that we thought they were shows how little we know. Michael Vick behind bars could win this one for the Hokies.
Virginia Tech

Virgil of The Ship of Fools
Two teams that seemed to end their seasons on completely different notes: The Hokies with the satisfaction of an ACC title and a solid two-loss season, and the Tigers with a loss in the conference title game, and the disappointment of losing after finally attaining the #1 ranking. Never have two identical 11-2 records seemed so different.

Virginia Tech seemed to flourish once they adopted the two quarterback system, with Tyrod Taylor providing a good change of pace from Sean Glennon. They were also a team, like most Frank Beamer coached teams, that was built around stingy defense and solid special teams. Defense was the weakness of the Mizzou Tigers, who basically rode the arm of Heisman candidate QB Chase Daniel all season. I think that the fast aggressive defense that VT plays will be like nothing that Missouri saw in a Big 12 conference replete with soft-as-charmin defenses. Its tough for me to pick against Chase Daniel, who I trumpeted for the Heisman all season, but I think the Hokies are just too fast and too strong.
Virginia Tech 24 Missouri 14

Rick of Stiles Points
We all know that so far this season, Mizzou can beat anyone except Oklahoma. We also know that Chase Daniel has been a solid quarterback. On the Hokie side, we know that Virginia Tech has an agressive defense that could put a wrench in any good team's offense. We also know that Beamer Ball usually shows up in big games. Missouri is a good team, but there will be too much Beamer Ball as the Hokies bring a punt back for a touchdown and slow down the Tigers offense.
Virginia Tech 24 Missouri 13

A decision has been made....So Let It Be Written - So Let it Be Done - the Roundtable rules 4-1 in favor of Virginia Tech advancing and playing the winner of the Southern Cal-LSU game...check back Friday for our thoughts on that game....

NCAA Playoff - Georgia vs. Oklahoma

Once again, I officially call to order the Kings of the Roundtable....I have brought together the blogosphere's best and brightest to breakdown college football....the Fab Five are Zach of The Big Picture, Graig of Money Shot, Jon of Complete Sports, Virgil of The Ship of Fools (formerly of Wasting Company Time), and me (Rick) of Stiles Points.....today we breakdown the second of the four first round games in our Dream 8-team playoff to determine this year's National Champion....now to our thoughts on today's match-up.....

First round playoff game
#5 Georgia Bulldogs (10-2) vs. #4 Oklahoma Sooners (11-2)
Oklahoma favored by 6.5
Game to be played at the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale

Virgil of The Ship of Fools
Two of the best, and most inconsistent, teams in the nation match-up in the second game of the tournament. Both of these teams have looked dominant for long stretches of the season, but both have inexplicable losses to inferior teams, with Oklahoma losing to Colorado and Texas Tech, and Georgia losing to South Carolina and Tennessee. Both teams favor the ground game, so this will be a tough match-up between UGA's Knowshon Moreno and Oklahoma's tandem of DeMarco Murray and Allen Patrick. In the end, I favor Matthew Stafford, who has the experience of two full seasons under center in the tough SEC over redshirt OU frosh QB Sam Bradford. Stafford's experience and ability not to make mistakes ends up being the difference. Georgia wins a close one.
Georgia 20 Oklahoma 17

Jon of Complete Sports
This sounds a little funny to say since they are ranked #4, but I think Georgia has flown under the radar a bit this year. I mean, despite being a 2-loss team in the SEC, hardly anyone talked about these guys in the National Championship talk. Yes, South Carolina and @ Tennessee aren't great losses, but look at who they beat: They won at Florida, they stomped Auburn, they beat Kentucky (who happened to beat LSU). This is a talented football team. Matthew Stafford is enormously talented, and Knowshon Moreno and Thomas Brown are an excellent 1-2 duo at RB. They have playmakers offensively, and they're talented defensively. Oklahoma is obviously a very good team, but I like Georgia to be able to pressure Sam Bradford, cause some turnovers, and then allow some of the playmakers offensively to make plays.
Georgia 27 Oklahoma 24

Graig of Money Shot
This is a very interesting matchup as these are two of the most storied programs in college football. I like Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno making plays for the Bulldog offense. However, young guys tend to make mistakes when the spotlight is on them. The way Oklahoma came out and dismantled Missouri in the Big 12 championship game makes me think that the big, physical Sooner defense frustrates the young kids from Georgia. Sam Bradford doesn't turn the ball over and the OU ground game mauls the Georgia front 7. This game won't be that close.
Oklahoma 38 Georgia 16

Rick of Stiles Points
Gosh darn, this may be the toughest game to pick....the Dawgs were playing some great ball at the end of the season...Knowshon Moreno is one dynamic back and defensive coordinator Willie Martinez has the defense playing well....the Sooners were one concussion away from playing for the national title....if Sam Bradford does not get hurt against Texas Tech, they would have won that game.....this will be a back-and-forth game, but in the end, Oklahoma wins real close....
Oklahoma 24 Georgia 23

Well, there is a tie and Zach must have still been partying from The Big Picture's birthday party on Friday....so, I went to a higher source to break the tie - my 76-year-old dad, Ignatius....he didn't give a reason, he didn't give a score - all he said was Oklahoma....so a decision has been made....So Let It Be Written - So Let it Be Done - the Roundtable rules 3-2 in favor of Oklahoma advancing and playing Ohio State in the one semi-final...check back Wednesday for our thoughts on the Virginia Tech-Missouri game....

Pearl Harbor Day - Let us not forget those who died

PEARL HARBOR - December 7, 1941

As a kid, this day was recognized....but as time has moved forward and veterans from that great generation have died, today's kids do not understand the impact of this day.....just like September 11, 2001, December 7, 1941 should never be forgotten....a total of 2,403 died that day....God Bless America and God Bless those who died on this horrific day....

NCAA Playoff - Ohio State vs. Kansas

Once again, I officially call to order the Kings of the Roundtable....I have brought together the blogosphere's best and brightest to breakdown college football....the Fab Five are Zach of The Big Picture, Graig of Money Shot, Jon of Complete Sports, Virgil of The Ship of Fools (formerly of Wasting Company Time), and me (Rick) of Stiles Points.....today we begin our Dream 8-team playoff to determine this year's National Champion....the seedings were determined by the final BCS rankins.....enough gibberish, now to our thoughts on today's match-up.....

First round playoff game - #8 Kansas Jayhawks (11-1) vs. #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) - Ohio State - 8.5
Game to be played at the Motor City Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit

Zach of The Big Picture
Hello, Kansas. Welcome to a game with a real football team. The Jayhawks' schedule had enough cupcakes for a successful bake sale. When KU actually meets a solid team, with real coaches, real players and real fans, things aren't gonna go so well. Ohio State's defense will be too much for Todd Reesing and co. to put points up on. And Beanie Wells is gonna run all day over Kansas' D. All OSU in this one.
Ohio State 28 Kansas 7

Virgil of The Ship of Fools
The two one-loss teams that have taken the most flack for the weakness of their schedules match-up. To be honest, I was never a big believer in Kansas. I think if this team had to face Texas OR Oklahoma (or Texas Tech for that matter) in conference play, they would have been exposed earlier than they were by Mizzou. Couple that with the fact that defense was barely a rumor this year in the Big 12, and you have a team that would be at a serious disadvantage. I think that Chris Wells and the OSU offensive line would simply be too strong for a Kansas team that really only played one power-running team all year (Texas A&M).
Ohio State 31 Kansas 17

Graig of Money Shot
The first thing that jumps out at me regarding this matchup is the homefield advantage. While Kansas has been a great story this year, the fact remains that in their biggest game of the year, with the crowd noise in their favor, they laid an egg. What are they going to do in Detroit when 90% of the crowd is wearing scarlet and gray? I think Jim Tressel will find a defensive package that confuses Todd Reesing and forces him to turn the ball over. While Todd Boeckman isn't necessarily going to light the sky on fire, the power running of Beanie Wells will be too much for the Jayhawks defense. The big offesnive line for the Buckeyes will wear down the Jayhawk defensive front seven and be able to chew up a lot of clock in the second half. The Fightin' Mangino's may get a junk touchdown or two at the end but I expect Tressel's Boys to end the dream season for Kansas
Ohio State 34 Kansas 17

Jon of Complete Sports
With Hawaii missing out on the BCS top 8, Kansas is the closest thing that we have to an underdog, "Cinderella" type team. With an explosive offense led by QB Todd Reesing and RB Brandon McAnderson, they'd pose a legitimate threat to knock off the top seed. However, Kansas hasn't played a defense like the Buckeye's this year. Led by James Laurinities, they're fast, and they're really talented. Reesing would be able to make some plays and move the ball, but it would be imperative that they get off to a fast start. I project Ohio St. to be able to stake claim to an early lead, and then just give the ball to Chris Wells. The Buckeyes will use that combination, stout defense and running the football, which has worked so well for them this year.
Ohio State 27 Kansas 17

Rick of Stiles Points
This is a match-up of teacher vs. student....many don’t know that Bear Mangino was a graduate assistant under Jim Tressel at Youngstown State University.....one thing for sure, Bear will be well prepared for this game as he is one of the diligent planners....the Fighting Manginos are ready for the big stage after playing that Missouri game on national television.....I could see this game being close early on....Tressel knows that he could outmuscle the Fighting Manginos and wear them down as the game goes on.....it would be a battle of field goals early on with the halftime score being 13-6 OSU.....Kansas will have use some trick plays and make sure the ball gets in the hands of Aqib Talib when he is on offense....but in the end, OSU will wear this team down....in the fourth quarter Chris Wells will take over and finish with 170 yards....I love the Bear, but Tressel and Ohio State are the way better team....
Ohio State 26 Kansas 13

So a decision has been made....So Let It Be Written - So Let it Be Done - the Roundtable rules in favor of Ohio State advancing and playing the winner of Georgia-Oklahoma.....check back Monday for our thoughts on that game....

Kings of the Roundtable - The DREAM National Title Playoff

Starting Thursday, the Kings of the Roundtable will be participating in a true Division I-A football playoff.....in a perfect world, outside the money hungry bastards (aka NCAA, university presidents, and bowl chairs), this is how the Division I-A college football champion should be determined.....

Basically I used the final BCS poll to determine who would participate in the 8-team tournament (personally I would rather have a 16-team tournament, but because of time constraints I decided to go with an 8-team tourney).....The seven games will be held at neutral bowl sites.....these bowls are as follows: Rose (title game); Orange and Sugar (semi-finals); Fiesta, Cotton, Peach, and Motor City (first round games).....

Let me explain this, I added the Cotton Bowl into the mix because within a few years, that bowl game will be held at the new luxurious Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington....plus, the Cotton Bowl was once an elite bowl game.....the Peach Bowl is held in a big time city, Atlanta - however, it has to go back to its original name - the Peach Bowl, not this Chick-Fil-A Bowl.....

Finally, I decided it would be nice to have a game up north....no better place than Ford Field in Detroit which hosted a Super Bowl.....so that is the bowl set-up....this way all these major bowl bigwigs will not be crying about the money they would be losing.....

Now to the match-ups....in addition to myself, Zach of The Big Picture, Graig of Money Shot, Jon of Complete Sports, and Virgil of Wasting Company Time will breakdown each dream match-up....since there are just 5 of us, the team with the most votes will win that match-up and move on.....our first match-up will be tomorrow when #1 Ohio State plays #8 Kansas in the Motor City Bowl in Detroit.....here are the other first round match-ups.....

#5 Georgia vs. #4 Oklahoma at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale (the winner plays the winner of the OSU-KU match-up)
- #6 Missouri vs. #3 Virginia Tech at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta
- #7 Southern Cal vs. #2 LSU at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas

We will be breaking down the other 3 first round match-ups next week.....so check back tomorrow and see who takes the first step in becoming the true National Champion of college football.....

When will Michigan learn that Jim Tressel is a fake!!!!

When will the brass at the University of Michigan learn that Jim Tressel is garbage....when will they learn?.....in Monday’s newspaper, the USA Today released how the coaches voted in the final poll of the regular season.....Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr voted Ohio State number 1 in the nation....he showed his loyalty to his fellow Big Ten school even after Tressel “fucked” him over last year by refusing to vote in the final poll because he wanted to “do the honorable thing” and not have any input on who his team would play in the National Title game.....Michigan never learns....

So a year has passed and Carr voted Ohio State #1.....there were six other Big Ten coaches who voted in the final poll: Bret Bielema, Wisconsin; Mark Dantonio, Michigan State; Bill Lynch, Indiana; Joe Tiller, Purdue; Ron Zook, Illinois, and Sleeze Ball Tressel.....with this being Carr’s final season at Michigan, Bielema, Lynch, Tiller, and Zook all voted Michigan in the Top 25 - usually around #23 or #24.....it was obvious these coaches voted for Michigan to at least make the Top 25 because they wanted to support their fellow Big Ten school and let Carr at least finish in the Top 25 in his last year.....all the Big Ten coaches voted that way except Senator Sleezeball Tressel and his no brained little brother at Michigan State - Dantonio (photo - left) ....

I would have no problem if Tressel didn’t want to vote for Michigan, but he is always talking about supporting the fellow Big Ten schools, yada, yada.....he says one thing, but does another.....would it have hurt him to vote Michigan #25 being that it is Carr’s last season?.....where is his support for the Big Ten now?....Carr showed his support by voting Ohio State #1......

This is typical Tressel....he comes across as Mr. Nice Guy who is always using the words “honor” and “respect”, but when the camera is off of him, he is a slippery sleeze....he is a fake...and that goes the same for his little brother in East Lansing.....in the end I blame Michigan for taking Tressel’s shit for the last few years.....that is why Michigan needs to hire a coach, like a Steve Spurrier, Les Miles, or Jim Harbaugh, who will not allow that smug midget bastard in Columbus to shit all over the Maize and Blue anymore....

The Kings of the Roundtable pick this year's Heisman Trophy winner

I officially call to order the Kings of the Roundtable....I have brought together the blogosphere's best and brightest to breakdown college football....the Fab Five are Zach of The Big Picture, Graig of Money Shot, Jon of Complete Sports, Virgil of Wasting Company Time, and me (Rick) of Stiles Points.....today we give our votes for this year's Heisman Trophy.....I asked each King to send me their top 5 for this year's Heisman.....the player they selected first was given 4 points, second was given 3 points and so on down to the player was fifth in their voting was given one point.....these points were tallied and 1 winner was declared.....before we divulge our winner, let's go through and see how each King voted....

Zach of The Big Picture
Here goes...1. Chase Daniel 2. Darren McFadden 3. Dennis Dixon 4. Tim Tebow 5. Colt Brennan....I've always been a proponent of the best player on the best team. Daniel is just that (Zach sent his vote in on Wednesday). His numbers are good enough, his team is strong enough...basically, it's just Daniel by default at this point. McFadden has the celebrity factor. He's been a star for years, so a strong game against LSU gets him bumped higher than he probably deserves. Dixon would have won if he stayed healthy. The Bay Area-native was unstoppable running the spread option. Tebow should probably be higher based on his numbers, but if he's the best player in the country and surrounded by top-tier talent, Florida shouldn't have three losses. Brennan's numbers are unreal, but he's been play JV teams.

Graig of Money Shot
1. Tim Tebow - You either love the kid or you hate him, but you can't deny that he's a great football player. The Heisman Trophy doesn't go to the best pro prospect or the most valuable to their team. It goes to the signature player of the season. That is Tim Tebow.
2. Pat White - White is going to be the QB of a potential BCS champion and is definitely the most exciting player in the country. He does it with his legs, his arm, and his good decision-making. 3. Chase Daniel - He had one big moment to show the country how good he is (against Kansas) and he was completely dominant. Daniel has a strong, accurate arm and is leading the #1 team in the nation into the Big XII Title game, he deserves to go to New York.
4. Darren McFadden - Don't get me wrong, McFadden is going to be sweet in the NFL, but he just didn't have a Heisman-quality season. Yes, he did have a signature game vs. LSU but he also has been inconsistent with his production, highlighted by his 43 yard performance vs. Auburn.
5. Colt Brennan - Colt should have won it last year in my opinion but I digress. He's been banged up this year but should go to New York as a tribute to his great career.

Jon of Complete Sports
1. Tim Tebow - He's only a sophomore and his team is not in the national title hunt... two strikes against him. But the numbers are just too good to ignore. He's got a mind-boggling 51 total TDs (29 passing, 22 rushing) and nearly 4000 total yards (3132 passing, 838 rushing). Oh, and he erased any doubt that there might have been about his throwing ability, as he has completed 68.5% of his passes. The numbers are just too good for him not to be my Heisman pick.
2. Chase Daniel - He had led Missouri into the National Title Hunt (I am writing this before the Oklahoma/Missouri game). Who would have thought that would happen before the season began? He's been an extremely efficient and effective passer... nearly 4000 yards through the year, 33 TD, 9 INT, and he has completed over 70% of his passes. Not bad.
3. Darren McFadden - Perhaps the most talented player in college football. The Razorbacks have struggled at times this year, but through no fault of McFadden. He has rushed for over 1700 yards (nearly 6 YPC) and run for 15 TDs. Oh, and just for good measure he's also thrown for 4 TD passes.
4. Dennis Dixon - What could have been! If he hadn't gotten hurt then Oregon might be playing for the national title and Dixon might be the Heisman winner. Unfortunately, that did not happen, but I can't put Dixon lower than 4th. He was fantastic all year long as a dual-threat QB. The running was there as it always has been (583 yards, 9 TD), but he also became an efficient thrower, with 20 TDs, 4 INT, and completing over 2/3 of his passes.
5. Todd Reesing - If Kansas had beat Missouri he'd have a solid shot at the Heisman, but as it is he should still get some recognition for an outstanding year. In leading the resurgence of Kansas he threw for over 3200 yards, and had a fantastic 32/6 TD/INT ratio.

Virgil of Wasting Company Time and The Ship of Fools
1. Tim Tebow - You simply cannot ignore 51 total TDs. His team is pretty overrated, but he carried the offense all year.
2. Darren McFadden - He has to be thinking "what the hell do I have to do to win this award?" Last year he was "too young" as a sophomore, this year he is going to lose the trophy to a sophomore. Some NFL team is going to get a NASTY running back in April's draft.
3. Colt Brennan - We have to take him and Hawaii seriously now. Those last two games (Boise and Washington) were pretty impressive.
4. Chase Daniel - That was a pretty bad performance in the biggest game of his season. I have been touting this guy all year over on EC, but I'm afraid that championship game is going to cost him.
5. Dennis Dixon - In many ways, the fact that Oregon completely fell apart once he went down is the greatest evidence of his value.

Rick of Stiles Points
1. Darren McFadden - McFadden was out of the Heisman picture during the middle of the season, but he turned in on late in the season with his record breaking performance against South Carolina and his one-man show against LSU....
2. Tim Tebow - this kid could do everything.....he really is a fullback who can throw like a quarterback....he will clearly be the front runner next year.....
3. Todd Reesing - if Reesing played for Ohio State or USC, he would have won the award this year....but because he played for Kansas, many will overlook him....he is deserving of being in the top 5.....
4. Dennis Dixon - it showed how much D2 meant to his team....after going down with a knee injury the Ducks lost 3 straight and not only dropped out of the national title picture, but also the BCS.....
5. Armanti Edwards - you remember this kid - the QB from Appalachian State......yes, I know I-AA has its own Player of the Year award, but this kid is something special....I have watched at least 6 Appy State games over the last two seasons and he impresses me more each time.....how this kid ended up at a I-AA school amazes me....the kid does not get rattled....and he is much more than just a scrambling QB.....they kid can pass too....

Well, there are our thoughts....now for the voting and this year's winner.....
1. Tim Tebow - 21 points (3 first place votes)
2. Darren McFadde - 18 points (1 first place vote)
3. Chase Daniel - 12 points (1 first place vote)
4. Dennis Dixon - 8 points
5. Colt Brennan - 5 points
6. Todd Reesing - 4 points
6. Pat White - 4 points
8. Armanti Edwards - 1 point
So in the end, Florida's Tim Tebow would get the Kings of the Roundtable Heisman Trophy....

Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year should go to . . .

Sports Illustrated will be announcing its annual Sportsman/person of the Year sometime next week....hopefully SI will not pull a stunt like Time magazine did last year when they named "everyday people" as their Person of the Year.....what is that crap?.....SI has been taking suggestions from people about who should be this year’s recipient....

Some of the names mentioned were: dogs (because of the Michael Vick saga), Appalachian State (because of their win over Michigan), and the worst of all - Joey Chestnut (because he ate more hot dogs than that Japanese guy).....a hot dog eating winner as Sportsman of the Year?? — what a freakin joke....

To me, I think being named Sportsman of the Year is a very big honor....some of the previous winners were Joe Paterno, Joe Montana, Tiger Woods, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, etc.....therefore, there are some worthy and most deserving candidates for this year’s honor:

* Roger Federer, tennis - this dude is the most dominant athlete in any sport, but he gets very little recognition because 1) is not from the United States; and 2) he doesn’t act like a jackass (ala Chad Johnson)....Federer is very humble and does not seek out the spotlight.....but on the tennis court, he methodically destroys any opponent....

* Tim Duncan, basketball - Duncan is very similar to Federer in which he is a success at his trade, but someone who does not seek the spotlight....he has led the San Antonio Spurs to four NBA titles....4 titles!!!....I bet most sports people do not even realize that....he has led the Spurs to more NBA titles than Larry Bird did with the Celtics and Shaq did with the Lakers......

* Peyton Manning, football - Manning finally got that albatross off his back by winning this year’s Super Bowl.....he is a true professional and a very good role model.....when his career is over, Manning will probably hold every quarterback record in the NFL.....

* Brett Favre, football - if I was betting on who will win it, my money would go on Favre.....he is having a spectacular year.....everyone loves Favre.....Favre can do no wrong....he is not only beating NFL opponents, but also Father Time......personally, I would not vote for Favre, but I have no problem if SI decides to give him this honor.....

* My choice for Sportsman of the Year would be both Tony Dungy and Bill Belichick.....both are successful NFL coaches, but with complete opposite personalities and values.....Dungy is the good guy who is personable and says the right things while Belichick is the essence of evil with his hooded sweatshirt and Spygate scandal.....but overall, both are two Hall of Fame quality coaches who have a major impact on the NFL....they also are great teachers - look at thow many assistant coaches under them went on to become head coaches....