22 inch man, who likes playing with pebbles, wants some putang

Call them what you want, small people, dwarfs, or my personal favorite, midgets, but that group of people now has a new hero - Khagendra Thapa Magar...

Magar is an 18-year-old man from Nepal who stands 22 inches and weighs 10 pounds!!!...now that he reached adulthood, he is looking to cash in on his fame by being recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records...once he is recognized, he plans to travel to Japan and America to start making money...

He is also eager to get set-up in a pre-arranged marriage and start knocking out kids...supposedly his dad is working on an arrangement with another Nepal woman who is also kinda short...

Magar is part of a dance troupe...besides dancing, he enjoys, “playing with pebbles” and “worshipping Buddha”...I am not making this up...this dude wants some putang then chill out with some pebbles...

Captain Lou Albano dies (1933 - 2009)

Former WWF legend Captain Lou Albano died on October 14th...the following was reported by CNN:

Legendary wrestling figure Captain Lou Albano, perhaps best known for his association with pop singer Cyndi Lauper, died Wednesday, according to World Wrestling Entertainment. Albano, 76, was "one of the company's most popular and charismatic legends," the company said in a statement. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

"Albano began his storied career with Vincent J. McMahon in the 1960s as one half of 'The Sicilians' tag team with his partner Tony Altimore," the WWE said. "He will be greatly missed by the WWE and his fans."

Albano, who was with the WWE from 1983 to 1996, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.

He started as a tag team wrestler in the 1950s but became a successful manager of champion wrestlers in the 1970s, according to a biography on the WWE Web site.
Albano was recognizable by his penchant for unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts and a trademark beard, which was usually bound by a rubber band.

His persona earned him the distinction of "one of the most hated men" in wrestling for 15 years, the WWE biography said.

Albano's image evolved in the 1980s, when he teamed with Lauper on several music videos, such as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," and wrestling appearances.
As his celebrity status grew, Albano landed acting jobs, including a role on several episodes of the "Miami Vice" TV series, the biography said.

Albano became a cartoon in 1989, when he was the voice of Mario "Jumpman" Mario for 17 episodes of "The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!" according to the Internet Movie Database.

Michelle Beadle is ESPN's newest hottie

Can the Phillies take the Dodgers again?

Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles
These two meet again...last season the Phillies beat the Dodgers in five games...however, there biggest difference between the two teams, the Dodgers have the home field advantage this time...

During the regular season, Los Angeles took the season series 4-3 from the Phillies...they last matched up in June, so some things have changed, especially with the Phillies getting Cliff Lee...statistically, the Dodgers have the better numbers as they have a .270 team batting average and 3.41 ERA...the Phillies come in with a .258 team average and 4.16 ERA...

I am not getting into a breakdown of each position...somehow the Dodgers keep winning despite having a scrappy starting rotation...Randy Wolf as your Game 1 starter???...

To me, the Phillies do not have the luxury of a hot Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge...last season both pitchers were "in the zone" and just dominated opponents...I don't see that from either pitcher...Hamels could be beaten and we all know that Lidge is a headcase...

Despite these concerns, I just can't see the Phillies losing with that powerful lineup of Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, and Werth...I look for the Phillies to win this in six games...

Also, don't forget about the brushbacks from last year's series...it all started when Brett Meyers hit Manny Ramirez in Game 2...below is a 1:00 clip of the incident...

A 6-3 loss to the Browns should mark the end for Jauron in Buffalo

- Bills owner Ralph Wilson has every right to fire head coach Dick Jauron right now...how can the Bills lose to the Cleveland Browns 6-3???...Derek Anderson completed only 2 passes the entire game -- ONE, TWO - that's all...the Bills have been underachieving all year...

- I don't know how the Browns or their fans could celebrate a 6-3 win when your quarterback completed only two passes...I could understand if there was inclimate weather but this performance for a so-called "professional" quarterback is disgusting...

- Whatever happened to former Bengals and Bucs head coach Sam Wyche?...

- The officials were sure protecting Peyton Manning on Sunday night on the drive before half...two roughing the quarterbacks calls helped the Colts put the game away...

- Enough picking on Bill Belichick...he made a very concerted effort to shake Josh McDaniel's hand after the game...a few years back Belichick blew off Eric Mangini and got ripped for it...did anyone ever thing that maybe Mangini is a jerk and Belichick could have cared less?...

- I love the Coors Light commercials with Romeo Crennel...

- Tom Brady is lacking something this year...

- The Falcons Roddy White scored on a 90-yard touchdown reception but then received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty after he did a backflip in the end zone...when will these knuckleheads learn that they are hurting their team by being assholes...

- I was skeptical of the Bengals - not anymore...they really proved something by winning at Baltimore...

- The Titans need to start the second version of the Vince Young Era...Kerry Collins is no longer able to inspire nor move this club in the right direction...I am not sure Young is the answer either, but the move has to be made...

Since I brought up the name Sam Wyche, here is a 16 second clip of his greatest moment...check out the old dude in the sweater...

Jimmy Clausen for Heisman?

We are six weeks into the college season and it's time to unveil the first Stiles Points Top 16 college ranking on the year...

1. Florida (5-0) - a 13-3 win in Death Valley shows the Gators defense can step up when needed...
2. Alabama (6-0) - the Tide has a hammer defense...
3. Texas (5-0) - the Horns were looking ahead a bit...this week is the Red River Shootout...
4. Boise State (5-0) - Boise State deserves the #4 spot...
5. Cincinnati (5-0) - Brian Kelly has an offense that could run with anyone...

6. Virginia Tech (5-1) - after the week 1 loss to Bama, the Hokies are clicking on all cylinders...
7. LSU (5-1) - how can a team that loses 13-3 to Florida be ranked lower?...
8. Southern Cal (4-1) - the Trojans head to South Bend for their annual beatdown of the Irish...
9. Miami (4-1) - the U showed how to bounce back after that loss to the Hokies...
10. TCU (5-0) - the Horned Frogs have one of the best defenses in the nation...

11. Ohio State (5-1) - the Buckeyes offense sputters when they play a good defense...
12. Iowa (6-0) - are the Hawkeyes pretenders?...they answered the bell vs. Penn State and Michigan...
13. Nebraska (4-1) - the Huskers are 30 seconds from being perfect this season...Pelini has turned it around...
14. Penn State (4-1) - the Nittany Lions smacked down another I-AA opponent...
15. Oklahoma (3-2) - the Sooners may have 2 losses, but they are still a darn good team...a win this week against Texas will jump OU over many teams...
16. Oregon (5-1) - the Ducks have recovered well after the Boise State debacle...

The Heisman Hub
1. Jimmy Clausen, qb, Notre Dame - Clausen does not get the respect because he plays for Notre Dame...but he has been damn impressive this year...a big game against USC will do wonders...imagine if he can lead the Irish to an upset win...
2. Tim Tebow, qb, Florida - he has done nothing to hurt his chances...
3. Colt McCoy, qb, Texas - a big game over OU may move him to #1...
4. Ryan Mallett, qb, Arkansas - this guy is a freakin NFL stud QB...

Here is a nice little photo from SECPoon to close with...

Where was Verlander?

A few thoughts about last night's one-game playoff between the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins...

- The Tigers Jim Leyland is one of the better managers in the game...but why did he send Fernando Rodney back on the mound in the 12th...Rodney is a closer and was already extended past his limits...even if Leyland believed that Rodney could still pitch, he should have had someone warming up in the bullpen...and that person should have been Justin Verlander...

Verlander just pitched on Sunday, but there is no doubt that he could have pitched an inning or two in this situation...there was no reason to "save" Verlander for the ALDS because there was no guarantee of making it that far...Leyland should have used his ace once the lead runner got on base...

- Mike Scioscia, Joe Torre, Terry Francona, Tony LaRussa, etc. are all very good managers...but the best manager in baseball is Minnesota's Ron Gardenhire...I have stated this before on this blog...imagine coming into September with a starting staff of a bunch of unknowns and losing your former MVP first baseman for the season...every year, Gardenhire manages to bring the best out of the Twins...

Daddy pays Josh McDaniel a visit this week

- Who in Denver hates Josh McDaniel now?...the rookie head coach from Canton, Ohio is sitting at 4-0...

- Next Sunday though, daddy comes calling as Bill Belichick pays a visit to Denver...

- The biggest weapon for the New Orleans Saints is not any of their receivers, it's running back Pierre Thomas...this guy is the hammer that the team needs...

- Honestly, I hardly watched last night's Vikings-Packers Monday Night Football Game...I am so freakin sick of Brett Favre that I cannot take it anymore...I just want him to go away...

- Why did Buffalo even bother to sign T.O. if he is only going to catch 3 balls over two games combined?...

- Tennessee needs to consider going with Vince Young as the starting quarterback...Kerry Collins tank is on empty...

- This Sunday, Atlanta goes into San Francisco -- all I can say is strap on the chinstrap real right!!...

- 3-1 Bengals vs. 3-1 Ravens - for the AFC North lead...

The Chicago 2016 debacle

- Maybe the United States came with too much star power...it was nice to see that Oprah Winfrey cared enough about the Chicago bid to take the time to travel to Copenhagen...but I could see some IOC members being turned off by the glitz and glamour of the U.S. contingent...

- Not that it would have made a difference but I was very disappointed that Michael Jordan did not make the trip to Denmark...he played in Chicago and is the greatest basketball player ever...he also participated in two Olympics...Jordan should have been there to help represent Chicago...if Jordan made the trip and if Chicago would have won the bid, there was a very good chance that Jordan would have been seriously considered to have the honor of lighting the Olympic torch...but that is all a moot point now...

- Some people, mostly Republicans, were blasting Obama for making the trip to Denmark...I saw no problem with Obama trying to get the Olympics for the United States...it is an honor to host the Olympics...and if there is solid planning and budgeting, the host city can use it to its economic advantage...

- In the end, I think some IOC members are anti-American...I think they wanted to "stick it" to the U.S. and embarrass us and our president by not only losing the bid, but to get bounced in the first round...because the vote is private, we will never know who voted against the United States...this was a clear shot at the United States...

- The United States should try again for the 2020 games...Chicago would be the logical representative, but other U.S. cities who should consider a bid are New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles...

NFL Thoughts - Lions have a stud at QB

Here are my thoughts after three weeks into the NFL season:

- DeAngelo Williams was my first round fantasy football pick...he blows!!!...this guy is literally killing me each week...the first week it was my liver, the second week my spleen, now it is my gall bladder...

- The Detroit Lions have a bright future in Matthew Stafford...I watched that entire game on Sunday and you can see the talent and maturity this kid has...

- The Browns went through the entire training camp with a question at quarterback...three games into the season and they are back to where they were in July...

- Why did Buffalo sign Terrell Owens if they are not going to throw him the ball...they had to know that if he does not get the ball he will be a problem...the Bills should not complain if T.O. starts going off - buyer beware!...

- I love Faith Hill's opening on Sunday Night Football...

- Jim Zorn has to be dying...after losing to Detroit last week, the Redskins host Tampa Bay who is one of the two worst teams in the NFL (the Browns being the other)...if Zorn loses at home to Tampa Bay, he will be fired...

- LaDainian Tomlinson is done...sure he will have a good game every so often, but his best days are definetly behind him...

- I hope Aaron Rodgers tears the Vikings to shreds while Brett Favre throws 4 interceptions and loses...

- Mark "Dirty" Sanchez has been a big surprise...I thought he would do well with the Jets, but not this well...I could understand why Pete Carroll was peeved to see Sanchez leave USC...that cost Carroll a sure fire national title this year...

- Those key lime pie green jerseys that Seattle wore were awful...

- Who would have thunk it - after 3 games, the Bengals would be 2-1 and the Steelers 1-2...

- Is Michael Crabtree that stupid?...why doesn't he fire his agent and just sign already!!!...

- When I look up the word "intense," I see a photo of Mike Singletary...

Whatever happened to the Coors Light Twins?

Jenny Slate drops the F-bomb on Saturday Night Live

Michigan has no defense

Before I give my thoughts on college football, I want to vent about people who talk on their cellphone or text while at the gym...yesterday, this one woman, who I call Salami because one time I was standing next to her and she smelled like salami, was on the treadmill talking on her cellphone...after hanging up, she started to quicken her pace into a steady jog...that lasted about 40 seconds then she slowed down to text someone...this kept going on for over five minutes - jog, slowdown, text, then jog again...that was so freakin annoying...the only exception to communicating on the cellphone while at the gym is if you are setting up a "hook up"...however, if there is no sex involved in the communication, cellphones should be banned from all gyms...by the way, this chick still smelled like a salami even though she is kinda hot...

Michigan has improved since last season -- offensively that is...the Wolverines defense has not showed any improvement from last year's abysmal season...Michigan brought in former NFL defensive coordinator Greg Robinson to amp up the defense...just like last year, the Wolverines are giving up the big plays and are unable to shutdown an inferior team and put the game away...

Michigan has been very fortunate to finish the month of September 4-0...unless there is improvement on the defensive side of the ball, they will not finish the month of October with a perfect mark...

Penn State looked ordinary on Saturday...the way to beat the Nittany Lions is to put pressure on Daryll Clark...the Nittany Lions ran a vanilla offense and Clark was unable to make any plays because of the Iowa defense...

Virginia Tech dominated The U...I watched most of that game and was impressed with the Gobblers defense...The U has improved, but Virginia Tech is still the elite team of the ACC...

What was Purdue head coach Danny Hope thinking????...Notre Dame was on the 5-yard-line and got stuffed on a 2nd down running play...the Irish had no timeouts and the clock was on 35 seconds and running...the Irish were completely unorganized as Jimmy Clausen was trying to settle a team that was clearly panicking...the announcers even stated the Irish coaching staff were instructing Clausen to clock the ball which would have left Notre Dame with 4th down...then out of no where, Hope called a timeout...WHAT!?!?!?!?...he wanted to set his defense, but that allowed Notre Dame to calm down and design not 1, but 2 plays...in the end, Notre Dame won on a fourth down touchdown pass by Clausen...

Can someone explain to me how Florida State can go up to Brigham Young and take them behind the woodshed, then the very next week lose at home to South Florida...the worst part is that the Seminoles scored only 7 points!!!!...

The team that has impressed me the most is Boise State...I have seen portions of three of their games...we all know they are dominant at home, but they have also proven themselves on the road...

(Just a note - I will be a conference on Thursday and Friday, so there will be no postings those days)

Big Russ - Tim Russert's father dies

With all the sports going on this weekend, many may have missed the news that the late-Tim Russert's dad, Big Russ, died on Friday...Big Russ was 85-years-old...

Big Russ

Who is 0-8 now?

Remember earlier this season when Boston was 8-0 against the Yankees?...there was talk that the Yankees dominance against Boston was over...well, they ended up splitting the season series 9-9 and on Sunday, the Yankees won their 100th game and clinched the A.L. East title over Boston...

Gentleman Jim Tressel does not want to ruin his image

Jim Tressel has a line of shit...with Ohio State up 23-0 and about a minute to go, Ohio State faced a 4th and goal...the Buckeyes decided to go for it and scored on a pass play...afterward, Tressel went into his "Gentleman Jim" mode...

This is what Plain Dealer reporter Doug Lesmerises wrote...
Tressel calls time out. Ahead, 23-0, the Buckeyes face a fourth-and-goal from the 3 with 1:22 to play. Starting this drive with 5:08 to play after a Jermale Hines interception and return to the Illinois 42, Ohio State has marched down the field in seven plays, including two passes. Now Tressel has a decision, and he says he was mostly fearing a blocked field goal and Illinois return with only a three-score lead. So he goes for it and turns down the field goal try.

"We thought there was less risk going for it," Tressel said. "So that was the decision we made. No, I don't think it was to send any message."

Who the hell is Gentleman Jim kidding...if he was fearing that Illinois could block a field goal and return it for a touchdown, then why in the hell did he decide to throw the ball...couldn't Illinois have intercepted the pass and return it for a touchdown????...the safest play would be to run the ball...

The fact is Gentleman Jim wanted to stick it to Illinois because they beat Ohio State two years ago in Columbus...but the ever image conscious Tressel did not want to ruin that pristine "gentleman" image that he fools people with...like I have said many many time, Tressel is a football coach even though he tries to portray an image that he is a "gentleman" and an honest, good guy, flag wearing American who drinks milk and never swears...

Back in 1968, Woody Hayes stuck it to Michigan real good by going for a two point conversion late in the game even though the Buckeyes were way ahead...when the game was over, the media asked Hayes why he went for the two points, Hayes responded, "I couldn't go for three"...Hayes may have hated Michigan, but at least he was honest...what you saw is what you got from Hayes...that cannot be said about Tressel...

Can The U hold up at Lane Stadium?

Miami (Fla.) @ Virginia Tech
Saturday, September 26, 2009 - 3:30
Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia
Miami -3.5

Miami
Miami game notes...

Miami Game Notes

Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald writes how Lou Holtz is a believer in The U... "Holtz, an ESPN commentator, was a guest of sports-radio talk show 790 The Ticket on Tuesday and told co-host Krystal Fernandez that Jacory Harris ``would be on one of my five top Heisman candidates right now." ...

Susan Miller Degnan

Virginia Tech
Kyle Tucker's views...

Kyle Tucker

Mark Viera of the Washington Post writes about the Hokies lack of offense... "The biggest area of concern remains an offense that has stagnated in the Hokies' two games against ranked opponents. The Hokies' 88-yard scoring drive with 1 minute 44 seconds remaining Saturday only temporarily washed away the images of Virginia Tech's offense idling for much of the afternoon." ...

Mark Viera

Penn State looks to avoid Iowa jinx

Iowa @ Penn State
Saturday, September 26, 2009
State College, PA - Beaver Stadium
Penn State -10.5

The name Daniel Murray will burn in the hearts of Penn State fans forever...Penn State came into last year's game 9-0 and just got done beating Ohio State 13-6 in their previous game...the Nittany Lions were 7.5 point favorites and had numerous chances to put the game out of reach...they led 23-14 at the start of the 4th quarter...but they left the door open for Daniel Murray...

If not for Murray's field goal, Penn State more than likely would have played Florida or Oklahoma in the BCS Championship Game...

When looking back, Penn State QB Daryll Clark had an awful game last season when he completed only nine passes on 23 attempts for 86 yards and an interception...Evan Royster rushed for 90 yards...

The stats indicated that Penn State is 1-6 against Iowa since 2000...the dog, which Iowa is this year, is 8-2 against the spread with five upsets...Iowa is 4-1 against the spread at Beaver Stadium...

Power Sweep - Penn State 24-10
Pointwise - Penn State 31-13

Iowa
Iowa game notes...

Iowa Game Notes

Pat Harty of the Iowa City Press-Citizen writes how the Hawkeyes are expecting a hostile crowd at Happy Valley... "It'll be a chance for the Penn State players to avenge what occurred last November when Daniel Murray ended their hopes for a national title and an undefeated season by making arguably the most important field goal for Iowa since Rob Houghtlin split the goal posts against Michigan 23 years earlier"" ...

Pat Harty

Harty writes how Kirk Ferentz may have JoePa's number... "Paterno might be a living legend, but when facing Ferentz, Paterno usually has to live through yet another loss. Of all of Ferentz's achievements as the Iowa coach, his 6-2 record against Paterno has to rank near the top." ...

Pat Harty

Penn State
Penn State game notes...

Game Notes

Ron Musselman of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes how the Nittany Lions are hurting at linebacker... "Outside linebacker Navorro Bowman has resumed practicing after missing the past two games with a sore groin, but Sean Lee, his counterpart on the other side, is out with a sprained left knee." ...

Ron Musselman

The story of Sal Aunese and his son T.C. McCartney

This past Sunday, ESPN's "Outside the Lines" did a feature on former Colorado football player Sal Aunese who died of cancer in 1989...before his death, Aunese was involved with Colorado head coach Bill McCartney's daughter, whom was pregnant with Aunese's child...Aunese's son, T.C. McCartney is now a back-up quarterback at LSU under Les Miles, the same coach who recruited Aunese...

Tom Friend

Happy Belated Birthday to Faith Hill

Happy belated birthday to one of the hottest over 40 women out there - Audrey Faith Perry (aka Faith Hill)...she turned 42-years-old on Monday...she makes all us 40 year olds proud...

Pete Carroll chokes against inferior team - again!!!

I just can't understand it...Pete Carroll is the best big game college football coach in the country...but every year he allows his far superior Trojans to play down to an inferior opponent...once again, USC will not be playing for the national title even though, come January, they may be the best team in the nation...the loss to Washington ranks right next to the debacle USC had two years ago to Stanford...

Every great coach usually has a stunning defeat or two during the course of their career...but this is an annual rite for Carroll...it just makes you scratch your head and wondering why this happens... Los Angeles Times

The prime game this week is when The U heads into Virginia Tech...a win this week will catapult The U right into the national title scenario...this would set up a huge match-up the next week when one-loss Oklahoma plays at Miami...even though Oklahoma lost in week 1, the Sooners are still in the hunt for the title if they run the table...the loss of Sam Bradford in that game accounts for something...has

There has been some poor officiating this season...for instance, in the Notre Dame-Michigan State game, on the play in which Irish receiver Michael Floyd broke his collarbone, the replay official ruled that Floyd did not have control of the ball after scoring an apparent touchdown...the replays that I watched clearly showed that Floyd had control...this is just one instance of many that left me wondering what the officials were watching...

Don't underestimate Auburn...I watched the last part of the Tigers 41-30 win over West Virginia...Gene Chizik has Auburn playing inspired ball...

Remember the name Ryan Mallett from Arkansas for the Heisman in 2010...this kid has a Dan Marino-like rifle and is very accurate...

If any team can claim a moral victory it would be the Tennessee Volunteers...a 30 point dog at The Swamp, the Volunteers lost by only 10 points to a great Florida team...it helps when the great Monte Kiffin is running your defense...

Finally, I just got done watching a stupid movie on SyFy called "Monster Man"...however, the chick on there was hot - Aimee Brooks (below)...

Cornhuskers head into Blacksburg for big game

Nebraska @ Virginia Tech (1-1)
Saturday, September 19, 2009 - 3:30 p.m.
Lane Stadium - Blacksburg, VA
Virginia Tech -6

Trends
After losing opening week to Alabama, the Hokies smoked Marshall 52-10 last Saturday...

Last week the Cornhuskers' Zach Lee threw for 340 yards and 4 TDs in the Nebraska's 38-9 win over Arkansas State...in week 1, running back Roy Helu Jr. rushed for 152 yards and 3 TDs in the Huskers 49-3 win over Florida Atlantic...the Huskers defense held FAU QB Rusty Smith, who is one of the better quarterbacks in football, to 152 yards passing and 2 interceptiions...

Last season Nebraska faltered at home to the Hokies 35-30...Nebraska found themselves down 28-10 late in the 3rd quarter but their comeback fail short as they fumbled on the last play of the game...overall, the Huskers are 10-5 all-time in the regular season vs. the ACC...

PointWise Prediction - Virginia Tech 35 Nebraska 24

Nebraska Game Notes...

Game Notes

Virginia Tech Game Notes...

Game Notes

Brian Rosenthal of the Lincoln Journal Star writes how the Huskers are preparing for the scrambling ability of Hokie QB Tyrod Taylor... "Taylor ran for 87 yards and threw for 171 in Virginia Tech’s 35-30 victory against Nebraska last season in Lincoln. He finished the season with 1,036 passing yards and 738 rushing yards, including three 100-yard rushing games." ...

Brian Rosenthal

Steven Sipple of the Lincoln Journal Star writes how Husker running back Roy Helu Jr needs a big game to be ranked with some of the nation's best backs... "Yards probably won’t come easily for No. 19 Nebraska, considering Virginia Tech has produced a top-seven defense each of the past five seasons. Helu will be tested thoroughly. Hey, nobody said becoming a star was easy." ...

Steven Sipple

Aaron McFarling of the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot writes how an Hokie O-lineman is hoping for a job other than the NFL... "Taylor's desire to be an air marshal - or an FBI agent - stems from his upbringing and his experiences at Tech. He said his father fought in the Persian Gulf War and his grandfather served in Vietnam." ...

Kyle Tucker

Happy Birthday Ignatius George

HAPPY 78th BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD - IGNATIUS GEORGE!!!

Navy sails into the confluence to take on Pitt

Navy (1-1) @ Pitt (2-0)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Heinz Field - 6:00 p.m.
Pitt -7

Trends
This is the third straight year these two teams hook-up...in 2007, Navy won at Heinz Field 48-45 in 2 overtimes...the game was tied 6 times with Navy holding Pitt on a 4th and goal in the 2nd OT...last year the Panthers went to Annapolis and won 42-21...overall, Navy has lost 5 of the last 6 in this series...

Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo is in his second season at the helm...last season Navy was 8-6 overall and 6-5 ATS...

Pitt game notes for the Navy game...

Pitt Game Notes

Navy game notes for the Pitt game...

Navy Game Notes

Paul Zeise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes how the Panthers secondary is hurting... "As if Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt and defensive coordinator Phil Bennet didn't have enough of a headache thinking about what has gone wrong with the Panthers' secondary, yesterday they received this news -- starting free safety Andrew Taglianetti is out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee." ...

Paul Zeise

Zeise writes about the Panthers defense and their mental mistakes.... "Though he said after watching film he found that nearly every big play the Bulls made was a result of a mental breakdown by Pitt's defense, those things are easily correctable. And the Panthers must correct them before Saturday when they play host to Navy given the Midshipmen's precision and efficiency on offense." ...

Paul Zeise

Bill Wagner of the Annapolis Capital writes about the Midshipmen's victory this past Saturday... "Green's message to his unit between the first and second defensive series: Stick to the game-plan and execute your assignments. "For the rest of the game, we did a better job of keeping the throws in front of us, running to the football and getting guys on the ground." ...

Bill Wagner

Ohio State - USC thoughts

On Saturday I attended the Notre Dame-Michigan game in Ann Arbor therefore I was unable to watch the USC-Ohio State game that night...I did set the DVR and just finished watching the game...here are some thoughts:

Many Ohio State fans are complaining that the better team did not win...maybe in their mind...if anything, USC is not receiving enough credit for winning a game in a hostile environment against a very good team...

I have seen many Ohio State games and their crowd is usually very boisterous, however, the Buckeye fans were even more riled than usual...for a true freshman quarterback to go into "The Shoe" in his second game and have the composure to come out with a win really says something about Matt Barkley...

Also, enough credit is not given to Pete Carroll...more OSU fans are saying that Gentleman Jim Tressel lost the game...but Carroll was the coach who kept his players composed and prepared for this game...

Some Ohio State fans and even players stated how they stood "toe-to-toe" with the 3rd ranked Trojans who were a 7 point favorite -- this was a moral victory...how quickly they forget that just one week earlier, little ole Navy stood "toe-to-toe" with Ohio State who was a 22 point favorite at home...the Midshipmen were just 1 play away from sending the game to overtime...in the end, Navy had to accept a tough loss just as Ohio State has to accept the loss to USC...

At the conclusion of the game former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit stated that these two teams can play again this year in the Rose Bowl...it is possible, but I don't see Ohio State running the table and winning 10 straight games...they are a team with flaws...don't get me wrong, they are a good ballclub, but I don't see them going perfect in the Big 10...

Thoughts on Week 1 - Stokley's miracle catch!!!

I'm a little late posting today, but here are my thoughts about this weekend's games...

- At the beginning of the Chicago-Green Bay game, Cris Collinsworth was saying how Brian Urlacher is in the best shape in a few years...Urlacher played a half and is now out for the season after having wrist surgery...

- Jay Cutler looked like the quarterback who has a .500 record as a starter...

- San Francisco's defense put the clamps on the Cardinals offense...

- I think Jake Delhomme is done as a starting quarterback...he looked awful...

- The Giants Mario Manningham, of Warren, Ohio, had a nice TD reception...he showed nice footwork...

- What a smart play by Denver's Brandon Stokley...he was fortunate to catch the deflected pass, but he was headwise in running parallel with the goal line in order to run down the clock when he realized there were no Bengals pursuing him...

- I knew I should have taken Drew Brees in the first round of my fantasy draft...

- Florida State goes to BYU this week...

- I'm a little surprised that Notre Dame dropped out of the Top 25...the Irish lost with 11 seconds in the game...

- A sneaky good game this week is Navy at Pitt...

- Oklahoma State's defense has not gotten better...Okie State was at home playing a Houston team with a good quarterback in Case Keenum...Keenum threw for 366 yards and 3 TDs...Okie State's Kendall Hunter did not play the whole game because he got hurt...

- The 2 college games being previewed later in the week will be Navy-Pitt and Nebraska-Virginia Tech...

Below is a 1:30 clip of Stokley's miracle catch and smart run...

WE'RE BAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To all the Michigan-haters - you had fun last year when we went 3-9 -- now it's our turn -- Yippie Ki Ya Mutherfuckers!!!!!!

Never forget

Matt Barkley faces stern test at The Horseshoe

Southern Cal @ Ohio State
Saturday, September 12, 2009 - 8:00
Ohio Stadium - Columbus, Ohio
Southern Cal -7

The last time USC marched into Columbus was on September 22, 1990, the game was delayed by a severe thunderstorm...in the end, a pot-smoking punk named Todd Marinovich led the Trojans to a 35-26 win...that same day, Jim Tressel was still a young head coach at Youngstown State University as his Penguins had a landmark victory over an undefeated Akron Zips team...some 19 years later, Gentleman Jim welcomes USC back to Columbus for a rare visit and a chance at redemption after last season's dismantling at The Coliseum...

Even though USC is a 7 point favorite, all the "experts" are picking Ohio State in this game...USC has a rebuilt defense and is starting a true freshman at quarterback...the thinking is that this will be the game that Ohio State gets back on the map as a major power...

A lucky break is what saved Ohio State against Navy, however, the Buckeyes are dangerous when they manage to get these breaks - look at 2002...the key to this game is if Ohio State's defense can stop the USC running game...if they can shutdown the stable of running backs, Ohio State has a good chance at winning...

Southern Cal Notes
USC Game Notes for Ohio State game...

USC Game Notes

Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times writes how freshman QB Matt Barkley will have to deal with the hostile crowd in Columbus... "More than 105,000 fans are expected to fill Ohio Stadium to root on the Buckeyes and make things especially tough on a true freshman quarterback playing his first road game." ...

Gary Klein

Klein writes how Barkley is prepared for the noise at Ohio Stadium... "Matt Barkley's parents stopped by USC on Tuesday to say hello to their son and deliver a small gift on his 19th birthday." ...

Gary Klein

Ohio State Notes
Ohio State Game Notes for the USC game...

Ohio State Game Notes

Doug Lesmerises of The Plain Dealer writes how Ohio State is impressed with Jermale Hines... "Hines, a junior from Glenville, was working with the first-team defense during the 30 minutes that reporters watched practice Tuesday, with former senior starter Anderson Russell working with the second team the entire time." ...

Doug Lesmerises

Bill Livingston of The Plain Dealer questions whether Terrelle Pryor can be a team leader... "Like many coaches, Tressel sometimes selectively micromanages. He overlooked a lot when Maurice Clarett was here for one stormy, sensational season. Pryor was not included in the list of players available for interviews Tuesday, but exclusion of freshmen and sophomores is the usual procedure at OSU. Upperclassmen are expected to know which topics to avoid, which "hot" buttons not to press." ...

Bill Livingston

Ken Gordon of the Columbus Dispatch writes how the OSU freshmen are confused about the negativity... "We won, didn't we? We've got an awesome game coming up this week with Southern California, right? So what's with all the negativity around town?" ...

Ken Gordon

Adam Rittenberg of the ESPN Big Ten blog writes how the Ohio State defensive line is determined to make a difference... "After USC's Mark Sanchez had his way in a 35-3 victory last September, Ohio State's defensive linemen convened and made a pact. The Trojans had won the battle at the line of scrimmage, leaving the Buckeyes beaten and bruised. Senior defensive end/linebacker Curtis Terry did the talking." ...

Adam Rittenberg

Michigan-Notre Dame: something has to give

Notre Dame @ Michigan
Saturday, September 12 - 3:30 p.m.
Michigan Stadium - Ann Arbor, Michigan
Notre Dame -3

The pressure will be on the losing head coach...both Charlie Weiss and Rich Rodriguez are on the hot seat...however, both had impressive crushing victories last Saturday....

With Sam Bradford out of the Heisman race, don't be surprised if Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen sneaks in there...Clausen threw 4 TD passes last week and seems to finally "get it" as the leader of the team...wide reciever Golden Tate is a weapon the Irish have not had in many years...that guy scares me...

Michigan may have found their QB in Tate Forcier...but one game does not make a career, especially when you are a true freshman...the Michigan defense looked so much better than last season...so maybe new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson has a way of teaching these kids how to play good defense...

Last season, Michigan self-destructed in the rainstorm in South Bend...turnovers and the inability to stop the big play killed the Wolverines...

Here is an interesting tidbit, the Blue and Gold, the publication that covers Notre Dame athletics, predicted, in their football preview, Michigan to win 23-21

Notre Dame Notes
Notre Dame game notes for the Michigan game...

Notre Dame Game Notes

Al Lesar of the South Bend Tribune writes how the Irish are already going to Plan B... "At Tuesday's meeting with the media, Irish head coach Charlie Weis said fullback James Aldridge will miss Saturday's game at Michigan with a shoulder injury. Weis said Aldridge's injury will cause him to miss just a game or two." ...

Al Lesar

Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune writes how Notre Dame remembers how Greg Robinson, then the coach at Syracuse, upset the Irish... "When Notre Dame last saw Greg Robinson, his woebegone Syracuse team had swallowed him whole, chanting "G-Rob" and celebrating its embattled coach after handing the Irish their most galling loss of 2008." ...

Brian Hamilton

Michigan Notes
Michigan Game Notes for the Notre Dame game...

Michigan Game Notes

Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press writes that QB Tate Forcier was impressive in his first game... "Forcier was able to make the necessary throws when called upon and still showed a unique ability to escape trouble and remain calm." ...

Mark Snyder

Snyder writes how Michigan CB Donovan Warren (photo) and Irish QB Jimmy Clausen have a rivalry going back to high school... "The two connected in those games, being high-profile players, and spent time together again when they played at the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio." ...

Mark Snyder

Ann Arbor.com reports there is no public bet this year between Tom Brady and Charlie Weis... "Yet Brady went to Michigan. Weis went to and now coaches Notre Dame. So every year around this time, rumors of a wager between pupil and teacher pop up." ...

Ann Arbor.com

Below is a 2:20 clip of Notre Dame's Bob Crable climbing on top of teammates backs to block the potential game winning kick by Michigan...Notre Dame won 12-10 in this 1979 game...the NCAA later changed the rules prohibiting players from jumping on teammates backs to block a field goal...

Terrelle Pryor - is he a true leader?

(Cleveland) Plain Dealer sports columnist Bill Livingston rips Terrelle Pryor and Jim Tressel after Pryor's decision to wear "Vick" on his eye black... "Like many coaches, Tressel sometimes selectively micromanages. He overlooked a lot when Maurice Clarett was here for one stormy, sensational season. Pryor was not included in the list of players available for interviews Tuesday, but exclusion of freshmen and sophomores is the usual procedure at OSU. Upperclassmen are expected to know which topics to avoid, which "hot" buttons not to press." ...

Bill Livingston

Akron Zips open new stadium - InfoCision Stadium

The Akron Zips open their brand new football stadium this Saturday when they take on Morgan State...InfoCision Stadium is located on campus compared to the old Rubber Bowl that was a few miles away...Beacon-Journal photographer Ed Suba took some snapshots of the new place...

InfoCision Stadium

NFL prediction time

It's that time of year where we all make our predictions then look foolish in four months...I went with a few wild picks...shoot, one year ago, who would have thought the 1-15 Dolphins would make the playoffs???...sometimes ya gotta take a chance with these predictions...

AFC East
1. Patriots - Tom Brady is back...
2. Dolphins - there will be a downturn after a surprising 08 season...
3. Jets - Sanchez is The Man in The City...they just need some time to mesh...watch out in 2010...
4. Bills - I wish they go back to their old throwback jerseys on a permanent basis...

AFC North
1. Steelers - who else but the Steel City?...
2. Ravens - they are stuck in the same division with Pittsburgh...
3. Bengals - some progress this year, but Marvin Lewis is gone after the season...
4. Browns - Mangini should have named Quinn the starter after the first pre-season game so Quinn could have taken the leadership role...

AFC South
1. Colts - Dungy and Harrison are gone...but Peyton is still there
2. Titans - they will not have as impressive of a record, but they will win games this season...
3. Texans - the defense finally gels...
4. Jaguars - they rebuilt the O-line, but now their defense will lead oil...

AFC West
1. Chargers - San Diego wins by default...
2. Raiders - how much longer can they be dysfunctional?...
3. Broncos - Denver will not be as bad as people think...
4. Chiefs - this team sucks!!!...will have the #1 pick in the draft...

NFC East
1. Giants - the G-men fell apart late last year...not this time...
2. Redskins - the talent is there...
3. Eagles - Vick does not guarantee a spot in the playoffs...
4. Cowboys - Dallas won't miss TO, but their defense will let them down...

NFC North
1. Packers - Rodgers will be the NFL MVP...and defense will improve...
2. Vikings - the defense will win games, not Brett Favre...
3. Bears - Cutler will show why he is a .500 QB...
4. Lions - Lions will win 5 games...

NFC South
1. Panthers - this team is hungry after the playoff embarrassment...
2. Saints - this offense is going to be unstoppable...
3. Falcons - sophomore slump for Ryan...
4. Buccaneers - this is a team in rebuild mode...

NFC West
1. Cardinals - finally the Cards are the team to beat in this division...
2. 49ers - Shaun Hill is the best scrappy QB in the league...
3. Seahawks - Mora will start to turn the ship around...
4. Rams - nothing here...

AFC Playoffs
Ravens over Chargers
Titans over Colts

Patriots over Ravens
Steelers over Titans

Patriots over Steelers

NFC Playoffs
Panthers over Redskins
Saints over Cardinals

Giants over Panthers
Packers over Saints

Packers over Giants

Super Bowl
Patriots over Packers

Jim Tressel unable to see Terrelle Pryor's tribute to Michael Vick

Some Ohio State fans were not too happy with star Terrelle Pryor wearing eye black that supported Michael Vick...

When asked after the game, Pryor rambled, "Not everybody is a perfect person in the world. Everyone kills people, murders people, steals from you, steals from me, whatever."

The most interesting part, head coach Jim Tressel did not notice the eye black...this coming from a coach who covers every small detail and does not leave a stone unturned...suddenly Tressel was unable to see this...Tressel said, "I'm not tall enough to see his eyebrows. I don't know what he had."..it's funny how Gentleman Jim never sees the things that are negative toward his program or players...

Michigan players are soft!!!

Michigan players crying about practice???...either they are cousins of Allen Iverson or the reason Michigan finished 3-9 last year...I found this written by Bob Marshall on fordyletter.com ...here is how Bo handled crybabies...God Bless Bo!!!

One day, one of the assistant coaches came in to Bo Schembechler’s office and mentioned that there was some complaining on the team. It was being said that Michigan practiced too long and hit too hard during those practices. The players also said that that was why the season was starting so poorly. Bo asked the Assistant who was making those comments. The Assistant said that many players were guilty, but that it was also coming from the team captain. Bo said, “Get him in here.”

Bo was not one to wait when problems occurred. Now the Captain, Andy Cannavino, was a big strong kid. He came into the office and Bo recounted what the Assistant had said. Andy admitted that he had indeed said those things.

At that point Bo said, “The University of Michigan has had a long and illustrious history. Since I have been here we have always had tough practices because football is a tough game. I would like you to tell the Captains of teams gone by that you think our practices are too long and that we hit too hard. I would like you to complain to them. Do you know what they would say to you?

They would tell you that you are a bad team captain, Andy Cannavino, and they would be right. On the field, you represent me. You are the coach on the field and you are letting me, your teammates and the whole program down.” At that point, with a tear flowing down his cheek, Andy Cannavino said, “I understand, Coach. There won’t be any more problems.”

And there weren’t. The team straightened themselves up. There was no more grumbling or complaining. The team finished the season by winning all of the rest of their games and playing, and winning, in the Rose Bowl – not something that the University of Michigan did all of the time. Andy Cannavino was acknowledged as the greatest team captain in Michigan’s history.

Enjoying Labor Day

Enjoy the long weekend...enjoy the football games...and enjoy the photo of this chick with a huge rack...

Speaking of racks, here is a question to my readers - what should I cook on Monday, racks of ribs or the traditional hamburgers????...leave your comments!!!!...

Oklahoma State may be the most potent offense in college football

Thoughts on this year's college football season...

Sleeper Team - Oklahoma State
Ole Miss seems to be everyone's sexy sleeper pick...my choice is Oklahoma State...I understand they have a horrible defense - giving up 28 points and 406 yards/game last season...but if this defense can lower that to even 24 points/game, the Cowboys can be a great surprise...

Okie State has a great offense with Zac Robinson at QB, Kendall Hunter (photo, right) at RB, and Dez Bryant at WR...on the o-line, offensive tackle Russell Okung is one of the best...the schedule also breaks in their favor...they get both Georgia and Texas at home and even though they have to play at Oklahoma, it is not until the last game of the year...

Bowl Call
Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma State vs. Southern Cal
Sugar Bowl - Alabama vs. Notre Dame
Orange Bowl - Cincinnati vs. Wake Forest
Rose Bowl - Penn State vs. Oregon
BCS Title Game - Texas vs. Florida

Jeremiah Masoli: the best unknown QB

With the college football season just a day away, here are my thoughts on individual players...tomorrow will be a preview of teams...

Remember me?
Here are some players to remember during the year...these fellas are under-rated or just flat out unknown...
Offense
Jeremiah Masoli, quarterback, Oregon - 5'11", 215 (photo)
Colin Kaepernick, quarterback, Nevada - 6'6", 215
Russell Wilson, quarterback, N.C. State - 5'11", 210
Rusty Smith, quarterback, Florida Atlantic - 6'5", 220
James Starks, running back, Buffalo - 6'2", 215
Mardy Gilyard, wide receiver, Cincinnati - 6'1", 190
Kyle Jefferson, wide receiver, Wisconsin - 6'5", 180
Anthony Davis, tackle, Rutgers, 6'6", 325
Brandon Carter, guard, Texas Tech, 6'7", 350

Defense
Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle, Nebraska - 6'4", 305 (photo)
Vince Oghobaase, defensive tackle, Duke - 6'6", 300
Jerry Hughes, defensive end, TCU - 6'3", 257
Brandon Graham, hybrid, Michigan - 6'2", 270
Joe Pawelek, linebacker, Baylor - 6'2", 240
Trevard Lindley, cornerback, Kentucky - 6'0", 170
Barry Church, strong safety, Toledo - 6'2", 220
Deunta Williams, free safety, North Carolina - 6'2", 205

Top 10 players I like
Here is a list of the 10 college players who I like...
1. Taylor Mays, safety, USC - this kids reminds me of Ronnie Lott...he is the total package with speed and power...
2. Colt McCoy, quarterback, Texas - McCoy does not have speed, but he is agile and smart enough to know when to step-up in the pocket or just take off running...he also has a nice touch on the ball...
3. Daryll Clark, quarterback, Penn State - I gotta go with a hometown boy who turned his back on Ohio State...Clark is from Youngstown, Ohio...
4. Jeremiah Masoli, quarterback, Oregon - this guy is a tank!!!!...he is built like a bowling ball who has no feat to drop his shoulder and take on a defender...he is also a decent passer who makes plays...
5. Brandon Minor, running back, Michigan - if he stays healthy, Minor will be one of the top backs in the country...he is such a hard nosed runner who will not quit...
6. Armanti Edwards, quarterback, Appalachian State - he is the best at I-AA...as a freshman he led Appy State to the title then started his sophomore year with a win at Michigan...this kid has "it"...
7. Tim Tebow, quarterback. Florida - everyone seems to hate Tebow because he is a winner...but you have to love this kid for his leadership and toughness...he is a rare one...
8. Javier Arenas, cornerback, Alabama - the kid is good on defense and special teams...
9.Ndamukong Suh, nose tackle, Nebraska - this guy is a run stopper who can also get in the backfield...
10. John Clay, running back, Wisconsin - this guy is a bulldozer...if he is in shape, Bielema should run this dude 25 times a game and just wear out defenses...

Former New York Giant Dave Meggett's son, Davin Meggett, is one of Maryland's top running backs

Saturday, September 5 - 10:00 p.m.
Maryland @ Cal
Berkeley, California
2008 record - Maryland (8-5) Cal (9-4)

These two teams met last season in College Park...heading into the game the Terps were 1-1 by barely beating Delaware 14-7 and losing to Middle Tennessee...so, Maryland played a little trick on the 23rd ranked Golden Bears by switching the game time to noon which seemed like a 9:00 a.m. start for Cal...this threw the Golden Bears off as they fell behind 28-6 after three quarters...despite a comeback, Cal lost 35-27...the Terps held Cal to 38 total yards rushing on 23 carries...

Key Players
Maryland - running back Da'Rei Scott rushed for 1.133 yards and 8 TDs last season...he is joined by Davin Meggett to make a good one-two punch...on defense linebacker Alex Wujciak was one of the top tacklers in the ACC last season...kick returner Torrey Smith is also someone to keep on eye on...

Cal - everything on the Cal offense centers around running back Jahvid Best - one of the best running backs in the country...the 5'10", 195 lb junior missed spring ball with surgery to his arm...the Golden Bears have a stud CB in senior Syd'Quan Thompson...Cal also has one of the best punters in sophomore Bryan Anger...over the last three years, the Golden Bears won their home opener against the likes of Minnesota (2006), Tennessee (2007), and Michigan State (2008)...

Jeff Barker of the Baltimore Sun writes about the newest threat in the Terp backfield - Davin Meggett (photo)... "Davin Meggett has virtually pulled even with Da'Rel Scott, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, in the race to be Maryland's starting tailback, offensive coordinator James Franklin said Thursday night after the team's final preseason scrimmage." ...

Jeff Barker

Hail to the Redskins!

I was looking through youtube when I came across this 1:42 clip on the 1982 NFC title game between Dallas and Washington...I still remember this game...sit back and enjoy football from the 80s...there were no hanging monitors or plastic grass...this was old school football baby!!!...

Notre Dame vs. Nevada - will this be the breakout year for Jimmy Clausen and the Irish?

Nevada Wolf Pack at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Saturday, September 5 - 3:30 p.m.
South Bend, Indiana
2008 records - Nevada (7-6) Notre Dame (7-6)

Under the scope
The Wolf Pack are coached by Chris Ault who is in his 25th year at Nevada...the Pack are 1-12 visiting BCS teams losing by an average score of 43-17...last season they played at Missouri and were whacked 69-17...last season Nevada average 278 yards on the ground but only had 182 against Mizzou...Nevada has a stout running defense, allowing only 89 yards on the ground in 08, but they are abyssmal defending the pass giving up 312 yards per game...

This is supposed to be the breakout year for highly touted QB Jimmy Clausen...Clausen torched Hawaii in the bowl game which made for a positive off-season...his main weapon is wideout Golden Tate, who is one of the elite players in the country...the Irish are loaded with a stable full of running backs led by Armando Allen...how far Notre Dame goes this season depends on the defense which is led by safety Kyle McCarthy...look for true freshman linebacker Manti Te'O, who was the top high school defensive player in the country last season, to see a lot of action...

Key Players
Nevada - the Pack return two 1,000 yard rushers in Vai Taua (photo) who led the WAC in rushing with 1,521 yards and 15 TDs...the other 1,000 yard rushere is QB Colin Kaepernick who racked up 1,130 yards and 17 rushing TDs...Kaepernick threw for 22 TDs with only 7 picks...

Notre Dame - Jimmy Clausen threw for 3,127 yards and 25 TDs last season...however, he had 17 INTs...Golden Tate caught 58 balls for 1,080 yards and 10 TDs...

Dan Hinxman of the Reno Gazette Journal writes about the positive feeling going on in Reno... "There's a charge in the air, and it's not because the Nevada basketball team is going to the NCAA Tournament. That could certainly happen -- the program has done so four times in the past six seasons and has gone on to postseason play seven straight seasons -- but it's three months until the basketball season even begins." ...

Dan Hinxman

Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune gives some tidbits about the Irish on his blog - Around the Bend...

Brian Hamilton