This weekend is Halloween. I have been VERY disappointed the last few years with my old Sandy Springs neighborhood in the fact that ZERO trick-or-treaters came up for candy. WHAT THE HECK? I was wearing my cow costume and the dogs were dressed up and for NOTHING. I had to eat ALL that candy by myself...Terrible. And the year before, Halloween was on a Wednesday, if I am remembering correctly. I remember getting a newsletter saying that the kids were going to go that Friday night, after halloween. NO. I'm sorry. When I was a kid, I went trick-or-treating ON HALLOWEEN, aka October 31. NOT the Friday/Saturday before or after. ON THE ACTUAL DAY. If a kid HAD come to my door three days after halloween, I would have thrown water in his face. If she/he had come early, I'd have said, "oops, sorry, I haven't bought my candy yet." Give me a break, NOT going on the Actual day? That is just stoopid. Sorry, but whatevs.
Let's get down to the picks. And we'll start with tonight's contest.
#21 West Va @ SoFla. West Va won last week over UConn in a very emotional game for the Huskies and really for the rednecks-er-Mountaineers. Will there be any sort of letdown against the free-falling SoFla Bulls? Doubtful. Hey, I wonder if West Va fired its head coach and got a Chinese Communist leader to become head coach, would they be called the Mao-untaineers? Sorry, I've been waiting to use that one.
#8 Cincy @ Da Cuse. Well, I'm now over the whole Greg Paulus as QB for Syracuse thing. It was fun for a while, but other things have captured that little space of my attention that Paulus as QB was holding hostage. For example...Why are the Slumdog millionaire kids jeopardizing their trust fund by not going to school? Why is a guy so stupid to think that he could drive his car into a sinkhole and then destroy/change evidence and this he would get away with it? Why do people CONTINUE to drive with hazards on in the rain? Those are just THREE things that I think about more these days than Greg Paulus as QB of the Orange. Cincy rolls.
NCSU @ FSU. I'm sure the Noles would LOVE to bust out their black unis for Halloween, but since they started stinking, they are now getting the crappy start times. I doubt they will bust out the black jerseys for a noon kickoff. And even if they did, the fans won't care. Why? Because FSU isn't that good this season....But NCState lost to Duke, so I'll go with the Noles in this one.
Purdue @ Wisconsin. This game is at noon on ESPN2....which means ONE THING. THE PAM WARD DANCE PARTY HITS MADISON THIS WEEKEND! The thing that makes this great is that Wiscon students already have a Burrow dance that they can do in unison. AWESOME. They will celebrate the Badgers win by doing the Burrow all night long. I am betting that Pam Ward might even bust out the cobra!
#25 Ole Miss @ Auburn. After this weekend all of the fools that said Chizik couldn't coach and was the wrong man for the job will come back out of the woodwork. You know, the same fools who yelled at him when he got off the airplane to accept the job...then who were singing his praises the first few weeks of the season. yep, they'll turn back. Take the Rebs.
San Jose State @ No.7 Boise State. And Bronco fans wonder why they aren't getting more respect about potentially playing in the national title game. Ummmm because you are playing SAN JOSE STATE! Listen, your conference is what your conference is. Yes, it sucks. However, when your conference schedule sucks, you MUST go out and play the hardest Non-conference known to man. Oh, you have to go on the road, DO IT. whatever money you lose this season, you'll make back in three or four years when you suddenly are recognized as a legit non-BCS power. Maybe even you get annexed into the Pac10 if/when they decide to expand. But UC Davis, Bowling Green....Crap Crap Schedule. Broncos will win. Why? Because they are playing SJSU!
19 Miami @ Wake. Did I really just read in Sporting News where they thought Riley Skinner was going to BUST OUT in this game? Rrrrrrrrrrrrrright, against Army, the guy loses, but against the No.19 team in the country, Riley Skinner is going to have a HUGE GAME? Against the ONLY team to shut down GT, Riley Skinner is going to go crazy? Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrright. I'll still go with the Canes. Hey Randy Shannon? What is the status of THE U? is it back?
#24 Cal @ Arizona State. This is what pac-10 teams do, I swear. They get into the top 10, lose two or three straight and drop out of sight, then beat up on the other crappy teams in the conference and suddenly, Cal is back ranked again, despite the fact that they'd lose to several teams not ranked and not even receiving votes in the AP Poll (I'm talking about Georgia.) But Cal will win and likely move into the top 20. Because it is SOOOO tough to go on the road in the Pac-10 that they'll get that bump.
Michigan @ Illinios. Could this be the final nail in Ron Zook's coffin? Possibly. Michigan will win (they owe me after last week) but I don't think the Illini fire Zook. Who is going to replace him? Who will be better than Zook? Think about it. The Illinois job isn't anything to write home about. Would Brian Kelly take it? NO. Would Chris Petersen take it? No. So you're going to hire the guy from Akron (for example) who will leave in two years for the Arkansas job? No. Illinois NEEDS Ron Zook.
KU @ Texas Tech. Wait, what happened to KU's ranking? Oh, that's right. They aren't good and don't deserve one. But I did hear that TTU will be starting a redshirt frosh at QB. Won't matter. they'll just pass and pass and pass and Todd Reesing won't be able to keep up. And can The KU QB change his name for the Halloween holiday to Todd Reese's? Just wondering. And PS, this HAS to be Mangino's favorite Holiday, right? I mean, he gets to eat candy all night long. How much candy do you think he buys, because you know he plows through a bag just standing in line a Kroger. "One for you, two for me...."
#12 Penn State @ Northwestern. I am too afraid of getting another phone call from Kate telling me I was wrong, so Kate, here you go. Penn State DESTROYS NU. Penn Kate!
Miss State @ UK. Hey Miss State, how come you couldn't nail Tebow a few more times? I know you just Pick-6'ed him twice, so now he won't throw when close to the endzone, instead he'll just bulldoze in there. Thanks. And hey Rich Brooks, way to pull the CMR and say, leading up to your blackout, "Um, last time I checked, our colors are blue and white..." when asked if you were going with black unis. You didn't answer the question, just like Richt didn't in 2007. We KNOW you are going with Black unis. As long as Randall Cobb is your QB, you'll beat Miss State.
Wazzou @ #23 Notre Dame. I read where ND's AD was catching some heat because the next few seasons, Notre Dame was shying away from some traditional rivalry games to play some new blood. Is Wazzou a traditional one for you? Didn't think so. I have a better idea....join the Big East and give that conference some cred (you are ALREADY in there in B-Ball) and you can play those 8 games Plus Still Michigan State, Michigan, Navy and USC as your non-conference. Done. You are welcome. Notre Dame beats Wazzou and IMMEDIATELY jumps to No.7 in the country. Hey, BC, you could have ended this. But you failed...
No.22 SoCar @ Tennessee. Steve Spurrier should challenge Kiffin to say that the loser has to pump gas for two hours. For Kiffin, he'd eat up the free ESPN press and if Tennessee wins, he can tell all of the recruits from SoCar, "See, I told you..." After Kiffin said the whole "if you go there, you'll end up pumping gas" comment, you'd have thought that the kid would have responded, "I bet you'd do it if it got you a free pop on ESPN." Take SoCar because Kiffin gets what is coming to him and I think Stevie believes he can make Atlanta. Not sure how, but he can hold out hope. (If UGA beats Florida, SoCar beats Florida and Vandy beats Florida, then UGA loses to either Aubie or UK....Steve can dream)
No.3 Texas @ #14 Okie State. So Dez Bryant has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Hey NCAA, thanks for dragging your feet on that one. But somehow, someway (thanks Snoop) they've kept winning, even without Kendall Hunter. That all stops in Stillwater when Tey-haas comes acallin'. Wifey's Boy Colt McCoy asserts himself as the Heisman frontrunner with a big game because, well, he's better than Joe Cox and Cox was able to slice this defense up (at least on the first drive).
#5 USC @ #10 Oregon. I've read the SI piece about how Oregon is doing it with Defense. I've read that Oregon is AT HOME, ready to take down USC, who is seemingly down this season, in a transition year. I really don't think it happens. Even if LeGarrett Blout is out there, I don't think it matters. USC's stable of RBs helps out the freshman QB, because it can be SOOOOOOOOOOOOO scary going ON THE ROAD in the Pac-10....Take the men of troy because I don't believe in the Ducks.
Michigan State @ Minnesota. After the beatdown last week at the hands of the Buckeyes, why would anyone with kids go to the Gophers game and miss trick-or-treating? Oh wait....because it is, what, -18 degrees in Minnesota right now? Ahhh. but wait, they now have an outdoor stadium. Seriously, and you guys want to have this at night? Sparty wins this one because I choose to punish the Gophers (and the Twins) for going from indoors to outdoors. Why do you hate your fans?
Special Treats...(Make sure the candy is factory-wrapped)
Lock of the week. Indiana @ No.4 Iowa. I know Iowa just lost another RB, but they are facing Indiana. Not good for the Hoosiers in that this isn't basketball. I am not certain I buy the idea that Fulmer heads to Indiana though. Just not certain that is going to happen. He'd be a more logical choice at Louisville. (keep dreaming if you think you Cards are getting Gruden). As for Iowa, they'll win this one and not look ahead because CKF is that good, that he can keep his players from looking ahead.
Upset of the week. Duke @ UVa. Daddio isn't going to be happy with me. UVa refused to run last week against GT and that is their strong suit. Duke can get to a bowl and I like Cutcliff as a coach WAY more than I do Groh. I say Groh loses this one (hey, the guy lost to William and Mary at home) and Groh really, finally goes at the end of the season. Duke is motivated, with two straight ACC wins. They are close to a bowl. I'd love to see Duke become eligible against GT, but that isn't likely to happen. This game IS likely however. If Simpson is healthy, UVA waltzes, but he didn't look healthy last week.
Local teams going at it.
No.11 GT @ Vandy. Hey, GT, stop trying to say that you could do well in the SEC. You've played Miss State (the worst team in the SEC West) and you will have played and beated Vandy (the worst team in the SEC East). Then you'll beat UGA (the worst team overall in the SEC, according to JCole) and you'll brag. Play LSU, wait you did and lost. Play Alabama. Play Florida. Play a real team (and UGA doesn't count. As long as CWM is there....) But you'll beat Vandy. I say next year, Georgia should play NC State and UVa and then claim it would OWN the ACC. That's the SAME THING YOU GUYS ARE DOING!
Georgia @ No.1 Florida in Jax. It IS a road game, but CMR doesn't have to count it in his "amazing road record." IF Georgia can get after Tebow, find a special play on special teams and hit AJ Green for AT LEAST two big plays....then Georgia has a chance. So much needs to go right for Georgia as well as several things need to go wrong for Florida for the Dawgs to have a chance. Come on bye-week majik! I refuse to pick a winner here because I love my alma mater.
If you have time tonight, log on to gpb.org/football to see ME (and Charles Ward) calling the SWD/Tucker game. Should be a great one!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Score Atlanta Around the Dial preview
This is a sneak peek of Around the Dial, the zone-tastic back-page column that appears every week in Score Atlanta. Be sure to stop by your metro-area Kroger, QuikTrip or Blockbuster to pick up a copy!
The Atlanta Falcons were part of the FOX national broadcast last week as the Falcons flew west to face the Dallas Cowboys. Thom Brennaman and Troy Aikman called the game, but it was clear that one of the major story angles the network was going after was Keith Brooking’s first game against his former club. Brooking suited up for Atlanta for eleven seasons before leaving the team to sign with Dallas before the season. In the week leading up to the game, Brooking made appearances on both of Atlanta’s sports radio stations and he spoke with FOX as well. During most of the interviews he spoke kindly of the city of Atlanta and had mostly positive words to say about his time in Atlanta at both Georgia Tech and with the Falcons. During the game however, Brooking looked happier over the fact that his former team was losing more so than his new team was doing well. The former Falcon linebacker finished with just two tackles and was on the sidelines for much of the second half; however he was seen several times mocking the Dirty Bird dance that several Falcons did many seasons ago. He sarcastically would flap his arms or “wings,” after teammates made plays.
Following the game, Brooking told the media that, “[he] ain’t apologizing for nothing.” He noted that the Cowboys stepped on them and kicked them to the ground and that he guessed that while this is a young man’s game, “I guess an old man can still play.” I watched the entire game and I cannot recall a single impact play he made, and to be honest, I had to check cbssports.com to see that he had those two tackles. Throughout the fourth quarter though, he was seen giddily jumping on the sidelines while the rest of the Cowboys made plays. I know you are an emotional player, but the mock wing flapping and your comments to the media after the game might just be costing you a chance at some sort of long-term partnership with the Falcons. Maybe your former teammates understand the situation, but I think you might have a hard time getting some of them to appear at your next fundraiser after you openly mocked them like that. The AJC reported that Brooking was apologizing to Falcons personnel after the game, but that is like when the player flips the bird to the home fans then says, “Oh, that isn’t in my character. That isn’t who I am.” We saw how you truly feel in the heat of battle. Words after the fact are one thing. Your actions during the game spoke volumes.
Speaking of speaking volumes, after Florida’s 29-19 win over Mississippi State, Gator QB Tim Tebow’s volume was set to mute. Tebow turned down interview requests after the game; instead Florida Coach Urban Meyer spoke to the media. Tebow threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns by the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Meyer took the blame for his quarterback, saying he put Tebow in the wrong situations, but I disagree. Meyer wasn’t the one that threw the picks. Tebow, as a senior, should have known to throw it away or pull it down and try to run for the touchdown himself. Tebow is made available to the media after every Gator win and spoke to the press last season after the Ole Miss lose, giving the world the now-famous speech. Just because he played a bad game, Tebow should not have been taken away from the media by Meyer. If Tebow made that decision on his own, he needs to realize that he will need to speak to the media after a bad game in the NFL. Tebow needed to face the music over a bad performance as QBs do all over the conference and the NCAA. And don’t think NFL player personnel guys weren’t taking note that Tebow ducked the media. His stock might have taken a hit there.
Finally, ESPN has fired Steve Phillips just days after the former MLB color analyst admitted having an affair with a production assistant at the sports network. Phillips had been with the network for several seasons after he was fired from his position as GM of the New York Mets. Phillips was added to the Sunday Night Game of the Week team with Jon Miller and Joe Morgan before the season. According to a Phillips spokesman, Phillips will enter a treatment facility.
The Atlanta Falcons were part of the FOX national broadcast last week as the Falcons flew west to face the Dallas Cowboys. Thom Brennaman and Troy Aikman called the game, but it was clear that one of the major story angles the network was going after was Keith Brooking’s first game against his former club. Brooking suited up for Atlanta for eleven seasons before leaving the team to sign with Dallas before the season. In the week leading up to the game, Brooking made appearances on both of Atlanta’s sports radio stations and he spoke with FOX as well. During most of the interviews he spoke kindly of the city of Atlanta and had mostly positive words to say about his time in Atlanta at both Georgia Tech and with the Falcons. During the game however, Brooking looked happier over the fact that his former team was losing more so than his new team was doing well. The former Falcon linebacker finished with just two tackles and was on the sidelines for much of the second half; however he was seen several times mocking the Dirty Bird dance that several Falcons did many seasons ago. He sarcastically would flap his arms or “wings,” after teammates made plays.
Following the game, Brooking told the media that, “[he] ain’t apologizing for nothing.” He noted that the Cowboys stepped on them and kicked them to the ground and that he guessed that while this is a young man’s game, “I guess an old man can still play.” I watched the entire game and I cannot recall a single impact play he made, and to be honest, I had to check cbssports.com to see that he had those two tackles. Throughout the fourth quarter though, he was seen giddily jumping on the sidelines while the rest of the Cowboys made plays. I know you are an emotional player, but the mock wing flapping and your comments to the media after the game might just be costing you a chance at some sort of long-term partnership with the Falcons. Maybe your former teammates understand the situation, but I think you might have a hard time getting some of them to appear at your next fundraiser after you openly mocked them like that. The AJC reported that Brooking was apologizing to Falcons personnel after the game, but that is like when the player flips the bird to the home fans then says, “Oh, that isn’t in my character. That isn’t who I am.” We saw how you truly feel in the heat of battle. Words after the fact are one thing. Your actions during the game spoke volumes.
Speaking of speaking volumes, after Florida’s 29-19 win over Mississippi State, Gator QB Tim Tebow’s volume was set to mute. Tebow turned down interview requests after the game; instead Florida Coach Urban Meyer spoke to the media. Tebow threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns by the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Meyer took the blame for his quarterback, saying he put Tebow in the wrong situations, but I disagree. Meyer wasn’t the one that threw the picks. Tebow, as a senior, should have known to throw it away or pull it down and try to run for the touchdown himself. Tebow is made available to the media after every Gator win and spoke to the press last season after the Ole Miss lose, giving the world the now-famous speech. Just because he played a bad game, Tebow should not have been taken away from the media by Meyer. If Tebow made that decision on his own, he needs to realize that he will need to speak to the media after a bad game in the NFL. Tebow needed to face the music over a bad performance as QBs do all over the conference and the NCAA. And don’t think NFL player personnel guys weren’t taking note that Tebow ducked the media. His stock might have taken a hit there.
Finally, ESPN has fired Steve Phillips just days after the former MLB color analyst admitted having an affair with a production assistant at the sports network. Phillips had been with the network for several seasons after he was fired from his position as GM of the New York Mets. Phillips was added to the Sunday Night Game of the Week team with Jon Miller and Joe Morgan before the season. According to a Phillips spokesman, Phillips will enter a treatment facility.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Big B's top GaHS B-Ball prospects...
As the regular season in Georgia high school football begins to wind down, we begin to turn our focus to the hardwood and the squeaky sneakers that make up Georgia High School Basketball. While not the hotbed that it is in football, Georgia high school basketball is pretty good and produces some of the nation's best players. Derrick Favors from South Atlanta as recent as last year and Dwight Howard if we want to play the "Oh really, how about some one that has MADE IT" game.
Big B Brian Jones of Score Atlanta fame has put together his first list of the state's top boys/mens basketball players. With no further ado....(PS, tune in for more of Brian on Score Atlanta's Official Visit, hosted by SBF's own Fletcher Proctor this Monday from 8-10 p.m.)
10) Devonta White – Centennial, 6-0, 150 pounds, committed to Georgia State
9) Donte Williams - Miller Grove, 6-9, 200-pound power forward. Offers from Auburn, Georgia and Georgia State. Kid has a great mid-range game and is a talented shot blocker.
8) Marcus Thornton – Westlake, 6-7, 215, Clemson commit. Long, athletic, good shot blocker, developing mid-range game, but great upside.
7) Jershon Cobb – Columbia, 6-4, 170-pound shooting guard. committed to Northwestern. Good all-around scorer, and shooter.
6) Rion Brown – Liberty Co, 6-5, 187-pound guard. Committed to Miami. Needs to work on his handle, but is an absolutely dynamic athlete with a great shot.
5) Jeremy Lamb – Norcross, 6-4, 165-pound shooting guard. Committed to Connecticut. He was a sixth man last year, but has become a dominant scorer on the AAU circuit and averaged a ton of points per minute for Norcross last year.
4) Jordon McRae – Liberty Co, 6-6, 180-pound shooting guard. Committed to Tennessee over Georgia. Great size, smooth in transition, great finisher at the hoop, good getting into the lane. Good shot lacks great quickness
3) Trae Golden – McEachern, 6-1, 190-pound guard. Committed to Tennessee. A physical, athletic guard, strong. Needs to improve range on his jumper and get better at distributing the ball.
2) Ryan Harrow – Walton, 6-0, 158. Committed to North Carolina State. Needs to gain weight but an extremely crafty player with the ball in his hands. Super quick, an uncanny ability to finish at the hole. Good shooter, tremendous handle.
1) Jelan Kendrick –Wheeler, 6-6, 180. Good shooter, great athlete and great off the dribble. Great length needs to add strength. Good mid-range game.
Big B Brian Jones of Score Atlanta fame has put together his first list of the state's top boys/mens basketball players. With no further ado....(PS, tune in for more of Brian on Score Atlanta's Official Visit, hosted by SBF's own Fletcher Proctor this Monday from 8-10 p.m.)
10) Devonta White – Centennial, 6-0, 150 pounds, committed to Georgia State
9) Donte Williams - Miller Grove, 6-9, 200-pound power forward. Offers from Auburn, Georgia and Georgia State. Kid has a great mid-range game and is a talented shot blocker.
8) Marcus Thornton – Westlake, 6-7, 215, Clemson commit. Long, athletic, good shot blocker, developing mid-range game, but great upside.
7) Jershon Cobb – Columbia, 6-4, 170-pound shooting guard. committed to Northwestern. Good all-around scorer, and shooter.
6) Rion Brown – Liberty Co, 6-5, 187-pound guard. Committed to Miami. Needs to work on his handle, but is an absolutely dynamic athlete with a great shot.
5) Jeremy Lamb – Norcross, 6-4, 165-pound shooting guard. Committed to Connecticut. He was a sixth man last year, but has become a dominant scorer on the AAU circuit and averaged a ton of points per minute for Norcross last year.
4) Jordon McRae – Liberty Co, 6-6, 180-pound shooting guard. Committed to Tennessee over Georgia. Great size, smooth in transition, great finisher at the hoop, good getting into the lane. Good shot lacks great quickness
3) Trae Golden – McEachern, 6-1, 190-pound guard. Committed to Tennessee. A physical, athletic guard, strong. Needs to improve range on his jumper and get better at distributing the ball.
2) Ryan Harrow – Walton, 6-0, 158. Committed to North Carolina State. Needs to gain weight but an extremely crafty player with the ball in his hands. Super quick, an uncanny ability to finish at the hole. Good shooter, tremendous handle.
1) Jelan Kendrick –Wheeler, 6-6, 180. Good shooter, great athlete and great off the dribble. Great length needs to add strength. Good mid-range game.
Midweek Entertainment Report 10/28/09
Jay-Z refuses to join the AARP, Paul Haggis is a quitter, Andre Agassi is a rebel, Whitney meets the Parents, and Kristin gives JB yet another chance.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present for your approval, the Midweek Entertainment report!
A Light smattering of applause.
The World Series kicks off tonight, and apparently the often-retired-yet-still-always-coming-back Jay-Z will perform his new song Empire State of Mind. Jay-Z is big with all of the New York teams but he really likes the Yankees, especially when they are good. I haven't really heard any Jay-Z songs since his Black Album. Maybe I'll give a listen, but then I would be reminded that either the Yankees or the Phillies are going to be World Champs. Crud...
Crash director Paul Haggis has quit the Scientology church because of the church's stance on gay marriage. Apparently the church doesn't approve, which is weird because the Scientology church has quite a large number of famous Hollywood types as members and those guys tend to be in favor of gay marriage. Just strange. Kudos Mr. Haggis for pulling a Matt and leaving the church over your beliefs. Judge not lest ye be judged.
Andre Agassi admitted in his new book that he used to do Crystal Meth. I always knew he was a rebel, but a redneck too?
Last night on The City, Whitney met Freddie's daddy at dinner. Freddie brought his father along to meet Whitney, because, hey, I guess you should ALWAYS introduce your parents to someone you've been dating for 2 dates. And Freddie, pre-school called, they want the name back. And lastly on The City, Jay was ABSOLUTELY RIGHT to call Whitney out for bringing Freddie to Jay's place. I know Adam and his alien girlfriend invited her, but that is JAY'S house too...
Finally, on The Hills, Kristin and Stacie the bartender decide to throw another party (well, the writers decided, because, well, they need everyone to get together, and they've already done Frankie AND Brody's birthday) and Justin Bobby decides that he is going to pretend to blow off Kristin. Sorry Boo, strike two. What? What does that even mean? When did Justin Bobby start saying Boo? Is it in honor of halloween? Is Boo Italian? Well he shows up and Kristin decides once again to forgive him. WOW, she really HAS turned into audrina...And She-Pratt (who looks great with the nose job!) and Heidi try and give Holly an intervention, which had as much a chance of working as Heidi does (wait for it...OK, you just got the joke) but it didn't work. SHOCKER. And Holly flips the bird as she leaves, laughing. Hey director, maybe you should have tried another take. Just a suggestion.
Have a great rest of the week. and The Ruins tonight....very exciting. Wes v Cahutta...I wonder if the producers are going to fix the challenges like they have in the past. Is the ruins between Wes and Cahutta a steroids test? Then Wes would lose....but that's it.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present for your approval, the Midweek Entertainment report!
A Light smattering of applause.
The World Series kicks off tonight, and apparently the often-retired-yet-still-always-coming-back Jay-Z will perform his new song Empire State of Mind. Jay-Z is big with all of the New York teams but he really likes the Yankees, especially when they are good. I haven't really heard any Jay-Z songs since his Black Album. Maybe I'll give a listen, but then I would be reminded that either the Yankees or the Phillies are going to be World Champs. Crud...
Crash director Paul Haggis has quit the Scientology church because of the church's stance on gay marriage. Apparently the church doesn't approve, which is weird because the Scientology church has quite a large number of famous Hollywood types as members and those guys tend to be in favor of gay marriage. Just strange. Kudos Mr. Haggis for pulling a Matt and leaving the church over your beliefs. Judge not lest ye be judged.
Andre Agassi admitted in his new book that he used to do Crystal Meth. I always knew he was a rebel, but a redneck too?
Last night on The City, Whitney met Freddie's daddy at dinner. Freddie brought his father along to meet Whitney, because, hey, I guess you should ALWAYS introduce your parents to someone you've been dating for 2 dates. And Freddie, pre-school called, they want the name back. And lastly on The City, Jay was ABSOLUTELY RIGHT to call Whitney out for bringing Freddie to Jay's place. I know Adam and his alien girlfriend invited her, but that is JAY'S house too...
Finally, on The Hills, Kristin and Stacie the bartender decide to throw another party (well, the writers decided, because, well, they need everyone to get together, and they've already done Frankie AND Brody's birthday) and Justin Bobby decides that he is going to pretend to blow off Kristin. Sorry Boo, strike two. What? What does that even mean? When did Justin Bobby start saying Boo? Is it in honor of halloween? Is Boo Italian? Well he shows up and Kristin decides once again to forgive him. WOW, she really HAS turned into audrina...And She-Pratt (who looks great with the nose job!) and Heidi try and give Holly an intervention, which had as much a chance of working as Heidi does (wait for it...OK, you just got the joke) but it didn't work. SHOCKER. And Holly flips the bird as she leaves, laughing. Hey director, maybe you should have tried another take. Just a suggestion.
Have a great rest of the week. and The Ruins tonight....very exciting. Wes v Cahutta...I wonder if the producers are going to fix the challenges like they have in the past. Is the ruins between Wes and Cahutta a steroids test? Then Wes would lose....but that's it.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
GA High School review and Preview for 10/27/09
No new record for Hutson Mason of Lassiter at Walton last Friday, but five touchdowns and a great game made for a quality Friday night for me and for gpb.org/football. If you missed the game, check out gpb.org/football or ghsa.tv
What a game last Friday and what a weekend for high school football in Georgia. Hutson Mason of Lassiter threw for 4 TDs and 227 yards in the first half but his team was only up 21-14 with about 1 minute to go in the half. The Trojans would recover a muffed punt and score one play later to take a 28-14 lead into the break and it seemed as though Mason couldn't be stopped. Well, they were for the entire third quarter. Lassiter is EXTREMELY talented, don't get me wrong, but with ZERO running game, they will struggle come playoff time. They were bottled up for a while by an overmatched Walton team and though Lassiter pulled out two TDs in the fourth to win 42-28, it looked dicey for a while. Walton had the running game going and they are a threat through the air with Pat Cosgrove hauling in TD passes in five straight games. Walton simply wasn't as good as Lassiter, but I wonder how the game would have gone if Brandon Burrows could have played for Walton. (He tore an ACL over the summer and is missing his senior season. He'll go to UGA next year.) I think both teams will make the playoffs and Lassiter will likely make it to the third round before bowing out. Walton will prolly be one-and-done.
In other Class AAAAA action, Grayson ran over Meadowcreek with 351 yards, 181 from Ean Pemberton on 18 carries with 1 TD. Devin Gillespie had two 2tds for the Rams. Terry Williams btw committed to ECU last week and remains a beast on the defensive side.
Collins Hill was back to its winning ways with a 35-0 blanking of Mill Creek. Taylor Heinicke was 10-15 for 152 and 3 TDs while Charles Perkins showed that he still is a good back: 107 with 2 TDs. Don't worry Tech fans, I'm sure he'll be able to run against ACC defenses like he was able to against Mill Creek. The ACC doesn't have teams as good as Ptree Ridge... (On quick aside, I am interested to see how good Georgia Tech will be in three seasons. Coach Paul Johnson has been uber-successful thus far with putting players not meant for his system into his system. They were very talented players to begin with however. I will be interested to see how the players he recruits do once on campus. And I am allowing a year or two for these guys to mature once they arrive. Is Perkins going to be as good as Dwyer? Is Synjyn Days going to be as good as Nesbitt? Is BJ Bostic going to be as good as Morgan Burnett? Is Shawn Green going to be as good as Derrick Morgan. I'm just interested in seeing yah or nay. Not being mean here. Just wondering...)
Brookwood, despite record-breaking performances, lost to Dacula, which likely punches a ticket for Dacula and puts either BWood or Parkview out of the playoffs. Ben McLane was 25-38 for 266 yards, all three are single-game school records. Andre Sims caught 10-152, a school record. But Dacula's Skyler Richardson's return of a 44-yard INT for 6 ended the Broncos chances.
NoGwin beat out North Forsyth 24-6 thanks to CJ Uzomah's 10-14 for 141 and 1TD and 64 yards rushing with 1 TD. Hey UGA, sign this guy now before he pulls a Blake Sims...
Northside (Warner Robins) had a powerful performance from Briar Van Brunt, 3 TDs, the third icing the 27-13 win. NWR faces Warner Robins and if WR loses, they are likely out of the playoffs.
Meanwhile Newnan ho-hum recorded its 5th shutout of the season and 13th in the last two seasons. They still have a few games left this regular season. They forced 5 tunrovers.
Stephenson outraced Union Grove 27-7 to in essence clinch the region. Randy Sanders is still giving me the finger over "Bennett to UK" talk with 232 yards and 3 TDs on just 18 carries. Two of the TDs were 53 and 45 yards..
Speaking of Rajaan Bennett, the Indian from McEacher ran for 123 yards on 12 carries. He scored twice. The Indians also had 5 scoring plays of AT LEAST 59 yards. WOW. I'd say they are ready for the playoffs.
and finally, PTree Ridge won just 17-10 over South Forsyth as Nick Lombardo played just one series and threw the go-ahead 22-yard TD to Brad Roby while Chris Sawdey racked up 106 yards on the ground. COME ON ROBY. More excitement please....
In Class AAAA, the poseurs that are Westside Macon got 3 TDs and 99 yards rushing from Robert Brown. And they'll lose in the second round of the playoffs.
The future state champion Southwest DeKalb (who GPB.org/football will call this Friday when the Panthers face Tucker) took care of No.5 Marist 21-7. The Panthers racked up 314 yards of offense compared to just 124 for the War Eagles. Ken Malcome had 182 yards, 74 on a touchdown.
Sandy Creek's Rajion Neal had 242 yards on 29 carries (glad to see he is playing both halves these days) while Ronnie Bell had 218 passing yards. The Fighting Pats won 31-13 over Starr's Mill.
Clarence Jackson had 173 rushing and 3 total TDs in North Clayton's too little too late 50-0 win.
Tucker had 5 turnovers in its 7-0 win over Stone Mountian. Tyrelle Poole had 133 rushing yards and 1 TD.
Finally, Apalachee clinched the Region title with a 24-23 win over Garry Peters' Heritage squad. Jon Lee scored on a 31-yard TD in the first qtr. South Carolina is going to get a good one if they realize it.
In Class AAA, Tai-lor Jones (the flipflopper) caught two TD passes and Blake Sims ran two more in himself as the Red Elephants rolled. And if Blake Sims switches over to Georgia, I'll be happy, but at the same time I will feel bad for Alabama because he gave them his word. If you AREN'T WILLING TO 100% go there, Don't promise them you will. And I don't want to hear the phrase "Soft commit" That is crap.
Isaiah Crowell is clearly begging UGA to go ahead and offer a scholarship NOW as in RIGHT NOW as he will clear up any sort of lack of running back once he steps foot on campus. Seriously. This guy has a gear that I'm not sure I have seen in a LONG time. If Wayshaun or Caleb or Carlton or DJAx cannot grab a firm hold, Isaiah can easily win the job. He had 137 and 3 TDs.
Waco and BurkeCo had quite the game over the weekend as WaCo's Montravious Gladdin had 280 yards nad 5tds while Burke Co's Terrell Brigham had 301 passing yards and 167 Rushing yards (but 3 INTs) in Waco's 44-31 win.
and Kudos to Joe Mansour for his 59-yard Field Goal for LaGrange
In AA, Buford and Lovett both won. And Calhoun got 220+ from Nash Nance with Rodgers catching a TD pass. I still have to go with the Yellow Jackets to knock off Boo-ford.
In Class A, Kyle Karempelis had 2 TDs for Wesleyan, already up to 1000 yards for the year as the Wolves had a 31-0 win Athens Academy. And THAT is ALL I will say on Class A football because Wesleyan has made itself into the Buford of that Classification. Wesleyan should move back to AA and Buford should move up to AAA.
Games this week that I care about....
warner Robins against NWR. Playoffs are SERIOUSLY on the line for WR. THey lose and pretty much they are out. It is like their playoffs started early. I think they clearly lose this one and Rush makes the playoffs with Colquitt Co. in his second season.
McEachern can wrap up its first Region5 title since 1999 against KMHS. Bank on it. (Boy was I wrong about Kennesaw Mountain.)
Newnan can clinch Region 4-AAAAA with a win over over-matched Mundy's Mill. No one will be having a case of the Mundy's....Hello Newnan and Hello region title.
Camden will clinch Region 3 (shocker!) with a win over Savannah, who has lost 20 straight.
Finally, Stephenson has 2 chances to claim Region 2, this week it is Greenbrier. Done and done.
Otherwise, Roswell travels to Walton. Is Roswell all the way back and will Walton lose three straight? We shall see. I think Roswell is back, but Surely the Raiders won't lose three in a row? Right?
Lassiter travels to Centennial. If Lassiter is looking ahead to Roswell, Centennial is good enough to knock them off. Classic Trap game. Lassiter and Chip Lindsey had better find a ground game...
Norcross at Peachtree Ridge. WOW, Norcross HAS to win this one to keep faint playoff hopes alive. Sorry. Take the Ridge at the Lions Den
Finally Brookwood is nearly in a must-win situation with South Gwinnett hosting. The Comets can hold out hope of a Region title with a win (and two Grayson losses). Don't hold your breath, but take the Comets.
Have a great rest of the week. Tune to Sports Radio 790 The Zone tonight from 8-10 as The Official Visit airs. We have Ean Pemberton and Ed Christian among others scheduled to appear. And Raise/Check/Fold, the game sweeping the city.
And log on to gpb.org/football this Friday for Tucker v Southwest DeKalb LIVE at Adams Stadium!
What a game last Friday and what a weekend for high school football in Georgia. Hutson Mason of Lassiter threw for 4 TDs and 227 yards in the first half but his team was only up 21-14 with about 1 minute to go in the half. The Trojans would recover a muffed punt and score one play later to take a 28-14 lead into the break and it seemed as though Mason couldn't be stopped. Well, they were for the entire third quarter. Lassiter is EXTREMELY talented, don't get me wrong, but with ZERO running game, they will struggle come playoff time. They were bottled up for a while by an overmatched Walton team and though Lassiter pulled out two TDs in the fourth to win 42-28, it looked dicey for a while. Walton had the running game going and they are a threat through the air with Pat Cosgrove hauling in TD passes in five straight games. Walton simply wasn't as good as Lassiter, but I wonder how the game would have gone if Brandon Burrows could have played for Walton. (He tore an ACL over the summer and is missing his senior season. He'll go to UGA next year.) I think both teams will make the playoffs and Lassiter will likely make it to the third round before bowing out. Walton will prolly be one-and-done.
In other Class AAAAA action, Grayson ran over Meadowcreek with 351 yards, 181 from Ean Pemberton on 18 carries with 1 TD. Devin Gillespie had two 2tds for the Rams. Terry Williams btw committed to ECU last week and remains a beast on the defensive side.
Collins Hill was back to its winning ways with a 35-0 blanking of Mill Creek. Taylor Heinicke was 10-15 for 152 and 3 TDs while Charles Perkins showed that he still is a good back: 107 with 2 TDs. Don't worry Tech fans, I'm sure he'll be able to run against ACC defenses like he was able to against Mill Creek. The ACC doesn't have teams as good as Ptree Ridge... (On quick aside, I am interested to see how good Georgia Tech will be in three seasons. Coach Paul Johnson has been uber-successful thus far with putting players not meant for his system into his system. They were very talented players to begin with however. I will be interested to see how the players he recruits do once on campus. And I am allowing a year or two for these guys to mature once they arrive. Is Perkins going to be as good as Dwyer? Is Synjyn Days going to be as good as Nesbitt? Is BJ Bostic going to be as good as Morgan Burnett? Is Shawn Green going to be as good as Derrick Morgan. I'm just interested in seeing yah or nay. Not being mean here. Just wondering...)
Brookwood, despite record-breaking performances, lost to Dacula, which likely punches a ticket for Dacula and puts either BWood or Parkview out of the playoffs. Ben McLane was 25-38 for 266 yards, all three are single-game school records. Andre Sims caught 10-152, a school record. But Dacula's Skyler Richardson's return of a 44-yard INT for 6 ended the Broncos chances.
NoGwin beat out North Forsyth 24-6 thanks to CJ Uzomah's 10-14 for 141 and 1TD and 64 yards rushing with 1 TD. Hey UGA, sign this guy now before he pulls a Blake Sims...
Northside (Warner Robins) had a powerful performance from Briar Van Brunt, 3 TDs, the third icing the 27-13 win. NWR faces Warner Robins and if WR loses, they are likely out of the playoffs.
Meanwhile Newnan ho-hum recorded its 5th shutout of the season and 13th in the last two seasons. They still have a few games left this regular season. They forced 5 tunrovers.
Stephenson outraced Union Grove 27-7 to in essence clinch the region. Randy Sanders is still giving me the finger over "Bennett to UK" talk with 232 yards and 3 TDs on just 18 carries. Two of the TDs were 53 and 45 yards..
Speaking of Rajaan Bennett, the Indian from McEacher ran for 123 yards on 12 carries. He scored twice. The Indians also had 5 scoring plays of AT LEAST 59 yards. WOW. I'd say they are ready for the playoffs.
and finally, PTree Ridge won just 17-10 over South Forsyth as Nick Lombardo played just one series and threw the go-ahead 22-yard TD to Brad Roby while Chris Sawdey racked up 106 yards on the ground. COME ON ROBY. More excitement please....
In Class AAAA, the poseurs that are Westside Macon got 3 TDs and 99 yards rushing from Robert Brown. And they'll lose in the second round of the playoffs.
The future state champion Southwest DeKalb (who GPB.org/football will call this Friday when the Panthers face Tucker) took care of No.5 Marist 21-7. The Panthers racked up 314 yards of offense compared to just 124 for the War Eagles. Ken Malcome had 182 yards, 74 on a touchdown.
Sandy Creek's Rajion Neal had 242 yards on 29 carries (glad to see he is playing both halves these days) while Ronnie Bell had 218 passing yards. The Fighting Pats won 31-13 over Starr's Mill.
Clarence Jackson had 173 rushing and 3 total TDs in North Clayton's too little too late 50-0 win.
Tucker had 5 turnovers in its 7-0 win over Stone Mountian. Tyrelle Poole had 133 rushing yards and 1 TD.
Finally, Apalachee clinched the Region title with a 24-23 win over Garry Peters' Heritage squad. Jon Lee scored on a 31-yard TD in the first qtr. South Carolina is going to get a good one if they realize it.
In Class AAA, Tai-lor Jones (the flipflopper) caught two TD passes and Blake Sims ran two more in himself as the Red Elephants rolled. And if Blake Sims switches over to Georgia, I'll be happy, but at the same time I will feel bad for Alabama because he gave them his word. If you AREN'T WILLING TO 100% go there, Don't promise them you will. And I don't want to hear the phrase "Soft commit" That is crap.
Isaiah Crowell is clearly begging UGA to go ahead and offer a scholarship NOW as in RIGHT NOW as he will clear up any sort of lack of running back once he steps foot on campus. Seriously. This guy has a gear that I'm not sure I have seen in a LONG time. If Wayshaun or Caleb or Carlton or DJAx cannot grab a firm hold, Isaiah can easily win the job. He had 137 and 3 TDs.
Waco and BurkeCo had quite the game over the weekend as WaCo's Montravious Gladdin had 280 yards nad 5tds while Burke Co's Terrell Brigham had 301 passing yards and 167 Rushing yards (but 3 INTs) in Waco's 44-31 win.
and Kudos to Joe Mansour for his 59-yard Field Goal for LaGrange
In AA, Buford and Lovett both won. And Calhoun got 220+ from Nash Nance with Rodgers catching a TD pass. I still have to go with the Yellow Jackets to knock off Boo-ford.
In Class A, Kyle Karempelis had 2 TDs for Wesleyan, already up to 1000 yards for the year as the Wolves had a 31-0 win Athens Academy. And THAT is ALL I will say on Class A football because Wesleyan has made itself into the Buford of that Classification. Wesleyan should move back to AA and Buford should move up to AAA.
Games this week that I care about....
warner Robins against NWR. Playoffs are SERIOUSLY on the line for WR. THey lose and pretty much they are out. It is like their playoffs started early. I think they clearly lose this one and Rush makes the playoffs with Colquitt Co. in his second season.
McEachern can wrap up its first Region5 title since 1999 against KMHS. Bank on it. (Boy was I wrong about Kennesaw Mountain.)
Newnan can clinch Region 4-AAAAA with a win over over-matched Mundy's Mill. No one will be having a case of the Mundy's....Hello Newnan and Hello region title.
Camden will clinch Region 3 (shocker!) with a win over Savannah, who has lost 20 straight.
Finally, Stephenson has 2 chances to claim Region 2, this week it is Greenbrier. Done and done.
Otherwise, Roswell travels to Walton. Is Roswell all the way back and will Walton lose three straight? We shall see. I think Roswell is back, but Surely the Raiders won't lose three in a row? Right?
Lassiter travels to Centennial. If Lassiter is looking ahead to Roswell, Centennial is good enough to knock them off. Classic Trap game. Lassiter and Chip Lindsey had better find a ground game...
Norcross at Peachtree Ridge. WOW, Norcross HAS to win this one to keep faint playoff hopes alive. Sorry. Take the Ridge at the Lions Den
Finally Brookwood is nearly in a must-win situation with South Gwinnett hosting. The Comets can hold out hope of a Region title with a win (and two Grayson losses). Don't hold your breath, but take the Comets.
Have a great rest of the week. Tune to Sports Radio 790 The Zone tonight from 8-10 as The Official Visit airs. We have Ean Pemberton and Ed Christian among others scheduled to appear. And Raise/Check/Fold, the game sweeping the city.
And log on to gpb.org/football this Friday for Tucker v Southwest DeKalb LIVE at Adams Stadium!
Monday, October 26, 2009
A look back at the weekend that was in football
Before I get too far into my thoughts, I must apologize to Cake as in Penn Kate. I was wrong about PSU v Michigan. Penn State is better than Michigan. They proved it and I will never doubt Penn State again....unless they play USC in the Rose Bowl or an SEC team in the Outback/Capital One bowl. Go Penn State.
Now then, this Thursday in SBF's sneak peek of the weekly Score Atlanta Around The Dial column, you can officially read my thoughts on Tim Tebow's ducking the media after throwing two picks against Miss State. Umm Tim, you know that big boys talk to the media after bad games. Try this in the NFL next season when you play poorly and see if you don't get ripped 10X worse than just by Score Atlanta. Oh, wait, that's right. The media doesn't really talk to rookie fullbacks. Joe Cox talks to the media after bad games. So does Crompton. You need to as well. That was crappy of you that you let Urban take the blame for putting you in bad spots. Dude, you are a senior, tuck the ball (since that's what you do best) or throw it away. You aren't a freshman anymore. But you ducked. And when you could have just said, "It was a big win for Florida. I'm glad my teammates could pick me up, etc." Shame on you... For more, pick up this week's Score Atlanta!
Speaking of Florida, if Florida plays as poorly this Saturday as it has the past two Saturdays, Georgia has a shot. Just saying.........
Hey Alabama, you deserved to drop to No.2 after that display of offensive offense. 12 points? against Tennessee? Even Georgia score more than that! Thank goodness Mt. Cody lost that weight so he could jump up to block TWO field goals.
Quick question for Lane Kiffin though. How come you decided to sit on the ball with 30+ seconds left to attempt a 44-yard field goal? RUN THE BALL UP THE MIDDLE. Throw it deep. Do something. Now Kiffin comes out today and says he didn't want a "magic flag" to come out. Dude, whatever. You spent all off-season talking about how you were going to try and whip these guys. Ummm you played not to get blown out and you were settling for the field goal. GO FOR THE THROAT, LANE. You are losing that cred you built up in my opinion. You should have gone for the game-winning TD to really be able to show the recruits something besides just a helicopter. All you can show them is that you didn't get blown out by Florida and Alabama. "Hey, Come to Tennessee where you will lose, but not get blown out!" Sign me up.
I guys LeBron's talk to Pryor worked. Or the schedule saying Ohio State was playing Minnesota helped. I bet it was the latter.
Iowa won on a last-second field goal. Wow, you mean to tell me we could have another undefeated Big10 team possibly sneak into the BCSCG if Texas loses? AWESOME!
Cincy dropped to No.8 as TCU passed Boise State. Can we please put TCU against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and then have NO ONE WATCH, so the bowl can get the lowest ratings ever and then people will realize NO ONE WANTS TO WATCH THESE TEAMS? But as for Cincy, I'd put an undefeated Bearcats team ahead of an undefeated Iowa or one-loss Texas team in the national championship game. What? I would. Not over a one-loss SEC team though.
USC barely beat Oregon State. But CPC can still say his true freshman QB is undefeated, and should Texas lose, that would be his case. I think USC loses to Bama or Florida though.
Finally, Keith Brooking made an ass of himself with the arm-flapping and dirty bird-mocking yesterday. And for much of the second half the dude was on the sidelines doing the celebrating while his defensive teammates were the ones on the field making the plays. DUDE, you had TWO TACKLES. YOU DIDN'T DO ANY OF THE STUFF YOU WERE CELEBRATING. Way to screw yourself out of a future as a Falcons ambassador, and don't be surprised if you get stonewalled by your former friends on the Falcons if you ask them to help you and your charities after the way you acted. One other funny thing, you reportedly went around and apologized to everyone after the game for your actions (according to the ajc) but then when being interviewed, you said "I ain't apologizing for nothing." ( nice grammar with the double negative with the ain't)
You know what you should like Brooking? You sound like the a-hole that flips off the home fans then says, "Well that wasn't my character. That isn't the real me." Umm, yes it was. We saw how you were in the heat of battle. You cannot go back AFTERWARDS and say that wasn't you. Yes it was. That was you. Your words may say one thing, but your actions speak volumes. A picture is worth one thousand words and you can beat there is a picture of you being an ass. In fact, there is one on ajc.com today. One thousand words, right there. You'd better start talking now. And please try and NOT use the word "Ain't." Just a suggestion.
Now then, this Thursday in SBF's sneak peek of the weekly Score Atlanta Around The Dial column, you can officially read my thoughts on Tim Tebow's ducking the media after throwing two picks against Miss State. Umm Tim, you know that big boys talk to the media after bad games. Try this in the NFL next season when you play poorly and see if you don't get ripped 10X worse than just by Score Atlanta. Oh, wait, that's right. The media doesn't really talk to rookie fullbacks. Joe Cox talks to the media after bad games. So does Crompton. You need to as well. That was crappy of you that you let Urban take the blame for putting you in bad spots. Dude, you are a senior, tuck the ball (since that's what you do best) or throw it away. You aren't a freshman anymore. But you ducked. And when you could have just said, "It was a big win for Florida. I'm glad my teammates could pick me up, etc." Shame on you... For more, pick up this week's Score Atlanta!
Speaking of Florida, if Florida plays as poorly this Saturday as it has the past two Saturdays, Georgia has a shot. Just saying.........
Hey Alabama, you deserved to drop to No.2 after that display of offensive offense. 12 points? against Tennessee? Even Georgia score more than that! Thank goodness Mt. Cody lost that weight so he could jump up to block TWO field goals.
Quick question for Lane Kiffin though. How come you decided to sit on the ball with 30+ seconds left to attempt a 44-yard field goal? RUN THE BALL UP THE MIDDLE. Throw it deep. Do something. Now Kiffin comes out today and says he didn't want a "magic flag" to come out. Dude, whatever. You spent all off-season talking about how you were going to try and whip these guys. Ummm you played not to get blown out and you were settling for the field goal. GO FOR THE THROAT, LANE. You are losing that cred you built up in my opinion. You should have gone for the game-winning TD to really be able to show the recruits something besides just a helicopter. All you can show them is that you didn't get blown out by Florida and Alabama. "Hey, Come to Tennessee where you will lose, but not get blown out!" Sign me up.
I guys LeBron's talk to Pryor worked. Or the schedule saying Ohio State was playing Minnesota helped. I bet it was the latter.
Iowa won on a last-second field goal. Wow, you mean to tell me we could have another undefeated Big10 team possibly sneak into the BCSCG if Texas loses? AWESOME!
Cincy dropped to No.8 as TCU passed Boise State. Can we please put TCU against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and then have NO ONE WATCH, so the bowl can get the lowest ratings ever and then people will realize NO ONE WANTS TO WATCH THESE TEAMS? But as for Cincy, I'd put an undefeated Bearcats team ahead of an undefeated Iowa or one-loss Texas team in the national championship game. What? I would. Not over a one-loss SEC team though.
USC barely beat Oregon State. But CPC can still say his true freshman QB is undefeated, and should Texas lose, that would be his case. I think USC loses to Bama or Florida though.
Finally, Keith Brooking made an ass of himself with the arm-flapping and dirty bird-mocking yesterday. And for much of the second half the dude was on the sidelines doing the celebrating while his defensive teammates were the ones on the field making the plays. DUDE, you had TWO TACKLES. YOU DIDN'T DO ANY OF THE STUFF YOU WERE CELEBRATING. Way to screw yourself out of a future as a Falcons ambassador, and don't be surprised if you get stonewalled by your former friends on the Falcons if you ask them to help you and your charities after the way you acted. One other funny thing, you reportedly went around and apologized to everyone after the game for your actions (according to the ajc) but then when being interviewed, you said "I ain't apologizing for nothing." ( nice grammar with the double negative with the ain't)
You know what you should like Brooking? You sound like the a-hole that flips off the home fans then says, "Well that wasn't my character. That isn't the real me." Umm, yes it was. We saw how you were in the heat of battle. You cannot go back AFTERWARDS and say that wasn't you. Yes it was. That was you. Your words may say one thing, but your actions speak volumes. A picture is worth one thousand words and you can beat there is a picture of you being an ass. In fact, there is one on ajc.com today. One thousand words, right there. You'd better start talking now. And please try and NOT use the word "Ain't." Just a suggestion.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday 10/23/09 Picks...
As the Falcons get ready to head to Dallas to face the Cowgirls, I sit in envy of Paul Mac. He likes the Falcons and I call myself a Redskins fan (though I much prefer the college game to the pro). I guess you could say that I am jealous of not having a team to root for in December and January (though one could argue that Georgia WILL be playing in December at the Music City Bowl). I am all about college until the season ends, then I have to sit back and watch the NFL without a team because the Skins are coached by Jim Zorn and have Jason Campbell as the QB. CRAP.j Gee, thanks Dan Snyder for getting these two. I will never yell at Snyder because he spends money in an attempt to win, but he just cannot seem to get it right. At least he keeps trying.
Back to Paul though. After enduring the Falcons and MV7 for all of those underachieving team, he now gets Matt Ryan and Co. And for everyone crying about the defense, ummm, have you seen Mike Peterson and Curtis Lofton? They are pretty strong at LB. Factor in an improving DLine and you've got the makings of a pretty good defense. The young secondary is getting better every week and I don't think they have been toasted yet. New England would tear up ANY secondary.
The Falcons are in a good spot and it just makes me jealous. Paul Mac said there was plenty of room on the bandwagon, but then what would I do with my Clinton Portis jersey? Paul suggested trading it for a Champ Bailey jersey and a second round pick....maybe I could....
On to the picks!
Minnesota @ #19 The Ohio State University. I saw where TPryor is talking to LeBron James, getting advice about being in the spotlight. What advice is LeBron giving him? Go back in time and go to a school that runs the spread instead of the sweatervest? Ahhh, probably just wait out your time with the crappy team before you can cash in big time in some place outside of Ohio? That must be it. LeBron is giving him advice. What, how to leave the field without shaking the hands of the winning team? How to hide a tape when someone dominates you? Ohio State wins the squeaker and Tressel calls tOSU fans miserable again.
SoFla @ #20 Pitt. Wait, Wanny hasn't messed this up yet? Oh, just give him time. Not in this game though. SoFla is donezo. Pitt wins at home and a cheerleader will get lost in Wanny's mustache. THAT is my bold prediction!
UConn @ #23 West Va. Even if Brown wasn't questionable in this game, I'd still give it to UConn. They lost one of their own. They'll win it for him. No jokes here, just a small prayer for the UConn players and the family of the player.
Indiana @ Northwestern. The Jokes are back (wait, aren't jokes supposed to be funny?). Sometimes I wish the football team would model the uniform pants after the basketball team's warmups, with the long red strips. Wouldn't that be cool? I am sure there is some rule against that, but I think the stripes would be cool. Or you could make it candycane-like with a bit of a swirl, but only after Thanksgiving. Which would require a bowl, something I'm not sure Indiana has played in in quite some time. Take Northwestern.
Illinois @ Purdue. This game is on ESPN2, which means just ONE THING: PAM WARD'S DANCE PARTY HITS WEST LAFAYETTE THIS SATURDAY AT 3:30! Will Purdue have a letdown after knocking off tOSU? Probably, but the Boilermakers are playing a Ron Zook-coached team. Take the home team.
Arkie @ Ole Miss. I read where school and conference officials want the Ole miss fans to stop chanting something about The South Rising. Really? People still think this is 1860? Which, haha, was the last time Ole Miss won an SEC title. HA! They beat Petrino though. Houston Nutt will beat his ole team every year he can. Arkie nearly won at Florida and they'll still have that in their minds. And can someone tell the students to stop with the chants. Every GOOD player on your team is black. I'm sure they don't appreciate that. (Sorry Jevan, but I DID SAY GOOD!)
#15 Okie State @ Baylor. And Dez Bryant STILL isn't playing. Great. Thanks NCAA for dragging your feet. You couldn't have done this, say, starting September 3? TWO TDs vs UGA and THAT'S THE FINAL MARGIN. (But the offense really sucked that day, too. As with LSU game AND ASU game AND Tennessee game. Wait, who's boy is BOBO?) But Baylor is sans its all-world QB. Take the Pokes.
Maryland @ Duke. Did I read correctly that Vegas has Duke as the favorite? WOW...I guess we can ONLY say Crabcakes when asked the question "What does Maryland do?" I have a hard time picking Duke though. Take the Terps.
Louisville @ #5 Cincy. I LMFAO every time I read that rumor that Jon Gruden to Louisville is a done deal. EVERY TIME. Seriously? You think Gruden would leave ESPN for the Big East? If he DOES leave, it is for Washington or Dallas or Buffalo (well not Buffalo...), you know NFL. Or if it IS college, it is for USC if Carrol leaves or Florida when Urban goes to ND, or even ND when Weis gets Fupa-booted out. Meanwhile, Brian Kelly continues his "HEY FSU, LOOK AT ME" tour with another win.
Clemson @ #10 Miami. If recent history is ANY indicator, this is a game that Miami fails to show up to and that Klimpsen sneaks off with. It is two coaches SO OVER THEIR HEADS that it is comical. I think Tommy Tuberville gets a call from the AD of the losing school, just to see. But Randy Shannon has intelligent coordinators while Dabo's OC refuses to get CJ Spiller, a future top 15 NFL pick, more than 15 touches. Take the Canes.
#11 Oregon @ U-Dub. It is SO HARD going on the road in the Pac-10....wait, that's not right. Wait, yes it is. Oregon could really use this one, but I think Sark gets one here. Couldn't have been my upset of the week, but it isn't an upset when the home team in the PAC-10 wins a game....I cannot even type that without smiling.
#13 Penn State @ Michigan. Boy did Hugh Jackman's boys look good last week. Wait, that was against Delaware St. Scratch that. Penn State comes to THE BIG HOUSE and Tate Forcier is there. I think the little kid has Moxie. I think he has enough to beat Penn State. Sorry Cake, but I'm going with Michigan, not because i'm a michigan man, but because you CANNOT GO ON THE ROAD IN THE BIG11....nevermind. Wow, two straight upsets.
Oklahoma @ #25 KU. OK, this isn't an upset picking Oklahoma to beat Kansas, despite the fact that the Rock Chalks are ranked and OU isn't. Boomer Sooner beats Todd Reesing and the Arby's spokesman like a drum. Bob Stoops will try and call himself Big Game after the win. PS, Sam Bradford needs to just go to the NFL. Yes he won't be No.1 overall, but he'll be drafted by some one like the Panthers in the middle teens and he'll end up being a great pro on a nice solid team because he'll be able to watch that first season while rehabbing.
BC @ ND. I just need ND to lose ONE MORE GAME before the Irish are out of the BCS at-large picture. Could this be the game? Nah, because ND will squeeze this one out thanks to the GHOSTS and Echoes...and the hometown clock-keepper.
UCLA @ #22 Arizona. Wow, Mike Stoops is ONCE AGAIN saving his job in Tucson and it looks as thought brother Bob won't get Mike as his DC in 2010. And Zona is doing it without the first-round TE and with a new QB. Hmmmm, Look for Zona to win here and peak at #20 before facing the "heavyweights" of the Pac-10 and finish in the Sun Bowl
#6 Iowa @ Michigan State. How disappointing has Sparty been? I know they'd turned the season around since the Michigan win, but Iowa comes in on fire. Their QB is steady and can come back when down, even on the road. Plus, with every win for Ferentz, it makes me feel better about CMR. CKF went thru the tough times and that's what CMR is doing now. CMR WILL get thru it (especially with Kirby Smart involved-wishful thinking can't hurt) and be No.6 in the nation before we know it. Say, 2011?
Vandy @ #24 SoCar. so south carolina loses by 2 TDs and they only fall two spots? COOL! Glad to see Spurrier still has THAT much pull with the voters. HIS ONLY TD was on a pick-6, if I'm not mistaken! (I probably am. I usually am. I watched the game, but not that closely.) SoCar beats Vandy and likely moves into the top 17!
#1 Florida @ Miss State. I would HOPE that Dan Mullen will try his darnedest to beat Florida, but I have a feeling that he doesn't want to hurt Tim Tebow, and that is the only chance Miss State has...blitz and knock Tebow around then try and play ball control with Dixon. Mullen knows the Florida team, but I don't think he has the horses to pull off the upset. GOOD. Just maybe do what UK did two years ago, and that is knock Tebow around and make him play the full, tough 60 minutes while Georgia rests. PLUS I'd like Georgia to be the one to take out the No.1 Gators.
Auburn @ #9 LSU. Sorry Bagodonuts, but Auburn loses yet another one here. LSU is too much at home, at night for the Tigers. I don't care if GusGus dials up some crazy plays, LSU will win by likely 13+ points. The LSU defense WILL shut down Gus's plays and The Tigers only score maybe 13 to lost 30-13. Gus, this isn't Tulsa BABY.
#3 Texas @ Mizzou. How many times did Mizzou crap the bed against good teams while on National TV? And that was WITH Chase Daniel. Without him, Mizzou has diarrhea all over their Victoria's Secret Satin sheets that they ordered because they thought they would be comfortable and they were RIGHT. It was like sleeping on a smooth cloud everynight, but then you got married and the wife said, "NO, those will NOT be going on the bed!" so you had to give them to Goodwill, so someone got VS Satin sheets from Goodwell for probably 8 bucks when Mizzou spent $120 for them and the comforter. But Mizzou isn't bitter.....Take Texas.
Oregon State @ #7 USC. Matt Barkley goes to 6-0 as a starter and Pete Carrol will start lobbying that USC should be the one-loss team in the BCSCG because its QB was out for the team's only loss.
Pros
Atlanta @ Dallas. I like Mike Smith more than Wade Phillips. I like Atlanta's OC more than Dallas's OC. I like Mike Peterson more than Keith Brooking, I like Matt Ryan more than Tony Romo. I do like Dallas's airport though more than Atlanta's airport. That has nothing to do with the game however. Falcons beat the Cowboys and Troy Aikman stops talking (seriously) by the middle of the fourth quarter.
Grab-bag of fun stuff.
Lock of the week...
Tennessee @ #2 Bama. Wait, Lane Kiffin wanted to wear his home unis on the road NOT at a neutral site? What is this guy's deal. He would flip out if Bama had wanted to do that. Of course NOW he'll say that "oh, I'd have let Bama do it," but you were trying to harken back to days when the game was played at a neutral site. IT ISN'T THIS YEAR. It is IN BAMA'S STADIUM. Lane just cannot seem to figure it out. Mess with Georgia, South Carolina and Auburn. STOP MESSING WITH Florida and Alabama...and sasquatch. Haven't you seen the jerky commercials? That will be Saban to you this weekend.
Upset of the week...Because OU, Washington and Michigan weren't enought.
#8 TCU @ #16 BYU. I like Max Hall (despite his 10 INTs) and the BYU Cougars at home, even though the last time they played a big game at home FSU scored EVERY TIME DOWN THE FIELD! Really, I know BYU cannot go to a BCS bowl and I want them to make certain TCU cannot either. GO COUGARS!
Local teams that people root for in Atlanta-area...
UGA on bye week. Will CMR turn the Defensive gameplay to John Joncek? Will CWM keep the duty? Will Logan Gray get a special package or two for Florida? Will the off-week offer the same advantage that it did two years ago? I hope yes on three of the four questions with No.2 getting a no.
#12 Georgia Tech @ UVa. The Yellow Jackets haven't won in beautiful Charlottesville since breaking the hearts of the No.1 Hoos in 1990. You would think that GT could end the skid here this season, but then you remember that Al Groh is once again in save-my-job mode. Won't be enough. GT wins this one. But perhaps that is the best thing for UVA is for GT to beat them. Could be the straw that breaks Littlepage's back in the situation. Bring on Mike London, since Brian Kelly wouldn't want ANYTHING to do with the UVA job.Sorry Daddio.
Have a great weekend and log on to gpb.org/football tonight for Lassiter @ Walton. The Road to the DOME, baby!
Back to Paul though. After enduring the Falcons and MV7 for all of those underachieving team, he now gets Matt Ryan and Co. And for everyone crying about the defense, ummm, have you seen Mike Peterson and Curtis Lofton? They are pretty strong at LB. Factor in an improving DLine and you've got the makings of a pretty good defense. The young secondary is getting better every week and I don't think they have been toasted yet. New England would tear up ANY secondary.
The Falcons are in a good spot and it just makes me jealous. Paul Mac said there was plenty of room on the bandwagon, but then what would I do with my Clinton Portis jersey? Paul suggested trading it for a Champ Bailey jersey and a second round pick....maybe I could....
On to the picks!
Minnesota @ #19 The Ohio State University. I saw where TPryor is talking to LeBron James, getting advice about being in the spotlight. What advice is LeBron giving him? Go back in time and go to a school that runs the spread instead of the sweatervest? Ahhh, probably just wait out your time with the crappy team before you can cash in big time in some place outside of Ohio? That must be it. LeBron is giving him advice. What, how to leave the field without shaking the hands of the winning team? How to hide a tape when someone dominates you? Ohio State wins the squeaker and Tressel calls tOSU fans miserable again.
SoFla @ #20 Pitt. Wait, Wanny hasn't messed this up yet? Oh, just give him time. Not in this game though. SoFla is donezo. Pitt wins at home and a cheerleader will get lost in Wanny's mustache. THAT is my bold prediction!
UConn @ #23 West Va. Even if Brown wasn't questionable in this game, I'd still give it to UConn. They lost one of their own. They'll win it for him. No jokes here, just a small prayer for the UConn players and the family of the player.
Indiana @ Northwestern. The Jokes are back (wait, aren't jokes supposed to be funny?). Sometimes I wish the football team would model the uniform pants after the basketball team's warmups, with the long red strips. Wouldn't that be cool? I am sure there is some rule against that, but I think the stripes would be cool. Or you could make it candycane-like with a bit of a swirl, but only after Thanksgiving. Which would require a bowl, something I'm not sure Indiana has played in in quite some time. Take Northwestern.
Illinois @ Purdue. This game is on ESPN2, which means just ONE THING: PAM WARD'S DANCE PARTY HITS WEST LAFAYETTE THIS SATURDAY AT 3:30! Will Purdue have a letdown after knocking off tOSU? Probably, but the Boilermakers are playing a Ron Zook-coached team. Take the home team.
Arkie @ Ole Miss. I read where school and conference officials want the Ole miss fans to stop chanting something about The South Rising. Really? People still think this is 1860? Which, haha, was the last time Ole Miss won an SEC title. HA! They beat Petrino though. Houston Nutt will beat his ole team every year he can. Arkie nearly won at Florida and they'll still have that in their minds. And can someone tell the students to stop with the chants. Every GOOD player on your team is black. I'm sure they don't appreciate that. (Sorry Jevan, but I DID SAY GOOD!)
#15 Okie State @ Baylor. And Dez Bryant STILL isn't playing. Great. Thanks NCAA for dragging your feet. You couldn't have done this, say, starting September 3? TWO TDs vs UGA and THAT'S THE FINAL MARGIN. (But the offense really sucked that day, too. As with LSU game AND ASU game AND Tennessee game. Wait, who's boy is BOBO?) But Baylor is sans its all-world QB. Take the Pokes.
Maryland @ Duke. Did I read correctly that Vegas has Duke as the favorite? WOW...I guess we can ONLY say Crabcakes when asked the question "What does Maryland do?" I have a hard time picking Duke though. Take the Terps.
Louisville @ #5 Cincy. I LMFAO every time I read that rumor that Jon Gruden to Louisville is a done deal. EVERY TIME. Seriously? You think Gruden would leave ESPN for the Big East? If he DOES leave, it is for Washington or Dallas or Buffalo (well not Buffalo...), you know NFL. Or if it IS college, it is for USC if Carrol leaves or Florida when Urban goes to ND, or even ND when Weis gets Fupa-booted out. Meanwhile, Brian Kelly continues his "HEY FSU, LOOK AT ME" tour with another win.
Clemson @ #10 Miami. If recent history is ANY indicator, this is a game that Miami fails to show up to and that Klimpsen sneaks off with. It is two coaches SO OVER THEIR HEADS that it is comical. I think Tommy Tuberville gets a call from the AD of the losing school, just to see. But Randy Shannon has intelligent coordinators while Dabo's OC refuses to get CJ Spiller, a future top 15 NFL pick, more than 15 touches. Take the Canes.
#11 Oregon @ U-Dub. It is SO HARD going on the road in the Pac-10....wait, that's not right. Wait, yes it is. Oregon could really use this one, but I think Sark gets one here. Couldn't have been my upset of the week, but it isn't an upset when the home team in the PAC-10 wins a game....I cannot even type that without smiling.
#13 Penn State @ Michigan. Boy did Hugh Jackman's boys look good last week. Wait, that was against Delaware St. Scratch that. Penn State comes to THE BIG HOUSE and Tate Forcier is there. I think the little kid has Moxie. I think he has enough to beat Penn State. Sorry Cake, but I'm going with Michigan, not because i'm a michigan man, but because you CANNOT GO ON THE ROAD IN THE BIG11....nevermind. Wow, two straight upsets.
Oklahoma @ #25 KU. OK, this isn't an upset picking Oklahoma to beat Kansas, despite the fact that the Rock Chalks are ranked and OU isn't. Boomer Sooner beats Todd Reesing and the Arby's spokesman like a drum. Bob Stoops will try and call himself Big Game after the win. PS, Sam Bradford needs to just go to the NFL. Yes he won't be No.1 overall, but he'll be drafted by some one like the Panthers in the middle teens and he'll end up being a great pro on a nice solid team because he'll be able to watch that first season while rehabbing.
BC @ ND. I just need ND to lose ONE MORE GAME before the Irish are out of the BCS at-large picture. Could this be the game? Nah, because ND will squeeze this one out thanks to the GHOSTS and Echoes...and the hometown clock-keepper.
UCLA @ #22 Arizona. Wow, Mike Stoops is ONCE AGAIN saving his job in Tucson and it looks as thought brother Bob won't get Mike as his DC in 2010. And Zona is doing it without the first-round TE and with a new QB. Hmmmm, Look for Zona to win here and peak at #20 before facing the "heavyweights" of the Pac-10 and finish in the Sun Bowl
#6 Iowa @ Michigan State. How disappointing has Sparty been? I know they'd turned the season around since the Michigan win, but Iowa comes in on fire. Their QB is steady and can come back when down, even on the road. Plus, with every win for Ferentz, it makes me feel better about CMR. CKF went thru the tough times and that's what CMR is doing now. CMR WILL get thru it (especially with Kirby Smart involved-wishful thinking can't hurt) and be No.6 in the nation before we know it. Say, 2011?
Vandy @ #24 SoCar. so south carolina loses by 2 TDs and they only fall two spots? COOL! Glad to see Spurrier still has THAT much pull with the voters. HIS ONLY TD was on a pick-6, if I'm not mistaken! (I probably am. I usually am. I watched the game, but not that closely.) SoCar beats Vandy and likely moves into the top 17!
#1 Florida @ Miss State. I would HOPE that Dan Mullen will try his darnedest to beat Florida, but I have a feeling that he doesn't want to hurt Tim Tebow, and that is the only chance Miss State has...blitz and knock Tebow around then try and play ball control with Dixon. Mullen knows the Florida team, but I don't think he has the horses to pull off the upset. GOOD. Just maybe do what UK did two years ago, and that is knock Tebow around and make him play the full, tough 60 minutes while Georgia rests. PLUS I'd like Georgia to be the one to take out the No.1 Gators.
Auburn @ #9 LSU. Sorry Bagodonuts, but Auburn loses yet another one here. LSU is too much at home, at night for the Tigers. I don't care if GusGus dials up some crazy plays, LSU will win by likely 13+ points. The LSU defense WILL shut down Gus's plays and The Tigers only score maybe 13 to lost 30-13. Gus, this isn't Tulsa BABY.
#3 Texas @ Mizzou. How many times did Mizzou crap the bed against good teams while on National TV? And that was WITH Chase Daniel. Without him, Mizzou has diarrhea all over their Victoria's Secret Satin sheets that they ordered because they thought they would be comfortable and they were RIGHT. It was like sleeping on a smooth cloud everynight, but then you got married and the wife said, "NO, those will NOT be going on the bed!" so you had to give them to Goodwill, so someone got VS Satin sheets from Goodwell for probably 8 bucks when Mizzou spent $120 for them and the comforter. But Mizzou isn't bitter.....Take Texas.
Oregon State @ #7 USC. Matt Barkley goes to 6-0 as a starter and Pete Carrol will start lobbying that USC should be the one-loss team in the BCSCG because its QB was out for the team's only loss.
Pros
Atlanta @ Dallas. I like Mike Smith more than Wade Phillips. I like Atlanta's OC more than Dallas's OC. I like Mike Peterson more than Keith Brooking, I like Matt Ryan more than Tony Romo. I do like Dallas's airport though more than Atlanta's airport. That has nothing to do with the game however. Falcons beat the Cowboys and Troy Aikman stops talking (seriously) by the middle of the fourth quarter.
Grab-bag of fun stuff.
Lock of the week...
Tennessee @ #2 Bama. Wait, Lane Kiffin wanted to wear his home unis on the road NOT at a neutral site? What is this guy's deal. He would flip out if Bama had wanted to do that. Of course NOW he'll say that "oh, I'd have let Bama do it," but you were trying to harken back to days when the game was played at a neutral site. IT ISN'T THIS YEAR. It is IN BAMA'S STADIUM. Lane just cannot seem to figure it out. Mess with Georgia, South Carolina and Auburn. STOP MESSING WITH Florida and Alabama...and sasquatch. Haven't you seen the jerky commercials? That will be Saban to you this weekend.
Upset of the week...Because OU, Washington and Michigan weren't enought.
#8 TCU @ #16 BYU. I like Max Hall (despite his 10 INTs) and the BYU Cougars at home, even though the last time they played a big game at home FSU scored EVERY TIME DOWN THE FIELD! Really, I know BYU cannot go to a BCS bowl and I want them to make certain TCU cannot either. GO COUGARS!
Local teams that people root for in Atlanta-area...
UGA on bye week. Will CMR turn the Defensive gameplay to John Joncek? Will CWM keep the duty? Will Logan Gray get a special package or two for Florida? Will the off-week offer the same advantage that it did two years ago? I hope yes on three of the four questions with No.2 getting a no.
#12 Georgia Tech @ UVa. The Yellow Jackets haven't won in beautiful Charlottesville since breaking the hearts of the No.1 Hoos in 1990. You would think that GT could end the skid here this season, but then you remember that Al Groh is once again in save-my-job mode. Won't be enough. GT wins this one. But perhaps that is the best thing for UVA is for GT to beat them. Could be the straw that breaks Littlepage's back in the situation. Bring on Mike London, since Brian Kelly wouldn't want ANYTHING to do with the UVA job.Sorry Daddio.
Have a great weekend and log on to gpb.org/football tonight for Lassiter @ Walton. The Road to the DOME, baby!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Score Atlanta's Around the Dial preview 10/22/09
Don't just get your Score Atlanta Around the Dial fix here...go out to your metro area Kroger, Blockbuster or QuikTrip and grab a copy of Score Atlanta tomorrow. And PS, I've also started writing the Gwinnett County Beat in Score Prep. You'll have to get the paper to read that one. Enjoy!
FOX has done so much for sports since really deciding to get involved but two of their A-Team analysts have really fallen down on the job over the last few seasons. The network that gave us the glowing puck in hockey and changed how NASCAR was broadcast really needs to take a hard look at football analyst Troy Aikman and baseball analyst Tim McCarver. Aikman has recently stopped evolving as a color analyst. When he first joined FOX, Aikman was clearly rough around the edges, but FOX brought Aikman along slowly and he eventually earned his spot in the No.1 booth with Joe Buck after John Madden left for Monday Night Football. Over the past season and one half though, it seems Aikman’s maturation arc has stopped. He just isn’t offering the spot-on insight and for whatever reason it seems his knowledge of the game has slipped. Meanwhile on ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage, Jon Gruden continues to impress with a combination of humor and knowledge that FOX produces probably hoped Aikman could bring the NFC broadcasts the network produces. Gruden has a Super Bowl ring and his phone will likely ring this off-season with job offers from Washington, Dallas or Houston. However, if Gruden decides to stay in the booth, ESPN might have found a diamond that the network can build its Monday Night Football broadcasts around for years.
As much as Aikman has stopped trying to grow, McCarver has stopped trying, period. McCarver belabored a point in last Monday’s ALCS game three into the ground and as the karma gods would have it, it came back to bite him. McCarver would not shut up about how he would have sent in a pinch-runner for Angels catcher Jeff Mathis after Mathis led off the tenth inning with a double. Even after Mathis beat out a throw to third on a sacrifice bunt, McCarver was still second-guessing Angels manager Mike Scioscia’s decision to leave Mathis in the game. Mathis was thrown out at home on a play that even Lou Brock would have been toast at home. As fate would have it, one inning later, Mathis would hit the game-winning double and Joe Buck would mention McCarver’s plea to replace Mathis and interestingly enough, McCarver failed to address that he was wrong. Last time I checked Mike Scioscia has a World Series ring as a manager and I can’t seem to find when McCarver managed a team to a title. I’ll keep looking though. Bottom line, McCarver acts as though he is the baseball expert and he believes he must explain EVERYTHING to the viewer because the viewer is not as smart as McCarver is. Um, Tim, we KNOW WHAT A FASTBALL IS. And my aunt Sandra isn’t watching baseball; I am. The casual sports fan doesn’t watch baseball. It seems only the hardcore fans do these days. We have a firm grasp on what is happening. Please treat us like we understand the game. We do.
Finally, if you’ve picked up your copy of ESPN The Magazine in a doctor’s office or at the local Jiffy Lube (since I’m not sure people actually get that in the mail anymore) you’ve likely seen a nude Serena Williams on the cover. ESPN has released its first ever “Body Issue,” with nearly nude pictures of multiple athletes, celebrating their bodies. Serena is on the cover and appears inside the magazine with some clothing on. Nelson Cruz and Zdeno Chara are shown from the waist up but do not appear to be wearing any clothing. The magazine also shows the first ever female Ironman participant with a prosthetic leg in the buff. As a guy, I don’t have a problem with what they are going for here. Serena is a powerful and beautiful woman. ESPN is going for a readership grab that Sports Illustrated mastered oh-so-many years ago with the Swimsuit issue. The only thing I hope for is that ESPN The Magazine doesn’t do what Sports Illustrated does by printing the letters it receives where readers, “cannot believe!” that ESPN would publish those photos. I always roll my eyes and wonder why SI prints those. And I also have to wonder, why people are still writing those letters. We get it; you don’t agree with the swimsuit issue. Ignore it. It will be interesting to see if ESPN The Magazine makes The Body Issue an annual thing.
FOX has done so much for sports since really deciding to get involved but two of their A-Team analysts have really fallen down on the job over the last few seasons. The network that gave us the glowing puck in hockey and changed how NASCAR was broadcast really needs to take a hard look at football analyst Troy Aikman and baseball analyst Tim McCarver. Aikman has recently stopped evolving as a color analyst. When he first joined FOX, Aikman was clearly rough around the edges, but FOX brought Aikman along slowly and he eventually earned his spot in the No.1 booth with Joe Buck after John Madden left for Monday Night Football. Over the past season and one half though, it seems Aikman’s maturation arc has stopped. He just isn’t offering the spot-on insight and for whatever reason it seems his knowledge of the game has slipped. Meanwhile on ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage, Jon Gruden continues to impress with a combination of humor and knowledge that FOX produces probably hoped Aikman could bring the NFC broadcasts the network produces. Gruden has a Super Bowl ring and his phone will likely ring this off-season with job offers from Washington, Dallas or Houston. However, if Gruden decides to stay in the booth, ESPN might have found a diamond that the network can build its Monday Night Football broadcasts around for years.
As much as Aikman has stopped trying to grow, McCarver has stopped trying, period. McCarver belabored a point in last Monday’s ALCS game three into the ground and as the karma gods would have it, it came back to bite him. McCarver would not shut up about how he would have sent in a pinch-runner for Angels catcher Jeff Mathis after Mathis led off the tenth inning with a double. Even after Mathis beat out a throw to third on a sacrifice bunt, McCarver was still second-guessing Angels manager Mike Scioscia’s decision to leave Mathis in the game. Mathis was thrown out at home on a play that even Lou Brock would have been toast at home. As fate would have it, one inning later, Mathis would hit the game-winning double and Joe Buck would mention McCarver’s plea to replace Mathis and interestingly enough, McCarver failed to address that he was wrong. Last time I checked Mike Scioscia has a World Series ring as a manager and I can’t seem to find when McCarver managed a team to a title. I’ll keep looking though. Bottom line, McCarver acts as though he is the baseball expert and he believes he must explain EVERYTHING to the viewer because the viewer is not as smart as McCarver is. Um, Tim, we KNOW WHAT A FASTBALL IS. And my aunt Sandra isn’t watching baseball; I am. The casual sports fan doesn’t watch baseball. It seems only the hardcore fans do these days. We have a firm grasp on what is happening. Please treat us like we understand the game. We do.
Finally, if you’ve picked up your copy of ESPN The Magazine in a doctor’s office or at the local Jiffy Lube (since I’m not sure people actually get that in the mail anymore) you’ve likely seen a nude Serena Williams on the cover. ESPN has released its first ever “Body Issue,” with nearly nude pictures of multiple athletes, celebrating their bodies. Serena is on the cover and appears inside the magazine with some clothing on. Nelson Cruz and Zdeno Chara are shown from the waist up but do not appear to be wearing any clothing. The magazine also shows the first ever female Ironman participant with a prosthetic leg in the buff. As a guy, I don’t have a problem with what they are going for here. Serena is a powerful and beautiful woman. ESPN is going for a readership grab that Sports Illustrated mastered oh-so-many years ago with the Swimsuit issue. The only thing I hope for is that ESPN The Magazine doesn’t do what Sports Illustrated does by printing the letters it receives where readers, “cannot believe!” that ESPN would publish those photos. I always roll my eyes and wonder why SI prints those. And I also have to wonder, why people are still writing those letters. We get it; you don’t agree with the swimsuit issue. Ignore it. It will be interesting to see if ESPN The Magazine makes The Body Issue an annual thing.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Midweek Entertainment Report 10/21/09
Lil Wayne spells DNA, She-Pratt gets a nose job, Erin makes OLIVIA seem likeable, Chris Brown thanks his fans, Oprah gets ready to interview Sarah Palin and what does the L stand for in Samuel L Jackson? How about Left Out....
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!
Lil Wayne is in a NYC courtroom today for a DNA hearing in regards to a gun case. The rapper could get 3.5 years if convicted of possession in a case that dates back to 2007. Perhaps he and TI could start a group on the inside. But seriously Lil Wayne, I thought you wanted us to think you were street with all of the tear tats you have. Maybe not. I don't know. Sorry I don't think I could name one Lil Wayne song. I still am confused as to why rapper switched from Big to Lil? Just wondering. I guess the Atkins thing really caught on....
Speaking of quasi-rappers, Chris Brown kicks off a Fan Appreciation Tour, by I'm guessing NOT punching and biting his fans. (Oh will he play the doublemint song?) And PS, if I'm a dad of a teenage girl (his intended audience, one would think) I'm not letting my kid go and see this guy. Just saying.
Oprah will interview Sarah Palin. Interesting. She wouldn't do it before the election, but she will now. OK. And I wonder if Obama gave her the go-ahead to do this interview since I don't think she does much without his consent.
Hey, HOW IN THE WORLD can you make Black Dynamite and NOT include Samuel L Jackson? You get Arsenio Hall, but NOT SLJ? Bad move there producers.
Let's move to the MTV portion of the MWER...
Hey Justin Bobby, Italy called, they asked to be removed from your stomach. I thought it was funny when Kristin said that she wasn't going to do what Audrina did with regards to Justin Bobby and that is let him push her around and take advantage of her and treat her poorly....and she says to Lo or the Bartender (I don't remember which one) "Strike One." So you are going to give him two more chances? Sounds like you are JUST like Audrina.
I laughed when Brody turned 26. Considering he has one birthday per season and there are 3 seasons a year, I'd have figured he was 38 by now.
It is good to see Charlie is back on the show. I needed a reminder of likely what I look like when I forget to shave for 6 days. The sad thing is....he does it on purpose.
Can some one remind me when She-Pratt and Kristin became friends? I thought they hated each other in the season premiere? Maybe not...
Finally, She-Pratt got a nose job! (and lip work according to wifey. I also think she had some of the fat sucked out of her face, but Wifey disagreed.) And it just happened between episodes. Doesn't that sort of thing take a while? I am starting to get confused with the timeline of the show and the real calendar....
Moving on to THE CITY...Hey Erin, way to make me start feeling bad for Olivia. Never thought it could happen, but what is up with that? You tell HER that SHE has the bad attitude? Wha...huh? I actually felt bad for Olivia there. And I think you are hotter Erin, but come on. PS, what is it with the name Erin and The City. Everyone with that name starts out hot, then becomes a beyotch. Oh well.
And can some one please tell Whitney that she is, what 22? 23? and that Freddie guy is clearly 30+. Stick with the younger brother. Just a word of warning. That guy was too old to date you when you were BORN!
Have a great rest of the week. Nip/Tuck tonight and The Ruins. Hopefully Wes knocks Johnny Banana out. Sorry Roomie, I've turned on Johnny B.
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!
Lil Wayne is in a NYC courtroom today for a DNA hearing in regards to a gun case. The rapper could get 3.5 years if convicted of possession in a case that dates back to 2007. Perhaps he and TI could start a group on the inside. But seriously Lil Wayne, I thought you wanted us to think you were street with all of the tear tats you have. Maybe not. I don't know. Sorry I don't think I could name one Lil Wayne song. I still am confused as to why rapper switched from Big to Lil? Just wondering. I guess the Atkins thing really caught on....
Speaking of quasi-rappers, Chris Brown kicks off a Fan Appreciation Tour, by I'm guessing NOT punching and biting his fans. (Oh will he play the doublemint song?) And PS, if I'm a dad of a teenage girl (his intended audience, one would think) I'm not letting my kid go and see this guy. Just saying.
Oprah will interview Sarah Palin. Interesting. She wouldn't do it before the election, but she will now. OK. And I wonder if Obama gave her the go-ahead to do this interview since I don't think she does much without his consent.
Hey, HOW IN THE WORLD can you make Black Dynamite and NOT include Samuel L Jackson? You get Arsenio Hall, but NOT SLJ? Bad move there producers.
Let's move to the MTV portion of the MWER...
Hey Justin Bobby, Italy called, they asked to be removed from your stomach. I thought it was funny when Kristin said that she wasn't going to do what Audrina did with regards to Justin Bobby and that is let him push her around and take advantage of her and treat her poorly....and she says to Lo or the Bartender (I don't remember which one) "Strike One." So you are going to give him two more chances? Sounds like you are JUST like Audrina.
I laughed when Brody turned 26. Considering he has one birthday per season and there are 3 seasons a year, I'd have figured he was 38 by now.
It is good to see Charlie is back on the show. I needed a reminder of likely what I look like when I forget to shave for 6 days. The sad thing is....he does it on purpose.
Can some one remind me when She-Pratt and Kristin became friends? I thought they hated each other in the season premiere? Maybe not...
Finally, She-Pratt got a nose job! (and lip work according to wifey. I also think she had some of the fat sucked out of her face, but Wifey disagreed.) And it just happened between episodes. Doesn't that sort of thing take a while? I am starting to get confused with the timeline of the show and the real calendar....
Moving on to THE CITY...Hey Erin, way to make me start feeling bad for Olivia. Never thought it could happen, but what is up with that? You tell HER that SHE has the bad attitude? Wha...huh? I actually felt bad for Olivia there. And I think you are hotter Erin, but come on. PS, what is it with the name Erin and The City. Everyone with that name starts out hot, then becomes a beyotch. Oh well.
And can some one please tell Whitney that she is, what 22? 23? and that Freddie guy is clearly 30+. Stick with the younger brother. Just a word of warning. That guy was too old to date you when you were BORN!
Have a great rest of the week. Nip/Tuck tonight and The Ruins. Hopefully Wes knocks Johnny Banana out. Sorry Roomie, I've turned on Johnny B.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Georgia High School football review & Preview 10/20/09
A big mouth was closed (well not really) last Friday when Stephenson shut out ML King 20-0 on ESPNU. Mack Brown, who had guaranteed a victory for ML King was held out of the endzone and while he got his 100 yards, it didn't matter as he was outdone by Stephenson's Raymond Sanders, who scored twice for the Jags. He now has over 800 yards on the season and 14 TDs and he is probably giving me the middle finger as I keep calling for UK to go after Rajaan Bennett while Sanders is already committed to the Wildcats. I would think that UK has to be happy with Sanders at this point. As far as Brown goes, he is going to be a Gator, but I just don't think that he will be the running back that Urban STILL has not found in Gainesville.
Speaking of disappointing running backs, I got a chance to watch Charles Perkins of Collins Hill as the Eagles lost to Peachtree Ridge last Friday. (EXCELLENT facilities by the way at The Ridge aka The Lions Den). Perkins was never able to get off against the Lions defense and I got the feeling that he REALLY IS everything to this team and despite one touchdown, great defenses will be able to stack the box and take him out, like was done last Friday. PTR had a WAY better team with better options and I came away impressed with Paul Lombardo. The QB never made a mistake that I saw and set up his RBs with great reads EVERY TIME. (PS, could some one tell Brad Roby that in order to return a punt, he needs to catch it? He let 5 of the 6 bounce away from him. On the 6th he returned it 59 yards to the 2-yard line. I wanted to see the ball in his hands more!) Back to Perkins though, he broke a tackle from Roby to score CHHS's only TD but come Round2 of the playoffs a great Defense will bottle him up. While CPJ is getting a good back, I am not certain I can say that Perkins displays the patience of Rajion Neal. I might need to redo the rankings....
And if I DO redo the rankings, Storm Johnson might fall out. Seriously Storm, you left Buford for Loganville because your parents ;) moved (wink!) and Loganville just so happened to run the ball more and you've totally fallen off of the recruiting map. Michigan State and Tennessee? Please. Storm, dude, you might have just blown that one...
How about Hutson Mason. I've interviewed this kid on The Official Visit and I get to call his game this Friday when Lassiter plays Walton....and he goes out and gives GPB.org/football the BEST LEAD-IN EVER with a 32-44 night, 545 passing yards and 6 TDs. for the season, he is at 2377, on 158-209 (that's 76%) and has thrown 26 TDs to just 3 INTs. WOW. On Friday he threw to Griffin Roelle 9 times for 145 and 2 scores and ten different receivers caught a pass. I cannot wait. Walton lost its first game of the year, but Lassiter is 7-0. VERY EXCITING!
Tai-lor Jones of Gainesville decided to switch up his commitment and this time pledge to Notre Dame after going up to South Bend over the weekend for the USC game. He says he still plans to go to Stanford and I wouldn't be surprised to see him switch back. Scott Janovitz of Score Atlanta made a great point on our show The Official Visit last Tuesday that the NCAA might want to consider. Once you've "committed" you CANNOT take another official visit to another school. If you want to, you must first de-commit. I like that idea. It lets the coaches know if a kid is serious or not and if he IS committed you know he isn't still going to tour other places on their dime. Great Idea Scott. Sorry though Tai-lor, I'm not buying your word until I see you sign on the dotted line. That's what happens when you back out of a commitment.
In other Class AAAAA news, Newnan dispatched Westlake 20-0 to moreorless clinch that region and Grayson will likely go 10-0 and take home yet another region title. Good to see those races decided. McEachern and Roswell both put 50 on the board so I think it is safe to say both of those schools are fo' real this season. McEachern I knew, Roswell, nice to see them back.
In AAAA, Apalachee edged out Storm Johnson's Loganville to remain undefeated. I like to feel like Paul Mac and I brought Apalachee into Atlanta's radar with HSH5, but I might be giving myself too much credit.
SW-D continued to prove me right when I say they are the best team in Class AAAA. 35-7 over Lithonia. Boo-ya-ka-ka! Griffin, I'll let you stay No.1 with a 44-0 win, but SW-D is gonna get cha sucka!
In Class AAA, North Hall is 5-2, but may be the best 5-2 team in ALL of GA HS Football. Peach Co is also making me sweat my decision of Gainesville, but I'm NOT going to decommit from the Red Elephants. I stick with my original choice. See how it is done Tai-lor?
Finally, in class AA, Calhoun is rolling as is Jefferson. I really don't think Buford takes the title this season. I think the Yellow Jackets walk away with it. Lovett plays GAC this weekend......should be an easy one for the Lions.
Let's move on to the preview portion of our show....
in Class AA, Brooks Co takes on Fitzgerald, that's No.10 v No.2. I'll take Fitzgerald, but hey, it's going to be a better game than Blessed Trinity v Buford. I saw BT earlier this season and Buford, though down, should manhandle them.
In AAA, all of the top ten should win, so let's just skip to AAAA. Marist travels to SW-D and it will be time for the Panthers to back up my smack talk about how they should be No.1. No pressure guys, but don't mess this up. TJ, Ken, it is ALL ON YOU GUYS. No pressure though. I think 31-7 would be a fine score.
No.8 Hiram also faces Hillgrove, after Synjyn Days and Co. lost in OT last week. I think the Hawks respond with a win.
In AAAAA Warner Robins travels to Colquitt to face Rush Propst and his quickly-improving squad and Pebblebrook hosts Newnan. Enh, Newnan wins but I say Rush pulls off the upset because I saw how he inspired his teams at Hoover. He yelled at them and cussed at them and then lied to them about how evil the opponent is. It will WORK against Warner Robins. (Just kidding. Love ya Coach!)
This Friday, tune to GPB.org/football for Lassiter at Walton. Charles Ward and I will have the call. Maybe Hutson Mason goes for 600 yards. We shall see! And be sure to pick up Score Atlanta's Gwinnett Prep edition as I now cover the Gwinnett High School Beat. Every Friday at Quik Trip, Kroger or Blockbuster!
Speaking of disappointing running backs, I got a chance to watch Charles Perkins of Collins Hill as the Eagles lost to Peachtree Ridge last Friday. (EXCELLENT facilities by the way at The Ridge aka The Lions Den). Perkins was never able to get off against the Lions defense and I got the feeling that he REALLY IS everything to this team and despite one touchdown, great defenses will be able to stack the box and take him out, like was done last Friday. PTR had a WAY better team with better options and I came away impressed with Paul Lombardo. The QB never made a mistake that I saw and set up his RBs with great reads EVERY TIME. (PS, could some one tell Brad Roby that in order to return a punt, he needs to catch it? He let 5 of the 6 bounce away from him. On the 6th he returned it 59 yards to the 2-yard line. I wanted to see the ball in his hands more!) Back to Perkins though, he broke a tackle from Roby to score CHHS's only TD but come Round2 of the playoffs a great Defense will bottle him up. While CPJ is getting a good back, I am not certain I can say that Perkins displays the patience of Rajion Neal. I might need to redo the rankings....
And if I DO redo the rankings, Storm Johnson might fall out. Seriously Storm, you left Buford for Loganville because your parents ;) moved (wink!) and Loganville just so happened to run the ball more and you've totally fallen off of the recruiting map. Michigan State and Tennessee? Please. Storm, dude, you might have just blown that one...
How about Hutson Mason. I've interviewed this kid on The Official Visit and I get to call his game this Friday when Lassiter plays Walton....and he goes out and gives GPB.org/football the BEST LEAD-IN EVER with a 32-44 night, 545 passing yards and 6 TDs. for the season, he is at 2377, on 158-209 (that's 76%) and has thrown 26 TDs to just 3 INTs. WOW. On Friday he threw to Griffin Roelle 9 times for 145 and 2 scores and ten different receivers caught a pass. I cannot wait. Walton lost its first game of the year, but Lassiter is 7-0. VERY EXCITING!
Tai-lor Jones of Gainesville decided to switch up his commitment and this time pledge to Notre Dame after going up to South Bend over the weekend for the USC game. He says he still plans to go to Stanford and I wouldn't be surprised to see him switch back. Scott Janovitz of Score Atlanta made a great point on our show The Official Visit last Tuesday that the NCAA might want to consider. Once you've "committed" you CANNOT take another official visit to another school. If you want to, you must first de-commit. I like that idea. It lets the coaches know if a kid is serious or not and if he IS committed you know he isn't still going to tour other places on their dime. Great Idea Scott. Sorry though Tai-lor, I'm not buying your word until I see you sign on the dotted line. That's what happens when you back out of a commitment.
In other Class AAAAA news, Newnan dispatched Westlake 20-0 to moreorless clinch that region and Grayson will likely go 10-0 and take home yet another region title. Good to see those races decided. McEachern and Roswell both put 50 on the board so I think it is safe to say both of those schools are fo' real this season. McEachern I knew, Roswell, nice to see them back.
In AAAA, Apalachee edged out Storm Johnson's Loganville to remain undefeated. I like to feel like Paul Mac and I brought Apalachee into Atlanta's radar with HSH5, but I might be giving myself too much credit.
SW-D continued to prove me right when I say they are the best team in Class AAAA. 35-7 over Lithonia. Boo-ya-ka-ka! Griffin, I'll let you stay No.1 with a 44-0 win, but SW-D is gonna get cha sucka!
In Class AAA, North Hall is 5-2, but may be the best 5-2 team in ALL of GA HS Football. Peach Co is also making me sweat my decision of Gainesville, but I'm NOT going to decommit from the Red Elephants. I stick with my original choice. See how it is done Tai-lor?
Finally, in class AA, Calhoun is rolling as is Jefferson. I really don't think Buford takes the title this season. I think the Yellow Jackets walk away with it. Lovett plays GAC this weekend......should be an easy one for the Lions.
Let's move on to the preview portion of our show....
in Class AA, Brooks Co takes on Fitzgerald, that's No.10 v No.2. I'll take Fitzgerald, but hey, it's going to be a better game than Blessed Trinity v Buford. I saw BT earlier this season and Buford, though down, should manhandle them.
In AAA, all of the top ten should win, so let's just skip to AAAA. Marist travels to SW-D and it will be time for the Panthers to back up my smack talk about how they should be No.1. No pressure guys, but don't mess this up. TJ, Ken, it is ALL ON YOU GUYS. No pressure though. I think 31-7 would be a fine score.
No.8 Hiram also faces Hillgrove, after Synjyn Days and Co. lost in OT last week. I think the Hawks respond with a win.
In AAAAA Warner Robins travels to Colquitt to face Rush Propst and his quickly-improving squad and Pebblebrook hosts Newnan. Enh, Newnan wins but I say Rush pulls off the upset because I saw how he inspired his teams at Hoover. He yelled at them and cussed at them and then lied to them about how evil the opponent is. It will WORK against Warner Robins. (Just kidding. Love ya Coach!)
This Friday, tune to GPB.org/football for Lassiter at Walton. Charles Ward and I will have the call. Maybe Hutson Mason goes for 600 yards. We shall see! And be sure to pick up Score Atlanta's Gwinnett Prep edition as I now cover the Gwinnett High School Beat. Every Friday at Quik Trip, Kroger or Blockbuster!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Time to bench Donovan for....
JEFF GARCIA. (What, you thought I was going to say Michael Vick? Come on)
Last season Donovan doesn't know the rules to OT, now he forgets how many timeouts he has.......throw this in with all of the injuries the guy goes through....and you have the recipe for a Jeff Garcia-to-the-rescue situation. Garcia has led the Eagles to the playoffs before in relieft of McNabb. I picked Philly to go to the Super Bowl before the season started with the weapons at RB and WR and that was BEFORE MV7 and Garcia came aboard. MV7 is a waste of a roster spot right now and McNabb was benched last season. Garcia knows the offense. Give him the start against Washington in two weeks and let him roll the rest of the season.
At this point, it is the only way Philly is making the playoffs and keeping my prediction alive. But Andy Reid is tied to McNabb and will ride that horse straight out of the playoff picture. And why even sign Garcia if he isn't going to play? Just asking. If Philly misses the playoffs, I can see the Eagles sans DMac5 next year.
Last season Donovan doesn't know the rules to OT, now he forgets how many timeouts he has.......throw this in with all of the injuries the guy goes through....and you have the recipe for a Jeff Garcia-to-the-rescue situation. Garcia has led the Eagles to the playoffs before in relieft of McNabb. I picked Philly to go to the Super Bowl before the season started with the weapons at RB and WR and that was BEFORE MV7 and Garcia came aboard. MV7 is a waste of a roster spot right now and McNabb was benched last season. Garcia knows the offense. Give him the start against Washington in two weeks and let him roll the rest of the season.
At this point, it is the only way Philly is making the playoffs and keeping my prediction alive. But Andy Reid is tied to McNabb and will ride that horse straight out of the playoff picture. And why even sign Garcia if he isn't going to play? Just asking. If Philly misses the playoffs, I can see the Eagles sans DMac5 next year.
Hey, you beat Vandy!
SWEET! Way to go Georgia, way to beat VANDY. No, don't get me wrong, I'm not being sarcastic. I'm serious. Good job.
The only problem I had with the game was Joe Cox's yet another interception and Prince Miller's inability to get into the endzone with a punt return. He made some NICE moves (with the aid of several no-call block-in-the-back) but he just didn't take it back to the house. I am wondering if the coaches are not using Branden Smith because they want him to bulk up a bit. Prince is a bigger guy than Branden, so I'm guessing that's why he is back there. And if we could never have Logan Gray return a punt, that would be great too.
But let's move on to the positives....
The running game appeared to finally get some traction. Caleb King had a touchdown and caught another on a screen. Wayshaun had 71 yards and 31 on one run. I like that. DJax had some nice runs at the end of the game and Carlton Thomas was running well until he just got rocked. Sorry, but the dude is Tyson Browning part two. I was wrong when I thought he'd be the next big-little thing. And Richard Samuel.....MOVE TO LINEBACKER!
AJ Green only caught three passes, but that 65-yard TD was nifty. He is BY FAR the best wide receiver in the country and I'm not just saying that as a biased Georgia fan. Find me one better. I dare you. Julio Jones, i think not. AJ has surpassed him. Gilyard in Cincinnati? Nope. Not as good against not as good competition. LaFell in LSU....AJ Green made THE CATCH in that game and LaFell did what?
Finally, Orson Charles is going to be a good one. I think he breaks out against Florida, the team whose ball he busted. Crystal football that is.
Listen I know it was against Vandy, but the Dawgs seemingly put a full game together and gained a little mo going into the off-week before Florida. Let's hope that Georgia can make it three straight years in a row where Georgia beats the defending National Champions. And as much as I was rooting for Florida to lose to Arkie so Georgia could once again control its own destiny, I sort of like the idea that Georgia can knock off the No.1 team in the country in two weeks.
Speaking of Florida, boy does that team look beatable. Knowing the Gators and Urban though, they'll go easy on Dan Mullen before getting back into shape in two weeks. And you KNOW Dan Mullen won't have his defense hit Tebow, likely at ALL. That's a shame.
Ohio State lost. NICE.
VaTech lost too. Yippe! Too bad that means GT won. Oh well UVa controls its own destiny and can take out the Jackets knees next week. Come on Al Groh...Save that job!
USC beats Notre Dame and ANYONE that doesn't believe ND gets all of the breaks, just look at the tape of that game. The added second. the penalties against USC while the refs shallow the whistle against the Irish. It was a little much. Laughable. No Notre Dame fame can defend what happened, and despite ALL OF THAT, you STILL LOST. With all of the gifts you cannot win.....Weis needs to go.
Alabama, despite the first bad game from its QB still wins over South Carolina. And anyone that says, "Oh boy, that wasn't the blowout it was supposed to be," I ask this: was South Carolina ever REALLY a threat to win? I watched the game. The answer is NO. They deserve to be No.1, too bad the BCS has Florida No.1 thanks to the SoS with Charleston Southern and Troy.......
And I will end with this. People keep saying Willie Martinez needs to go and some of my radio peers always try and counter with "OK, so who would you replace him with?" thinking they are all smart. Well, that is sort of my answer. KIRBY SMART. Tell the former Dawg to come home. I know he's in a good spot at Alabama and he loves Nick Saban, and Georgia WOULD BE a step back for Alabama's D-Cor, but I respond with this...for Kirby Smart as Alabama's D-Cor, it is different. Typically it would be a stepback unless you went to Georgia. Then you are returning to your alma mater. Bill Young from miami to Okie state would logically be a stepback, but Young is an alum. Smart would be the same situation. And Mark Richt can offer this: at Alabama you'd always have Saban looming over your shoulder and the national media will always give Saban partial credit. At Georgia, Richt would be in charge of the offense with your good buddy Mike Bobo while Smart would get ALL of the credit for the defense. No one will say, "Yeah, but surely Saban's finger is in the pie."
It would be smart for CMR's first phone call this off-season to be to Kirby Smart. Maybe he likes his situation in Bama, but he will likely at least listen to Richt. Then, CMR will need to bust out his recruiting skills and sell Kirby on coming home. Make it happen CMR and make it happen Kirby. Please.
The only problem I had with the game was Joe Cox's yet another interception and Prince Miller's inability to get into the endzone with a punt return. He made some NICE moves (with the aid of several no-call block-in-the-back) but he just didn't take it back to the house. I am wondering if the coaches are not using Branden Smith because they want him to bulk up a bit. Prince is a bigger guy than Branden, so I'm guessing that's why he is back there. And if we could never have Logan Gray return a punt, that would be great too.
But let's move on to the positives....
The running game appeared to finally get some traction. Caleb King had a touchdown and caught another on a screen. Wayshaun had 71 yards and 31 on one run. I like that. DJax had some nice runs at the end of the game and Carlton Thomas was running well until he just got rocked. Sorry, but the dude is Tyson Browning part two. I was wrong when I thought he'd be the next big-little thing. And Richard Samuel.....MOVE TO LINEBACKER!
AJ Green only caught three passes, but that 65-yard TD was nifty. He is BY FAR the best wide receiver in the country and I'm not just saying that as a biased Georgia fan. Find me one better. I dare you. Julio Jones, i think not. AJ has surpassed him. Gilyard in Cincinnati? Nope. Not as good against not as good competition. LaFell in LSU....AJ Green made THE CATCH in that game and LaFell did what?
Finally, Orson Charles is going to be a good one. I think he breaks out against Florida, the team whose ball he busted. Crystal football that is.
Listen I know it was against Vandy, but the Dawgs seemingly put a full game together and gained a little mo going into the off-week before Florida. Let's hope that Georgia can make it three straight years in a row where Georgia beats the defending National Champions. And as much as I was rooting for Florida to lose to Arkie so Georgia could once again control its own destiny, I sort of like the idea that Georgia can knock off the No.1 team in the country in two weeks.
Speaking of Florida, boy does that team look beatable. Knowing the Gators and Urban though, they'll go easy on Dan Mullen before getting back into shape in two weeks. And you KNOW Dan Mullen won't have his defense hit Tebow, likely at ALL. That's a shame.
Ohio State lost. NICE.
VaTech lost too. Yippe! Too bad that means GT won. Oh well UVa controls its own destiny and can take out the Jackets knees next week. Come on Al Groh...Save that job!
USC beats Notre Dame and ANYONE that doesn't believe ND gets all of the breaks, just look at the tape of that game. The added second. the penalties against USC while the refs shallow the whistle against the Irish. It was a little much. Laughable. No Notre Dame fame can defend what happened, and despite ALL OF THAT, you STILL LOST. With all of the gifts you cannot win.....Weis needs to go.
Alabama, despite the first bad game from its QB still wins over South Carolina. And anyone that says, "Oh boy, that wasn't the blowout it was supposed to be," I ask this: was South Carolina ever REALLY a threat to win? I watched the game. The answer is NO. They deserve to be No.1, too bad the BCS has Florida No.1 thanks to the SoS with Charleston Southern and Troy.......
And I will end with this. People keep saying Willie Martinez needs to go and some of my radio peers always try and counter with "OK, so who would you replace him with?" thinking they are all smart. Well, that is sort of my answer. KIRBY SMART. Tell the former Dawg to come home. I know he's in a good spot at Alabama and he loves Nick Saban, and Georgia WOULD BE a step back for Alabama's D-Cor, but I respond with this...for Kirby Smart as Alabama's D-Cor, it is different. Typically it would be a stepback unless you went to Georgia. Then you are returning to your alma mater. Bill Young from miami to Okie state would logically be a stepback, but Young is an alum. Smart would be the same situation. And Mark Richt can offer this: at Alabama you'd always have Saban looming over your shoulder and the national media will always give Saban partial credit. At Georgia, Richt would be in charge of the offense with your good buddy Mike Bobo while Smart would get ALL of the credit for the defense. No one will say, "Yeah, but surely Saban's finger is in the pie."
It would be smart for CMR's first phone call this off-season to be to Kirby Smart. Maybe he likes his situation in Bama, but he will likely at least listen to Richt. Then, CMR will need to bust out his recruiting skills and sell Kirby on coming home. Make it happen CMR and make it happen Kirby. Please.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Picks of the week.....where SBF is SEXY
Before we get to the picks of the week, I must admit, when I opened the mailbox earlier this week and saw the cover of this month's Esquire entitled "Sexiest Woman On Earth," I was surprised. Kate Beckinsale? The chick from Serendipity? OK. At least it isn't Megan Fox (or Shia LaBoff, right Body?) or Scarlett Johannson (and her man-ish voice) yet again. Then I opened up to read the article, and I was surprised yet again. That chick (woman, excuse me) is SMOKIN' HOTT. Yeah, I included the extra T. WOW. I have a new respect for Kate, and by respect I mean I think she just might be the sexiest woman on the planet.
I asked Paul Mac aka The Body about it and this is what he said....
Usually when you think hottest women in the world you don't think Kate Beckinsale... but seriously... she is ridiculously sexy. I watched 2 vampire movies for her alone.
With that, let's go to the picks.....
Pitt @ Rutgers (hey, this one is TONIGHT!) Remember when Greg Shiano was THE HOTTEST THING SINCE KATE BECKINSALE? He turned down Miami, Alabama, and several other big time programs because he thought Rutgers was going to be the next big thing....Way to go Fogler! You lose this one too because you're stupid. Like the woman who couldn't understand why my father wanted her to move her car after she had double-parked and blocked us in our parking space. "MOVE YOUR CAR!" why? "BECAUSE YOU'RE STUPID!"
Saturday's fare....
No.20 Oklahoma v #3 Texas in the Red River Bible Study. They don't like calling it THE SHOOTOUT anymore, because that supports violence or something. OooooooooooK. I heard the same people were trying to get Colt McCoy to change his name too. McCoy wins the QB battle against Sam Bradford and the Longhorns Hook the Sooners yet again. And Sam Bradford once again wishes he had gone pro. And I cannot wear my OU hat to work out in next week, which is the real crime here. I'm not an OU fan at all (unless watching a game with my in-laws... I'll never forget you turning your back on the Dawgs in September! I'm like Urban Meyer!) but I like wearing that hat to work out it. It fits well and I've got the sweatline working on it.
7 Ohio State @ Purdue. Great, Ohio State is still in the top ten with a chance to win the Big11 to get a rematch of the Buckeyes and the Trojans in the Rose Bowl. Yawn. I already saw that game once. Oh, wow a Freshman won the game....Would I have to watch it again? Well, it isn't like I could watch Georgia in a bowl game instead. Georgia might not even make a bowl....Ohio State wins this one because the universe hates me
No.11 Iowa @ Wisconsin. Are the Badgers BACK? No. The Hawkeyes will beat them in Madison, but this is the start of Iowa's tough schedule, I'm afraid. And Coach Kirk Ferentz is the best example of why Georgia fans need to quit calling for CMR's head. Ferentz is a great coach, just like Richt, and he was down for a bit, but he's back now. Richt will be too. Take Iowa and keep the faith you Dawg People! (It's OK to hate Willie though.)
Northwestern @ Michigan State on ESPN2 at Noon....which means just one thing...crank up Pam Ward's Dance Party at 3:15 in Lansing! Ye-HAW! I'd love to see Pam Ward do the boot scoot boogy! Actually, she only does the pasa doble! I'm sure I spelled that incorrectly. And I'm sure Sparty wins.
Wake @ Clemson. If Wake wins, would they be the front-runners for the ACC Atlantic title? I asked Daddio the other night if he could name the teams in the ACC Atlantic, and it took him a minute to think about it. NO ONE GETS YOUR BREAKDOWN. YOU SCREWED THIS UP ACC! EAST/WEST, NORTH/SOUTH...those are logical. REDRAW YOUR LINES! And take Wake, because Dabo isn't the coach Jim Grobe is. "I just yelled at him a while..." (pretend that was Dabo's clip from 680 playing ala The Soup with Spencer's "That's the Problem." Thanks Joel!)
Arkie @ #1 Florida. Did I ACTUALLY see ESPN is trying to say that Arkansas has a shot to upset Florida in the Swamp? Umm, I know Ole Miss did it last season, but last season Ole Miss had a defense. JUST SAYING....take Florida to win by 900. PS, if John Brantley was ANY GOOD AT ALL, he'd have played some last week. Hey JB, you think the Dawg walk was funny? Your lack of ability is funny!
#6 USC @ #25 Notre Dame. I heard that Notre Dame was NOT going to wear the Green Unis. Good call. You seem to lose in those a bunch. (Hey, at least Georgia was a WINNING RECORD in the Black jerseys!) I think it is also funny that everyone thinks The Fupa master might actually win this one too. Ummm, USC already lost its one game this season. USC rolls and I wonder if Charlie gets the mice from Cinderella to clean under his FUPA. Just an image I want you to remember.
Minnesota @ #14 Penn State. Well at least Penn State is playing a D-1 school this week. Minnesota at home though, they'll be celebrating in Happy Valley. I am betting it snows. Speaking of snowing, WHY DID THE TWINS leave their dome for an outdoor stadium? Are you seriously trying to lose the few fans you have left? Do you know how cold the playoffs will be if you ever make them again, considering ZERO free agents will want to come play in an OUTDOOR STADIUM IN MINNESOTA?! vikings i can understand, but the Twins? REALLY? BASEBALL?
Texas Tech @ #15 Nebraska. So the Red Raiders QB had h1n1 a few weeks back? Now LeBron James gets it? If this was April, ESPN would be having a "death watch," but now people realize that the swine flu is no big whoop, so yeah it's news...sorta. If they had just listened to me....Nebraska and the blackshirts beat the Red Raiders. Sorry Mike Leach.
Cal @ UCLA. I read that Cal was going to take buses down to LA to play this game. WOW. Buses to save money. I imagine that the granola heads will protest that the buses put too much smog into the air, but then they were protesting that the team shouldn't be flying because of money. I guess just disband football at Cal to make the protesters happy. Hey, OR you could go to class. Just saying.....you guys are NO Sandy Cohen. And PS, if Cal was still undefeated, they'd be flying....just saying. Cal wins.
NC State @ BC. ACC FOOTBALL! GET SWEPT UP IN IT! Sorry, I tried. I just cannot. Wait, THIS IS THE ABC regional game I have to watch? Shite. Take BC.
UVa @ Maryland. The Hoos could go 3-3 and 2-0 in ACC play with a win. They'll be withuot Mikeal [sic] Simpson but I still think Maryland is too bad to win this game. Daddio is happy come Saturday evening, and not just because of the cough medicine...;)
#17 KU @ Colorado. Ahhhhhhh the Big 12 North. I think Todd Reesing and Matt Grothe are trying to be get another year of eligibility so they really can stay at KU and USF for 19 years apiece. Colorado is terrible, but I am also tempted to root for them so they'll be bad again next year when Georgia comes a-callin'. If they get a new coach in there, he might turn it around. Rock chalk Jayhawk
UAB @ Ole Miss. The Rebels need a win. And a mascot that isn't based on the civil war. But the Grove is beautiful and I need to go at some point. Wifey though would yell at me probably, so I will name HER the Sexiest Woman on Earth. Congrats Wifey! and congrats Ole Miss. You'll win this game.
#9 Miami @ UCF. Oh, so Miami played all of its hard games early so they can thump the cupcakes in the middle of the season. PREDICTION, Miami wins and I have to go through another week of "THE U IS BACK, BABY!" from my Miami peeps. Oh, the U is back alright, back in a January 1 bowl, but not much more.
UK @ Auburn. Mike Hartline is out. Crap, Rich Brooks is closer to realizing Randall Cobb is their best QB. Once again, he'll likely realize it the week leading up to the Georgia game. GREAT! Take Auburn at home.
Picks de jour.
Lock of the week
#22 South Carolina @ #2 Alabama. As if Alabama's wanting to justify it's No.2 ranking isn't enough. As if Alabama at home isn't enough. As if a Nick Saban in his prime v a Steve Spurrier 12 years past his prime isn't enough. Wait, those three are enough. Actually just one of those is enough. SoCar gets knocked back down to earth with this one. Sorry Stevie. Tide Rolls.
Upset of the week
Mizzou @ #16 Okie State. Dez Bryant is likely out because the NCAA decided to let the Cowboys use the illegal player against UGA but no mas. Kendall Hunter is likely out due to injury. I like Mizzou coming off of their loss last week with 3 extra days to prepare because of the Thursday game. Take the Tigers! Eat it Pokes!
Pro game
Chicago @ Atlanta. The Dome will be rockin' (well maybe not since Atlanta hasn't embraced the Falcons yet. Why? Because a bunch of the "Falcons fans" still wear No.7 jerseys.) and last season it took Matty Ice being Matty Ice for the team to steal a last second win. The Falcons won't need the heroics this time. Jay Cutler loses on his return trip back to the Dome. Matt Ryan is the better young QB in this game. Take the dirty birds.
Local rooting interest
#4 VaTech @ #19 Georgia Tech. Well, once again I was wrong about GT. So I'm going to go opposite of what wasn't working. I think GT is unstoppable on offense in this game and wins the biggest home game in years on the Flats. VaTech doesn't have the explosive offense that can take advantage of GT's weak Defense and it will need to keep up with GT. Take the Ramblin' Wreck I say through gritted teeth.
Georgia travels to Music City for the first of two trips this season. The first trip to play Vandy, the second for the GAYLORDS Music Bowl. Yippee! I'm not even going to put any KEYS TO THE GAME out there. I do think it is funny that Rennie Curran had a warrant out and CMR said that he won't get suspended. Yep, that's how far we've fallen that we won't punish a guy because we NEED him against Vandy. Awesome. We suck. I told my cousin that he should transfer since he is still just a freshman. If for no other reason to get away from the UGA chapter of DTD. Poor T-Bird. Hey, did you see Georgia's next Head Coach last night? He lost his QB and still won the game. You Go Cincinnati! Brian Kelly will make a GREAT head coach. Just kidding....or am I?
I asked Paul Mac aka The Body about it and this is what he said....
Usually when you think hottest women in the world you don't think Kate Beckinsale... but seriously... she is ridiculously sexy. I watched 2 vampire movies for her alone.
With that, let's go to the picks.....
Pitt @ Rutgers (hey, this one is TONIGHT!) Remember when Greg Shiano was THE HOTTEST THING SINCE KATE BECKINSALE? He turned down Miami, Alabama, and several other big time programs because he thought Rutgers was going to be the next big thing....Way to go Fogler! You lose this one too because you're stupid. Like the woman who couldn't understand why my father wanted her to move her car after she had double-parked and blocked us in our parking space. "MOVE YOUR CAR!" why? "BECAUSE YOU'RE STUPID!"
Saturday's fare....
No.20 Oklahoma v #3 Texas in the Red River Bible Study. They don't like calling it THE SHOOTOUT anymore, because that supports violence or something. OooooooooooK. I heard the same people were trying to get Colt McCoy to change his name too. McCoy wins the QB battle against Sam Bradford and the Longhorns Hook the Sooners yet again. And Sam Bradford once again wishes he had gone pro. And I cannot wear my OU hat to work out in next week, which is the real crime here. I'm not an OU fan at all (unless watching a game with my in-laws... I'll never forget you turning your back on the Dawgs in September! I'm like Urban Meyer!) but I like wearing that hat to work out it. It fits well and I've got the sweatline working on it.
7 Ohio State @ Purdue. Great, Ohio State is still in the top ten with a chance to win the Big11 to get a rematch of the Buckeyes and the Trojans in the Rose Bowl. Yawn. I already saw that game once. Oh, wow a Freshman won the game....Would I have to watch it again? Well, it isn't like I could watch Georgia in a bowl game instead. Georgia might not even make a bowl....Ohio State wins this one because the universe hates me
No.11 Iowa @ Wisconsin. Are the Badgers BACK? No. The Hawkeyes will beat them in Madison, but this is the start of Iowa's tough schedule, I'm afraid. And Coach Kirk Ferentz is the best example of why Georgia fans need to quit calling for CMR's head. Ferentz is a great coach, just like Richt, and he was down for a bit, but he's back now. Richt will be too. Take Iowa and keep the faith you Dawg People! (It's OK to hate Willie though.)
Northwestern @ Michigan State on ESPN2 at Noon....which means just one thing...crank up Pam Ward's Dance Party at 3:15 in Lansing! Ye-HAW! I'd love to see Pam Ward do the boot scoot boogy! Actually, she only does the pasa doble! I'm sure I spelled that incorrectly. And I'm sure Sparty wins.
Wake @ Clemson. If Wake wins, would they be the front-runners for the ACC Atlantic title? I asked Daddio the other night if he could name the teams in the ACC Atlantic, and it took him a minute to think about it. NO ONE GETS YOUR BREAKDOWN. YOU SCREWED THIS UP ACC! EAST/WEST, NORTH/SOUTH...those are logical. REDRAW YOUR LINES! And take Wake, because Dabo isn't the coach Jim Grobe is. "I just yelled at him a while..." (pretend that was Dabo's clip from 680 playing ala The Soup with Spencer's "That's the Problem." Thanks Joel!)
Arkie @ #1 Florida. Did I ACTUALLY see ESPN is trying to say that Arkansas has a shot to upset Florida in the Swamp? Umm, I know Ole Miss did it last season, but last season Ole Miss had a defense. JUST SAYING....take Florida to win by 900. PS, if John Brantley was ANY GOOD AT ALL, he'd have played some last week. Hey JB, you think the Dawg walk was funny? Your lack of ability is funny!
#6 USC @ #25 Notre Dame. I heard that Notre Dame was NOT going to wear the Green Unis. Good call. You seem to lose in those a bunch. (Hey, at least Georgia was a WINNING RECORD in the Black jerseys!) I think it is also funny that everyone thinks The Fupa master might actually win this one too. Ummm, USC already lost its one game this season. USC rolls and I wonder if Charlie gets the mice from Cinderella to clean under his FUPA. Just an image I want you to remember.
Minnesota @ #14 Penn State. Well at least Penn State is playing a D-1 school this week. Minnesota at home though, they'll be celebrating in Happy Valley. I am betting it snows. Speaking of snowing, WHY DID THE TWINS leave their dome for an outdoor stadium? Are you seriously trying to lose the few fans you have left? Do you know how cold the playoffs will be if you ever make them again, considering ZERO free agents will want to come play in an OUTDOOR STADIUM IN MINNESOTA?! vikings i can understand, but the Twins? REALLY? BASEBALL?
Texas Tech @ #15 Nebraska. So the Red Raiders QB had h1n1 a few weeks back? Now LeBron James gets it? If this was April, ESPN would be having a "death watch," but now people realize that the swine flu is no big whoop, so yeah it's news...sorta. If they had just listened to me....Nebraska and the blackshirts beat the Red Raiders. Sorry Mike Leach.
Cal @ UCLA. I read that Cal was going to take buses down to LA to play this game. WOW. Buses to save money. I imagine that the granola heads will protest that the buses put too much smog into the air, but then they were protesting that the team shouldn't be flying because of money. I guess just disband football at Cal to make the protesters happy. Hey, OR you could go to class. Just saying.....you guys are NO Sandy Cohen. And PS, if Cal was still undefeated, they'd be flying....just saying. Cal wins.
NC State @ BC. ACC FOOTBALL! GET SWEPT UP IN IT! Sorry, I tried. I just cannot. Wait, THIS IS THE ABC regional game I have to watch? Shite. Take BC.
UVa @ Maryland. The Hoos could go 3-3 and 2-0 in ACC play with a win. They'll be withuot Mikeal [sic] Simpson but I still think Maryland is too bad to win this game. Daddio is happy come Saturday evening, and not just because of the cough medicine...;)
#17 KU @ Colorado. Ahhhhhhh the Big 12 North. I think Todd Reesing and Matt Grothe are trying to be get another year of eligibility so they really can stay at KU and USF for 19 years apiece. Colorado is terrible, but I am also tempted to root for them so they'll be bad again next year when Georgia comes a-callin'. If they get a new coach in there, he might turn it around. Rock chalk Jayhawk
UAB @ Ole Miss. The Rebels need a win. And a mascot that isn't based on the civil war. But the Grove is beautiful and I need to go at some point. Wifey though would yell at me probably, so I will name HER the Sexiest Woman on Earth. Congrats Wifey! and congrats Ole Miss. You'll win this game.
#9 Miami @ UCF. Oh, so Miami played all of its hard games early so they can thump the cupcakes in the middle of the season. PREDICTION, Miami wins and I have to go through another week of "THE U IS BACK, BABY!" from my Miami peeps. Oh, the U is back alright, back in a January 1 bowl, but not much more.
UK @ Auburn. Mike Hartline is out. Crap, Rich Brooks is closer to realizing Randall Cobb is their best QB. Once again, he'll likely realize it the week leading up to the Georgia game. GREAT! Take Auburn at home.
Picks de jour.
Lock of the week
#22 South Carolina @ #2 Alabama. As if Alabama's wanting to justify it's No.2 ranking isn't enough. As if Alabama at home isn't enough. As if a Nick Saban in his prime v a Steve Spurrier 12 years past his prime isn't enough. Wait, those three are enough. Actually just one of those is enough. SoCar gets knocked back down to earth with this one. Sorry Stevie. Tide Rolls.
Upset of the week
Mizzou @ #16 Okie State. Dez Bryant is likely out because the NCAA decided to let the Cowboys use the illegal player against UGA but no mas. Kendall Hunter is likely out due to injury. I like Mizzou coming off of their loss last week with 3 extra days to prepare because of the Thursday game. Take the Tigers! Eat it Pokes!
Pro game
Chicago @ Atlanta. The Dome will be rockin' (well maybe not since Atlanta hasn't embraced the Falcons yet. Why? Because a bunch of the "Falcons fans" still wear No.7 jerseys.) and last season it took Matty Ice being Matty Ice for the team to steal a last second win. The Falcons won't need the heroics this time. Jay Cutler loses on his return trip back to the Dome. Matt Ryan is the better young QB in this game. Take the dirty birds.
Local rooting interest
#4 VaTech @ #19 Georgia Tech. Well, once again I was wrong about GT. So I'm going to go opposite of what wasn't working. I think GT is unstoppable on offense in this game and wins the biggest home game in years on the Flats. VaTech doesn't have the explosive offense that can take advantage of GT's weak Defense and it will need to keep up with GT. Take the Ramblin' Wreck I say through gritted teeth.
Georgia travels to Music City for the first of two trips this season. The first trip to play Vandy, the second for the GAYLORDS Music Bowl. Yippee! I'm not even going to put any KEYS TO THE GAME out there. I do think it is funny that Rennie Curran had a warrant out and CMR said that he won't get suspended. Yep, that's how far we've fallen that we won't punish a guy because we NEED him against Vandy. Awesome. We suck. I told my cousin that he should transfer since he is still just a freshman. If for no other reason to get away from the UGA chapter of DTD. Poor T-Bird. Hey, did you see Georgia's next Head Coach last night? He lost his QB and still won the game. You Go Cincinnati! Brian Kelly will make a GREAT head coach. Just kidding....or am I?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Preview of Score Atlanta's Around The Dial....
Note: This appears in this week's Score Atlanta. Pick up a copy at any metro area Kroger, Quik Trip or Blockbuster or visit www.scoreatl.com
A legend retires and maybe another one should as well. The Atlanta sports landscape lost a legend this past week when Furman Bisher retired from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Bisher had been an AJC sports columnist since 1950 and had been writing since 1938. Over his time with the AJC, Bisher saw the Milwaukee Braves move to Atlanta, the 1996 Summer Olympics and a magical Super Bowl run by the Falcons, not to mention countless Masters tournaments. Bisher’s style will be missed as Atlanta will have to adjust to no longer being able to read our own sports time capsule. Seemingly each day a different AJC sports writer spoke highly of Bisher, and if you’ve won the respect of your co-workers, you are truly special. One of the biggest thrills of my sports writing career was when I received an email from Mr. Bisher saying that he was looking forward to a story I was working on for that week’s Score Atlanta, where I interviewed the newly promoted Braves GM Frank Wren. Mr. Bisher, you will be missed and I hope you have a happy retirement.
From one legend who has retired to one that should. Archie Manning appeared on CBS’s Alabama/Ole Miss halftime show over the weekend. I understand that Manning was a famous QB at Ole Miss and two of his sons played for the Rebels (Cooper and No.1 overall pick Eli) with another son playing for Tennessee (you maybe have heard of Peyton), but does Archie still need to be on the SEC broadcasts? I read last week where he is the president of the College Football Hall of Fame, soon to be moving to Atlanta, but I don’t think he is as good as, say, Tony Barnhart. Why isn’t the AJC’s Mr. College Football the permanent third man at the studio table with Spencer Tillman and Tim Brando? Barnhart seemingly knows everyone in college football and provides great insight in both his newspaper and on-line work and in his time on Sports Radio 790 The Zone. Barnhart, who has his own show on the CBS College Sports Network should be added fulltime to the CBS game of the week halftime show.
The NFLPA has now come out against Rush Limbaugh and his investment partners as the conservative talk show host attempts to purchase the St. Louis Rams. Limbaugh worked briefly for ESPN but quit over comments he made over Donovan McNabb. Limbaugh claimed that the NFL wanted a black quarterback to be successful and perhaps McNabb didn’t deserve the kudos that the media had been heaping upon him. NFLPA spokesman DeMaurice Smith told reporters via an email, “Our sport does exactly that [gives all of us reason to cheer] when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred." The Rev. Al Sharpton also came out against Limbaugh’s bid to acquire the team. Limbaugh is in a group that includes St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts. I can understand that the NFLPA spokesman does not like that several years ago Limbaugh took a shot at McNabb, but to exclude a guy that likely only has a small portion of an ownership stake for that reason is hypocritical. Serena Williams has a small stake in the Miami Dolphins and she threatened a lineswoman at this year’s US Open. And that was not the first incident for Ms. Williams. I just don’t remember Mr. Smith’s outcry over Serena’s partial purchase of the Dolphins.
Finally, ML King High School takes on Stephenson High School in a game that will pit two teams ranked in the top ten for Class AAAAA and will likely decide the region championship. This game is so important that ESPNU will broadcast it as its weekly high school game. The tilt will feature some of the nation’s top talent including ML King running back Mack Brown. The Florida Gator pledge has even given the ESPNU announcers a major storyline: he guaranteed a victory over Stephenson. I find this interesting because Brown has been hampered all season by hamstring injuries (first his left, then his right) which has caused him to completely miss one game as well as parts of others. Brown is coming off of a 100-yard game including the game winning touchdown against Newton, but his totals are well short of the 3000 yards and 30 touchdowns he predicted in the preseason. Through six games, Brown is hovering around 600 yards. As good as Brown is, perhaps he needs to stop with all of the predicting. Making the bold promises is fine as long as you back them up. So far this season, Brown hasn’t backed them up and if he thinks that Urban Meyer is going to stand for it next season, he’s got something coming to him. Focus on winning the game Mack and try to get healthy so you can help your team come playoff time.
A legend retires and maybe another one should as well. The Atlanta sports landscape lost a legend this past week when Furman Bisher retired from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Bisher had been an AJC sports columnist since 1950 and had been writing since 1938. Over his time with the AJC, Bisher saw the Milwaukee Braves move to Atlanta, the 1996 Summer Olympics and a magical Super Bowl run by the Falcons, not to mention countless Masters tournaments. Bisher’s style will be missed as Atlanta will have to adjust to no longer being able to read our own sports time capsule. Seemingly each day a different AJC sports writer spoke highly of Bisher, and if you’ve won the respect of your co-workers, you are truly special. One of the biggest thrills of my sports writing career was when I received an email from Mr. Bisher saying that he was looking forward to a story I was working on for that week’s Score Atlanta, where I interviewed the newly promoted Braves GM Frank Wren. Mr. Bisher, you will be missed and I hope you have a happy retirement.
From one legend who has retired to one that should. Archie Manning appeared on CBS’s Alabama/Ole Miss halftime show over the weekend. I understand that Manning was a famous QB at Ole Miss and two of his sons played for the Rebels (Cooper and No.1 overall pick Eli) with another son playing for Tennessee (you maybe have heard of Peyton), but does Archie still need to be on the SEC broadcasts? I read last week where he is the president of the College Football Hall of Fame, soon to be moving to Atlanta, but I don’t think he is as good as, say, Tony Barnhart. Why isn’t the AJC’s Mr. College Football the permanent third man at the studio table with Spencer Tillman and Tim Brando? Barnhart seemingly knows everyone in college football and provides great insight in both his newspaper and on-line work and in his time on Sports Radio 790 The Zone. Barnhart, who has his own show on the CBS College Sports Network should be added fulltime to the CBS game of the week halftime show.
The NFLPA has now come out against Rush Limbaugh and his investment partners as the conservative talk show host attempts to purchase the St. Louis Rams. Limbaugh worked briefly for ESPN but quit over comments he made over Donovan McNabb. Limbaugh claimed that the NFL wanted a black quarterback to be successful and perhaps McNabb didn’t deserve the kudos that the media had been heaping upon him. NFLPA spokesman DeMaurice Smith told reporters via an email, “Our sport does exactly that [gives all of us reason to cheer] when it overcomes division and rejects discrimination and hatred." The Rev. Al Sharpton also came out against Limbaugh’s bid to acquire the team. Limbaugh is in a group that includes St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts. I can understand that the NFLPA spokesman does not like that several years ago Limbaugh took a shot at McNabb, but to exclude a guy that likely only has a small portion of an ownership stake for that reason is hypocritical. Serena Williams has a small stake in the Miami Dolphins and she threatened a lineswoman at this year’s US Open. And that was not the first incident for Ms. Williams. I just don’t remember Mr. Smith’s outcry over Serena’s partial purchase of the Dolphins.
Finally, ML King High School takes on Stephenson High School in a game that will pit two teams ranked in the top ten for Class AAAAA and will likely decide the region championship. This game is so important that ESPNU will broadcast it as its weekly high school game. The tilt will feature some of the nation’s top talent including ML King running back Mack Brown. The Florida Gator pledge has even given the ESPNU announcers a major storyline: he guaranteed a victory over Stephenson. I find this interesting because Brown has been hampered all season by hamstring injuries (first his left, then his right) which has caused him to completely miss one game as well as parts of others. Brown is coming off of a 100-yard game including the game winning touchdown against Newton, but his totals are well short of the 3000 yards and 30 touchdowns he predicted in the preseason. Through six games, Brown is hovering around 600 yards. As good as Brown is, perhaps he needs to stop with all of the predicting. Making the bold promises is fine as long as you back them up. So far this season, Brown hasn’t backed them up and if he thinks that Urban Meyer is going to stand for it next season, he’s got something coming to him. Focus on winning the game Mack and try to get healthy so you can help your team come playoff time.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Midweek Entertainment report 10/14/09
The Gun-nah gets tough on the paparazzi, Jay Leno's Numbers drop, SouthLAnd gets cancelled, Nip/Tuck is back, and a coach refuses to take personal accountability...
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT!
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger decided to pass a bill to help himself once he's out of office (hey, Cali, you guys still think voting a person from True Lies to rule over your state was such a good call? PS, how long is a term in California? 19 years? How long has this guy been in charge?). The Guv signed an anti-paparazzi bill allowing celebs to sue media outlets that invade the Celebs' privacy, if the photos or video is obtained illegally. Speidi commented that they will NEVER sue because they never want to fall from the spotlight. "Please, continue to snap away. PLEASE!" was a direct (or indirect) quote.
Jay Leno's show, appropriately entitled, "The Jay Leno Show" has seen decreasing numbers over the last three weeks. SHOCKER. the 10-11 pm show isn't working? Ya Think? They already have the Tonight show. NICE TO MEET YOU. You really thought you'd beat CSI or Without a Trace (or whatever shows come on at 10 on network TV? I'm usually watching The Hills and The Ruins.) NBC, you had to know this wasn't going to work.
A direct result of The Jay Leno Show is that SouthLAnd was cancelled by NBC as it was seen as TOO DARK for a 9pm show. Gee, ya think. They've already filmed 6 episodes and TNT says they might pick up Ryan Atwood's new show. I thought he wanted to design things, not arrest people.
Other shows that were picked up include Cougar Land (starring Monica, apparently she and Chandler got a divorce and she is on the prowl. I wonder if they based the show on that one episode with the high school senior virgin....) and Flash Forward. Sorry Poon, I thought this show was going to get cancelled. I guess ABC REALLY REALLY WANTS a mind-twister to replace Lost.
Nip/Tuck returns tonight for its final season (at least it SHOULD BE). I loved the first few seasons of this show, but it REALLY went downhill when they moved to LA. Just saying. Matt was a scientologist? Come on. I feel bad for that guy. They made him become a scientologist, date a neo-nazi, have sex with a very attractive transgender and then sleep with his half-sister. Poor guy. Now Christian is married to a lezbinen, only I guess she isn't now. (Who is she, Tila Tequila?) And Sean is dating Rose McGowan. Oooooooooooook.
Finally, crossing over into the sports world, Westland John Glenn High School played Canton Plymouth in Ohio High School football over the weekend. (Ha, I keep thinking about the Kirk Herbstreit classic where Ohio "powers" always get thumped by EVERYONE ELSE in the country.) Anyways, Plymouth blocked a Westland FG with Westland down 28-27 with no time left. After Plymouth blocked the kick, they started celebrating, not realizing the ball never crossed the line of scrimmage, meaning it was still a live ball. The ref never stopped the play, WHY, because that is the rule. A Westland Glenn player picked up the ball and ran 33 yards for the game-winning score. Game over, Westland John Glenn wins. The Plymouth coach afterwards said, "It's something that's a protest in my eyes. We won the game. We played our tails off and Glenn should not be happy with the win."
Um, Coach, the official didn't blow the play dead. Why? The RULES. The game WASN'T over. How about you learn the rules and teach your players the rules. The OTHER coach knew the rules, that's why he told his player to pick up the ball and run.
And by the way, you sure are being a role model for your players: Never taking any personal responsibility or accountability when YOU MESS UP and yet you are blaming some one else, saying it is the officials faults. you are also trying to take the win away from the other team, when THEY KNEW THE RULES. Sorry you didn't. BYE!
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT!
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger decided to pass a bill to help himself once he's out of office (hey, Cali, you guys still think voting a person from True Lies to rule over your state was such a good call? PS, how long is a term in California? 19 years? How long has this guy been in charge?). The Guv signed an anti-paparazzi bill allowing celebs to sue media outlets that invade the Celebs' privacy, if the photos or video is obtained illegally. Speidi commented that they will NEVER sue because they never want to fall from the spotlight. "Please, continue to snap away. PLEASE!" was a direct (or indirect) quote.
Jay Leno's show, appropriately entitled, "The Jay Leno Show" has seen decreasing numbers over the last three weeks. SHOCKER. the 10-11 pm show isn't working? Ya Think? They already have the Tonight show. NICE TO MEET YOU. You really thought you'd beat CSI or Without a Trace (or whatever shows come on at 10 on network TV? I'm usually watching The Hills and The Ruins.) NBC, you had to know this wasn't going to work.
A direct result of The Jay Leno Show is that SouthLAnd was cancelled by NBC as it was seen as TOO DARK for a 9pm show. Gee, ya think. They've already filmed 6 episodes and TNT says they might pick up Ryan Atwood's new show. I thought he wanted to design things, not arrest people.
Other shows that were picked up include Cougar Land (starring Monica, apparently she and Chandler got a divorce and she is on the prowl. I wonder if they based the show on that one episode with the high school senior virgin....) and Flash Forward. Sorry Poon, I thought this show was going to get cancelled. I guess ABC REALLY REALLY WANTS a mind-twister to replace Lost.
Nip/Tuck returns tonight for its final season (at least it SHOULD BE). I loved the first few seasons of this show, but it REALLY went downhill when they moved to LA. Just saying. Matt was a scientologist? Come on. I feel bad for that guy. They made him become a scientologist, date a neo-nazi, have sex with a very attractive transgender and then sleep with his half-sister. Poor guy. Now Christian is married to a lezbinen, only I guess she isn't now. (Who is she, Tila Tequila?) And Sean is dating Rose McGowan. Oooooooooooook.
Finally, crossing over into the sports world, Westland John Glenn High School played Canton Plymouth in Ohio High School football over the weekend. (Ha, I keep thinking about the Kirk Herbstreit classic where Ohio "powers" always get thumped by EVERYONE ELSE in the country.) Anyways, Plymouth blocked a Westland FG with Westland down 28-27 with no time left. After Plymouth blocked the kick, they started celebrating, not realizing the ball never crossed the line of scrimmage, meaning it was still a live ball. The ref never stopped the play, WHY, because that is the rule. A Westland Glenn player picked up the ball and ran 33 yards for the game-winning score. Game over, Westland John Glenn wins. The Plymouth coach afterwards said, "It's something that's a protest in my eyes. We won the game. We played our tails off and Glenn should not be happy with the win."
Um, Coach, the official didn't blow the play dead. Why? The RULES. The game WASN'T over. How about you learn the rules and teach your players the rules. The OTHER coach knew the rules, that's why he told his player to pick up the ball and run.
And by the way, you sure are being a role model for your players: Never taking any personal responsibility or accountability when YOU MESS UP and yet you are blaming some one else, saying it is the officials faults. you are also trying to take the win away from the other team, when THEY KNEW THE RULES. Sorry you didn't. BYE!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
GAHS Football review and preview for 10/13/09
What a weekend it was in Georgia high school football last week. No real surprises, but I was able to witness one of the smartest running backs I've ever seen in my time watching high school ball. SportsbyFletch has a reader that has taken me to task for my assessment of Rajion Neal of Sandy Creek and even told me I'd change my thoughts of him after watching him.
Well let me say that I'd certainly reshuffle my top 10 list of running backs after watching Neal over the weekend. I'm not ready to move him to the top of my board, sorry, but he moves up. I have never seen a more patient back at the high school level and he uses his blocks very well. Neal scored on a 97 yard kick return as well when he waited for the wall to set up and then me made his move. Very impressed with that and with the 64-yard score and the speed he showed on the two-yard TD when he just out ran everyone to the corner. Still though I wonder how he'll do if the line isn't as good as he had with the Fighting Patriots, but you cannot teach that vision and patience. Good for him.
If I were to rerank the backs here is my new top ten OF STRICTLY HIGH SCHOOL BACKS (not necesarily how they'll do at the next level)
1. Rajaan Bennett (over 1000 yards in 6 games, and he took over that Woodstock game for McEachern)
2. Charles Perkins. Collins Hill. Looking forward to see how he does against Peachtree on Friday
3.Ean Pemberton, Grayson. What more needs to be said about the Little Giant?
4. Isaiah Crowell, Carver-Columbus. The best Junior out there and has a gear that I'm not sure I've ever seen on the high school level.
5. Rajion Neal, Sandy Creek. One of the smartest and most patient backs I've seen not just this year, but in all of my playbyplay career.
6. Mack Brown, MLK (VERY disappointing thus far this season. Actually, Score Atlanta's Alex Ewalt has this guy as an Honorable mention for PotY, and I laughed when I heard that. This is a guy that boasted he was going to get 3000 yards and 30TDs and has just 600 yards through 6 of his team's games. He's missed one full game and parts of others with hamstring issues. And now he's guaranteed a win over Stephenson. WOW)
7. Clarence Jackson, North Clayton. He couldn't get it done v Griffin. Sorry, but sometimes your ranking is tied to your team's success. Collins Hill is good BECAUSE of Perkins.
8. Ken Malcome, SWD. The quickest BIG back in Georgia this season. A good get for Georgia.
9.Shaq O'Neal, Northside-(Warner Rob). Another top junior back.
10. Storm Johnson, Loganville. The BEST Runningback in the state, self-proclaimed....not so much.
Just missing the list........Jon Lee of Apalachee, Troy Brasswell of Lowndes, Robert Brown/Adrian Bentley of Westside Macon
How did the rest of last Friday go? (Other than my WONDERFUL-sarcasm dripping- experience with the fine folks at Sandy Creek's Athletic Department)....
Grayson all but clinched its second straight Region Title with a 22-12 win over Brookwood. Ean Pemberton was stuffed early but broke off a 53-yard run to set up the game-icing score. He had 98 yards in the win. Kori Gaines intercepted two passes however Joe Champaign tore an ACL. As good as Shawn Green is (and for being a GT commit, I think he is certainly a stud), Champaign is the heart of the line. Joe Champaign had 16 sacks last season to lead Gwinnett County and he will be missed. Mickey Conn said JC could return by the playoffs with a leg brace, but he wouldn't be a full strength. Not good for Grayson as they try and win the state title.
Northside-Don't call us Warner Robbins won 35-3 thanks in part to Shaq O'Neal's 86 yards on 12 carries, but I get the feeling after reading two accounts of this game that it was a boringly defensive game. I guess that would mean they'd try and take away Pemberton if the two met in the state championship, but for whatever reason, especially after watching N-WR play, I think Grayson would roll.
North Gwinnett is still putting up PS3 numbers, this time QB CJ Uzomah passed for 198 yards and 1 TD as the Bulldogs won 54-23 over the Hooche. Uzomah is on fire as a QB and look for him next season. I've been VERY impressed that he has just stepped in and exceeded Mike Tamburo. Kudos to that coaching staff, but also to Uzomah.
Peachtree Ridge and Collins Hill both got ready for their big tilt this Friday (a game you can see on gpb.org/football) with shutout wins over Mill Creek and Duluth, respectively. FOr P-Tree Ridge it was the third shutout of the season and Brad Roby had 138 all purpose yards, including a 27-yard Pick6.
Moving down to Class AAAA, Griffin beat North Clayton 26-14 but had 3 turnovers in the first half. Griffin Bears, I said I'd give you props if you beat NClayton, so PROPS TO YOU. But I still think SWD could beat you. However, for the moment, you can be ranked ahead of them. You're welcome
Westside-Macon is still ahead of Southwest DeKalb (winners 36-6 over Chamblee btw...) after a 37-7 win over Harris County. Robert Brown and Adrian Bentley led the ground game but so what. W-MHS will still lose WAY TOO EARLY in the playoffs and is kind of like Boise State in my opinion. Shouldn't be ranked that highly.
Hillgrove was once again led by Synjyn Days. The future Yellow Jacket had 131 yards rushing and 1 TD and 107 passing with 2 scores. This kid could play RIGHT NOW in the Yellow Jackets secondary due to his athletic ability (and they could use him) OR he could redshirt and play 4 years as QB for Paul Johnson. This kid is just one of several SOLID SOLID players that the jackets locked up whose stock has soared since signing. Shawn Green and Charles Perkins are the other two.....
Jon Lee of Apalachee had 94 yards as the Wildcats just keep winning. HEY, RANKINGS, START MOVING THESE GUYS UP!
Dropping down to Class AAA, just three things to think about...Gainesville's D scores thrice in a 63-0 win. For the Red Elephants, it seems like a title is inevitable....Peach Co held defending champ Cairo to just 141 yards of offense. Peach looks like they have the D to match the offense's hot start....finally, Flowery Branch lost to North Hall. I was RIGHT (potentially) about NoHall. And Conner Shaw, this is you SENIOR YEAR, get it together before the playoffs start!
Finally, class AA. Nash Nance had 225 yards passing and 85 rushing yards as Calhoun looks strong. I know Buford score 65, but it was against Cross Keys. I don't think they are back yet. And even if they are, Calhoun is loaded for bear this season. Nance is one HECK of a qb, especially with the ball in his hands and he has Da'Rick Rogers to throw to and the best coach in Northwest Ga area.
LOOK AHEAD....Lassiter has a tough stretch with Milton then traveling to Walton (a game that GPB.org/football will be broadcasting). After the next two weeks, we'll know all about Hutson Mason. He should be getting a big time offer too, one would think.
South Gwinnett faces Parkview and the Comets could clinch the No.2 seed but likely would still need to sweat Brookwood. I think the Comets are better though.
Newnan faces Westlake for the defacto Region 4-AAAAA title. Westlake has a pretty good LB, but he is no Ogletree, Zander or Alec.
Finally in 5A, Stephenson faces ML King and Mack Brown, who has guaranteed a win for the Lions. Hey Mack, could you just guarantee that you'll play in the game and be over the hamstring issues? Maybe try for your first 200-yard game of the year?
Be sure to log on to gpb.org/football for 6-0 Collins Hill @ 5-1 Peachtree Ridge. Both of these teams have been ranked at one point or another and the Lions were preseason #3, before losing to Lowndes. They are still strong defensively. PS, this game could come down to Nick Lombardo making plays from the QB position for the Lions. Brad Roby, Charles Perkins, Lions, Eagles, LOG ON THIS FRIDAY!
Well let me say that I'd certainly reshuffle my top 10 list of running backs after watching Neal over the weekend. I'm not ready to move him to the top of my board, sorry, but he moves up. I have never seen a more patient back at the high school level and he uses his blocks very well. Neal scored on a 97 yard kick return as well when he waited for the wall to set up and then me made his move. Very impressed with that and with the 64-yard score and the speed he showed on the two-yard TD when he just out ran everyone to the corner. Still though I wonder how he'll do if the line isn't as good as he had with the Fighting Patriots, but you cannot teach that vision and patience. Good for him.
If I were to rerank the backs here is my new top ten OF STRICTLY HIGH SCHOOL BACKS (not necesarily how they'll do at the next level)
1. Rajaan Bennett (over 1000 yards in 6 games, and he took over that Woodstock game for McEachern)
2. Charles Perkins. Collins Hill. Looking forward to see how he does against Peachtree on Friday
3.Ean Pemberton, Grayson. What more needs to be said about the Little Giant?
4. Isaiah Crowell, Carver-Columbus. The best Junior out there and has a gear that I'm not sure I've ever seen on the high school level.
5. Rajion Neal, Sandy Creek. One of the smartest and most patient backs I've seen not just this year, but in all of my playbyplay career.
6. Mack Brown, MLK (VERY disappointing thus far this season. Actually, Score Atlanta's Alex Ewalt has this guy as an Honorable mention for PotY, and I laughed when I heard that. This is a guy that boasted he was going to get 3000 yards and 30TDs and has just 600 yards through 6 of his team's games. He's missed one full game and parts of others with hamstring issues. And now he's guaranteed a win over Stephenson. WOW)
7. Clarence Jackson, North Clayton. He couldn't get it done v Griffin. Sorry, but sometimes your ranking is tied to your team's success. Collins Hill is good BECAUSE of Perkins.
8. Ken Malcome, SWD. The quickest BIG back in Georgia this season. A good get for Georgia.
9.Shaq O'Neal, Northside-(Warner Rob). Another top junior back.
10. Storm Johnson, Loganville. The BEST Runningback in the state, self-proclaimed....not so much.
Just missing the list........Jon Lee of Apalachee, Troy Brasswell of Lowndes, Robert Brown/Adrian Bentley of Westside Macon
How did the rest of last Friday go? (Other than my WONDERFUL-sarcasm dripping- experience with the fine folks at Sandy Creek's Athletic Department)....
Grayson all but clinched its second straight Region Title with a 22-12 win over Brookwood. Ean Pemberton was stuffed early but broke off a 53-yard run to set up the game-icing score. He had 98 yards in the win. Kori Gaines intercepted two passes however Joe Champaign tore an ACL. As good as Shawn Green is (and for being a GT commit, I think he is certainly a stud), Champaign is the heart of the line. Joe Champaign had 16 sacks last season to lead Gwinnett County and he will be missed. Mickey Conn said JC could return by the playoffs with a leg brace, but he wouldn't be a full strength. Not good for Grayson as they try and win the state title.
Northside-Don't call us Warner Robbins won 35-3 thanks in part to Shaq O'Neal's 86 yards on 12 carries, but I get the feeling after reading two accounts of this game that it was a boringly defensive game. I guess that would mean they'd try and take away Pemberton if the two met in the state championship, but for whatever reason, especially after watching N-WR play, I think Grayson would roll.
North Gwinnett is still putting up PS3 numbers, this time QB CJ Uzomah passed for 198 yards and 1 TD as the Bulldogs won 54-23 over the Hooche. Uzomah is on fire as a QB and look for him next season. I've been VERY impressed that he has just stepped in and exceeded Mike Tamburo. Kudos to that coaching staff, but also to Uzomah.
Peachtree Ridge and Collins Hill both got ready for their big tilt this Friday (a game you can see on gpb.org/football) with shutout wins over Mill Creek and Duluth, respectively. FOr P-Tree Ridge it was the third shutout of the season and Brad Roby had 138 all purpose yards, including a 27-yard Pick6.
Moving down to Class AAAA, Griffin beat North Clayton 26-14 but had 3 turnovers in the first half. Griffin Bears, I said I'd give you props if you beat NClayton, so PROPS TO YOU. But I still think SWD could beat you. However, for the moment, you can be ranked ahead of them. You're welcome
Westside-Macon is still ahead of Southwest DeKalb (winners 36-6 over Chamblee btw...) after a 37-7 win over Harris County. Robert Brown and Adrian Bentley led the ground game but so what. W-MHS will still lose WAY TOO EARLY in the playoffs and is kind of like Boise State in my opinion. Shouldn't be ranked that highly.
Hillgrove was once again led by Synjyn Days. The future Yellow Jacket had 131 yards rushing and 1 TD and 107 passing with 2 scores. This kid could play RIGHT NOW in the Yellow Jackets secondary due to his athletic ability (and they could use him) OR he could redshirt and play 4 years as QB for Paul Johnson. This kid is just one of several SOLID SOLID players that the jackets locked up whose stock has soared since signing. Shawn Green and Charles Perkins are the other two.....
Jon Lee of Apalachee had 94 yards as the Wildcats just keep winning. HEY, RANKINGS, START MOVING THESE GUYS UP!
Dropping down to Class AAA, just three things to think about...Gainesville's D scores thrice in a 63-0 win. For the Red Elephants, it seems like a title is inevitable....Peach Co held defending champ Cairo to just 141 yards of offense. Peach looks like they have the D to match the offense's hot start....finally, Flowery Branch lost to North Hall. I was RIGHT (potentially) about NoHall. And Conner Shaw, this is you SENIOR YEAR, get it together before the playoffs start!
Finally, class AA. Nash Nance had 225 yards passing and 85 rushing yards as Calhoun looks strong. I know Buford score 65, but it was against Cross Keys. I don't think they are back yet. And even if they are, Calhoun is loaded for bear this season. Nance is one HECK of a qb, especially with the ball in his hands and he has Da'Rick Rogers to throw to and the best coach in Northwest Ga area.
LOOK AHEAD....Lassiter has a tough stretch with Milton then traveling to Walton (a game that GPB.org/football will be broadcasting). After the next two weeks, we'll know all about Hutson Mason. He should be getting a big time offer too, one would think.
South Gwinnett faces Parkview and the Comets could clinch the No.2 seed but likely would still need to sweat Brookwood. I think the Comets are better though.
Newnan faces Westlake for the defacto Region 4-AAAAA title. Westlake has a pretty good LB, but he is no Ogletree, Zander or Alec.
Finally in 5A, Stephenson faces ML King and Mack Brown, who has guaranteed a win for the Lions. Hey Mack, could you just guarantee that you'll play in the game and be over the hamstring issues? Maybe try for your first 200-yard game of the year?
Be sure to log on to gpb.org/football for 6-0 Collins Hill @ 5-1 Peachtree Ridge. Both of these teams have been ranked at one point or another and the Lions were preseason #3, before losing to Lowndes. They are still strong defensively. PS, this game could come down to Nick Lombardo making plays from the QB position for the Lions. Brad Roby, Charles Perkins, Lions, Eagles, LOG ON THIS FRIDAY!
Monday, October 12, 2009
I was going to blog about the downfall of the Dawgs...
But I didn't show up prepared to blog about it and just decided to quit about halfway through simply writing the title.
SportsbyFletch is currently reevaluating the writing situation and we'll have an answer Tuesday as to the future of the Monday CFB blog.
We just don't want any sort of kneejerk reaction here on SBF, so we're going to wait one day to see how the blogging goes and then make a choice.
Would it be better to do something now? Or next week during the bye week. Perhaps we should simply wait until that bye week to improve the blog.
(PS, I thought it was interesting that CMR defended Booboo in the postgame show yet didn't say much aboug Willie. Perhaps this is the beginning of the end in CMR's eyes for Willie. Might be time to FREE WILLIE!)
Such a shame, but the defense has not been good for a while. Even in 2005 and 2007 during Sugar Bowl years, the defense wasn't good. BVG had some Tenuta-like tendencies about him, but they were tough and made average players incredible. CWM seems to take the top recruiting classes and not do much with them. Oh well. I guess on the interim you have Jancek, the Co-coordinator, call the plays and then maybe explore Rodney Gardner taking over (you owe him after he could have left about 6 times) or you risk losing Garnder by going out and hiring Richmond's HC London (unless he takes the UVA job) or get another BVG-type de-cor from a Central Michigan or a UL-M for example.
Something needs to change and I'd love to see the redshirt taken off Aaron Murray and even Mettenberger. Logan Gray is NOT the future of this program, one of the freshmen is. Let's avoid going 8-4 AGAIN next season and make this 7-6 season worth it. PLEASE.
I would continue, but I quit.
SportsbyFletch is currently reevaluating the writing situation and we'll have an answer Tuesday as to the future of the Monday CFB blog.
We just don't want any sort of kneejerk reaction here on SBF, so we're going to wait one day to see how the blogging goes and then make a choice.
Would it be better to do something now? Or next week during the bye week. Perhaps we should simply wait until that bye week to improve the blog.
(PS, I thought it was interesting that CMR defended Booboo in the postgame show yet didn't say much aboug Willie. Perhaps this is the beginning of the end in CMR's eyes for Willie. Might be time to FREE WILLIE!)
Such a shame, but the defense has not been good for a while. Even in 2005 and 2007 during Sugar Bowl years, the defense wasn't good. BVG had some Tenuta-like tendencies about him, but they were tough and made average players incredible. CWM seems to take the top recruiting classes and not do much with them. Oh well. I guess on the interim you have Jancek, the Co-coordinator, call the plays and then maybe explore Rodney Gardner taking over (you owe him after he could have left about 6 times) or you risk losing Garnder by going out and hiring Richmond's HC London (unless he takes the UVA job) or get another BVG-type de-cor from a Central Michigan or a UL-M for example.
Something needs to change and I'd love to see the redshirt taken off Aaron Murray and even Mettenberger. Logan Gray is NOT the future of this program, one of the freshmen is. Let's avoid going 8-4 AGAIN next season and make this 7-6 season worth it. PLEASE.
I would continue, but I quit.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday Picks 10/09/09
As I watched Survivor last night and saw Shambo completely suck at Bocce Ball I wondered aloud as to who would win Survivor:Georgia, featuring my crew of friends. Imagine if you will Roomie, JCole, Lace, Christie, Wifey, ME, Body, Cake, Poon, Bagadonuts, CT and Seen. Say you were just go straight to a merge, who would get voted out first? I have to think that I'd try and get in an alliance with CT and Lace and we'd try to oust JCole first because he is a physical threat. I'd try and ride CT all the way to the final three before dumping Lace because I think I'd beat CT in a vote. I think I'd lose to Lace because I lose everything else to Lace! I'd have Wifey, Lace, Christie, Cake and Body. I'd also like to think I could guilt Seen with the whole "you were my best-man" idea and I'd try and snag Roomie by singing Santa Fe. I think I'd take it HOME!
I'm not sure how that leads in to the picks of the week, but let's get to it.
BC @ #5 VaTech. I'm sure the Hokies will try and BEAMERBALL it up again this weekend by controlling the ground game, winning the special teams battle and attempting to win the turnover battle. Once again.....the recipe for simply WINNING FOOTBALL GAMES. The Hokies will though because at SOME POINT BC's lack of a QB will catch up to them. AT SOME POINT, RIGHT?
Eastern Illinois @ #14 Penn State. Cake and the Body need to explain this team to me please. EIU? (wait, it IS a Univeristy right? Not just a college?) Commish, please talk through the logic with me. Is this SIMPLY so JoePa can pad his win total and spit in Bowden's face? JoePa spits in Bobby's face after this one.
#17 Auburn @ Arkansas. I heard some one try and refer to this as the Gus Malzahn bowl because Gus Gus used to OC at Arkie, but that was under Houston Nutt. I'd call the Gus Bowl when Auburn plays Ole Miss. Gus v Houston. As for this one, sorry Miss Piggy, but the Tigers score 50 first to win.
Purdue @ Minnesota. this game is on ESPN2, so you know what that means.....The Pam Ward Dance Party is hitting the Twin Cities tonight! Gopher fans will go to the party happy after a win over Purdon't. PS, the Boilermakers are simply happy to be OUT OF INDIANA. WORST STATE IN THE COUNTRY! (At least to drive through) (I don't know, Texas might be up there too)
West Va @ Da Cuse. OK, OK, I'm OFF the Greg Paulus bandwagon now. Take West VA. Taco, Burrito, what ya got comin' out of that speedo? It's trouble. YEAH YEAH, It's Trouble.
Vandy @ Army. The Commadores v the Army. I say take the Seamen in this one. (Wait, that sounded dirty.....)
Michigan State @ Illinois. Boy this game was probably highlighted on the calendar before the season started, but I'm sure Sleazy P is upset that BOTH of these teams now stink. I'd like to think that Sparty's CapitalOne Bowl beatdown was the beginning. On the plus side for Michigan State, Keith Mumphrey pledged to them LIVE on Score Atlanta's Official Visit this past Monday. BREAKING NEWS. That's what we do. Tune in this Tuesday from 7-9pm. (shameless plug). Take the hometeam Illini.
#15 Okie State @ Texas A&M. OK, so I'm not sure if I should feel better or worse over the Dez Bryant ruling. On the positive I can say that the ONLY reason Okie State won 24-10 over Georgia was that they were using an illegal player who scored 2tds; on the negative, nothing will come of it. The NCAA isn't going to give UGA that win. Take TAMU in this one because Karma bits the Cowboys.
UK @ #25 SoCar. Hey South Carolina, way to get ranked AFTER you play Georgia. What, you couldn't be ranked when you lost to Georgia? It would have given Georgia a win over a ranked team, something that Mark Richt apparently cannot do. I'm sure you'll beat Kentucky, why? Because Kentucky isn't that good. They haven't realized Randall Cobb should be at QB and probably will ONLY realize it the week before they play Georgia. GREAT!
Houston @ Miss State. Hey Miss State, thanks for losing last week and letting the conference down! Great job! You'll do it again this week. Take Bobby's Houston Cougars.
#3 Bama @ #20 Ole Miss. A contender for LOCK of the week, but I ruled against it. But Bama is moreorless a lock here too. If I were ranking the teams, Bama would be No.1. I still cannot WAIT to play them in the GaDome for the SEC CG. Maybe we'll bring the black jerseys!
#13 Oregon @ UCLA. So Oregon may allow LeGarrett Blount back this season? That's fine with me. All he did was punch a guy that was mocking him. The only reason he was suspended was because of Around the Horn. Just saying. Oregon travels to the house of the Bruins, where such greats such as Cade McNown and Freddie Mitchell once played. How will the Ducks EVER manage? Wait, UCLA isn't all that good this season. That's how. Oregon wins.
Baylor @ #19 OU. With no Sam Bradford and with Robert Griffith out there, I might be tempted to pick Baylor, but since this game is in Norman and with no RGIII out there, gotta take the Boomer Sooners. I'm sure this is NOT how Bradford saw this season going. I wonder what would have happened if Bradford HAD come out. Would Sanchez have come out? Probably not. And the Jets probably don't trade up for Stafford. Bradford goes No.1 to Detroit and Stafford, I'm spitballing here, goes No.4 to Seattle. Enh, something to think about.
UCOnn @ Pitt. Wait, why am I picking this game? The Big East? Really? uhhhh, Pitt. Next game. Quickly.
Indiana @ UVa. Daddio offered me tickets to this game with seats in the sky box. I turned him down. THAT'S why Al Groh needs to go folks. Because I just turned down a free trip to one of THE MOST BREATHTAKING CITIES IN THE COUNTRY to watch a football game in luxury. But on the brightside, even if UVa drops this one, the Wahoos are still undefeated in ACC play. And the LOSER of this game might have the inside track to Phil Fulmer. (actually I believe Louisville does, but whatevs.) Wa-Hoo-Wa!
Duke @ NCstate. Russell Wilson FINALLY threw an INT last week after 329 (sounds right) passes without one. He will feel better after picking up a conference win, though it's only Dook.
Maryland @ Wake. ACC FOOTBALL, FEEL THE EXCITEMENT! Things I'd rather do than watch this game...Watch the WNBA, Drink a 6-pack of slimfast, take tango lessons, pick blueberries. Take Wake and kill yourself if you aren't an alum of either of these schools but you still check it out on ESPN360.com
#1 Florida @ #4 LSU. I originally thought that Tebow would play but after watching Georgia lose last week, I realize that Tebow won't play because the Gators have the SEC wrapped up. Why risk ANOTHER CONCUSSION for Tebow when you KNOW The Tigers would bring the house to knock him around. Because of this, I'm taking the Tigers. No undefeated season for the Gators. Sorry Tim, but it is for your own good. You will get 7 more concussions in your 3 year NFL career, you want to go in there with just one, otherwise you'll drop from the 5th round to the 6th. Just saying.
Michigan @ #12 Iowa. This is the ABC game of the week? Kirk Herbstreit has to be blushing right now, right? He knows that yet another Big10 game shouldn't be the game of the week. Though I guess we all know it isn't because it is airing at the same time as the Florida/LSU game. I am surprised ESPN is giving Baton Rogue GameDay. You didn't want to head to Iowa City for this one? While I NEED MIchigan to win this one (see Wednesday's Georgia to the Nat'l Title game senario) I think Iowa pulls it out at home.
Extra Credit
Lock of the Week
Colorado @ #2 Texas. The Dan Hawkins experiment has failed. Will they get a new coach by next season when Georgia goes out to Boulder? I am actually afraid for my Grandfather-in-law that Texas will put 60 on the board.
Upset of the week
Wisco @ #9 Ohio State. IS WISCONSIN BACK? No. But I need a Badger win for Georgia to make a run at the BCS (at-large of course). Wait, that isn't going to happen? Oh well. Nevermind. But still take Wisco in a road upset.
Local rooting interest
#22 Georgia Tech @ FSU. Maybe it is the Georgia Homer coming out in me, but does ANYONE ELSE see the Seminoles rallying around its coach and giving him a big home win? After the last two weeks of Mr. Hyde, perhaps Dr. Jekyll comes back and Christian Ponder lays waste to the GT secondary. Seminole fans just need to hope that the young FSU defense plays its assignments. I'm taking FSU in the upset.
Keys to Georgia @ Tennessee. The Refs didn't cost Georgia the game against LSU. Georgia did. Tackle on kickoffs, on 32-yard runs late in the game, and don't throw INTS. In fact, don't throw to the FB on first and 10. Play Wayshaun Ealey and continue to get after the QB. 6 sacks last week. NICE. This could be the continuation of a BAD month for Lane Kiffin after the loss to Auburn. I will probably feel good after this one, around say 3:45, but probably not. A win at Tennessee wouldn't make me forget LSU and Okie State. ONLY A WIN OVER FLORIDA WILL, Bookended with a win over GT. Restore order and make it feel like 1980 all over. You know, before i was born.
Enjoy a great day of football Saturday and tune to gpb.org/football tonight as Sandy Creek host McIntosh.
I'm not sure how that leads in to the picks of the week, but let's get to it.
BC @ #5 VaTech. I'm sure the Hokies will try and BEAMERBALL it up again this weekend by controlling the ground game, winning the special teams battle and attempting to win the turnover battle. Once again.....the recipe for simply WINNING FOOTBALL GAMES. The Hokies will though because at SOME POINT BC's lack of a QB will catch up to them. AT SOME POINT, RIGHT?
Eastern Illinois @ #14 Penn State. Cake and the Body need to explain this team to me please. EIU? (wait, it IS a Univeristy right? Not just a college?) Commish, please talk through the logic with me. Is this SIMPLY so JoePa can pad his win total and spit in Bowden's face? JoePa spits in Bobby's face after this one.
#17 Auburn @ Arkansas. I heard some one try and refer to this as the Gus Malzahn bowl because Gus Gus used to OC at Arkie, but that was under Houston Nutt. I'd call the Gus Bowl when Auburn plays Ole Miss. Gus v Houston. As for this one, sorry Miss Piggy, but the Tigers score 50 first to win.
Purdue @ Minnesota. this game is on ESPN2, so you know what that means.....The Pam Ward Dance Party is hitting the Twin Cities tonight! Gopher fans will go to the party happy after a win over Purdon't. PS, the Boilermakers are simply happy to be OUT OF INDIANA. WORST STATE IN THE COUNTRY! (At least to drive through) (I don't know, Texas might be up there too)
West Va @ Da Cuse. OK, OK, I'm OFF the Greg Paulus bandwagon now. Take West VA. Taco, Burrito, what ya got comin' out of that speedo? It's trouble. YEAH YEAH, It's Trouble.
Vandy @ Army. The Commadores v the Army. I say take the Seamen in this one. (Wait, that sounded dirty.....)
Michigan State @ Illinois. Boy this game was probably highlighted on the calendar before the season started, but I'm sure Sleazy P is upset that BOTH of these teams now stink. I'd like to think that Sparty's CapitalOne Bowl beatdown was the beginning. On the plus side for Michigan State, Keith Mumphrey pledged to them LIVE on Score Atlanta's Official Visit this past Monday. BREAKING NEWS. That's what we do. Tune in this Tuesday from 7-9pm. (shameless plug). Take the hometeam Illini.
#15 Okie State @ Texas A&M. OK, so I'm not sure if I should feel better or worse over the Dez Bryant ruling. On the positive I can say that the ONLY reason Okie State won 24-10 over Georgia was that they were using an illegal player who scored 2tds; on the negative, nothing will come of it. The NCAA isn't going to give UGA that win. Take TAMU in this one because Karma bits the Cowboys.
UK @ #25 SoCar. Hey South Carolina, way to get ranked AFTER you play Georgia. What, you couldn't be ranked when you lost to Georgia? It would have given Georgia a win over a ranked team, something that Mark Richt apparently cannot do. I'm sure you'll beat Kentucky, why? Because Kentucky isn't that good. They haven't realized Randall Cobb should be at QB and probably will ONLY realize it the week before they play Georgia. GREAT!
Houston @ Miss State. Hey Miss State, thanks for losing last week and letting the conference down! Great job! You'll do it again this week. Take Bobby's Houston Cougars.
#3 Bama @ #20 Ole Miss. A contender for LOCK of the week, but I ruled against it. But Bama is moreorless a lock here too. If I were ranking the teams, Bama would be No.1. I still cannot WAIT to play them in the GaDome for the SEC CG. Maybe we'll bring the black jerseys!
#13 Oregon @ UCLA. So Oregon may allow LeGarrett Blount back this season? That's fine with me. All he did was punch a guy that was mocking him. The only reason he was suspended was because of Around the Horn. Just saying. Oregon travels to the house of the Bruins, where such greats such as Cade McNown and Freddie Mitchell once played. How will the Ducks EVER manage? Wait, UCLA isn't all that good this season. That's how. Oregon wins.
Baylor @ #19 OU. With no Sam Bradford and with Robert Griffith out there, I might be tempted to pick Baylor, but since this game is in Norman and with no RGIII out there, gotta take the Boomer Sooners. I'm sure this is NOT how Bradford saw this season going. I wonder what would have happened if Bradford HAD come out. Would Sanchez have come out? Probably not. And the Jets probably don't trade up for Stafford. Bradford goes No.1 to Detroit and Stafford, I'm spitballing here, goes No.4 to Seattle. Enh, something to think about.
UCOnn @ Pitt. Wait, why am I picking this game? The Big East? Really? uhhhh, Pitt. Next game. Quickly.
Indiana @ UVa. Daddio offered me tickets to this game with seats in the sky box. I turned him down. THAT'S why Al Groh needs to go folks. Because I just turned down a free trip to one of THE MOST BREATHTAKING CITIES IN THE COUNTRY to watch a football game in luxury. But on the brightside, even if UVa drops this one, the Wahoos are still undefeated in ACC play. And the LOSER of this game might have the inside track to Phil Fulmer. (actually I believe Louisville does, but whatevs.) Wa-Hoo-Wa!
Duke @ NCstate. Russell Wilson FINALLY threw an INT last week after 329 (sounds right) passes without one. He will feel better after picking up a conference win, though it's only Dook.
Maryland @ Wake. ACC FOOTBALL, FEEL THE EXCITEMENT! Things I'd rather do than watch this game...Watch the WNBA, Drink a 6-pack of slimfast, take tango lessons, pick blueberries. Take Wake and kill yourself if you aren't an alum of either of these schools but you still check it out on ESPN360.com
#1 Florida @ #4 LSU. I originally thought that Tebow would play but after watching Georgia lose last week, I realize that Tebow won't play because the Gators have the SEC wrapped up. Why risk ANOTHER CONCUSSION for Tebow when you KNOW The Tigers would bring the house to knock him around. Because of this, I'm taking the Tigers. No undefeated season for the Gators. Sorry Tim, but it is for your own good. You will get 7 more concussions in your 3 year NFL career, you want to go in there with just one, otherwise you'll drop from the 5th round to the 6th. Just saying.
Michigan @ #12 Iowa. This is the ABC game of the week? Kirk Herbstreit has to be blushing right now, right? He knows that yet another Big10 game shouldn't be the game of the week. Though I guess we all know it isn't because it is airing at the same time as the Florida/LSU game. I am surprised ESPN is giving Baton Rogue GameDay. You didn't want to head to Iowa City for this one? While I NEED MIchigan to win this one (see Wednesday's Georgia to the Nat'l Title game senario) I think Iowa pulls it out at home.
Extra Credit
Lock of the Week
Colorado @ #2 Texas. The Dan Hawkins experiment has failed. Will they get a new coach by next season when Georgia goes out to Boulder? I am actually afraid for my Grandfather-in-law that Texas will put 60 on the board.
Upset of the week
Wisco @ #9 Ohio State. IS WISCONSIN BACK? No. But I need a Badger win for Georgia to make a run at the BCS (at-large of course). Wait, that isn't going to happen? Oh well. Nevermind. But still take Wisco in a road upset.
Local rooting interest
#22 Georgia Tech @ FSU. Maybe it is the Georgia Homer coming out in me, but does ANYONE ELSE see the Seminoles rallying around its coach and giving him a big home win? After the last two weeks of Mr. Hyde, perhaps Dr. Jekyll comes back and Christian Ponder lays waste to the GT secondary. Seminole fans just need to hope that the young FSU defense plays its assignments. I'm taking FSU in the upset.
Keys to Georgia @ Tennessee. The Refs didn't cost Georgia the game against LSU. Georgia did. Tackle on kickoffs, on 32-yard runs late in the game, and don't throw INTS. In fact, don't throw to the FB on first and 10. Play Wayshaun Ealey and continue to get after the QB. 6 sacks last week. NICE. This could be the continuation of a BAD month for Lane Kiffin after the loss to Auburn. I will probably feel good after this one, around say 3:45, but probably not. A win at Tennessee wouldn't make me forget LSU and Okie State. ONLY A WIN OVER FLORIDA WILL, Bookended with a win over GT. Restore order and make it feel like 1980 all over. You know, before i was born.
Enjoy a great day of football Saturday and tune to gpb.org/football tonight as Sandy Creek host McIntosh.
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