tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21665173000795389202024-03-14T05:29:59.316-05:00The Grand National ChampionshipsIt's Barton Fink meets the Big Lebowski. But I think the Dude's a No Show.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.comBlogger940125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-87290648177697035092012-06-06T21:48:00.002-05:002012-06-06T21:48:21.159-05:00Trying To Find A BalanceSo, if you know me, you know I live in Wisconsin. So that means all that with Scott Walker? As Seth Johnston made famous? I have been there bro. And quite frankly, I'm sick of it.<br />
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What is it? Everything. I'm annoyed by the fact that the dullard of a governor, the only governor with a legal defense fund, will, barring events changing, be the governor until 2014. I'm annoyed that a half-truth of a message with money that comes out of state can be just the sort of bastardy that carries about 60 counties. I'm annoyed that the Democrats left Barrett out to dry.<br />
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Scott Walker should not be my governor today. Tom Barrett had the right idea on how to frame his message. Especially after the video of Walker using the words divide and conquer. How easy would it to have been for Barrett to use the frame of he is the governor for the 99 percent? Walker made the cuts to the unions and the teachers and gives a tax break to the wealthy with that money. An actual mailer said that 94% of Job creators think Scott Walker is taking Wisconsin in the right direction.<br />
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That's coded language. That's CEO's. That's people who when they cut jobs, their stock prices go up.<br />
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That's my governor. <br /><br />
And even though it's not going to be fun in 2014, and I am going to have a Pavlovian response when I see the derpiest of faces on my TV screen, the Democratic response. I have a twitter tic when I'm so exasperated that there are no words. And when you slap someone for a concession? You're an asshole. And if you wish for cancer to catch up to someone (though if the source is the Daily Caller, I do have a certain amount of incredulity), no matter how much of an intelligence insulter my Lieutenant Governor presented hefself as? You're a punk bitch. Tom Barrett's a good man and he lost. It happens.<br />
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It wasn't 53% of a state choosing fascism, as I received in an e-mail this morning from an advocacy group that I unsubscribed from this afternoon. It isn't the start of a long national nightmare. (If anything, the cynic in me says it's the middle.) It's a bad day. It's a long day.<br />
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But if you want to have good politics, you have to be willing to do the work. You have to go beyond the sound bites. You have to know that you're being sold a bill of goods.And be it Markos Moulitsas or Sean Hannity?<br />
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Never trust someone who's trying to sell you a book. <br />
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Thanks for your time.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-50384420596054610252011-07-28T23:04:00.000-05:002011-07-28T23:04:37.091-05:00College Football Teams Give Love a Good Name.Okay, so posting this on a seemingly dead blog may not be the smartest tactic that I've taken. But the fact of the matter? I love college football, and every single team has a reason for you to fall in love with it. (Yes, even Ohio State, what with their ease of cheap shots that can be fired betwixt and upon their proverbial nethers). And it is both necessary and proper to post this. <br />
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And for the kids? Count how many terrible jokes I make. I guarantee you there will be at least 5. <br />
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<i><b>Atlantic Coast</b></i><br />
<b>Atlantic Division</b><br />
<i>Boston College</i>: Considering how well their offense was, you can forgive me for going back to the linebacker well. Because for one thing? Luke Kuechly. Still awesome at pretty much everything. And for the other thing? Inspirational linebacker Mark Herzlich wasn't second in tackles. It was Kevin Pierre-Louis. And he's back. The run D will be beastly. <br />
<i>Clemson</i>: For the better part of the past decade, the Tigers have found themselves at their best when the reigns were handed to a rookie quarterback. From Kyle Parker to Charlie Whitehurst, heck even the immoral Cullen Harper was strong his first year with the reigns. So, if you want to talk about a sleeper all-ACC quarterback? Your list begins and ends with Tajh Boyd.<br />
<i>Florida State</i>: Do I believe in Florida State? When you have a deep running backs corp that adds high school superman James Wilder into the mix running behind a deep and experienced line, that's a plus. When you have a front four that's anchored by a monster in Brandon Jenkins and a potential new Fairley hotness in Tank Carradine, that's a plus. And when you have a secondary returning everybody that was torched in Norman last year, that's a plus. Do I believe in Florida State? I believe in Florida State like Gotham City believes in Harvey Dent. <br />
<i>Maryland</i>: I do enjoy the home run threats. And Maryland has themselves a good one? The name. Tony Logan. Yeah, the guy with the website! And on a team where Randy Edsall controls things? Any amount of home run threat is a good home run threat. And Danny O'Neil's going to need to get himself some of that.<br />
<i>North Carolina State</i>: I will leave my homeristic joy over them giving up on Russell Wilson at home. Why? Because like the guy below, the Wolfpack have a defensive tackle in the name with talent department. See, J.R. Sweezy is a man, a myth, and a very good inside pass rusher. And so long as he breathes, he is awesome. <br />
<i>Wake Forest</i>: Some of you who look at this post would consider me to only enjoy Nikita Whitlock for his Russian name. Well let me just say, anytime you're a 260 pound nose tackle who is in the middle of a 3-4 defense as a freshman, and you get named a Freshman All-American, you are doing something properly. I just hope he doesn't do a post-college heel turn. <br />
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<b>Coastal Division</b><br />
<i>Duke</i>: David Cutcliffe is a pass master, and oftentimes, it's a receiver that gets the benefit. Connor Vernon wasn't exactly a touchdown mastermind last year, but he has the implicit trust of QB Sean Renfree. And as such? He will always get looks in clutch situations. And if your hate for Duke extends beyond the basketball court? See above. (He's #2).<br />
<i>Georgia Tech</i>: Andrew Bernard may deem him a traitor, but the tailback Preston Lyons seems to have the lock on a division one football starting job. All seriousness, the Colgate transfer is going to get a lot of dive play and step one of the option play. And until Paul Johnson wises up and brings in Synjyn Days for every play ever? Lyons gets all the run. <br />
<i>Miami (Fla.)</i>: In its history, Miami has developed into a school for fast, undersized linebackers. And stepping into the legacy line? Shawn Spence. He stays healthy, and he's absolutely guaranteed for 120 tackles, 15 of them for loss, and 6 or 7 pass break-ups. This will lead him into becoming a third round pick and a special teams superstar and then winning a starting spot. <br />
<i>North Carolina</i>: It was another offseason where tumult was the watchword. But even with all the off-field issues? They have a tag team of pass rush on the defensive line. Quinton Coples and Donte Paige-Moss will generate sacks despite themselves. Everything else? It'll sort itself out and the Tar Heels will be able to move forward. <br />
<i>Virginia</i>: I was right about one thing. It was a cornerback that shall lead them. It just wasn't Ras-I Dowling. It was the son of a 4 time pro bowler and Dawg Pound namer. Chase Minnifield was one of many who managed six interceptions last year, and maybe just maybe. He beats Dowling into the first round as well.<br />
<i>Virginia Tech</i>: As much as I want Logan Thomas to succeed, the pre-camp love for me falls to David Wilson. He's the reason why I'm not nearly as worried as some would be after the early departures of Darren Evans and Ryan Williams. He's a home run threat behind a very experienced line. Wilson's gonna do some sort of Kevin Jones stuff.<br />
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<i><b>Big 12</b></i><br />
<i>Baylor</i>: It's easy and fun to get sufficiently hyped for Robert Griffin. He's good, he's mobile, and he's got a good group to throw to. Kendall Wright and Josh Gordon are good pieces of business. Wright is possession guy. Gordon is home run guy. And Griffin is so much the good dude? He gave each of them seven touchdown catches. <br />
<i>Iowa State</i>: Apparenly, there's a developing trend this year in college football where there are reasonably talented defensive tackles with awesome names. In Ames, it's Stephen Rumpoelhamer. He's a nose tackle, kind of decent at everything he does. And with a name like Rumpoelhamer, it does include getting his proverbial drink on. <br />
<i>Kansas</i>: There is one tremendous athlete in Lawrence that looks like he's going to make a strong leap forward at his new position. Toben Oporum was Kansas' leading rusher as a freshman, only to be converted to defensive end last year. He held his own at the position. This year, it's not too much to say that he could lead the team in sacks. <br />
<i>Kansas State</i>: If you believe in karma. If you believe in rooting for some people because of what they represent? John Hubert is your man. See, the bite-sized running back is the only thing that keeps Kansas State from being represented by the other major representative of the Lane Kiffin UT Wild Boyz. Bryce Brown is most definitely not lovable. Hubert, by definition, is.<br />
<i>Missouri</i>: There's a quarterback so good and athletic, that he turned Tyler Gabbert from an Eli Manning into a Tate Forcier. James Franklin may have the same name as the Vanderbilt head coach, but he is more agile and mobile. And with the experience everywhere else? James Franklin may bring back the remembrance of Brad Smith when Brad Smith was a bad mamma jamma. <br />
<i>Oklahoma</i>: If I had to wager on who would be the #1 pick this year? It wouldn't be Andrew Luck. A great rule of thumb is that if a quarterback goes back to school, their game starts to get picked apart. And as such? They lose their luster. The one who stands to benefit? Landry Jones. He still has a tremendous Ryan Broyles led core of receivers and an experienced line to protect him. <br />
<i>O</i><i>klahoma State</i>: When only the SEC had their major wide receivers go early, who became the #1 receiver in America? That's right, Justin Blackmon. I know, I know, it seems kind of obvious right? But the fact of the matter is that outside of the guy who throws to Justin Blackmon and Justin Blackmon, the key players that aren't on the O-line have graduated. If you can score? You can score on them.<br />
<i>Texas</i>: Lost in the midst of a down season was the emergence of a fabulous defensive tackle with a quality first name. His name is Kheeston Randall. Few centers were able to handle what he was bringing them on a consistent basis. And in an offseason of questions, Kheeston is name that's made of stability. Sorry, that sounds boring. <br />
<i>Texas A&M</i>: While the offensive side of the ball is rich and varied in skill and power, there is a defensive star that doubles as a return ace with a name evocative of good football and bad puns. Coryell Judie was a shutdown cornerback with quality return skills. Not for nothing, but he's just as big a part of the proceedings as Cyrus Gray and Jeff Fuller. <br />
<i>Texas Tech</i>: One of the few known knowns in Lubbock this year is that the Red Raiders return everybody on the offensive line. And as they're in year two of switching over to the Tuberville Super System, this is a broad base of talent to build on. The one with the most pro talent? Left Guard Lonnie Edwards. He's gonna be a road grader on the line.<br />
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<i><b>Big East</b></i><br />
<i>Cincinnati</i>: I know you may think this a cop-out, but I'm not going to name a single player. Why? Because the last time the Bearcats had a defensive with this much returning experience, they had seven more sacks, allowed about 0.7 yards less per play, and went from allowing 30 plus to allowing under 20. And if you consider that this defense was better than that one? This is a unit that would give Dana Holgorsen a moment's pause. <br />
<i>Connecticut</i>: If you have a pass rusher? You have a punchers chance. And in Storrs, there is a strong pass rusher. The name? Jesse Joseph. He led the Huskies in sacks and will be the face of a pretty strong defensive line. It's the best thing they have there not named basketball. <br />
<i>Louisville</i>: He may not be under center to start the season, but with the obvious health caveats? The new quarterback hotness is in Louisville. Is it Will Stein? Nah. It's Teddy Bridgewater. He would have been the starting quarterback in Miami if Randy Shannon was still alive. And when you consider the fact that the line needs to come together? Mobility will become a watchword. <br />
<i>Pittsburgh</i>: The most quijibo of players in College Football is Chas Alecxih. Why he's so interesting and so much of a reason to love is because he's one of those with a specific set of skills that does not fit his position perfectly. For Alecxih? It's the fact that he can do a good D'Marco Farr impression and geterate sacks from the inside of the defensive line.<br />
<i>Rutgers</i>: Now when you consider the way Tom Savage went down and south and west, I could look like a fool with the way this call goes. But that being said? Chas Todd is a patient passer who did some things behind a line that had not all the way jelled yet. And in a conference that was pretty well mashed up last year? You can see them surprise and be like in third this year. <br />
<i>South Florida</i>: The school that brought the pros George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul, just might have a third pro talent in their midst. The name? Ryne Giddens. He had 3.5 sacks in a 2 start season last year, and was athletic enough to get an offer from Florida back when Urban Meyer had its full attention. The slot is open, and I believe he'll step in.<br />
<i>Syracuse</i>: My favorite receiver who should be yours? Van Chew. Now, he's an obvious all-name teamer. But for Ryan Nassib he may be the sort of guy who can get him to all-conference levels. Doug Marrone's a great coach, and if I'm not dumb enough to pick a guy that Marrone will run off? He can do some things. <br />
<i>West Virginia</i>: Lost in the midst of Holgogate and the couch burning dreams of Geno Smith, Heisman candidate, is the fact that they kept their defensive coordinator. Jeff Casteel has always provided Morgantown with a defense that hunches back and hits people. With Bruce Irvin and Julian Miller as a very scary pass-rush proposition, and a traditional strength against the run? Casteel will likely remain underrated.<br />
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<i><b>Big Ten </b></i><br />
(Note: I know there are two divisions, but their names are a travesty. Minor slacktivist protest. But a protest just the same.)<br />
<i>Illinois</i>: While Nathan Scheelhaase was kind of dominant as the second half of the year started, I'm here to talk to you about Jason Ford. With Mikel LeShoure graduating, Jason Ford is looking like a breakout candidate. With an experienced offensive line in front of him, and Zook's predilection to matriculate the ball down the field via runners. Ford will break out.<br />
<i>Indiana</i>: Now there is a question in regards to just who exactly is going to throw him the ball, but there's a big rangy target for them to throw to. Damarlo Belcher couldn't possibly be happier that such a passing game mind like Kevin Wilson got hired. Why? Because He had 73 grabs last year. The leader of Wilson's offense last year almost doubled that.<br />
<i>Iowa</i>: The last time that a big thumping running back came out of nowhere to start, he grew up to be Shonn Greene. Now, while I admit that is a touch of a false equivalency in comparing him to Marcus Coker, he is a large and powerful running back with an experienced line behind him. Adam Robinson may have been talented, but barring an injury? He won't be missed.<br />
<i>Michigan State</i>: There's enough offensive triplet power here to have an encore to last season and ruin some peoples lives along the way. Before the big transfer news, it was universally regarded that Kirk Cousins was the best quarterback in the conference, and he comes with an experienced offensive line, two strong running backs, and a senior laden receiving corps. I'm fired up about Russell Wilson, but Cousins isn't just going to turn into a pumpkin because perceprion has shifted. <br />
<i>Michigan</i>: It's always weird when you seemingly put your top talent out of their element. And that's why Denard Robinson is not necessarily the reason to love the Wolverines. But that being said? When he has a target to throw to the caliber of Roy Roundtree, a more straight up class of class of pro-style offense isn't exactly a bridge too far. <br />
<i>Minnesota</i>: If you're a team on step one of the rebuilding process? You have a lot of help when you have a mobile quarterback. And as MarQuise Gray is going to be definitely mobile. He was a wide receiver last season, and while that in and of itself doesn't help matters because there's now an opening at wide receiver, a mobile QB will help keep plays alive.<br />
Nebraska: One of the more electrifying parts of their defense was a junior college middle linebacker named Lavonte David. He was the sort of player who not only finished third in tackles nationally last year, but he added 6 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and 10 pass breakups. He's a major reason why the Big Ten is a little more wide open than one would think.<br />
<i>Northwestern</i>: When Dan Persa inspirationally tore his achilles tendon to beat Iowa, the year fell off considerably. Persa has that certain amount of mobility that can help make this team a tough out when you cross their path. And he actually finds himself with a quality piece of receiver in regards to a young Jeremy Ebert. His health gives them a chance for a football bowl game win. <br />
<i>Ohio State</i>: Yeah, yeah, TresseLOL. But in regards to a linebacking corp with quality names? The Buckeye state is three for three. Between Andrew Keith Sweat, Etienne Sabino, and Storm Klein, you have a potential starting three that will go toe to toe with anybody. And they aren't going to miss any time with all of that. I'm not making any more jokes here. Nope. No. <br />
<i>Penn State</i>: In regards to the whole cool names with a decent amount of talent, Penn State's new starting running back has both in spades. That's right kids, I'm talking about Silas Redd. He's a five star talent who's about to have the head, the tail, and the whole damn majority of the carries that he can handle. It goes good? He could be the record holder for Penn State rushing yardage. By the end of next year. <br />
<i>Purdue</i>: Purdue's meme last year was weeping and tearing the ACL. But here's the thing, they'll be healthier this year, and with a deeper offensive lineman corp? Ralph Bolden being healthy is very nice for the Boilermakers. And if someone emerges at quarterback? They will turn some of those tough losses back into wins.<br />
<i>Wisconsin</i>: Oh the hype coming out of Madison is so much. You know the running backs, you know the Russell Wilson. But here's another reason why the Badgers are a team you can believe in. The linebackers are stronger than you think. Mike Taylor is a tackling machine who played slowed up by a 2009 knee injury. And Chris Borland was done by the San Jose State game last year. He had five sacks and 10.5 Tackles for Loss as a Freshman. These two can fill the graduation hole of a J.J. Watt.<br />
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<i><b>Conference USA</b></i><br />
<b>East Division</b><br />
<i>East Carolina</i>: The story of the Pirates was one of big offense and a broken defense last year. Dominique Davis won the job last year, and he was a beast chucking the ball around the field. He has three senior receivers to throw to, and if I had to bet on the most likely pro? I'll take the safe bet. Lance Lewis. He kept Dwyane Harris from getting too crazy last year.<br />
<i>Memphis</i>: I'll be honest. Memphis seems as if they're in line for a long season. But that being said? Their defensive tackle tag team is severely underrated. Frank Trotter is the undersized loose cannon with nothing to lose who finds his way into the backfield. Dontari Poe is the space-eating man beast who makes Trotter go. The lucky middle linebacker that wins the spot behind them will get a lot of tackles. A lot. <br />
<i>Marshall</i>: The star in Huntington? A defensive end named Vinny Curry. I know I mentioned him in passing last year, but this is the C-USA leader in sacks, second in tackles for loss, and 10th in tackles. This may not happen so much because Mario Harvey passed onward, but he's definitely an adorable sort.<br />
<i>UAB</i>: Considering their recent history, and considering that he didn't actually win the starting job last year? Bryan Ellis was impressive last year. From outshooting Larry Fedora, to nearly taking down Tennessee in Knoxville, Ellis was underrated, and when he took over? UAB had a punchers chance for most of last year. Add in the delightfully last named Pat Shed for running and the occasional swing pass? Ellis has a chance to lead the Blazers into uncharted territory.<br />
<i>UCF</i>: While there are people who are awesome on the offensive side of the ball, no matter if they drive with a suspended license Jeff Godfrey. But I'm going all name team defense here. The name? Jose Jose, a 360 pound defensive tackle who looks to be all Terrence Cody in the middle of the Knights defense. He will eat space like few others. <br />
<i>Southern Mississippi</i>: Austin Davis was a whole lot of value last year for the Golden Eagles. 20 touchdowns through the air. Another ten touchdowns on the ground. He doesn't have the three more years eligibility excitement of a Jeff Godfrey, but their toughest game this year? At Virginia. Austin Davis wins that day, all the spoils could be theirs. <br />
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<b>West Division </b><br />
<i>Houston</i>: Do you want to know how you can stay and play a 6th season of college football? Threaten to wipe Hawaii from the passing records from the books. With only 3487 yards and 25 touchdown passes? Case Keenum will remove Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan from the record books. Frat boys of the world will have the sad, but Keenum will be the new quarterback sincerity with good health.<br />
<i>Rice</i>: There should be stability at quarterback this year. This is good for their next James Casey. His name? Luke Wilson. He may not be the best for pitching cell phones, or choosing movie roles, or appearing in the new CBS Reality Show Same Name. That's Same Name, Sundays at 9/8 Central. Only on...CBS! <br />
<i>Southern Methodist</i>: When people look at a white running back? There is an obvious comparison to other running backs of the same race. And when they come from SMU? They get compared to one person. That's right, Craig James. So while I'm not gonna say that Zach Line is in the process of killing five hookers, I am saying that Zach Line needs to kill five hookers if he wants his post football career to be so successful like Craig James. <br />
<i>Tulane</i>: The Green Wave always seem to cull a good feature back for their express purposes. This year is no different. Now I'm not going to say that Orleans Darkwa is going to be another Mewelde Moore or a Matt Forte, but that being said? He's gonna get as many chances to try as he can handle.<br />
<i>Tulsa</i>: Tulsa also has a representative for the all-name team. His name, Genesis Cole. A name tailor made for two things, bad biblical jokes, and Phil Collins puns. So the fact of the matter is, yes Jesus he knows him, he knows he's right, and he just knows he's built for special teams. (Nailed it!)<br />
<i>Texas-El Paso</i>: On the surface, last years stats from Joe Banyard aren't that impressive. But the thing of it is? He was tag teaming with the greatness of Donald Buckram. But Buckram was gimpy. And without Banyard? The Miners weren't going to sneak into a bowl game. And Banyard is going to get all the carries. Not going to say that his stats will be spectacular. But don't deny his skills.<br />
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</b></i><br />
<i><b>FBS Independents</b></i><br />
<i>Army</i>: Now obviously Trent Steelman is one of the greatest names in the history of ever, but I mentioned it already. And besides he didn't lead the team in rushing last year. It was Jared Hassin. And this thousand yard rusher decided that flying planes in the house of the lord was too good for him. Which is awesome for the other prong of the Commander-in-Chiefs trophy.<br />
<i>BYU</i>: So remember how there was expectations that Jake Heaps was going to be a quarterback at the level of the LaVell Edwards glory days? It seems as if that came sometime in November. He crush kill destroyed the end of the season (not named Utah). He has four starting linemen coming back. Heaps is gonna throw for double plus good yardage. <br />
<i>Navy</i>: Usually, I think people who spell out letters as a part of their name is something pretentious. People named Jay are douches...TO A MAN. Then again? There is Gee Gee Greene. The Home Run threat slotback slash Navy man. With the graduation of the brutalizin' Ricky Dobbs, Double Geez Greene is going to make their season. <br />
<i>Notre Dame</i>: Now I have been want to make a cheap shot or two at Notre Dame in the history of this blog gimmick. But that being said? This year I will not. Why? Because Malcolm Floyd is back. And he's one of the great receivers in college football. And he is SO TRUE TO HIS SCHOOL...that he will fight anyone who will take his keys after a night at the ol' Rathskeller.<br />
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<i><b>Mid American</b></i><br />
<b>East Division</b><br />
<i>Akron</i>: Even though there really has not been very much for Akron to write home about in recent years, they do have a nice piece at middle linebacker. Brian Wagner was one of two linebackers to garner over 100 tackles last year. Wagner had 130 tackles last year, and with the graduation of Mike Thomas? Good health garners a chance for more.<br />
<i>Bowling Green</i>: Last season, beloved MACthusiast Matt Sussman's alma mater had one bright spot on offense. Receiver Kamar Jorden rolled up on the MAC offenses with a reasonably strong impression of the graduated Freddie Barnes. He took in 96 passes with an inexperienced line and a freshman quarterback. Their QB is a year older, and their offensive line is promising some big things. <br />
<i>Buffalo</i>: I'm getting a little esoteric here, but there's a nerd stat that would make you find some appreciation for the Bulls. Pass breakups are usually a stat for the defensive back. Only three linebackers are on the leaderboard. Khalil Mack is one of them.<br />
<i>Kent State</i>: Roosevelt Nix isn't impressive just because he had 10 sacks last year, though that is impressive. See, last year he started all of one game. And as a bonus? The Golden Flashes run a hybrid 3-4, and the 6'0" 240 pound Nix played on the line. In context? Those 10 sacks were spectacular.<br />
<i>Miami (Ohio)</i>: Alone, the Redhawk linebackers don't seem spectacular. But combined? C.J. Marck, Evan Harris, and Jerrell Wedge were a trio that anchor one of the best defenses in the conference.Wedge makes with the tackles, Marck has room to grow, as he only started seven games last year. And Evan Harris seriously grabbed 6 interceptions. The encore will be tougher, but don't count them out.<br />
<i>Ohio</i>: With an offensive line returning everybody, raw talent at quarterback has time to grow. And Ohio has two good prospects. For one? Kyle Russell. Who's more the passer. But for my money? Tyler Tettleton has the dual threat genius power to make something of himself. (And maybe threaten to run the table?) <br />
<i>Temple</i>: The good doctor Bernard Pierce has a sidekick. And it's of the adorable variety. Matt Brown isn't exactly a name to remember. But he is of the Sprolesian build (5'5", 170) and he has been victimized by the lazy nicknaming of sports media. I mean, he's The Bug? Nobody likes Bugs! And Matt Smith deserves to be treated better! I mean, he is after all, same name with the current Doctor Who Doctor. And you could call their backfield the practice! <br />
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<b>West Division</b><br />
<i>Ball State</i>: Ball State has a very interesting hunter in the deep third. The name? Sean Baker. He was strong in run support (89 tackles) and he also grabbed 6 interceptions. You think 6 picks isn't a lot, right? But 6 picks is good for a tie for 5th in the country last year. So yeah, bro.<br />
<i>Central Michigan</i>: The Chip voted most likely to fire up the fanbase? Cody Wilson. In a conference with people like Eric Page and Kamar Jorden? Wilson is the one who generated more yardage with his style than both of the other top returning pass catchers. So yeah. Plus one for Cody Eleven. Especially if you love Frisky Dingo.<br />
<i>Eastern Michigan</i>: The Eastern Michigan quarterback has never been a position where success is guaranteed. No bowl game since 1987. No winning season since 1995.So long story short? They get hit a lot. But with a quarterback like Alex Gillette? They have a punchers chance. And at this juncture, punching is a good start. <br />
<i>Northern Illinois</i>: I kind of backed myself in a corner after the last two years here. Chandler Harnish was all like awesome in the last two years. He's a senior now. You know who else is a senior? Jasmin Hopkins. And with the graduation of Craig Spann? The princess of third down backs is finally in line to start.<br />
<i>Toledo</i>: The second major threat for the Rockets finished with real power toward the end of the season. Adonis Thomas finished with 150 yards plus rushing in three of his final four games. That got him over 1000 yards, and over 6 yards per carry. Not to mention! He gets all the passes that Eric Page doesn't. Big doings.<br />
<i>Western Michigan</i>: The thing about quarterback Alex Carder that's humorous to me? He came all the way from Kansas. Carder managed 30 touchdown passes last year. And he also managed to lead the Broncos in rushing TD's as well. Why is it so funny? Because Kansas could never throw the ball last year.<br />
<br />
Yeah, it's not that funny. But screw it. I smiled. <br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><b>Mountain West</b></i><br />
<i>Air Force</i>: The key to any good flexbone offense is having a quarterback that while mobile, has just enough of an arm that you can't overload one side of the field and make it almost impossible to option. Beau Morgan had it. And Tim Jefferson has it as well. He's two wins away from being the winningest quarterback in the history of the Air Force. <br />
Boise State: Two words. Muscle Hamster. Rare is the world we live in where an athlete has a legitimately top notch nickname. But Doug Martin? He has a legitimately good nickname. If he was D-Mart? No one would give him a second look. But as he isn't? He rules.<br />
<i>Colorado State</i>: While he isn't number one on the depth chart, and he isn't #1 on the old all name team draft board, Nordly Capi is #1 in Rams fans hearts. Why? Nordly. Say it. I'll wait. You're smiling right? And now you know why we're talking Nordly up in this business.<br />
<i>New Mexico</i>: I usually make an effort not to beat a dead horse and go back to the same well year after year, but the thing of it is? New Mexico made a bad decision in hiring Mike Locksley and the team is kind of terrible at a lot. But that being said? Carmen Messina just makes tackles. He only had 115 tackles last year, but that's really impressive considering he was only healthy for 9 games last year. <br />
<i>San Diego State</i>: Lost in Ryan Lindley's throwery and Vincent Brown's technical proficiency, as well as the SEC getting ahead of the trend? Ronnie Hillman was a bad man. In fact, was one of the best Freshman running backs in the country. And the offensive line promises a good sequel. <br />
<i>TCU</i>: You want to know the reason why TCU isn't going to fall too far despite the loss of ginger quarterbacking? The best non-AQ class of running backs. For one, you have Ed Wesley., a thousand yard rusher who was the key to beating Oregon State and Baylor last September. And you have Matthew Tucker and Waymon James, who were a strong tag team of running when Wesley broke down. And their big recruit coming into the backfield (UCLA transfer Aundre Brown), still has the skills when he was a big time recruit. <br />
<i>UNLV</i>: As last season wore on, a running threat began to emerge. Though considering the state of the Rebels last season, the numbers might not show it. Tim Cornett may not be the most SEO optimized of running backs, but with a healthy line? The running game drought of the Rebels (No 100 yard rushing game since 2008, No 1000 rusher since 2004) will end.<br />
<i>Wyoming</i>: That wingman named Alvester seemed to come into his own in the final four games last year. In first eight games last year? He had 314 yards and 4 td's, with only 2.6 yards per carry. The last four games? 478 yards, 10 td's, and 6.8 yards per carry. He also managed good performances against Air Force and San Diego State as well. He's a bit of a sleeper. <br />
<br />
<img alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfDCKDqndT85O9I8VgRSG436VbNFwPkLARUVNjB5SZNZpPy3JKcq3gz8GMpKIpSykF6EO8LLz6SRPW9XQ6ngw0mMsYcyuf5PoNL6okWUH8Bup6-QsRWEH-0nb_ab_7Fp6t9Wcjbw0gzms/s1600/lamichael-james-p1_1_.jpg" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfDCKDqndT85O9I8VgRSG436VbNFwPkLARUVNjB5SZNZpPy3JKcq3gz8GMpKIpSykF6EO8LLz6SRPW9XQ6ngw0mMsYcyuf5PoNL6okWUH8Bup6-QsRWEH-0nb_ab_7Fp6t9Wcjbw0gzms/s200/lamichael-james-p1_1_.jpg" width="123" /><i><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>Pacific 12</b></i><br />
<b>North Division</b><br />
<i>California</i>: It always feels like a subtle trollgaze when I mention a teams special teams as a reason to love them. But with no available superstar and two quality names on the special teams, I need to just man up and go with my instincts. Why? Because Giorgio Tavecchio is on the placekicking and Bryan Anger is on the punting. (Then again? Tavecchio is not exactly the most popular player in Berkeley. U Mad?)<br />
<i>Oregon</i>: I was going to go with Cliff Harris, but as there is a certain amount of uncertainty as to when he'll make his return to the team? I need to go to the unsung hero and the entity that kept defenses honest in all matters run game. He may not have been the run threat as a Jeremiah Masoli, but Darron Thomas was twice the passer. <br />
<i>Oregon State</i>: This may be one of the most dangerous teams from October onward. Why? Because the two most important pieces of their offense seem to be on track to start playing at that point. Joe Halahuni is a pretty nice pass-catching tight end, and if James Rodgers rehab is a success? They can sneak up and get this division. <br />
<i>Stanford</i>: It may not be the most obvious reason to love the Cardinal, but you know what? Junior linebacker assassins Shayne Skov and Chase Thomas are top notch. And in a world where the return of a #1 pick (which almost always leads to disaster) gets all the credit, these two are the glue that will hold the season together.<br />
<i>Washington</i>: Jake Locker was, shall we say inconsistent last year. But out of that inconsistency, a quality receiver emerged. The name? Jermaine Kearse. He was a thousand yard pass catcher, and only one of nine who return to school from a BCS conference. And with a more consistent passer? He may be making million of dollars next year. <br />
<i>Washington State</i>: At this point? There is something good in Pullman. The defense is experienced which means improvement is likely, and when you add one of the more underrated passing combinations in the country in Jeff Tuel going to Marquess Wilson and Jared Karstetter? Paul Wulff could double his career win total. <br />
<br />
<b>South Division </b><br />
<i>Arizona State</i>: No matter what happens this year, Arizona State still seems like a fun team to watch in the grand scheme of things. Because they have one of the best candidates for a running back breakout in the west. Never mind how he got there, but Cameron Marshall showed to be a strong 60% of the carries in a running back tag team last year. And this time? He gets all the pie behind a veteran O-Line.<br />
<i>Arizona</i>: As I write this, it seems as if Juron Criner is going to get up off the deck and run routes for Nick Foles this year. This news is spectacular. Criner is in the second level of best receivers in the country, and an absolute necessity if the Wildcats are going to have a year worth writing home about. Whether or not Dan Buckner emerges.<br />
<i>Colorado</i>: In doing the research this year, and interesting thing I found is the fact that bad teams got good running back numbers last year. It may just be something as simple as that this is the only thing that worked. But still, whatever happened to the adorably sized Rodney Stewart last year, it was wonderful. And an encore is not impossible.<br />
<i>Southern California</i>: Lost in the midst of USC being all easy to be thrown on, that bloodlines and lineage combined to grow a superstar in the back third of USC's defense. T.J. McDonald's father was an all pro in Arizona, and T.J. led the Trojans in tackles. And as I have said before? USC is where safeties <a href="http://cakerockstheparty.wordpress.com/2009/06/08/its-time-to-start-loving-college-football-again/">grow to kill</a>.<br />
<i>UCLA</i>: Now while some people say that the magical punterbeard of the Troy Punter makes him the best, and others would say that Drew Butler is the best because he's the best in the best conference. They're wrong. All wrong. Why? Because Jeff Locke is a bad man at getting the Bruins out of trouble. I mean, anytime you can net punt for nearly 42 years? That's just quality.<br />
<i>Utah</i>: Even in the Urban Meyer days, the Utes could not get by without a thumper in the backfield. From Matt Asiata to Chris Fu'amatu Ma'alafala, the Utes loved to run with power. This year? The guy who's threatening to be next in a long line is Thretton Palamo. It's a beautiful name, and from someone who was such a high school rugby star. Padding can only make things better.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Southeastern</b></i><br />
<b>East Division</b><br />
<i>Florida</i>: Sure, Jeff Demps is going to hit home runs and get hurt. And sure, Chris Rainey is going to be a special touch of offensive talent. But all Trey Burton is going to do is score touchdowns. It's not going to be a Tebow level thing to be certain, but that being said? Touchdowns will occur for him. And that's the only offensive guarantee.<br />
<i>Georgia</i>: This one may be more by necessity than last years SEC freshmen running sensations, but the fact of the matter is that Isaiah Crowell is going to get a lot of run as the Bulldogs running back this year. And if he has half as much talent as panache he showed during his big recruiting press conference, Crowell has a bright future between the hedges. <br />
<i>Kentucky</i>: I know this is going to sound completely weird.Most of this has been all skill position guys and pass rushers right? But In Lexington, the best guard tag team on the offensive line makes their bones. Larry Warford and Stuart Hines are stalwarts with a professional future. And for any success in Lexington, these tow are necessities. <br />
<i>South Carolina</i>: There are three very obvious reasons as to why the Gamecocks should be loved this year. But I'm going to give you Gamecocks defensive end Devin Taylor as my reason to most love this team. Why? Because you already know Alshon Jeffery and Marcus Lattimore, and defenses are going to gameplan for the guy who had 52.5 sacks in his last two years of high school. So yeah. Taylor is gonna get some pass rush onward. <br />
<i>Tennessee</i>: In one of the more delicious points of irony, when the fallout from Reggie Bush scandal occurred, USC upperclassmen were allowed to transfer without ramifications. Malik Jackson took the NCAA up on their offer, going to his head coach's former home. And as it were, he becomes one of the best defensive tackles in the SEC. <br />
<i>Vanderbilt</i>: I know something will have to go terribly wrong for him to see the field this year, but the most lyrical name of the all name team? Quarterback Lafonte Thourgood. A 4 star talent at quarterback, and a five star name. All seriousness though? Brandon Barden is a legitimate talent at tight end, and in my dreams, Lafonte is going to throw him a billion td passes. <br />
<br />
<img alt="http://blog.al.com/keepingscore/2009/09/large_trent-richardson.jpg" height="158" src="http://blog.al.com/keepingscore/2009/09/large_trent-richardson.jpg" width="200" /><b> </b><br />
<b>West Division</b><br />
<i>Alabama</i>: If the rumors aren't true and Eddie Lacy isn't going to be hurt for longer than two or three weeks? Then I have to call on him. Saban loves to use two running backs to bring the thunder to defenses. And Eddie Lacy rushed for 7 yards per carry last year when he got himself in the game last year. If he's healthy? He's going to be a breakout candidate.<br />
<i>Arkansas</i>: It wasn't until Knile Davis stepped in and grew into a real talent in the backfield did Arkansas become a majorly threatening team. His second half of the season was better than plenty of great running backs full years. And he has the triangle numbers that if he has an encore? He'll be a millionaire playing on Sundays before long. <br />
<i>Auburn</i>: The other thousand yard freshman rusher will definitely get a lot more run this year. Whether or not he was down on the third play before Auburn won the BCS championship last year doesn't matter. Michael Dyer was a beast when he got run. And while the numbers may not show it so much this year, Dyer is a special talent. <br />
<i>LSU</i>: The Freshman Cornerback who was more weapon than cover corner steps up from manic indie thrill to becoming a popular icon in Death Valley. As nickel cornerback, Tyrann Mathieu was all over the field leading the Tigers in pass breakups and finishing second in sacks, and fifth in tackles for loss. Considering how well LSU has done against the pass in recent years, Mathieu is a true worthy addition. <br />
<i>Mississippi</i>: I'm not going to call out Ja-Mes Logan for having parents with an irrational love of hyphens. Why? Because Brandon Bolden is a quality running back. I could give him the overly narrow superlative of being the single best third team all-conference running back and would get few arguments. I would get a lot of blank stares, a few head shakes and someone calling me a nerd, but few arguments. <br />
Mississippi State: This just might be the year that Chris Reif breaks out. With a veteran receiving corps that promises to improve on a decent season last year and a deep offensive line? He can become the quarterback that can shock the world. Mullen in year three promises to do something interesting, and right now the Chris Reif bandwagon is not near as full as it should be. <br />
<i><b><br />
</b></i><br />
<i><b>Sun Belt</b></i><br />
<i>Arkansas State</i>: He may not have near the name whimsy of a Phillip Butterfield, but the play of Ryan Aplin is a good base for anyone starting a NCAA Football 2012. He led the Red Wolves in rushing touchdowns and when you consider that Dwyane Frampton has hands of glue, and maybe, just maybe, Josh Jarboe is going to stick on a team this time? Aplin may be all-Sun Belt.<br />
<i>Florida Atlantic</i>: In one of the more niche viral marketing campaigns of the spring, Your Highness Morgan was something of a holy terror in the spring. The Owls are going to shift to a 3-4 defense this year, and considering the expectations are going, Mr. Morgan has a chance to be Fabious in garnering tackles. <br />
<i>Florida International</i>: Do you miss the importance of the running game? Do you grow weary of air being raided by passing? The Sun Belt is for you! More on this later, but suffice it to say that when Darriet Perry won the leagues rushing touchdown title last year, he achieved something grand. <br />
<i>La.-Lafayette</i>: Not to be a man who likes to go to the same well too often. But the Ragin' Cajuns have one player with professional level talent on their roster. The name? LaDarius Green. He's the top tight end in the Sun Belt and arguably one of the five best in the country. The team may struggle, but as long as he's on the field. The ball will move.<br />
<i>Louisiana-Monroe</i>: Arkansas isn't the only place where a dual-threat mastermind stands under center. Kolton Browning was so good as a true freshman he forced someone on the Johnny Unitas preseason watch list (Trey Revell) to play tight end for his senior season. Now I wouldn't wish his September on anybody (at Florida State, at TCU, and at Iowa), but if he survives that? He's definitely one to watch.<br />
<i>Middle Tennessee</i>: It's rare to have a running back controversy, but the Blue Raiders seem primed to have one. DD Kyles is the mercurial big play back that seems primed to retake the starting job after Phillip Tanner's graduation. But the three last-named sword of damocles in the form of LSU transfer Drayton Allen-Calhoun resides waiting on the NCAA to make a call. With a less mobile QB taking the helm, the winner will likely rush for 1,000 yards.<br />
<i>North Texas</i>: It's kind of hard to be the second best at a position in a mid-major. In terms of exposure? Lance Dunbar is little known outside of Von Erich country. And that's a shame. Because Dunbar rushed for over 1500 yards last year. This was good for 8th in the country. And he ended up gashing Kansas State for 270 yards in a losing cause. Don't sleep on him.<br />
<i>Troy</i>: Now I'm not want to make hyperbolic comparisons, but Troy does have something akin to one of their all time greats. The name? Jonathan Massaquoi. The game? Disruption off the end line. He loses his tag team partner, but that being said, he did garner 76 tackles along with his 13 and a half sacks. He's got a very bright future ahead of him. And besides, we all already know punter beard is gold.<br />
<i>Western Kentucky</i>: When you have a 2-10 team in a minor conference, it's not very often that you will find that the running game is something to behold. But last year? Bobby Rainey rushed for 1649 yards. It was good for 5th nationally, and he's the third ranked rusher coming back to the FBS this season.<br />
<br />
<img alt="http://blog.eastbay.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/week-13-college-football-player-of-the-week-rishard-matthews2.jpg" height="200" src="http://blog.eastbay.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/week-13-college-football-player-of-the-week-rishard-matthews2.jpg" width="159" /><i><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>Western Athletic</b></i><br />
<i>Fresno State</i>: With better health, one could say that Robbie Rouse would be the best running back to return to the WAC this year. After all, in a world where Dwayne Wright, Lonyae Miller, and Ryan Matthews were strong runners, it wasn't until Rouse started getting...starts...when we would find a Fresno Statie getting two straight 200 yard games. And fun fact? One of them was against Nevada.<br />
<i>Hawaii</i>: I wouldn't be one to worry about the state of Bryant Moniz, it's a system here. But the defense has one of the statistically superpowered. The name Corey Paredes. He was 4th nationally in tackles last year. And it's not as if they're going to be able to game plan to stop him either. <br />
<i>Idaho</i>: When a transfer comes to a big school? There's always a buzz. (Cough cough, Duron Carter, Zach Mettenberger). But when a transfer comes to a smaller school? You don't get the buzz. But the fact is, Ryan Bass has a chance to be an electrifying running back. And he's not of the Deonte' Jackson, Princeton McCarty waterbug mold either. <br />
<i>Louisiana Tech</i>: After all the hullabaloo regarding the Bulldogs raiding the air last season, it's half funny that Lennon Creer became the pick to click. Between graduations and conference shifts? You could sincerely consider him the best running back returning to the field this year. If they ever get that whole passing game going? Ooh. I just got chills.<br />
<i>Nevada</i>: Tyler Lantrip is likely the one who has to step into the role of Colin Kaepernick. But that being said? Rishard Matthews was the emerging superstar and a man who helped cost the conference millions with his awesome. He was supposed to go to Oregon. But he will debut his 2011 in Autzen Stadium. And Cliff Harris isn't playing... (I can't do an impression of a dream sequence. Sorry.)<br />
<i>New Mexico State</i>: If anyone attempts an all-name team and does not have Boyblue Aloeua on their linebacker corps? They are fools. He's a strong linebacker who emerged for the Aggies when they needed help most. Not only that? He was named after an Electric Light Orchestra song. +1 for the game. +2 for the classic rock.<br />
<i>San Jose State</i>: Travis Johnson had moments of greatness last year as he got to seven and a half sacks. This year? There's promise of greater things. One of the advantages to having a young defense is that it has a chance to grow and jell. Blue Sparty brings every starter back. Travis Johnson could grow and gain genius power.<br />
<i>Utah State</i>: If you recall last year, I was so excited to make mention of Robert Turbin, I mentioned him despite his ACL going shred in Feburary 2010. This year? He returns. And he'll be 18 months removed from the injury that damaged his All-conference form. He's coming back. And he's coming back ready for war.<br />
<br />
So there it is. 120 teams. In all their glory. For the single greatest off-season corrupt sport in the history of our sport.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-57531068104591044452011-01-22T04:07:00.000-06:002011-01-22T04:07:03.622-06:00Keith Olbermann leaves countdown.And while I am sad? I know he will be back. He's found himself in worse situations than this and he's found a way to extricate himself before and since.<br />
<br />
I mean, look at this. <br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QSS1ljVxxsE" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe><br />
<br />
That's a career killer. And KO found his way back. He'll be back. The wingnuts must have their media demon.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-44655303851527872652011-01-19T14:16:00.000-06:002011-01-19T14:16:12.160-06:00I have become a technological luddite.Somewhere along the line? It happened. I don't know the whys and wherefores, but right now? I feel as if I am locked in to where my technology is. My computer? A desktop from 2000. My video game system? PS2. My TV isn't flat screen, let alone high-def. <br />
<br />
And yet? I do the social networking thing. I do the facebook, and I do the twitter. And both have decided to make a layout chance in recent weeks. Facebook? They just did it. Pull the band aid. <br />
<br />
I liked the old facebook, but you know what? It's done. And it's inoffensive. <br />
<br />
As for twitter? The new twitter layout is clunky and unpleasing visually. Too much information, too wide of columns. Just too much of everything. I said to myself, self? I'm keeping old twitter for as long as possible. <br />
<br />
Viva old twitter. <br />
<br />
And there were hints that Twitter did not want me to do this. The Blue Bar up top that said, "New Twitter is Here! Switch to New Twitter!" to "You're using an older version of Twitter that won't be around for much longer. Switch to new twitter." And I would passively resist. I figured they would decide that to move me. <br />
<br />
Then came last night? And twitters automatic retweet function, which I initially disliked, but I got used to, swung from annoyingly stupid to ridiculous. For you see? If someone would find a statement from a Patton Oswalt or a Brandon Jennings as something for their timeline? I would get a message. <br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wondering who this is?</b></span></li>
<li>Someone you follow thought this was worth retweeting, which is why you are seeing it in your Home timeline. Learn more.</li>
</ul><br />
It happened once? I thought it weird. But then someone got retweet happy. And for every. single. retweet. I would get this message? I searched to see if I could file a request to turn this off? I couldn't. I asked twitter support to help. It didn't. I yelled at twitter to turn it off. Nada. I hurled expletives at random. And nothing happened.<br />
<br />
Then it hit me.<br />
<br />
I switched to New Twitter. I thought that was the trick. The bar would disappear and I wouldn't go back. But you know what? It didn't. I had the option to return, and I did.<br />
<br />
But there was one certain subtle difference. When I was in new twitter land? It was still as ugly as sin? But I did not get that message. Return to old twitter, and I got the message.<br />
<br />
So it comes to this. I'm not going to move from Old Twitter. They can ask me if I have no idea who Oprah or Tiger Woods is. I'm not moving. This is where I make my stand. <br />
<br />
Drag me into the ugly, or let me keep my beautiful James Shields cracking Manny Ramirez in the face background, and let me keep old twitter. But just because you decide to change something that was working just fine does not mean you can try dickery to get me to move off my little piece of internet land.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-50320364788577947892011-01-04T20:44:00.000-06:002011-01-04T20:44:44.540-06:00NFL Playoff Preview. Sure. I'll do it.I'm not a gambling man, I don't have a spectacular manifesto in regards to the way to figure a playoff victory. But that being said? There are three major aspects to my figuring out a team's strength in general versus an opponent. The margin of yards per play versus yards allowed, scoring margin, and the takeaways, plus or minus turnover margin. <br />
<br />
The results show some surprises, but nothing too indefensible. He's how I'd rank the teams in regards to power.<br />
<br />
1) Pittsburgh<br />
2) New England<br />
3) Green Bay<br />
4) Philadelphia<br />
5) New York Jets<br />
6) Atlanta<br />
7) New Orleans<br />
8) Baltimore<br />
9) Kansas City/ Chicago (tie)<br />
11) Indianapolis<br />
12) Seattle<br />
<br />
So what does this all mean? <br />
<br />
<b>1) I would put money on the Packers or Eagles winning the NFC Championship.</b><br />
<br />
Granted, the Packers do have a bit of a fundamental flaw in regards to a consistent desire to run the ball. But even then, they went down to Atlanta and nearly took them down. And the fact of the matter is that the Falcons are a team that can be thrown on. A team that gets a lead on them makes them a definite upset victim.<br />
<br />
<b>2) Seattle is as bad as everybody expected. </b><br />
<br />
I know that New Orelans is coming there. And if Matt Hasselbeck can go? Seattle will cover. But if I was football outsiders or something, I would go back and look through the lowest scoring margin of all playoff teams. Why? Because the Seahawks have given up six points more per game than they've scored. <br />
<br />
Think about this another way? The next worst team in this playoffs is nine points better than the Seattle in scoring margin. New Orelans isn't a great team this year. But they'll win. <br />
<b><br />
3) I've got to respect Peyton Manning.</b><br />
<br />
I still don't like him that much. But if you consider how good this team has been this year? Peyton worked a miracle getting this team in. If they beat the Jets? That's a great season. Flat out.<br />
<b><br />
4) My Pick for the Super Bowl?</b> <br />
<br />
Green Bay and New England in a return match from the game of the year.<br />
<b><br />
5) My Picks for this Week?</b><br />
<br />
Baltimore 20, Kansas City 17<br />
New York Jets 27, Indianapolis 24<br />
Green Bay 35, Philadelphia 34<br />
New Orelans 28, Seattle 20Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-55454961973659751132010-12-20T11:32:00.000-06:002010-12-20T11:32:48.622-06:00Brewers got a starter (And are all in!)I'll say this. Doug Melvin isn't going into this year with some half-assed milquetoast sort of an attempt at a fix. The big acquisition isn't going to be an overaged #3-#4 starter who collapses after start #6. The bold move isn't that they traded for James Loney.<br />
<br />
They got Zack freaking Greinke. They got their new Sabathia. <br />
<br />
The future of this team could be looking very bleak. 2013 could have 103 losses. And the definite downside of losing Brett Lawrie is compounded by losing the #1 pitching prospect, the guy who should be starting at center field, a tarnished, but upside strong shortstop, and the Kansas City Royals next closer.<br />
<br />
But that being said? Odorizzi hasn't hit AA. A lot changes for a pitcher when he hits AA. Still a strong prospect, but better arms have hit a wall. And Alcides Escobar's floor is currently matched by Yuniesky Betancourt. And the next failed drug test from Jeremy Jeffress and he's gone. Just gone. <br />
<br />
It's like John Sickels says, it's a whole lot of decent prospects going back to Kansas City. And for the Brewers to get Grienke in return? It's exciting. Even if 2009 is so much the career year and 2008 is his real baseline. It's a massive upgrade. <br />
<br />
They're probably not going to match the bold on paper talent of Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, and Hamels. But then again? You look at the Brewers and you see a 25, 27, and 28 year old as your core rotation, with Randy Wolf suddenly only having to put up 4th starters numbers. And this is going to be a strong bunch. <br />
<br />
Prince Fielder's walk year, Ryan Braun, and an A- rotation? Half measures did not occur this year. Melvin made moves as if it was some sort of win or die scenario. And God love him for it.<br />
<br />
All-in is awesome, until it fails.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-68040705024435704092010-12-06T00:26:00.000-06:002010-12-06T00:26:54.140-06:00Brewers got a starter...And I suppose this is what cautious optimism feels like. Why? Because this is the sort of a deal that has a real downside for the Brewers. <br />
<br />
Not that Shaun Marcum is a high-risk player. Sure, he has a Tommy John in his past, but he's had three years of quality starter in the majors under his belt. And he slots in as a legitimate #2 starter. So instead of just praying Mark Rogers is decent and Randy Wolf returns to form?<br />
<br />
You're going into 2011 with two starters that should win 60%-70% of their games. It fills a big hole for right now. And with Cincinnati as a small-market team and St. Louis's defense looking awful on any gapper? There's room at the top of the NL Central. <br />
<br />
But that being said? And it may be payment of the cost to be the boss, but if it was anybody else not named Brett Lawrie, I would have loved this deal without doubt or provocation. But as it is Lawrie? I am with reservation.<br />
<br />
Two reasons as to why. One? The Brewers best upper level infield prospect? Taylor Green. A 24 year old that hasn't met AAA yet. And with a .774 OPS in AA. And he's a defensive tweener!<br />
<br />
And second? You know what, worry about tomorrow when it comes. Tonight we got ourselves a strong starter. And he's ours for two years. <br />
<br />
I will celebrate tonight.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-78894834508519614452010-11-29T23:58:00.000-06:002010-11-29T23:58:22.851-06:00So you know how I watch wrestling, right?If not? I do. I watch wrestling. And tonight had one heck of a main event. It wasn't the most technically proficient. But the story told here was awesome.<br />
<br />
You have Jerry "the King" Lawler. 61 years old. Kind of a perv. But on his birthday? He's gets himself a match with the recently crowned WWE Champion The Miz. <br />
<br />
And logically, you'd expect the match to go the way of the Miz. But the story told was a story where WWE Announcing colleague Michael Cole stopped Jerry inches from stealing the championship.<br />
<br />
It allowed the Miz to recover, and ultimately win.<br />
<br />
(Sorry about the Spoiler, but the listing of the age up front shoulda told ya.)<br />
<br />
An entertaining match. Well broadcast and whatnot. But? There are people who find fault with the match. There are people who find fault with the Leader of the Cole Miners.<br />
<br />
Are you ready for Swears? Go!<br />
<br />
<object width="400" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nGNyRwaFtTo?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nGNyRwaFtTo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="250"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Wrestling Fans. You have to love them.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-14415605721052336732010-11-10T13:28:00.000-06:002010-11-10T13:28:42.596-06:00I have been dethroned as the most adorable Bucks Fan!<object height="275" width="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VEFzdgHuASo&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VEFzdgHuASo&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="450" height="275"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Credit goes to Blog Bro and Twitter Bro <a href="http://twitter.com/EthanJaynes">Ethan Jaynes</a>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-63291593447069942142010-11-04T15:40:00.000-05:002010-11-04T15:40:15.091-05:00Arizona Stanford Prediction...Awesome title, am I right?<br />
<br />
But in the battle for the Holiday Bowl, this week will give you the team that's most likely to face Oklahoma in the Holiday Bowl. It's either a rematch of the Sun Bowl. Whimsy right there. Or it would be a Stoops Civil War. Which would have been hilarious.<br />
<br />
Stanford's major strength is the fact that Stepfan Taylor has found a way to fill the hole of Toby Gerhart. Andrew Luck's just been his level of core competence, but if there was going to be success for the Cardinal? They were going to have to run the ball.<br />
<br />
The line does deserve massive propers as well. They've allowed 3 sacks all year and generated the 12th ranked rush offense in the nation and 13th in runs per attempt. You want to know the reason why the Cardinal have 50 red zone attempts and are 2nd in the nation on 3rd down conversions? They've got an offensive line of genius power.<br />
<br />
And if Arizona is going to win? Their defense is going to have to beat the offensive line. Not to say that their front seven isn't mighty. 6th against the run, 7th in terms of scoring defense. 3rd in sacks, 11th in tackles for loss, and 4th in yardage the defense has gained in their tackles for loss. Ricky Elmore is playing his ass off right now. And Jonathan Martin draws the assignment.<br />
<br />
And don't forget that Brooks Reed is a solid second defensive lineman who can generate pressure in regards to the pass rush. Arizona is going to attack. And they're going to need to get to Andrew Luck. Because as the great American Ricky Stanzi showed, when you have time to throw, Arizona is beatable.<br />
<br />
All in all? Neither team is going to score a copious amount of points. Arizona is going to get points whether or not Nick Foles can play. But Andrew Luck's going to have a fine game in response. They're going to play a solid, disciplined game overall, and they'll get a win. By like four.<br />
<br />
<b>Stanford 28, Arizona 24.</b>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-84128818528536364572010-11-04T12:14:00.000-05:002010-11-04T12:14:34.537-05:00Baylor as Big 12 South Champs?Am I kidding? Not really. It could happen. They get past Oklahoma state and all they have to do is beat Texas A&M and a paper tiger named Oklahoma. At worst, they're winning nine games. At worst.<br />
<br />
Then again. They still have to get past Oklahoma State. And that means they get the mad genius of on Dana Hologorsen. And that's doomswitch time.<br />
<br />
Now that being said, it's not as if Baylor can't matriculate the ball down the field with equal parts moxie and vigah. Both teams are top 10 in total offense, pass offense, as well as yards per play. Fun times could be had by all. Both teams could score 40.<br />
<br />
Maybe even 50. After all, both teams can be thrown upon with equal parts moxie and vigor as well. Baylor's 87th against the pass. Oklahoma State? 113th. Remember, Taylor Martinez threw for 300 on the Cowboys.<br />
<br />
So, obviously points are going to be scored and scored and scored and scored. So what's going to swing the game? Two things.<br />
<br />
1) Red Zone play. Baylor's scored 15 touchdowns in 35 attempts. Oklahoma State has allowed 18 touchdowns in 29 red zone attempts. So if Baylor is going to win, they've got to avoid turning seven into three.<br />
<br />
2) Baylor's been merely decent on the road. They got buzzbombed by a great TCU team, and that's okay. Because TCU is great. But that Texas Tech game is worrisome. The lone moment of pure Air Raid Magic came against Baylor. And the week after? Oklahoma State came into Lubbock and shut that down.<br />
<br />
The winner of this game is going to win the Big 12 South. Oklahoma has to travel to both places to end the year, and I guarandamntee that they will not emerge unscathed. So, who wins this one? I'll say <b>Oklahoma State 48, Baylor 44.</b>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-71055495157207784402010-11-02T14:46:00.000-05:002010-11-02T14:46:48.883-05:00TCU-UTAH prediction?Sure, I'm game for this. This is the sort of game that seems like it's going to come down to one thing. Both sides are pretty evenly matched. Tremendous offense versus Tremendous defense. Both teams have strong running games and both teams can stop the run.<br />
<br />
Both teams can stop the pass. Both teams put up over 40 points and allow about 9-14 points per game. Both teams allow about 4 yards per play and generate about 7. Neither team has given up more than 5 sacks.<br />
<br />
The one difference? Turnovers. Utah has a propensity to give them up. It's not as if they're at a -8 or anything. And it's not as if TCU is really great at generating them either. But, this needs further explanation. Like who played who and what not.<br />
<br />
And here's where the other difference comes in. While neither team has a schedule to write home about, there is a stark difference in terms of the quality of play these teams have faced in terms of Yards Per Play Margin.<br />
<br />
Point of fact, outside of the top 4, the Mountain West is really terrible this year. But while Pittsburgh is the best team that Utah played, and played entirely too closely I might add. Baylor and SMU both are giving it just as well as they are getting it this year, and while Oregon State's not going anywhere of consequence, their opening game versus TCU was them at the peak of their powers.<br />
<br />
Jordan-Echols is going to be worth about 4 points for Utah. But TCU's toughness and that one Utah Mistake are going to be worth about 14. It'll be a tight one. But TCU is going to hang on. <b>TCU 17, Utah 13. </b>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-88089308623605000172010-11-02T10:53:00.000-05:002010-11-02T10:53:22.830-05:00I have this notion.This hunch if you will, that Boise State is about to lose. Sounds crazy, I know. But the thing about a stunning upset? Nobody's really going to talk about it. So, let me tell you why this can happen. And why this most likely won't.<br />
<br />
1) <b>Hawaii is freaking spectacular through the air.</b><br />
The worst aspect of their game is in terms of completion percentage. 64.0% is good for 31st nationally. Then it's 11th in terms of yards per attempt, and they are the best in the world in terms of passing touchdowns, touchdown to interception ratio, and passing yardage. It's awesome numbers. And there's no reason why it can't continue.<br />
<br />
2) <b>They generate turnovers.</b><br />
You need to be a ballhawking team if you're looking to shock the world. And Hawaii is talented at winning the turnover battle. 26 turnovers is good for 2nd in the country. A turnover margin of 11 is good enough for 4th. If this is to happen, you need to find success in this respect. Boise doesn't make many mistakes, but Hawaii can take advantage.<br />
<br />
3) <b>They make with the first downs.</b><br />
218. Tied for 3rd. More first downs than Auburn and Baylor. Good for 11th in terms of per game. That means these kids sustain drives. And lord knows they will need to do it.<br />
<br />
And yet? Because it's Boise State, and the game is in Boise. There are real reasons for this to be the fever dreams of someone desperate for content.And not just because it's a road game for the Rainbow Warriors.<br />
<br />
1) <b>They're 111th in Rush Offense.</b><br />
Which is legitimately terrible to be sure, but the fact of the matter is that they weren't exactly likely going to get untracked against Boise State's 2nd ranked Rush D. There's gonna be a lot of off tackles for a yard and a half up in there. <br />
<br />
2) <b>They give up a bunch of sacks.</b><br />
20 sacks in 9 games. Kinda terrible, it's tied for 88th in the nation. Though they have overcome this when they faced teams that generate sacks like Army and Fresno State, but Boise State is the sort of team where they have additional power to their defense. See point #1 for further proof. See point #3 for further further proof.<br />
<br />
3) <b>Boise State is a step up in Passing D weight class.</b><br />
They're 8th in Pass Yardage. And as such? They are a few ticks better than Army and Fresno State. And a lot of ticks better than a USC. It's an unknown how exactly Hawaii is going to work against a defense such as this. Then again? Army and Fresno State gave up a combined 54-86 with 719 yards and 6 scores against an interception.so Hawaii could bring something to the table.<br />
<br />
So what does it all mean. It means that Hawaii is probably going to have a game much like their game against USC, without USC chasing points from the two point conversions. Boise State's going to have a solid game. But Hawaii will be hanging around. Hanging around.<br />
<br />
They'll be in a situration, a 4th and 4 from the 33, down by like 9. And it'll be midway through the third quarter. They hit the situation, and they'll go down to the wire. They don't?<br />
<br />
They cover. Barely.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-35138128548601627972010-10-26T06:33:00.000-05:002010-10-26T06:33:15.489-05:00I'm going to tell you who's going to play for the national title.I can do it right now. It'll take a bit, but I'll actually see if I can't give this blog some content.<br />
<br />
Why, because Yards per play is an important factor. It's not the only factor. But in terms of legitimate quality of team, if you can generate two more yards per play than your defense, your team is truly great. The closer the ratio can get to a 7/4? The more legitimate your team is,<br />
<br />
So, where does that leave us? Looking at the BCS, I'm only going to consider the Top 12 because at this point in the year, it's too long of a road with half a season to go. So from Stanford on down to Akron? Good night, drive home safely.<br />
<br />
(Arizona could make a dent by beating Stanford and Oregon, but that Oregon State game is too bad of a loss.)<br />
<br />
So from #12 to #1 we'll break it down logically. (Yards Per Play/Yards allowed)<br />
<br />
<b>12. LSU Tigers 7-1 (5.0/4.5)</b><br />
LSU is going to lose again. They may even lose twice. Alabama's (7.1/4.7) got a week off to get healthy for the LSU game? And as such Alabama should be at the peak of their powers and LSU's bye week advantage gets negated. They end the year versus Arkansas (7.4/5.4), and while it's going to be close, they do project themselves as a sort of a Mr. Pibb to Auburn's (7/3/5.0) Dr. Pepper. The offense is too good for LSU's lack of it to overcome.<br />
<br />
<b>11. Ohio State Buckeyes 7-1 (6.4/4.0)</b><br />
There's something to be said for the Big 10's season ending early. And while Iowa (6.4/4.7), while out of any sort of national championship contention, looms large for any team that crosses their path. Kirk Ferentz seems to give a deferential treatment to the Buckeyes. So barring the great American Ricky Stanzi going forth and racing to a 21-3 lead? I think the Buckeyes win out.<br />
<br />
10. <b>Wisconsin Badgers 7-1 (6.5/5.3)</b><br />
Being the 11th ranked defense in the top 12 of giving up yards allowed is not going to be so much of an issue for three of the games. Indiana's offense rolls out for 5.7 yards per play, but their defense gives up 6.5. That's going to be most likely the worst of it, inexplicable Northwestern upset notwithstanding. That being said? The Badgers travel to Ann Arbor. They're 6-27 there. Last time there they allowed the only good moment of the first year of the Rich Rod era.<br />
<br />
These Badgers can move the ball with some efficiency. But Michigan is generating 7.5 yards per play. That is the game that makes me think 10-2 and the loser of LSU/Arkansas or Sakerlina in the Outback Bowl is the final destination.<br />
<br />
9. <b>Oklahoma Sooners 7-1 (5.3/5.5)</b><br />
The fun fact about the first BCS Poll? Oklahoma was allowing more yards per play than they put up. So the Sooners are paper tigers, so to speak. Stoops should be able to escape unscathed from the next three (Colorado (4.8/6.1), @ Texas A&M (5.5/4.6), Texas Tech (5.4/5.5)) But he ends the year with Baylor, who's doing it on Robert Griffin and an average defense (7.3/5.2), and Oklahoma State, who's deathly afraid of losing the coach whose offensive mind is so strong no hair may grow above it. (6.9/5.1). The Sooners won't win both, and I'm steeling myself for them to win neither.<br />
<br />
8.<b> Utah Utes 7-0 (7.4/4.0)</b><br />
TCU might not be in the national championship conversation for much longer. Utah is generating almost a yard more per play on offense and is doing as well yardage wise as the Horned Frogs defensively. And this game is going to be in Salt Lake City. Though if they do that? San Diego State (6.7/4.6) may be the responding trap game. It's between a game in South Bend and what looks to be one of the last Holy Wars ever with BYU, and the Aztecs have already shown they can play this year, losing by 3 to Missouri and losing by controversy to BYU as their two losses.<br />
<br />
And this game is going to be in San Diego.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRI8Y7k0arCTSeoFnck0b3kPnvgbonRMS-aMPhazocutNfNTNb20zKrvYlX8Nlj5Py6MdhE4fTeLPH70kZZaNs58kLU5sMWhw_8H509cjrVD7dDVhjklbCEHQzcsgTqXeMYM_LK6V0s8/s320/Admiral+Ackbar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="246" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>So yeah, the internet meme shares my beliefs.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRI8Y7k0arCTSeoFnck0b3kPnvgbonRMS-aMPhazocutNfNTNb20zKrvYlX8Nlj5Py6MdhE4fTeLPH70kZZaNs58kLU5sMWhw_8H509cjrVD7dDVhjklbCEHQzcsgTqXeMYM_LK6V0s8/s1600/Admiral+Ackbar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
7. <b>Alabama Crimson Tide 7-1 (7.1/4.7)</b><br />
So it looks as if it's going to come down to the Iron Bowl here. Though LSU may just be an emotional response to the fact that Cam Newton has the Heisman on lockdown. But that offense is just not trustworthy, They have to get to 24 points to have a prayer vs. Alabama, and I will not gamble upon it. Auburn on the other hand? Could be different.<br />
<br />
6. <b>Missouri Tigers 7-0 (6.0/4.7)</b><br />
Fun fact? Missouri's going to lose to Nebraska (7.3/4.6). The indie darlings of 2007 are going to get knocked out by that game, because after that point, they'll win out. Beyond Nebraska, Kansas State's defense is terrible (6.1/6.1), and they're the second best chance for the Tigers to get knocked off. But 11-1 and a Holiday Bowl finish is in their future. Celebrate.<br />
<br />
5. <b>Michigan State Spartans 8-0 (7.0/4.7)</b><br />
Like the Badgers and Ann Arbor, Iowa City has been problematic for Sparty. The last time they won there? 1989. Iowa's defense may have been tarnished by their performance against Wisconsin, but they're still the best defense that they've faced all year, and it's Sparty's only real road test. Iowa's going to play the October surprise for a potential BCS title run again, though Michigan State gets the BCS berth via the tiebreaker.<br />
<br />
4. <b>TCU Horned Frogs 8-0 (6.7/4.1)</b><br />
Utah and TCU are similar. They face each other and have San Diego State looming as a spry trap game. For TCU it's the only thing stepping between them and freedom. Well, they play New Mexico, but Mike Locksley's last in yards per play on offense. So in the words of Barney Stinson, please. That being said? An 11-1 TCU may not fall far enough to get aced out of at-large consideration.<br />
<br />
3. <b>Boise State Broncos 6-0 (7.7/3.6)</b><br />
An aside, there's no reason to think Virginia Tech won't go 10-2 and play Florida State for the ACC title. The hiccup with James Madison may not mean a thing to Boise. Traveling to Nevada may not mean a thing to Boise either. Why? Hawaii and the South Carolina corollary. Everybody pointed to the Iron Bowl (late season game) as Alabama's only remaining test.<br />
<br />
And while the ostrich Kaepernick is good? Bryant Moniz has the sort of offense that can stay alive even in a game where they're giving a B effort. And as you can see by the comparison below, (not to mention that small thing about a head to head match-up)?<br />
<br />
Hawaii (7.5/4.9)<br />
Nevada (7.0/5.5)<br />
<br />
Hawaii is the better team. And nobody's talking about them as a legitimate threat for Boise State. Theretofore...the internet meme shares my beliefs.<br />
<br />
2. <b>Oregon Ducks 7-0 (7.3/4.5)</b><br />
Duck fans have a reason to engender some confidence. USC is like a bizzaro LSU (7.3/6.0) that's no fun to root for. And while Nick Foles' hair is awesome? It may not be enough to win a shootout in Autzen Stadium for Arizona (6.4/4.5). So, barring a catastrophic injury/fool acting to a LaMichael James or a Derron Thomas (which in this instance may not matter as much as back in 2007)? The Ducks will be BCS bound with confidence.<br />
<br />
1. <b>Auburn Tigers 8-0 (7.3/5.0)</b><br />
It's not going to be a problem getting to 10-0. Ole Miss is bad at football (6.0/5.7) and UT-Chattanooga isn't going to pull any sort of anything. A.J. Green has been worth a half a yard per play by his presence alone, and when you consider it to be the game just before the Iron Bowl? There's no reason not to believe the Bulldogs can keep it close.<br />
<br />
But they won't win. Auburn versus Alabama will likely decide the other compatriot in the BCS title game. And here's why it goes to Auburn.<br />
<br />
1. Auburn's sack total? 20, good for a tie for 13th. Alabama's sacks allowed? 22 Good for 105th.<br />
2. Cam Newton. If he's healthy, he was the reason why LSU's defense traveled from great to merely good. Alabama's defense is merely good.<br />
3. Auburn's 9th in 10+ yard plays from scrimmage, and Alabama is 88th in 10+ yard plays from scrimmage.<br />
<br />
So, Alabama goes 10-2, Auburn wins the SEC, and they play Oregon for the BCS Title while a lot of turmoil reigns down below the 1-2 spots. And now you don't have to play the games.<br />
<br />
You're welcome. Bye!<br />
<br />
*waves*Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-18022972351346419182010-09-24T16:36:00.001-05:002010-09-24T16:36:06.817-05:00In Other News...Marshall Newhouse is rostered on the Green Bay Packers. So far, his career trajectory has been better than I thought. So, yeah. I was wrong about something.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-22113827741863114082010-09-24T00:53:00.000-05:002010-09-24T00:53:26.111-05:00The League and Owning Your Nerdiness...Today, I'm here to talk to you about the fantastical football. There will be no mentions of Jahvid Best or Shonn Greene. I'm going to focus my brain and fingers in regards to the FX comedy program. And how now, on this night. I am outing myself as a nerd.<br />
<br />
Now, obviously, as I am a guy who once used OPS+ to argue Pete Browning's case for Baseball Hall of Fame induction and has shown you a good comic book or two to read in the past? I've made minimal effort to chase some sort of a perceived cool. But never once have I used a show's technical flaws against it. Rule of Funny/Cool beats Rule of Logic and all that.<br />
<br />
Tonight? That all changed. For tonight, there was a simple, who do I start question. Mere moments after It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia ended on a quality "We're Lawyers!" Stephen Ranasazzi asked his TV Wife if he should start Ricky Williams or Toby Gerhart.<br />
<br />
I know what you, the unfortunate few who stumbled between desperate photos used to generate hits, must be thinking. What does that matter? I will tell you. Toby Gerhart should not be drafted in an 8 team league. An 8 team league would at most have 40 running backs. But okay, fine, say the young Mr. Stephen ended up with the Purple Jesus and handcuffed Gerhart. <br />
<br />
You always go with the guy who isn't the fucking backup. Always. For the love of pete. It would be like a Star Trek Officer asking for Red. It would be like a pro wrestling good guy actually not falling for the Silicone-enhanced heel lady. It would be like Daredevil killing a guy. <br />
<br />
But until the writers decide to step their game up and go above and beyond asking Matthew Berry if Kareem Huggins exists? I cannot give these people the time of day. <br />
<br />
P.S. To Mark Duplass? BRING ME MORE GOTDAMN MUMBLECORE! THE PUFFY CHAIR = YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS!Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-3172073326245172512010-08-18T16:53:00.001-05:002010-08-18T20:41:02.534-05:00Thoughts on a Rivalry...They say the best villains are mirror images of the hero. Two sides of the same coin. Batman's strict moral code enmeshed with the Joker's nihilism and whatnot. And pro wrestling has the potential to have a classic feud developing between the Miz and Daniel Bryan.<br />
<br />
The former Bryan Danielson is someone who represents the self-made wrestler. He's the world traveler. The one who willed himself through a lengthy match with a 300 pound Japanese man beast with a broken eye socket. The one who built a following on the fact that he could wrestle. The one everybody on the internet seemed to hope for success, but half-expected him to fail.<br />
<br />
That being said? The Miz is the MTV star. Real World-Road Rules challenge icon. The one who willed himself into tag teaming with Coral whilst Danielson went through the Best of the Super Juniors. The one with the following built on the fact that he made himself into a character. The one the internet seemed to hope for failure, but is delightfully surprised to see that he has a legitimate claim to awesomeness.<br />
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<object height="385" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vX_Nc6a8TNs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vX_Nc6a8TNs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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And in this one minute? The Miz tells the viewing public why this feud has a real chance to be something memorable. Two sides of the same coin.The Miz has put in a lot of work to be where he is today, and the average fan doesn't realize, and the internet fan would never deign to put him on the same level as the heroic Daniel Bryan. Thus Bryan must pay.<br />
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On a pure storytelling level? This has a chance to be a starmaker and a moneymaker. I cannot wait to watch this unfold.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-7347291785033824482010-08-16T17:42:00.001-05:002010-08-16T17:42:22.280-05:00Live from the Portage Public Library!It's me telling you that this time off is legitimate. As I have been without computer for the last 8 days. It should return at some point this week. Whee.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-48852562298628397562010-08-05T19:40:00.000-05:002010-08-05T19:40:10.057-05:00Five Fantastical Football Thoughts on Quarterbacks<div class="storycontent"> <div class="snap_preview">1) The quarterback with the best playoff schedule? Joe Flacco. It’s not as if he’ll be starting too hot this year. But if you’re a contender looking for an insurance policy at QB? Flacco is the one to target. And he now has Anquan Boldin.<br />
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2) The quarterback with the easiest starting schedule? Jason Campbell. Yeah, I know, telling someone to take a Raiders quarterback is like telling someone that Plaxico Burress is draftable. But for what it’s worth? Everybody loved Chaz Schilens last year and Darius Heyward-Bey doesn’t seem as useless as he did last year.<br />
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3) On schedule alone? The one top-tier quarterback that worries me beyond anyone is Matt Schaub. <br />
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4) On schedule alone? Peyton Manning is going to have another boringly awesome year. <br />
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5) And if you need a quarterback who’s going to be a fine one-week plug in for the byes? Why not get into the Josh Freeman business. Week 5 at Cincy is marginally good and Week 10 vs. Carolina is probably a recipe for not good, but here’s weeks 6-9. New Orelans, St. Louis, @ Arizona, @ Atlanta. Even a marginally good quarterback can find his way into a good month through that schedule.<br />
Funny how it takes twitter going down to actually get me to blog.<br />
</div></div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-3056318402508896182010-07-29T23:59:00.000-05:002010-07-29T23:59:02.178-05:00I have one word of advice for Doug Melvin!Nine games out of first in the NL Central. 10 games out of the wild card slot. Seven teams to leapfrog to get that selfsame Wild Card. And the Milwaukee Brewers have decided that <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/fielder-hart-are-off-the-market.html">they're all in</a>. Okay, maybe not all in.<br />
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But they're not looking to make a deal for a player they're not going to be able to keep or the guy having the career year. And it does not allow for them to get right. Because the fact of the matter? The Brewers are a fundamentally flawed team. It's a lot of power and hoping Yovani Gallardo and rain outs the other four days of the week.<br />
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Can you tell me that any other starter has been pitching well for the Brewers? Bush's ERA is about average, but the way his command has been going, that cannot possibly last. Randy Wolf's earned every ounce of terrible that he's been this year. Narveson's been slightly unlucky but not so much where his terrible is defensible. Parra's been okay and Capuano's got too small of a sample size to tell you the whys and wherefores of his year.<br />
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You know what? I can see the other side as well. The Brewers don't have to lose Hart and Fielder this year. There are interesting pitchers in free agency that could be affordable. But? Do you really want a Bedard-Pavano-Wellenmeyer free agent class as the answer to the rotation question? <br />
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I don't.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-61934140877579842502010-07-20T13:48:00.001-05:002010-07-20T13:48:48.447-05:00In Where I talk Jeremiah Masoli as well as the NCAA BanhammerTwo SEC football posts here. <br /><br />Masoli: <a href="http://ping.fm/jP6or">http://ping.fm/jP6or</a><br /><br />NCAA Banhammer: <a href="http://ping.fm/DVGZD">http://ping.fm/DVGZD</a>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-52124825644751955782010-07-20T01:25:00.001-05:002010-07-20T01:25:33.592-05:00Five thoughts on your Milwaukee Bucks1) Keyon Dooling is a nice signing. He brings a good amount of skill in running the offense and the ability to play the two. And his last two years have shown that he's able to hit from beyond the arc. I like it. I like it very much.<br /><br />2) For a guy they were probably going to cut anyway? Jon Brockman is interesting. He has one marketable skill in Rebounding. That being said? <br /><br />3) Larry Sanders, Tiny Gallon, and Luc Mbah a Moute all play the 4 with some real skill. Not to mention Ersan Ilyasova and Drew Gooden. Logjam? Hell yeah.<br /><br />4) Jerome Jordan? I know the Bucks sure could use some of that right now.<br /><br />5) But tonight? We do the we didn't sign Travis Diener dance.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-52216418046529332932010-07-16T01:21:00.000-05:002010-07-16T01:21:27.527-05:00Attractive Woman Haiku: Brittany Athey<a href="http://photobucket.com/images/brittany%20athey" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Brittany Athey Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" height="200" src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff223/Entyce_Models/465cbdb4c1300.jpg" width="134" /></a>Pigtails are awesome.<br />
A celebrity lookalike? <br />
Jessica Simpsonish.<br />
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(17 goddamn syllables)Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-46431631130134080112010-07-16T01:15:00.000-05:002010-07-16T01:15:19.014-05:00Attractive Woman Haiku: Alix Bromley<a href="http://photobucket.com/images/alix%20bromley" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Alix Bromley Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" height="200" src="http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss220/endee33/alix_bromley_10.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
The internet meme star.<br />
I will give you two guesses.<br />
As to what is epic.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166517300079538920.post-267713420375844662010-07-13T22:23:00.000-05:002010-07-13T22:23:06.086-05:00So yeah. Luke Ridnour's been signed.If you were a Bucks fan you've been steeling yourself for the departure of Luke Ridnour from the Bucks. Today doesn't come as so much of a surprise. Ridnour's been signed. But that's not the story.<br />
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The team that signed him is.<br />
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Now, if you're reading this, you inadvertently clicked away from a photo of Kim Kardashian's ass, so I'll do this with some build. We're living in a world where you have a team that is managed by someone who makes Isiah Thomas look competent.<br />
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Check out the bullet points.<br />
<ul><li>Drafted 4 point guards and made sure that his best point guard would stay in Spain last year (dealing the second best one to Denver as well.).</li>
<li>Added a quality point guard to further muddle the situation. </li>
<li>Signed an irrelevant joke best known for launching a classic NBA blog to a contract worth 5 million dollars a year.</li>
<li>Drafting two, and trading for two small forwards this year. (Trading a valuable salary chip for Martell Webster in the process.)</li>
<li>Adding one of the best headcases of the modern era (who also plays small forward).</li>
<li>Trading one of the best young low post scorers in the league in year two after an ACL injury to Utah for Kosta Koufos (who may...may grow up to be serviceable), two protected picks, and a trade exception. And yes, this was after they signed the man who launched the classic NBA blog.</li>
</ul>And to the Timberwolves? There goes Luke Ridnour. For another 4 years and 16 million dollars. At a position where it would be easier to bring back Nick Calathes. Where Ramon Sessions is already an overqualified backup point guard. . <br />
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If I'm Glen Taylor? I put David Kahn under the MRI machine. Check for a tumor. Because clearly David Kahn is a troubled man.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682098433834928062noreply@blogger.com0