Another great week!!
1. Oregon are right back in the mix for a PAC-10 championship and a berth in the Rose Bowl Game on New Year's Day in Pasadena. Their team looks something like they did at the end of last season when they beat Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl. Masoli came good and the running game is back. Sure, they had a shaky few weeks, but their only loss has come against a non-conference opponent (Boise State). Oregon are in a better situation than USC and Cal, both of whom lost their opening PAC-10 games.
2. Speaking of Cal...ugh, were they terrible or what on Saturday? The 42-3 loss was about as bad as it looked. The Oregon defense was sensational. Best and Vereen didn't total 100 yards between them. Best was very quiet. Unlike last week and his 5 TD effort vs. Minnesota. I'd say his Heisman Trophy chances are done. Cal deserved to drop to #24 in the new rankings. They were terrible.
3. The Big Ten continues to stink. Penn State were embarassed at home by Iowa. Maybe it wasn't such a shock, as the Hawkeyes seem to make a habit of knocking off Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions. They have serious issues and need to get the running game untracked and going. So much for being the prime time feature on Saturday night. Yawn.
4. The real feature game should've been Texas Tech and Houston. Wildly entertaining stuff. Taylor Potts and Case Keenum, QBs for the Tech and Houston respectively are seriously good gunslingers and both might be in the running for a Heisman Trophy next year. They have good teams around them, too. Don't sleep on Texas Tech in the Big 12.
5. Shame on you, Miami. You made us think that you were back. Just like BYU, they were not as good as they seemed. Va Tech sorted them out. If you're ever in any doubt as to who rules the ACC, the Hokies stepped up to show us all on Saturday. They dominated every facet of the game, from start to finish. A comprehensive win.
6. USC needs to get the run game going. The talent is there, both at RB and on the offensive line, but it hasn't amped up as yet. They should have killed Washington State early and often, but instead struggled to put them away. Also, the turnovers and dropped passes need to stop. Let's all stop singularly blaming Aaron Corp for the loss last week. He wasn't on the field for most of Saturday night and they still had problems. They need to come up for Cal next week in Berkeley. Of course, Pete Carroll has a good history of getting his team ready for the big games. Reference the last four Rose Bowl Games and early-season tilts vs. Ohio State.
7. A week of upsets. Miami fall. Florida State fall after causing BYU to do the same a week before. North Carolina go back to being a basketball school. Most shocking loss of all: Ole Miss going down to South Carolina. I got to see Steve Spurrier smile!!
8. Anyone who doesn't believe Boise State deserves their new spot at #5 is kidding themselves. I must say, as a USC fan, I thought they rose a damned long way after not a massively inspiring performance against Wazzou.
Player of the Week:
It's Dan LeFevour, a senior quarterback from the Central Michigan Chippewas of the MAC. His week four performance: a lazy 23/31 for 197 yards and 4 TDs, plus 140 yards rushing on 19 carries for another 2 TDs. His season performance: 725 yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs, a completion percentage of 70.0 and a QB rating of 94.6. Combine that with what he does on the ground, and you've got one of the nation's most talented duel-threat throwers.
That gets him my vote for Player of the Week.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
NFL Week Three Predictions
Kansas City vs. Philadelphia: Mike Vick will NOT start against the Chiefs. I think it's a mistake. He could light it up against the KC defense. Still not sold on Kevin Kolb. That said, the Eagles are too good on both sides of the football. KC are good on neither. Matt Cassell and Mike Vrabel are wasted there. Philly by four TDs.
Washington vs. Detroit: The 'Skins were terrible last week in a dour 9-7 victory against the winless and hapless Rams. They weren't much good two weeks earlier in moving the football against the Giants. Sooner or later, Matt Stafford is going to have a break-out game. I reckon the Lions will test the Redskins but DC should eek it out. Or "eat it out" as Ray Bentley likes to say! Redskins by 9.
Green Bay vs. St Louis: Here is the chance for the Packers to atone for a loss they shouldn't have sustained vs. the Bengals last week. As bad as Washington were last week, St Louis were worse. Welcome to the world of the NFL Head Coach, Spags! I think Marc Bulger's best days are behind him. Well behind him. The Pack by 17.
San Francisco vs. Minnesota: This should be the battle of the running backs. Brett Favre hardly figures to get a look-in. Both defenses will be stretched to breaking point all game, as Frank Gore and Adrian Peterson try to get the corners. Could be a MASSIVE day for the ground game. Minnesota by a TD, only because I think the combination of Favre and Peterson is better than that of Sean Hill and Gore.
Tennessee vs. New York Jets: This is a huge game for the Titans season. If ever you can have a season-defining game in Week Three, this is it! They need to play well and win, but will find it hard against an inspired defensive unit for the Jets. They are night and day better than last year. Rex Ryan has these guys flying around. They'll make life difficult for Kerry Collins. Sanchez will prosper behind that experienced and tough line. He has good receivers out wide and a perfect safety valve in Leon Washington. J-E-T-S JETS! by ten.
Atlanta vs New England: A game so interesting that FOX sends their #1 broadcasting team of Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver to Foxborough. The Pats didn't look real good vs. NYJ last week. Brady didn't look like Brady and the defense was gashed repeatedly. That's what happens when you get rid of Bruschi, Vrabel, Harrison and Seymour from your defense and then lose linebacker OJ Mayo as well. The Falcons look good. Matt Ryan is well on his way to being a star. Falcons by a field goal
Jacksonville vs. Houston: Ouch! The Jags got cut by Kurt Warner last week. Warner's completion percentage was an NFL record. It doesn't get any better for Jacksonville this week. Houston come in fresh off a good win against the Titans with Matt Schaub on fire and Andre Johnson looking as good as ever. Been a big fan of Schaub's for a long time. Glad he's getting the props he deserves. Texans by plenty!
New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay: This is a team in trouble - the Bucs have nothing on either side of the ball. Why on earth they let Jon Gruden go to ESPN is beyond me. Their offense stinks. Eli Manning is going to embarrass their defense with help from Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Kevin 'Hugo' Boss. Giants by 21, easy.
Cleveland vs. Baltimore: No way does Brady Quinn and the Browns win here. The Ravens defense is going to ensure Brady sees plenty of the sky, from his butt on the ground. Joe Flacco will find easy pickings here, especially over the middle to Todd Heap. Their run game is good, too. The Ravens are a complete team. I expect big things. The Browns are at the other end of the spectrum. A win for them is being beaten by less than 21.
Chicago vs. Seattle: Just as well the Bears beat the Steelers last week or else Jay Cutler might've been strung up from Sears Tower. They should do it easy against a Hasslebeck-less Seahawks. Remember when these two teams were the class of the NFC? Of course you do, it was only 2 years ago! Bears by 7.
New Orleans vs. Buffalo: The key to the game for the Bills is to stop Drew Brees. Easier said than done, especially with Jeremy Shockey starting to find form and his place in the explosive Saints offense. Trent Edwards having TO outside won't be enough. Another big day for fantasy owners who have Drew Brees. Saints by 14.
Miami vs. San Diego: The Dolphins should have won Monday night. The Chargers weren't that good against the Ravens. This is an intriguing game, though I'm not sure why. I reckon Ronnie Brown continues his good numbers and the Dolphins shock LT and the Chargers. looked good but were wasteful against the Colts while the chargers were shutdown by the Ravens.
Denver vs. Oakland: Please, spare us this game and most of the teams in the AFC and NFC West divisions. It's a matter of whoever plays least crappy winning here. Hey, Josh McDaniel, I bet you wish you were back with Brady right now, eh? How could you let Cutler go for Kyle Orton? Talk about Penthouse to the Outhouse. As for the Raiders...well, the less said about them, the better. Denver by 7. Who cares, though?
Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati: A better match-up than it looked a week ago. This might be close. It's amazing to see a Bengals team not self-destructing. It all goes to show that Carson Palmer is a star, when he gets the support both on his O-line and out wide. The running game looks good, too. Still, I think Big Ben and the Steelers rebound for a victory.
Indianapolis vs. Arizona: This is the first time I can remember a prime time Sunday night game taking place in the desert. It could be a shoot-out. Still, you'd take Peyton Manning any day over Kurt Warner. The Colts defense might give the Cardinals some troubles. Manning is still a superstar. Don't forget that. Colts by 14.
Carolina vs. Dallas: The last three games stretching back to the playoff between Carolina and Arizona have taught us one thing: Jake Delhomme is a backup masquerading as a start in the NFL. He had a few good years and took the Panthers to the Super Bowl, but those days are LONG gone! The Cowboys get their first win in their new stadium, Jerry Land (thanks Al Michaels), and really put it on the hapless Panthers. Carolina needs a new QB and, mark my words, if Delhomme goes, so does John Fox! Cowboys by plenty!
Washington vs. Detroit: The 'Skins were terrible last week in a dour 9-7 victory against the winless and hapless Rams. They weren't much good two weeks earlier in moving the football against the Giants. Sooner or later, Matt Stafford is going to have a break-out game. I reckon the Lions will test the Redskins but DC should eek it out. Or "eat it out" as Ray Bentley likes to say! Redskins by 9.
Green Bay vs. St Louis: Here is the chance for the Packers to atone for a loss they shouldn't have sustained vs. the Bengals last week. As bad as Washington were last week, St Louis were worse. Welcome to the world of the NFL Head Coach, Spags! I think Marc Bulger's best days are behind him. Well behind him. The Pack by 17.
San Francisco vs. Minnesota: This should be the battle of the running backs. Brett Favre hardly figures to get a look-in. Both defenses will be stretched to breaking point all game, as Frank Gore and Adrian Peterson try to get the corners. Could be a MASSIVE day for the ground game. Minnesota by a TD, only because I think the combination of Favre and Peterson is better than that of Sean Hill and Gore.
Tennessee vs. New York Jets: This is a huge game for the Titans season. If ever you can have a season-defining game in Week Three, this is it! They need to play well and win, but will find it hard against an inspired defensive unit for the Jets. They are night and day better than last year. Rex Ryan has these guys flying around. They'll make life difficult for Kerry Collins. Sanchez will prosper behind that experienced and tough line. He has good receivers out wide and a perfect safety valve in Leon Washington. J-E-T-S JETS! by ten.
Atlanta vs New England: A game so interesting that FOX sends their #1 broadcasting team of Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver to Foxborough. The Pats didn't look real good vs. NYJ last week. Brady didn't look like Brady and the defense was gashed repeatedly. That's what happens when you get rid of Bruschi, Vrabel, Harrison and Seymour from your defense and then lose linebacker OJ Mayo as well. The Falcons look good. Matt Ryan is well on his way to being a star. Falcons by a field goal
Jacksonville vs. Houston: Ouch! The Jags got cut by Kurt Warner last week. Warner's completion percentage was an NFL record. It doesn't get any better for Jacksonville this week. Houston come in fresh off a good win against the Titans with Matt Schaub on fire and Andre Johnson looking as good as ever. Been a big fan of Schaub's for a long time. Glad he's getting the props he deserves. Texans by plenty!
New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay: This is a team in trouble - the Bucs have nothing on either side of the ball. Why on earth they let Jon Gruden go to ESPN is beyond me. Their offense stinks. Eli Manning is going to embarrass their defense with help from Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Kevin 'Hugo' Boss. Giants by 21, easy.
Cleveland vs. Baltimore: No way does Brady Quinn and the Browns win here. The Ravens defense is going to ensure Brady sees plenty of the sky, from his butt on the ground. Joe Flacco will find easy pickings here, especially over the middle to Todd Heap. Their run game is good, too. The Ravens are a complete team. I expect big things. The Browns are at the other end of the spectrum. A win for them is being beaten by less than 21.
Chicago vs. Seattle: Just as well the Bears beat the Steelers last week or else Jay Cutler might've been strung up from Sears Tower. They should do it easy against a Hasslebeck-less Seahawks. Remember when these two teams were the class of the NFC? Of course you do, it was only 2 years ago! Bears by 7.
New Orleans vs. Buffalo: The key to the game for the Bills is to stop Drew Brees. Easier said than done, especially with Jeremy Shockey starting to find form and his place in the explosive Saints offense. Trent Edwards having TO outside won't be enough. Another big day for fantasy owners who have Drew Brees. Saints by 14.
Miami vs. San Diego: The Dolphins should have won Monday night. The Chargers weren't that good against the Ravens. This is an intriguing game, though I'm not sure why. I reckon Ronnie Brown continues his good numbers and the Dolphins shock LT and the Chargers. looked good but were wasteful against the Colts while the chargers were shutdown by the Ravens.
Denver vs. Oakland: Please, spare us this game and most of the teams in the AFC and NFC West divisions. It's a matter of whoever plays least crappy winning here. Hey, Josh McDaniel, I bet you wish you were back with Brady right now, eh? How could you let Cutler go for Kyle Orton? Talk about Penthouse to the Outhouse. As for the Raiders...well, the less said about them, the better. Denver by 7. Who cares, though?
Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati: A better match-up than it looked a week ago. This might be close. It's amazing to see a Bengals team not self-destructing. It all goes to show that Carson Palmer is a star, when he gets the support both on his O-line and out wide. The running game looks good, too. Still, I think Big Ben and the Steelers rebound for a victory.
Indianapolis vs. Arizona: This is the first time I can remember a prime time Sunday night game taking place in the desert. It could be a shoot-out. Still, you'd take Peyton Manning any day over Kurt Warner. The Colts defense might give the Cardinals some troubles. Manning is still a superstar. Don't forget that. Colts by 14.
Carolina vs. Dallas: The last three games stretching back to the playoff between Carolina and Arizona have taught us one thing: Jake Delhomme is a backup masquerading as a start in the NFL. He had a few good years and took the Panthers to the Super Bowl, but those days are LONG gone! The Cowboys get their first win in their new stadium, Jerry Land (thanks Al Michaels), and really put it on the hapless Panthers. Carolina needs a new QB and, mark my words, if Delhomme goes, so does John Fox! Cowboys by plenty!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
NCAA College Football: 8 Thoughts on Week Three
Well, it seems that every week brings at least one upset in amongst the Top 25 nationally-ranked schools. As I said seven days ago, I love the NCAA College Football season for it's predictable unpredictability. You know, going into any given weekend, that something crazy is going to happen!
To my thoughts...
1. USC has MASSIVE problems being the favourite in the 'little games' - those where they are expected to blow out the opposition. Reference Stanford, Oregon State, UCLA and now Steve Sarkisian's Washington Huskies.
2. Laine Kiffin needs to keep his mouth shut until his football team at the University of Tennessee can live up to the hype spouting out. It's apparent that Kiffin didn't learn humility or grace during his time with Pete Carroll at USC. Then again, he did have to work for Al Davis in Oakland for a while...
3. We can all stop the love affair with BYU. Yes, I bought into it, too. I went as far as to suggest that they might have the inside running to the BCS National Championship Game in January. Maybe I was the one who put the mozz on the Cougars. They were woeful, going down 54-28 to the Florida State Seminoles in Provo. QB Max Hall was awful.
4. Speaking of the 'Noles. Just think...they are only a handful of seconds away from being undefeated thus far. Had their wide out not dropped the perfectly-thrown ball by QB Christian Ponder that would have given them the go-ahead TD in the season opener against Miami and we'd probably be now switching our love over form BYU to FSU. Go figure.
5. And speaking of the 'Canes. Jacory Harris and that awesome U of M backfield led by Graig Cooper, was awesome against Georgia Tech on Thursday night. It's nice to see the Hurricanes back in the national picture - or at least sneaking back in that direction. Vindication for Randy Shannon, too.
6. Charlie Weis won the game he needed to win against Michigan State. Just.
7. With BYU's loss, the Boise State Broncos appear to have the inside running on the "at large" BCS bowl bid. It was a wild one in Fresno against the Bulldogs, but Kellen Moore and the running backs pulled it out. There's a lot to like about the Broncos.
8. There was nowhere near as much offense as I expected in the Texas vs. Texas Tech game. It seems like Taylor Potts is the new Graham Harrell for Mike Leach's Red Raiders. He's putting up massive numbers. Their match-up versus the similarly hot Houston Cougars next Saturday night should be insane!!
To my thoughts...
1. USC has MASSIVE problems being the favourite in the 'little games' - those where they are expected to blow out the opposition. Reference Stanford, Oregon State, UCLA and now Steve Sarkisian's Washington Huskies.
2. Laine Kiffin needs to keep his mouth shut until his football team at the University of Tennessee can live up to the hype spouting out. It's apparent that Kiffin didn't learn humility or grace during his time with Pete Carroll at USC. Then again, he did have to work for Al Davis in Oakland for a while...
3. We can all stop the love affair with BYU. Yes, I bought into it, too. I went as far as to suggest that they might have the inside running to the BCS National Championship Game in January. Maybe I was the one who put the mozz on the Cougars. They were woeful, going down 54-28 to the Florida State Seminoles in Provo. QB Max Hall was awful.
4. Speaking of the 'Noles. Just think...they are only a handful of seconds away from being undefeated thus far. Had their wide out not dropped the perfectly-thrown ball by QB Christian Ponder that would have given them the go-ahead TD in the season opener against Miami and we'd probably be now switching our love over form BYU to FSU. Go figure.
5. And speaking of the 'Canes. Jacory Harris and that awesome U of M backfield led by Graig Cooper, was awesome against Georgia Tech on Thursday night. It's nice to see the Hurricanes back in the national picture - or at least sneaking back in that direction. Vindication for Randy Shannon, too.
6. Charlie Weis won the game he needed to win against Michigan State. Just.
7. With BYU's loss, the Boise State Broncos appear to have the inside running on the "at large" BCS bowl bid. It was a wild one in Fresno against the Bulldogs, but Kellen Moore and the running backs pulled it out. There's a lot to like about the Broncos.
8. There was nowhere near as much offense as I expected in the Texas vs. Texas Tech game. It seems like Taylor Potts is the new Graham Harrell for Mike Leach's Red Raiders. He's putting up massive numbers. Their match-up versus the similarly hot Houston Cougars next Saturday night should be insane!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
NCAA College Football - 10 Thoughts for Week Two
Another great and crazy week! I love NCAA College Football for it's predictable unpredictability! Here are ten thoughts that struck me during the weekend's game!
1. Oklahoma State seem to have problems hanging on to a Top 5 National Ranking. In two previous trips inside the Top 5 (once in the 1980's and once in the 1990's) they lost both times and dropped straight out. That trend continued on Saturday with a shock loss to Houston at home. Didn't see that one coming!
2. Matt Barkley is the absolute real deal! They will be talking about that drive for a long time to come. It's one of the greatest modern-era moments for Southern California athletics. To do it in front of a record crowd at Ohio State makes it even more impressive.
3. It must be the season - or at least the week - for true freshman quarterbacks. Tate Forcier, for the Michigan Wolverines, had an outstanding game against Notre Dame in the Big House. Sure, he had the crowd on his side, unlike Barkley in Ohio, but his performance was just as outstanding to beat a ranked opponent, and a hated one, too, in Notre Dame. His 31-yard touchdown run from scrimmage was incredible. Talk about a much-needed victory for Michigan. Suddenly, Rich Rodriguez doesn't seem like such a bad hire in Ann Arbor.
4. Blame Terelle Pryor all you want, Buckeye fans. Sure, he didn't move the football nearly enough. He also didn't run enough, and that is mostly due to the incredibly conservative - and mind-numbingly boring - play calling from Jim Tressell. Blame your defense, too - just like OU fans had to blame theirs vs. BYU last week. QBs don't play defense and can't be held responsible. The Buckeyes crumbled on the wrong side of the ball at the most inopportune moment. Once Barkley and McKnight had a sniff, it was as good as over. The Buckeyes choked yet again on the national stage, and they did it in the worst way, after having momentum and the run of the game for most of the 60 minutes. Does this throw OSU out of NAtional Championship contention? It should. What does it say about the Big Ten, in light of the pasting the Trojans put on Penn State at the Rose Bowl in January. Nothing good, that's for damned sure!
5. It's not hard to see why Pete Carroll saw the second coming of Joe McKnight when he recruited the star RB from out of Louisiana a few years back. McKnight's two giant plays in the final, match-winning drive for USC against Ohio State reminded me of Reggie, too.
6. That crowd at Ohio Stadium was insane. It's the loudest I've heard any crowd for any sporting event, period!
7. Charlie Weis showed a little humility after the Michigan loss. Only a little, mind you, but it's a good start. Maybe he's a little worried about his footing at Notre Dame. Jimmy Clausen was the better QB, only by a small margin, and ND probably should have won. But they didn't, and the discontent amongst the Irish faithful gets another week to stew and grow. Weis needs a win next week at home against Michigan State like I need a million dollars. And maybe more!
8. In terms of Big Game Performance, there aren't many better football teams than USC. Pete Carroll has them charged up for the blockbusters. Now he needs to stop their mind-blowing letdowns against lesser teams in lesser games (read Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA).
9. Another good week for our two front-running BCS busters. BYU and Boise State both had easy wins. If they remain undefeated, it'll be a mighty tough choice for the BCS pollsters as to who gets the at-large berth, probably for the Fiesta Bowl.
10. Say what you will about the MAC, but Dan LeFevour, QB for the Central Michigan Chippewas, is the real deal.
1. Oklahoma State seem to have problems hanging on to a Top 5 National Ranking. In two previous trips inside the Top 5 (once in the 1980's and once in the 1990's) they lost both times and dropped straight out. That trend continued on Saturday with a shock loss to Houston at home. Didn't see that one coming!
2. Matt Barkley is the absolute real deal! They will be talking about that drive for a long time to come. It's one of the greatest modern-era moments for Southern California athletics. To do it in front of a record crowd at Ohio State makes it even more impressive.
3. It must be the season - or at least the week - for true freshman quarterbacks. Tate Forcier, for the Michigan Wolverines, had an outstanding game against Notre Dame in the Big House. Sure, he had the crowd on his side, unlike Barkley in Ohio, but his performance was just as outstanding to beat a ranked opponent, and a hated one, too, in Notre Dame. His 31-yard touchdown run from scrimmage was incredible. Talk about a much-needed victory for Michigan. Suddenly, Rich Rodriguez doesn't seem like such a bad hire in Ann Arbor.
4. Blame Terelle Pryor all you want, Buckeye fans. Sure, he didn't move the football nearly enough. He also didn't run enough, and that is mostly due to the incredibly conservative - and mind-numbingly boring - play calling from Jim Tressell. Blame your defense, too - just like OU fans had to blame theirs vs. BYU last week. QBs don't play defense and can't be held responsible. The Buckeyes crumbled on the wrong side of the ball at the most inopportune moment. Once Barkley and McKnight had a sniff, it was as good as over. The Buckeyes choked yet again on the national stage, and they did it in the worst way, after having momentum and the run of the game for most of the 60 minutes. Does this throw OSU out of NAtional Championship contention? It should. What does it say about the Big Ten, in light of the pasting the Trojans put on Penn State at the Rose Bowl in January. Nothing good, that's for damned sure!
5. It's not hard to see why Pete Carroll saw the second coming of Joe McKnight when he recruited the star RB from out of Louisiana a few years back. McKnight's two giant plays in the final, match-winning drive for USC against Ohio State reminded me of Reggie, too.
6. That crowd at Ohio Stadium was insane. It's the loudest I've heard any crowd for any sporting event, period!
7. Charlie Weis showed a little humility after the Michigan loss. Only a little, mind you, but it's a good start. Maybe he's a little worried about his footing at Notre Dame. Jimmy Clausen was the better QB, only by a small margin, and ND probably should have won. But they didn't, and the discontent amongst the Irish faithful gets another week to stew and grow. Weis needs a win next week at home against Michigan State like I need a million dollars. And maybe more!
8. In terms of Big Game Performance, there aren't many better football teams than USC. Pete Carroll has them charged up for the blockbusters. Now he needs to stop their mind-blowing letdowns against lesser teams in lesser games (read Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA).
9. Another good week for our two front-running BCS busters. BYU and Boise State both had easy wins. If they remain undefeated, it'll be a mighty tough choice for the BCS pollsters as to who gets the at-large berth, probably for the Fiesta Bowl.
10. Say what you will about the MAC, but Dan LeFevour, QB for the Central Michigan Chippewas, is the real deal.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
NFL 2009 Season Preview
The 2009 NFL Season is almost upon us, with the first game of the season between the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers and last year's #1 AFC seed heading into the playoffs, the Tennessee Titans, not too far away. The Steelers and Titans will be squaring off in the first meaningful action since early February when Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger combined to win the Steelers' third Super Bowl title in four years.
Now, after four weeks of mind-numbing pre-season action, the real thing is going to get underway. Here are seven thoughts and observations to get you ready for kick-off:
1. It will be interesting to see how Tom Brady goes, coming back from an injury that ended his season after less than a half of football last year. People expect the Pats to struggle. I think they'll be there or thereabouts when things get serious. Don't forget, Brady still has Wes Welker and Randy Moss - and that, folks, is a dangerous combination.
2. Who got the better of the trade that sent Jay Cutler to Chicago and Kyle Orton to Denver? By the looks of things it's the Bears. We'll see. Cutler has a history of not always performing to his peak when he needs to. But Orton isn't exactly a superstar either.
3. Can the surprises of Season 2008, the Cardinals and the Titans, show their impressive seasons were not a fluke. Plenty think they'll be back to the doldrums this year.
4. Will the Steelers defense be as good as last year? All signs point to them being even better. That's a scary thought.
5. Will Eli Manning and the Giants have success in 2009 without his two top receivers of the last few years in Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress and old warhorse Amani Toomer? Heading into their season opener vs. Washington, Steve Smith and Kevin Boss are the only two familiar faces for Eli.
6.All eyes will be on the rookie quarterbacks Mark Sanchez (for the Jets) and Matthew Stafford (for the hapless Detroit Lions). There are plenty of fans in both cities who're hoping that these hotshot rookies, whose college careers were impressive, will lead their new pro teams to a similar amount of success as they experienced in the NCAA.
7. Honestly, I think that this season might be the last chance for the much-hyped group of college superstars who were picked up by NFL franchises for the 2006 season. Yes, I'm talking about you, Matt Leinart, Kellen Clemens and Vince Young. Head Coaches in the NFL don't and won't wait around forever!
Enjoy the first weekend of the season!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Danica Patrick to NASCAR?
The rumours have been rumbling and swirling for months now, perhaps ever since the topic of Silly Season in the IRL IndyCar Series began. It's no secret that Danica's IRL team, Andretti Green Racing (AGR) have had a poor season. Neither Danica nor Tony Kaanan, Hideki Mutoh or Marco Andretti have scored a win this year, with two rounds to go. Danica is the best performed of the AGR drivers, standing 5th in the points.
Cue the rumours. First Danica was definitely gone to NASCAR - to the Sprint Cup Series and the mythical third car to be sponsored by GoDaddy.com and run out of the Stewart-Haas Racing stables. Then she was signing to Chip Ganassi, whose Target-sponsored team would run a third car in the IRL for her, as well as putting her in a position to run selected Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series events for Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing.
Then, hot on the heels of Michael Andretti announcing that partners Kim Green and Kevin Savoree (his two partners in AGR) would be moving exclusively to the promotional arm of the operation - the wildly imaginative Andretti Green Promotions - leaving Andretti to carry on the day-to-day operations of the race team alone, Michael announced that he was very hopeful of re-signing Danica and her sponsors, Boost Mobile, Motorola and GoDaddy.com. A one year deal, if the reports were to be believed.
Now Ed Hinton of ESPN.com has broken a story saying that Danica's mentor and big brother, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion (and former IRL driver) Tony Stewart is putting together a special schedule of Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series races to go around her full IndyCar Series schedule. It is looking more and more likely that Kevin Harvick Incorporated, through owner (and Kevin's wife) DeLana Harvick will be providing the equipment. It is a good fit, given that KHI have front-running Truck and Nationwide programs currently. It's good stuff to learn in!
If this is true - and it's a BIG if at this point - it is definitely a watershed moment for both Danica Patrick and the NASCAR community. Gone are the days when this sport was run only on southern tracks and populated by drivers from the south. NASCAR's so-called 'Drive for Diversity' is about to hit big. There is already a Colombian, Juan Pablo Montoya; an Australia, Marcos Ambrose and a handful of Canadians who come and go, particularly for the road race events at Watkins Glen, Montreal and Sonoma. Now, in the best show of diversity yet, there will be a female with real talent. This isn't a publicity stunt and it's clear that Danica is heading there to win. She's proven as much by aligning herself with Tony Stewart. If anyone knows about the transition from the Indy Racing League to NASCAR, it's Smoke.
The big question remains: can Danica win? Can she be successful? It will take a lot of time and concentration, but I believe it's possible. She's obviously taken note of guys like Dario Franchitti who returned to the IndyCar circuit this year after an ill-fated foray into stock car racing. You can't jump straight into the Sprint Cup Series and hope to have success. The series is too strong for that. There needs to be gradual progression. This is what Danica has chosen to do. Whoever is advising her has done a good job and definitely earned their money.
Furthermore, Danica will need to learn to deal with the NASCAR media. Danica is sometimes churlish and uncooperative with the IndyCar Series media, and she will not be well-received if she continues this sort of thing in NASCAR. She needs to make an immediate impression, and also needs to get used to the publicity and the hype that surrounds NASCAR. If she thinks the Indy 500 is big in terms of press exposure and sponsor committment, she'll need to get used to that sort of attention for 37 race weekends every year. Each NASCAR race, no matter whether at Dover, Delaware or Homestead, Miami, attracts that sort of rabid fascination, press coverage and sponsor interest. It will be very interesting to see how she handles this.
If/when this move is officially announced, we'll hear plenty more, but I think it's a good step in the right direction for putting NASCAR out there even more. It will do the opposite for the IRL, who face losing their most recognisable and marketable face somewhere in the near future. The IndyCar-to-NASCAR transition be better if Danica is successful. It's one thing to be a media darling and bring exposure to the series, but it's something completely different to be successful.
It's a tough road to stock car success, but Danica Patrick seems willing to at least start with baby steps. And that can only be a good thing!
Cue the rumours. First Danica was definitely gone to NASCAR - to the Sprint Cup Series and the mythical third car to be sponsored by GoDaddy.com and run out of the Stewart-Haas Racing stables. Then she was signing to Chip Ganassi, whose Target-sponsored team would run a third car in the IRL for her, as well as putting her in a position to run selected Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series events for Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing.
Then, hot on the heels of Michael Andretti announcing that partners Kim Green and Kevin Savoree (his two partners in AGR) would be moving exclusively to the promotional arm of the operation - the wildly imaginative Andretti Green Promotions - leaving Andretti to carry on the day-to-day operations of the race team alone, Michael announced that he was very hopeful of re-signing Danica and her sponsors, Boost Mobile, Motorola and GoDaddy.com. A one year deal, if the reports were to be believed.
Now Ed Hinton of ESPN.com has broken a story saying that Danica's mentor and big brother, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion (and former IRL driver) Tony Stewart is putting together a special schedule of Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series races to go around her full IndyCar Series schedule. It is looking more and more likely that Kevin Harvick Incorporated, through owner (and Kevin's wife) DeLana Harvick will be providing the equipment. It is a good fit, given that KHI have front-running Truck and Nationwide programs currently. It's good stuff to learn in!
If this is true - and it's a BIG if at this point - it is definitely a watershed moment for both Danica Patrick and the NASCAR community. Gone are the days when this sport was run only on southern tracks and populated by drivers from the south. NASCAR's so-called 'Drive for Diversity' is about to hit big. There is already a Colombian, Juan Pablo Montoya; an Australia, Marcos Ambrose and a handful of Canadians who come and go, particularly for the road race events at Watkins Glen, Montreal and Sonoma. Now, in the best show of diversity yet, there will be a female with real talent. This isn't a publicity stunt and it's clear that Danica is heading there to win. She's proven as much by aligning herself with Tony Stewart. If anyone knows about the transition from the Indy Racing League to NASCAR, it's Smoke.
The big question remains: can Danica win? Can she be successful? It will take a lot of time and concentration, but I believe it's possible. She's obviously taken note of guys like Dario Franchitti who returned to the IndyCar circuit this year after an ill-fated foray into stock car racing. You can't jump straight into the Sprint Cup Series and hope to have success. The series is too strong for that. There needs to be gradual progression. This is what Danica has chosen to do. Whoever is advising her has done a good job and definitely earned their money.
Furthermore, Danica will need to learn to deal with the NASCAR media. Danica is sometimes churlish and uncooperative with the IndyCar Series media, and she will not be well-received if she continues this sort of thing in NASCAR. She needs to make an immediate impression, and also needs to get used to the publicity and the hype that surrounds NASCAR. If she thinks the Indy 500 is big in terms of press exposure and sponsor committment, she'll need to get used to that sort of attention for 37 race weekends every year. Each NASCAR race, no matter whether at Dover, Delaware or Homestead, Miami, attracts that sort of rabid fascination, press coverage and sponsor interest. It will be very interesting to see how she handles this.
If/when this move is officially announced, we'll hear plenty more, but I think it's a good step in the right direction for putting NASCAR out there even more. It will do the opposite for the IRL, who face losing their most recognisable and marketable face somewhere in the near future. The IndyCar-to-NASCAR transition be better if Danica is successful. It's one thing to be a media darling and bring exposure to the series, but it's something completely different to be successful.
It's a tough road to stock car success, but Danica Patrick seems willing to at least start with baby steps. And that can only be a good thing!
Monday, September 7, 2009
NCAA College Football: Eight Thoughts for Week One
Isn't it great to have NCAA College Football back? Year-in-year-out, it is some of the most dramatic and exciting action in all of sports. Judging by the nearly-completed first week of Season 2009, nothing has changed!
I watched plenty this weekend: NC State vs. South Carolina, Alabama vs. Virginia Tech, Georgia vs. Oklahoma State, and Syracuse vs. Minnesota to name just a few. Although there are still a couple of good games - Florida State vs. Miami (FL) and Colorado vs. Colorado State - to close out the first week of the new season, here are my thoughts and observations.
1. Sam Bradford does not play defense. Let's get that straight right now, Sooner fans! You can blame the loss on his injury (and, perhaps his absence had a little to do with Oklahoma losing to BYU on Saturday night in Dallas) all you want, but, at the end of the day, it was the OU defense that could not stop Max Hall and the BYU offense from scoring the go-ahead points that led to what is undoubtedly one of the best wins in the history of both the Mountain West Conference and Brigham Young University.
2. With Boise beating Oregon on Thursday night, followed by BYU shocking Oklahoma, it seems that the one at-large BCS berth (likely for the Fiesta Bowl) will be fought for by these Mountain West and WAC conference standouts. Should be an intriguing battle all season. I believe that BYU have the tougher schedule from here on out. If BYU lose and Boise go undefeated, people will be asking if Boise, on strength of schedule, really deserve a BCS berth over the Cougars.
3. USC's true freshman QB Matt Barkley is the real deal. So are the Trojans. After a few fumbles, a handful of stutters and a 3-0 deficit at the hands of the San Jose State Spartans, the Men of Troy rattled off 56 points unanswered to roll in Los Angeles. The tailbacks were incredible. Defense wasn't half bad, either. Hard to believe that the Trojans will probably go into Columbus as a one-touchdown favourite for their clash with the Buckeyes of Ohio State this weekend.
4. Speaking of Ohio State - their QB phenom Terrelle Pryor needs to learn how to pass. The entire team needs to step up a gear. They nearly lost to Navy. Navy played good, smart football. As for OSU...not the best tune-up for USC next weekend. The defense looked a little slow - but hasn't that been a common Big 10 complaint all decade?
5. Notre Dame might be back. Jimmy Clausen looked good - of course, he really needed to after a few seasons of mediocrity. 15-18 for more than 300 yards and 4 scores. Easy schedule, though.
6. Thanks to QB Zac Robinson and WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State are going to be a force to be reckoned with this year.
7. LSU's win over Washington was closer than it ended up on the scoreboard. New Huskies head coach Steve Sarkisian might be onto something up there.
8. Sam Bradford's bid for back-to-back Heisman Trophy seasons is up in dust, a half of football into the season. One wonders if he's currently regretting not taking the NFL money. Luckily, if the injury he sustained to his throwing shoulder on Saturday night is only a 2-4 week deal, Oklahoma might still have an outside shot at a National Championship Berth. Hell, if this opening weekend is anything to go by, there'll be plenty of crazy results that might keep the Sooners there or thereabouts for when the BCS match-ups are decided in September.
Roll on Week Two!!
I watched plenty this weekend: NC State vs. South Carolina, Alabama vs. Virginia Tech, Georgia vs. Oklahoma State, and Syracuse vs. Minnesota to name just a few. Although there are still a couple of good games - Florida State vs. Miami (FL) and Colorado vs. Colorado State - to close out the first week of the new season, here are my thoughts and observations.
1. Sam Bradford does not play defense. Let's get that straight right now, Sooner fans! You can blame the loss on his injury (and, perhaps his absence had a little to do with Oklahoma losing to BYU on Saturday night in Dallas) all you want, but, at the end of the day, it was the OU defense that could not stop Max Hall and the BYU offense from scoring the go-ahead points that led to what is undoubtedly one of the best wins in the history of both the Mountain West Conference and Brigham Young University.
2. With Boise beating Oregon on Thursday night, followed by BYU shocking Oklahoma, it seems that the one at-large BCS berth (likely for the Fiesta Bowl) will be fought for by these Mountain West and WAC conference standouts. Should be an intriguing battle all season. I believe that BYU have the tougher schedule from here on out. If BYU lose and Boise go undefeated, people will be asking if Boise, on strength of schedule, really deserve a BCS berth over the Cougars.
3. USC's true freshman QB Matt Barkley is the real deal. So are the Trojans. After a few fumbles, a handful of stutters and a 3-0 deficit at the hands of the San Jose State Spartans, the Men of Troy rattled off 56 points unanswered to roll in Los Angeles. The tailbacks were incredible. Defense wasn't half bad, either. Hard to believe that the Trojans will probably go into Columbus as a one-touchdown favourite for their clash with the Buckeyes of Ohio State this weekend.
4. Speaking of Ohio State - their QB phenom Terrelle Pryor needs to learn how to pass. The entire team needs to step up a gear. They nearly lost to Navy. Navy played good, smart football. As for OSU...not the best tune-up for USC next weekend. The defense looked a little slow - but hasn't that been a common Big 10 complaint all decade?
5. Notre Dame might be back. Jimmy Clausen looked good - of course, he really needed to after a few seasons of mediocrity. 15-18 for more than 300 yards and 4 scores. Easy schedule, though.
6. Thanks to QB Zac Robinson and WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State are going to be a force to be reckoned with this year.
7. LSU's win over Washington was closer than it ended up on the scoreboard. New Huskies head coach Steve Sarkisian might be onto something up there.
8. Sam Bradford's bid for back-to-back Heisman Trophy seasons is up in dust, a half of football into the season. One wonders if he's currently regretting not taking the NFL money. Luckily, if the injury he sustained to his throwing shoulder on Saturday night is only a 2-4 week deal, Oklahoma might still have an outside shot at a National Championship Berth. Hell, if this opening weekend is anything to go by, there'll be plenty of crazy results that might keep the Sooners there or thereabouts for when the BCS match-ups are decided in September.
Roll on Week Two!!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
NCAA College Football: USC Trojans & Matt Barkley
College football is less than forty-eight hours away from starting!! I am unbelievably pumped for what should be another epic season!
It was with great interested that I read about USC coach Pete Carroll naming true freshman phenom Matt Barkley to the starting QB position for the Trojans home opener against San Jose State. Sure, it came from left-field, but with anointed starter (and back-up for much of last year to Mark Sanchez) Aaron Corp down with a fractured bone in his foot, it seems like an idea that could pay MASSIVE dividends for USC.
Word from USC spring ball was that Barkley was every bit as impressive as the much-ballyhooed Mitch Mustain, who transferred over from Arkansas a couple of seasons back. The difference is that Barkley has a few more years ahead of him in the USC system as opposed to Mustain, who is entering his junior year. And besides, SC are opening against San Jose State. It's not exactly a powerhouse game, which makes this the perfect time for Pete Carroll to try something different.
That said, Carroll may reconsider and reevaluate his position after the first game, before the Trojans travel to Columbus, Ohio for a very exciting Week Two match-up with Terelle Pryor and the Ohio State Buckeyes. On the other hand, there aren't many better baptisms of fire than Columbus on a Saturday night for a young QB. Though, Coach Carroll will likely remember how his own defense hounded Terrell Pryor mercilessly in his first starting game when OSU and USC met in Los Angeles a year ago.
One thing we must all remember here is that Pete Carroll is never going to compromise his play book for the sake of bringing in a kid. That means that Barkley knows his stuff. He'll be fine and will only get better with age and experience. It could be a QB dynasty.
A little about Matt Barkley...
Barkley graduated from the same high school, Mater Dei, as Matt Leinart. That high school as produced two Heisman Trophy winners. Stand-out Hawaii gunslinger Colt Brennan went there, too, and he's not short on talent! There's some good lineage for you. Barkley will be the first true freshman QB to start for USC in the Pete Carroll era. Respected QB coach Steve Clarkson described Barkley as a cross between Joe Montana and Tom Brady. Just imagine that combo for a second!! Furthermore, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has big wraps on Barkley. Kiper reckons he will be a #! NFL Draft Pick in three years time. Say what you will about these draft experts, but Kiper knows his stuff. You figure that Pete Carroll does, too.
USC vs. San Jose State. I'm excited. I bet Matt Barkley is, too.
P.S. Lou Holtz, who thinks Florida will play Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl in early January, is kidding himself. Okay, maybe he's got one half of the match-up correct. But Notre Dame? C'mon, Lou!! Take that Fighting Irish hat off for a second!
It was with great interested that I read about USC coach Pete Carroll naming true freshman phenom Matt Barkley to the starting QB position for the Trojans home opener against San Jose State. Sure, it came from left-field, but with anointed starter (and back-up for much of last year to Mark Sanchez) Aaron Corp down with a fractured bone in his foot, it seems like an idea that could pay MASSIVE dividends for USC.
Word from USC spring ball was that Barkley was every bit as impressive as the much-ballyhooed Mitch Mustain, who transferred over from Arkansas a couple of seasons back. The difference is that Barkley has a few more years ahead of him in the USC system as opposed to Mustain, who is entering his junior year. And besides, SC are opening against San Jose State. It's not exactly a powerhouse game, which makes this the perfect time for Pete Carroll to try something different.
That said, Carroll may reconsider and reevaluate his position after the first game, before the Trojans travel to Columbus, Ohio for a very exciting Week Two match-up with Terelle Pryor and the Ohio State Buckeyes. On the other hand, there aren't many better baptisms of fire than Columbus on a Saturday night for a young QB. Though, Coach Carroll will likely remember how his own defense hounded Terrell Pryor mercilessly in his first starting game when OSU and USC met in Los Angeles a year ago.
One thing we must all remember here is that Pete Carroll is never going to compromise his play book for the sake of bringing in a kid. That means that Barkley knows his stuff. He'll be fine and will only get better with age and experience. It could be a QB dynasty.
A little about Matt Barkley...
Barkley graduated from the same high school, Mater Dei, as Matt Leinart. That high school as produced two Heisman Trophy winners. Stand-out Hawaii gunslinger Colt Brennan went there, too, and he's not short on talent! There's some good lineage for you. Barkley will be the first true freshman QB to start for USC in the Pete Carroll era. Respected QB coach Steve Clarkson described Barkley as a cross between Joe Montana and Tom Brady. Just imagine that combo for a second!! Furthermore, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has big wraps on Barkley. Kiper reckons he will be a #! NFL Draft Pick in three years time. Say what you will about these draft experts, but Kiper knows his stuff. You figure that Pete Carroll does, too.
USC vs. San Jose State. I'm excited. I bet Matt Barkley is, too.
P.S. Lou Holtz, who thinks Florida will play Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl in early January, is kidding himself. Okay, maybe he's got one half of the match-up correct. But Notre Dame? C'mon, Lou!! Take that Fighting Irish hat off for a second!
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