Bills (-3.5) over Bengals – might as well not pick against them anymore
Panthers (+6.5) over Bears – after last week’s performances, which team do you think is better?
Titans (+1.5) over Browns – both teams are too tough to pick, hence the spread
Lions (+3.5) over Cowboys – how about the respect for the Lions?
Chiefs (+1.5) over Vikings – beware of the home dogs
Redskins (+0.5) over Rams – I’d hate to be playing a team that didn’t give up a touchdown but still lost
Saints (-7.5) over Jaguars – welcome to the NFL Blaine Gabbert
Eagles (-6.5) over 49ers – quit bitching Vick, I think you hit those dogs too much, this is Karma
Texans (-3.5) over Steelers – sneaky good Texans team here, this is their year to make the playoffs
Falcons (-4.5) over Seahawks – eventually the Falcons will get going, probably in time for the playoff run
Giants (-1.5) over Cardinals – the Giants turned a corner last week, the NFC East should be very tough
Packers (-13.5) over Broncos – you know it’s time for Tim Tebow when you are two-touchdown dogs
Patriots (-4.5) over Raiders – before last week, I bet this line was double figures
Chargers (-8.5) over Dolphins – are the Dolphins destined for a date with Andrew Luck
Jets (+3.5) over Ravens – this will be the best game this week, mark my words
Buccaneers (-8.5) over Colts – this is why Peyton Manning should be the MVP every year, his team SUCKS without him
Last Week: 6-10
Season: 27-21
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
College Football Week 5
Before we get into this week’s college match-ups, how about the simultaneous epic collapses of the Braves and Red Sox?? Was it me or did the Yankees look pleased with the way they screwed over the Sox? I mean you have to try really hard to blow a 7-0 lead in the eighth. More respect for the Phillies who played their hearts out and aided in the Cardinals postseason entry. I bet there is some sort of karmic realignment before we’re all said and done. Phillies over the Rangers in 6.
There was lots of chatter about LSU jumping Oklahoma after last week. Which team do you think looked more convincing in their win? OU at home giving up 500 yards of offense, 2 turnovers and 28 points to Mizzou or LSU dominating West Virginia?
Baylor over Kansas State – RG3 is going to show us just how weak k-State’s non-con schedule was
Georgia Tech over NC State – which will happen first: Georgia Tech puts up 700 yards of offense or the ACC gets some respect?
Virginia Tech over Clemson – speaking of ACC, are you ready for the slaughter that will leave everyone with at least 3 losses?
Alabama over Florida – Bama is for real, the Gators are just hanging around waiting for South Carolina to slip up
Notre Dame over Purdue – why don’t they just join the Big Ten already?
Wisconsin over Nebraska – crossing my fingers for a 4-8 finish from the Cornsuckers
Navy over Air Force – are we going to have another couple weeks of hearing about the awesomeness of the triple option offense
Texas A&M over Arkansas – welcome to the SEC… wait, that’s not ‘til next year?
Auburn over South Carolina – upset alert: which team is actually overrated?
Ohio State over Michigan State – I have no clue on this game
Last Week: 7-3 (47 pts.)
Season: 27-13 (174 pts.)
There was lots of chatter about LSU jumping Oklahoma after last week. Which team do you think looked more convincing in their win? OU at home giving up 500 yards of offense, 2 turnovers and 28 points to Mizzou or LSU dominating West Virginia?
Baylor over Kansas State – RG3 is going to show us just how weak k-State’s non-con schedule was
Georgia Tech over NC State – which will happen first: Georgia Tech puts up 700 yards of offense or the ACC gets some respect?
Virginia Tech over Clemson – speaking of ACC, are you ready for the slaughter that will leave everyone with at least 3 losses?
Alabama over Florida – Bama is for real, the Gators are just hanging around waiting for South Carolina to slip up
Notre Dame over Purdue – why don’t they just join the Big Ten already?
Wisconsin over Nebraska – crossing my fingers for a 4-8 finish from the Cornsuckers
Navy over Air Force – are we going to have another couple weeks of hearing about the awesomeness of the triple option offense
Texas A&M over Arkansas – welcome to the SEC… wait, that’s not ‘til next year?
Auburn over South Carolina – upset alert: which team is actually overrated?
Ohio State over Michigan State – I have no clue on this game
Last Week: 7-3 (47 pts.)
Season: 27-13 (174 pts.)
Friday, September 23, 2011
NFL Week 3
If you’d have showed me the Chiefs 2011 schedule 3 years ago, I’d have said they’d start 2-0. I definitely would have said that as late as Sept 10th. Two torn ACLs and dozens of bad play calls later, they are 0-2 (and the teams they played are both 2-0, wow!). By the way, if you are looking for a fantasy football advice nugget this week, take the Chargers… all of them. On my ESPN Gridiron Challenge this week, I have Mathews, Tolbert, Jackson, Gates, Novak and the Chargers D. I didn’t pick up Rivers because Cam Newton is cheaper and I have a feeling Rivers will throw a couple picks early.
This rash of injuries has to be directly linked to the lack of offseason training and conditioning. Jamal Charles’ injury was a freak accident, but that hit Tony Romo took really punctured his lung?? They should have moved the first two or three games of the season to the end of the season. Sure, they’d be playing the Super Bowl on President’s Day weekend, but at least they’d have had more time to get their bodies ready.
Chargers (-14.5) over Chiefs – Which Chief will tear their ACL this week? I’m hoping for Cassel, but it will probably be Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali, or Brandon Albert.
Lions (-3.5) over Vikings – That’s right, I think the Lions will start 3-0.
Packers (-3.5) over Bears – So Jay Cutler has been sacked more than any QB in the league this year; expect that to continue this week.
Jets (-3.5) over Raiders – The Raiders deserve some credit for running the ball well, but the Jets have looked good so far.
Broncos (+6.5) over Titans – These teams are too evenly matched for this spread, despite Tennessee’s win over the Ravens.
Browns (-2.5) over Dolphins – This game should be close, but not that close.
Patriots (-8.5) over Bills – The Bills circled the wagons last week, but they probably won’t be a road block to Brady’s 8,000-yard passing season.
Bengals (-2.5) over 49ers – Andy Dalton for Rookie of the Year (oh wait, there’s that Cam Newton guy).
Texans (+3.5) over Saints – Have you been watching Houston’s defense??
Giants (+7.5) over Eagles – A concussed Michael Vick or a healthy Vince Young?? Is there a third option?
Panthers (-3.5) over Jaguars – Okay, I’ll buy the Newton hype.
Ravens (-3.5) over Rams – Last week was an aberration.
Falcons (+1.5) over Buccaneers – Now here’s a line that makes sense, way too close to call this game.
Cardinals (-3.5) over Seahawks – The ‘Hawks are the one thing standing between the Chiefs and Andrew Luck.
Steelers (-10.5) over Colts – When was the last time the Colts were 10-point home dogs?
Redskins (-6.5) over Cowboys – The ‘Skins are rolling. The banged-up Cowboys will struggle.
Last Week: 10-6
Season: 21-11
This rash of injuries has to be directly linked to the lack of offseason training and conditioning. Jamal Charles’ injury was a freak accident, but that hit Tony Romo took really punctured his lung?? They should have moved the first two or three games of the season to the end of the season. Sure, they’d be playing the Super Bowl on President’s Day weekend, but at least they’d have had more time to get their bodies ready.
Chargers (-14.5) over Chiefs – Which Chief will tear their ACL this week? I’m hoping for Cassel, but it will probably be Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali, or Brandon Albert.
Lions (-3.5) over Vikings – That’s right, I think the Lions will start 3-0.
Packers (-3.5) over Bears – So Jay Cutler has been sacked more than any QB in the league this year; expect that to continue this week.
Jets (-3.5) over Raiders – The Raiders deserve some credit for running the ball well, but the Jets have looked good so far.
Broncos (+6.5) over Titans – These teams are too evenly matched for this spread, despite Tennessee’s win over the Ravens.
Browns (-2.5) over Dolphins – This game should be close, but not that close.
Patriots (-8.5) over Bills – The Bills circled the wagons last week, but they probably won’t be a road block to Brady’s 8,000-yard passing season.
Bengals (-2.5) over 49ers – Andy Dalton for Rookie of the Year (oh wait, there’s that Cam Newton guy).
Texans (+3.5) over Saints – Have you been watching Houston’s defense??
Giants (+7.5) over Eagles – A concussed Michael Vick or a healthy Vince Young?? Is there a third option?
Panthers (-3.5) over Jaguars – Okay, I’ll buy the Newton hype.
Ravens (-3.5) over Rams – Last week was an aberration.
Falcons (+1.5) over Buccaneers – Now here’s a line that makes sense, way too close to call this game.
Cardinals (-3.5) over Seahawks – The ‘Hawks are the one thing standing between the Chiefs and Andrew Luck.
Steelers (-10.5) over Colts – When was the last time the Colts were 10-point home dogs?
Redskins (-6.5) over Cowboys – The ‘Skins are rolling. The banged-up Cowboys will struggle.
Last Week: 10-6
Season: 21-11
Thursday, September 22, 2011
College Football Week 4
So the expansion saga continues…
Word is that Dan Beebee is out as Big 12 commissioner. Apparently, Oklahoma will stay if he leaves. Could I have hit the conspiracy nail more on the head? He’s in Texas’ pockets. Get him out of here before he adds UTEP and Rice to the conference so the Longhorns can get 2 guaranteed wins every year. On to the picks:
Ohio State over Colorado – I couldn’t be more sure of anything in my life. The Buffs are the worst team in the Pac-12.
Oregon over Arizona – Are you guys ready to discuss whether a one-loss, Pac-12 champion, Oregon team is more deserving of the BCS #2 than Boise State? ‘Cause it’s happening.
LSU over West Virginia – Offensive gurus aside, this is SEC defense.
Michigan over San Diego State – don’t underestimate the Aztecs, but they won’t win.
Alabama over Arkansas – It’s about time the Tide expose Arkansas as pretenders.
Notre Dame over Pittsburgh – less than 2 Irish turnovers and they’re in good shape
USC over Arizona State – if James Franklin and Mizzou can go in there and ALMOST win, USC should.
Florida State over Clemson – something about the Tigers on National TV, they don’t show up
Oklahoma State over Texas A&M – first team to play defense wins
North Carolina over Georgia Tech – I believe the Tar Heels’ defense is good enough to slow down the Ramblin’ Wreck.
Last Week: 5-5 (36 pts.)
Season: 20-10 (127 pts.)
Word is that Dan Beebee is out as Big 12 commissioner. Apparently, Oklahoma will stay if he leaves. Could I have hit the conspiracy nail more on the head? He’s in Texas’ pockets. Get him out of here before he adds UTEP and Rice to the conference so the Longhorns can get 2 guaranteed wins every year. On to the picks:
Ohio State over Colorado – I couldn’t be more sure of anything in my life. The Buffs are the worst team in the Pac-12.
Oregon over Arizona – Are you guys ready to discuss whether a one-loss, Pac-12 champion, Oregon team is more deserving of the BCS #2 than Boise State? ‘Cause it’s happening.
LSU over West Virginia – Offensive gurus aside, this is SEC defense.
Michigan over San Diego State – don’t underestimate the Aztecs, but they won’t win.
Alabama over Arkansas – It’s about time the Tide expose Arkansas as pretenders.
Notre Dame over Pittsburgh – less than 2 Irish turnovers and they’re in good shape
USC over Arizona State – if James Franklin and Mizzou can go in there and ALMOST win, USC should.
Florida State over Clemson – something about the Tigers on National TV, they don’t show up
Oklahoma State over Texas A&M – first team to play defense wins
North Carolina over Georgia Tech – I believe the Tar Heels’ defense is good enough to slow down the Ramblin’ Wreck.
Last Week: 5-5 (36 pts.)
Season: 20-10 (127 pts.)
Friday, September 16, 2011
NFL Week 2
Oh my god, will someone please fire Todd Haley, cut Matt Cassel and tell the Chiefs to tank for Andrew Luck? Last week was embarrassing for any sports fan, and I’m from KC.
This Week’s Picks:
Raiders (+3.5) over Bills – short week for West coast team in noon game on the East coast rules be damned the Raiders can get off to a good start if the play like last week.
Saints (-7.5) over Bears – you’re telling me you’d put more faith in Jay Cutler than Drew Brees?
Browns (-2.5) over Colts – I believe they are better than they showed last week. I also believe the Colts are as bad as they showed last week.
Chiefs (+8.5) over Lions – conventional wisdom would tell you the Lions will cover, but we’re still talking about the Lions here.
Packers (-10.5) over Panthers – what spread would be too high? 14.5? 21.5?
Ravens (-5.5) over Titans – is it strange that the Ravens already won the AFC North? I mean, a win in Pittsburgh has to be the nail in the coffin, right?
Buccaneers (+3.5) over Vikings – I don’t trust McNabb.
Jets (-10.5) over Jaguars – too bad the Jags can’t play the Titans every week
Redskins (-4.5) over Cardinals – anyone else a little intrigued by Sexy Rexy’s guarantee?
Steelers (-14.5) over Seahawks – this line is waaaaay too high, but would you want to be Tavarius Jackson and the Seahawks right now?
Cowboys (+2.5) over 49ers – just because they blew last week’s game doesn’t mean they aren’t better than every team north and west of them
Broncos (-5.5) over Bengals – at what point does Tebow start looking for a new home, so he can actually play this game that he’s soooo good at.
Texans (-2.5) over Dolphins – only 2.5 points????
Patriots (+6.5) over Chargers – seriously, less than a touchdown at home??
Eagles (-2.5) over Falcons – who are these guys? Do they know how competitive Vick is?
Giants (-6.5) over Rams – the Rams may win the West, but they might also do it at 6-10.
Last Week: 11-5
This Week’s Picks:
Raiders (+3.5) over Bills – short week for West coast team in noon game on the East coast rules be damned the Raiders can get off to a good start if the play like last week.
Saints (-7.5) over Bears – you’re telling me you’d put more faith in Jay Cutler than Drew Brees?
Browns (-2.5) over Colts – I believe they are better than they showed last week. I also believe the Colts are as bad as they showed last week.
Chiefs (+8.5) over Lions – conventional wisdom would tell you the Lions will cover, but we’re still talking about the Lions here.
Packers (-10.5) over Panthers – what spread would be too high? 14.5? 21.5?
Ravens (-5.5) over Titans – is it strange that the Ravens already won the AFC North? I mean, a win in Pittsburgh has to be the nail in the coffin, right?
Buccaneers (+3.5) over Vikings – I don’t trust McNabb.
Jets (-10.5) over Jaguars – too bad the Jags can’t play the Titans every week
Redskins (-4.5) over Cardinals – anyone else a little intrigued by Sexy Rexy’s guarantee?
Steelers (-14.5) over Seahawks – this line is waaaaay too high, but would you want to be Tavarius Jackson and the Seahawks right now?
Cowboys (+2.5) over 49ers – just because they blew last week’s game doesn’t mean they aren’t better than every team north and west of them
Broncos (-5.5) over Bengals – at what point does Tebow start looking for a new home, so he can actually play this game that he’s soooo good at.
Texans (-2.5) over Dolphins – only 2.5 points????
Patriots (+6.5) over Chargers – seriously, less than a touchdown at home??
Eagles (-2.5) over Falcons – who are these guys? Do they know how competitive Vick is?
Giants (-6.5) over Rams – the Rams may win the West, but they might also do it at 6-10.
Last Week: 11-5
Thursday, September 15, 2011
College Football Week 3
Last Friday night was a great example of how a coach can lose a game for his team. After battling back from a 30-16 deficit with 12 minutes to go, Mizzou failed to win the game in regulation because Grant Ressel missed a 47-yard field goal attempt after his coach called consecutive timeout. The ESPN announcers were baffled and I’m sure every Tigers fan watching the game was dumbfounded as to why Gary Pinkel called those timeouts; Ressel had been very accurate from that range. Pinkel explained that they were trying to draw the Sun Devils’ defense offside, which is silly. An extra 5 yards would have been a first down, but there was no time left to try to score a touchdown or run another play. The extra 5 yards would have been negligible to Ressel, who has made longer more pressured kicks (50 yards to beat Kansas in ’09). Don’t even get me started on the play-calling on the previous plays. Second-(and third-)and-five with 30 seconds left of a tied game while in field goal range is no time to throw the ball. And while we’re at it, the conventional logic is to play defense when you win the toss in college overtime, but I believe that when you’ve got the momentum and are the team that came back to tie, you should take the ball and keep the flow going. By allowing Arizona State’s defense a chance to rest and get motivated by the offense scoring, the coaching staff gave that game away. The Tigers won that game and their coaching staff gave it back to Arizona State. They better put up 50 on Western Illinois.
This week’s picks:
South Carolina over Navy
Nebraska over Washington
Ohio State over Miami
Oklahoma over Florida State
Stanford over Arizona
Auburn over Clemson
Texas over UCLA
Michigan State over Notre Dame
Pittsburgh over Iowa
BYU over Utah
Last Week: 6-4 (40 pts.)
Season: 15-5 (91 pts.)
This week’s picks:
South Carolina over Navy
Nebraska over Washington
Ohio State over Miami
Oklahoma over Florida State
Stanford over Arizona
Auburn over Clemson
Texas over UCLA
Michigan State over Notre Dame
Pittsburgh over Iowa
BYU over Utah
Last Week: 6-4 (40 pts.)
Season: 15-5 (91 pts.)
Friday, September 9, 2011
College Footbal Week 2
So, how about week 1? Utah State’s near upset of Auburn. The Baylor/TCU game. Boise’s dismantling of Georgia. The Big 12 and Big East going 18-0.
There is no easy way to describe how uneasy I feel about Mizzou’s 17-6 win over Miami-OH. With the short-week road-game coming up, I really hope the defense is ready to grind out another low scoring win. James Franklin does not look like much of a passer, but he has Brad Smith’s speed and Chase Daniel’s compact stride, which equals a lethal runner. Hopefully, Mizzou fans can hold off on asking for the Corbin Berkstresster era.
As for the pending realignment Armageddon, I think it’s fucking ridiculous that there are not NCAA mandated regulations on how conferences handle the distribution of TV time and money. The fact that Texas got a higher percentage of the profits from the TV deal and Nebraska/Colorado exit fees is absurd. It’s not enough that they are the dominant team on the field; they have to dominate the board room too? All this could have been prevented if the Big 12 wasn’t run by incompetent butt-kissers. Dan Bebee was the NCAA investigator primarily responsible for giving SMU the death penalty in the early ‘80s. SMU was out-recruiting Texas and Texas A&M in the old Southwest Conference and instead of simply sanctioning the Mustangs into mediocrity, he oversaw the handing down of the “death penalty” which essentially crushed their program for 20 years. SMU was a more attractive program than Baylor and Texas Tech, and probably would have ended up in the Big 12 had they avoided the “death penalty.” If hasn’t become obvious that Dan Bebee is in the pockets of some Texas boosters, then I must be insane.
Here’s this week’s picks:
Wisconsin over Oregon State – the Badgers will run amuck
Iowa over Iowa State – the one weakness of the remaining Big 12, what program of ISU’s is attractive to another conference?
Tennessee over Cincinnati – time for the Bearcats to focus on basketball
Alabama over Penn State – too bad the classiest coach in all of college football doesn’t have the talent to beat one of the biggest coaching douchebags
North Carolina over Rutgers – how much do you think Butch Davis is responsible for the violations at Miami?
Michigan over Notre Dame – under the lights in the big house plus very hyped crowd equals more struggles for the golden domers
Auburn over Mississippi State – I’m not buying the Miss State hype, Auburn rebounds nicely
Georgia over South Carolina – same goes for the Gamecocks and Georgia
BYU over Texas – has Garrett Gilbert proved anything? Why are we giving Texas credit before they show up against a quality opponent?
Utah over USC – a thus begins the biggest regret of the Pac-12, letting Utah come in and run the show
Last Week: 9-1 (51 pts.)
There is no easy way to describe how uneasy I feel about Mizzou’s 17-6 win over Miami-OH. With the short-week road-game coming up, I really hope the defense is ready to grind out another low scoring win. James Franklin does not look like much of a passer, but he has Brad Smith’s speed and Chase Daniel’s compact stride, which equals a lethal runner. Hopefully, Mizzou fans can hold off on asking for the Corbin Berkstresster era.
As for the pending realignment Armageddon, I think it’s fucking ridiculous that there are not NCAA mandated regulations on how conferences handle the distribution of TV time and money. The fact that Texas got a higher percentage of the profits from the TV deal and Nebraska/Colorado exit fees is absurd. It’s not enough that they are the dominant team on the field; they have to dominate the board room too? All this could have been prevented if the Big 12 wasn’t run by incompetent butt-kissers. Dan Bebee was the NCAA investigator primarily responsible for giving SMU the death penalty in the early ‘80s. SMU was out-recruiting Texas and Texas A&M in the old Southwest Conference and instead of simply sanctioning the Mustangs into mediocrity, he oversaw the handing down of the “death penalty” which essentially crushed their program for 20 years. SMU was a more attractive program than Baylor and Texas Tech, and probably would have ended up in the Big 12 had they avoided the “death penalty.” If hasn’t become obvious that Dan Bebee is in the pockets of some Texas boosters, then I must be insane.
Here’s this week’s picks:
Wisconsin over Oregon State – the Badgers will run amuck
Iowa over Iowa State – the one weakness of the remaining Big 12, what program of ISU’s is attractive to another conference?
Tennessee over Cincinnati – time for the Bearcats to focus on basketball
Alabama over Penn State – too bad the classiest coach in all of college football doesn’t have the talent to beat one of the biggest coaching douchebags
North Carolina over Rutgers – how much do you think Butch Davis is responsible for the violations at Miami?
Michigan over Notre Dame – under the lights in the big house plus very hyped crowd equals more struggles for the golden domers
Auburn over Mississippi State – I’m not buying the Miss State hype, Auburn rebounds nicely
Georgia over South Carolina – same goes for the Gamecocks and Georgia
BYU over Texas – has Garrett Gilbert proved anything? Why are we giving Texas credit before they show up against a quality opponent?
Utah over USC – a thus begins the biggest regret of the Pac-12, letting Utah come in and run the show
Last Week: 9-1 (51 pts.)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
NFL Week 1
All right, so there is a lot going on to talk about in college football (mainly the pending realignment that I covered at the end of last season), but the NFL season starts tonight. So I’ll try to knock one out today and one tomorrow for the college boys.
Thank goodness the lockout is over, but honestly, it’s a vicious cycle and we’ll be right back where we started at the end of this CBA. I hope the owners and players understand that it’s pretty fucking annoying to listen to rich people complain about more money. The only thing I feel the players need to be concerned about is their retirement benefits and health care. These guys kill themselves for our entertainment; they should be able to live comfortably for their remaining years.
On to the season predictions:
AFC East: Patriots, Jets, Bills, Dolphins
AFC North: Steelers, Ravens, Browns, Bengals
AFC South: Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans
AFC West: Chargers, Broncos, Raiders, Chiefs
Jets over Chargers, Ravens over Texans, Steelers over Jets, Patriots over Ravens, Patriots over Steelers
NFC East: Eagles, Giants, Redskins, Cowboys
NFC North: Packers, Lions, Bears, Vikings
NFC South: Falcons, Saints, Buccaneers, Panthers
NFC West: 49ers, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks
Giants over 49ers, Falcons over Saints, Packers over Giants, Eagles over Falcons, Packers over Eagles
Super Bowl: Patriots over Packers
That’s right, I’m picking the Patriots. Ochocinco gets his ring and retires (only to return a year later to embarrass himself).
This season, to stretch my gambling chops and one day be able to make money on my skills, I’m picking against the spread. Let’s hope this doesn’t develop into an addiction.
Packers (-4.5) over Saints
Falcons (-2.5) over Bears
Bills (+6.5) over Chiefs
Browns (-4.5) over Bengals
Lions (+3.5) over Buccaneers
Titans (+3.5) over Jaguars
Texans (-2.5) over Colts
Eagles (-5.5) over Rams
Steelers (+2.5) over Ravens
Vikings (+8.5) over Chargers
Redskins (+3.5) over Giants
Cardinals (-5.5) over Panthers
49ers (-5.5) over Seahawks
Jets (-4.5) over Cowboys
Patriots (-5.5) over Dolphins
Broncos (-0.5) over Raiders
Thank goodness the lockout is over, but honestly, it’s a vicious cycle and we’ll be right back where we started at the end of this CBA. I hope the owners and players understand that it’s pretty fucking annoying to listen to rich people complain about more money. The only thing I feel the players need to be concerned about is their retirement benefits and health care. These guys kill themselves for our entertainment; they should be able to live comfortably for their remaining years.
On to the season predictions:
AFC East: Patriots, Jets, Bills, Dolphins
AFC North: Steelers, Ravens, Browns, Bengals
AFC South: Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans
AFC West: Chargers, Broncos, Raiders, Chiefs
Jets over Chargers, Ravens over Texans, Steelers over Jets, Patriots over Ravens, Patriots over Steelers
NFC East: Eagles, Giants, Redskins, Cowboys
NFC North: Packers, Lions, Bears, Vikings
NFC South: Falcons, Saints, Buccaneers, Panthers
NFC West: 49ers, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks
Giants over 49ers, Falcons over Saints, Packers over Giants, Eagles over Falcons, Packers over Eagles
Super Bowl: Patriots over Packers
That’s right, I’m picking the Patriots. Ochocinco gets his ring and retires (only to return a year later to embarrass himself).
This season, to stretch my gambling chops and one day be able to make money on my skills, I’m picking against the spread. Let’s hope this doesn’t develop into an addiction.
Packers (-4.5) over Saints
Falcons (-2.5) over Bears
Bills (+6.5) over Chiefs
Browns (-4.5) over Bengals
Lions (+3.5) over Buccaneers
Titans (+3.5) over Jaguars
Texans (-2.5) over Colts
Eagles (-5.5) over Rams
Steelers (+2.5) over Ravens
Vikings (+8.5) over Chargers
Redskins (+3.5) over Giants
Cardinals (-5.5) over Panthers
49ers (-5.5) over Seahawks
Jets (-4.5) over Cowboys
Patriots (-5.5) over Dolphins
Broncos (-0.5) over Raiders
Friday, September 2, 2011
College FB Week 1
It’s that time again. The greatest time of the year. Time for college football!
I can’t tell you how revved up I am already. The nice thing about being a Royals fan is that baseball season never gets in the way of football season. Don’t get me wrong, I pray for the day that I can’t switch off my “Royals race to not lose 100 games” tracker every September, but that may never happen.
This college football season has already been marred by scandals and conference realignment, but it begins with just as much hype and excitement as any other one.
Will Andrew Luck’s decision to stay help or hurt his future?
Will there be anyone left standing in the Big 12?
How will Colorado, Nebraska, Boise State, and BYU do in their new conferences (or independence)?
Can the Big East gain any respect?
Will someone finally haul off and punch Bob Stoops in the nuts?
And here are my conference predictions (dark-horses in italics):
ACC Coastal: Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia Tech, Miami, Duke
ACC Atlantic: Florida State, Clemson, Boston College, Maryland, Wake Forest, NC State
Florida State over Virginia Tech. I know it’s a popular pick but I think Florida State is back. Good for the ACC, bad for those of us that have always hated them.
Big “12”: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Texas A&M, Baylor, Texas, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Iowa State, Kansas
That’s right, I’m being a total homer and picking my team as the dark-horse. Watch out for Baylor to make some more waves, and I don’t think Texas is going to just turn it around in one year.
Big East: West Virginia, Pittsburgh, South Florida, Rutgers, Connecticut, Cincinnati, Syracuse, Louisville
Will it be WVU’s offense or Pitt’s defense? And will either team win 9 games?
Big “Ten” “Legends”: Michigan State, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Northwestern, Minnesota
Big “Ten” “Leaders”: Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Indiana, Illinois
Wisconsin over Michigan State. How much with the scandal and suspensions hinder Ohio State’s success? Can Denard Robinson and Michigan adjust to a new offensive scheme? How many points will Wisconsin score?
C-USA East: Central Florida, East Carolina, Marshall, Southern Miss, Memphis, UAB
C-USA West: Houston, SMU, Tulsa, UTEP, Tulane, Rice
Houston over Central Florida. Case Keenum is bound and determined to lead Houston to the conference title, and put up some gaudy numbers in the process.
Independents: Notre Dame, BYU, Navy, Army
The Irish should be in the BCS discussion, and I expect BYU to drop off a bit.
MAC East: Miami-OH, Temple, Ohio, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Akron, Kent State
MAC West: Northern Illinois, Central Michigan, Ball State, Western Michigan, Toledo, Eastern Michigan
Miami-OH over Northern Illinois. The Redhawks could be 11-2, if they get some respect they could be ranked by the end of the year.
MWC: TCU, Boise State, San Diego State, Wyoming, Colorado State, UNLV, New Mexico
Of course it comes down to the winner of TCU and Boise, but watch out for SDSU to sneak in if the others slip up.
Pac-12 North: Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, California, Washington, Washington State
Pac-12 South: Utah, Arizona State, Arizona, UCLA, USC, Colorado
Stanford over Utah. The Utes will rock the conference but fall short against a determined Cardinal and Andrew Luck. Colorado will suck gloriously.
SEC East: South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Vanderbilt
SEC West: Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Mississippi
Alabama over South Carolina. The Gamecocks will make a bigger splash than last year, but the Tide is too strong and experienced.
Sun Belt: Troy, Arkansas State, FIU, FAU, North Texas, Western Kentucky, UL-Monroe, UL-Lafayette, Middle Tennessee State
Always too tough to call. Eight wins would be a miracle for any of these teams.
WAC: Fresno State, Nevada, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, San Jose State, Utah State
This will be the swan song for the WAC. I hope these teams find somewhere to call home.
Heisman: Andrew Luck
National Champ: Alabama over Oklahoma
Rose: Stanford over Wisconsin
Orange: TCU over Florida State
Fiesta: Oklahoma State over West Virginia
Sugar: South Carolina over Utah
This Week’s Picks:
Auburn over Utah State
USC over Minnesota
Michigan over Western Michigan
South Carolina over East Carolina
Boise State over Georgia
LSU over Oregon
Boston College over Northwestern
Houston over UCLA
BYU over Mississippi
Hawaii over Colorado
I can’t tell you how revved up I am already. The nice thing about being a Royals fan is that baseball season never gets in the way of football season. Don’t get me wrong, I pray for the day that I can’t switch off my “Royals race to not lose 100 games” tracker every September, but that may never happen.
This college football season has already been marred by scandals and conference realignment, but it begins with just as much hype and excitement as any other one.
Will Andrew Luck’s decision to stay help or hurt his future?
Will there be anyone left standing in the Big 12?
How will Colorado, Nebraska, Boise State, and BYU do in their new conferences (or independence)?
Can the Big East gain any respect?
Will someone finally haul off and punch Bob Stoops in the nuts?
And here are my conference predictions (dark-horses in italics):
ACC Coastal: Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia Tech, Miami, Duke
ACC Atlantic: Florida State, Clemson, Boston College, Maryland, Wake Forest, NC State
Florida State over Virginia Tech. I know it’s a popular pick but I think Florida State is back. Good for the ACC, bad for those of us that have always hated them.
Big “12”: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Texas A&M, Baylor, Texas, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Iowa State, Kansas
That’s right, I’m being a total homer and picking my team as the dark-horse. Watch out for Baylor to make some more waves, and I don’t think Texas is going to just turn it around in one year.
Big East: West Virginia, Pittsburgh, South Florida, Rutgers, Connecticut, Cincinnati, Syracuse, Louisville
Will it be WVU’s offense or Pitt’s defense? And will either team win 9 games?
Big “Ten” “Legends”: Michigan State, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Northwestern, Minnesota
Big “Ten” “Leaders”: Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Indiana, Illinois
Wisconsin over Michigan State. How much with the scandal and suspensions hinder Ohio State’s success? Can Denard Robinson and Michigan adjust to a new offensive scheme? How many points will Wisconsin score?
C-USA East: Central Florida, East Carolina, Marshall, Southern Miss, Memphis, UAB
C-USA West: Houston, SMU, Tulsa, UTEP, Tulane, Rice
Houston over Central Florida. Case Keenum is bound and determined to lead Houston to the conference title, and put up some gaudy numbers in the process.
Independents: Notre Dame, BYU, Navy, Army
The Irish should be in the BCS discussion, and I expect BYU to drop off a bit.
MAC East: Miami-OH, Temple, Ohio, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Akron, Kent State
MAC West: Northern Illinois, Central Michigan, Ball State, Western Michigan, Toledo, Eastern Michigan
Miami-OH over Northern Illinois. The Redhawks could be 11-2, if they get some respect they could be ranked by the end of the year.
MWC: TCU, Boise State, San Diego State, Wyoming, Colorado State, UNLV, New Mexico
Of course it comes down to the winner of TCU and Boise, but watch out for SDSU to sneak in if the others slip up.
Pac-12 North: Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, California, Washington, Washington State
Pac-12 South: Utah, Arizona State, Arizona, UCLA, USC, Colorado
Stanford over Utah. The Utes will rock the conference but fall short against a determined Cardinal and Andrew Luck. Colorado will suck gloriously.
SEC East: South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Vanderbilt
SEC West: Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Mississippi
Alabama over South Carolina. The Gamecocks will make a bigger splash than last year, but the Tide is too strong and experienced.
Sun Belt: Troy, Arkansas State, FIU, FAU, North Texas, Western Kentucky, UL-Monroe, UL-Lafayette, Middle Tennessee State
Always too tough to call. Eight wins would be a miracle for any of these teams.
WAC: Fresno State, Nevada, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, San Jose State, Utah State
This will be the swan song for the WAC. I hope these teams find somewhere to call home.
Heisman: Andrew Luck
National Champ: Alabama over Oklahoma
Rose: Stanford over Wisconsin
Orange: TCU over Florida State
Fiesta: Oklahoma State over West Virginia
Sugar: South Carolina over Utah
This Week’s Picks:
Auburn over Utah State
USC over Minnesota
Michigan over Western Michigan
South Carolina over East Carolina
Boise State over Georgia
LSU over Oregon
Boston College over Northwestern
Houston over UCLA
BYU over Mississippi
Hawaii over Colorado
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Epic Rule Changing Manifesto
Let’s all take a moment to thank those over-paid athletes and owners for getting their heads out of their asses and making sure there is an NFL season this year. I would have survived on college football, but it would have been touch and go. If the NBA lockout never ends, I think I’ll be just fine.
It’s been four weeks since I last updated you on The Jet. He’s weighing in at over 13 lbs. now; which doesn’t sound like much until you’re trying to hold it gently while it screams and squirms with all its might. This last week he’s been very unhappy in my arms. I’m told that it’s difficult for a father to build a bond with his child because the mother got a 9 month head start and is the giver of food. Trying to comfort a fussy baby is like trying to get Mizzou to develop a power running game for short yardage situations; you can’t use reason or logic because they don’t seem to understand the language and you can’t use force because you love them too much, but neither of you are going to make it unless you get your point across.
Without further ado, I present my suggestions for major (and minor) rule changes for sports to make them more enjoyable (or less frustrating) for everyone.
First, baseball; the sport that needs the most help. Baseball is steeped in tradition and respect for the rules of the game is the number one rule of the game. Kind of like the first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club.
- Catchers should be limited to two mound visits per inning per pitcher. If he makes a third visit he must be accompanied by the manager and a pitching change must be made.
- No warm-up pitches. That’s what the bullpen and pre-game is for. If a pitcher wants to stay loose during innings he can go to the bullpen.
- Limit the nonsense between pitches. Between pitches, after the ball is returned to the pitcher, the pitcher and the batter have 10 seconds to be set in their position. A batter is limited to 1 time out per at bat, and the pitcher/catcher have the aforementioned limit on mound visits.
- Ditch the DH. It makes for more intriguing strategy and truly exposes defensive liabilities (Billy Butler, I’m looking at you).
- Ban metal bats in high school and college games.
- Reformat the schedule so that the first part of the season is intra-league, non-division games (Yankees v. Rangers, Braves v. Giants), the second part is interleague games (limited to four 3-games series), and the final part is divisional games. Much more drama.
- Expand the playoffs to 6 teams per league. The teams will be seeded by record with no regard for division. The top two seeds receive byes. The first round is best-of-5, the rest are best-of-7. Limit each series to one travel day between games. Home field in the World Series goes to the team with best record.
- Institute instant replay and challenges. Just like in the NFL. It’s only used to review home runs and outs (diving catches, close plays at the bases). Managers have 2 challenges, and an umpire in the booth will review all plays in the ninth inning. Oh, and develop a “K-Zone”-like electronic, standardized balls-and-strikes system. A ball catching the strike zone will signal a buzzer in the umpire’s hand.
Next, basketball:
- First, we need to standardize the game across all levels (including the women’s game):
- The 3-point line will be 23 feet away from the basket, shorter than the NBA, but longer than the others.
- The lane will be 16’ by 19’ like in the NBA.
- The shot clock will be 24 seconds.
- FIBA goaltending rules will be thrown in the ocean; touch the ball on the way down, it’s goaltending.
- You have 8 seconds to get across half-court, it encourages pressing (especially in the women’s game) and imagine how many more turnovers the Tigers would have forced.
- All jump-balls will actually be jumped. No more alternating possession in college.
- All games will be made up of four 12-minute quarters.
- Inbounds after timeouts will occur where the ball went dead. No more advancing to half-court for the NBA.
- Speaking of timeouts, each team will have 5 per half. Two can be used only by players on the court only during live ball situations, and three can be used only by coaches only during dead ball situations. No more coaches calling timeout to reset the offense.
- The NCAA Tournament will expand to 96 teams and will include each conference’s regular season and tournament champions (also, the Ivy League has to play a conference tourney). The teams will be seeded regardless of conference or location 1-96, based on an average of their rankings in four polls (AP, ESPN, RPI, and Strength of Schedule). Seeds 1-32 will receive first-round byes. Seeds 33-96 will play in the first round (#33 vs. #96, #34 vs. #95, etc.) and then be re-seeded so that the lowest seeded winner will play the #1 team and so on. Teams will be reseeded after each round. In order to accommodate travel and practice time there will be 3 days between games for each round.
- NBA/WNBA playoffs will be seeded regardless of conference. It’s appalling that a 46-win Western conference team misses the playoffs when a 35-win Eastern conference team is a 6-seed.
Now, Professional football:
- I kind of like the new overtime rules, but I prefer the college ones. My tweak would be alternating possessions from the 35-yard line. Also, no field goals after the second OT and no 1-point PATs after the third OT.
- Widen the hash marks to that of the college game.
- Increase rosters to 60 players, a practice squad of 10, and game-day suit-ups to 55. It will create more opportunity for fringe players and decrease a few tough coaching decisions in late August.
- Decrease the play clock to 35 seconds.
- No more “icing the kicker” timeouts. The opposing team has until the offensive line is in position to call a timeout and it must be made by a player on the field, not the coach, 40 yards away.
- Change celebration penalties. Allow 20 seconds of celebration after touchdowns that can only be penalized for obscene gestures, taunting, and helmet removal. Any celebration other than clapping, high-fiving, hugging, and helmet- or butt-slapping after the time limit will be 15 yards on to the kick-off (unless the scoring team goes for two, then the defense can opt to have the penalty assessed on the conversion attempt). Any celebration other than the aforementioned exceptions on a non-TD play will be penalized 15 yards.
- To make touchdowns fair for rushers and receivers, in order to score a player must maintain possession of the ball after crossing the plane until he is down or forward progress is stopped
- Seed playoff teams based on record and conference and reseed after each round. No team may make the playoffs without an 8-8 record or better (no more 7-9 Seahawks hosting a playoff game).
College football:
- Use the same overtime rules as the pros.
- Defensive pass interference will be a spot foul, like in the NFL.
- Also like the NFL, a ball-carrier will be down when he is tackled or forced to the ground and his knee touches.
- Ditch the BCS, realign conferences based on my alignment (previous blog), and institute a 16-team playoff with the 10 conference champs and 6 highest ranked (in my four-rankings-averaged ranks) non-champs.
Soccer:
- To aid in improved officiating, add 3 officials to each contest. Keep the two sideline judges and add two judges behind each goal. The behind-goal judges will help with scoring plays, fouls in the box (on corner kicks, specifically), and calling the goalie infractions on penalty kicks. Also, add a second on-field referee, ideally so that one can be in front of the action and the other behind it.
- No offside penalty inside the 18-yard box.
- Treat penalties like hockey. How awesome would a 2-minute power play be?
- Also, penalize flopping… somehow.
I have no real desire to tweak hockey, NASCAR, MMA, or boxing. I’m not super knowledgeable about those sports, nor do I watch enough of them to be bother by their shortcomings.
It’s been four weeks since I last updated you on The Jet. He’s weighing in at over 13 lbs. now; which doesn’t sound like much until you’re trying to hold it gently while it screams and squirms with all its might. This last week he’s been very unhappy in my arms. I’m told that it’s difficult for a father to build a bond with his child because the mother got a 9 month head start and is the giver of food. Trying to comfort a fussy baby is like trying to get Mizzou to develop a power running game for short yardage situations; you can’t use reason or logic because they don’t seem to understand the language and you can’t use force because you love them too much, but neither of you are going to make it unless you get your point across.
Without further ado, I present my suggestions for major (and minor) rule changes for sports to make them more enjoyable (or less frustrating) for everyone.
First, baseball; the sport that needs the most help. Baseball is steeped in tradition and respect for the rules of the game is the number one rule of the game. Kind of like the first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club.
- Catchers should be limited to two mound visits per inning per pitcher. If he makes a third visit he must be accompanied by the manager and a pitching change must be made.
- No warm-up pitches. That’s what the bullpen and pre-game is for. If a pitcher wants to stay loose during innings he can go to the bullpen.
- Limit the nonsense between pitches. Between pitches, after the ball is returned to the pitcher, the pitcher and the batter have 10 seconds to be set in their position. A batter is limited to 1 time out per at bat, and the pitcher/catcher have the aforementioned limit on mound visits.
- Ditch the DH. It makes for more intriguing strategy and truly exposes defensive liabilities (Billy Butler, I’m looking at you).
- Ban metal bats in high school and college games.
- Reformat the schedule so that the first part of the season is intra-league, non-division games (Yankees v. Rangers, Braves v. Giants), the second part is interleague games (limited to four 3-games series), and the final part is divisional games. Much more drama.
- Expand the playoffs to 6 teams per league. The teams will be seeded by record with no regard for division. The top two seeds receive byes. The first round is best-of-5, the rest are best-of-7. Limit each series to one travel day between games. Home field in the World Series goes to the team with best record.
- Institute instant replay and challenges. Just like in the NFL. It’s only used to review home runs and outs (diving catches, close plays at the bases). Managers have 2 challenges, and an umpire in the booth will review all plays in the ninth inning. Oh, and develop a “K-Zone”-like electronic, standardized balls-and-strikes system. A ball catching the strike zone will signal a buzzer in the umpire’s hand.
Next, basketball:
- First, we need to standardize the game across all levels (including the women’s game):
- The 3-point line will be 23 feet away from the basket, shorter than the NBA, but longer than the others.
- The lane will be 16’ by 19’ like in the NBA.
- The shot clock will be 24 seconds.
- FIBA goaltending rules will be thrown in the ocean; touch the ball on the way down, it’s goaltending.
- You have 8 seconds to get across half-court, it encourages pressing (especially in the women’s game) and imagine how many more turnovers the Tigers would have forced.
- All jump-balls will actually be jumped. No more alternating possession in college.
- All games will be made up of four 12-minute quarters.
- Inbounds after timeouts will occur where the ball went dead. No more advancing to half-court for the NBA.
- Speaking of timeouts, each team will have 5 per half. Two can be used only by players on the court only during live ball situations, and three can be used only by coaches only during dead ball situations. No more coaches calling timeout to reset the offense.
- The NCAA Tournament will expand to 96 teams and will include each conference’s regular season and tournament champions (also, the Ivy League has to play a conference tourney). The teams will be seeded regardless of conference or location 1-96, based on an average of their rankings in four polls (AP, ESPN, RPI, and Strength of Schedule). Seeds 1-32 will receive first-round byes. Seeds 33-96 will play in the first round (#33 vs. #96, #34 vs. #95, etc.) and then be re-seeded so that the lowest seeded winner will play the #1 team and so on. Teams will be reseeded after each round. In order to accommodate travel and practice time there will be 3 days between games for each round.
- NBA/WNBA playoffs will be seeded regardless of conference. It’s appalling that a 46-win Western conference team misses the playoffs when a 35-win Eastern conference team is a 6-seed.
Now, Professional football:
- I kind of like the new overtime rules, but I prefer the college ones. My tweak would be alternating possessions from the 35-yard line. Also, no field goals after the second OT and no 1-point PATs after the third OT.
- Widen the hash marks to that of the college game.
- Increase rosters to 60 players, a practice squad of 10, and game-day suit-ups to 55. It will create more opportunity for fringe players and decrease a few tough coaching decisions in late August.
- Decrease the play clock to 35 seconds.
- No more “icing the kicker” timeouts. The opposing team has until the offensive line is in position to call a timeout and it must be made by a player on the field, not the coach, 40 yards away.
- Change celebration penalties. Allow 20 seconds of celebration after touchdowns that can only be penalized for obscene gestures, taunting, and helmet removal. Any celebration other than clapping, high-fiving, hugging, and helmet- or butt-slapping after the time limit will be 15 yards on to the kick-off (unless the scoring team goes for two, then the defense can opt to have the penalty assessed on the conversion attempt). Any celebration other than the aforementioned exceptions on a non-TD play will be penalized 15 yards.
- To make touchdowns fair for rushers and receivers, in order to score a player must maintain possession of the ball after crossing the plane until he is down or forward progress is stopped
- Seed playoff teams based on record and conference and reseed after each round. No team may make the playoffs without an 8-8 record or better (no more 7-9 Seahawks hosting a playoff game).
College football:
- Use the same overtime rules as the pros.
- Defensive pass interference will be a spot foul, like in the NFL.
- Also like the NFL, a ball-carrier will be down when he is tackled or forced to the ground and his knee touches.
- Ditch the BCS, realign conferences based on my alignment (previous blog), and institute a 16-team playoff with the 10 conference champs and 6 highest ranked (in my four-rankings-averaged ranks) non-champs.
Soccer:
- To aid in improved officiating, add 3 officials to each contest. Keep the two sideline judges and add two judges behind each goal. The behind-goal judges will help with scoring plays, fouls in the box (on corner kicks, specifically), and calling the goalie infractions on penalty kicks. Also, add a second on-field referee, ideally so that one can be in front of the action and the other behind it.
- No offside penalty inside the 18-yard box.
- Treat penalties like hockey. How awesome would a 2-minute power play be?
- Also, penalize flopping… somehow.
I have no real desire to tweak hockey, NASCAR, MMA, or boxing. I’m not super knowledgeable about those sports, nor do I watch enough of them to be bother by their shortcomings.
Monday, July 11, 2011
One Month In
Well it’s been four weeks of fatherhood and I’m still alive… more importantly so is The Jet.
You probably have many questions about what it’s like to be a parent. At this point, I don’t have much advice, but I can tell you a few things:
- For the entire time you are pregnant everyone will be telling you how much you life will change and how it will never be the same. It’s annoying, but they are not wrong, so just nod and smile.
- Do not make plans for how to raise the child outside of the big questions like religion. You will be forced to change them anyways.
- Let your friends and family help you in any way they can. Do not be too proud to assume you can do it all by yourself.
- Value sleep more than anything else, except the baby.
- Encourage communication and patience with your partner. Do not try to “out do” the other parent or “pass off” responsibilities.
- You will have a much shorter temper. Remember this so that you know when you’ll have to just take a deep breath.
- It’s always okay to let a crying baby cry, especially if you’ve already tried all you can to appease it.
So far, that is what The Jet has taught me. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to being able to interact with him more.
The first half of the baseball season is over and I’d have to say the biggest surprise is the Pirate; just 1 game out of first in the NL Central. Every division race is close and no one has really separated themselves from the pack as far as the individual races go. Here are my predictions for the rest of the season:
- NL Playoffs: Braves over Giants, Phillies over Cardinals, Phillies over Braves
- AL Playoffs: Red Sox over Angels, Rangers over Tigers, Rangers over Red Sox
- NL Awards: Prince Fielder (MVP), Cole Hamels (Cy Young)
- AL Awards: Adrian Gonzalez (MVP), Justin Verlander (Cy Young), Eric Hosmer (ROY)
A word about the US Women’s Soccer team and women’s sports in general:
Most average sports fans think very little of women’s sports. Their typical complaints are about a lack of athleticism, shallow talent pools leading to weak competition, and general sexism. Maybe it’s easy for me to enjoy something my country dominates at, but for someone who is a fan of losing teams, this helps. Look at how dominate American female athletes are in most sports; basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, and track & field.
Watching that amazing comeback yesterday in Germany showed me that the American spirit is personified in our international athletes, and no one showed it better than those women on the soccer team. I cannot say how impressive it is to beat the FIFA #3 team in on PKs, after scoring in the final 30 seconds on a 25-yard, crossing pass for a header. Quite possibly the greatest game I’ve ever watched, and the referees made the degree of difficulty go through the roof.
You probably have many questions about what it’s like to be a parent. At this point, I don’t have much advice, but I can tell you a few things:
- For the entire time you are pregnant everyone will be telling you how much you life will change and how it will never be the same. It’s annoying, but they are not wrong, so just nod and smile.
- Do not make plans for how to raise the child outside of the big questions like religion. You will be forced to change them anyways.
- Let your friends and family help you in any way they can. Do not be too proud to assume you can do it all by yourself.
- Value sleep more than anything else, except the baby.
- Encourage communication and patience with your partner. Do not try to “out do” the other parent or “pass off” responsibilities.
- You will have a much shorter temper. Remember this so that you know when you’ll have to just take a deep breath.
- It’s always okay to let a crying baby cry, especially if you’ve already tried all you can to appease it.
So far, that is what The Jet has taught me. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to being able to interact with him more.
The first half of the baseball season is over and I’d have to say the biggest surprise is the Pirate; just 1 game out of first in the NL Central. Every division race is close and no one has really separated themselves from the pack as far as the individual races go. Here are my predictions for the rest of the season:
- NL Playoffs: Braves over Giants, Phillies over Cardinals, Phillies over Braves
- AL Playoffs: Red Sox over Angels, Rangers over Tigers, Rangers over Red Sox
- NL Awards: Prince Fielder (MVP), Cole Hamels (Cy Young)
- AL Awards: Adrian Gonzalez (MVP), Justin Verlander (Cy Young), Eric Hosmer (ROY)
A word about the US Women’s Soccer team and women’s sports in general:
Most average sports fans think very little of women’s sports. Their typical complaints are about a lack of athleticism, shallow talent pools leading to weak competition, and general sexism. Maybe it’s easy for me to enjoy something my country dominates at, but for someone who is a fan of losing teams, this helps. Look at how dominate American female athletes are in most sports; basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, and track & field.
Watching that amazing comeback yesterday in Germany showed me that the American spirit is personified in our international athletes, and no one showed it better than those women on the soccer team. I cannot say how impressive it is to beat the FIFA #3 team in on PKs, after scoring in the final 30 seconds on a 25-yard, crossing pass for a header. Quite possibly the greatest game I’ve ever watched, and the referees made the degree of difficulty go through the roof.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
NBA Finals Preview
So the 2011 NBA Finals start tonight… five years ago pundits were touting this match-up as one of the worst ever (both in quality of teams and ratings possibilities), now the same match-up is carrying much more hype. Why?
Reason #1: LeBron James and The Decision.
Reason #2: The teams were much more successful this year and this is arguably the 5th, 6th, or 7th best match-up. (I’d say, Bulls-Lakers, Heat-Lakers, Celtics-Lakers, Heat-Thunder, Heat-Spurs, and Celtics-Spurs are the only bigger match-ups)
Reason #3: It’s a rematch.
Essentially, if it wasn’t for the dump LeBron took on Cleveland last summer, no one would really care about whether the Heat succeed or fail. Now, it’s a polarizing issue. People are either Heat fans or Maverick fans (note: I think I’m settling in as a Heat fan).
So, to add to the hype even more, here are my keys to the series (in reverse order of importance):
Key #1: The interior presence of the Heat frontcourt.
Most will probably say that the Thunder lost in the last round because their inexperience lead to them not being able to close Games 4 and 5. The honest truth is that they got outplayed inside. No offense to Nick Collison; but when he’s your crunch-time defensive option on Nowitzki, you’re in trouble. Ibaka and Perkins were non-factors, which can’t happen. Bosh, Haslem, Anthony, Jones, and Ilgalskus need to play big. Seriously, Tyson Chandler and Brendan Heywood aren’t chopped liver, but they aren’t championship centers either. Which brings me to…
Key #2: How will the Heat defend Nowitzki?
There are several possibilities, and none of which is going to work for a whole series. They could cover him straight up with their regular rotation (Bosh or his sub). They could stick Joel Anthony on him as much as possible. They could tether him to Ilgalskus and have Big Z sit on the bench all game. Or they could throw LeBron at him and see what happens. Ideally, I think they’ll throw the kitchen sink at him, change it up almost every possession and bring in gimmick line-ups like they did against Chicago. One problem, if they go big, Terry or Kidd will eat Mike Miller alive.
Key #3: How will the Mavericks defend LeBron?
Simple. It will hinge entirely on how much they want to play Stojakovic, especially if the Heat go big. Marion and Stevenson will have their hands full, but I believe they are capable of holding LeBron and Wade to 35 combined, which is respectable.
Key #4: The overall play of Chris Bosh (and to a lesser extent, Wade).
This one is also simple. The Mavericks may find a way to defend LeBron (or hold him under 20 points), but if the Big 3 go for 75+ combined, they can’t win. Bosh has been big in several games and Wade has upped his game in the clutch. As good as Nowitzki’s fade-away is, it won’t help him defend Bosh away from the paint. It’s a match-up that the Heat have to try to exploit.
My prediction… home team wins every game… Heat in seven.
Reason #1: LeBron James and The Decision.
Reason #2: The teams were much more successful this year and this is arguably the 5th, 6th, or 7th best match-up. (I’d say, Bulls-Lakers, Heat-Lakers, Celtics-Lakers, Heat-Thunder, Heat-Spurs, and Celtics-Spurs are the only bigger match-ups)
Reason #3: It’s a rematch.
Essentially, if it wasn’t for the dump LeBron took on Cleveland last summer, no one would really care about whether the Heat succeed or fail. Now, it’s a polarizing issue. People are either Heat fans or Maverick fans (note: I think I’m settling in as a Heat fan).
So, to add to the hype even more, here are my keys to the series (in reverse order of importance):
Key #1: The interior presence of the Heat frontcourt.
Most will probably say that the Thunder lost in the last round because their inexperience lead to them not being able to close Games 4 and 5. The honest truth is that they got outplayed inside. No offense to Nick Collison; but when he’s your crunch-time defensive option on Nowitzki, you’re in trouble. Ibaka and Perkins were non-factors, which can’t happen. Bosh, Haslem, Anthony, Jones, and Ilgalskus need to play big. Seriously, Tyson Chandler and Brendan Heywood aren’t chopped liver, but they aren’t championship centers either. Which brings me to…
Key #2: How will the Heat defend Nowitzki?
There are several possibilities, and none of which is going to work for a whole series. They could cover him straight up with their regular rotation (Bosh or his sub). They could stick Joel Anthony on him as much as possible. They could tether him to Ilgalskus and have Big Z sit on the bench all game. Or they could throw LeBron at him and see what happens. Ideally, I think they’ll throw the kitchen sink at him, change it up almost every possession and bring in gimmick line-ups like they did against Chicago. One problem, if they go big, Terry or Kidd will eat Mike Miller alive.
Key #3: How will the Mavericks defend LeBron?
Simple. It will hinge entirely on how much they want to play Stojakovic, especially if the Heat go big. Marion and Stevenson will have their hands full, but I believe they are capable of holding LeBron and Wade to 35 combined, which is respectable.
Key #4: The overall play of Chris Bosh (and to a lesser extent, Wade).
This one is also simple. The Mavericks may find a way to defend LeBron (or hold him under 20 points), but if the Big 3 go for 75+ combined, they can’t win. Bosh has been big in several games and Wade has upped his game in the clutch. As good as Nowitzki’s fade-away is, it won’t help him defend Bosh away from the paint. It’s a match-up that the Heat have to try to exploit.
My prediction… home team wins every game… Heat in seven.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Changing in the Winds
Mark this day down in your calendars, folks. Shallow Speculations as you know it is going to be changing its format. From this day forward I will no longer blog about sports… I will instead blog about sports AND being a new father.
My son, Benjamin Alan, is due to be born on June 12th and he will be my first child. I’m beyond the point of scared shitless and have moved into the impatient and cautiously confident stage. His room is painted, his crib is constructed, his car seat and stroller are ready, he has clothes… but we are currently lacking in diapers. It’s strange that Katie and I have had 3 baby showers thrown for us and have received only 2 packages of diapers… which is strange because that’s a good default gift.
Anyway, I thought I’d add some interest to my blog by discussing my experience as a father. From here on out, Benjamin will be referred to as The Jet because his namesake is the character Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez from the movie The Sandlot (Katie’s favorite character from her favorite movie).
Okay, on to the developments in sports.
First, I think I jinxed the Capitals by picking them to when the Stanley Cup each of the last three years. It’s as if I’ve cursed them. If my pick does carry a curse, then I’ll take the Sharks to win this year.
Second, despite the fact that the Lakers, Celtics, and Spurs have all been eliminated, the NBA Playoffs have been pretty typical. A couple great games/performances and the remaining 4 teams could each win it all: The “superstar with a great supporting cast” team (Bulls), the “playing with house money” team (Mavericks), the “winning would destroy Cleveland” team (Heat), and the “more athletic at every position” team (Thunder). It’s conceivable that any team could win and it would make sense. The Bulls have the MVP, the Heat have two best players, the Mavericks are the well-coached, old guard, and the Thunder are the young, electric, athletic team. No story line or result would surprise me at this point.
Third, screw the lockout, I want some certainty in my football, damn it!
Finally, it is baseball season, I guess. My Royals have started 20-20, which is better than 10-30, so I’ll call it a success. They took 2 of 3 from the Yankees in New York and appear to be winning more close games than usual. I’ll be checking in on them regularly, but if they start to use that #1 rated farm system, they might be in the race longer than usual.
My son, Benjamin Alan, is due to be born on June 12th and he will be my first child. I’m beyond the point of scared shitless and have moved into the impatient and cautiously confident stage. His room is painted, his crib is constructed, his car seat and stroller are ready, he has clothes… but we are currently lacking in diapers. It’s strange that Katie and I have had 3 baby showers thrown for us and have received only 2 packages of diapers… which is strange because that’s a good default gift.
Anyway, I thought I’d add some interest to my blog by discussing my experience as a father. From here on out, Benjamin will be referred to as The Jet because his namesake is the character Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez from the movie The Sandlot (Katie’s favorite character from her favorite movie).
Okay, on to the developments in sports.
First, I think I jinxed the Capitals by picking them to when the Stanley Cup each of the last three years. It’s as if I’ve cursed them. If my pick does carry a curse, then I’ll take the Sharks to win this year.
Second, despite the fact that the Lakers, Celtics, and Spurs have all been eliminated, the NBA Playoffs have been pretty typical. A couple great games/performances and the remaining 4 teams could each win it all: The “superstar with a great supporting cast” team (Bulls), the “playing with house money” team (Mavericks), the “winning would destroy Cleveland” team (Heat), and the “more athletic at every position” team (Thunder). It’s conceivable that any team could win and it would make sense. The Bulls have the MVP, the Heat have two best players, the Mavericks are the well-coached, old guard, and the Thunder are the young, electric, athletic team. No story line or result would surprise me at this point.
Third, screw the lockout, I want some certainty in my football, damn it!
Finally, it is baseball season, I guess. My Royals have started 20-20, which is better than 10-30, so I’ll call it a success. They took 2 of 3 from the Yankees in New York and appear to be winning more close games than usual. I’ll be checking in on them regularly, but if they start to use that #1 rated farm system, they might be in the race longer than usual.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Final Rankings - My Tournament
So this is very delayed, but is hard to blog when you have a job that has much less down-time than you are used to. The final rankings are the RPI and SOS numbers from March 13th, and the final AP and ESPN polls from March 7th. I will use a seeded S-curve with the rankings to give you my bracket. The First Four 16: Texas-San Antonio vs. 16: Alabama State 16: Hampton vs. 16: Arkansas-Little Rock 12: Florida State vs. 12: Virginia Commonwealth 12: St. Mary's vs. 12: Colorado State East Regional 1: Kansas vs. 16: UTSA/ASU 2: Brigham Young vs. 15: Bucknell 3: Kentucky vs. 14: Akron 4: Syracuse vs. 13: Princeton 5: Wisconsin vs. 12: Richmond 6: UNLV vs. 11: UAB 7: Texas A&M vs. 10: George Mason 8: Michigan State vs. 9: Old Dominion West Regional 1: North Carolina vs. 16: Hampton/UALR 2: San Diego State vs. 15: Northern Colorado 3: Texas vs. 14: Wofford 4: Connecticut vs. 13: Oakland 5: West Virginia vs. 12: Gonzaga 6: Xavier vs. 11: Butler 7: Tennessee vs. 10: Michigan 8: Washington vs. 9: Memphis Southeast Regional 1: Ohio State vs. 16:UC-Santa Barbara 2: Duke vs. 15: Long Island 3: Pittsburgh vs. 14: Belmont 4: Louisville vs. 13: Indiana State 5: St. John's vs. 12: FSU/VCU 6: Arizona vs. 11: Georgia 7: Villanova vs. 10: Utah State 8: UCLA vs. 9: Temple Southwest Regional 1: Florida vs. 16: UNC-Ashville 2: Notre Dame vs. 15: Boston U. 3: Purdue vs. 14: Morehead State 4: Georgetown vs. 13: St. Peter's 5: Kansas State vs. 12: St. Mary's/CSU 6: Vanderbilt vs. 11: Boston College 7: Penn State vs. 10: Cincinnati 8: Missouri vs. 9: Illinois First 4 Out: Clemson, Marshall, Cleveland State, Harvard Next 4 Out: Alabama, Missouri State, UTEP, Wichita State
Monday, March 7, 2011
Next to Last Rankings
Here's how I determined the ranks this week...
The conference's auto-bid goes to the highest remaining seed in the conference tournament as of this morning (as I speak St. Peter's is beating Iona and VCU is challenging ODU). Bold print means the team is already in.
1: Kansas (Big 12)
2: Ohio State (Big 12)
3: North Carolina (ACC)
4: Pittsburgh (Big East)
5: Brigham Young (MWC)
6: Florida (SEC)
7: Notre Dame
8: Duke
9: Purdue
10: San Diego State
11: Georgetown
12: Kentucky
13: Texas
14: St. John's
15: Wisconsin
16: West Virginia
17: Louisville
18: Kansas State
19: Syracuse
20: Connecticut
21: Vanderbilt
22: Arizona (Pac 10)
23: Villanova
24: Xavier (A-10)
25: Tennessee
26: UNLV
27: Texas A&M
28: UCLA
29: Missouri
30: Illinois
31: Boston College
32: Michigan State
33: Georgia
34: Cincinnati
35: Old Dominion (Colonial)
36: UAB (C-USA)
37: Penn State
38: Colorado State
39: Utah State (WAC)
40: Memphis
41: George Mason
42: Temple
43: Butler
44: Washington
45: Michigan
46: Florida State
47: Marshall
48: St. Mary's (WCC)
49: VCU
50: Harvard (Ivy)
51: Indiana State (MVC)
52: Iona (MAAC)
53: Oakland (Summit)
54: UW-Milwaukee (Horizon)
55: Charleston (Southern)
56: Kent State (MAC)
57: Long Beach State (Big West)
58: Morehead State (OVC)
59: Belmont (A-Sun)
60: Bucknell (Patriot)
61: Long Island (NEC)
62: Northern Coloraho (Big Sky)
63: Boston U (Amer. East)
64: UNC-Ashville (Big South)
65: Mid Tenn State (Sun Belt)
66: McNeese State (Southland)
67: Texas Southern (SWAC)
68: Bethune-Cookman (MEAC)
First 4 Out: Cleveland State, Southern Miss, Clemson, Gonzaga
Next 4 Out: Missouri State, Alabama, Richmond, Princeton
The conference's auto-bid goes to the highest remaining seed in the conference tournament as of this morning (as I speak St. Peter's is beating Iona and VCU is challenging ODU). Bold print means the team is already in.
1: Kansas (Big 12)
2: Ohio State (Big 12)
3: North Carolina (ACC)
4: Pittsburgh (Big East)
5: Brigham Young (MWC)
6: Florida (SEC)
7: Notre Dame
8: Duke
9: Purdue
10: San Diego State
11: Georgetown
12: Kentucky
13: Texas
14: St. John's
15: Wisconsin
16: West Virginia
17: Louisville
18: Kansas State
19: Syracuse
20: Connecticut
21: Vanderbilt
22: Arizona (Pac 10)
23: Villanova
24: Xavier (A-10)
25: Tennessee
26: UNLV
27: Texas A&M
28: UCLA
29: Missouri
30: Illinois
31: Boston College
32: Michigan State
33: Georgia
34: Cincinnati
35: Old Dominion (Colonial)
36: UAB (C-USA)
37: Penn State
38: Colorado State
39: Utah State (WAC)
40: Memphis
41: George Mason
42: Temple
43: Butler
44: Washington
45: Michigan
46: Florida State
47: Marshall
48: St. Mary's (WCC)
49: VCU
50: Harvard (Ivy)
51: Indiana State (MVC)
52: Iona (MAAC)
53: Oakland (Summit)
54: UW-Milwaukee (Horizon)
55: Charleston (Southern)
56: Kent State (MAC)
57: Long Beach State (Big West)
58: Morehead State (OVC)
59: Belmont (A-Sun)
60: Bucknell (Patriot)
61: Long Island (NEC)
62: Northern Coloraho (Big Sky)
63: Boston U (Amer. East)
64: UNC-Ashville (Big South)
65: Mid Tenn State (Sun Belt)
66: McNeese State (Southland)
67: Texas Southern (SWAC)
68: Bethune-Cookman (MEAC)
First 4 Out: Cleveland State, Southern Miss, Clemson, Gonzaga
Next 4 Out: Missouri State, Alabama, Richmond, Princeton
Monday, February 28, 2011
Here Comes March!
1: Brigham Young (MWC)
1: Kansas (Big 12)
3: Ohio State (Big Ten)
4: Purdue
5: Pittsburgh (Big East)
6: Georgetown
7: St. John's
8: San Diego State
8: Florida (SEC)
10: Texas
11: Duke (ACC)
11: North Carolina
13: Louisville
14: Notre Dame
15: Wisconsin
15: Syracuse
17: Connecticut
18: Kentucky
19: Vanderbilt
20: West Virginia
20: Kansas State
22: Arizona (Pac-10)
23: Villanova
24: Xavier (A-10)
25: Tennessee
26: UNLV
27: Missouri
27: Texas A&M
29: Michigan State
30: UCLA
31: Illinois
32: Georgia
33: Memphis
34: George Mason (Colonial)
35: Boston College
36: Utah State (WAC)
37: Old Dominion
37: Temple
39: UAB (C-USA)
40: Penn State
41: Colorado State
42: Marquette
43: Cincinnati
43: Michigan
45: Washington
46: Virginia Tech
47: Butler
48: Minnesota
49: Cleveland State (Horizon)
50: Missouri State (MVC)
51: St. Mary's (WCC)
52: Oakland (Summit)
53: Princeton (Ivy)
54: Long Beach State (Big West)
55: Charleston (Southern)
56: Kent State (MAC)
57: Belmont (A-Sun)
58: Bucknell (Patriot)
59: Vermont (Amer. East)
60: Northern Colorado (Big Sky)
61: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
62: Long Island (NEC)
63: Fairfield (MAAC)
64: Murray State (OVC)
65: Coastal Carolina (Big South)
66: McNeese State (Southland)
67: Texas Southern (SWAC)
68: Bethune-Cookman (MEAC)
First 4 Out: Southern Miss, Oklahoma State, Central Florida, Florida State
Next 4 Out: Marshall, Wichita State, Alabama, Harvard
1: Kansas (Big 12)
3: Ohio State (Big Ten)
4: Purdue
5: Pittsburgh (Big East)
6: Georgetown
7: St. John's
8: San Diego State
8: Florida (SEC)
10: Texas
11: Duke (ACC)
11: North Carolina
13: Louisville
14: Notre Dame
15: Wisconsin
15: Syracuse
17: Connecticut
18: Kentucky
19: Vanderbilt
20: West Virginia
20: Kansas State
22: Arizona (Pac-10)
23: Villanova
24: Xavier (A-10)
25: Tennessee
26: UNLV
27: Missouri
27: Texas A&M
29: Michigan State
30: UCLA
31: Illinois
32: Georgia
33: Memphis
34: George Mason (Colonial)
35: Boston College
36: Utah State (WAC)
37: Old Dominion
37: Temple
39: UAB (C-USA)
40: Penn State
41: Colorado State
42: Marquette
43: Cincinnati
43: Michigan
45: Washington
46: Virginia Tech
47: Butler
48: Minnesota
49: Cleveland State (Horizon)
50: Missouri State (MVC)
51: St. Mary's (WCC)
52: Oakland (Summit)
53: Princeton (Ivy)
54: Long Beach State (Big West)
55: Charleston (Southern)
56: Kent State (MAC)
57: Belmont (A-Sun)
58: Bucknell (Patriot)
59: Vermont (Amer. East)
60: Northern Colorado (Big Sky)
61: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
62: Long Island (NEC)
63: Fairfield (MAAC)
64: Murray State (OVC)
65: Coastal Carolina (Big South)
66: McNeese State (Southland)
67: Texas Southern (SWAC)
68: Bethune-Cookman (MEAC)
First 4 Out: Southern Miss, Oklahoma State, Central Florida, Florida State
Next 4 Out: Marshall, Wichita State, Alabama, Harvard
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Judgement Week
Not sure why ESPN calls this "Judgement Week." While it is a time when the contenders rise to the top and the prentenders drop off, technically every team is still alive until they're eliminated from the conference tournament. No team is undefeated in their conference after Nebraska's weekend upset of Texas and only the 0-28 Centenary Gentleman have yet to win a game.
Here are the rankings:
1: Kansas
2: Georgetown
3: Texas (Big 12)
4: Ohio State (Big 10)
5: Purdue
6: Brigham Young
7: Pittsburgh (Big East)
8: San Diego State (MWC)
9: Duke (ACC)
10: Florida (SEC)
11: Notre Dame
12: Connecticut
13: North Carolina
13: St. John's
15: Vanderbilt
16: Wisconsin
17: Kentucky
18: Louisville
19: Arizona (Pac 10)
20: Syracuse
21: West Virginia
22: Villanova
23: Tennessee
24: Xavier (A-10)
24: Kansas State
26: Texas A&M
27: UNLV
28: Missouri
29: George Mason (Colonial)
30: Michigan State
31: Washington
32: UCLA
33: Georgia
33: Illinois
35: Memphis
35: Minnesota
37: Boston College
38: Old Dominion
39: UAB (C-USA)
40: Utah State (WAC)
41: Temple
42: Colorado State
42: Penn State
44: Michigan
45: Cincinnati
46: Valparaiso
47: Cleveland State (Horizon)
48: Oklahoma State
49: Butler
50: St. Mary's (WCC)
51: Missouri State (MVC)
52: Harvard (Ivy)
53: Miami-OH (MAC)
54: Oakland (Summit)
55: Charleston (Southern)
56: Long Beach State (Big West)
57: Belmont (A-Sun)
58: Vermont (Amer. East)
59: Bucknell (Patriot)
60: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
61: Morehead State (OVC)
62: Coastal Carolina (Big South)
63: Fairfield (MAAC)
64: Montana (Big Sky)
65: Long Island (NEC)
66: McNeese State (Southland)
67: Bethune-Cookman (MEAC)
68: Texas Southern (SWAC)
First 4 Out: Florida State, Southern Miss, Dayton, Wichita State
Next 4 Out: UTEP, VCU, Alabama, Princeton
Here are the rankings:
1: Kansas
2: Georgetown
3: Texas (Big 12)
4: Ohio State (Big 10)
5: Purdue
6: Brigham Young
7: Pittsburgh (Big East)
8: San Diego State (MWC)
9: Duke (ACC)
10: Florida (SEC)
11: Notre Dame
12: Connecticut
13: North Carolina
13: St. John's
15: Vanderbilt
16: Wisconsin
17: Kentucky
18: Louisville
19: Arizona (Pac 10)
20: Syracuse
21: West Virginia
22: Villanova
23: Tennessee
24: Xavier (A-10)
24: Kansas State
26: Texas A&M
27: UNLV
28: Missouri
29: George Mason (Colonial)
30: Michigan State
31: Washington
32: UCLA
33: Georgia
33: Illinois
35: Memphis
35: Minnesota
37: Boston College
38: Old Dominion
39: UAB (C-USA)
40: Utah State (WAC)
41: Temple
42: Colorado State
42: Penn State
44: Michigan
45: Cincinnati
46: Valparaiso
47: Cleveland State (Horizon)
48: Oklahoma State
49: Butler
50: St. Mary's (WCC)
51: Missouri State (MVC)
52: Harvard (Ivy)
53: Miami-OH (MAC)
54: Oakland (Summit)
55: Charleston (Southern)
56: Long Beach State (Big West)
57: Belmont (A-Sun)
58: Vermont (Amer. East)
59: Bucknell (Patriot)
60: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
61: Morehead State (OVC)
62: Coastal Carolina (Big South)
63: Fairfield (MAAC)
64: Montana (Big Sky)
65: Long Island (NEC)
66: McNeese State (Southland)
67: Bethune-Cookman (MEAC)
68: Texas Southern (SWAC)
First 4 Out: Florida State, Southern Miss, Dayton, Wichita State
Next 4 Out: UTEP, VCU, Alabama, Princeton
Thursday, February 17, 2011
You Say You Want a Revolution
Now that the "revolution" in Egypt is "over," I feel like I can weigh in on the situation.
First, the fact that the demonstrations were organized on the Internet and social media is a victory for both democracy and Islam. If the younger generations of a traditional Islamic nation can use something so non-traditional to peacefully organize, you have to think they made positive strides in changing the way Islamic doctrine is viewed around the world. Being Muslim is not about screaming at infidels, firing assault rifles into the air, and suicide bombing Western establishments. Muslims can be peaceful and use the Internet just as much as the rest of us.
For those who are concerned about how a new administration will be received by the United States, I have two words for you... Obama and oil. Whomever is elected, it's unlikely that this administration will challenge them. Obama will want a peaceful transition, but will keep a watchful eye on the new administration. Also, if the U.S. hassles the new government too much it would have an effect on all of our relations with Islamic countries... specifically a risk to our outsourced oil resources.
More importantly, I believe in a more isolated U.S.A. I realize we need strong relations with other countries as allies and trade partners, but I'm tired of our army playing World Police. I feel that the U.S. should only concern themselves with other nations when it comes to trading goods/resources. I understand that we like to think of ourselves as the human rights watchdogs, but isn't that what the UN is for?
As an extension of that argument, we better stay the hell away from the upcoming Egyptian elections. Any meddling of any kind will be dangerous for us because the Islamic radicals are just waiting for another reason to attack us. If they elect someone we don't approve of, then Obama can handle it diplomatically. If there is unrest and fraud, then that's their lesson learned.
Congradulations, people of Egypt, I hope you get what you wanted.
First, the fact that the demonstrations were organized on the Internet and social media is a victory for both democracy and Islam. If the younger generations of a traditional Islamic nation can use something so non-traditional to peacefully organize, you have to think they made positive strides in changing the way Islamic doctrine is viewed around the world. Being Muslim is not about screaming at infidels, firing assault rifles into the air, and suicide bombing Western establishments. Muslims can be peaceful and use the Internet just as much as the rest of us.
For those who are concerned about how a new administration will be received by the United States, I have two words for you... Obama and oil. Whomever is elected, it's unlikely that this administration will challenge them. Obama will want a peaceful transition, but will keep a watchful eye on the new administration. Also, if the U.S. hassles the new government too much it would have an effect on all of our relations with Islamic countries... specifically a risk to our outsourced oil resources.
More importantly, I believe in a more isolated U.S.A. I realize we need strong relations with other countries as allies and trade partners, but I'm tired of our army playing World Police. I feel that the U.S. should only concern themselves with other nations when it comes to trading goods/resources. I understand that we like to think of ourselves as the human rights watchdogs, but isn't that what the UN is for?
As an extension of that argument, we better stay the hell away from the upcoming Egyptian elections. Any meddling of any kind will be dangerous for us because the Islamic radicals are just waiting for another reason to attack us. If they elect someone we don't approve of, then Obama can handle it diplomatically. If there is unrest and fraud, then that's their lesson learned.
Congradulations, people of Egypt, I hope you get what you wanted.
Monday, February 14, 2011
St. Valentine Be Praised, It's Another College B-Ball Rankings
Some might call this the stretch run. Everyone has 4-6 games left and the bubble is getting smaller as teams start to file into order. Here are the rankings:
1: Kansas
2: Georgetown
3: Texas (Big 12)
3: Pittsburgh (Big East)
5: Brigham Young (MWC)
6: Ohio State (Big Ten)
7: Florida (SEC)
8: Notre Dame
9: San Diego State
10: Connecticut
11: North Carolina
12: Duke (ACC)
13: Purdue
14: Vanderbilt
15: Kentucky
16: Wisconsin
17: Villanova
18: Syracuse
18: St. John's
18: West Virginia
21: Louisville
22: Arizona (Pac-10)
23: Xavier (A-10)
24: Tennessee
25: Texas A&M
26: Missouri
27: Minnesota
28: UCLA
29: UNLV
30: George Mason (Colonial)
31: Washington
32: Kansas State
33: Illinois
34: Colorado State
35: Michigan State
36: Boston College
37: Memphis
38: Old Dominion
39: Temple
40: Georgia
41: Marquette
42: UAB (C-USA)
43: St. Mary's (WCC)
44: Butler
45: Michigan
46: Florida State
47: Baylor
48: Utah State (WAC)
49: Valparaiso (Horizon)
50: Oklahoma State
51: Missouri State (MVC)
52: Oakland (Summit)
53: Princeton (Ivy)
54: Coastal Carolina (Big South)
55: Long Beach State (Big West)
56: Kent State (MAC)
57: Charleston (Southern)
58: Belmont (A-Sun)
59: Bucknell (Patriot)
60: Vermont (Amer. East)
61: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
62: Montana (Big Sky)
63: Fairfield (MAAC)
64: Murray State (OVC)
65: Long Island (NEC)
66: Hampton (MEAC)
67: Texas Southern (SWAC)
68: Texas State (Southland)
First 4 Out: Cleveland State, Wichita State, Southern Miss, UTEP
Next 4 Out: Cincinnati, VCU, Alabama, Harvard
1: Kansas
2: Georgetown
3: Texas (Big 12)
3: Pittsburgh (Big East)
5: Brigham Young (MWC)
6: Ohio State (Big Ten)
7: Florida (SEC)
8: Notre Dame
9: San Diego State
10: Connecticut
11: North Carolina
12: Duke (ACC)
13: Purdue
14: Vanderbilt
15: Kentucky
16: Wisconsin
17: Villanova
18: Syracuse
18: St. John's
18: West Virginia
21: Louisville
22: Arizona (Pac-10)
23: Xavier (A-10)
24: Tennessee
25: Texas A&M
26: Missouri
27: Minnesota
28: UCLA
29: UNLV
30: George Mason (Colonial)
31: Washington
32: Kansas State
33: Illinois
34: Colorado State
35: Michigan State
36: Boston College
37: Memphis
38: Old Dominion
39: Temple
40: Georgia
41: Marquette
42: UAB (C-USA)
43: St. Mary's (WCC)
44: Butler
45: Michigan
46: Florida State
47: Baylor
48: Utah State (WAC)
49: Valparaiso (Horizon)
50: Oklahoma State
51: Missouri State (MVC)
52: Oakland (Summit)
53: Princeton (Ivy)
54: Coastal Carolina (Big South)
55: Long Beach State (Big West)
56: Kent State (MAC)
57: Charleston (Southern)
58: Belmont (A-Sun)
59: Bucknell (Patriot)
60: Vermont (Amer. East)
61: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
62: Montana (Big Sky)
63: Fairfield (MAAC)
64: Murray State (OVC)
65: Long Island (NEC)
66: Hampton (MEAC)
67: Texas Southern (SWAC)
68: Texas State (Southland)
First 4 Out: Cleveland State, Wichita State, Southern Miss, UTEP
Next 4 Out: Cincinnati, VCU, Alabama, Harvard
Thursday, February 10, 2011
My Problem with Limited Options
I want to begin by saying that I want this to be a non-partisan discussion. In fact, that's the problem. That I should even have to preface this with that disclaimer is ridiculous.
It's my opinion that when democracy was founded, they intended for a diverse range of opinions to heard in political discussions. Now, I understand that human society has a tendancy to group together; and I know the loudest voice (or the most voices together) is more easily heard. That being said, I can see how we ended up with a two-party representative government (and I'm not saying it doesn't work), but hear me out.
Hypothetically, let start over with the 2012 election. ALL political offices would be up for election from the POTUS to your town sheriff. If you would like to run for office, you are required to cut your political affiliations and submit an open description of your opinions/beliefs/policital desires/voting record. This document will be made available to everyone in the district/state/country, so that it can be reviewed by those that will vote for you. You can change these at any time but the change will also be publicized.
Now, if parts of the country want to band together with similar policital views/goals into say a political party they can. Ideally it should be very specific, like the "We Approve of Stem Cell Research" party or the "Fund the Military Industrial Complex" party. Each group or party would then be able to endorse any candidate in any election... thus forming a coalition of sorts. So we could have a candidate running for office with endorsements as Pro-Choice, Pro-Gun, Anti-involvement in the Middle East, Pro-Social Welfare, Anti-China, Pro-Environment, Anti-Immigration, and Anti-Budget Reduction... just to name a few.
Isn't it frustrating to have only two choices for office? Especially when you take issue with the politics of both candidates in some way? Too often people are voting for a candidate out of frustration with the incumbent of the previous official's party. For example, in my first official election as a Missourian (2004), I voted for Matt Blunt for Governor. I was upset with the democratic administration for cutting spending for high education (a direct affect on me) and over-spending. Do I regret my decision? Yes. If I had other options, I might have voted a different way.
I know what you're saying... third party candidates never win. I know, that's why we have to do away with the Democrat vs. Republican thing. If someone wants to run for office, they shouldn't have to be a slave to either Republican or Democrat rhetoric/party unity. Believe me, there is such a thing as a Pro-Life, aetheist, who thinks we should continue with our foreign policy and start using our own oil resources. But whom would that person vote for in the 2012 election?
I open this for criticism. I studied some of the (unsuccessful) coalition governments in Latin America and believe that if they had a stronger base of government and less opportunity for corruption, it would have worked out in places like Nicaragua. Let me know what you think.
It's my opinion that when democracy was founded, they intended for a diverse range of opinions to heard in political discussions. Now, I understand that human society has a tendancy to group together; and I know the loudest voice (or the most voices together) is more easily heard. That being said, I can see how we ended up with a two-party representative government (and I'm not saying it doesn't work), but hear me out.
Hypothetically, let start over with the 2012 election. ALL political offices would be up for election from the POTUS to your town sheriff. If you would like to run for office, you are required to cut your political affiliations and submit an open description of your opinions/beliefs/policital desires/voting record. This document will be made available to everyone in the district/state/country, so that it can be reviewed by those that will vote for you. You can change these at any time but the change will also be publicized.
Now, if parts of the country want to band together with similar policital views/goals into say a political party they can. Ideally it should be very specific, like the "We Approve of Stem Cell Research" party or the "Fund the Military Industrial Complex" party. Each group or party would then be able to endorse any candidate in any election... thus forming a coalition of sorts. So we could have a candidate running for office with endorsements as Pro-Choice, Pro-Gun, Anti-involvement in the Middle East, Pro-Social Welfare, Anti-China, Pro-Environment, Anti-Immigration, and Anti-Budget Reduction... just to name a few.
Isn't it frustrating to have only two choices for office? Especially when you take issue with the politics of both candidates in some way? Too often people are voting for a candidate out of frustration with the incumbent of the previous official's party. For example, in my first official election as a Missourian (2004), I voted for Matt Blunt for Governor. I was upset with the democratic administration for cutting spending for high education (a direct affect on me) and over-spending. Do I regret my decision? Yes. If I had other options, I might have voted a different way.
I know what you're saying... third party candidates never win. I know, that's why we have to do away with the Democrat vs. Republican thing. If someone wants to run for office, they shouldn't have to be a slave to either Republican or Democrat rhetoric/party unity. Believe me, there is such a thing as a Pro-Life, aetheist, who thinks we should continue with our foreign policy and start using our own oil resources. But whom would that person vote for in the 2012 election?
I open this for criticism. I studied some of the (unsuccessful) coalition governments in Latin America and believe that if they had a stronger base of government and less opportunity for corruption, it would have worked out in places like Nicaragua. Let me know what you think.
Monday, February 7, 2011
College Ranks + Super Analysis
The Packers won with a better secondary and less mistakes. I'm proud to say that my fantasy quarterback is bringing home the MVP.
Enough football... until the draft it's nothing but basketball. Here are this week's rankings:
1: Kansas
2: Brigham Young (MWC)
3: Georgetown
4: Texas (Big 12)
5: Pittsburgh (Big East)
6: Ohio State (Big 10)
7: Connecticut
8: Notre Dame
9: San Diego State
10: Florida
11: Purdue
12: Kentucky
13: Villanova
14: West Virginia
15: North Carolina
16: Syracuse
17: Duke (ACC)
18: Vanderbilt
19: Wisconsin
20: Arizona (Pac 10)
21: Louisville
22: Minnesota
23: Tennessee
24: St. John's
25: Texas A&M
26: Xavier (A-10)
27: Illinois
28: Missouri
29: UNLV
30: Kansas State
31: UCLA
32: George Mason (Colonial)
33: Washington
34: Marquette
35: Temple
36: Boston College
37: Michigan State
38: Butler
39: Old Dominion
40: Georgia
41: Colorado State
42: Florida State
43: Wichita State (MVC)
44: UAB
45: Cincinnati
46: Memphis
47: St. Mary's (WCC)
48: Utah State (WAC)
49: Cleveland State (Horizon)
50: Southern Miss (C-USA)
51: Alabama (SEC)
52: Oakland (Summit)
53: Princeton (Ivy)
54: Kent State (MAC)
55: Charleston (Southern)
56: Long Beach State (Big West)
57: Coastal Carolina (Big South)
58: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
59: Belmont (A-Sun)
60: Vermont (Amer. East)
61: Bucknell (Patriot)
62: Murray State (OVC)
63: Northern Colorado (Big Sky)
64: Fairfield (MAAC)
65: Long Island (NEC)
66: Hampton (MEAC)
67: Texas Southern (SWAC)
68: Northwestern State (Southland)
First 4 Out: Oklahoma State, Valparaiso, Missouri State, Baylor
Next 4 Out: UTEP, VCU, Duquense, Harvard
Enough football... until the draft it's nothing but basketball. Here are this week's rankings:
1: Kansas
2: Brigham Young (MWC)
3: Georgetown
4: Texas (Big 12)
5: Pittsburgh (Big East)
6: Ohio State (Big 10)
7: Connecticut
8: Notre Dame
9: San Diego State
10: Florida
11: Purdue
12: Kentucky
13: Villanova
14: West Virginia
15: North Carolina
16: Syracuse
17: Duke (ACC)
18: Vanderbilt
19: Wisconsin
20: Arizona (Pac 10)
21: Louisville
22: Minnesota
23: Tennessee
24: St. John's
25: Texas A&M
26: Xavier (A-10)
27: Illinois
28: Missouri
29: UNLV
30: Kansas State
31: UCLA
32: George Mason (Colonial)
33: Washington
34: Marquette
35: Temple
36: Boston College
37: Michigan State
38: Butler
39: Old Dominion
40: Georgia
41: Colorado State
42: Florida State
43: Wichita State (MVC)
44: UAB
45: Cincinnati
46: Memphis
47: St. Mary's (WCC)
48: Utah State (WAC)
49: Cleveland State (Horizon)
50: Southern Miss (C-USA)
51: Alabama (SEC)
52: Oakland (Summit)
53: Princeton (Ivy)
54: Kent State (MAC)
55: Charleston (Southern)
56: Long Beach State (Big West)
57: Coastal Carolina (Big South)
58: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
59: Belmont (A-Sun)
60: Vermont (Amer. East)
61: Bucknell (Patriot)
62: Murray State (OVC)
63: Northern Colorado (Big Sky)
64: Fairfield (MAAC)
65: Long Island (NEC)
66: Hampton (MEAC)
67: Texas Southern (SWAC)
68: Northwestern State (Southland)
First 4 Out: Oklahoma State, Valparaiso, Missouri State, Baylor
Next 4 Out: UTEP, VCU, Duquense, Harvard
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Conspiracy Theories I Believe In
Let's see if I can keep this going... a sports blog on Mondays and a non-sports blog on Thursdays. A schedule you can check in on regularly, right? A little something for everyone, right?
Sometimes I think I'm a little crazy, and it's usually confirmed by facts and evidence. But, sometimes enough time goes by that my silly brain isn't stopped from building a conspiracy theory. Then there are existing theories that I actually find some validity to.
- Flu shots are a hoax. Now I'm not saying they're meant as some sort of mind control serum, but I think they are a placebo. It's sounds crazy that in order to prevent a virus, you inject that virus into your body. This is why during "epidemics" babies and the elderly always get the first crack at the shots... they are easiest to convince it works.
- The NCAA favors certain programs when conducting investigations. Sometimes the evidence starts to pile up too high, so the NCAA stalls for just long enough (Ex: They took so long on the USC football investigation that Pete Carroll had time to wait for the right NFL job to open up). Yes, they bust some premiere programs, but usually after they've worn out their welcome (see Florida State football 2008 or Tennessee basketball 2010). When was the last time you saw a powerhouse program have their National Championship season derailed by NCAA sanctions?
- The 2-party political system is intended to keep the populous fickle and in a constant state of debate to avoid revolution/uprising. We've been dealing with this frustrating "lesser of 2 evils" system for about 200 years. Raise your hand if you agree with EVERYTHING the party you associate with stands for... didn't think so. When it comes to ONE, single issue, it's really easy to chose sides. But does it make you a bad Republican if you are anti-welfare and pro-choice? I could imagine it would difficult to have a strong (read: controlling) government if each elected official formed their own political stance based on the views of a majority (at least) of their district. I believe that politics are too diverse to limit representatives to just two options. I'll explain my zeal for coalition governments in a later blog.
- Video games have an "F-You" mode. Those of us that play video games, specifically a large amount of one game have come to notice that you can't win every time. This can be seen specifically in sports games, such as Madden. No matter how good you get, every so often the computer goes into "F-You" mode and insists that you will lose. It conveniently happens when you least expect it... like going into a home game against an inferior opponent when you're riding a 22-game winning streak. (Note: It even happens on the easiest skill levels.)
- The media pays athletes and celebrities to make news. Look, I love ESPN. Without it, I probably wouldn't have gone into journalism and failed at it. Have you noticed how much of the "news" is about celebrities (and athletes) acting abnormally? I think there is a strong possibility that someone in the media is paying the Lohan family to keep being stupid. What about the chance that ESPN paid Brett Favre to be so wishy-washy about his comebacks? How else would you explain Jennifer Anniston never finding love (other than personal hygiene)?
- Whomever deals out karmic justice is being paid off. It's the main reason most people don't believe it karma... when you think your time has come, it doesn't.
Sometimes I think I'm a little crazy, and it's usually confirmed by facts and evidence. But, sometimes enough time goes by that my silly brain isn't stopped from building a conspiracy theory. Then there are existing theories that I actually find some validity to.
- Flu shots are a hoax. Now I'm not saying they're meant as some sort of mind control serum, but I think they are a placebo. It's sounds crazy that in order to prevent a virus, you inject that virus into your body. This is why during "epidemics" babies and the elderly always get the first crack at the shots... they are easiest to convince it works.
- The NCAA favors certain programs when conducting investigations. Sometimes the evidence starts to pile up too high, so the NCAA stalls for just long enough (Ex: They took so long on the USC football investigation that Pete Carroll had time to wait for the right NFL job to open up). Yes, they bust some premiere programs, but usually after they've worn out their welcome (see Florida State football 2008 or Tennessee basketball 2010). When was the last time you saw a powerhouse program have their National Championship season derailed by NCAA sanctions?
- The 2-party political system is intended to keep the populous fickle and in a constant state of debate to avoid revolution/uprising. We've been dealing with this frustrating "lesser of 2 evils" system for about 200 years. Raise your hand if you agree with EVERYTHING the party you associate with stands for... didn't think so. When it comes to ONE, single issue, it's really easy to chose sides. But does it make you a bad Republican if you are anti-welfare and pro-choice? I could imagine it would difficult to have a strong (read: controlling) government if each elected official formed their own political stance based on the views of a majority (at least) of their district. I believe that politics are too diverse to limit representatives to just two options. I'll explain my zeal for coalition governments in a later blog.
- Video games have an "F-You" mode. Those of us that play video games, specifically a large amount of one game have come to notice that you can't win every time. This can be seen specifically in sports games, such as Madden. No matter how good you get, every so often the computer goes into "F-You" mode and insists that you will lose. It conveniently happens when you least expect it... like going into a home game against an inferior opponent when you're riding a 22-game winning streak. (Note: It even happens on the easiest skill levels.)
- The media pays athletes and celebrities to make news. Look, I love ESPN. Without it, I probably wouldn't have gone into journalism and failed at it. Have you noticed how much of the "news" is about celebrities (and athletes) acting abnormally? I think there is a strong possibility that someone in the media is paying the Lohan family to keep being stupid. What about the chance that ESPN paid Brett Favre to be so wishy-washy about his comebacks? How else would you explain Jennifer Anniston never finding love (other than personal hygiene)?
- Whomever deals out karmic justice is being paid off. It's the main reason most people don't believe it karma... when you think your time has come, it doesn't.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Bracket-Science 1/31
Okay, so I promised my next post wouldn't be sports, but this time I mean it. Here are this week's rankings, with conference leaders in BOLD and First Four participants in ITALICS.
1: Kansas
2: Connecticut
3: Brigham Young (MWC)
4: Notre Dame
5: Georgetown
6: Texas (Big 12)
7: Pittsburgh (Big East)
8: Ohio State (Big 10)
9: Purdue
10: Kentucky
11: San Diego State
12: Villanova
13: West Virginia
14: North Carolina
15: Louisville
16: Duke (ACC)
17: Minnesota
18: Florida
19: Syracuse
20: Tennessee
21: Texas A&M
22: Xavier (A-10)
23: Washington
24: Vanderbilt
25: Wisconsin
26: Arizona (Pac 10)
27: Illinois
28: St. John's
29: Missouri
30: UNLV
31: Penn State
32: Michigan State
33: Marquette
34: Kansas State
35: Boston College
36: Old Dominion
37: Butler
38: Memphis (C-USA)
39: Temple
40: Florida State
41: Georgia
42: St. Mary's (WCC)
43: Colorado State
44: George Mason
45: UAB
46: UCLA
47: Utah State (WAC)
48: Cleveland State (Horizon)
49: Missouri State (MVC)
50: VCU (Colonial)
51: Kent State (MAC)
52: Oakland (Summit)
53: Long Beach State (Big West)
54: Harvard (Ivy)
55: Bucknell (Patriot)
56: Austin Peay (OVC)
57: Alabama (SEC)
58: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
59: Coastal Carolina (Big South)
60: Belmont (A-Sun)
61: Wofford (Southern)
62: Montana (Big Sky)
63: Maine (Amer. East)
64: McNeese State (Southland)
65: Fairfield (MAAC)
66: Long Island (NEC)
67: Jackson State (SWAC)
68: Bethune Cookman (MEAC)
First 4 Out: Cincinnati, Wichita State, Valparaiso, Northern Iowa
Next 4 Out: Washington State, Baylor, UTEP, Duquesne
1: Kansas
2: Connecticut
3: Brigham Young (MWC)
4: Notre Dame
5: Georgetown
6: Texas (Big 12)
7: Pittsburgh (Big East)
8: Ohio State (Big 10)
9: Purdue
10: Kentucky
11: San Diego State
12: Villanova
13: West Virginia
14: North Carolina
15: Louisville
16: Duke (ACC)
17: Minnesota
18: Florida
19: Syracuse
20: Tennessee
21: Texas A&M
22: Xavier (A-10)
23: Washington
24: Vanderbilt
25: Wisconsin
26: Arizona (Pac 10)
27: Illinois
28: St. John's
29: Missouri
30: UNLV
31: Penn State
32: Michigan State
33: Marquette
34: Kansas State
35: Boston College
36: Old Dominion
37: Butler
38: Memphis (C-USA)
39: Temple
40: Florida State
41: Georgia
42: St. Mary's (WCC)
43: Colorado State
44: George Mason
45: UAB
46: UCLA
47: Utah State (WAC)
48: Cleveland State (Horizon)
49: Missouri State (MVC)
50: VCU (Colonial)
51: Kent State (MAC)
52: Oakland (Summit)
53: Long Beach State (Big West)
54: Harvard (Ivy)
55: Bucknell (Patriot)
56: Austin Peay (OVC)
57: Alabama (SEC)
58: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
59: Coastal Carolina (Big South)
60: Belmont (A-Sun)
61: Wofford (Southern)
62: Montana (Big Sky)
63: Maine (Amer. East)
64: McNeese State (Southland)
65: Fairfield (MAAC)
66: Long Island (NEC)
67: Jackson State (SWAC)
68: Bethune Cookman (MEAC)
First 4 Out: Cincinnati, Wichita State, Valparaiso, Northern Iowa
Next 4 Out: Washington State, Baylor, UTEP, Duquesne
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Football is Over; Now Basketball Can Start
I know, there's still the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl; and basketball season started over 2 months ago, but as far as where my focus has been, now is the time my brain shifts over.
The Chiefs were eliminated (much later than expected) and I have little vested interest in the Super Bowl. That being said, I'd rather have the Packers win, but I'm leaning towards the Steelers (and a ring for Ziggy Hood). Also, I'll take the AFC in the Pro Bowl.
So, not that were here, it's time to start my own "Bracketology" for college basketball. As before, each team is ranked by averaging their AP, ESPN, RPI and SOS ranks. Each conference leader (automatic bid) is in BOLD, and the teams in the First Four are in ITALIC.
1: Kansas
2: Connecticut
3: Pittsburgh (Big East)
4: Brigham Young (MWC)
5: Syracuse
6: Notre Dame
7: San Diego State
8: Georgetown
9: Villanova
10: Texas (Big 12)
11: Ohio State (Big 10)
12: Kentucky
13: Purdue
14: Duke (ACC)
15: Michigan State
16: Florida (SEC)
17: West Virginia
18: Illinois
19: Vanderbilt
20: Minnesota
21: Texas A&M
22: Washington (Pac 10)
23: Tennessee
24: Wisconsin
25: St. John's
26: Xavier (A-10)
27: North Carolina
28: Arizona
29: UNLV
30: Louisville
31: Missouri
32: Penn State
33: Boston College
34: Kansas State
35: California
36: Florida State
37: Old Dominion
38: Butler
39: Temple
40: George Mason
41: Georgia
42: UCLA
43: Miami (FL)
44: Memphis (C-USA)
45: Oklahoma State
46: Colorado State
47: Missouri State (MVC)
48: St. Mary's (WCC)
49: Oakland (Summit)
50: Cleveland State (Horizon)
51: VCU (Colonial)
52: Long Beach State (Big West)
53: Utah State (WAC)
54: Harvard (Ivy)
55: Bucknell (Patriot)
56: Charleston (Southern)
57: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
58: Coastal Carolina (A-Sun)
59: Austin Peay (OVC)
60: Northern Colorado (Big Sky)
61: Belmont (Big South)
62: Maine (Am. East)
63: Bethune-Cookman (MEAC)
64: Ball State (MAC)
65: Fairfield (MAAC)
66: Long Island (NEC)
67: Jackson State (SWAC)
68: Lamar (Southland)
First 4 Out: Wichita State, Virginia Tech, Portland, Valparaiso
Next 4 Out: Cincinnati, UAB, Baylor, Duquesne
So, this would mean, under the new formula, Fairfield would play Lamar and Long Island would play Jackson State for the right to be 16-seed fodder for Kansas and Connecticut. Also, UCLA would play Colorado State and Miami (FL) would play Oklahoma Stae for basically 11- or 12-seeds.
I promise, my next blog will be non-sports related.
The Chiefs were eliminated (much later than expected) and I have little vested interest in the Super Bowl. That being said, I'd rather have the Packers win, but I'm leaning towards the Steelers (and a ring for Ziggy Hood). Also, I'll take the AFC in the Pro Bowl.
So, not that were here, it's time to start my own "Bracketology" for college basketball. As before, each team is ranked by averaging their AP, ESPN, RPI and SOS ranks. Each conference leader (automatic bid) is in BOLD, and the teams in the First Four are in ITALIC.
1: Kansas
2: Connecticut
3: Pittsburgh (Big East)
4: Brigham Young (MWC)
5: Syracuse
6: Notre Dame
7: San Diego State
8: Georgetown
9: Villanova
10: Texas (Big 12)
11: Ohio State (Big 10)
12: Kentucky
13: Purdue
14: Duke (ACC)
15: Michigan State
16: Florida (SEC)
17: West Virginia
18: Illinois
19: Vanderbilt
20: Minnesota
21: Texas A&M
22: Washington (Pac 10)
23: Tennessee
24: Wisconsin
25: St. John's
26: Xavier (A-10)
27: North Carolina
28: Arizona
29: UNLV
30: Louisville
31: Missouri
32: Penn State
33: Boston College
34: Kansas State
35: California
36: Florida State
37: Old Dominion
38: Butler
39: Temple
40: George Mason
41: Georgia
42: UCLA
43: Miami (FL)
44: Memphis (C-USA)
45: Oklahoma State
46: Colorado State
47: Missouri State (MVC)
48: St. Mary's (WCC)
49: Oakland (Summit)
50: Cleveland State (Horizon)
51: VCU (Colonial)
52: Long Beach State (Big West)
53: Utah State (WAC)
54: Harvard (Ivy)
55: Bucknell (Patriot)
56: Charleston (Southern)
57: Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt)
58: Coastal Carolina (A-Sun)
59: Austin Peay (OVC)
60: Northern Colorado (Big Sky)
61: Belmont (Big South)
62: Maine (Am. East)
63: Bethune-Cookman (MEAC)
64: Ball State (MAC)
65: Fairfield (MAAC)
66: Long Island (NEC)
67: Jackson State (SWAC)
68: Lamar (Southland)
First 4 Out: Wichita State, Virginia Tech, Portland, Valparaiso
Next 4 Out: Cincinnati, UAB, Baylor, Duquesne
So, this would mean, under the new formula, Fairfield would play Lamar and Long Island would play Jackson State for the right to be 16-seed fodder for Kansas and Connecticut. Also, UCLA would play Colorado State and Miami (FL) would play Oklahoma Stae for basically 11- or 12-seeds.
I promise, my next blog will be non-sports related.
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