So it has been waaaay to long, but that's what working hard and having a baby can be all about. Things you used to do get put on the way-back burner and you just try to survive.
The college football season is long over, but I wanted a chance to get my two cents in. Since Alabama beat LSU in the BCS "championship" game there has been room for arguments that the system is still very flawed. I mean, the "National Champion" didn't even when their conference... or their DIVISION. Would a +1 game featuring Oklahoma State and Alabama have solved it? In some people's minds, yes. You guys know I prefer a tournament, and I've outlined my plan to restructure the system before.
But for this year, since I can't move the conferences around and still use the same records and rankings, I'll work with the current conference system and use my rankings... an average of the AP poll, ESPN poll, RPI, and strength of schedule. The winner of each 11 conferences in an auto bid to the 16-team tournament and the 5 highest ranked teams non-champs are the at-large bids. The rankings will determine the seeding.
Here are the final rankings (champs in bold):
1: LSU (SEC)
2: Alabama
3: Oklahoma State (Big 12)
4: Kansas State
5: South Carolina
6: Baylor
7: Clemson (ACC)
8: Oklahoma
9: Arkansas
10: Virginia Tech
11: Michigan
12: Georgia
13: Nebraska
14: Oregon (Pac-12)
15: Penn State
16: Stanford
17: West Virginia (Big East)
18: Wisconsin (Big 10)
19: TCU (MWC)
20: Boise State
21: Notre Dame
22: Missouri
23: Michigan State
24: Tulsa
25: Louisville
26: Houston
27: Louisiana Tech (WAC)
28: Northern Illinois (MAC)
29: Virginia
30: Florida State
31: Southern Miss (C-USA)
32: Rutgers
33: Georgia Tech
34: Cincinnati
35: Arkansas State (Sun Belt)
36: BYU
Which means, the seeding for the postseason tournament would be:
(1) LSU vs. (16) Arkansas State
(2) Alabama vs. (15) Southern Miss
(3) Oklahoma State vs. (14) Northern Illinois
(4) Kansas State vs. (13) Louisiana Tech
(5) South Carolina vs. (12) TCU
(6) Baylor vs. (11) Wisconsin
(7) Clemson vs. (10) West Virginia
(8) Oklahoma vs. (9) Oregon
The second round would be reseeded to (with my predictions):
(1) LSU vs. (12) TCU
(2) Alabama vs. (10) West Virginia
(3) Oklahoma State vs. (9) Oregon
(4) Kansas State vs. (6) Baylor
The semi-finals:
(1) LSU vs. (6) Baylor
(2) Alabama vs. (3) Oklahoma State
Final:
Oklahoma State over LSU
Wouldn't that have been more fun... and more importantly better television.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, September 30, 2011
NFL Week 4
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
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
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.)
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